Abstract: An automobile burglar alarm and theft prevention device for use in an automotive vehicle is adapted to prevent operation of the vehicle when the device is placed in an operative mode. The device comprises an alarm circuit which includes the battery of the vehicle, the alarm and vibration detectors which are adapted to close said alarm circuit upon sensing vibrations caused by automobile tampering.

Abstract: An improved operator controlled system for a copying machine to minimize user error and to provide a compact control console. An information display member is capable of sequentially displaying an identification of discrete operating features, such as number of copies, etc. A memory is capable of storing a predetermined set of first command signals for each discrete operating feature. A common set of control members permits the user to selectively generate second input command signals relative to any specific operating feature. These same control members are capable of inputing signals for a number of different operating features. The copying machine is capable of discriminating between the input command signals and the particular operating feature. The resulting operation of the copying machine would be in accordance with the predetermined standard set of machine functions or any combination thereof of operator inputed command functions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for the generation of a number of elliptical images on a raster scan video display screen by storing information indicative of a predetermined model image, and for each elliptical image to be displayed, storing data indicative of the vertical and horizontal eccentricity of each image, and its display location. During display time, the vertical eccentricity, horizontal eccentricity, and display location binary information for each elliptical is accessed and used to sequentially read selected portions of the model image information to produce therefrom address signals indicative of the location of individual horizontal display elements that make up the desired elliptical image. The address signals are applied to a random access memory to store marker information indicative of the elliptical image at memory locations corresponding to the position on the display screen that the image will take.

Abstract: A polyfunction programmable data receiver comprising means for receiving a string of serial data followed by a control signal; means for detecting said signal comprising a pulse length analyzer, and a counter and a comparator; bidirectional means for setting up a digital word to be identified or for providing in parallel the data of said string according to the status of a mode selection circuit; means for providing an output signal if the comparison between said serial string and said set up digital word is favorable when the receiver operates as identifier, or an enabling signal when the receiver operates as a series/parallel converter. Some applications of this circuit are also disclosed.

Abstract: To provide a visible output indication, for example by an indicator light on a controller supervisory panel of the vehicle, of proper functioning of the voltage regulator power transistor, monitoring circuits are provided which sense the electrical condition of current flow through or the voltage condition of the field winding or output bus respectively by including a light emitting diode (LED) in an indicator circuit, for example by connecting it in series to the coupling resistor. In one form, a Zener diode Z (FIG. 1) is connected across the output bus with the LED in series, so that the LED will light if the output bus reaches a voltage which might damage the battery, for example due to short circuit or alloying-through of the output transistor T of the voltage regulator; in another form, an LED which preferably is green, LDg (FIG.

Abstract: A cover for a fill pipe opening of an underground fuel tank which contains a transmitter which will be activated when the cover is disturbed to transmit an alarm signal to a remote location. The signaling equipment is fully contained within the cover and the cover is sealed to protect the equipment from contamination. A rechargeable power source such as a battery is also contained within the cover, and it can be charged without breaking the sealed cover. The cover can be used in place of the existing cover without any modification to the fill line or fill access opening.

Abstract: A device is provided for the rapid and easy introduction of data into an apparatus, e.g., for setting a digital watch. A binary decision device continuously tests the state of a plurality of finger responsive sensors A, B, C and D and produces control signals for a operational unit. The operational unit comprises an up-down counter which can be incremented or decremented by signal F1 to F8 at different frequencies. An inertia effect is produced by maintaining counting of the up-down counter between two successive actuations of the sensors. Touching sensor B or C stops the counter. Sweeping A, B, C, D speeds the incrementing rate (up to a top rate) or slows the decrementing rate while sweeping D, C, B, A acts conversely. Touching A and D alone, respectively, single-steps the counter down and up. The amount by which the rate is speeded or slowed can be made to depend on the speed of sweeping the sensors as well as the number of times they are swept.

Abstract: In order to indicate the operation of a parking brake of an automobile, a switching means responsive to the operation of the parking brake is disposed between the ignition switch and a power side terminal of the stop lights for indicating the braking of the automobile. The operation of the parking brake is thus indicated to the drivers of automobiles coming from behind, thereby preventing a collision from behind or the other accidents.

Abstract: A new type flat panel display device has the structure combining a plurality of solid state display modules corresponding to character blocks. Each module is assembled using, as the basic element, a semiconductor substrate integrating circuit elements for driving and circuits for addressing, and moreover, it is provided with a memory element for a selection signal in view of making possible access to each module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for classifying areas on a raster-type display unit. The problem is to identify areas defined by a closed boundary--e.g. for filling in such areas. Boundary data are entered into a first "polygon" store which has a plurality of memory locations each corresponding to a respective dot position of the display field, and at least one seed point is identified. Each dot position is then examined to see whether there exists a connected path, not including a boundary position, from it to a seed point, and if there is, this fact is recorded. The criterion for deciding whether or not a path is connected depends on the definition of what constitutes a closed boundary.

Abstract: An alarm and locking device for deterring theft of removable vehicle rooftops. An alarm is sounded if an unauthorized attempt to remove a rooftop is made, while successful removal of the rooftop is prevented by a locking mechanism.

Abstract: An alarm system for coffins includes a pick-up device which is capable of being actuated by a movement of the body in the coffin and which can close a circuit with a power source, to which is connected at least one alarm device. The pick-up device controls a memory device which memorizes the function of the pick-up and closes the alarm circuit. The system will give the alarm if someone is buried alive.

Abstract: An information mark display device with the mark representative of information to be displayed being formed in at least one of the surfaces of a flat transparent substrate in a portion thereof and arranged upon illumination by light from a lamp to present the information display. The information mark display presenting portion is constructed from an array of microprisms, and the microprisms are so oriented that at least one of the inclined surfaces of each microprism deflects the rays of light from the lamp into the field of view of the finder.

Abstract: A device for preventing any false disarming signal from reaching a firing circuit disarming device in an air bag inflation system. Disarming signals must coincide with the completion of a short-to-ground path through one of the crash sensors before the firing circuit is disarmed.

Abstract: An attitude change alarm for securing articles from theft or other undesired movement. The alarm includes a case having a wall which defines a hollow interior. Resistive elements are maintained within the wall in spaced relationship with each other and in common communication with an electrically conductive surface on the outside of the wall. An electrically conductive member is fixedly maintained in the hollow interior in constant contacting engagement with a conductive fluid which makes selective engagement with certain of the resistive elements. When the alarm is moved, a current is transmitted from the conductive coating through the resistive elements, fluid, and member, and is passed to a transformer which gates an SCR into conduction, activating the alarm. Various geometrical configurations of the attitude change alarm are presented, each having specific attributes associated therewith.

Abstract: An anti-theft system for a motor vehicle comprises an electrically-powered alarm, a switching device for actuating the alarm, and an electrical circuit connecting the switching device and the alarm. The switching device is attached to the motor vehicle and is provided with electrical contacts which automatically close the electrical circuit to actuate the alarm when the vehicle is in an inclined position.

Abstract: A wireless smoke alarm system in which each detector includes a local smoke detector and an alarm. These are coupled to a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter and receiver are within range of similar units so that an alarm sounded by one unit causes those within range to sound their respective alarms. In sounding their respective alarms, the local units also cause their transmitters to transmit alarm signals thereby overlapping and reinforcing the first unit. A master control is coupled between the alarm detection and local alarm portion and the transceiver to disconnect the unit when the alarm is ended and to transmit a signal to other units, causing each to discontinue their respective alarms.

Abstract: In an instrument system consisting of a transmitter in one location and a receiver in another location connected by a transmission medium, fail-safe operation is obtained by restricting the output of the transmitter to well-defined levels and interpreting any substantial departure of the received signal from these well-defined levels as a failure. When a failure is detected, alarms or other equipment may be activated, including a control circuit which causes replacement of the defective transmitter or transmission medium, thereby restoring the system to service. An embodiment wherein the transmitter is an admittance-responsive transmitter in a two-wire current loop for monitoring the condition of materials is described.

Abstract: A proximity switch in which the electronic characteristics of a liquid crystal display are monitored relative to a reference liquid crystal display to determine when an operator has come into proximity thereto. A controller monitors the display elements, liquid crystal displays, respective capacitances or inductance and when an operator comes into proximity to an electrode in the display element, the controller senses this proximity due to the change in capacitance or inductance of the element. This sensing allows the controller to recognize when a change of state is desired by the operator. The use of the reference element allows the controller to respond only to operator proximity and not to noise caused by changes in the environment, such as temperature.

Abstract: Pick-up means convert mechanical vibrations into an electrical signal at a corresponding frequency. The pick-up means is attached to a portion of the vehicle, which is mechanically coupled to the hubcap or wheel cover. A circuit responds to the electrical signal to provide an operating signal to generate an alarm.