Abstract: A retainer arrangement that includes a retainer for retaining a hinged arm on a vehicle in a stored position positively so that the hinged arm does not move away from the vehicle unintentionally. The arrangements may be used in connection with a hinged stop arm that is attached to the side of a school bus that is deployed when the school bus stops to pick-up or drop off passengers.

Abstract: An occupant monitoring and restraint status system is provided. The system includes an occupant boarding and de-boarding system. The occupant boarding and de-boarding system detects boarding and de-boarding of occupants. The system also includes a bench type seat that has a plurality of seat locations. Each of these seat locations includes a seat belt system which has a status sensor to detect a state of the seat belt system. Each seat location also includes an occupant sensing system. The occupant sensing system detects the presence and identity of an occupant at the seat location. The system further includes a display which includes a seat status indicator for each of the plurality of seat locations. The seat status indicators include information regarding a presence of an occupant, an occupant identity, and a state of a seat belt system.

Abstract: A vehicle-borne camera-based observation system for monitoring areas adjacent a vehicle or passenger vehicle, such as a bus or schoolbus, is disclosed, to provide safer operation for passersby, including for children, and driver convenience. The system includes several cameras, and several monitors in a driver's area displaying all of the fields of view from the cameras, such that each monitor may be controllable to show either the field of view of a first camera or a the field of view of a second camera, according to a driver selection or according to an automatic selection. Night vision, automatic tracking, and illumination systems are also provided.

Abstract: A mirror reflective element sub-assembly suitable for use for an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate having an indicator receiving portion established thereat, and a signal indication module having a light source. The signal indication module attaches to the indicator receiving portion of the mirror back plate and the light source is activatable to emit light through the indicator receiving portion. The light source is established at a circuit element and the signal indication module includes a housing that substantially encases the circuit element therein. The circuit element has electrical terminals extending therefrom and protruding at least partially at a connector portion of the housing so as to be electrically connectable to a power source of the vehicle. The connector portion of the housing is configured to provide a plug-socket connection between the power source and the signal indication module.

Abstract: An audio visual turn/hazard signaling system in a vehicle can include an electronic user-selectable sound file, a control circuitry containing a solid state relay, a sensor, and an amplifier. The signal system of the invention provides a customizable signal system including a sound file where the operator can choose the volume and frequency to play when turn signal is activated. The signal system of the invention also provides an automatic volume adjuster wherein the safety of the operator while operating a vehicle is enhanced.

Abstract: A school bus has a hinged stop arm, a bidirectional electric motor operatively connected to the hinged stop arm for pivoting the hinged stop arm between a stored position adjacent the school bus and a deployed position extending outwardly of the school bus, and a motor control module for controlling the bidirectional electric motor. A retainer arrangement is attached to the school bus for retaining the hinged stop arm in the stored position positively and a second control module is operatively connected to the motor control module. The retainer arrangement includes a servo motor and a lock member that is moved by the servo motor between a lock position retaining the hinged arm in the stored position and a release position allowing the hinged stop arm to be pivoted outwardly by the motor. The motor and the servo motor are operated by a common switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to provide evidence that a person who is intended to make a required inspection was actually physically present at a predefined location associated with the inspection, so that the inspection could have been done, and if not, to provide an indication of the failure to perform the inspection. This invention is particularly well suited to determine if required pre/post-trip inspections of vehicles have been performed. Detecting a triggering condition, such as powering on (or off) equipment, indicates the beginning of a period of time during which the inspection is to be performed. The monitoring system waits for a predetermined event to occur, which indicates the period of time has expired and determines if data corresponding to the inspection have been received. If not, it is concluded that the inspection has not been performed.

Abstract: A device for installation in an automobile including a passenger car, minivan or bus (e.g., a school bus) indicates the position of each window and emergency exit of the vehicle and sounds an alarm to indicate to the driver of the vehicle that one or more of the windows and/or emergency exits is open. The alarm may be a combination of a visual lighted display on the driver console and/or an audible alarm indicator. The visual indicator may further indicate the operative position of any particular window or emergency door opening between the closed position, slight open, half open and fully open positions. The device alerts the driver of the vehicle to correct the window position of each window and emergency exit of the vehicle for purposes of safety as well as to prevent robbery and/or damage to the vehicle (e.g., from rain, sprinklers, etc.) when leaving the vehicle unoccupied. The device may also alert the driver to crack the windows partially open when leaving a pet in the vehicle for a short time.

Abstract: The present invention is a warning system for alerting a driver and others to ensure an examination is made of a school or day care bus or van is thoroughly examined for remaining occupants following a transportation run.

Abstract: A system and method for discouraging stop-arm violations is provided having a image recording means positioned on a stop-arm of a bus, ice cream truck or other such vehicle. The image recording means may be a digital still camera or video camera and is connected to a storage unit, such as a video cassette recorder (VCR), a digital video recorder (DVR) or solid-state memory storage. The image recording means is configured to activate and begin recording images when the stop-arm is fully extended and cease recording of images once the stop-arm is fully retracted.

Abstract: A system for deploying a barrier deterring approach by pedestrians to the exhaust outlet from a vehicle operates in response to exhaust temperature and stopping of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting control system provides aural warning that the conditions for activating pupil warning lights have been met but that the pupil warning light system has not been armed, preventing operation of the lights.

Abstract: The present invention is a warning system for alerting a driver and others to ensure an examination is made of a school or day care bus or van is thoroughly examined for remaining occupants following a transportation run.

Abstract: A safety unit for use on vehicles such as school buses. In one embodiment, a housing is provided for the drive motor and related elements for moving a stop sign on the side of the bus between its retracted and extended positions. The housing has a removable cover to provide access to the drive motor and related elements, and the stop sign is mounted on a driveshaft that extends through a single opening in the bottom wall of the housing. In a second embodiment the safety unit is integrated with an access panel on the school bus.

Abstract: System and method for automatically broadcasting voice-based prompt warnings toward an embarkation and/or disembarkation location at which passengers such as students and others may or will be present. The method is multi-model providing voice messages during an approach mode, a stop mode and a standby mode. Recorded human voice messages are employed for the prompt and are the recorded voices of one or more people having voice characteristics generally recognizable by the passengers to an extent effective to supplement the function of the immature prefrontal cortex.

Abstract: A school bus has a hinged stop arm, a bidirectional electric motor operatively connected to the hinged stop arm for pivoting the hinged stop arm between a stored position adjacent the school bus and a deployed position extending outwardly of the school bus, and a motor control module for controlling the bidirectional electric motor. A retainer arrangement is attached to the school bus for retaining the hinged stop arm in the stored position positively and a second control module is operatively connected to the motor control module. The retainer arrangement includes a servo motor and a lock member that is moved by the servo motor between a lock position retaining the hinged arm in the stored position and a release position allowing the hinged stop arm to be pivoted outwardly by the motor. The motor and the servo motor are operated by a common switch.

Abstract: The invention is a versatile school bus traffic control system. When power is first applied, or the RESET pushbutton is pushed, it is set to its quiescent state. Pushing the MODE ADVANCE pushbutton switch will advance to the next state: flashing alternating yellow traffic control lights. The next push of MODE ADVANCE will advance the system to: flash traffic control lights, one side red and the other side yellow, next, the complementing red and yellow. This is repeated for approximately three seconds, next, automatically advancing to only alternating red traffic control lights flash, until MODE ADVANCE is again pushed. The invention then returns to quiescence. Optionally, the invention will reset, and or not respond to MODE ADVANCE if the school bus is in motion.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting control system for a school bus allows automatic activation of hazard mode operation of the vehicle's signaling lights in response to activation of other warning lights. Deactivation follows upon the vehicle exceeding a predetermined maximum speed.

Abstract: A system and method for discouraging stop-arm violations is provided having a image recording means positioned on a stop-arm of a bus, ice cream truck or other such vehicle. The image recording means may be a digital still camera or video camera and is connected to a storage unit, such as a video cassette recorder (VCR), a digital video recorder (DVR) or solid-state memory storage. The image recording means is configured to activate and begin recording images when the stop-arm is fully extended and cease recording of images once the stop-arm is fully retracted.

Abstract: A vehicle-borne camera-based observation system for monitoring areas adjacent a vehicle or passenger vehicle, such as a bus or schoolbus, is disclosed, to provide safer operation for passersby, including for children, and driver convenience. The system includes several cameras, and several monitors in a driver's area displaying all of the fields of view from the cameras, such that each monitor may be controllable to show either the field of view of a first camera or a the field of view of a second camera, according to a driver selection or according to an automatic selection. Night vision, automatic tracking, and illumination systems are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting responsible personnel to perform a post-trip inspection check for passengers remaining on a bus at the end of a trip by issuing audible and/or visual alerts when the bus is parked and the motor shut off at the end of the trip. The ignition switch (47) must be placed in ACCESSORY position and a park brake applied for the system to be rendered capable of being disarmed by operation of a disarming device (45S) at the rear of the bus. Operation of the disarming device is indicated by a correct sequence of operating conditions of the device, namely first non-actuated, then actuated, and then non-actuated. The system includes a SNOOZE state that allows the ignition switch to be temporarily turned off during a trip and the alert to be stopped by pressing a snooze switch.

Abstract: A pick-up/drop-off management system improves the efficiency of carrying small children on a pick-up bus to a primary school or other facility. A non-contact method is used to read ID information of bus passengers, and to generate information regarding boarded passengers. When a person comes to meet a passenger, ID information of the meeting person is also read by using a non-contact method. The system is used to keep track of what passengers have boarded, and to control the meeting of passengers by others, by matching ID information for passengers and meeting persons held in memory, which can be accessed from a bus or a meeting location.

Abstract: A system and method for the automated sequencing of certain operations when a vehicle, such as a school bus, (10) approaches a railroad crossing where it is required to stop before proceeding across the crossing. A devoted switch (28) is actuated by the driver to initiate the sequence. After stopping, vehicle speed or distance traveled is used to restore conditions of various devices whose operation was affected by the initial switch actuation.

Abstract: An adjustable, elevated and externally mounted lighting device (21) for vehicles such as school busses (22) and other types of vehicles, that provides a pool of light (23) to passenger loading and unloading areas for better visibility of passengers, vehicle drivers, and other vehicle operators in the vicinity during hours of darkness. The light's adjustability, combined with a diffused lens (29), provides a broad and bright pool of light (23) without obstructing passenger visibility or driver use of side mirrors (30). The light (21) is connected to the vehicle's on-board electrical power system and is activated automatically without distracting driver attentiveness, but with provisions for manual over-ride activation if needed in special circumstances such as emergencies or wheelchair loading/unloading.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting responsible personnel to perform a post-trip inspection check for passengers remaining on a bus at the end of a trip by issuing audible and/or visual alerts when the bus is parked and the motor shut off at the end of the trip. The ignition switch (47) must be placed in ACCESSORY position and a park brake applied for the system to be rendered capable of being disarmed by operation of a disarming device (45S) at the rear of the bus. Operation of the disarming device is indicated by a correct sequence of operating conditions of the device, namely first non-actuated, then actuated, and then non-actuated. The system includes a SNOOZE state that allows the ignition switch to be temporarily turned off during a trip and the alert to be stopped by pressing a snooze switch.

Abstract: The system includes a stop sign device, a wave signal transmitter, a signal receiver and a warning signal. The wave signal transmitter is located at the stop sign device, that is it is near it, or is attached to it. The transmitter projects a wave signal outwardly in a direction from the front of the stop sign device, that is toward oncoming traffic that is expected to comply with the stop sign device. The wave signal of the transmitter has a predetermined frequency and transmission strength, and may be radio or IR or other wave signal. The signal receiver is adapted to receive a wave signal of the same frequency of said wave signal of the transmitter, so that when it is near the transmitter, it will receive that signal.

Abstract: In a deployment apparatus for extending a safety device from a school bus, the safety device is attached to a connector which is rotated about a pivot pin that is turned by a friction clutch driven by an output shaft. The safety device may be either a guard arm on a front bumper or a stop sign on a side of the school bus. The present invention is an improvement, i.e. an L-shaped bracket and a gear box are integrally molded together into a unitary structure. Gears inside the box turn the output shaft and an electric motor, operatively connected to the gear box, drives the gears. Furthermore, the L-shaped bracket has closed-end elongated slots through which fasteners extend to secure the unitary structure to an inside wall of the deployment apparatus.

Abstract: A school bus has a stop sign hinged on an electrical actuator assembly that is attached to the side of the bus. The actuator assembly includes an electric motor that pivots the hinged stop sign from a stored position adjacent the bus to an operative position extending outwardly of the bus in perpendicular fashion and back to the stored position and an electrical control unit that includes Hall effect sensors for controlling the electric motor. These and other components are protected in an outer sealed housing that has a removable cover to facilitate installation and repair. Installation and repair is further enhanced by a removable inner housing sub-assembly that carries the electric motor and the electric control unit and that provides additional protection for these two components. The school bus also has a crossing arm hinged on an identical electrical actuator assembly, that is attached to the front bumper of the bus near the passenger doors.

Abstract: An audio safety apparatus for vehicles and equipment that operate in a reverse mode using Electro-mechanical or mechanical means adaptable to various electro-mechanical applications. The apparatus is used for cars, buses, trucks, planes or any other vehicle that moves and has a battery as part of its power supply. The audio safety apparatus has a backing safety system, a school bus stop sign arm safety system, and a driver information safety system. Through a system of hardware connected to a CPU (central processing unit), a sound chip and a waterproof speaker, the apparatus is programmed to recognize dangerous vehicle situations and alert the operator of a vehicle in an audible manner before accidents occur. The audio safety apparatus includes a driver inspection program for use before the vehicle is put in operation or put to motion.

Abstract: A transportation management system comprises a management terminal device provided in a transportation medium and a management body device for remotely managing the transportation state of a transportation object. The management terminal device comprises a position detecting device, a get-on/off detecting device and a transportation information transmitter, which respectively, detects the current position of the transportation medium, detects the delivery-in/out of the transportation object to/from the transportation medium, and transmits transportation information to the management body device.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a reciprocating arm vehicular safety device with a magnetized element for preventing inadvertent deployment of the reciprocating arm. The apparatus has a magnetized element on the arm and an electromagnet on a vehicle bumper, the magnetized element and electromagnet disposed so as to engage the arm in a retracted position. When the reciprocating arm is moved to an extended position, current is passed through the electromagnet to repel the magnetized element, thereby allowing the arm to move to the extended position by a motor.

Abstract: An automotive tire pressure monitoring assembly 10 for installation in a vehicle 12 is provided. The automotive tire pressure monitoring assembly 10 includes at least one tire pressure sensor 34 generating a signal based on the pressure of air within a tire 14. The at least one tire pressure sensor 34 further includes a sensor receiver 68 in communication with a sensor control logic 38. The sensor control logic 38 is adapted to receive spectral noise 20 from at least one noise generating assembly 18. The automotive tire pressure monitoring assembly 10 further includes a controller assembly 52 positioned within the vehicle 12 and in remote communication with the at least one tire pressure sensor 34. The automotive tire pressure monitoring assembly 10 includes a positioning logic adapted to determine the position of the at least one tire pressure sensor 34 based on the strength of the spectral noise 20.

Abstract: Vehicle safety flag assemblies include a mounting member configured for mounting to a vehicle. A flag is movably coupled to the mounting member. The flag is movable between a first position and a second position. An ignition override switch is connected to the mounting member and/or the flag. The ignition override switch is open when the flag is in the first position to override operation of the vehicle ignition and closed when the flag is in the second position to allow operation of the vehicle. Methods of using the vehicle safety flag assemblies to safely operate a vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a reciprocating arm vehicular safety device with a magnetized element for preventing inadvertent deployment of the reciprocating arm. The apparatus has a magnetized element on the arm and an electromagnet on a vehicle bumper, the magnetized element and electromagnet disposed so as to engage the arm in a retracted position. When the reciprocating arm is moved to an extended position, current is passed through the electromagnet to repel the magnetized element, thereby allowing the arm to move to the extended position by a motor.

Abstract: A school bus has a stop sign hinged on an electrical actuator assembly that is attached to the side of the bus. The actuator assembly includes an electric motor that pivots the hinged stop sign from a stored position adjacent the bus to an operative position extending outwardly of the bus in perpendicular fashion and back to the stored position and an electrical control unit that includes Hall effect sensors for controlling the electric motor. These and other components are protected in an outer sealed housing that has a removable cover to facilitate installation and repair. Installation and repair is further enhanced by a removable inner housing sub-assembly that carries the electric motor and the electric control unit and that provides additional protection for these two components. The school bus also has a crossing arm hinged on an identical electrical actuator assembly, that is attached to the front bumper of the bus near the passenger doors.

Abstract: The invention is for a vandal resistant latch/starter-interlock assembly for a bus door. In the assembly of the invention, the alarm and the starter-interlock are part of the same assembly. The assembly includes box through which a modified latch bolt extends laterally. The latch bolt is locked by a vandal lock. When unlocked, the latch bolt slides or moves to allow the door to be opened. The alarm and starter-interlock are activated after unlocking the vandal lock. Typically, the alarm is activated when the latch bolt is moved, usually by moving a door latch. While the starter-interlock can also be activated by moving the latch bolt, it is preferably activated by unlocking the vandal lock.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted warning assembly for providing highly visible safety measures for trucks and trailers upon roadways. The vehicle mounted warning assembly includes a display assembly being adapted to mount to a vehicle for providing a warning to other motorists, and including one or more plates, and also including an assembly of illuminating light being attached to the one or more plates; and also includes a support assembly being adapted to mount to a vehicle and supporting the display assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a reciprocating arm vehicular safety device with a lock for preventing inadvertent deployment of the reciprocating arm. The apparatus has a rotor provided with retaining fingers for engaging the reciprocating, rotatable between locked and unlocked positions. When the reciprocating arm is retracted the rotor rotates to the locked position, and drive circuitry deactivates the device in response to stalling of the rotor drive motor.

Abstract: A school bus has a stop sign hinged on an electrical actuator assembly that is attached to the side of the bus. The actuator assembly includes an electric motor that pivots the hinged stop sign from a stored position adjacent the bus to an operative position extending outwardly of the bus in perpendicular fashion and back to the stored position and an electrical control unit that includes Hall effect sensors for controlling the electric motor. These and other components are protected in an outer sealed housing that has a removable cover to facilitate installation and repair. Installation and repair is further enhanced by a removable inner housing sub-assembly that carries the electric motor and the electric control unit and that provides additional protection for these two components. The school bus also has a crossing arm hinged on an identical electrical actuator assembly, that is attached to the front bumper of the bus near the passenger doors.

Abstract: A school bus approaching notification system for alerting users of an approaching school bus so that children do not have to stand outside and wait for the school bus. The school bus approaching notification system includes a transmitter assembly being adapted to be mounted in a school bus; and includes a transmitter mounting bracket supporting the transmitter unit and being adapted to be securely fastened in the school bus; and further includes a receiver assembly including a first receiver unit being adapted to be located in a home and also including a second receiver unit being adapted to be located in a passenger vehicle.

Abstract: A system for enabling communication between one of a plurality of riders of a vehicle and an operator of the vehicle, wherein each rider has associated therewith at least one of a plurality of predetermined conditions, which may be normal and handicapped conditions. A first memory stores a first message associated with a first one of the predetermined conditions, and a second memory stores a second message that is associated with a second one of the predetermined conditions. An announcement system issues an indication perceptible to the operator of the vehicle and to the plurality of riders of the vehicle. A coupling arrangement couples the first and second memories to the announcement system.

Abstract: A locomotive communication system for communicating between a locomotive and a fixed site. A communication system commissioning process is utilized to ensure that the locomotive phone number and locomotive road number are paired at the fixed site so that data downloaded from the locomotive, in response to a call from the fixed site using the locomotive phone number will be identified with the correct locomotive road number.

Abstract: A system and method allow for optimum allocation of buses or similar vehicles. The buses may form a fleet in a metropolitan transportation system. Each bus may be assigned to complete one or more routes during a given time period. Using geo-satellite position system technology, a bus may determine its current location and provide the current location to a local bus operating center or hub. The hub may monitor locations of known obstacles, and may monitor progress of the bus in completing its route. If an obstacle could interfere with route completion, the hub may send an alert and an alternate route to the bus. If a bus cannot complete its assigned route due to the presence of obstacles, the hub may determine that one or more additional buses must be put in service to satisfy required bus routing.

Abstract: A bus safety system for reminding a driver to search a bus for passengers comprising a receiver module incorporating a microprocessor, the receiver module programmed to control an alarm based on at least one selected time interval following activation; a wire harness attachable between the receiver module and an electrical system of the bus; and a transmitter incorporating an alarm deactivation switch and adapted to send RF signals; wherein the receiver module is adapted to receive the RF signals from the transmitter.

Abstract: The invention is for a vandal resistant latch/starter-interlock assembly for a bus door. In the assembly of the invention, the alarm and the starter-interlock are part of the same assembly. The assembly includes box through which a modified latch bolt extends laterally. The latch bolt is locked by a vandal lock. When unlocked, the latch bolt slides or moves to allow the door to be opened. The alarm and starter-interlock are activated after unlocking the vandal lock. Typically, the alarm is activated when the latch bolt is moved, usually by moving a door latch. While the starter-interlock can also be activated by moving the latch bolt, it is preferably activated by unlocking the vandal lock.

Abstract: An emergency exit monitor system for school buses provides both an audible and visual signal to the driver when one of the emergency exits is opened. The school bus comprises a plurality of emergency exits. One or more sensors detect when an emergency exit is open. A monitor communicates with the sensors and provides a visual and audible signal to the driver when a sensor detects an emergency exit is open. In one embodiment, the monitor additionally identifies which of the emergency exits are open.

Abstract: An aural warning system for buses is provided which comprises a logic controller circuit board in electrical communication with an audible alarm. The logic controller circuit board actuates the audible alarm in a preprogrammed response to input data. The input data is provided by one or more loading lights which sending an on/off signal to the logic controller circuit board, a speed sensor which provides information as to the speed of the bus to the logic controller circuit board, and an open/closed switch providing information regarding the open/closed status of one or more doors of the bus. The preprogrammed response actuates the audible alarm when the one or more loading lights are on, the speed sensor when the speed of the bus is less than a threshold speed and the one or more doors are closed.

Abstract: A safety system and method for school buses in which sensors are associated with each seat to sense if a person is occupying the seat and if the seat belt is buckled. A display, within the vision of the bus driver, shows the condition of each seat. Sensors determine the head count of students on the bus. An alarm signals a mismatch between the head count and seats occupied. A telecommunications link and a global positioning system provides bus location to a remote station. Additional sensors detect shook, heat, smoke, CO, water and tire pressure.

Abstract: A bus safety system for reminding a driver to search a bus for passengers comprising a receiver module incorporating a microprocessor, the receiver module programmed to control an alarm based on at least one selected time interval following activation; a wire harness attachable between the receiver module and an electrical system of the bus; and a transmitter incorporating an alarm deactivation switch and adapted to send RF signals; wherein the receiver module is adapted to receive the RF signals from the transmitter.

Abstract: A bus has three examples of a vehicle signal light assembly. Each assembly includes a housing base with a perimeter wall defining a cavity. The cavity includes an end portion set off by a partition in the cavity. Separate circuit boards are disposed in the end portion and the remaining portion of the cavity. Each circuit board has an array of LEDs that convey a message. One circuit board can be positioned in the end cavity portion in at least two different orientations. The end portion of the cavity and the one circuit board are preferably octagonal in shape to accommodate several orientations of a circuit board having arrays of LEDs arranged in symbols such as an arrow or a stop sign.