Abstract: A current limiting resistor capable of dissipating power greater than about ¼ Watt is incorporated between the output circuitry of an aftermarket electrical system and an output terminal, so that the output circuitry is protected from excessive currents flowing through the output terminal as a consequence of incorrect connections being made to the output terminal. The resistor has a value of approximately forty Ohms, and a power dissipation rating of three Watts. When correct connections are made, the resistor will permit a current flow from the output terminal of approximately ninety milliAmps through a relay winding, which is sufficient to activate the relay. However, in the case of a miswiring, the resistor will limit the current flow through the output circuitry to no more than about 300 milliAmps.

Abstract: A remote control system which determines which of at least two different vehicle functions to activate based at least in part on the strength of the received signal. In a first alternative embodiment, a strong received signal unlocks the door, whereas a weak received signal causes the engine to start. Thus, using the same signal the driver can start the engine of the vehicle while a distance from the vehicle, and subsequently unlock the door when the driver has walked near to the vehicle. In a second alternative embodiment, the signal to unlock the door is relatively weak when transmitted, whereas the signal to start the engine is relatively strong when transmitted, so that the engine can be started from a distance, but the doors can only be unlocked when the transmitter is near to the vehicle. The security of the vehicle is thereby enhanced, and the ease of use of the remote control system is increased.

Abstract: The remote starter includes a receiver for receiving wireless signals and a controller coupled to the receiver and the engine ignition. The controller activates the ignition in response to receipt of an engine start signal by the receiver and terminates the operation of the engine upon detection of a predetermined condition. The remote engine starter of the present invention may be used to start a vehicle engine and environmentally condition the vehicle interior without indefinitely operating the vehicle. Preferably, the controller terminates engine operation after a predetermined time. The predetermined time period is preferably selected by a user through a remote transmitter. In response to the time period selection, the controller generates a confirmation signal which indicates the selected time period.

Abstract: An alarm system having a signal evaluator is disclosed. The system includes an alarm controller and at least one sensor that generates a signal that corresponds to the magnitude of a detected event. The signal evaluator is part of the controller and receives the magnitude signal from the sensor. The signal evaluator compares the magnitude signal to an alarm threshold and generates an alarm signal if the magnitude signal exceeds the alarm threshold. If not, the signal evaluator compares the magnitude signal to a warning threshold and generates a warning signal if the magnitude signal exceeds the warning threshold and is less than the alarm threshold. The signal generated by the signal evaluator is coupled to an alarm annunciator which generates an alarm in response to the alarm signal and a warning in response to the warning signal. The warning and alarm may be vocal, a siren, or a chirp.

Abstract: An aftermarket mechanical shock detector for mounting to protected property containing an existing alarm system. The shock detector incorporates a piezoelectric transducer detecting mechanical vibration and generating an electrical vibration signal, and circuitry for comparing the vibration signal to thresholds. The shock detector includes two separately adjustable thresholds. If the vibration signal exceeds either threshold, the shock detector creates an electrical connection between two terminals, thereby triggering a previously-installed alarm circuit to create an alarm.

Abstract: An aftermarket mechanical shock detector for mounting to protected property containing an existing alarm system. The shock detector incorporates a piezoelectric transducer detecting mechanical vibration and generating an electrical vibration signal, and circuitry for comparing the vibration signal to thresholds. The shock detector includes two separately adjustable thresholds. If the vibration signal exceeds either threshold, the shock detector creates an electrical connection between two terminals, thereby triggering a previously-installed alarm circuit to create an alarm.

Abstract: A repaired elastomer article has a hollow in a non-reinforced portion of the article. A cured preformed plug resides within the hollow and is adhered to the article through an amine curable polymer or prepolymer. The amine polymer or prepolymer is curable at ambient temperature. The preformed plug is made of a material which is compatible with the elastomer of the article. The preformed plug material desirably has a lower modulus than the elastomer of the article and hence exhibits good physical properties such as enhanced longevity of the repair, good wear and the like. Since the amine curable polymer or prepolymer cures at ambient temperatures, the repair of the elastomer article can occur in situ. The invention is especially useful in the repair of tires.

Abstract: A repaired elastomer article having a cut or crack entirely therethrough. A treating agent is located about the cut portion on the inner surface of the article and an amine curable polymer or prepolymer layer resides over said treating agent. A cured elastomeric patch resides over said curable polymer. Since the amine curable polymer cures at ambient temperatures, the repair of the elastomer article can occur on site. The invention is especially useful in the repair of tires.

Abstract: A repaired elastomer article having a cut or crack entirely therethrough. An interior cavity is located in the vicinity of the cut or crack and has a filler therein. A treating agent is located about the cut portion on the inner surface of the article and an amine curable polymer or prepolymer resides over said treating agent. A cured elastomeric patch resides over said amine curable polymer or prepolymer. Since the amine curable polymer or prepolymer cures at ambient temperatures, the repair of the elastomer article can occur in situ. The invention is especially useful in the repair of tires.

Abstract: A repaired elastomer article having a cut or crack entirely therethrough. A treating agent is located about the cut portion on the inner surface of the article and an amine curable polymer or prepolymer layer resides over said treating agent. A cured elastomeric patch resides over said curable polymer. Since the amine curable polymer cures at ambient temperatures, the repair of the elastomer article can occur on site. The invention is especially useful in the repair of tires.

Abstract: A repaired elastomer article has a hollow in a non-reinforced portion of the article. A cured preformed plug resides within the hollow and is adhered to the article through an amine curable polymer or prepolymer. The amine polymer or prepolymer is curable at ambient temperature. The preformed plug is made of a material which is compatible with the elastomer of the article. The preformed plug material desirably has a lower modulus than the elastomer of the article and hence exhibits good physical properties such as enhanced longevity of the repair, good wear and the like. Since the amine curable polymer or prepolymer cures at ambient temperatures, the repair of the elastomer article can occur in situ. The invention is especially useful in the repair of tires.

Abstract: A repaired elastomer article having a cut or crack entirely therethrough. An interior cavity is located in the vicinity of the cut or crack and has a filler therein. A treating agent is located about the cut portion on the inner surface of the article and an amine curable polymer or prepolymer resides over said treating agent. A cured elastomeric patch resides over said amine curable polymer or prepolymer. Since the amine curable polymer or prepolymer cures at ambient temperatures, the repair of the elastomer article can occur in situ. The invention is especially useful in the repair of tires.