Abstract: An electronic voltage polarity indicator that provides an easy to identify indication as to whether an electrical surface being contacted by a probe is at a positive or negative polarity. The electronic voltage polarity indicator is particularly useable with a 12 volt power source, and thus can find application in the installation of equipment in vehicles, such as automobiles.

Abstract: A device, method, and computer program product for identifying and communicating with digital communication devices within a communication range that includes a transmitter configured to transmit a control signal and a voice signal, a receiver configured to receive the control signal and the voice signal, a user interface unit having a display area, and a computational unit configured to control the transmitter to periodically transmit identifying information as the control signal. The control signal is received as remote identifying information by the other digital communication devices within the communication range. The remote identifying information is displayed on the display area of each of the digital communication devices receiving the control signal.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for notifying a user of recently received information while away from the display connected to the computer. Using a non-commercial, private network, the information is forwarded from a computer through a transmitter to a portable receiver with an integrated display. Such information may be in the form of e-mails, stock quotes, and calendar alarms.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for notifying a user of recently received information while away from the display connected to the computer. Using a non-commercial, private network, the information is forwarded from a computer through a transmitter to a portable receiver with an integrated display. Such information may be in the form of e-mails, stock quotes, and calendar alarms.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for notifying a user of recently received information while away from the display connected to the computer. Using a non-commercial, private network, the information is forwarded from a computer through a transmitter to a portable receiver with an integrated display. Such information may be in the form of e-mails, stock quotes, and calendar alarms.

Abstract: A vehicle alarm bypass module which may be used as a part of an installation module for a remote vehicle starter. The alarm bypass module includes a plurality of resistors and a first plurality of switches connected configured to respectively short out respective of the plurality of resistors. Further, a plurality of relays are configured to selectively connect the plurality of resistors into a circuit path. A variable resistance may further be provided in series with the plurality of resistors and a second plurality of switches may be provided to selectively connect the plurality of relays into and out of the circuit path. A multiturn coil may also be provided and may be configured to generate a magnetic field and to be selectively connected into and out of the circuit path based on the setting of the second plurality of switches. With such a structure, the alarm bypass module is flexible in the connection of its circuit components.

Abstract: A dead-bolt receptacle unit and monitoring system which allows an operator to quickly and efficiently determine a status of a dead-bolt, i.e. whether the dead-bolt is bolted or unbolted. A dead-bolt receiving unit is provided into which a dead-bolt cylinder is inserted. A dead-bolt detecting unit is formed in a dead-bolt receiving unit, and the dead-bolt detecting unit detects a presence of the dead-bolt cylinder in the dead-bolt receiving unit. The dead-bolt detecting unit further outputs a dead-bolt detecting signal which is based on the detected presence of the dead-bolt cylinder and the dead-bolt receiving slot. A central indicator unit receives the dead-bolt detecting signals output by each dead-bolt detecting unit, and provides an indication of the status of each dead-bolt, i.e. whether each dead-bolt is bolted or unbolted. Such a system allows an operator to quickly and easily determine the status of each dead-bolt in a home.

Abstract: A control system for a remote vehicle starter which allows a remote vehicle starter to be activated at a preset time for a specific number of days after setting. According to the control operation, a setting sequence is detected. When the setting sequence is detected, a timer is started, which may be for example slightly less than twenty-four hours. Then, a vehicle is automatically when the timer expires. Such a control operation in the present invention allows a vehicle to be started automatically at the same time after an initial setting for a specific number of days.

Abstract: In a vehicle alarm system, as one feature circuitry is provided which can be attached to detect an input from a door pin input switch, and which can detect the opening and closing of the door if the door pin input switch is either a positively triggered pin switch or a negatively triggered pin switch. Furthermore, a specific structure of a piezoelectric disk sensor and detecting circuitry associated therewith is provided. The piezoelectric disk sensor has a weight mounted off a central axis at a distance of approximately a radius of the piezoelectric disk from a rigid mounting area. The associated circuitry evaluates all information from a shock sensing signal detected by the piezoelectric disk sensor.

Abstract: A remote vehicle starter which can find implementation in a standard transmission vehicle. The remote vehicle starter has an operation for supplying power to an ignition and accessory wire when a key is removed from an ignition switch of the vehicle, so that the vehicle is running after the key is removed. It is then determined whether the vehicle is placed in neutral after the key is removed from the ignition switch. The remote vehicle starter of the present invention is then controlled so as to be operable to remotely start the vehicle only if the vehicle was in neutral at a point in time after the key is removed from the ignition switch.

Abstract: A photocell system for an automatic vehicle headlight controller which can efficiently and accurately activate vehicle headlights. Such a photocell system also operates effectively when mounted behind a grill of a vehicle, and is not dependent on an angle at which the photocell system is mounted. The photocell system features a photocell element which is formed inside a translucent tube. the translucent tube acts as a light diffuser. The photocell then detects the light which is diffused through the translucent tube. As a further feature of the present invention, a vehicle operator can control whether the vehicle headlights should remain on for a predetermined period of time after the vehicle is turned off.

Abstract: A radio transmitter for vehicle accessories has a key ring including a releasable latch. The latch is attached to a ring strap fixed to the top of the transmitter housing and fits into an opening in the top of the housing. A cam body of the latch is held within the housing by projections extending into a slot in the side of the housing. A latch release member projects from the slot and can resiliently move the cam member for releasing the latch from the housing.

Abstract: A sound generating device which increases the effectiveness of the sound generated by mechanically coupling a weight to a piezoelectric element. This sound generating device may find particular application in a combination backup light and sound generating device utilized in an automotive vehicle. Also, circuitry for driving a piezoelectric element at its resonant frequency when the driving signal is applied to the piezoelectric element across a step-up transformer. The circuitry features a feedback signal which detects the frequency at which the piezoelectric element is vibrating. This feedback signal is then subjected to low-pass and high-pass filtering to remove any phase shifts resulting from applying the driving signal across the step-up transformer. This filtered feedback signal is then utilized to control the driving signal.

Abstract: A combination back-up light and sound emitting device includes a housing formed by a reflector and a light transmitting cover. A light bulb is mounted within the reflector, as is a piezo electric speaker. Both the light bulb and the speaker are electrically connected to an electrical socket in the reflector, into which an electrical plug from the vehicle may be fitted. Therefore, once the housing is mounted to a vehicle, electrical connection for both the light bulb and the sound emitting device can be achieved by the single operation of inserting the electrical plug into the socket.