Abstract:
A circuit for coupling a citizens band transceiver and a broadcast band receiver to a standard automobile antenna. The circuit is comprised of an impedance transforming network connected in series with the standard automobile antenna and a parallel-tuned circuit in series with the broadcast band receiver. The series-tuned network is comprised of a split capacitance for stepping the impedance down from the citizens band transceiver to the lower impedance of a standard automobile antenna. The series-tuned circuit also includes a tuning coil for matching the output of the network to the particular automobile antenna. In series between the automobile antenna and the broadcast band receiver is a parallel-tuned circuit comprised of a capacitor and a tuning coil. To prevent multiplication and excessive voltages in the event the broadcast band receiver should become disconnected, a limiting resistor connects the parallel-tuned circuit to ground. The tuning coil of the impedance transforming network has a novel molded plastic tuning knob for simplifying tuning of the circuit.
Abstract:
A secured scramble decoder filter comprised of a narrow band filter assembled on a fragile substrate and mounted in a housing wich automatically destroys the filter when any tampering is attempted. The filter is a series tuned network bridging a conductor coupled through a capacitor to a parallel tuned network, which is connected to ground. The coils for the filter are printed on a special electronic glass tube for temperature stability while the capacitors are deposited on the fragile substrate. The filter is mounted in a sealed housing in brackets with a spring, loaded to break the substrate when the device is tampered with to render it inoperative. The device is provided with a mounting screw requiring a special tool for removal so that when the device is mounted any prying in an attempt to remove the device will trigger the destruction of the filter.
Abstract:
An inflation pressure regulator which automatically releases pressure above a predetermined maximum. The regulator has a tubular base extending into the hollow interior of a housing. A collar slideably mounted on the tubular base is biased against the interior of the housing with a coil spring to regulate the pressure. An inflation gas is supplied through the neck of the housing which has a plunger extending through the tubular base. A threaded cavity in the base permits permanent installation on an inflation valve.
Abstract:
A low cost camera by implementing the major functions in host software is provided. This is accomplished by sending raw, digitized data from the camera directly to the host. The increased volume of raw data is handled by either an improved compression/decompression scheme using lossless compression, using lossy compression or using a shared bus with higher bandwidth. By moving such functions as color processing and scaling to the host, the pixel correction can also be moved to the host. This in turn allows the elimination of the frame buffer memory from the camera. Finally, the camera can use a low cost lens by implementing vignetting, distortion, gamma or aliasing correction with a correction value stored in a register of the camera for later access by the host to perform corrections.
Abstract:
A rotary electrical actuator for mounting to a support surface in industrial applications having integral electronics that are isolated by vibration isolators from vibrations. The rotary actuator comprises a stator housing supporting a lamination stack and coils. The actuator housing has a mounting structure for mounting to the support surface (such as the mounting surface of an engine or a turbine for example) for support thereby. A rotor is carried for rotation in the stator housing. The actuator further comprises an electronics housing containing the electronics that control output of the electrical actuator. Vibration isolators supported by the stator housing in turn support the electronics housing, whereby vibrations received at mounting structure and traveling through the stator housing are dampened prior to traveling to the electronics housing. A number of embodiments are disclosed utilizing a tie rod assembly concept for the vibration isolators.
Abstract:
A dispenser connectable to a source of high fluid pressure and including a housing having therein a three-position cylindrical valve which controls both a main passageway and an auxiliary passageway. The main passsageway extends through the housing and the cylindrical valve. The auxiliary passageway extends from the main passageway, through the cylindrical valve, through a passageway between the housing and cylindrical valve, through a fluid reservoir on the bottom side of the housing. The cylindrical valve is manually rotatable by a control knob to an "off" position where the main passageway is closed, to a "soap" position where both the primary and auxiliary passageways are open, dispensing fluid such as soap from the reservoir, and lastly, to a "rinse" position where the primary passageway is open and the auxiliary passageway is closed.
Abstract:
A system and a method for the transfer of data between a digital camera and a host using a novel combination of hardware and software related elements. An aspect of the hardware-related elements provides a camera base unit which remains connected with the host, and which the camera is connected with to facilitate the transfer of data to the host. The camera base unit significantly simplifies the connection between the camera and the host by alleviating the need to directly connect the camera with a host. Furthermore, the camera base unit, by providing a pass-through connection and placement guides that mate with the camera, assures that an intuitive placement of the camera on the camera base unit also enables an electronic connection between the camera and the host. Therefore, the simple placement of the camera in contact with the camera base unit ensures a proper interface between the camera and the host, which is connected with the camera base unit. Another aspect of the hardware-based elements is directed towards a “quick send” button. Pushing the “quick send” button causes all the selected on-camera data to be transferred to a local or remote host. The transfer of data is caused by a series of software operations which are initiated in response to the camera connecting with the camera base unit, and which are performed either automatically or following the pushing of the “quick send” button.
Abstract:
A shock absorber for a shaft. The shock absorber comprises a collar having an opening receiving the shaft. A clearance gap is defined between the collar opening and the shaft. A pin offset from the axis connects the collar to a shoulder on the shaft. A resilient o-ring arranged in the clearance gap engages the collar and the shaft. In operation, the collar and the shaft rotate in unison. However, when the collar accelerates or comes to a sudden stop, the resilient o-ring compresses to provide the shock absorption. The shock absorber may be incorporated into a rotary actuator. In a rotary actuator, the collar includes a stop tab that rotates between two stop surfaces of the actuator housing. When the stop tab strikes one of the stop surfaces, the resilient member compresses thereby absorbing and reducing impact force. Compression in the resilient member is snubbed via mechanical stops.
Abstract:
A rechargeable self-contained deodorizing toilet seat is provided for installation on any standard toilet to remove bathroom odors. The seat is substantially the same in size and appearance as a standard toilet seat. Air conduits pass though the right and left sides of the seat member from the lower surface to the outer surface. The conduits contain activated carbon air filtration media and blowers for moving the air. Seals on the lower surface seal the seat to the toilet rim except at the front where ducts are provided for the introduction of fresh air. Lips on the inner edges of the ducts deflect air down into the bowl. The blowers are rotated by direct current electric motors powered by rechargeable batteries. Operation of the motors is controlled by switches which close only when the lid is raised and weight is placed on the seat. An electronic timer turns off the air filtration system after a preset period of time to conserve the battery power.