Abstract: A vehicle air filtration system having a fine and coarse filters. The system is responsive to temperature to maximize filter life and filtration efficiency. During normal operation, air from within the cab is recirculated through a fine filter as fresh air from outside the cab is drawn in through a coarse filter. If a vehicle door or window is opened, the system stops recirculating air through the fine filter, begins exhausting air, and only draws in air through the coarse filter. After a period of time, the system again begins recirculating air through the fine filter and ceases drawing in air through the coarse filter and exhausting air. After a second period of time it returns to normal operation. If the door or window is open only briefly, the system stops recirculating air though the fine filter and begins recirculating air through the coarse filter along with the fresh air (and begins exhausting air).

Abstract: A collapsible step assembly has upper and lower steps, and a housing which mounts below the door of a vehicle. The steps and housing are interconnected by pivotally mounted linkages. A pivot rod extends transversely through the housing with a linkage fastened to each end. A link arm is connected to the rod with a universal ball joint. The link arm is swivelly mounted to a drive gear with teeth which extend circumferentially along an arcuate edge portion. The drive gear is pivotally mounted to the housing and engages a drive gear extending from a motor. The drive gear rotates the pivot rod and, hence, the steps between retracted and extended positions. A flat outer edge of the drive gear abuts a mechanical stop in the extended position. When the user steps on the steps while they are extended, the stop will resist countertorque on the pivot rod from being applied through the gears to the motor.

Abstract: An improved vehicle intruder alarm system includes a method of automatically arming an alarm system. When arming the alarm system by remote control the vehicle windows can be raised and the vehicle headlights automatically turned on by remote control. When entering a vechicle door while the system is armed, a low warning tone is produced for an entry delay time. The warning tone increases with time. The processor for the alarm senses the magnitude and rate of impacts or motions of the vehicle. Short warnings are produced when the magnitude and rate are above a threshold.

Abstract: An emergency transmitter system is disclosed for enhancing the personal security of individuals within a predetermined geographic area such as a campus, shopping mall or stadium. A plurality of fixed transceivers are located at selected locations within the predetermined geographic area, preferably in a substantially equidistant pattern throughout the area. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each fixed transceiver is preferably located in conjunction with a street light in an elevated location. A battery powered low power portable transmitter is then issued to selected individuals, each transmitter including circuitry for transmitting a coded signal associated with a particular individual. In the event of an emergency situation, the portable transmitter is activated, utilizing an irrevocable manual activation switch, and the coded signal is transmitted utilizing the low power radio frequency signal.

Abstract: An improved vehicle intruder alarm system includes a method of automatically arming an alarm system. When arming the alarm system by remote control the vehicle windows can be raised and the vehicle headlights automatically turned on by remote control. When entering a vehicle door while the system is armed, a low warning tone is produced for an entry delay time. The warning tone increases with time. The processor for the alarm senses the magnitude and rate of impacts or motions of the vehicle. Short warnings are produced when the magnitude and rate are above a threshold.

Abstract: A speed control device for a motor vehicle uses a conventional DC electric motor. The motor has a freewheeling shaft, unless power is supplied. An advancing linkage connected between the shaft and throttle advances the throttle when power is supplied. A piston in a cylinder is connected to the shaft also, to selectively prevent the shaft from rotating in a retracting direction when power is off. A microcomputer opens a valve to allow the piston to move outward in the cylinder when a speed decrease is desired.

Abstract: A trailer theft and burglary alarm system utilizes the releasable electrical connection between a vehicle light circuit and the trailer brake light circuit to warn the operator that the releasable electrical connection is being tampered with. A signal producing apparatus continuously monitors the resistance of the trailer brake light circuit and produces a signal corresponding thereto. When the vehicle is to be left unattended, the signal is recorded. Thereafter, if the releasable connection is disconnected, the signal produced will differ from the original signal. This difference is recognized and the alarm sounds. Portal sensors can be provided that will produce a change in either the resistance or capacitance sensed by the signal producing apparatus if a portal to the trailer is disturbed. This change in either resistance or capacitance will also alter the signal produced, and trigger the alarm.

Abstract: A test circuit for a motor vehicle cruise control system allows testing of the system without driving the vehicle. The cruise control system is of a type that has a vacuum servo for moving the throttle, solenoid valves for varying the vacuum in the servo, an electronic control module for controlling the solenoid valves, and a speed sensor that provides pulses to the control module corresponding to the actual vehicle speed. The test circuit is adapted to be connected between the control module and the leads extending to the various components of the system. The test circuit has series leads that connect the terminals of the system directly with the control module, except for the leads from the speed sensor. The test circuit has indicating means for determining whether or not voltage potential is present in the series leads to check continuity. An oscillator in the test circuit applies pulses to the control module that simulate pulses provided by the speed sensor.

Abstract: A motor vehicle speed governor has safety features to assure that the throttle is released when the brake pedal is depressed even if malfunctions occur in certain components of the system. The speed governor has a servo for moving the throttle, an accelerator device for causing the servo to advance the throttle, a decelerator device for releasing the throttle, a control circuit for controlling the accelerator and decelerator devices in response to vehicle speed, and a power circuit that energizes the control circuit. The power circuit is connected into the brake electrical line. It includes a latching device that is powered through the ignition switch, but will latch and conduct only when energized by a set/on switch. The set/on switch requires power in the brake line across the brake fuse. The resume switch also requires power from the brake line across the brake fuse. A brake switch in the brake line is closed by depressing the brake pedal, sending a signal to the control circuit to release the throttle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle speed governor has features that make it advantageous for use with motor vehicles having flexible throttle cables. The speed governor has a vacuum responsive servo mounted in the passenger compartment for pulling on the rearward end of the throttle cable. A conduit extends from the vacuum servo to the engine manifold. The vacuum valve is connected into the conduit in the engine compartment for communicating the vacuum source with the servo. A vent valve is also mounted in the engine compartment in communication with the conduit for relieving the vacuum in the servo. Electronic controls are located in the passenger compartment for controlling the opening and closing of the vacuum and vent valves to govern the speed.