Abstract: An improved acceleration/deceleration monitoring system for motor vehicles and other types of human-operated equipment is herein disclosed. This system measures and records events where preset acceleration/deceleration parameters are exceeded. The system is equipped with data communication means that allows an employer, a parent, an insurance carrier, or any other interested person to verify that the vehicle in question is operated in an appropriate manner. The system records each incident of vehicle acceleration (or deceleration) that exceeds established parameters while noting the date, time of day, and location of the incident. The information retrieved is compiled in a data record and stored in a storage system for instantaneous use or retrieval when desired.

Abstract: A rotary position transducer with a cosine and sine attenuating voltage wave output has the substantially linear portions segmented and pieced together from a predetermined set of conditions to form a continuously linearly varying voltage output.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) helps protect an occupant (1) of a vehicle (100). The apparatus (10) includes first means (11) for non-intrusively sensing at least one health condition of the vehicle occupant (1) and for producing a first output signal (110) indicative of the health condition of the vehicle occupant (1). The apparatus (10) further includes 2ND means (21) for transmitting a health condition signal derived from the first output signal (110) to a person at a location remote from the vehicle (100) to convey health condition information to the person and to enable the person to determine a suitable type of response.

Abstract: A remote two-module electronic fluid monitoring system. A tank module sits atop a field tank and monitors internal fluid level. Fluid level detection is achieved by tracking the position of an embedded permanent magnet associated with a given internal fluid level within an existing float gauge mechanism. An integrated circuit capable of precisely detecting the orientation of magnetic fields senses the angular position of an existing magnet and outputs an angular field reading to an interfaced microcontroller which then translates angular reading to fluid level. The tank module contains a radio frequency transmitter which then sends fluid level information to a display module. The display module receives the signal from the tank module and reports to the user the present fluid level remaining in the tank via a liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A thermometer is disclosed that utilizes a thermistor as a temperature sensor, to control the period and duty cycle of a multivibrator circuit. A second circuit, controlled by a microcontroller, measures both the charge and discharge times of the oscillation. From the ratio of these parameters, a precise indication of temperature can be obtained that is independent of temperature variations within the active components and the charging capacitor of the multivibrator circuit. The method is also independent of the value of the charging capacitor. Furthermore, by measuring the same ratio when a fixed resistor is substituted for the thermistor, a cell constant can be derived. The cell constant is used to calibrate the non-ideal response of the multivibrator circuit, thus providing a more accurate measurement of temperature.

Abstract: A method for wirelessly transmitting data from an utility meter, such as an electric meter, is disclosed. A microprocessor housed inside an energy meter obtains readings of various power indicia, stores the readings, processes the buffer to determine an efficient means of formatting the data for transmission using a radio frequency communications link. The method examines the plurality of readings and determines if values can be communicated by transmitting an initial reading and followed by the difference of the next reading from the previous reading. A special indication is transmitted to turn ‘on’ compression and allow the receiver to propertly interpret received data. Other indicators are transmitted to turn ‘off’ compression, turn on compression for a pre-defined limited duration, or vary the range of the difference between readings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for three-dimensional coordinate determination adapted for automotive crash repair and diagnostics includes coordinate data evaluation equipment having transmitter means and receiver means, one of which is disposed at plural locations on the vehicle and the other of which is fixed relative to the vehicle. A frame has an elongated upright member along which mounting assemblies are selectively positionable, each mounting assembly including a clamp moveably receiving a lateral member therethrough for selective lateral positioning therealong. Suction cups are fixed to one lateral member for a mounting on the vehicle and a suitable clamp is mounted on the other lateral member for attachment to the fixed part of the associated analysis equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for low-power sensing and processing are provided. A method preferably includes collecting a plurality of sensor signals. The plurality of sensors include sensed data representative of at least shock and vibration. The method also includes converting the plurality of sensor signals into digital data, processing the digital data, generating a data communications protocol for communicating the digital data, and simultaneously and remotely detecting the generated communications protocol having the processed data to determined the occurrence of at least one predetermined condition. An apparatus preferably includes a low-power, data acquisition processing circuit responsive to a plurality of sensor signals representative of at least shock and vibration for acquiring and processing the sensed data.

Abstract: A low cost and easy to assemble communicating utility meter provides selectable measurement, calibration, display, and communications means so as to be re-configurable based on several factors including; harmonic content of the power signal measured, LCD display alternatives, time of use measurements, bandpass filter settings, power quality measurements, PLC communications alternatives, radio frequency communications alternatives, optical communications alternatives, and hard wire communications alternatives.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for low-power sensing and processing are provided. A method preferably includes collecting a plurality of sensor signals. The plurality of sensors include sensed data representative of at least shock and vibration. The method also includes converting the plurality of sensor signals into digital data, processing the digital data, generating a data communications protocol for communicating the digital data, and simultaneously and remotely detecting the generated communications protocol having the processed data to determined the occurrence of at least one predetermined condition. An apparatus preferably includes a low-power, data acquisition processing circuit responsive to a plurality of sensor signals representative of at least shock and vibration for acquiring and processing the sensed data.