Abstract:
An electronic ballast circuit for a handheld fluorescent task lamp, comprising a self-starting electronic driver circuit operated by a power supply and operable to start and run at least first and second compact fluorescent bulbs from a single output; first and second receptacles for connecting the first and second bulbs to the single output; and a bulb accommodation circuit in the electronic driver circuit that enables operation of the electronic ballast circuit with either starter or non-starter type fluorescent bulbs and with either one or both bulbs.
Abstract:
A controller 2 is provided for use with a multi-segment electroluminescent display 1. Control signals C1–C5 control a plurality of half H-bridges H1–H5, the terminals of the half H-bridges being connected respectively to ground 10 and to a high voltage DC supply 9 so that the half H-bridges each provide an AC voltage. One of said half H-bridges provides a common output Vcommon and the remaining H-bridges provide drive voltages V1–V4 for the segments of the display. During each cycle, the controller 2 causes the drive outputs V1–V4 to either be in phase or in anti-phase with the common output Vcommon. This selectively turns the segments on and off at a rate much higher than the human eye can perceive. The brightness of the segments is controlled by varying the proportion of the time that each segment is illuminated.
Abstract:
A system for programming one or more hearing aids with a host computer, the system including a hearing aid programmer for wireless communications with the host computer. In various embodiments, the hearing aid programmer has at least one interface connector for communication with at least one hearing aid. Additionally, in various embodiments, the system includes a wireless interface adapted for connecting to the at least one interface connector of the hearing aid programmer, the wireless interface further adapted for wireless communication with one or more hearing aids. Varying embodiments of the present subject matter include a wireless interface which contains signal processing electronics, a memory connected to the signal processing electronics; and a wireless module connected to the signal processing electronics and adapted for wireless communications.
Abstract:
A telephone device is customized with an indicator for presenting call connection status information to hearing impaired or deaf users. The telephone device detects call status events, such as ringing and busy signals, and presents the call status via the display. The telephone device also receives codes indicating particular call status events. A telephone device may generate a code, which indicates that the user is hearing impaired. Thus, devices receiving this code may perform particular functions in response to such a code. Public switches and public branch exchanges may also be modified to generate and deliver call status codes or messages. The present invention may also deliver call status information through another medium, such as a computer network.
Abstract:
A controller for electrically actuated engine valves operates in a switching mode to monitor back EMF during periods when the coil drive current is off. Back EMF is used to determine a position of the armature so as to control the armature current to provide for soft seating of the valve reducing valve wear.
Abstract:
A system for providing one-step dimming of indicator lights in an illuminating indicating device while allowing adjustable control of the general illumination of the device. The system includes a first current drain (176) coupled to an indicator light source (32-42) for drawing a first current through the indicator light source. A second current drain (186), controlled by control circuitry (198), couples to the indicator light source (32-42) for selectively drawing additional current through the indicator light source (32-42). In a preferred embodiment, the first current drain (176) couples to the second current drain (186) to regulate the additional current draw by the second current drain (186). Preferably, the control circuitry (198) is responsive to an illumination signal to prevent the additional current draw during a low ambient light condition. For general illumination of the indicator device (10), an illumination light source (56-60) responsive to the illumination signal may also be included.
Abstract:
Apparatus for applying liquid to filaments that are advanced at high speeds having an open topped container for holding the liquid that is to be applied to the filaments. A rotatable applicator member located so as to transfer liquid from the container to the filaments passed across the member. The member being mounted so that a portion of its axial surface is immediately adjacent the upper edge of the open topped container on the side of filament travel. Means for moving the container with respect to the member so as to modify the spaced relationship between the upper edge and the axial surface to keep a spacing sufficiently close to discourage disruptive air flow into the container from air movement caused by high speed filament travel.