Abstract: An eyes up instrument having a transparent display is disclosed which is mountable on or above the dashboard of a vehicle to allow the instrument to be read by a vehicle operator without lowering his eyes to the vehicle instrument panel. The display of the instrument is transparent and therefore does not interfere substantially with the view of the operator. The compact design of the instrument and use of a miniature crossed coil gauge supported in the display itself allow it to be mounted unobtrusively on a dashboard even in applications where transparency is not required.

Abstract: An compass having an electronic magnetic field sensor and an analog directional display is disclosed wherein a signal from the field sensor proportional to one component of the earth's magnetic field is alternated in polarity and integrated to produce a triangular waveform the frequency of which is proportional to the strength of that field component and wherein a triangular waveform having a frequency proportional to the second component of the earth's magnetic field is produced in the same manner. These values are used by a microcontroller to control an air-core gauge such that a disk with reference markings attached to the gauge remains positioned with one of the reference markings facing either magnetic or true north. A resistor ladder network is also connected in parallel to the inputs of the integrators and controlled by the microprocessor through a shift register in order keep the integrators out of saturation.

Abstract: A silicone dome switch assembly including a printed circuit board on which is mounted a dome member having a chimney structure. The chimney structure has a substantially rigid upper portion, a collapsible wall below the upper portion, and a substantially rigid lower portion. A vertically aligned contact post is connected at its top end to the upper pportion. The post's bottom end of the post is provided with a movable electrical contact. A light duct connects a light source to the lower portion and a reflector is attached to the post to deflect light from the light source up into the chimney. A key having a graphic area formed on it, is secured to the rigid upper portion, thus capping the chimney structure. When the key is pressed, it pushes downward the rigid upper portion, causing the collapsible wall to deform. This action pushes the contact post with the carbon pill towards the printed circuit board, completing an electrical circuit.

Abstract: An improved capacitive sensor for detecting the presence of objects in a sensing region. The sensor is a multilayer structure with alternating layer of condutive and insulating materials. The sensor structure has three electrodes: a touch plate, a guard layer, a ground plane, each of which are separated from each other by insulating layers. The sensor is operated by detection electronic circuitry which function in a either a self excited mode or an externally excited mode. This sensor is capable of detecting objects in a sensing region several feet away from the sensing surface and is particularly suitable for automobile applications, such as detecting potentially jamming objects in power (auto-closing) windows, doors, and the like.

Abstract: An electronic memory seat module having integrated sensors is disclosed. The module is mounted on a seat frame which, in turn, is mounted on a fixed base member. Position sensors are mounted in or on the module. Mechanical linkages are provided between adjustable members belonging to the seat frame and the sensors. The linkages translate movement of the structural members into a motion which can be sensed by the sensors. This sensed position can then be stored by an electronic memory unit for later recall.