Abstract: A seat belt buckle engagement detector of the invention includes a by-pass or direct circuit for supplying electricity from a battery to one end of a seat belt warning lamp through a current limiting resistance. With this by-pass circuit, even if an ignition switch is turned off, in case a buckle switch is turned on, a signal of a ground potential is inputted to a seat belt system. In case the buckle switch is turned off, a signal of a potential corresponding to a voltage of the battery is inputted to the seat belt system. Thus, the seat belt system can carry out a desired process even under a condition where the ignition switch is turned off.

Abstract: A warning device for warning change time of a filter for cleaning air includes an indication lamp which indicates a warning of the change time of the filter, and a control unit for controlling operation of the indication lamp. The control unit sets a next timer setting value for the next filter change to a filter-using time until a change of the filter, and operates the indication lamp when the filter-using time passes the next timer setting value after the change of the filter. Thus, the warning of the change time of the filter is performed at a suitable moment reflecting a variation of a clogging degree of the filter. As a result, the warning device accurately performs the warning of the change time of the filer without using a sensor for detecting the clogging degree of the filter.

Abstract: A warning system for notifying others that a cellular telephone is in use in a vehicle. The system includes a transmitter electrically coupled to a cellular telephone for transmitting an in-use signal when the telephone is activated. A receiver for receiving the in-use signal. An indicator, responsive to the receiver receiving the in-use signal, for visually indicating that a cellular telephone is in use in a vehicle.

Abstract: An engine service monitoring system and method for an engine having a spark plug, an ignition circuit with a transformer and a spark plug wire disposed between the spark plug and a coil of the transformer. A counting circuit for counting the ignition or spark pulses is inductively coupled to the spark plug wire such that for every spark pulse generated, a DC pulse is provided by a rectifier of the counting circuit. The DC pulses are provided to a computing element which computes the total number of the pulses, selectively adjusts the count on the basis of a low-oil pressure condition, an out-of-range temperature condition or other suitable operator-defined condition. The computing element also compares the adjusted count with one or more service change interval threshold values to provide an alarm to indicate that a service change is needed. The threshold values are either factory-set or field-adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for monitoring the usage of individual vehicular seat belts. Each belt is equipped with a local indicator which is adapted to indicate when a seatbelt is not properly fastened. A second display, preferable near the vehicle's dashboard and readily visible to the driver shows the status of each of the vehicle's seatbelts. Finally, a third display located near the rear the rear window of the vehicle displays the status of all vehicle seatbelts in a fashion readily observable by a following motorist such as a law enforcement official. An optional seat occupancy sensor may also be used to render the system more intelligent and minimize indications of unbuckled seatbelts for unoccupied seats.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an engine oil change indicator system, including: a combination engine oil pressure sensor and engine oil temperature sensor connected to a port on the engine to which port is normally connected an oil pressure switch; and a microprocessor connected to receive inputs from the combination engine oil pressure sensor and engine oil temperature sensor and to cause a low engine oil pressure warning light to be illuminated when the microprocessor has calculated from the inputs that the engine oil should be changed.

Abstract: An improved system for registering and recording the usage of an active restraint system, commonly referred to as a seat belt, in commercial or private vehicles and other human-operated equipment. The device is equipped with a data storage device which allows an interested person to verify that the seat belt of a vehicle has been used as required during operation of the vehicle. The device measures and records active restraint engagement and vehicle motion, as well as time and position if desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an onboard information processing apparatus suitable for processing carried out by information handling equipment mounted on a movable body such as an automobile and relates to an automobile on which the information processing apparatus is mounted. The onboard information processing apparatus comprises a plurality of pieces of onboard information handling equipment installed in a vehicle. Each of the pieces of onboard information handling equipment has a connection unit for connection with a bus line of a predetermined format. The connection units of the pieces of onboard information handling equipment are connected to each other by the bus line. When a piece of onboard information handling equipment is not used, said connection unit of the piece of onboard information handling equipment is put in a sleep mode, providing electric power only to a minimum number of components requiring electric power.

Abstract: Provided is a seatbelt device comprising a passenger detector not easily affected by the sitting position or posture of the passenger. This seatbelt device comprises a buckle (17) freely connectable with a tongue plate (16) mounted on a webbing (15), a buckle supporter (18) for supporting the buckle (17) provided at the side of the seat (12) to be in a position at the side of the passenger, and a detector (17b) provided inside the buckle (17) for detecting the existence of the passenger.

Abstract: A system for detecting an object located on a surface of a vehicle, includes a sensor for sensing whether an object is located on a surface of a vehicle, a warning indicator for emitting a warning based on an output of the sensor, and a device for transmitting a signal from the sensor to the warning indicator.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a driver alert system includes a sensor, a windshield wiper of a vehicle, and circuitry. The sensor detects a predetermined condition on the vehicle. The circuitry is configured to activate the windshield wiper when the predetermined condition is detected. Additionally, a method is disclosed according to such system.

Abstract: An indicator and display system for theaters, auditoriums and the like provides information regarding occupancy on individual seats and a display providing information relating to seat occupancy and relating to the seating area. The system includes multi-colored lights mounted on the tops of the seats for indicating the occupancy thereof. The lights are controlled by sensors mounted in the seats and manual switches mounted on the seats. The system also includes a display panel located in the lobby or near the theater or auditorium which shows which seats are occupied and which are vacant. The display panel also numerically shows the seat availability and also shows in hologram form the seating arrangement and the location of restrooms, refreshment counter, etc. relative to the seating area as well as aisles and other information of use to the patrons.

Abstract: The pickup truck tailgate monitor includes a control panel mounted adjacent to an operator station in the cab of the truck. The control panel is connected to the master switch for the vehicle. A monitor switch on the control panel is closed to activate the monitor. If the monitor is operational, an indicator light of a first circuit is illuminated. A second circuit with an audible indicator is energized by a sensor switch that is closed. The sensor switch is closed when the tailgate is open. When the tailgate is closed, the sensor switch is open.

Abstract: An interior lamp control using a microprocessor to monitor the ignition switch, door ajar switches, and vehicle speed deactivates the interior lamp if vehicle speed exceeds a speed threshold even though the state of the input switches otherwise indicates that the interior lamp should be illuminated. The lamp will not again illuminate until after the speed decreases below a lower speed threshold.

Abstract: A park system alarm is provided which is energized when operation of the park mechanism fails to open the park system switch, even though the shift lever is in the park position, and the driver initiates the process of opening his or her door. An external alarm is also energized through the park system switch and a seat switch if the driver leaves his normal driving position when the shift lever is not in park and when the shift lever is in park but the park system is broken or maladjusted. A put-in-park alarm is energized through the park system switch, a gear switch, and a door switch if the driver initiates the process of opening his or her door with the shift lever in any position except park.

Abstract: A modular rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates one or more integrated subassembly modules or carrier members to which are connected separate electrical components such as lamps, reflectors, switches, plug receptacles and the like to simplify mirror assembly and provide integral support, electrical connections, and an electrical distribution network for the mirror assembly having added, electrically operated features. The carrier member includes a circuit member secured to and/or at least partially encased or encapsulated within a support body such that electrical connections extend therefrom. Preferably, the carrier member may include recesses at opposite ends for receiving and supporting reflectors thereon to prevent vibration while allowing interchangeability for different vehicle types. The carrier member may form a stop for a toggle actuator to limit the movement of the mirror housing between day and night positions in the event a prismatic mirror element is included.

Abstract: A reminder device for vehicle key rings or the like includes an integrated processor programmable to provide reminder information in a plurality of operating modes comprising mileage, date, parking location, parking meter expiration, event status and lost key recovery assist.

Abstract: A warning system for a multi-passenger vehicle such as a school bus which prompts the driver to inspect the vehicle for passengers when shutting down the vehicle. In the preferred embodiment the system is activated when the vehicle safety flasher system is activated. Following activation an alarm sounds when the vehicle electrical system is deactivated by shutting off the engine unless the bus driver activates an alarm delay switch and within a preset time interval activates a disarming switch located near the back of the passenger compartment. Thus, in order to deactivate the warning system of the invention the bus driver must walk through the passenger area of the vehicle at least twice, inspecting the passenger area of the vehicle in the process. The time taken to inspect the vehicle serves as a cool-down period for the vehicle engine, which is desirable in the case of turbo charged vehicle engines.

Abstract: A center cluster module which checks connection failures of connectors and for problems in electronic components after electronic components have been inserted into connection slot portions and informs the worker of connection status of the individual electronic components, thus improving work efficiency. A center cluster module includes a connection slot portion which removably receives a plurality of electronic components to be mounted on a vehicle. Component detection sections provided so as to correspond to individual electric components detect whether or not electronic components are inserted into the connection slot portion. From a detection signal output from each of the plurality of component detection sections, an inserted component determination section determines the state of the electronic component inserted into the connection slot portion. A display section indicates the result of the determination made by the inserted component determination section.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for warning when a child has been left in an infant seat and a vehicle as been turned off. The apparatus includes an occupant detection mechanism for detecting the presence of an occupant within an infant seat located within a vehicle; an ignition detection mechanism for detecting the state of the vehicle's ignition system; a control unit for generating an alarm signal when the occupant detection mechanism detects the presence of an occupant within the infant seat and the ignition detection mechanism detects that the vehicle's ignition system has been turned from an "on" state to an "off" state; and an alarm units for generating an alarm in response to the alarm signal. The components of the apparatus can be located within the infant seat, within the vehicle or combined within the infant seat and the vehicle.

Abstract: A memory device having the function of detecting the locking or unlocking condition of a remote controller comprises a battery, a key circuit a memory unit, a light emitting element, a testing key, an encoding unit, an infrared ray or a high frequency emitting driving circuit, etc. The positive end of the battery is connected with the power source (V+) of the memory unit. The lock key and unlock key of the key circuit are connected with the respective input end of the memory unit and the encoding unit. The output end of the memory unit is connected with one end of the light emitting element. Another end of the light emitting element is connected with one connection of the testing key and another end of the testing key is grounded. By the action of the testing key, the condition of the remote controller may inform the user. That is, if it is in a lock condition, then the light emitting element will light, while if it is in a "unlock" condition, then the light emitting element will extinguish.

Abstract: A device for reminding a driver of a vehicle of the expiration date of the associated inspection sticker. The device includes a housing, a microprocessor, a LCD, a calendar chip for generating a date, a clock chip for generating a time, an alarm chip the provides a visible alarm and an audible alarm, a select button that selects either the clock chip, the calendar chip, or the alarm chip, and a value button that sets either the clock chip, the calendar chip, or the alarm chip that was selected by the select button. The device further includes a piece of two-sided tape that is attached to the rear wall of the housing and attaches the housing to the windshield of the vehicle, behind the inspection sticker. The audible and visible alarms have duty cycles with frequencies and durations that are selected by a menu brought up on the LCD display by the select button and set by the value button. The duty cycles are intermittent as opposed to constant for preventing drain on the battery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to alert a driver by use of vibratory indicator, which may be located within a seat or on a driver's person. An example is an uncancelled turn signal indicator which senses that the turn signal indicator has been selected for more than an appropriate period of activation and upon sensing this condition, the driver's seat vibrates alerting the driver of the presence of this condition. Other indicators within vehicles use vibratory means to alert the driver. The vibratory indicator may be used as back-up to audible or visual indicators.

Abstract: Motor driven adjustment device with a control unit (2; 2') for controlling a motor driven unit (4) wherein an acoustic signal generator (6, 6') which produces an acoustic signal upon activation of the motor driven unit (4) is coupled at an output (21, 23) of the control unit (2; 2').

Abstract: A voice message system for motor vehicles includes an audio reproduction and recording system, and a control that interfaces the audio system with the vehicle function controls. Preferably, an ignition switch sensor signal received at the control initiates a command for playback of current time or periodic time designated messages. The control may also interface with a sensor signal responsive to an air bag diagnostic switch for actuating the recording of vocalized instructions or comments. In addition, a single actuator for immediate recording capability, as well as a microphone for receiving vocalized messages are conveniently packaged in the steering control mechanism.

Abstract: A status alerting unit for a seat belt having a connectable buckle and tongue, particularly for use in the supervision of children riding in a vehicle. The unit has a housing mountable to the seat belt buckle. A proximity sensor, such as a pivoting flipper element, is deflected when the seat belt tongue is inserted into the buckle, and generates BUCKLED and UNBUCKLED signals. An audible alert device generates appropriate alert signals in response. A low battery voltage warning is also provided. The unit is self-contained and functions properly with a wide variety of existing seat belt assemblies, without interfering in any way with a user's accustomed seat belt operation, or requiring special care or attention while the tongue is inserted and latched into the buckle.

Abstract: A wireless compass for vehicles includes a compass sensor installed in a first location of a vehicle. The compass sensor sends information regarding the heading of the vehicle via a wireless transmitter. A compass display includes a complementary wireless receiver which receives the data from the compass sensor. The compass display and receiver are located at a second location convenient for the driver. The display displays the heading of the vehicle based upon the data received from the compass sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for warning when a child has been left in an infant seat and a vehicle as been turned off. The apparatus includes an occupant detection mechanism for detecting the presence of an occupant within an infant seat located within a vehicle; an ignition detection mechanism for detecting the state of the vehicle's ignition system; a control unit for generating an alarm signal when the occupant detection mechanism detects the presence of an occupant within the infant seat and the ignition detection mechanism detects that the vehicle's ignition system has been turned from an "on" state to an "off" state; and an alarm units for generating an alarm in response to the alarm signal. The components of the apparatus can be located within the infant seat, within the vehicle or combined within the infant seat and the vehicle.

Abstract: A compact operation sensitive reminder device that is readily attachable to almost any movable item and that emits an alert signal (e.g., audio, visible or tactile) when the item is initially changed from an non-operative condition to an operative condition and then remains silent during the item's operation, and emits the alert signal again only after a certain amount of time that the item has remained non-operative.

Abstract: A computerized prompting system is especially useful for vehicular maintenance and includes a level of maintenance database with task schedules for selected vehicles and prompt frequencies for those tasks. A prompter initiates a display informing the user that a scheduled maintenance is due to be performed on a selected date and an Internet exchange connects the database to a service center. The system has a capability to print coupons and to receive and incorporate updates from manufacturers.

Abstract: A put-in-park alarm which is energized whenever an automatic shift vehicle is stopped but the shift lever is not in park. The put-in-park alarm is energized when the driver moves his door handle in a door opening direction. Not only is the alarm energized but the door cannot be opened until the shift lever is moved to park whereupon the signal is deenergized, but the door is unlocked upon a second movement of the handle in a door opening direction. The invention includes a broken/maladjusted alarm which is different from the put-in-park alarm but produces substantially similar results.

Abstract: An alerting device generates a variable alert that is varied to indicate the amount of time that has elapsed since the alert began. The alerting device has an alert signal detector, a timing unit, an alert signal generator and an alert unit. The alert signal detector responds to an activation signal to activate the timing unit, and the alert signal detector responds to a deactivation signal to reset the timing unit. The timing unit generates timing information to the alert signal generator indicating the elapsed time since the occurrence of the activation signal. The alert signal generator responds to the activation signal and to the timing information to generate an alert signal that indicates the elapsed time since the occurrence of the activation signal. The alert signal generator further responds to the deactivation signal to disable the alert signal. The alert unit responds to the alert signal to generate an alert that reflects the elapsed time since the occurrence of the activation signal.

Abstract: A vehicular anti-smoking system is provided including at least one speaker connected to a conventional stereo system of a vehicle. The speaker is adapted to transmit audio signals upon the receipt thereof. Further provided is at least one relay having a first input connected to the stereo system, a second input, and an output connected to the speaker. The relay has an normal first mode wherein the speakers are connected to the stereo system via the first input and a second mode only during the receipt of an activation signal wherein the speaker is connected to the second input. A control mechanism is connected to the relay means and adapted to transmit the activation signal thereto upon the activation of the vehicle. Finally, a play back device is connected between the control mechanism and the second input of the relay. In use, the play back device is adapted to transmit an audio signal representative of an audible anti-smoking remark upon the receipt of the activation signal.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful alarm system for use on a school bus having an ignition switch, a master switch, a rear door switch, the alarm system comprises a plurality of electromechanical circuits arranged so as to effect a resting state in which the system is inoperable, a stand-by state activated by actuating the ignition switch, a latching state from which the system may be armed, an armed state in which the system is operable, alarm means to indicate an alarm state, and a disarmed state in which the system is deactivated. There is also provided deactivation means positioned at a rear of the bus to deactivate the alarm system while in the armed state or the alarm state, wherein the alarm system is integral with the ignition switch, the master switch and the door switch of the bus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for alerting a driver that the keys have been left inside the vehicle with the doors locked uses a smart key. The smart key (10) has a built-in transmitter and receiver (12), a battery (11) and a mechanical switch (14) for deactivating the transmitter/receiver to conserve key battery power. The apparatus and method cover the four different situations that can exist after the vehicle doors are closed and locked. First the driver is inside the vehicle. Second, the driver is outside the vehicle and has the key. Third, the driver has left the key behind in the ignition (16). Fourth, the driver has left the key behind somewhere in the vehicle other than the ignition. Situations three and four merit alerting the driver, and the system activates an alarm (24) to notify the driver and temporarily unlock the doors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a car door warning system for use in a car door and warning against inadvertent opening of the car door, including: a warning device with at least one lighting device; a switch, mounted close to the handle of the car door and operated, when the handle is moved in order to open the car door; and wiring, electrically connecting the warning device with the switch; wherein moving the handle in order to open the car door causes an elecrical signal to pass through the wiring to the warning device, such that the lamp is lighted, generating an effective warning signal to prevent an accident.

Abstract: A compact motion sensitive reminder device that is readily attachable to almost any movable item that emits a visual indication when the item is initially moved from a stationary condition and then remains off during the item's use, and emits the visual indication again only after a certain amount of time that the movable item has remained stationary. Another embodiment of the compact motion sensitive reminder device is integrally formed with an item that is worn by the user, e.g., a roller blade, helmet, etc., and which provides a tactile indication to the person when the item is initially moved from a stationary condition and then remains off during the item's use, and emits the tactile indication again only after a certain amount of time that the movable item has remained stationary.

Abstract: A new Signal Alarm for providing an audible beep when the turn signal is operating to notify the vehicle operator that the turn signal is on. The inventive device includes a control means for activating and deactivating a sound generating device operatively coupled to a vehicle turn signal timer can.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is an alarm system for detecting the presence of a person locked in a parked automobile. The alarm system includes a motion detector and a temperature detecting element coupled to a NOR gate. The motion detector transmits a low signal to the NOR gate once it detects motion within the interior of the automobile. The temperature detecting element transmits a low signal to the NOR gate if the temperature in the automobile exceeds a pre-determined extreme temperature. The NOR gate, upon receiving low signals from both the temperature detecting element and the motion detector, transmits an alarm signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of controlling tail lamps of a vehicles capable of giving an alarm to the driver when the door of the vehicle is opened in ON state of the tail lamps, thereby ensuring the driver to recognize the ON state of the tail lamps.

Abstract: A put-in-park alarm which is energized whenever an automatic shift vehicle is stopped but the shift lever is not in park. The put-in-park alarm is energized when the driver moves his door handle in a door opening direction. Not only is the alarm energized but the door cannot be opened until the shift lever is moved to park whereupon the signal is deenergized, but the door is unlocked upon a second movement of the handle in a door opening direction. The invention includes a broken/maladjusted alarm which is different from the put-in-park alarm but produces substantially similar results.

Abstract: A device for prompting the use of a vehicle seatbelt. The device includes a sensor and an alarm. The sensor is attached to the seatbelt so that it assumes a first angular position when the seatbelt is in an inoperative position and a second angular position when the seatbelt is in an operative position. The sensor includes a motion sensor responsive to motion of the vehicle when the sensor is in the first angular position. The sensor generates a signal indicative of motion of the vehicle occurring while the sensor is in the first position. The alarm is responsive to the signal and generate an alarm to prompt use of the seatbelt.

Abstract: A device for alarming a car that has already been started, which is capable of audibly informing of starting of the car so as to prevent the starting system of the car from being driven in a state that the engine has started. The device includes a starting sensing unit for sensing whether or not an engine of the car has started, a key position sensing unit for sensing the current switch position of a starting key, an audio converter for generating an audio signal in accordance with an output signal from the key position sensing unit, and a speaker for outputting the audio signal so as to audibly inform of a starting state of the engine. The key position sensing unit has a comparator adapted to compare the output signal from the key position sensing means with a reference value, thereby determining whether or not the engine has started and sends the resultant signal from the comparator to the audio converter.

Abstract: A vehicle rolling shutter system with magnetic door-ajar and compartment light switch. In combination with a vehicle, the rolling shutter system has a roller shutter, constructed of a number of interconnected links, for movement along guide rails positioned at opposing sides of an access opening to a cargo compartment of the vehicle. A lamp, for illuminating the cargo compartment, is positioned within the cargo compartment. An indicator lamp is positioned on a dashboard of the vehicle. The roller shutter has a lift bar which is mounted by mounting members to a lower portion of the roller shutter. The lift bar engages with strike blocks, positioned at opposing sides of the access opening to the cargo compartment, for retaining the roller shutter in a closed position. At least one of the strike blocks contains a magnetic switch element connected to the lamps.

Abstract: An information display for use in vehicles including a module or housing located behind, and attached to, a support for the interior rearview mirror assembly. The module includes a display which is observable around the profile of the mirror by the vehicle operator or passengers. An upper portion of the display module is attached to the mount used to support the mirror assembly on the vehicle windshield. The upper portion of the module may be detachably coupled to the mount by a snap-on clip, by a threaded fastener secured directly to the mount, or by a resilient S-clip. The information display of this invention lends itself to quickly and inexpensively adding a wide range of information displays such as a compass, trip computer, clock, warning light, temperature readout, or the like, to any vehicle, at a location readily seen by the vehicle operator within the forward field of vision without substantially interfering or impairing the operator's field of vision.

Abstract: A maintenance scheduling device having a face plate with a front surface providing a plurality of aligned maintenance item description labels, a plurality of recommended interval description labels, a plurality of aligned numeral wheel assemblies for displaying last service maintenance and a plurality of aligned numeral wheel assemblies for displaying next service maintenance. The device may also include a programmable electrical signal processor interconnected with a power source, an odometer of the vehicle, and a memory device containing recommended maintenance mileage information for each maintenance item, the processor serving to signal a user when a recommended service interval has elapsed on the actual mileage recorded on the odometer. The device opens to reveal a set of maintenance guide charts for the vehicle of choice.

Abstract: A battery protection device disconnects vehicle electronic components from a motor vehicle battery to prevent a full discharge thereof including a plurality of switches switchable between ON and OFF positions, and a control unit electrically connected to each of the switches and capable of switching each of the switches between the ON and OFF positions individually.

Abstract: An emergency brake monitor including a front cover formed with an opening at an upper portion thereof, a plurality of perforations below the opening, and a circular recess at one side thereof, a ball-shaped member formed with a radial bell-shaped neck having a passage extending through a diameter thereof, a photosensor arranged within the passage of the ball-shaped member, an adjusting knob including a cylindrical rod portion extending from one side of the adjusting knob, and electrical means electrically connected with the mercury switch and the photosensor, for producing warnings when receiving signal from the photosensor, whereby the driver will be reminded to release the emergency brake before the automobile starts to move.

Abstract: A driver alert apparatus is provided that consists of the following compoents: a green light, a yellow light and a red light lined up horizontally; alarm mechanism and speaker; electrical cord and adapters; timer; three time cycle selection buttons, placed vertically to the left of the green light; start button and stop button. The device can be positioned in an easily accessible and visible area, such as the dashboard at eye level. A time cycle is selected to be used by pressing one of the three time cycle selection buttons. The illumination of the green light is the cue for the driver, if alert, to press the sequence start button under the green light to begin the sequence again. If this button is not pressed, the yellow light will illuminate and flash three times. If the sequence start button is still not pressed, the red light will flash and sound an alarm. The alarm will be silenced only if the driver presses the alarm stop button.

Abstract: A key reminder device for use in combination with a key lock mechanism having an adjustable timer with a predetermined timer interval electrically coupled to a replaced power supply. The timer is energized upon detection of a conventional key inserted into the key lock mechanism. Should the key remain in the key lock mechanism beyond a predetermined time, the timer will activate an audible alarm to remind the owner of the keys to remove them. Should the timer be set at a low level, the device operates to indicate the presence of a key. When used in combination with a visual indicator, the key reminder provides an indicator of door entry to the hearing impaired.