Abstract: A vehicle maintenance interval monitoring system designed to alert the motor vehicle's operator of performing preventive maintenances. The system uses operation time of the vehicle as maintenance scheduling interval. The system includes a device that includes a input/output port, display unit, battery as power source, and a vibration sensor and RF antenna connected to a microprocessor. The microprocessor has a EEPROM, Flash memory, and a main processor. Various information are transmitted to the device and stored in the EEPROM by a computer. Main processor performs functions programmed into the Flash memory. This vibration sensor detects vibration and RF antenna gets a signal when the engine is on and activates counters stored in the microprocessor. The operation time of the vehicle is stored in the EEPROM for each preventive service. In operation, the microprocessor generates various maintenance alert signals at predetermined accumulated times.

Abstract: A system and method use a wireless tether comprising a transmitter and a receiver to alert a caregiver that an object has been left unattended. A detector senses the presence of the object, usually a child, located in a position such as a safety seat. The detector is operatively coupled to the transmitter, which is located near the object. The transmitter transmits at least one wireless signal when the object is in the position. The receiver, which is remotely located from the transmitter, senses the at least one signal as long as the receiver is within a prescribed range of transmission. By performing a timing function, the receiver monitors the proximity of the caregiver, who maintains possession of the receiver, to the transmitter. The system communicates an alarm to the caregiver when the caregiver ventures outside the range of transmission without having removed the object from the position.

Abstract: Upon establishing a wireless speech connection with a host station, a cellular telephone automatically sends data for backup that includes at least control information stored in the telephone. The data transmitted from the cellular telephone are saved in a data backup device of the host office.

Abstract: A security system for notifying a driver that a mechanical key is being retained in a portable device. The portable device has an indicator that is illuminated when the mechanical key is not retained in the portable device.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the rear roll-up, truck-door indicator is a magnetically operated indicator which is visible to the truck driver by simply looking into the driver's rear view mirror. The invention relates to a rear roll-up, truck-door open-or-closed indicator. The indicator will be located on the outside of the left side of the truck box body. There will be a clear tube placed through the truck box and will extend outside of the body. This tube will be placed at a slight upward angle from the outside of the truck to the inside of the truck box. A colorful indicator piston will be placed inside of this tube. The indicator will be colorful when the door is open; conversely, the indicator will not be colorful when the door is closed.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising an audio alert device, a timer, a processor; and a four-wheel drive device for a subject vehicle. The processor may activate the timer when the four-wheel drive device indicates that the subject vehicle has been placed in a four-wheel drive state. The processor may activate the audio alert device so that the audio alert device produces a sound when the timer has reached a limit. The apparatus may include a distance counter. The processor may activate the distance counter when the four-wheel drive device indicates that the subject vehicle has been placed in a four-wheel drive state. The processor may activate the audio alert device so that the audio alert device produces a sound when the distance counter has reached a limit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator, which is used in a belt latch mechanism of restraint systems in motor vehicles and which indicates the proper locking of the tongue of the safety belt when the tongue is inserted into the belt latch mechanism. The actuator is provided in the form of a double-contact actuator, whereby the contact steel plates are arranged inside a contact space that is closed at the top, and the contact can be actuated by a slide by moving this slide into a channel situated to the side of the inner space of the housing.

Abstract: An alarm mechanism includes a first programming for programming an expiration date signifying that an event must be performed. A second programming is included for programming a notification date for notifying a user that the event must be performed. A display device displays the expiration date thereon. A timing mechanism produces an actual date and is connected to the first and second programming. A processor compares the actual date produced by the timing mechanism with each of the expiration date and notification date. An alerting device alerts a user that at least one of the expiration date and the notification date is greater than or equal to the actual date. Upon the at least one of the expiration date and the notification date is greater than or equal to the actual date, the processor causes the alerting device to emit an alert thereby notifying the user that the event must be performed.

Abstract: A method and system for warning an operator of a vehicle of a vehicular task that is being performed beyond a pre-determined time for execution of the task involving incrementally increasing audio and visual warnings as the task continues to be performed past the pre-determined time.

Abstract: In a system for warning a failure to wear a seat belt to urge a vehicle operator to wear the seat belt, a sound emitter is activated when a vehicle speed is higher than a threshold level and the seat belt is not fastened. The sound emitter cyclically alternates between a sound emitting state and a silent state when activated, the silent state lasting for a period of at least three seconds each time. Because the silent state is interposed between sound emitting states and because the warning is not emitted when traveling for a short period of time at a low speed, for instance, in a parking garage or the like or when the vehicle is stationary, the annoyance to the vehicle operator is minimized while allowing the vehicle operator to be kept warned.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (200) and control system (100) for alerting a user of a mobile communication device (110). The method includes the steps of receiving (216) a communication request at the mobile communication device in a vehicle (114), detecting (224) whether a predetermined vehicle condition is present in response to the receipt of the communication request, assigning (226) a predetermined alert mode based on the presence of a predetermined vehicle condition and alerting (234) a user of the mobile communication device of the communication request in accordance with the assigned predetermined alert mode.

Abstract: The alert sound having specific frequencies and volume is repeated at a different cycle depending upon each warning level. Additionally, or alternatively, the audible alert corresponding to the lowest warning level is activated before activating the audible alert corresponding the present warring level.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a warning apparatus for an automobile, comprising: a receiving unit for receiving a driver's information from a memory device memorizing said driver's information; a memorizing unit for memorizing a automobile insurance information; a determining unit for determining whether or not the driver is an insurant on the basis of said driver's information and the automobile insurance information; and a warning unit for warning the driver not to drive when the determining unit has determined that the driver is not said insurant.

Abstract: A performance enhancement system incorporating a controller, an engine tachometer and a visual indicator light which illuminates within a predetermined range of engine RPMs and which may be separately mounted as required in the driver's visual focal plane to reduce visual distractions, aiding the driver in optimizing torque transference to the tires of a drag racing vehicle.

Abstract: A child car seat with a built-in cushion switch that closes when the seat is occupied. Also, push type switches are added to at least one of the vehicle's side passenger doors with signals being routed to a micro-controller unit, which determines when the car seat is occupied AND when one of the doors is open and enables the vehicle's internal beeper alarm, thereby reminding any occupants exiting the vehicle that a child is strapped in the back seat. Additionally, an inside temperature sensor is coupled to the micro-controller unit, which sets off a loud external alarm such as the vehicle's security alarm, when the temperature inside the vehicle goes above or below a safe preprogrammed environmental range. This is an additional safety feature that will get the attention of people outside the vehicle, indicating that a child is trapped in a dangerous environment inside the vehicle and needs help.

Abstract: A system for detecting proper usage of a seatbelt in a vehicle by an operator of the vehicle is provided. The seatbelt usage detection system includes a first communication device arranged on the seatbelt and a second communication device. One of the first and second communication devices is a transmitter and the other of the first and second communication devices is a receiver. The receiver and transmitter are capable of establishing a communication link with each other. The second communication device is arranged in the vehicle so as to be able to establish a communication link with the first communication device of a predetermined signal strength upon proper fastening of the seatbelt around the body of an operator. The system also includes a processing unit for monitoring the signal strength of the communication link between the first and second communication devices and for providing a signal that the seatbelt is unfastened when the signal strength is less than the predetermined signal strength.

Abstract: A vehicle and a method for controlling headlight status in a first vehicle includes receiving status information from at least one vehicle other than the first vehicle located in a communication area surrounding the first vehicle, the status information including a headlight status of the at least one other vehicle. A headlight status of the first vehicle is determined, and an action is initiated in the first vehicle based on the determined headlight status of the first vehicle and the received vehicle status of the at least one vehicle.

Abstract: An arrangement (10) for remotely controlling convenience functions at a plurality of devices (35X–35Y) includes a plurality of device-based receivers (30X–30Y) and a plurality of portable transmitters (20A–20C). Each of the plurality of receivers (30X–30Y) include the capability of receiving a remote convenience function request signal and conveying a remote convenience function request message to a device operations system (38X or 38Y) for use in performing a remotely requested convenience function. Each of the plurality of transmitters (20A–20C) include capability of being configurable to be compatible with any of the plurality of receivers (30X–30Y) for outputting a remote convenience function request signal to cause remote control performance of a function at the respective device (35X or 35Y).

Abstract: The invention provides traffic safety apparatus including light-to-frequency converters for monitoring the status of traffic signals and tail lights of same lane close proximity preceding vehicles and when dangerous or potentially dangerous conditions are detected, visually and/or audibly providing an alert signal to the driver. The monitored information can be real-time recorded in the drivers vehicle and if desired, transmitted by wireless to off-vehicle receivers. Recording the information in the vehicle establishes an operational history that can be important for such uses as accident reconstruction, whereas information transmitted by wireless can be recorded by entities such as law enforcement, thereby adding an additional measure of traffic safety as well as providing documentation of driving infractions.

Abstract: An electronic equipment system includes a housing 20 and a plurality of modules 31 to 35, which are removably built in and fixed to the housing 20. The modules 31 to 34 includes a liquid crystal display 31a; a graphic control circuit 32a1 and a navigation control circuit 32a2; an MD unit 33a; and a CD unit 34a, respectively. The module 35 is formed through integration of control sections, such as constant-voltage circuits for power supply, which achieve a function that is common among the graphic control circuit and the navigation control circuit, the MD unit, and the CD unit. Thus, it becomes possible to replace only necessary one among the modules 31 to 34, thereby reducing cost necessary for upgrading of the system.

Abstract: The fluid life monitoring system of the present invention includes a pressure monitor coupled to an engine. The pressure monitor is configured to detect a change in the amount of time it takes the engine's lubricating fluid to reach a pre-determined fluid pressure and, based on a detected change, reset the fluid life monitoring system.

Abstract: A seatbelt fastening prompting apparatus comprises a display device of driving assistance information which displays driving assistance information on a screen, a seatbelt fastening detection device which detects a fastening situation of a seatbelt as to whether the seatbelt is fastened or unfastened, a vehicle speed detection device which detects a vehicle speed, and a control device which allows the screen to display warning contents to the effect that the seatbelt should be fastened, when an ignition switch is turned on and the seatbelt is detected as being unfastened by the seatbelt fastening detection device. In the seatbelt fastening prompting apparatus, the warning contents are changed to raise a warning level thereof step by step in accordance with the vehicle speed.

Abstract: An improved over-running indicator structure essentially comprises an upper housing, a lower housing, a circuit board and a fixing support; the upper housing and the lower housing are firmly connected by a lock device, and the lower housing is fixed on the fixing support; a circuit board is set between the upper housing and the lower housing, the circuit board is configured with a light emitter, a screen and a button, the circuit board uses a transmission line to connect with a tachometer; a driver can use the button to set the rotational speed for showing the rotational speed which is set by the driver on the screen, when the rotational speed of the engine exceeds the rotational speed that is set by the driver, the light emitter disposed on the circuit board shines and radiates the light thereof through the arc surface of the upper housing, thus, the driver feel no constrained to any angle for being readily aware of the optimal shifting time to acquire the best power from engine.

Abstract: Detection is made of an activated direction of a vehicular operator device capable of being activated in at least two directions. In response to activation, in a first direction, of the operator device, informing sound is generated which varies over time with a first characteristic, and, in response to activation, in a second direction, of the operator device, informing sound is generated which varies over time with a second characteristic generally opposite to the first characteristic. For example, when a right turn is instructed, informing sound is generated with a characteristic to progressively raise the sound pitch from a relatively low sound pitch, while when a left turn is instructed, informing sound is generated with a characteristic to progressively lower the sound pitch from a relatively low sound pitch (, or vice versa).

Abstract: This document discloses various systems and methods for reducing the likelihood of leaving an unattended child behind in an infant/child seat in a vehicle.

Abstract: A key lock-in prevention system has a warning of a failure to remove a key properly given to a driver when the driver has forgotten to remove the ignition key. When such warning is not required, it is possible to give no warning, wherein no warning of a failure to remove a key is given to the driver when the ignition key is inserted into the key cylinder during the driver's seat side door's open state, even if three conditions, that is, the ignition key is inserted in the key cylinder (Condition 1), the driver's seat side door is open (Condition 2) and the ignition switch is in the off state (Condition 3) are met at the same time.

Abstract: A child safety seat comprises a safety seat unit. An alarm unit is coupled to the safety seat unit. The alarm unit sounds an alarm to remind occupants of the vehicle when a child is sitting in the child safety seat after the ignition of the vehicle in which the child safety seat is installed is turned off.

Abstract: An immobilizer monitors the ignition status of a motor vehicle, in a low power sleep mode or while performing other tasks, and is responsive to a change in ignition status between an off state and an on state to become active from the sleep mode or to interrupt the other tasks. If the change is to an on state, the immobilizer initiates ignition control module interrogation of an ignition control module to check for a valid key in the ignition, authorizes or prevents engine operation according to the result and returns to the sleep mode when finished. If the change is to the off state, the immobilizer again initiates ignition control module interrogation of the ignition control module to check for a valid key in the ignition and sets a key in status datum true or false according to the result. Either the immobilizer itself or a separate body computer responsive to the key in status datum provides a key in ignition warning when a key in status datum of true is detected simultaneously with an open driver door.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for assisting an operator of a technical appliance, with a image display device (2), of which the image is in the normal field of vision of the operator, for display of operationally relevant information in the form of images or symbols (1). According to the invention, a respective image or symbol is displayed at least once for a brief period of time, of which the duration is below the threshold of conscious recognition and above the threshold of subconscious recognition of the operator.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for warning when a child has been left in an infant car seat within a vehicle and the vehicle's door is opened to accommodate exiting driver. The apparatus includes an occupant detection mechanism for detecting the presence of an occupant within an infant seat located within a vehicle; a light detection component for detecting the state of the vehicle's dome light; a battery which provides power to the apparatus; an alarm which activates when the occupant detection mechanism detects the presence of an occupant within the infant seat and the light detection component detects the vehicles dome light has gone from an “off” state to an “on” state because the driver opened the door to exit vehicle. Components of the apparatus are located within the infant seat and can move from vehicle to vehicle along with the infant seat or from infant seat to infant seat.

Abstract: A seat belt alarm, for use with an existing seat belt having a tongue having a tongue flange extending laterally outward, and a buckle having a buckle housing, a front face having a slot for accepting the tongue and locking the tongue therein. The seat belt alarm has an L-shaped housing that selectively attaches beneath the buckle housing and extends alongside the buckle housing. When the L-shaped housing is so positioned, a plunger extends forwardly alongside the buckle housing so that when the tongue is within the slot the tongue flange keeps the plunger inward. If the seat belt is suddenly released and the tongue flange moves away from the front face, a switch in cooperation with the plunger triggers an audible warning.

Abstract: Child safety seats with alarms notify the driver of a vehicle that an infant is in its carrier inside of the vehicle when a door is opened. Forgetting a child inside of the vehicle can result in severe injury to or the death of the child from extreme temperature conditions and/or dehydration. Child safety seats with alarms not only protect the child in the event of accident, but also detect the opening of a vehicle door and remind the driver of the presence of the child through visual and audio alerts. The detector and alarm system are automatically engaged when the buckle of the child safety seat is closed. The condition of the batteries powering the detector and alarm system are also monitored so that the user can be confident that the detector and alarm system have adequate power to function. A pressure transducer is employed as a detector to sense the changing air pressure caused by the opening or closure of a vehicle door.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for warning when a child has been left in an infant car seat within a vehicle and the vehicle's door is opened to accommodate exiting driver. The apparatus includes an occupant detection mechanism for detecting the presence of an occupant within an infant seat located within a vehicle; a light detection component for detecting the state of the vehicle's dome light; a battery which provides power to the apparatus; an alarm which activates when the occupant detection mechanism detects the presence of an occupant within the infant seat and the light detection component detects the vehicles dome light has gone from an “off” state to an “on” state because the driver opened the door to exit vehicle. Components of the apparatus are located within the infant seat and can move from vehicle to vehicle along with the infant seat or from infant seat to infant seat.

Abstract: A confined space monitoring system includes a mammalian body detector sensing a confined space. A thermocouple measures the temperature within the space relative to a thermal threshold. When the temperature in the space is beyond the thermal threshold and an occupant is detected within the space, an alarm subsystem communicates to a remote location the situation. In the instance of a vehicle confined space, when the temperature remains above the threshold for a predetermined amount of time, with the occupant within the vehicle, or in the instance of a building structure, when an auditory alarm triggered by the temperature exceeding the thermal threshold not being reset within a preselected amount of time. A video camera is optionally included to communicate to a remote location that an occupant is indeed present within the confined space.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising an audio alert device, a timer, a processor; and a four-wheel drive device for a subject vehicle. The processor may activate the timer when the four-wheel drive device indicates that the subject vehicle has been placed in a four-wheel drive state. The processor may activate the audio alert device so that the audio alert device produces a sound when the timer has reached a limit. The apparatus may include a distance counter. The processor may activate the distance counter when the four-wheel drive device indicates that the subject vehicle has been placed in a four-wheel drive state. The processor may activate the audio alert device so that the audio alert device produces a sound when the distance counter has reached a limit.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a warning apparatus for an automobile, comprising: a receiving unit for receiving a driver's information from a memory device memorizing said driver's information; a memorizing unit for memorizing a automobile insurance information; a determining unit for determining whether or not the driver is an insurant on the basis of said driver's information and the automobile insurance information; and a warning unit for warning the driver not to drive when the determining unit has determined that the driver is not said insurant.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device for alerting the operator of a truck equipped with a dump bed when the tailgate is unsecured. In one embodiment, the device is connected to an existing “low air” alarm that indicates a rapid drop in air pressure in the air hoses of the brakes. Thus, when the tailgate is unsecured, air pressure in the air hoses drops and a warning indicator alerts the operator of the existence of a dangerous condition. The alarm is deactivated by properly securing the tailgate. In another embodiment, an electrical switch connected to the mechanism that secures the tailgate. An alarm signal is provided to the operator when the mechanism is not properly securing the tailgate. The invention also includes a method for bleeding air from the air system that operates brakes of a dump truck to cause the “low air” alarm to be actuated.

Abstract: A tactile feedback device such as a bumper or prod located to give the operator of a wheeled vehicle tactile feedback when the leg of the operator is in operable position to depress the brake pedal. Preferably, the feedback device is locatably adjustably fixed to the body of the vehicle in a location causing contact when the leg of the operator is in an ergonomically comfortable and ordinary position for depressing the brake. Illustratively, the device may depend from the steering column of a passenger automobile. In an alternative embodiment, the feedback device is readily removable from the vehicle. In a further alternative embodiment, contact characteristics may be adjusted to be, at one end of a range of adjustment a soft contact, at the other end of a range of adjustment a solid, unyielding contact, or any intermediate between the two ends of the range of adjustment.

Abstract: An automatic reminder alarm for a recreational equipment vehicle rack comprising a transmitter placed in proximity of a garage, a receiver located inside the car, an alarm connected to and triggered by the receiver, and an actuating device that automatically activates the receiver when recreational equipment is mounted in the vehicle rack. The receiver triggers the alarm when the receiver is in range of the transmitter and the actuator has activated the receiver.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided to determine if a passenger is present or not because the weight value corresponding to when the seat is empty has shifted. The passenger detection system detects when the door has changed from the closed state to the open state based on a signal from a door switch. The passenger detection system then senses the decrease in weight that occurs thereafter and stores the weight value obtained after the decrease as the empty seat value.

Abstract: A system and method uses a wireless tether comprising a transmitter and a receiver to alert a caregiver that an object or person has been left unattended. A detector senses the presence of the object, usually a child, located in a position such as a safety seat. The detector couples to the transmitter, which is located near the object. The transmitter transmits at least one wireless signal when the object is in the position. The receiver, which is remotely located from the transmitter, senses the at least one signal as long as the receiver is within a prescribed range of transmission. By performing a timing function, the receiver monitors the proximity of the caregiver, who maintains possession of the receiver, to the transmitter. The system communicates an alarm to the caregiver when the caregiver ventures outside the range of transmission without having removed the object/child from the position.

Abstract: A personal sensory reminder system includes an audio circuit that stores an audio message and which is responsive to a first signal for outputting the audio message. The system includes a switch that is responsive to an event for outputting a second signal and a clock circuit that is responsive to (i) the second signal for outputting the first signal to the audio circuit, (ii) the second signal for outputting the first signal to the audio circuit during an activation interval of the clock circuit and for withholding the output of the first signal to the audio circuit during a deactivation interval of the clock circuit or (iii) a change from a deactivation interval to an activation interval for outputting the first signal to the audio circuit.

Abstract: A method of confirming a lock button pressed condition for a remote device associated with a vehicle remote keyless entry system. The method includes setting a counter to zero then, continuously monitoring the remote device for a remote device button activation. If a lock button activation is detected, the counter is increment by one. Otherwise, if an unlock button activation is detected, the counter is reset to zero. An indicator on the remote device is activated, in response to detection of either a lock button or unlock button activation, when the counter is greater than one. In one embodiment, the indicator is an LED which is activated only when, upon detecting a lock button activation, a lock button activation was immediately previously detected. If at any time after initial lock button activation, the unlock button is activated, the LED indicator will not illuminate.

Abstract: A forage harvester represents agricultural implements that include at least one rotating component which is driven through a drive train including a main clutch operable between engaged and disengaged conditions so as to selectively couple and disconnect an output of the implement power source with the rotatable component. A rotation alarm circuit is provided for causing a warning device or devices to be energized in the event that the operator leaves a seat, in which he sits for normal operation, for a predetermined minimum time period while the rotatable component is still rotating, as determined by a rotation sensor. The warning device will remain energized until the rotatable component spins down to a zero speed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for reminding a driver of the presence of at least one particular traffic sign, comprising: an imaging unit (1) attached to the vehicle and directed towards the road ahead of the vehicle; a database (3) containing at least one pre-registered shape of traffic sign; an automatic recognition unit (2) for detecting and identifying, in successive images, a traffic sign by searching image areas having a shape contained in said database; and a sound (5) and/or visual (4) indicator of an identified traffic sign.

Abstract: An automatic reminder alarm for a recreational equipment vehicle rack comprising a transmitter placed in proximity of a garage, a receiver located inside the car, an alarm connected to and triggered by the receiver, and an actuating device that automatically activates the receiver when recreational equipment is mounted in the vehicle rack. The receiver triggers the alarm when the receiver is in range of the transmitter and the actuator has activated the receiver.

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 present invention provides a protective maintenance service system capable of raising an alarm for the replacement of a part when the degradation of an inspection required part reaches the prescribed criteria of replacement. Of the respective inspection required parts stored in the vehicle inspection parts database for the respective vehicles stored in the vehicle database provided by a business unit in advance, the time of part replacement is determined on the basis of the data detected by a part condition sensor for a part having a part condition sensor, and on the basis of the time, which is obtained from the service life compensated with an actual service environment, for a part without a part condition sensor.

Abstract: An occupancy alarm system can be integrated into a motor vehicle or can be portable. The occupancy alarm system may be programmed to communicate with a program within a logic unit of the on-board computer within the vehicle or a cellular telephone or other wireless logic device so that if the driver's door is open and the engine is turned off but there still is an occupant in the motor vehicle, an alarm is immediately triggered. The GPS coordinates of the motor vehicle or the cellular telephone or other wireless device may be communicated to a remote location service or a local emergency center as part of the alarm. The occupancy sensor may be mounted on the occupant or on the restraint system, and may interact with an ambient temperature sensor and an alarm, both of which may be integrated into a motor vehicle, to indicate that a dangerous condition exists for an occupant within the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A motion sensing system and method for detecting an occupant in a vehicle with enhanced sensitivity to detect small movement, such as movement caused by heartbeat and breathing of an occupant. The system includes a radar motion sensor located in a compartment of the vehicle. The radar sensor transmits and receives signals within the compartment and generates sensed signals. The system has a controller for converting the sensed signals to a frequency domain. The controller further processes the frequency domain of sensed signals and determines the presence of movement of an occupant due to one of heartbeat and breathing of the occupant.