Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring driver fatigue in a vehicle having a steering control includes connecting a sensor with respect to the steering control and a controller with respect to the sensor. A steering input count signal and/or steering wheel rotation signal is provided from the sensor to the controller and an alarm is activated when the steering input count signal drops below a minimum level and/or the steering wheel rotation signal exceeds a maximum level. The alarm may trigger physical responses within the vehicle including audible, visual, engine management and/or similar responses.

Abstract: A back up alarm system for a vehicle including a sensor for generating a vehicle motion status signal with a vehicle reverse gear engaged. The vehicle motion status signal includes a base electrical signal when the vehicle is stationary and the vehicle motion status signal includes a threshold electrical signal when the vehicle is moving in a reverse direction. A controller is operatively connected to the sensor and receives the vehicle motion status signal from the sensor. The controller activates a first alarm in response to the base electrical signal including at least one of an audible warning signal and a visual warning signal. In response to the threshold electrical signal, the controller activates a second alarm including at least one of an audible warning signal and a visual warning signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring driver fatigue in a vehicle having a steering control includes connecting a sensor with respect to the steering control and a controller with respect to the sensor. A steering input count signal is provided from the sensor to the controller and an alarm is activated when the steering input count signal drops below a minimum level. The alarm may trigger physical responses within the vehicle including audible, visual, engine management and/or similar responses.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to methods, processes and decisions on test outcomes for testing for faulty, therefor dangerous, performance of zero speed indicators that are used to control the opening of barriers guarding moving machine components. The indicators may be tested by removing them from the components during operation without shutting down production or in certain situations the indicators may be tested during the run down phase of the components caused by machine stop initiations. The tests allow to anticipate and hence prevent hazardous opening of barriers due to a faulty zero speed indication. Additionally, the invention is directed to testing of the insertion of motion interference devices in conjunction with zero speed indicators, both of which must perform correctly in order to permit the unlocking and opening of the protective barrier. There are included various exemplary devices for effecting the testing function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a pictorial illustration of a site to be mapped, such as for reconstruction of a vehicle accident site. In accordance with the method, the site is marked with visible indicia of scale, a camera is then suspended over the site and a vertically overhead photographic image of the site is taken, the photographic image is then processed and scaled utilizing the visible indicia marked on the site, and a pictorial illustration is creating by applying symbols to the photographic image. The camera is suspended over the site beneath a blimp. The photographic image can be digitized if desired. The apparatus according to the invention includes the blimp, an appropriate suspension apparatus for the camera beneath the blimp, a receiver system including a shutter control for the camera, and a remote transmitter for sending control signals to the receiver system in order to control taking of photographs by the camera.

Abstract: A wheelchair which can negotiate curbs and other obstructions with a minimum of effort by the wheelchair occupant. The wheelchair has conventional front caster wheels and rear propulsion wheels, with first auxiliary support wheels located between the caster and rear wheels, and second auxiliary wheels being located outboard behind the rear wheels. The castered wheels and the rear wheels are structured to be raised or lowered by the wheelchair occupant. When a curb is encountered, the occupant propels the wheelchair forwardly until the first auxiliary wheels are at the edge of the curb, and the castered wheels are suspended. The castered wheels are then lowered to the bottom of the curb and the wheelchair propelled forward until the second auxiliary wheels are at the curb edge. The large rear wheels are then lowered to curb level, and the wheelchair is propelled by the occupant to the opposite curb, where the curb is ascended by turning the wheelchair 180.degree.

Abstract: A collapsible segment for a drive train, preferably a collapsible actuator arm for a vertical door opening mechanism, such as that for a garage door. The actuator arm comprises two primary components, first and second arms which are aligned with one end of one arm pivotally engaging one end of the other arm. A spring under tension extends between the arms on one side of the pivotal connection of the arms in order to normally retain the arms in alignment. The arms are formed such that they cannot pivot toward the spring. The arms are attached to the garage door mechanism at appropriate locations at opposite ends of the arms, with at least one of the attachment locations being offset from the arms on the other side of the pivotal connection such that when compressive force is applied to the arms, and when the force of the spring has been overcome, the arms are urged to pivot about the pivotal connection away from the spring, thus collapsing the actuator mechanism.

Abstract: A safety device for the bottom of a vertically-closing door, such as a sectional garage door. The device comprises an elongated member installed at the bottom of the door and parallel thereto, the member having a substantially horizontal bottom surface and an upper surface which slopes downwardly and outwardly from the door. The width of the member is sufficient to bridge over the neck of a human if inadvertently trapped beneath the door when closing. The safety device may be formed as part of the bottom of a door when manufactured, or may be a later addition to an existing door.