Abstract: Safety apparatus and method for sensing the presence of an object in a safety zone including at least one ultrasonic transducer having an asymmetrical transmission field and received signal processing circuitry operative to receive signals reflected from objects within the asymmetrical transmission field and to discard signals lying outside an asymmetrical detection field lying within the asymmetrical transmission field and defining the safety zone.

Abstract: The invention provides for an ultrasonic transducer support with a reflector attached such that a stray energy shield is designed to at least partially envelop the transducer in order to limit the angular range of ultrasonic energy which impinges on the transducer.

Abstract: A safety system for a vehicle including at least one sensor (20) viewing at least one region (22) in an interior portion of a vehicle defining a protected volume at least partially in front of the vehicle airbag, and logic circuitry responsive to the at least one sensor (20) for determining geometric data of objects (151) in the protected volume.

Abstract: A door control apparatus for vehicles includes at least one sensor (60, 62, 64) viewing at least one region (22) in the vicinity of a door (18), logic circuitry responsive to said at least one sensor (60, 62, 64) for providing at least one region-clear output signal, and automatic door opening and closing apparatus (24) responsive at least to the absence of said at least one region-clear output signal to cause opening of said door (18) and responsive at least to the presence of said at least one region-clear signal to cause closing of said door (18).

Abstract: Door control apparatus for vehicles including at least one sensor viewing at least one region in the vicinity of a door, logic circuitry responsive to the sensor for providing at least one region clear output signal and automatic door opening and door closing apparatus responsive at least to the absence of a region clear signal to cause opening of the door and responsive at least to the presence of a region clear output signal to cause closing of the door.

Abstract: A platform sensing and control system including a wireless sensor (10, 12) for sensing at least the presence of a platform (26) opposite a door (32) of a railcar and providing an output indication of at least a platform presence in response thereto, and a door control controller (14) operative in response to the output indication of at least platform (26) presence for enduring that normally a door (32) is not opened other than when a platform (26) is located opposite such door (32).