Abstract: An RF oscillator induces eddy currents to be measured in an object. An eddy current probe senses alterations, such as teeth on a disc, for example, in the object which are represented as eddy current signals sensed by an eddy current probe. The present invention separates alteration current signals from offset currents in the eddy current signal to aid in discriminating levels in the alteration current signals. The alteration currents are separated from the offset currents by AC coupling with a high pass filter or separated by a microprocessor as part of a data processing detection routine.

Abstract: Automatic opening/closing control of side windows of a vehicle. An electronic control device mainly composed of a microcomputer reads respective time-serial opening/closing patterns of key switches. These time-serial opening/closing patterns are respectively allocated to commands sent to the electronic control device. The electronic control device controls driving of the opening/closing mechanism for each side window in accordance with the commands. The electronic control device further effects overload detection of the opening/closing mechanism, limit position detection in movement thereof as well as arithmetic operation of the actual position, and then stops driving of the opening/closing mechanism at the time when the opening/closing mechanism undergoes overload and at the time when the actual position reaches the goal position.

Abstract: A movable type air balance panel is mounted beneath the front end of a motor vehicle. This balance panel moves upward and downward in response to the speed of the vehicle and is maintained in a retracted position when the brakes are applied, thereby decreasing the chance of damage to the balance panel. Air resistance is decreased during low speed operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering wheel mechanism which provides a driver with absolute confirmation of the direction of the orientation of the front wheels by a differential gear reduction mechanism which provides for a reduced amount of rotation of a buffer pad in comparison to the rotation of a steering wheel in which the buffer pad is located. The buffer pad contains display and switching groups which, because of the limited rotation, are easily accessible for purposes for control and ease of reading by the driver.

Abstract: A tiltable steering apparatus for vehicles for tiltably regulating a steering wheel by engagement of a pawl member and a latch member according to operation of an operating lever which includes a memory member engaged with the latch member and releasable from the latch member upon engagement of the latch member with the pawl member and engageable with the latch member upon disengagement of the latch member from the pawl member according to rotation of the operating lever, a regulating member engageable with the pawl member and disengageable from the pawl member for locating a relative angled position of the pawl member and memory member at the same position thereof so as to engage the pawl member with the latch member and a mechanism for acting on the memory member for locating the relative angled position of the pawl member and the memory member at the same position thereof.

Abstract: An air balance panel for vehicles which includes an air balance panel integrally and unitarily formed with a vehicle bumper which is made of plastic and which further includes a flexible portion and a drive mechanism operatively connected to the air balance panel for acting on the flexible portion of the air balance panel according to a predetermined signal. The air balance panel also includes an arm member operatively connected to the drive mechanism for acting on the flexible portion of the air balance panel. Also included are link members interposed between the arm member and the air balance panel for transmitting driving force from the drive mechanism to the air balance panel.

Abstract: A seat assembly mechanism for inclining a seat back to desired positions including a horizontal position to form a bed and also folded forwardly to provide room for cargo and packages. The seat assembly also has the mechanism for placing the seat back and a seat in an upright position after the seat back has been folded over the seat.

Abstract: A seat suspension apparatus comprises a pair of parallel link assemblies and a pair of balance springs. In order to reduce the elevation of the seating surface relative to a support base and to assure a stabilized suspension when the seating surface is depressed to a relatively low elevation, one of the parallel link assemblies is coupled with the other at a given angle therebetween. The resilience of the balance springs counteracts the load on the seat to maintain the pair of parallel link assemblies at a balanced position which depends on the magnitude of the load. The resilience can be adjusted through an eccentric cam which is operated by a lever located on one side of the seat. Thus the user can adjust the elevation of the seat by turning the lever while looking forward, avoiding the need for assuming a slouch position.