Abstract: A keyless entry touch pad system for a vehicle includes a substrate with a plurality of touch zones disposed on one surface of the substrate, and a plurality of electrode patterns disposed on the opposite surface. An inner electrode of each pattern is aligned with one of the touch zones. Each pattern is electrically coupled to an integrated control circuit, which outputs a signal to and energizes the electrodes of the pattern such that electric fields emanates therefrom. The electrode patterns may be capacitively coupled to the integrated control circuit. When the electric field of the inner electrode is disturbed by a stimulus proximate the corresponding touch zone, the component is activated. Upon activation of the components in a predetermined sequence, a controller causes the vehicle door to unlock. A method of unlocking a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A low impedance sensor includes thin conductive electrodes on a dielectric substrate and detects proximity of a target metal object or structure moving along defined path such as a track. The sensor includes a first conductive electrode pad having a closed, continuous geometric form and a second conductive electrode surrounding the first electrode and spaced from the first electrode by a channel of non-conductive dielectric. The first and second electrodes are optionally disposed on the same surface of the substrate. An integrated control circuit is located on the substrate proximate the first and second electrodes, and is electrically coupled to the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: Equipment on automotive vehicle is controlled by a system including at least one semiconductor light sensor having variable sensitivity to light. Each light sensor generates a light signal indicative of the intensity of light incident on the light sensor. Control logic varies the sensitivity of the light sensor and generates equipment control signals based on received light signals. Sensitivity of light sensors may be varied by changing the integration time for producing charge from light incident on light transducers, by selecting between light transducers of different sensitivity within the light sensor, by using a light transducer with a sensitivity that is a function of the amount of incident light, and the like. Controlled equipment includes devices such as automatically dimming rearview mirrors, headlamps, and moisture removal means.

Abstract: Equipment on automotive vehicle is controlled by a system including at least one semiconductor light sensor having variable sensitivity to light. Each light sensor generates a light signal indicative of the intensity of light incident on the light sensor. Control logic varies the sensitivity of the light sensor and generates equipment control signals based on received light signals. Sensitivity of light sensors may be varied by changing the integration time for producing charge from light incident on light transducers, by selecting between light transducers of different sensitivity within the light sensor, by using a light transducer with a sensitivity that is a function of the amount of incident light, and the like. Controlled equipment includes devices such as automatically dimming rearview mirrors, headlamps, and moisture removal means.

Abstract: Equipment on automotive vehicle is controlled by a system including at least one semiconductor light sensor having variable sensitivity to light. Each light sensor generates a light signal indicative of the intensity of light incident on the light sensor. Control logic varies the sensitivity of the light sensor and generates equipment control signals based on received light signals. Sensitivity of light sensors may be varied by changing the integration time for producing charge from light incident on light transducers, by selecting between light transducers of different sensitivity within the light sensor, by using a light transducer with a sensitivity that is a function of the amount of incident light, and the like. Controlled equipment includes devices such as automatically dimming rearview mirrors, headlamps, and moisture removal means.

Abstract: Equipment on automotive vehicle (20) is controlled by a system at least one semiconductor light sensor (170, 170′) having variable sensitivity to light. Each light sensor generates a light signal (164) indicative of the intensity of light incident on the light sensor. Control logic (66) varies the sensitivity of the light sensor and generates equipment control signals (166) based on received light signals. Sensitivity of light sensors (170, 170′) may be varied by changing the integration time (228) for producing charge from light (176) incident on light transducers (178), by selecting between light transducers (178, 490, 500, 504) of different sensitivity within the light sensor (170), by using a light transducer (530) with a sensitivity that is a function of the amount of incident light (176), and the like. Controlled equipment includes devices such as automatically dimming rearview mirrors (24,26), headlamps (44), and moisture removal means (38, 40, 42).

Abstract: A control system for establishing grade and elevation control for a tool of a construction apparatus for maintaining the vertical position of the tool relative to a reference includes a first ultrasonic transducer configured to be carried by the construction apparatus, with the first transducer transmitting and receiving acoustic waves, at least one reflector, a second ultrasonic transducer configured to be carried by the construction apparatus, with the second transducer receiving acoustic waves, and a controller coupled to the first and second ultrasonic transducers which drive the transducers to produce an acoustic wave and monitors the time reflections of the acoustic wave are respectively received by the first and second transducers.

Abstract: A simplified mirror sub-assembly for exterior automotive mirrors includes an electrochromic mirror element, a circuit board disposed on a rear surface of the mirror element, and a carrier plate attached to the circuit board via double-sided adhesive tape. The sub-assembly may include a conductive trace disposed on the surface of the circuit board that mates with the mirror element to dissipate heat generated by electronic components on the circuit board and act as a heater for the mirror element at the same time. The electronic components on the circuit board are arranged to lie in a void created by a peripheral edge in the carrier plate so that the inventive structure can incorporate a known carrier plate structure, if desired, to allow easy installation into a known mirror housing.

Abstract: A control system for establishing grade and elevation control for a tool of a construction apparatus for maintaining the vertical position of the tool relative to a reference includes a first ultrasonic transducer configured to be carried by the construction apparatus, with the first transducer transmitting and receiving acoustic waves, at least one reflector, a second ultrasonic transducer configured to be carried by the construction apparatus, with the second transducer receiving acoustic waves, and a controller coupled to the first and second ultrasonic transducers which drive the transducers to produce an acoustic wave and monitors the time reflections of the acoustic wave are respectively received by the first and second transducers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a hydraulically operated construction machine having a plurality of tandem articulated members which move in a particular pattern, wherein movement of one of the articulated members is controlled in response to movement of a second one of the articulated members. Anticipated future movement of the second articulated member is determined and the first articulated member is controlled as a function at least of the anticipated future movement of the second articulated member. Anticipated future movement is determined by measuring actual delay between movement of the first and second articulated members. Operation of the articulated members is a function of operation of an actuator and a selectable command level.

Abstract: A digitally filtered laser receiver includes a plurality of radiation sensors spacially arranged in a manner which identifies a relative position of the sensors with respect to a rotating laser radiation source. The digitally filtered laser receiver includes a microcomputer having inputs which are responsive to impingement of the sensors by radiation. The microcomputer is programmed to process data from the inputs only when the radiation sensors are impinged by radiation from the rotating laser radiation source. The microcomputer processes the data and provides an output which is indicative of the position of the rotating laser radiation source and the sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for demolishing a structure is disclosed. A crusher member (12) is provided supported by a support frame (14). A reference position vertically above an operator is established. The relative distance between the crusher member (12) and the reference position in a generally vertical direction is monitored. The crusher member (12) is guided to the reference position as a function of the relative distance in order to prepare for a demolition cycle of removing a portion of the structure. The crusher member (12) is then manually manipulated through a demolition cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a hydraulically operated construction machine, having a plurality of tandem articulated members which are controlled in a manner that movement of one of the members is controlled in response to movement of another of the members, in order to move the members in a predetermined pattern. The members are controlled in response to the anticipated future movement of the another member. Anticipated future movement of the another member may be determined, for example, as a function of the present position and velocity of the another member and system delay in movement of the another member. Where the another member is controlled manually by an operator control lever coupled with a manual hydraulic control valve, anticipated future movement may be determined by monitoring actuation of the control lever.

Abstract: A control for an excavator controls the position of the bucket cutting edge to a desired depth accurately by a calibrating laser receiver mounted on the excavator stick member and passed through a stationary laser plane wherever the stick is moved into or out of a trench. Linear position encoders monitor the length that the actuating cylinders are extended and lookup tables convert the encoder outputs to angle representations for determining the positions of the laser receiver and the cutting edge. Other lookup tables are utilized to avoid time-consuming iterative calculation procedures to provide real-time digital process solutions of trigonometric functions. The apparatus includes a unique laser receiver comprising a plurlaity of linearly aligned photo receptors with associated circuitry for producing an output representative of the receptor illuminated or, if a group of receptors are illuminated, the centermost receptor illuminated.

Abstract: A control for an excavator controls the position of the bucket cutting edge to a desired depth accurately by a calibrating laser receiving mounted on the excavator stick member and passed through a stationary laser plane wherever the stick is moved into or out of a trench. Linear position encoders monitor the length that the actuating cylinders are extended and lookup tables convert the encoder outputs to angle representations for determining the positions of the laser receiver and the cutting edge. Other lookup tables are utilized to avoid time-consuming iterative calculation procedures to provide real-time digital process solutions of trigonometric functions. The apparatus includes a unique laser receiver comprising a plurality of linearly aligned photo receptors with associated circuitry for producing an output representative of the receptor illuminated or, if a group of receptors are illuminated, the centermost receptor illuminated.

Abstract: A control for an excavator controls the position of the bucket cutting edge to a desired depth accurately by a calibrating laser receiver mounted on the excavator stick member and passed through a stationary laser plane wherever the stick is moved into or out of a trench. Linear position encoders monitor the length that the actuating cylinders are extended and lookup tables convert the encoder outputs to angle representations for determining the positions of the laser receiver and the cutting edge. Other lookup tables are utilized to avoid time-consuming iterative calculation procedures to provide real-time digital process solutions of trigonometric functions. The apparatus includes a unique laser receiver comprising a plurality of linearly aligned photo receptors with associated circuitry for producing an output representative of the receptor illuminated or, if a group of receptors are illuminated, the centermost receptor illuminated.

Abstract: A control for an excavator controls the position of the bucket cutting edge to a desired depth accurately by a calibrating laser receiver mounted on the excavator stick member and passed through a stationary laser plane wherever the stick is moved into or out of a trench. Linear position encoders monitor the length that the actuating cylinders are extended and lookup tables convert the encoder outputs to angle representations for determining the positions of the laser receiver and the cutting edge. Other lookup tables are utilized to avoid time-consuming iterative calculation procedures to provide real-time digital process solutions of trigonometric functions. The apparatus includes a unique laser receiver comprising a plurality of linearly aligned photo receptors with associated circuitry for producing an output representative of the receptor illuminated or, if a group of receptors are illuminated, the centermost receptor illuminated.