Abstract: In a matrix type of liquid crystal display panel, in which an individual switching element is provided on the panel for each of the display elements, the electrodes of each display element comprise a first comb-shaped electrode pattern, to which a display signal voltage is applied through a switching element, and a second comb-shaped electrode pattern which is held at a reference potential, with the first and second comb-shaped patterns being mutually intermeshed and formed upon a single substrate of the panel, whereby application of a display signal voltage causes an electric field to be produced in a direction substantially parallel to the substrate plane to thereby act upon the liquid crystal, rather than in a direction normal to the substrate plane as in the case of a conventional type of liquid crystal display panel.

Abstract: A device for use in automotive vehicles for alerting the driver to improper and/or unsafe driving patterns comprising means defining a normally open circuit and means for automatic closure of said circuit in response to a relatively abrupt change in a driving pattern, said circuit embodying therein a signalling means energized upon the closure of said circuit.

Abstract: A novel type of liquid crystal display device is disclosed, whereby data can be written in, via the display device, by utilizing light-generating means such as a light pen. The display device is of matrix configuration, with a switching element being provided individually for each of the elements of the display matrix, and is characterized by a photoelectric element being provided for each display element, whereby data is written in. The discrimination circuit means whereby the statuses of the photoelectric elements are sensed, in a time sharing manner, can utilize the same row and column electrodes used to drive the switching elements of the display matrix, and the photoelectric elements can be formed during the same process, and upon the same substrate, as the switching elements.

Abstract: In a display device having a liquid crystal the gate circuits for the row selection switches (25, 26) can be considerably simplified by coupling a terminal (30) of the supply source (32) for the selection switches to the ground conductor (39) by means of an auxiliary supply source producing a periodical pulsating direct current voltage (33, 34, 40).To simplify the drive of column excitation switches (26, 28) a further auxiliary supply source (43, 44, 50) can be used in a similar manner for a display device which drives liquid crystal display elements (1, 2, 3, 4) of the rms-type in time-division multiplex.All the required voltages can be obtained from one central supply source (122, 124) by means of at least one current source circuit (100, 102).

Abstract: Burglar alarm apparatus particularly for motor-cars or the like, comprising an electronic memory with digital combination, associated with a microcomputer for controlling all the functions of the apparatus with no need to manually control its enabled or disabled operation modes, which automatically take place when the combination valid for operation has been entered.The opportunity of starting the engine by means of the ignition key, with the valid combination entered, is also provided for, in order to permit the parking manoeuvres, still keeping on the function of automatically enabling the apparatus when the engine is stopped.

Abstract: A warning lamp arrangement for a vehicle battery charging system comprises three resistors (16, 17, 18) connecting a point (19) to the output terminals of an alternator stator winding (10). The said point (19) is connected to the positive terminal of the battery (12) through a resistor (20) and to its negative terminal through a zener diode (34) and a resistor (35). A pair of comparators (21, 22) having their outputs connected to the base of a Darlington transistor (28, 30) detect if the voltage at the said point (19) is outside a predetermined range. The junction of the zener diode (34) and its as associated resistor (35) is also connected to the base of the Darlington transistor (28, 30). A warning lamp (32) connected in the collector circuit of the Darlington transistor is energized if the alternator does not produce an output or a malfunction occurs in the charging system.

Abstract: An alarm control center having means for interchangeably assigning alarm parameters for each sensor loop in an array of sensor loops and for interchangeably assigning alarm outputs for each of the sensor loops. When the alarm control center senses an alarm condition on one of the sensor loops, the alarm control center increases the scanning rate for that particular sensor loop to verify the alarm condition.

Abstract: A vehicle toll collection system automatically identifies vehicles traveling along a vehicle lane. The system includes a mobile vehicle identification sending unit adapted to be mounted on at least one of the vehicles for sending vehicle identification information. A stationary control unit is disposed near the vehicle lane for receiving the identification information from the mobile unit as the vehicle moves past the stationary unit to register the vehicle identity. The stationary unit includes devices which respond to the vehicle identification information for generating a vehicle signal indicating that a vehicle has been registered.

Abstract: A monitoring system for shopping trolleys of the kind used in self-service stores, including a basket for the goods and having at least one support surface below the basket and which is not normally visible to the check-out operator and provides a transmitter/receiver to detect an article on such a lower support surface and a further transmitter/receiver disposed at a lower level, to block operation of the transmitter/receiver in response to the legs of the customer, parts of the trolley running gear and the like and a device to provide a signal in response to operation of the transmitter/receiver.

Abstract: A theft detection system and method for detecting the unauthorized movement of an article or assembly from a given location, such as in the act of theft or burglarizing a home, office, store or warehouse. Detection of such unauthorized movement or theft may be made at a remote location, such as a monitor station particularly when such movement is detected beyond predetermined bounds or limits. The system involves the short wave transmission of code signals which are indicative of the identity of the article or assembly and/or the location of its unauthorized movement.

Abstract: An alarm unit is provided which prevents a theft of a vehicle by producing acoustical alarm whenever a third party opens a door of the vehicle. The unit operates by applying a remote control signal from an external signal emitter to a pickup assembly which is mounted inside the vehicle on a front or a rear glass pane. A control circuit connected to the pickup assembly is then set in its standby mode, and conditions the unit to produce an acoustical alarm if the door is opened during such mode. The standby mode is reset by a second application of the remote control signal to the pickup assembly.

Abstract: A shoplifting system includes a first and second post-like housings positioned in a store on opposite sides of the doorway. The first housing includes an electronic receiver for receiving a wireless signal transmitted by a hand-held transmitter unit that is actuatable by a store employee who notices shoplifting activity by a shopper. The receiver causes actuating of an alarm device which issues an audible alarm sound in response to a signal received from the hand-held transmitter unit. The second housing is a "dummy" housing containing no detection circuitry. However, the second housing and first housing each have an appearance which suggests that both housings contain detection circuits that cooperate to detect the presence of detectable tags attached to products on sale in the store. A warning sign is placed on one of the housings.

Abstract: A vertically aligned array of electron scanning beams independently modulated by individual sources of video signals are employed to significantly increase display definition in conventional cathode ray tube type monitors. Precise vertical alignment of scanning spots produced by the beam array is achieved by synchronizing the relative timing of the video signals associated with each of the beams using delay circuits. Vertical spacing between the scanning spots produced by the beam array may be selectively adjusted by electrostatic deflection plates. Vertical alignment and vertical spacing of the scanning spots are respectively sensed though the provision of narrow, vertical and diagonal slits in the fluorescent coating of the CRT screen. A photodetector positioned at the rear of the screen produces output signals in accordance with light delivered through the slits as the scanning spots traverse the slits.

Abstract: A security device for controlling the ignition circuit of a vehicle provided with a steering lock 11. The device comprises an electrical circuit having: a security ignition circuit switch means CO32 for opening and closing said ignition circuit independently of any manually operable ignition circuit switch means; and a steering lock control switch means MS1 connectable to said steering lock 11 and having disabling and non-disabling operating conditions, corresponding respectively to locked and unlocked positions of the steering lock 11, for respectively disabling and not disabling said vehicle with respect to starting thereof. A plurality of user actuable first switch means 3 is arranged so that operation thereof is necessary in a predetermined sequence to close the security ignition circuit switch means CO32. An alarm connection means CO52 is connected to alarm means SIREN and arranged for activation in response to actuation of said first switch means 3 in an incorrect sequence.

Abstract: A method and electro-mechanical device, for use on motor vehicles, which signals the driver to ease up on the gas pedal whenever he is applying excessive pedal pressure which causes fuel waste. The device utilizes a vacuum-operated electric switch that detects any drop in engine intake-manifold-vacuum below a pre-selected level, caused by excess foot-pressure on the gas pedal, and applies voltage to an electric vibrator which is coupled to the gas pedal. On feeling the gas pedal vibrating, the driver reduces his pedal pressure sufficiently to allow engine vacuum to rise above the pre-selected level, thereby causing the vacuum-switch to cut off electric current to the pedal vibrator. This cessation of vibration serves as a feed-back signal to the driver that his pedal pressure, and hence vehicle performance, is restored to an economical level.

Abstract: A process for the three step-multiplex control of electro-optical display arrangements having segment-like forward and back electrodes, through the intermediary of periodic pulse sequences which have six pulses within each control period, which can presently assume four different voltage levels. Three of these pulse sequences are constantly applied to the back electrodes and the additional pulse sequences, in accordance with the measure of the display which is to be represented, are applied to the forward electrodes. The invention further includes a circuit for effectuating the process for the three step-multiplex control.

Abstract: A planar coordinate resolving system capable of precise resolution of position coordinates of planar images, pictures, sketches, or graphical data. The system consists of a tracing board, to which is attached a dually-pivotable mechanical linkage arm combination, lying parallel to the tracing board and pivotably attached to the board at one arm end. The linkage arm combination is also pivotable at its approximate midsection and has a mechanical pointer at the free end. The pivotability allows full coverage of points on the tracing board by the pointer. A pair of electrical potentiometers located in housings on the linkage arms form the pivot mechanisms. As the arm sections are respectively pivoted, electrical analog signals, proportional to the potentiometer rotor shaft angular change, are applied to a computing device, allowing calculation of the position coordinate of the mechanical pointer location. The resolved images are ultimately displayed on a CRT display or hard-copy printer.

Abstract: A pressure indicating system for continually monitoring tire pressure in a moving vehicle in which a pressure sensing means attached to the wheel activates an alarm to alert a driver that the pressure in one of his tires is abnormally low. A magnet is shifted by the pressure sensing means to activate a Hall effect switch located on a non-rotating portion of the vehicle to trigger the alarm.The pressure sensing means also acts to relieve high pressure above a predetermined pressure from the tire to prevent over pressurizing of the tire. The alarm indicates which of the tires is at low pressure and preferably comprises an inexpensive electronic system having a flashing light for indicating which tire is at low pressure.

Abstract: An adjustable tamper sensor system for bolts and screws, which connect a non-conductive base and cover, provides a secure housing. An electrically conductive wire and a resistive element in the cover are coupled to the screws and to a resistive bridge alarm circuit. The resistive element in the sensor cover maintains a balanced circuit, and is shunted by any object with less electrical resistance, causing an alarm to report. If an attempt is made to saw through a bolt securing the cover, the conductive wire will be severed or shorted, activating the alarm. The tamper sensor may actually comprise the housing to form a condition responsive detector.In a more simple embodiment, the tamper sensor may protectively conceal any bolt or screw attached to any object.

Abstract: A dynamic display system for discrete events of complex data carried by discrete electrical signals which indicate values in three coordinates as triads. One of the values may be an independent variable, e.g., time. A cathode ray tube display apparatus is actuated by format signals to exhibit a pictorial three-dimensional perspective field of reference somewhat in the figure of an elongate box. The discrete electrical signals representative of data are processed to develop display signals to provide representative images in the field of reference. Specifically, the data events or elements are manifest in the form of lines or linear symbols that indicate coordinate values by symbol height and position. The independent variable, time, is scaled from an origin line in the field of reference to extend along the depth of perspective so that the linear symbols advance along the path of perspective to accomplish a dynamic display with the illusion of motion.