Abstract: A dual zone climate control system having a sensor capable of sensing solar radiation or sunload entering different localized areas of a vehicle cabin incorporated with a climate control unit for selectively distributing air to localized areas of the vehicle cabin. The climate control unit being controlled by a control unit which processes input received from the sensor and other settings, and controls the temperature and distribution of the air therefrom.

Abstract: A device for detecting perforations in film includes a camera body or other optical instrument body. A pressure plate is disposed at a rear of the body and has a channel that allows access of a sensor output to detect and read film position via the recognition of such perforations in the moving film as it passes through the camera or optical instrument body. The pressure plate maintains the alignment of the film relative to the body. An installation board is aligned and mounted adjacent a rear of the pressure plate. A sensor is attached to the installation board. The sensor is disposed to face a section of the film having perforations through the channel of the pressure plate as the film moves along a film path. The sensor transmits electronic signals corresponding to the position of perforations of the film as the film moves along the film path. The invention provides for the efficient and economical construction of a device having a sensor for detecting perforations in film.

Abstract: By providing a pair of vacuum manifolds positioned on opposite sides of an envelope travel path with the vacuum manifolds being laterally spaced apart, a unique, effective and dependable envelope handling system is achieved whereby the envelope sides are consistently separated and the contents removed therefrom and positioned in a readily accessible channel. Preferably, the envelope handling system also incorporates sensing devices for automatically and separately inspecting each side of the envelope to determine the presence of additional material which should be processed. In this way, any such material is automatically discovered for handling by the operator.

Abstract: By providing a pair of vacuum manifolds positioned on opposite sides of an envelope travel path with the vacuum manifolds being laterally spaced apart, a unique, effective and dependable envelope handling system is achieved whereby the envelope sides are consistently separated and the contents removed therefrom and positioned in a readily accessible channel. Preferably, the envelope handling system also incorporates a sensor for automatically and separately inspecting each side of the envelope to determine the presence of additional material which should be processed. In this way, any such material is automatically discovered for handling by the operator.

Abstract: A flow sensor for detecting the absence of a minimum fluid flow in a sprinkler system. The fluid acts upon a vane positioned in the fluid path. Movement of the vane controls the position of a slider. The slider's surface has reflective and non-reflective ends which, in response to the vane's movement, reflect or absorb light from a light emission and detection means. The voltages from the light emission and detection means are monitored for indications of the fluid flow. The sensor uses a two wire signal transmitting system.

Abstract: A fiber storing device includes an inlet for charging the device with fiber material and an outlet for withdrawing fiber material therefrom. The fiber storing device is associated with an apparatus for determining the fill level of fiber material in the storing device. The apparatus has an optical device which comprises a light emitter and a light detector and which is situated above an expected maximum fill level of the fiber material. The light emitter is arranged to direct, from above, a light beam onto an upper face of the fiber material and the light detector is arranged to receive a light beam reflected from the upper face of the fiber material.

Abstract: A flow sensor for detecting the absence of a minimum fluid flow in a sprinkler system. The fluid acts upon a vane positioned in the fluid path. Movement of the vane controls the position of a slider. The slider's surface has reflective and nonreflective ends which, in response to the vane's movement reflect or absorb light from a light emission and detection means. The voltages from the light emission and detection means are monitored for indications of the fluid flow. The sensor uses a two wire signal transmitting system.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a liquid-vapor change of phase in a fluid substance traveling through a conduit comprises a detector housing providing a path of travel for fluid and interposed in a portion of the fluid-carrying conduit in which the change of phase is to be detected, a source of radiation disposed for directing radiation into the path of travel and a detector for detecting radiation disposed generally at an opposite side of the path of travel from the said source. The arrangement is such that radiation from the source will pass through the fluid in the path of travel prior to reaching the detector. The detector is responsive to radiation detected thereat for producing a corresponding electrical signal. A detector circuit is responsive to the electrical signal produced by said detector for producing an output signal indicative of a liquid-vapor change of phase of the fluid in the conduit.

Abstract: An analog flow meter instrument includes a flow meter monitoring the flow of fluid. A sensor unit is secured to the flow meter and include an indicator rod in an oil filled tube. The rod extends into the flow meter and is positioned in accordance with the flow. The sensor includes a housing having a slot to visually read the location of the rod. A light beam unit is mounted to one side of the tube and a plurality of phototransistors in a linear array are mounted to the opposite side of the tube. The phototransistors are connected in a current summing network to generate an analog current signal, the amplitude of which is linearly related to the fluid flow. The output signal is amplified and connected to output devices. The analog signal can be reliably transmitted over relatively long distances within the factory environment using conventional low voltage wiring.

Abstract: A gassing detector for use in modifying the charge rate in charging circuits for liquid electrolyte secondary cells. A light is reflected from the surface of the electrolyte into a photodetector. A discriminator circuit distinguishes the pulses in the photodetector output characteristic of the rippling caused by gassing of the cell and produces a signal to cause the charger to reduce the charge rate.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for optically sensing pressure using evanescent wave coupling between two fiber optics. A support base with a channel holds the two waveguides, one on top of the other, with the portion of the waveguide having the cladding material removed in the channel. An upper member having a diaphragm is attached to the support base. The diaphragm has a pedestal attached that is in slight contact with one of the waveguides. When pressure is exerted upon the diaphragm, the waveguides are forced closer together thus affecting the amount of evanescent coupling therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for the training of athletes in running-type activities and especially for determining peak performance characteristics comprises a horizontal bar which responds to the leg movements of the athlete and is mounted on a pivotal bar running to a support. The latter is provided with a spring which bears upon the pivotal bar and the assembly comprises a switch device responsive to the movement of the actuatable bar for producing signals which are evaluated in an electronic evaluation unit. A fabric loop suspended from above the actuatable bar passes around the latter and can be changed readily for hygienic purposes.

Abstract: An opto-electronic apparatus for sensing the position or inspecting the condition of a target, which is capable of at least partially reflecting light in a scattered manner, includes an incident light source and means to direct light from the source in a narrow incident beam onto the target along an incident beam axis. A photoelectric sensor, which includes light collecting and focusing means as well as photosensitive means for receiving the focused light, provides for collecting and focusing the reflected scattered light along a reflected light axis of the light collecting and focusing means to the photosensitive means which provides an output signal including a portion which is a function of displacement of the focused light from a reference of the photosensitive means. Such reference represents the position of the axis intersection between the incident beam axis and the reflected light axis of the light collecting and focusing means.

Abstract: A semiconductor projectile impact detector for use in determining micrometeorite presence as well as its flux and energy comprises a photovoltaic cell which generates a voltage according to the light and heat emitted by the micrometeorites upon impact with the cell. A counter and peak amplitude measuring device are used to indicate the number of particules which strike the surface of the cell as well as the kinetic energy of each of the particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely monitoring air leakage in communication cables. Improved volume flow meters are remotely attached at the air inlet to manhole mounted manifolds for supply of dehumidified air to telephone cables. Dehumidified air passes through the remote meters into the manifolds and then interior of a sheath of a communication cable wherein the discrete conduits can be kept dry and under air pressure. The remote volume flow meter at each manifold includes a diaphragm having an air flow conduit mounted in movable opposition to a variable area orifice. The diaphragm actuates a variable resistor, which preferably includes a tailored neutral density wedge. This wedge moves with the diaphragm towards and away from a position between a light source and a photo sensor. The volume flow meter receives its power through and also has its output communicated through a single pair of wires.

Abstract: A transducer includes a lamp producing a light beam and a photodetector for sensing the light beam. A turbine in the vehicle fuel line rotates at a rate proportional to fuel usage and carries a shutter having a wide opening for intermittently interrupting the light beam. A second shutter driven according to vehicle speed includes a plurality of teeth for interrupting the light beam at a frequency proportional to vehicle speed. The resulting signal from the photodetector is a series of pulses arranged by groups wherein the number of pulses in each group is proportional to the distance traveled by the vehicle per unit of fuel consumption, e.g. miles per gallon.