Abstract: The system comprises transceivers employing identical modems, one located at a fixed position and connected to the wire and one on a vehicle guided along the wire. The transceiver's specialized modems may be connected to a central host which may be a computer, to a programmable controller, or to a communications bus as required. Additional transceivers may be connected to the communications bus for communication between the central host and additional wires. All central host signals are transmitted to all wire connected modems and sent out on all wires. All signals from vehicle modems are transmitted back to the central host. Each transceiver is adapted to employ one or more identical modem, each connected to a different wire.

Abstract: A theft prevention system for vehicles such as shopping carts that are intended to be used within a prescribed area include a current conductor that is embedded proximate a perimeter of the prescibed area, this conductor being driven by an asymmetrical periodic waveform for producing a magnetic field. Each vehicle is equipped with a receiver circuit for operating a wheel mechanism. The mechanism is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position by a motor. The mechanism is automatically restored to an unlocked condition by movement of the vehicle returning it to within the prescribed area. A buzzer also provides a warning sound when the vehicle is taken from the prescribed area, the system further including an array of microphones that are connected into a circuit that provides an alarm when a vehicle is about to be removed from the prescribed area, an alarm signal component further indicating the approximate location of the offending vehicle.

Abstract: A method for the surveillance of a brake device includes an indirect measurement of temperature of a selected device component, for example a brake drum, of a brake device. A warning signal is furnished, if this measured temperature reaches a maximum permissible value. The invention method is quick by employing the pressure-dependent deformation characterizing curve (11) of the device component heated to the permissible temperature. The device component represented by the brake drum (1) can heat to the maximum permissible temperature and is placed under surveillance during a brake actuation based on deformation and pressure measurement. It is then determined if the actual values reach or exceed the deformation characterizing curve (11). The invention apparatus is used in connection with brake devices in vehicles.

Abstract: An indicator assembly is mounted medially between the forward and rear wheels to each side of a trailer assembly of a typical multi-axle trailer. The assembly includes a switch assembly mounted between forward and rear springs of a respective forward and rear axle of the trailer, wherein the switch assembly is operatively associated with a switch actuator mount to include a forward and rear magnet, wherein the switch assembly is actuated upon deflection to one of the forward or rear magnets upon deflation of a forward or rear tire associated with the aforenoted forward or rear axle.

Abstract: A method for detecting vehicles includes two ultrasonic overhead detectors arranged along a lane or path of travel of a car through an access gate or entrance. The detectors measure the heights of the hood, roof and trunk of the car as it moves past the detectors. Software is used to compare the measured quantities with pre-established vehicle profiles. The method, and the associated hardware and software, can be used to count vehicles, classify vehicles as well as operate peripheral devices such as traffic lights, gates and the like.

Abstract: An automobile alarm device, for an automobile of the type having an ornament mounted on a front part of the vehicle, such ornament incorporating a spring loaded mount, and the alarm device having a bracket attachable to the ornament, side portions extending from the bracket along at least one side of the ornament, a spring-loaded resilient arm member extending from the bracket transversely across the axis of the hood ornament, and being connected to the hood ornament so that movement of the hood ornament causes the arm to be deflected, and, electrical contacts positioned on the bracket and adapted to be contacted by the arm upon such deflection, the electrical contacts being connected to a source of electrical power, and to an alarm device, so as to activate the alarm.

Abstract: An apparatus to indicate a car operating condition, which comprises a plurality of red, white and greeen warning lights mounted on the front and rear portions of a car to inform or warn an oncoming car of a trailing car about the existing driving and operation condition of the car on which the lights are installed. A set of red flashing lights is used to warn other drivers that the car is stopped or backing up; a set of white back-up lights provides an additional warning that the car is backing up. A set of green lights is used to advise other motorists that the car is moving forward in an accelerating mode. Two green flashing lights provide an indication that the car is moving forwardly without acceleration. Two continuously-on red lights are used to indicate that the car is being braked. The system of warning lights is designed to warn other motorists of the condition of the vehicle, or impending changes in the vehicle position, so that the other motorists can take action to avoid a car accident.

Abstract: An electric horn having a diaphragm connected to a ferromagnetic plunger is driven by an electromagnetic coil to cause vibrations of the diaphragm at the resonant frequency of the diaphragm and plunger combination. A solid state driver has a timer tuned essentially to the frequency of the diaphragm assembly and controls the driver power output to effect coil energization to drive the diaphragm movement synchronously with the timer frequency. The driver output stage comprises a power MOSFET or a Darlington pair.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a portable transmitter unit for transmitting either an arming signal or a disarming signal, a receiver unit mounted on the vehicle for receiving the arming or disarming signal from the transmitter unit, a detector for detecting vehicle speed, an arming-signal reception monitor unit capable of receiving the arming signal from the transmitter unit provided that the vehicle is not in motion, and a security control unit activated to arm the system in response to the arming signal transmitted from the transmitter unit when the arming-signal reception monitor unit can receive the arming signal. The system can be armed by on the arming signal from the transmitter unit only when the vehicle has zero speed and a door of the vehicle has just been opened or closed. Therefore, the security system is reliably prevented from being armed while the vehicle is being driven (i.e., has a measurable speed) and can also be armed if the vehicle is parked even if the ignition switch is turned on.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting the presence of objects in the path of the end portion of a movable vehicle are disclosed. A vehicle mounted transmitter transmits bursts of ultrasonic object detection signals. A receiver also mounted on the vehicle receives not only a direct signal from the transmitter, but also signals reflected from objects in the path of the movable vehicle. The transmitter and receiver are mounted on the end portion of the vehicle so that they constitute the foci of an elliptical path defining the loci of all points of signal reflection having the same total transit time of signal from the transmitter to a reflecting object and back to the receiver. The elliptical path of the loci of the closest detectable objects preferably encompasses substantially the entire end portion of the movable vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-featured electronic vehicle security system is disclosed. The system is controlled by an electronic controller such a microcomputer. To reduce noise pollution due to false alarms caused by repetitive tripping of the system sensor devices, the system will not respond to more than a defined number of successive trippings of the same sensor device to initiate an alarm condition. The system includes a user-enabled feature wherein a first alarm signal generator is activated by a sensor tripping, and a second, distinct alarm signal generator is activated when a trigger device has been tripped. When the system is passively armed, active sensors and triggers are automatically diagnosed and bypassed, permitting the system to be passively armed even if one or more trigger or sensor is active.

Abstract: A parking stall monitor located adjacent a restricted use parking stall detects vehicle presence in the parking stall and activates an alarm to provide a warning in response thereto. A disarm/arm circuit associated with the monitor generates a coded input in response to receipt of an identification signal from an authorized user, thereby to disarm either the detector or the alarm to enable the vehicle of the authorized user to occupy the parking stall without a warning being provided. Subsequently, when the authorized user is ready to leave the parking stall, receipt by the disarm/arm circuit of another identification signal, or removal of the initial identification signal, causes the monitor to rearm. The identification signal may be produced nonautomatically or automatically, either actively or passively, and the capability of originating this signal serves to distinguish a selected group of authorized users from those not permitted to use the stall.

Abstract: A VCR transmission device is disclosed including a transmitting unit capable of receiving a VCR video signal, conditioning the video signal and outputting the video signal onto a home power line ordinarily carrying an AC power signal. The transmitting device attaches directly to an existing power outlet in the home power line to deliver the video signal from the VCR throughout the home. A receiving unit is then connected to any other power outlet in the home power line to extract the video signal from the power line and to deliver the signal to a television set which may be remote from the VCR.

Abstract: A brake wear indicating device (10) including an insulated electrical conductor (12) with an electrical connector (16) at one end (18) for electrical connection with a warning device and, an end cap (20) of electrically insulating material on the other end (22) of the electrical conductor. The electrically insulating material secures the brake wear indicating device of an aperture (24) in a backing plate (26) of a brake pad (28) or brake shoe with the other end of the electrical conductor passing through an aperture in the backing plate from an outer surface (30) thereof to protrude from an inner surface (32) thereof. The end cap includes an abutment edge (38) for engaging the outer surface of the backing plate, a cap portion (40) secured to the other end of the electrical conductor.

Abstract: A speaker driver is operated by a battery and drives a speaker to generate an alert tone in response to an externally input intermittent signal. The speaker driver includes a reference voltage generator for generating a reference voltage, a transconductance amplifier for outputting a current corresponding to a differential voltage between a voltage of the battery and the reference voltage, an output control switch for ON/OFF-controlling the output current from the transconductance amplifier in accordance with the intermittent signal, and a DC amplifier for amplifying the ON/OFF-controlled output current as a driving current for the speaker. Since a speaker driving current is decreased as a power source voltage is dropped, an abnormal voltage drop during an alert generation period can be prevented, thereby prolonging the service life of a battery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor driven type bell striking device to be employed in electric bells. The device incorporates a cam coupled with the rotating drive shaft of an electric motor, the cam translating the rotary motion of the motor to an oscillating action which serves to impel a piston, the piston then impelling a striking member which is coupled with the base or frame of the bell by a spring. In one preferred embodiment, the previously mentioned spring is a coil spring which wraps around the piston. In a second preferred embodiment, a leaf spring is employed. In both embodiments, the energy of the moving piston is translated into inertia in the striking member. Because the striking member is relatively free floating in the direction in which it moves, a sharp, clear ring sound is made possible with each impact of the striking member.

Abstract: A telltale is sufficiently small and sufficiently bright for use in a head-up display such that the image of the telltale is projected of the combiner, e.g., the vehicle front windshield, and is clearly visible to the vehicle operator, even on bright sunny days. The apparatus includes a housing and a light source. The housing has an inner reflective surface with a focal point outside the housing and an aperture located between the reflective surface and the focal point. A graphics plate is mounted in the aperture. The telltale is highly emissive when light from the light source reflects off of the inner surface and through the aperture.

Abstract: A vehicular steering condition detecting apparatus a position sensor and a pulse generator each of which operate to generate an output in conjunction with the operating condition of a steering wheel, and a microcomputer which makes a comparison between a change in the output of the position sensor due to the operation of the steering wheel by the driver and the number of pulses generated by the pulse generator for every sampling period of a predetermined length, and determines that a failure occurred in the position sensor or the pulse generator if there exists no proportional relationship therebetween.

Abstract: The invention provides an information output device for a computerized locating and navigating system of motor vehicles which, in addition to stored geographical data of an electronic road map, delivers safety related information concerning determined sections of road. The information is stored and given out, e.g. optically or acoustically, when reaching the sections of road.

Abstract: A bidirectional ripple control system in which a code comprises an audio frequency signal superimposed on an electric power distribution system by an LC resonant circuit, controlled by a transmitter crystal oscillator which controls the signal frequency. A receiver has a pair of synchronous filters driven by a receiver crystal oscillator 90 degrees out of phase with each other. The outputs of the filters are squared and summed to form a single output independent of phase. For discrimination the output frequency of each synchronous filter is compared with a set level and the incoming signal is rejected if this frequency exceeds the set level. This system provides a very narrow band frequency detector for the receivers and enables the use of a large number of closely spaced frequencies for the formation of signalling codes. The system provides a means for bidirectional communication on an existing power distribution network.