Abstract: A capacitive sensor for detecting raindrops on the external surface of a vehicular windshield, relying for its operation on the compensation of the capacitive signals which are due to variation of the dielectric constant of the windshield's glass with temperature, and on the elimination of capacitive signals which result from electrostatic interference or moisture deposition occurring at the inner surface of the windshield. The sensor includes electrodes printed on the internal surface of the windshield and is shielded by a grounded conducting enclosure. Another embodiment of the invention simultaneously senses raindrops on the external side of the window and moister on the internal surface of the windshield.

Abstract: A telescopic device comprises an eyepiece lens, an objective lens, a first plane mirror, a second plane mirror, and a roof reflecting mirror. The first optical axis located along the first plane mirror is parallel to the second optical axis located along the second plane mirror. The device includes a compensator for accidental image jitters comprising a pivot mechanism, an inertial sensor and a servo system for adjusting the plane mirror.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for sensing a three-dimensional (depth and illuminance) image of a scene. It is based on the inverse-square law relating the incident brightness on an area illuminated by a light point source, to its distance from the point source. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the scene is sequentially illuminated by more than one light point source each at a pre calibrated location in the reference coordinate system. The resulting reflections from the field of-view are sensed by a stationary digital camera that maps each scene element into a corresponding image pixel, to provide a 2-dimensional brightness map that contains the photometric values of each image pixel for each specific illumination.

Abstract: A differential capacitive moisture sensor, relying for its operation on the time-varying couplings in two moisture-sensing regions to provide indication of presence of moisture, with selectivity of sensing surface provided by a shielding electrode, and with temperature information provided by a simultaneously-fabricated resistive temperature sensor. Various electrode connections and sensor electronics may be used. An improved differential capacitive moisture sensor has equal dry capacitances, with unequal moisture sensitivities, for providing a single-polarity output signal. An ice detection method and apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An inertial angular rate sensor (IARS) which includes a symmetrical mechanical resonator. The rate sensor includes one or more one pair of vibrating masses. The sensor further incudes a mechanical coupler which forces the masses to move in a symmetrical manner despite mechanical tolerances.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing condensed moisture on the inside of automotive windows with essentially no sensitivity to precipitation on the outside of the window. The apparatus senses the influence of the moisture on the impedance (mainly capacitive) between two electrodes. It is intended especially for rear windows where the sensing electrodes can be integrated with the resistive heater network printed on the internal side and activate it automatically. Similarly it can be used for front windows where it can automate the operation of electrical or hot-air defoggers.

Abstract: A differential capacitive moisture sensor, relying for its operation on the time-varying couplings in two moisture-sensing regions to provide indication of presence of moisture, with selectivity of sensing surface provided by a shielding electrode, and with temperature information provided by a simultaneously-fabricated resistive temperature sensor. Various electrode connections and sensor electronics may be used.

Abstract: Forward looking infra-red apparatus including an enclosure, a reflector riving infra-red energy from a field of view and a receiver, which receives the infra-red energy from the reflector and provides an output indication of an infra-red image of the field of view, wherein the receiver is hermetically sealed within the enclosure and the reflector is disposed outside of the enclosure and is foldably mounted with respect thereto so as to assume a first orientation when the apparatus is in operation and a second folded and more compact orientation than the first orientation when the apparatus is not in use.

Abstract: A device for sensing angular deviation from the vertical. A housing forming a spherical chamber contains pendulous element comprising a circular plate immersed in a liquid having a low viscosity. The center of the plate is supported for rotational movement about two perpendicular axes of rotation by a pivot at the top of a normally vertical support rod aligned with the vertical axis of the chamber extending upwardly from the bottom of the chamber. The plate provides a couple with the liquid. Electrical pick-offs associated with the two axes of rotation provide an electrical signal proportional to the angular tilt of the circular plate about the two axes relative to the housing.

Abstract: A joystick mechanism generates output signals corresponding to the X and Y components of a manual command. A transducer mounted in a housing includes a ferromagnetic vane member connected to the bottom of a handle extending into the housing. The transducer also includes a stator member having nine legs mounted in a 3 by 3 rectangular array. The primary winding is wound around the central leg. Two pairs of opposed secondary windings are wound around each set of three outside legs, wherein the X-axis is disposed between one pair of secondary windings and the Y-axis is disposed between the other pair of secondary windings. Primary windings may be wound around the central three legs to form a symmetrical cruciform. The handle can be fixed to a deformable top plate or be supported at a rigid top plate by a ball and socket.

Abstract: An imaging system in which the line of sight defined by the spatial position of optical and detector elements in such system is movable in a first axis by a signal which is used to modulate a bias or mid position of a scanning mirror included in such optical elements and in a second axis by modulating the time delay between video information of the scene imaged and the synchronization pulses used for display in the direction of such second axis.