Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method of operation for evaluating body activity relative to an environment. According to an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a processor that is associable with a sensor for sensing dynamic and static accelerative phenomena of the body. The processor is operable to process the sensed dynamic and static accelerative phenomena as a function of at least one accelerative event characteristic and an environmental representation to thereby determine whether the evaluated body activity is within environmental tolerance. The processor operates to monitor both activity and inactivity relative to the environmental representation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for generating an alarm signal in a motor which comprises a rotor (50) whose actual rotation speed during operation lies in a normal zone (nSoll, TSoll), can deviate from that normal zone in the event of a fault, and is to be monitored against a malfunction or fault state, comprising the following steps: At least one alarm switch-on rotation speed (nAOn, TAOn) and at least one alarm switch-off rotation speed (nAOff, TAOff) are defined, of which the latter is located closer to the normal zone than the former, an associated pair of alarm switch-on rotation speed and alarm switch-off rotation speed defining between them a hysteresis zone. When the rotation speed to be monitored arrives, coming from the hysteresis zone, at the alarm switch-on rotation speed, an alarm switch-on criterion (Flag DIR=0) is generated. The duration of this alarm switch-on criterion is monitored. When this duration reaches a predetermined value (tdOn), an alarm signal (ALARM) is activated (FIG.

Abstract: The present invention introduces systems, as well as methods of operating such systems, within a communication device for evaluating movement of a body relative to an environment. According to an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a sensor and a processor. The sensor, which is associable with the body, is operable to repeatedly sense accelerative phenomena of the body. The processor, which is associated with the sensor, is operable to process the sensed accelerative phenomena as a function of at least one accelerative event characteristic. The system, and, more particularly, the processor generates state indicia relative the environment, and determines whether the evaluated body movement is within environmental tolerance. In a preferred embodiment, the processor communicates various state indicia to a monitoring controller, preferably using at least one of a wired network and a wireless network. The monitoring controller cooperates with the processor to remotely monitor the body.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for generating an alarm signal in a motor which comprises a rotor (50) whose actual rotation speed during operation lies in a normal zone (nSoll, TSoll), can deviate from that normal zone in the event of a fault, and is to be monitored for a fault state, comprising the following steps: At least one alarm switch-on rotation speed (naOn, TAOn) and at least one alarm switch-off rotation speed (nAOff, TAOff) are defined, of which the latter is located closer to the normal zone than the former, an associated pair of alarm switch-on rotation speed and alarm switch-off rotation speed defining between them a hysteresis zone. When the rotation speed to be monitored arrives, coming from the hysteresis zone, at the alarm switch-on rotation speed, an alarm switch-on criterion (Flag DIR=0) is generated. The duration of this alarm switch-on criterion is monitored. When this duration reaches a predetermined value (tdOn), an alarm signal (ALARM) is activated (FIG. 13: S186, S194).

Abstract: Device for the detection of movement of a valuable object, for example in a museum in which means of detecting at least a rotation of the object, and particularly magnetometers or inclinometers, are mechanically fixed to the object. These means are coupled to message transmission means that send a presence message as long as detection has not taken place and an alert type message when detection has taken place. A monitoring station processes these messages or the absence of these messages, to trigger an alert if necessary.

Abstract: A flashing device (20) comprising a wearable band (22, 27) having a motion switch (14) for sensing movement of the band and generating a trigger signal in response to the movement, a circuit (25) responsive to the trigger signal to generate an illumination signal, and at least one light (6, 7) which is illuminated in response to the illumination signal.

Abstract: The golf club has a head and a shaft. A three axis linear accelerometer is mounted on the shaft adjacent to the head. The axis of one accelerometer is in parallel alignment with an axis of the shaft. A circuit board is attached to the shaft and the accelerometer. The circuit board includes a calibrator for calibrating at least the accelerometer with an axis parallel to the axis of the shaft. The circuit board also has a wireless transmitter. Data from the accelerometer is transferred to a processor by the transmitter. The measured velocity of the club head is displayed by a display device carried by the golfer.

Abstract: A temperature monitoring apparatus for microprocessors, having a fan device for producing an air stream for cooling the microprocessor. The temperature of the microprocessor is sensed by means of a heat sensing resistor mounted in the area of the surface thereof, and a regulator circuit is provided for increasing the speed of the fan at rising temperatures, and decreasing it at falling temperatures, based upon the temperature sensed by the heat sensing resistor. A speed monitoring device is also provided for monitoring a presettable speed range of the fan, and emits a warning signal in cooperation with an electronic circuit, in order to notify a user of an apparatus operated with the microprocessor, to manually switch off the same when the preset speed range of the fan is exceeded. This effectively prevents an overheating of a microprocessor.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for detecting an acceleration of a body and for evaluating movement of a body relative to an environment to detect falls and irregular motions of the body. According to an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a sensor and a controller that comprises a processor. The sensor, which is associable with the body, comprises a plurality of acceleration measuring devices and is capable of repeatedly sensing accelerative phenomena of the body. The controller, which is associated with the sensor, is operable to process the sensed accelerative phenomena as a function of at least one accelerative event characteristic. The controller determines when the body experiences an acceleration that represents a particular type of motion. The controller also determines when a static acceleration vector reaches a value indicative of a fall.

Abstract: A system for monitoring motion includes a cable-encoder combination to create an electrical signal indicating distance and a microprocessor monitoring system to provide time measurement in conjunction with distance information and to provide alarms whenever predetermined limits are exceeded. The system provides a teaching mode for teaching the predetermined limits, and provides a velocity adaptive mode in which a certain informational values may be adjusted over fixed time periods to provide for moving references.

Abstract: An allergen particle detecting apparatus has a sample area through which environmental air is directed. A light beam is directed through the air sample so that portions of the beam will be scattered if any particles are present in the path of the beam. A beam blocking device on the opposite side of the air sample is arranged to block all light except light scattered in a predetermined angular range corresponding to a predetermined allergen particle size range. Light transmitted through the blocking device is detected by a light detector and an alarm output signal is produced if the detected amount of light is above a predetermined level.

Abstract: An arrangement, having at least one motion sensor in the vehicle seat, detects with a high reliability whether or not the vehicle seat is occupied by a person. For this purpose, the sensor output signal is analyzed into multiple signal components by frequency selection, and decision-making criterion for occupancy or non-occupancy of the vehicle seat by a passenger is formed by comparing the frequency-selective signal components.

Abstract: A hydroplaning detecting system comprises wheel rotational speed detecting apparatus for detecting a wheel rotational speed of a wheel of a vehicle, reference pattern storage apparatus for previously storing a reference pattern of wheel rotational speed which varies over a period of time and is characteristic of hydroplaning generation, actual variation pattern extracting apparatus for extracting a actual variation in the wheel rotational speed over a period of time, and judgment apparatus for judging the matching between the reference pattern and the actual variation pattern. Thus, this hydroplaning detecting system is capable of accurately detecting the generation of hydroplaning.

Abstract: A computerized diagnostic system includes a microprocessor-based electronic controller which controls a portable machine. Electronic sensors provide raw, operating parameters to a RAM type memory of the controller. A locator locates predetermined RAM addresses of raw machine operating parameters which are known to be useful in the monitoring and diagnosis of the portable machine. A remote, microprocessor-based computer diagnoses and monitors the electronically controlled machine. A display means displays the user friendly symbols in function-specific groupings which reveal patterns of machine operation, and which identifies the process which the machine is performing.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting of the loss of motion in a transporting system regardless of the position in which the system stops. The apparatus incorporates one or more detection switches coupled with two timers operating in series or parallel and determines when motion has ceased.

Abstract: The speed of in-plant vehicles such as forklift trucks and the like is monitored to provide for the lighting of a warning light where a first speed threshold is reached, the sounding of a horn when a second speed is reached, and for the disabling of the vehicle on the sustaining of the higher speed for a predetermined interval of time. This speed monitoring approach generates a signal having an intermittent monitor output corresponding with the speed of the vehicle and which exhibits a period of lessening duration in corresponding with increasing speeds. Timing of the occurrence of these signals is employed with an accumulator based logic to establish vehicle speed. To avoid apparatus reaction to noise based signals, a select number of occurrences of apparent speed excursions are required before the horn or lamp are activated. Remote supervisory resetting of the monitoring system following the occurrence of a latched warning output is provided through an IR based code transmitting and receiving arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting speed sensor failure in an overspeed protection device is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of tachometers having outputs for indicating the speed of rotation of a machine relative to plural setpoints. If the comparison indicates that certain conditions exist, then a sensor failue is indicated. The apparatus may also be employed to detect a failure of, or loss of power to or within, one of the tachometers.

Abstract: A self-powered back-up alarm for mounting to the wheel hub of a heavy truck or like vehicle. The alarm includes a housing adapted to be mounted to a vehicle wheel hub. Inside the housing is a magnetized stator that is held stable by a counterweight mounted for free rotation to a spindle in the housing. Also mounted in the housing is a power supply including a coil positioned adjacent the stator in the housing and attached thereto so that it rotates about the stator when the wheel hub turns. A battery stores the energy developed across the coil when the wheel hub rotates. Also mounted inside the housing are sensors located adjacent the stator that similarly rotate with the wheel hub. The sensors, in combination with an associated detect circuit, produce a reverse motion signal whenever the vehicle backs up. An audio alarm, located in the housing, is actuated by the reverse motion signal and emits an audible warning whenever the vehicle backs up.

Abstract: A stability monitoring and alarm system for a motor vehicle (e.g., a truck or a tractor trailer) provides an early warning to the driver of unsafe or potentially unsafe conditions. Front wheel desynchronization and rear load distribution are each monitored, and an alarm is generated if either the front wheels become desynchronized or the load is unevenly distributed in the rear of the vehicle. Various filtering and averaging techniques avoid false alarms and increase reliability and sensitivity. Thresholding of the front wheel desynchronization comparison is based on a model which takes turning lateral G force for particular speeds into account so that an alarm based on front wheel descynchronization is not generated because of taking turns too rapidly. Rather, such alarm is generated by monitoring shifting rear load distribution --a better and more accurate measure of vehicle stability. The resulting indications provided by an easy to read user interface warn the driver of a variety of conditions (e.g.

Abstract: A scan control circuit for detecting a stable scanning movement of a hand-held type printer over a copy paper includes an encoder for producing pulses in response to the scan movement of the hand-held type printer. The pulses are applied to a stable scan detector and also to a gate circuit. The stable scan detector detects a frequency of the pulses and produces an enable signal when the frequency exceeds a reference frequency. By the enable signal, the gate circuit is enabled to start counting the pulses. When the gate circuit counts a predetermined number of pulses, a power on signal is produced for starting the copy reproducing operation.

Abstract: A lever (6) is pushed by a cam profile (23) formed on an actuating member (9) fastened to a movable body (12), the movement of which is to be detected. A cam (13) fixed to the lever moves a plunger (16) which actuates a position switch (33). There is interposed between the plunger and the switch an influencing member (22), the position of which is measured by means of a card (28) passing in front of photoelectric detectors (29). A processing unit (31) supplies, at the output, an analog or numerical signal relating to the position of the movable body (12), to its speed or to its acceleration.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the frequency of a pulse train signal and method therefor applicable to a speedometer of a vehicle are disclosed in which a count value C of at least one counter which counts number of pulses in the pulse train signal for predetermined counting intervals of time .DELTA.T (=T/n, wherein T denotes a frequency measuring time interval and n denotes a calculation constant) is updated to a value related to the count value for each predetermined counting interval of time .DELTA.T and stored and outputted for each predetermined counting interval of time .DELTA.T so that the same or better performance as that using a stagger ring method can be achieved. The value is expressed by (C-C/.alpha.) in a first preferred embodiment (wherein .alpha. denotes the calculation constant preferably equal to n), by (C-C.times.m/.alpha.+D) in a second preferred embodiment (wherein m denotes the number of counters and D denotes the latest count values of the m counters during .DELTA.

Abstract: A vehicle speed detecting device utilizes two vehicle speed pulse generators, a vehicle speed memory device, pulse counters, abnormality detectors, pulse signal transfer devices and an alarm device which are all integrated into the electronic control circuit of a micro-processor through two sets of signal processing devices. The detecting device not only indicates the speed of the vehicle but also detects abnormalities in either of the vehicle speed pulse generators and provides an appropriate alarm.

Abstract: Motor test circuit for supplying an error indication signal if the speed variations of a motor under test exceed predetermined limits. The circuit includes a frequency-to-voltage converter or other source of voltage proportional to the motor speed and a reference source derived from the converter's output signal so that the test results are independent from errors due to drift in the converter's parameters caused by time, temperature, or other effects.

Abstract: A non-contact system suitable for measuring velocity/distance of an object travelling inside a ferromagnetic pipeline utilizes magnetic dipoles written into the pipe surface by a transmission coil. These dipoles can be detected by a magnetic detector situated a fixed distance from the transmission point. If the time taken for a dipole to travel from the transmitter to the detector is recorded then this time will be proportional to the velocity of the system. The system functions both as a velocity measurement device and as a distance marker.Once the system detects a dipole it requests a further imprint, hence, a constant spacing is maintained between dipoles equal to the spacing between transmitter and detector.

Abstract: An engine oil pressure monitor includes an engine oil pressure sensor and an engine speed sensor. A plurality of pressure alarm values are generated to correspond to designated distinct ranges of engine speed. One of the alarm values is selected according to which engine speed range contains the sensed engine speed. An alarm signal is generated when the sensed pressure falls below the alarm value. The alarm is disabled when the engine speed falls below a minimum non-zero engine speed and is disabled unless the pressure failure condition persists for at least a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as an agricultural tractor, includes a hydraulic assist-type transmission with fluid control and lubricating circuits. A monitoring system senses the fluid pressure in the lubricating circuit, the hydraulic fluid temperature and the engine speed. The sensed pressure is compared to a temperature and engine speed-compensated alarm value. Alarm signals are generated when the sensed pressure is continuously below the alarm value for a certain period. The alarm is disabled when the engine speed falls below a non-zero threshold level.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling speed of a vehicle having a retarder includes a receiver (1) for receiving signals from a transmitter (2) indicative of a reference speed and a processor (26) for comparing actual speed of the vehicle with the reference speed and for generating output signals if the actual speed is in excess of the reference speed, the output signals controlling valves (13, 14 and 15) of an air supply system (12) to the retarder and being arranged to operate sequentially to control progressively magnitude of power supplied to the retarder if the vehicle speed is not reduced during sequential periods of predetermined duration.

Abstract: A vehicle such as a speedboat or racing car is equipped with a magnetic sensing coil (22) for producing electrical signals in response to detection of magnets disposed at one or more positions along the course. In the case of buoy-mounted markers, the magnets (26) may be mounted on certain of the buoys (10,13,14,17). The output from the sensing coil (22) is used to control on-board timing circuitry to enable the average vehicle speed over the course to be determined and displayed.

Abstract: A device senses changes in a frequency or speed to be displayed. A display control circuit controls the time interval for updating the display, according to the magnitude of a sensed change in the frequency or speed, thereby avoiding flickering of the display, as well as improving the accuracy and up-to-dateness of the frequency or speed displayed.

Abstract: The digital display device of a vehicle is provided with a control facility for controlling other vehicle mounted electric equipment such as a warning device, an auto-door lock mechanism, or the like. The control is effected by using a control signal intended for turning on a particular segment of an indicating portion of the digital display indicator.

Abstract: A tachometer signal provides input to first and second parallel connected channels, each of the channels comprising in series operational amplifier, threshold detector, and counting devices. A comparator checks that the same count is registered by the counters of both channels. Each of the threshold detectors is biased to require a minimum amplitude over and under tachometer pulse input in order to deliver an output to the pulse counter of the associated channel. Attenuating circuits act on the inputs of the operational amplifiers of both channels during predetermined intervals to check that the amplitude of the tachometer pulses is sufficient to be counted by the tachometer counters. Dynamic checking circuits are provided to check the integrity of the attenuating system.

Abstract: A digital display type tachometer for an automobile for numerically displaying a rotation speed of the engine comprises a numeric character display device having display sections for 1000's, 100's, 10's and 1's digits, the 1's digit display section being constructed to display always "0", a counter for counting pulses generated in synchronism with the rotations of the engine to produce a BCD signal depending on the rotation speed, and decoding/driver means for decoding the BCD signal into decimal numeric character signals for 1000's, 100's and 10's digits and driving the 1000's, 100's, and 10's digit display sections by these character signals, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and controlling an elevator speed which includes a rotary disc rotated by a motor which moves an elevator cage and including a pulse generator which produces a pulse signal proportional to an elevator speed in cooperation with the rotary disc. The pulse signal is differentiated by a differentiation circuit and the output signal of the differentiation circuit is rectified by a full-wave rectifying circuit with the output signal of the rectifying circuit supplied to a monostable multivibrator. The output signal of the multivibrator is smoothed by a smoothing circuit which thereby produces an analog speed control signal. The multivibrator includes a zener diode operating to decrease the voltage level of the smoothing circuit output should the power source voltage drift. The rotary disc has projecting portions and apertures between the projecting portions all of which are of the same shape and width.

Abstract: In an on-board sensible signal that is activated by the speedometer of a vehicle when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined threshold and that remains activated when the speed is reduced below this threshold, the improvement consists of a combination of timing and logic circuitry that deactivates the signal when and only when the vehicle stops and remains at rest for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Speed data samples from an ordinary digital speedometer are written sequentially into a number of addressed memory locations. Each new entry replaces the oldest entry then in memory. This writing process occurs only when the vehicle is moving, so the memory cannot be erased when the vehicle is at rest. The last writing address used is retained. Any stored data sample may be recalled and displayed by presenting its address. The time-before-vehicle-stop of the displayed recalled data corresponds to the sequential interval between the recalling address and the last-used writing address. In the most convenient modification, the user stepwise specifies the sequential interval and the device produces the appropriate recalling address.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for monitoring the operation of a motor vehicle subjected to a decelerative force, wherein the vehicle's throttle opening is sensed, an indication is given when the throttle opening exceeds a predetermined value, wherein the decelerative force is sensed, and wherein the predetermined value is varied automatically as the decelerative force on the vehicle varies. If the throttle opening continues to exceed the predetermined value, then a recording is made.

Abstract: A vehicle speed alarm is used to alert a driver of a vehicle that the instantaneous speed thereof has exceeded a pre-established maximum vehicular speed. The speed alarm produces a reference signal upon receipt of a transmitted signal containing information corresponding to the pre-established maximum vehicle speed. This reference signal is compared with a speed signal which corresponds to the instantaneous speed of the vehicle. When the instantaneous speed of the vehicle exceeds the pre-established maximum speed, a control signal is developed to alert the driver of that condition.

Abstract: A speed alarm system for a motor vehicle comprises a speed sensor, a plurality of comparators responsive to the vehicle speed and respective preset reference speeds, and a plurality of lamps responsive to the output signals of the comparators. The threshold values which are defined by said reference speeds, are stepwisely arranged to change the number of the lamps energized. The number of energized lamps varies in accordance with the difference between the vehicle speed and a reference speed.

Abstract: An audio vehicle speedometer in which two pulse trains, one having a frequency which varies as a function of vehicle speed and the other having a frequency which varies as a function of desired vehicle speed indicated by the manually set portion of a potentiometer, are produced and compared to produce a further pulse train having a frequency which varies as a function of the difference frequency between the first two trains. The further train is applied to a speaker to produce an audio pulse train whenever the vehicle speed exceeds the desired manually set speed.

Abstract: The device includes a speedometer in an automobile, having a speed scale and a pointer; the speedometer has photo-electric means and a shield on the pointer to interrupt the light rays in the photo-electric means, above a predetermined speed, for effecting warning signals or inhibiting excess speed; the PE arrangement eliminates mechanical contacts in the speedometer; the warning signals include external warning light viewable by others than those in the automobile such as other drivers and the traffic police, and includes a shifting down of automatic trasmission, for reducing speed; other forms of the invention are adapted to industrial installations.

Abstract: A computer - controlled oil drilling rig is characterized by apparatus for comparing signals representative of the actual velocity and direction of travel of a traveling block with signals representative of predetermined minimum and maximum velocities of the traveling block and a signal representative of a predetermined direction of travel of the traveling block. Output signals are generated if the actual velocity signals are greater than the maximum velocity signal or less than the minimum velocity signal and if the direction of the traveling block deviates from the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A maximum web speed monitor for limiting the speed of a moving web which is cut into sheets by a knife such as a rotary knife. A digital cut-off control provides separate signals indicative of the web speed and the length of sheets into which the web is cut by the knife. A digital integrator repetitively provides a sample signal indicative of the actual speed of the web based on a preselected sampling interval. Information representative of maximum permissible web speed as a function of sheet length is stored in a PROM. The web speed is prevented from exceeding a maximum permissible speed as a function of the maximum permissible web speed information and the sample signal.

Abstract: In an automatic brake controller having a vehicle velocity detector for detecting vehicle velocity and a wheel velocity detector for detecting wheel velocity, a failure detecting system is provided for the vehicle velocity detector and the wheel velocity detector. A comparator which makes a comparison between the vehicle velocity signal obtained from said vehicle velocity detector and the wheel velocity signal obtained from said wheel velocity detector generates a predetermined output signal when the difference between both the output signals of said detectors exceeds a predetermined value, and a logical circuit is responsive to said output signal from said comparator to provide a failure signal when a signal representative of a normal transit condition is being generated.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which produces an alarm signal when the magnitude of a varying physical quantity such as the running speed of an automobile, for example, exceeds one of a plurality of preset threshold values. The apparatus includes detection means having a plurality of detection channels in which mutually different threshold values are defined and capable of producing an electrical output in response to the magnitude of the varying physical quantity exceeding a threshold value in each of the detection channels; selection means for selecting one of the threshold values and for providing an output signal indicative of the selected threshold value; and comparison and control means for comparing the output from the detection means and the output from the selection means to produce an electrical output when the magnitude of the physical quantity exceeds the threshold value selected by the selection means.