Carl E Stacy

US Patent:

56380615, Jun 10, 1997

Filed:

Jun 7, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/474573

Inventors:

Rod J. Levin - Palatine IL
Carl W. Stacy - Elmwood Park IL

Assignee:

Zenith Electronics Corporation - Glenview IL

International Classification:

H03M 1100

US Classification:

341 20

Abstract:

A track ball mechanism is mounted on a cantilevered portion of a printed circuit board that is supported in a housing. A switch, mounted on the opposite side of the cantilevered portion of the printed circuit board, is operated when it engages a boss on the housing. The ball of the track ball mechanism is operated by a human digit in the usual manner and the switch is operated when pressure on the ball deflects the cantilevered portion of the printed circuit board which causes the switch to engage the boss. The boss is supported on a cantilevered portion of the housing which deflects under excessive loading to protect the switch and track ball mechanism.

US Patent:

51033151, Apr 7, 1992

Filed:

Mar 16, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/495234

Inventors:

George T. Kufta - Glenview IL
Carl W. Stacy - Elmwood Park IL

Assignee:

Zenith Electronics Corporation - Glenview IL

International Classification:

H04N 550
H04N 560

US Classification:

358198

Abstract:

A stereo television receiver includes a microprocessor for developing logic level control signals for controlling tuning, video processing and a LED stereo indicator. A sync separator circuit supplies a horizontal signal to a peak detector which supplies a logic level output signal to the microprocessor. An audio mute circuit includes a pair of transistor switches, one each coupled to the left and right audio channels. The switch base electrodes are coupled together and supplied through LEDs from two delay circuits. One delay circuit is activated by the LED stereo indicator logic level control signal and the other by a logic level output signal developed when a television signal is tuned. The period of the delay circuit activated by the tuning of a television signal is sufficiently long to permit a determination of whether a stereo or a monaural audio signal is present. The mute circuit eliminates annoying pops and clicks developed during monaural/stereo signal transitions and between the tuning of television signals.

US Patent:

56917104, Nov 25, 1997

Filed:

Nov 2, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/969896

Inventors:

Michael G. Pietraszak - Hoffman Estates IL
Carl W. Stacy - Elmwood Park IL

Assignee:

Zenith Electronics Corporation - Glenview IL

International Classification:

G08C 1900

US Classification:

34082572

Abstract:

A learning type IR function code transmitter includes a memory storing the IR function codes of a large variety of different brands of transmitters. The learning transmitter includes an IR receiver and a microprocessor for detecting IR function codes transmitted from a teaching transmitter. The memory is searched when an on/off IR function code is required from the teaching transmitter. If a match is found between the received IR function code and one of the stored IR function codes, and if a unique set of IR function codes corresponding to the identified brand of teaching transmitter IR function codes exists, the transmitter keyboard is configured to operate with the function codes that correspond to the teaching transmitter. Provision is made for teaching one or more certain IR function codes to selected keys of the learning transmitter where such certain IR function codes are not found in the memory.

US Patent:

50086588, Apr 16, 1991

Filed:

Dec 9, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/939668

Inventors:

Thomas Russay - Park Ridge IL
Carl W. Stacy - Elmwood Park IL

Assignee:

Zenith Electronics Corporation - Glenview IL

International Classification:

G09G 336

US Classification:

340784

Abstract:

A housing having a generally rectangular cross section includes apertured front and lower portions which are respectively adapted to receive a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and which are oriented so as to face generally transversely relative to one another. Disposed within the housing between its front and lower portions are facing convex and concave inner walls which form a light channel between the LEDs and LCDs. With the LCDs and LEDs respectively positioned within the apertured front and lower portions of the housing and mounted thereto, the facing inner walls of the housing direct light from the LEDs onto the aft, inner surface of the LCDs in a diffuse, uniform manner which provides backlighting for the LCDs and prevents direct viewing of the LEDs from in front of the LCDs thus eliminating LED hot spots. The housing is comprised of two plastic sections adapted for secure snap-acting engagement and is provided with a semi-rough interior surface for diffuse reflection of the LED-emitted light.