Abstract: A traffic information warning system for conveying traffic information from a traffic advisory site to a vehicle is disclosed. The traffic warning site comprises an emergency vehicle, a roadside hazard, or the like. The system comprises a transmitter adapted for placement at the advisory site and a receiver adapted for placement at the vehicle. The transmitter includes a first oscillator for transmitting a first unmodulated carrier signal at a first frequency and a second oscillator for transmitting a second unmodulated carrier signal at a second frequency. The first and second frequencies define the traffic information. The receiver includes a detector for detecting the first and second signals and an announcing device for announcing the traffic information.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the transfer of information in motor vehicle traffic between a fixed-position transmitter-building element near a roadway and a receiver arranged in a vehicle, the transmitter-building element emits a coded information signal and the receiver of the vehicle driving past the transmitter-building element displays information from the information signal in the vehicle. In order to make shielding measures unnecessary, with an uncomplicated supply of energy to the transmitter-building element and small construction costs therefor, the transmitter-building element (1) is built into roadway pavement (12). The energy necessary for transmitting the information signal is received by the transmitter-building element (1) from the vehicle (13) which is driving above it.

Abstract: A short distance ultrasonic distance meter is disclosed with provisions to reduce the ill-effects of ringing when measurements are of obstacles closer than about ten inches. In one embodiment an opposite phase ultrasonic wave is introduced by a circuit (245) and in another embodiment a strain sensor (232) introduces negative feedback to effect cancellation of ringing (147). Finally, in a third embodiment, both the negative feedback and opposite phase methods are employed for optimal results.

Abstract: Adaptive cruise control speed limiting consistent with sensor and system limitations ensures an adaptive cruise control source vehicle operates in adaptively controllable speed ranges including speed ranges corresponding to following distances within the sensor range and excluding speed ranges at which preceding targets are not reliably distinguishable by the sensing system.

Abstract: A system is proposed for bidirectional electromagnetic transmission of data signals between at least two stationary units and one vehicle unit. The stationary units in the downlink mode synchronously transmit the data signals to the vehicle unit and have different carrier frequencies. In the uplink mode, the data signals are transmitted from the vehicle unit to the stationary units by the semipassive transponder principle. In the process, the data signals of the vehicle unit are frequency-modulated to the various carrier frequencies of the stationary units. This arrangement improves the reliability of bidirectional data transmission. A preferred application is data exchange for traffic control systems between stationary beacon units and moving vehicles.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for the detection of human presence in hazardous situations near moving machinery; appropriately shaped electrodes are placed in an area to be safeguarded and a radio-frequency signal of appropriate frequency and voltage is applied on the electrodes creating an alternating electric field around them. A bridge circuit is used to measure the capacitive impedance created by the electrodes and a dissipation factor is calculated from the real and imaginary parts of the impedance. If a foreign object is introduced into the electric field, the characteristics of the dielectric are modified creating a change of the value of the dissipation factor. The dissipation of energy in the high frequency region is much greater if this foreign object is a biological tissue as compared to other types of materials, such as conductors or insulators.

Abstract: A warning system for vehicles detects actual road surface temperature and advises the driver of surface temperatures which indicate the vehicle may be approaching possible ice formation on roadways. The warning system comprises an infrared detector mounted externally on the vehicle and aimed at the road surface, the detector arranged to read only the infrared temperature wavelength emissions associated with concrete and asphalt to eliminate confusing and erroneous readings inadvertently received through infrared emission from other objects in the vicinity. The detector is connected to a processing unit which translates the electric signals from the detector into a temperature readout display for the driver and the processing unit may include an alarm which is activated to attract the driver's attention when road temperatures are detected that are below a set minimum temperature that is selected by the driver's manual adjustment of a temperature select control knob on the unit.

Abstract: A plurality of sensitive high-frequency proximity switches are provided in the bumper of a car and obstacles can be accurately identified. The electronic car bumper includes: a plurality of sensor portions each having sensor plates, first loading coils, and a divided capacitor, and a reference resonance circuit having a reference capacitor, a second loading coil and a divided capacitor. An oscillator drives each of the sensor portions and the reference resonance circuit through switching devices, and a detector detects an output of the oscillator. A discrimination portion discriminates an output of the detector and provides a discriminated signal to an output portion corresponding to the sensors and the reference resonance circuit. A synchronous device switches the switching device and the discriminator portion in synchronization.

Abstract: An obstacle detecting device for a vehicle comprises a pair of image sensors for taking an image of an object surrounding a vehicle, a display image plane for displaying an image data taken by said pair of image sensors as an image, and a plurality of windows designating regions of said image on said display image plane. The device further comprises an optical obstacle detecting device for detecting distances from said vehicle to said object in said regions of the image designated by said plurality of windows for the respective windows to thereby detect an obstacle, a laser radar device mounted on the vehicle for radiating a radar beam to the object surrounding the vehicle to thereby detect said obstacle, and an obstacle selecting device for selecting either the obstacle detected by said optical obstacle detecting device or the obstacle detected by said laser radar device mounted on the vehicle.

Abstract: An ultrasonic detection system for signaling the presence of an object in one of n linear fields in the path of motion of a person or vehicle. Ultrasonic signals are transmitted by transducers. The linear distance in the path of motion is divided into n linear fields. A unique warning signal such as a voice message, informs the operator of the system of the field in which the object is positioned. The operator of the system may select one or any combination of the fields and may alter the length of any or all fields.

Abstract: This invention relates to traffic control means for emergency-type vehicles including an on-board plotter screen having a diagram of streets, roads, highways and the like displayed thereon. A light pen is used to draw the preferred route which is then either accepted or rejected in part or as a whole by a computer based on a current street condition program. Once the route has been accepted a traffic signal map program can be activated that will automatically control traffic along the route to the destination of the emergency vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting objects around a vehicle, comprising a plurality of microwave-transceiver sensors for transmitting microwave signals to reflect off objects around the vehicle. The reflected signals are received and passed to a control unit for comparing the received signal to a transmitted signal to determine whether a detected object constitutes a threat to the moving vehicle. An alarm means is connected to the control unit and activates upon the receipt of an alarm signal when the control unit determines a detected object constitutes a threat to the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for alerting the driver of a vehicle to the presence of another vehicle in an adjacent lane while changing lanes, in which an ultrasonic transmitter emits acoustic energy which, if reflected from an adjacent vehicle within a zone of coverage, is received on an ultrasonic receiver and processed to produce an audible warning to the driver indicative of the relative speed and position of the adjacent vehicle. One of three distinct audible warning tones alerts the driver to an approaching vehicle, a receding vehicle, or a vehicle whose relative speed is the same.

Abstract: A multi-frequency electronic signal transmitter includes apparatus for transmitting an electronic signal on each of a plurality of transmission frequencies in succession such that the signal is detectable substantially without interruption by a compatible receiver within range of the signal, which is tuned to any one of the transmission frequencies. Direct digital synthesis circuitry is responsive to digital data representing the amplitude of respective discrete portions of a sinusoidal waveform for generating an analog signal corresponding thereto. Frequency control circuitry is provided for controlling the direct digital synthesis circuitry to generate the analog signal on each of the selected frequencies in succession. In one embodiment, the transmission frequencies correspond to selected frequencies in an amplitude modulated (AM) radio broadcast band. In another embodiment, the transmission frequencies correspond to selected frequencies in a frequency modulated (FM) radio broadcast band.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for warning a motor vehicle operator of an approaching emergency motor vehicle having a sounding siren. The method comprehends selecting two frequencies A'-B' that fall within the siren frequency range and providing a microphone for detecting the sound signals including the siren signals and filtering out the electrical siren signals by a band pass filter. The selected A' and B' frequency signals are individually detected to provide output indications thereof representative of an A'-B' frequency transition. The output indications are processed for determining the preselected number of frequency transitions and producing a warning signal representative of the approaching emergency vehicle. The warning signal is utilized to give the motor vehicle operator an audible alarm and/or a visible alarm and deenergizing the motor vehicle's sound system.

Abstract: A driver alerting device for a school bus or the like includes a pair of transceivers adapted for mounting at the forward end and below the vehicle. Return wave signals from any object or person within the transceiver range are supplied to the transceiver through an antenna connection. Any resultant doppler shift signal is amplified for driving the audio alarm to alert the driver to the presence of a person or object within the transceiver range.

Abstract: A combination to detect the proximity of an emergency vehicle including a transmitter in the emergency vehicle and a receiver in another vehicle, the receiver actuating an alarm such as a blinking light upon the reception of a transmission from an emergency vehicle.

Abstract: A cruise control system for vehicles uses a video camera to follow a vehicle driving ahead at a constant distance and speed on a highway. The system detects the distance to a vehicle and a relative speed to set the upper and lower limitations for the distance and the speed. The system controls a speed of the vehicle in accordance with the comparisons of the detected distance and speed with the limitations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a warning device in a motor vehicle for detection of unintentional change of course. The invention utilizes existing white road lines being scanned by two detectors (A) mounted far out in the front on the left-hand and the right-hand side of the bumper of the vehicle. IR transmitting diodes (1) located in the detectors are fed from a transmitting unit of an electronic unit mounted in the vehicle with a pulsed signal voltage. The light emitted from the IR diode (1) is reflected by the lines (10) of the roadway (11) to an IR receiving diode (12) mounted in the detector (A), this diode not being affected by visible natural and/or artifical light but is only activated by the pulsed, reflected IR light. The signal voltage received by the IR receiving diode (12) is connected to two receiving parts mounted in the electronic unit, one for the right-hand and one for the left-hand side of the vehicle compartment, for conversion into an acoustic or an optical warning signal to the driver.

Abstract: A communication system for displaying route specific messages onboard a plurality of mass transit vehicles operating along designated routes within a geographical area serviced by a cellular telephone network includes a transmitter connectable to any telephone in the telephone system, the transmitter capable of transmitting messages to any other addressable telephone number in the system, and a cellular based visual communication unit mounted onboard each of the vehicles, each of the units having an addressable telephone number. The transmitter and each cellular based visual communication unit cooperatively assure that the contents of the route specific messages transmitted from the transmitter via the cellular telephone system to the respective vehicle are received, stored and subsequently displayed in an error-free condition, regardless of whether or not the vehicles are mobile or stationary.

Abstract: A system for managing a plurality of motor vehicles that are driven by different people is provided. A parking area having an entrance and an exit is provided with a data acquisition device for controlling user access, as well as a receiver that is disposed in the vicinity of a barrier and that receives vehicle operation data that is transmitted by a transmitter that is integral with the vehicle, with this data being transmitted to a central control unit that controls the barriers, the data acquisition device, and the receiver.

Abstract: An optical traffic preemption detector detects pulses of light emitted by an approaching emergency vehicle and provides an output signal which is processed by a phase selector. The phase selector can request a traffic signal controller to preempt a normal traffic signal sequence to give priority to the emergency vehicle. A detector assembly is mounted in proximity to an intersection and can have multiple detector channels. A detector channel can have multiple photocells. A detector housing includes a base, at least one detector turret and a cap. A detector channel circuit includes a circuit board, a photocell with a lens placed over the photocell, and circuitry to produce an output signal.

Abstract: An optical traffic preemption detector detects pulses of light emitted by an approaching emergency vehicle and provides an output signal which is processed by a phase selector. The phase selector can request a traffic signal controller to preempt a normal traffic signal sequence to give priority to the emergency vehicle. A detector assembly is mounted in proximity to an intersection and can have multiple detector channels. A detector channel can have multiple photocells. Each photocell is provided with a rise time filter. If a detector channel has more than one photocell, the outputs of the respective rise time filters are coupled together. An output of a rise time filter, or coupled rise time filters, is first applied to a current-to-voltage converter and then a band pass filter. The band pass filter isolates a decaying sinusoid signal from a signal representative of a pulse of light.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic safety driving distance control device for vehicle. The device includes a microcomputer which, within the range of 0-120 km/hr, can adjust the safety distance between the vehicle and the front vehicle according to the speed data transmitted from the speedometer and can automatically control the speed of the vehicle to maintain a safety distance from the front vehicle so as to avoid collision. When the vehicle is moving, the microcomputer calculates the safety distance between both vehicles according to the speed of the vehicle and the actual distance from the front vehicle according to the data from the distance detector. If the distance is too short, it will automatically motivate the brake motor to cause the vehicle to decelerate and the brake lights to turn on; if the distance is too great, it will automatically motivate the accelertion/deceleration motor to cause the vehicle to accelerate so that a safety distance is kept between both vehicles.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting the presence of objects in the path of the end portion of a movable vehicle are disclosed. A vehicle mounted transmitter transmits bursts of ultrasonic object detection signals. A receiver also mounted on the vehicle receives not only a direct signal from the transmitter, but also signals reflected from objects in the path of the movable vehicle. The transmitter and receiver are mounted on the end portion of the vehicle so that they constitute the foci of an elliptical path defining the loci of all points of signal reflection having the same total transit time of signal from the transmitter to a reflecting object and back to the receiver. The elliptical path of the loci of the closest detectable objects preferably encompasses substantially the entire end portion of the movable vehicle.

Abstract: An equipment for detecting the movement of a preceding vehicle and giving warning. When one's own vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "the vehicle") is at a stop, the equipment detects the forward or backward movement of said preceding vehicle and gives warning to the driver of the vehicle. The equipment comprises a distance measuring sensor for measuring the distance between the vehicle and said preceding vehicle when the vehicle is at a stop, a memory device for memorizing a value measured by said distance measuring sensor, a measurement command device for making said distance measuring sensor repeatedly measure the distance between the vehicle and said preceding vehicle, a comparison device for comparing said memorized value measured by said distance measuring sensor with values subsequently measured by said distance measuring sensor, and a warning device for giving warning when any of said values subsequently measured is different from said memorized value.

Abstract: A safety system which contains a crossing arm or the like which is mounted on a vehicle, such as a school bus, and normally carried at a retracted position adjacent the vehicle, and a sensor device for sensing the presence of children near the bus which operates in a coordinated fashion with the crossing arm. The sensor may operate either only when the crossing arm is in its retracted position or when the crossing arm is both in its retracted and operating positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of an object within an area under surveillance employs an electro-optical emitter for directing light into the area and an electro-optical receiver for sensing light reflected from the object which originates from the emitter. The emitter emits light energy of a preselected wavelength and is modulated at a preselected frequency to provide the emanating light energy with a characteristic signature. Light reflected by an object within the area under surveillance is filtered and converted to an electrical signal which varies in accordance with the magnitude of the filtered light having the preselected wavelength and modulation frequency. A selected portion of the electrical signal is amplified by a band-pass amplifier and is synchronously sampled in accordance with the modulation frequency to determine the magnitude of the filtered light which originated from the emitter.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for preventing a reference car from colliding with a car in front of or behind the reference car by monitoring traffic conditions in front of and behind the reference car and by providing warning and control signals. The apparatus includes distance sensors for measuring the distance between the reference car and a car or any object in front or behind the reference car, a speed sensor for measuring the speed of the reference car, and a micro computer for computing safety distances between cars according to the aforesaid distance and speed measured to operate related actuators for generating warning signals to drivers of the reference car, the front car, and the rear car. The apparatus also provides a method for preventing a reference car from possible collision with other cars or objects.

Abstract: An emergency situation traffic signal control system, employing true radar and telemetry-based systems, which is a two-way, two frequency, full duplex transmission system. The system consists of an intersection transmitter/receiver electrically coupled to an intersection traffic signal control box and a vehicular transponder. The intersection transmitter/receiver generates an A/DCODE consisting of an access code ("ACODE") and a direction code ("DCODE"). The intersection transmitter/receiver continuously monitors the intersection by sending the A/DCODE signal in the approach directions relative to the intersection. An authorized emergency vehicle transponder approaching the intersection receives the A/DCODE, verifies the accuracy of the codes and re-transmits the DCODE, along with an optional vehicle identification code ("VID"), to the intersection transmitter/receiver for verification. If the vehicle is positively verified, control of the intersection is handed over to the vehicle by engaging valid preempt.

Abstract: Aircraft engine deactivation apparatus for stopping an aircraft engine while the aircraft is on the ground. The apparatus is for safety purposes and is used to prevent a detected object from coming into contact with an engine driven propeller or a jet propulsion intake. A detector, preferably an infra-red radiation sensor, detects an object or person within a selected distance and within a seleced area about the engine. Upon detection, a mechanical engine deactivator, such as brake calipers engageable with the engine flywheel, or an electronic deactivator, such as an electronic switch operable to ground magnetos, shuts down the engine. A by-pass switch renders the system inoperable, when desired.

Abstract: The ultrasonic device which is sensitive to a selectably defined range for giving warning to a vehicle operator while backing which indicates visually an obstruction substantially out of range, close to range and within range coupled with an in range audio alarm giving an intermittent tone at a defined pulse rate which rate approaches non-pulsating as the object approaches within 25% of the selected range. A convex reflector of a defined radius in conjunction with angularly upright baffles disposed on the convexity is coupled to the transmitting/receiving transducer to generate an ultrasonic beam which encompasses objects anywhere in the range area adjacent to the vehicle's rear edge.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling vehicle speed calculates the relative speed between the subject vehicle and another preceding vehicle on the basis of the intervehicle distance detected by an intervehicle distance detector. One of a number of relative speed values derived with reference to different sampling periods is selected according to the magnitude of one of the relative speed values so that a highly accurate and fast responsive system for controlling the vehicle speed can be achieved on the basis of the vehicle speed, intervehicle distance, and selected relative speed.

Abstract: The space ahead of a moving vehicle is irradiated in sectors (A-G) by a plurality of CW solid state radar devices mounted as an array across the front of the vehicle, such that adjacent lobes of each beam may overlap. The radar signal comprises a CW beam modulated intermittently by a slightly offset frequency to produce `pulses` which when reflected from obstacles within respective sectors (A-G) are detected by mixer diodes in one, or two adjacent radar devices after a time delay which, measured, yields a distance to the obstacle. Obstacles so detected may be displayed in two dimensions within their respective sector (A-G) on a display projected onto the windscreen.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the distance between one's car and the car ahead, together with the angle between the axes of the two cars. The apparatus has a pair of driving optical systems disposed at a predetermined distance from each other, each driving optical system comprising an optical system having a light projector which projects pulse light having a specific code toward the car which is ahead of the one's car and a light receiver which receives the reflected pulse light from the car ahead, the light projector and receiver being disposed in so close proximity to each other that the respective optical axes can be considered to be on substantially the same axis, and a driving system for adjusting the angle of projection of the light projector on the basis of a signal from the light receiver.

Abstract: A driver alerting device includes a transceiver adapted for mounting at the rearward end of a vehicle for directing its wave output rearwardly of the vehicle. Return wave signals for many objects within the transceiver range are picked up and supplied to the transceiver by an antenna. Any resultant doppler shift signal is amplified for driving an audio alarm adapted for placement within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The circuit is adapted for electrical connection to the back-up light circuit of the vehicle for activation only when the vehicle transmission is engaged in reverse gear.

Abstract: An adaptive cruise system for a vehicle maintains a desired selected operator-set speed in the absence of a detected preceding target vehicle and adjusts the vehicle speed when a target vehicle is detected to maintain a following distance that is set by the vehicle operator. An alert distance is computed that is a predetermined function of a distance based on driver reaction time. To provide for the driver selectable trailing distance, the driver reaction term of the alert distance is adjusted by the vehicle operator to achieve a desired distance to the target vehicle.

Abstract: A driver alerting device includes a transceiver adapted for mounting at the rearward end of a vehicle for directing its wave output rearwardly of the vehicle. Return wave signals for many objects within the transceiver range are picked up and supplied to the transceiver by an antenna. Any resultant doppler shift signal is amplified for driving an audio alarm adapted for placement within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The circuit is adapted for electrical connection to the back-up light circuit of the vehicle for activation only when the vehicle transmission is engaged in reverse gear.

Abstract: An improved housing for an electrically operated vehicle backup alarm for mounting on a vehicle bumper or other structural component in preformed, standard size receptacles. A tubular body fabricated of plastic or nylon composite includes internal mounting lugs for removeably mounting modular electronic components and sound transducer. A removable rear cover and epoxy potting material seals the alarm components against dirt and moisture intrusion. Resilient mounting lugs or fingers external to the housing allow the housing to be mounted within preformed mounting receptacles. The mounting lugs or fingers are deformed slightly when the housing is inserted into the mounting receptacle and snapped into engagement with the edges of the mounting receptacle securely holding the housing in place within the mounting receptacle.

Abstract: A security system which monitors a number of vehicles each of which includes an immobilizer and a transceiver. The system includes a number of security stations which detect signals emitted by vehicles when an unauthorized at, e.g. breaking and entering, stealing, or the like, is detected. The signals, which identify the respective vehicles, are stored, and transmitted to a base station, preferably in response to a polling signal. The affected vehicles are immobilized by means of a signal from the base station, or from one of the security stations, at an appropriate time or location. The vehicle's lights may be turned on and its hooter sounded. When the vehicle is not used within range of a security station its security station may be monitored by means of a portable receiver.

Abstract: A motor vehicle backup monitor introduces a reflector into the detection range of a sensor in predetermined manner during a test phase. The reflector can comprise, for example, the flap of the housing which encloses the sensor. The reflector is removed from the detection range of the sensor during its operational phase. The monitor unit is particularly applicable to ultrasonic sensors used to monitor a motor vehicle when it is backing up.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of an object within an area under surveillance employs an electro-optical emitter for directing light into the area and an electro-optical receiver for sensing light reflected from the object which originates from the emitter. The emitter emits light energy of a preselected wavelength and is modulated at a preselected frequency to provide the emanating light energy with a characteristic signature. Light reflected by an object within the area under surveillance is filtered and converted to an electrical signal which varies in accordance with the magnitude of the filtered light having the preselected wavelength and modulation frequency. A selected portion of the electrical signal is amplified by a band-pass amplifier and is synchronously sampled in accordance with the modulation frequency to determine the magnitude of the filtered light which originated from the emitter.

Abstract: A smart card which transmits its stored data by means of light modulated by a spatial light modulating device. In one embodiment, the reader for the smart card includes apparatus for producing the beam of light and for directing it on the smart card and the card includes provision for directing the beam of light through the light modulator. For medical alert device use, and the like, the reader includes a slot for receiving the smart card directly therein. Optionally, reflectors or optic fibers can direct the light beam on the smart card. In one version, solar cell(s) carried by the smart card convert light incident thereon into power for the card. In a variation thereof, there is a light splitter for splitting the beam of light into a portion directed onto the solar cell(s) for producing power and a portion directed through the light modulator. In an active embodiment, the light modulator includes light producing apparatus for producing the beam of light as a modulated beam such as an infrared diode.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for a safety device for driving a vehicle in reverse comprising at least two transmitter/receiver pairs which are mounted at the back of the vehicle and which operate by reflecting sound. Each transmitter/receiver is associated with an electroacoustic transducer. An acoustic shunt is positioned between neighboring transducers. The transmitter/receiver pairs alternate cyclically to acquire an object. The signal received from a neighboring transmitter is evaluated as a function control signal.

Abstract: A radio receiver for use in a vehicle combines a radar receiver, a receiver for the citizen band, and a scanning receiver for public service bands which are controlled in operation and function by a microprocessor. The public service scanning receiver covers a range of public service bands from 37 MHz to 470 MHz. The receiver for the citizen band covers frequencies from 26 to 28 MHz. The radar receiver covers frequencies of traffic radars located in the X and K bands, from 8 to 24 GHz. In the preferred embodiment, a radar detector responds to radar signals in either the X or K band under control of the microprocessor, and is in a standby mode whether or not the operator is listening to reception on the citizen band or a public service band. A synthesizer either selects a desired channel in the citizen band or else scans a preselected group of public service frequencies that correspond to those assigned to a particular state, country or city.

Abstract: A driver alerting device includes a transceiver adapted for mounting at the rearward end of a vehicle for directing its wave output rearwardly of the vehicle. Return wave signals for many objects within the transceiver range are picked up and supplied to the transceiver by an antenna. Any resultant doppler shift signal is amplified for driving an audio alarm adapted for placement within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The doppler shift signal also activates a solenoid which applies the air brakes of the vehicle. The circuit is adapted for operative electrical connection to the vehicle transmission or the like for activation only when the vehicle transmission is engaged in reverse gear.

Abstract: A digital control system for controlling the flow of traffic in selected directions in response to digital signals transmitted from a common transmitting control unit to multiple separate receiving traffic control units respectively associated with each controlled direction. The transmitting unit includes a transmitter and digital command code generator operative when actuated to transmit a character in the form of a digital signal specific for one of the receiving units. Each receiving unit includes traffic control indicators operative in different modes of display indications visible to traffic flowing in the direction to be controlled by that unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting obstacles in the path of a work vehicle, in which a transducer produces radiant energy, receives radiant energy reflected from an obstacle and produces an obstacle detected signal in response to receiving the reflected radiant energy. A rotatable reflector projects the radiant energy produced by the transducer radially outwardly from the work vehicle and directs the reflected radiant energy back to the transducer. An encoder produces an enable signal in response to predetermined positions of the rotatable reflector and is located along the same axis of rotation as the optical reflector. Zone control logic receives the obstacle detected signal and the enable signal and produces a vehicle control signal if both signals are present.

Abstract: A driveway safety light system is provided and consists of a transmitter within a motor vehicle to activate a lamp connected to a receiver at a corner on end of a driveway so as to indicate to anyone driving down a road that the motor vehicle is about to exit from the driveway.

Abstract: A driver alerting device includes a transceiver adapted for mounting at the rearward end of a vehicle for directing its wave output rearwardly of the vehicle. Return wave signals for many objects within the transceiver range are picked up and supplied to the transceiver by an antenna. Any resultant doppler shift signal is amplified for driving an audio alarm adapted for placement within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The circuit is adapted for electrical connection to the back-up light circuit of the vehicle for activation only when the vehicle transmission is engaged in reverse gear.