Abstract: A control circuit determines that a vehicle is in a turning mode. A roll rate sensor then detects the roll rate (RR) and determines whether or not the roll rate exceeds a threshold value. If it is determined that the roll rate does exceed the threshold value, then it is determined that the vehicle is in a roll over state if the relationship between the sideways acceleration (Gy) and the roll angle (RA) falls inside the roll over determining area of a determining map stored in advance in the control circuit. Accordingly, the roll over state of the vehicle is detected early.

Abstract: An inclination detector has a mass rotating in the first and second directions, a pair of rotors, first and second moving contacts and first and second stationary contacts. When the inclination detector inclines to the left, torque is applied to a weight center of the mass. As a result, the mass and the rotors rotate in the first direction. This makes the first moving contact to make contact with the first stationary contact. At this time, a left-inclination detection signal is output. The second moving contact is kept away from the second stationary contact. When the inclination detector inclines to the right, the first moving contact is kept away from the first stationary contact, while the second moving contact makes contact with the second stationary contact so that a right-inclination detection signal is output. Thus, the inclination direction is detected.

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 control device for an alarm system includes a sensor circuit, an amplifier circuit for amplifying a sensor signal from the sensor circuit, a filter circuit for filtering an amplified output of the amplifier circuit, and first and second comparators, each having a reference input and a test input which receives a filtered signal output of the filter circuit. The first reference signal present at the reference input of the first comparator is lower than the second reference signal present at the reference input of the second comparator. The first comparator activates an oscillator circuit to generate an intermittent activating signal when the filtered signal output exceeds the first reference signal. A first alarm signal source presents a first control signal to the alarm system upon reception of the intermittent activating signal from the oscillator circuit.

Abstract: A engine shut-off switch including a generally V-shaped pipe that has a first pipe end and a second pipe end. The pipe has a mounting bracket that is attached. The mounting bracket is mounted to a fire wall of a vehicle. A solid ball is positioned within an interior surface area of the pipe. A pair of L-shaped holding pins are provided. Each pin has an interior end, an exterior end with a pin head and a bridge. The exterior end projects from the inner side wall of the pipe. The interior end is attached to the interior surface. Lastly, a pair of toggle switches are included and attached to an opposite outer side wall of the pipe. Each switch has a connecting wire. Each switch has a bias spring-like lever that is attached to the inner surface of the outer wall. Each lever has a projecting member that is capable of movement between the inner surface of the pipe and the switch. The projecting member turns the switch off by pressing against a switch arm of the toggle switch, when the vehicle rolls on a side.

Abstract: A vehicle tilt alarm system including a tilt angle responsive switch having a pendulum that can swing to make contact with conductive bolts provided on either side of the pendulum's pivot point. The amount of the protrusion of the bolts into the pendulum housing can be adjusted, thereby allowing the user to set the angle of vehicle tilt at which the switch will activate the alarm system. The switch is incorporated in an circuit including an alarm device such as a buzzer or flashing light. The alarm system is mounted on a vehicle whereby the tilting of the vehicle past a predetermined angle will activate the alarm system, thus informing the vehicle operator that the vehicle is dangerously close to rolling over.

Abstract: A security device, intended for use as a temporary or permanent vehicle security device, having an intrusion detection device in the form of a pair of electrical contacts supported on a shock amplifying, rigid base and responsive to percussive-type forces for generating a detection signal. At least one of the electrical contacts is supported on a relatively stiff cantilevered arm which will not respond to small movements and vibrations, to thereby avoid generating frequent false alarms. Any contact closure signal from the electrical contacts is processed by a detection circuit which counts multiple contact closures and/or measures total closure time, thus ignoring signals generated from small forces or vibrations, thereby preventing against the source of most false alarms when generating a detection signal.

Abstract: Transducer apparatus (10) responsive to external perturbations is disclosed having an electrically responsive transducer circuit (12) energized when a display member (18) and an elongate member (20) move from a gravity determined quiescent orientation (30A) therebetween to an external perturbation driven activate orientation (30B) therebetween. In various embodiments, the members are respectively responsive to air movement and acceleration. In one embodiment, the elongate member carries a first electrical contact (21) to abut a second electrical contact (22) carried by the display member.

Abstract: Transducer apparatus (10) responsive to external perturbations is disclosed having an electrically responsive transducer circuit (12) energized when a display member (18) and an elongate member (20) move from a gravity determined quiescent orientation (30A) therebetween to an external perturbation driven activate orientation (30B therebetween. In various embodiments, the members are respectively responsive to air movement and acceleration. In one embodiment, the elongate member carries a first electrical contact (21) to abut a second electrical contact (22) carried by the display member.

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 automobile theft alarm apparatus for detecting the variation of the inclination angle of the automobile includes: a sensor of a bridge configuration mounted in the automobile for sensing the angle of inclination of the automobile; a differential amplifier for amplifying the output of the sensor; an offset compensating circuit which produces a reference voltage for the differential amplifier by comparing the output of the differential amplifier with a constant value and by then integrating the differential output; an alarm device for issuing an alarm when the output of the differential amplifier exceeds a predetermined value; and a switching device for increasing a time constant for making the total integration time constant for the offset compensating circuit larger than the time constant of the integrating elements thereof by intermittently supplying the output of the differential amplifier to the offset compensating circuit.

Abstract: A watercraft incorporating improved warning devices for providing a warning signal in response to a abnormal condition. The abnormal condition may be either the condition when a rider is no longer present on the watercraft or when the watercraft assumes a non-normal running condition such as being capsized or inverted. In some instances, the warning is provided by a flag, a light, by a warning jet spray of water and, in others, by an audible signal. The warning may be combined so that more than one type of warning is given in response to an abnormal condition.

Abstract: A surfing video game in which a surfing figure on a monitor moves over simulated waves to gain playing rewards is controlled by a foot-actuated surfboard simulator. The simulator has a horizontally mounted elongate surfboard having a suspension system consisting of a fulcrum member adapted to support the board to permit tilting in all directions, and a biasing system mounted annularly to the fulcrum which tends to maintain the board in a horizontal position and to dampen tilting movement of the board. An attitude sensor and switch module is mounted on the controller and consists of a gravity-actuated closure member, such as a pendulum or ball bearing, having a common electrical contact and positioned to engage one or more of a plurality of equally spaced electrical contacts located around the periphery of the closure member.

Abstract: A motion sensor unit which includes a sensor assembly for monitoring whether or not the inclination of a mobile member is in excess of a predetermined reference angle and outputting a pulse signal in case the inclination is greater than the reference angle; a detector for monitoring whether or not the duration of the pulse signal is in excess of a predetermined reference time and, in the case of any excess, outputtting a signal representing that the inclination of the mobile member is greater than the reference angle and is continuous for more than the reference time; a sensor assembly for outputting a pulse signal inverted in accordance with the value of a shock given to the mobile member; and a detector for monitoring whether or not the cycle of the pulse signal is shorter than a predetermined reference time and outputting a shock detection signal when the cycle is shorter than the reference time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the inclination of a motor vehicle, measures the inclination during successive time periods with an inclination-sensitive sensor to produce measured signals; converts the measured signals to digital form; averages the digital signals during an initial predetermined time period to form an original reference signal; stores the original reference signal; compares subsequent digital signals to the reference signal to form a deviation signal which is used for triggering an alarm when a plurality of the digital signals deviate from the reference signal by more than a predetermined tolerance value; the reference signal being continuously updated by averaging subsequent digitized measured signals at plurality of times during subsequent time periods to form updated reference signals; storing each updated reference signal in place of a previously stored reference signal; providing an oscillation window to prevent triggering of the alarm during natural oscillation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A helmet with turn signal indicator for motorcycle riders and like applications includes a pair of lamps respectively disposed on left-hand and right-hand sides of the helmet body, and head tilt switches responsive to momentary tilting of the wearer's head in a given direction for selectively energizing the lamp on the corresponding helmet side. The lamps are driven by flasher holding circuits which may be selectively extinguished by rearward tilting of the wearer's head. Fiber optics extend within the helmet from adjacent the lamps to above the wearer's eyes to indicate operation to the wearer.

Abstract: In a mercury switch composed of a closed tubular glass envelope and at least one pair of electrodes extending through one end of the envelope and presenting terminals located within the region enclosed by the envelope and adjacent the one end thereof, the envelope is formed to have two indentations located opposite one another, spaced from the ends of the envelope, and spaced at a greater distance than the terminals from the one end, the indentations projecting toward one another to define, within the region enclosed by the envelope, a gap for the passage of mercury between the ends of such region.

Abstract: The device is adapted to break the circuit of the electrical system of the vehicle in the event of a tipping or overturning of the latter. The device comprises an elongated body containing two spaced-apart electrodes which are respectively connected to the positive terminal of the battery of the vehicle and to at least some of the electrical control or driving elements of the vehicle. The body contains an electrical conductive fluid in which the electrodes are immersed and is upwardly extended by two tubes which are perpendicular to the body and are interconnected in their upper part by a transfer pipe. A region of transition, located in the region of the connection of the body to the two tubes, is closed by a retarding diaphragm provided with a calibrated orifice. When the vehicle assumes an unusual inclination due to a tipping or overturning thereof, the fluid flows from the body into either of the tubes and thus breaks the circuit between the two electrodes.

Abstract: An improved solid state self cancelling motorcycle turn signal system that recognizes when the turn has been completed. The circuit utilizes silicon controlled rectifiers for energizing the motorcycle turn signal lights. Mercury switches are adjusted and connected in said circuit such that when the motorcycle is in an upright position, the switches will open, thus turning off the system.

Abstract: A position memory device for a reclining seat to memorize tilted positions of a seat back. The memory device includes a memory wheel adapted to be rotated with movements of the seat back, a reset cam integrally formed with the memory wheel, and a reset lever urging against the reset cam so as to rotate the memory wheel relative to the seat back. Two memory switches adapted to engage respective ends of a recessed portion of the memory wheel to sense when the memory wheel is rotated to a determined position with the seat back in the memorized position, thereby improving the accuracy of returned positions of the seat back and decreasing operative forces of the reset lever.

Abstract: A tilt indicating device mountable on a tiltable vehicle or machine component and operable to close an electrical circuit to thereby give an audio/visual warning or initiate levelling action in case of tilt. The device comprises an insulated housing having a chamber therein filled with electrically non-conductive viscous damping fluid in which a float is submerged and upwardly bouyed. An electrically conductive ball and socket pivot assembly connects the float to the chamber floor and enables tilting of the housing relative to the float in any direction from vertical. An electrically conductive circular disc horizontally mounted on the float stem and electrically connected through the pivot means to a connector terminal on the exterior of the housing is spaced from but engageable during tilt with the upper edge of an annular collector ring mounted on the housing floor and surrounding the pivot means.

Abstract: An electrical translation circuit for detecting the initiation and termination of a lane change or turn of a motorcycle, automobile, boat or other like vehicle. A linear acceleration sensor detects the lateral movement of a vehicle commencing a lane change or turn and produces a signal responsive to same. The output of the sensor assembly is translated into a detectable signal and input as a reset signal to memory units which have stored an electrical signal equivalent to the manually selected direction of the turn. An appropriate change in signal level from the sensor assembly is processed to eliminate a response to false turn indications. Upon the completion of the turn or lane change, the memory unit indicating the direction of change will be reset terminating the illumination of the vehicle's directional signal.

Abstract: A special switch installed within an automotive vehicle between the battery and the vehicle electric system, so that when the special switch is turned off, the vehicle battery is completely disconnected, thus eliminating all danger of a fire starting in case a short circuit occurs anywhere in the system; the special switch consisting, in one form of the invention, of an ordinary heavy duty switch inside the engine compartment that can be manually disconnected by a flexible cable extending through the fire wall to a pull knob located conveniently to the vehicle driver.

Abstract: A device for detecting a change in the slope of a member relative to a reference is disclosed. The device includes a slope sensor, mounted to the member, characterized by a resistance between one end of the slope sensor and an intermediate node, and a conductive fluid within the sensor which varies the effective resistance of the slope sensor between the end thereof and the node by an amount corresponding to the change in the slope of the member relative to the reference.

Abstract: A safety interlock system for microwave ovens comprising first and second interconnected switches activated by the oven door. Each switch has make-and-break contacts. The first switch interrupts the current to the microwave source when the door is opened and the second switch monitors the operation of the first switch. The switches are connected in series with a fuse so that a malfunction of either of the switches makes the oven immediately unusable. A delay element is connected within one switch and the first switch is arranged to operate before the second switch when the door is initially opened. The delay element is a negative temperature coefficient (N.T.C) resistor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a boat alarm system including a sensor that provides a sensor output in response to a predetermined change in its orientation, a timer for providing an alarm signal in response to a one-quarter to one second period of uninterrupted sensor output and a means for generating an alarm in response to the alarm signal. The detected change in orientation is produced by an uninterrupted list of the boat in any direction for the required one-quarter to one second period. Also provided is an auxiliary timer that prevents the generation of the alarm in response to changes in the sensor's orientation that occur at less than a predetermined rate. Finally, a limit mechanism insures the generation of an alarm when such a condition reaches an extent that threatens swamping of the boat.