Other

Martin E Willcocks

Rhett C McNair

James W Fosgate

A surround sound processor for presentation of a stereophonic source program on a multiple loudspeaker array surrounding the listening area. The processor includes input signal conditioning and matrixing circuits, a control voltage generator responsive to the directional information contained in the stereophonic source signals, and a variable matrixing circuit for generating appropriate loudspeaker feed signals to create the illusion of the sound field wrapping around the listening area. The control voltage generator includes a servologic circuit employing variable time constant smoothing circuits each responsive to the difference signal between its input and its output and to a pulse signal from a one-shot triggered by threshold detectors which compare the difference signals with fixed threshold voltages. In one aspect, suitable for incorporation into an integrated circuit, a multiplier circuit and a controlled bidirectional current source charging and discharging a capacitor provides the smoothing function. Alternatively a symmetrical nonlinear resistive circuit or element is used to charge and discharge the capacitor. A novel and economical combined threshold detector and one-shot suitable for integrated circuits is also disclosed.

Control voltage generator multiplier and one-shot for integrated

An improved lamp switching circuit for switching on a second lamp circuit upon every alternate application of power to a first lamp circuit. A magnetic latching relay alternately connects and disconnects the second lamp circuit in parallel with the first whenever power to the circuit is switched off. The relay is powered by the discharge of one of two capacitors, which respectively operate a set circuit and a reset circuit of the latching relay. Only one of the capacitors is charged at any time. While power is applied to the lamp circuits, one capacitor is charged while the other is kept discharged, in preparation for operation of the latching relay. When power is switched off, a control circuit senses this condition and triggers a thyristor to discharge the capacitor through the corresponding relay coil after a short predetermined time delay. A low voltage regulated power supply is derived from the a.c. power to provide the power needed by the control circuit and to charge the capacitors, making the circuit operation reliable over a wide range of supply voltages and temperatures.

Low voltage lamp switcher circuit

An electromechanical switching device connects and disconnects a second lamp means from a first circuit powering a first lamp means upon alternate powerings of the first circuit. A mechanical device switches the switching means and an electrical circuit across the first circuit has a relay to control the mechanical device.

Electromechanical lamp switching

A second lamp is connected to power terminals upon each alternate switching off of a first lamp so that, upon each alternate switching on of the first lamp, the second lamp is illuminated. A magnetic latching relay switches the second lamp into and out of the circuit. The relay is powered by the discharge of one of two capacitors. One capacitor powers a set circuit of the latching relay, and another capacitor powers a reset circuit. Only one of the capacitors is charged at any one time. While power is applied to the power terminals to illuminate the first light, one capacitor is held discharged while the other capacitor is charged in preparation for powering the latching relay. The discharge of the charged capacitor through the latching relay is controlled electronically by a triac having a control terminal which is brought to control voltage by a fourth capacitor after a third capacitor has been discharged over a predetermined short time.

Lamp switching

The game comprises a tray containing a plurality of removable tiles which may be arbitrarily placed in the tray. Two players are each provided with individual pieces which can be placed on tiles after the tiles have been arbitrarily placed in the tray. Each player takes a turn in moving one of his pieces from one tile to a next adjacent tile. The first move of each player is arbitrary as to which adjacent tile is chosen to move his piece. The second move of each player and every alternate move thereafter is a 'forced' move determined by a direction resulting when the piece is placed on the tile. In other words, each tile has an assigned direction which is hidden from the player but which becomes indicated when the player places his piece on the tile. The players alternate turns and attempt to reach a center tile which constitutes a winning point.

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Los Angeles, CA, United States of America

Martin E Willcocks