Other

Keithley Instruments, Inc.

Lumitex, Inc.

Transat Corporation

Emeric S Bennett

Franz L Sauerland

Communicating polarization-dependent information over a free space channel may include separating a data signal carrying data into a first signal and a second signal each carrying a portion of the data of the data signal, modulating a first carrier signal with the first signal and a second carrier signal with the second signal, radiating the modulated first signal with a first polarization as a polarized first signal over a free space channel, radiating the modulated second signal with a second polarization as a polarized second signal over the free space channel, demodulating the polarized first signal and the polarized second signal, and combining the demodulated first signal with the demodulated second signal to provide an output signal carrying the data of the data signal.

Communicating polarization-dependent information over a free space channel

A low-power non-contact proximity sensor with improved sensitivity. In particular, the non-contact proximity sensor includes a capacitive sensor decoupled from a surrounding environment by a guard ring. Both the capacitive sensor and the guard ring are driven by a direct current (DC) power source, with the guard ring driven based on feedback from the voltage applied to the capacitive sensor.

Non-contact proximity sensor

Apparatus is provided for continuously compensating for the dielectric absorption effect in a measuring capacitor in a circuit which employs means for charging the capacitor to develop an output signal thereacross and wherein the absorption effect causes an error in the output signal following a charging interval. The dielectric absorption effect is represented by at least one impedance branch connected in parallel with the capacitor and this branch includes a resistor and a capacitor connected together in series and having a RC time constant. Compensating means is provided having a correction means associated with the impedance branch and wherein the correction means continuously receives the output signal and provides therefrom a compensating signal. The correction means has a time constant that corresponds with that of the associated impedance branch. The compensating signal is combined with the output signal to provide a compensated output signal.

Compensation for dielectric absorption effect

This invention teaches a novel method of safeguarding and protecting a weapon from being accidentally fired or misused by an unauthorized person. Without a verified pre-registration signal, an arming safety solenoid remains in a fail-safe position, preventing use of the weapon. The electronically actuated solenoid enables the use of trigger only when a valid identification signal is received. The system is comprised of microminiature circuits contained within the grip of the weapon and a ring that is worn on same hand that uses the firearm. When the weapon is first pickup by the intended user, a switch closure in the grip of the gun turns on a transmitter, which sends a low power, limited range interrogation signal to the finger ring. Upon receipt of this signal, a transponder mounted within the finger ring responds by sending a coded signal that contains a serial number identification. A microprocessor contained within the weapon then compares this decoded signal with one preregistered serial number stored in memory and if the comparison is valid, actuates the arming safety solenoid, allowing the gun to be fired. Arming the weapon for firing can only be accomplished upon receipt of a verifiable identification signal from the finger ring; the finger ring must be worn by user and be within the range of the electromagnetic transceivers and must be within the range of the magnetic metal sensors.

Method and apparatus for a weapon firing safety system

An apparatus for measuring intraocular pressure within an eye, includes a probe with a premeasured maximum contact area at its outer end, and the probe is associated with a signal source leading to a signal sensor, and the probe is further associated with a force sensor. In a first embodiment, the signal originates from a light source reflected from the corneal surface through the probe to a photosensor. The reflected light increases with increasing probe-corneal surface contact to give an output which, in conjunction with the force sensor output to a microprocessor, provides the pressure per unit of the maximum contact area of the probe; i.e., the intraocular pressure. In a second embodiment, an electronic signal from probe-corneal surface contact, measured by a voltmeter, is inversely proportional to probe-corneal surface contact. A microprocessor again computes the voltage output for the predetermined maximum corneal contact and, simultaneously, the force output to provide IOP.

Applanation tonometer for measuring intraocular pressure

Apparatus for automatic lapping control, based on imbedding an electrode in a lap plate of a lap machine and including at least one piezoelectric wafer in the lap load. Connected with the electrode is an automatic control circuit used for sensing the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric wafer and for terminating lapping when the resonance frequency reaches a presetable target frequency. Also connected with the electrode is an impedance comparator circuit used for sensing the presence and absence of a piezoelectric wafer at the electrode face and for activating the automatic control circuit in the presence of a wafer and deactivating the control circuit in the absence of a wafer.

Growing community of inventors

Chardon, OH, United States of America

Emeric S Bennett