Abstract: A brake stroke sensor is disclosed. In particular, a digital brake stroke sensor capable of indicating a position of pushrod linear displacement is disclosed. The brake stroke sensor includes a prism attached to the pushrod. The prism includes a number of markers to code position information. Sensors read the coded position information and electronics convert the position information to a form useable humans.

Abstract: An interference canceller is described, wherein the interference canceller includes an input receiving an input composite signal, a reference circuit, and a cancellation circuit. The interference canceller derives its own reference signal. Internal derivation of the reference signal is accomplished by suppressing the desired signal included within a sampled quantum of a composite signal. The resultant reference signal is a likeness of the interference signal; containing substantially only the interference signal. The internally produced reference signal is amplitude and phase adjusted in a time-continuous fashion and summed with the composite signal in the cancellation circuit. The output of the cancellation circuit contains the desired signal and a substantially suppressed interference signal.

Abstract: A device for monitoring movement of an object is provided. A first module is configured to secure to the object. A second module, capable of electrically connecting to the first module, includes at least a rechargeable battery and a memory capable of storing a history of movement data. A third module, capable of electrically connecting with the second module, includes a data modem capable of connecting to a remote station, and a battery charger. When the second module is connected to the first module, the memory periodically records available location data representing a position of the device at the time of recording. When the second module is connected to the third module, the memory downloads through the data modem and the battery charger charges the battery.

Abstract: A method for a subject vehicle to avoid collisions is provided. At least one lane feeding into an intersection is scanned. The presence of a threat vehicle in the at least one lane is detected. Whether the subject vehicle and the threat vehicle will occupy the intersection at the same time is predicted. A warning is issued in response to the predicting.

Abstract: A brake stroke sensor and an steering sensor are individually and collectively provided. A brake stroke sensor includes a force-receiving plate, a second plate movable relative to the force-receiving plate, a spring disposed between the plates and operatively connected to the pushrod, a strain gauge bridge mounted on the force-receiving plate and a microcontroller capable of converting the strain gauge bridge signal into digital data. A steering sensor includes a mechanical interface operatively connected to a nonmoving member and a moving member, an encoder capable of transforming the rotational motion of the mechanical interface into an electrical signal, and a microcontroller capable of calculating, from the electrical signal, a count indicative of the relative positions of the members. A combined brake stroke and steering sensor may include individual and common elements of both the brake stroke and steering sensors described above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system installed in a vehicle to: determine the location of the vehicle; identify each intersection as the vehicle approaches the intersection; determine the presence and type of traffic control device at that intersection; determine whether the traffic control device associated with the intersection, in the direction of travel of the vehicle, requires the vehicle to come to a complete stop; determine the acceleration required to stop the vehicle prior to its entry into the intersection; and, if the required acceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold level, alert the driver, by means of an aural, visual and/or haptic indication, to brake the vehicle prior to its entry into the intersection. The system may also preempt driver control of the braking system and begin braking the vehicle automatically prior to its entry into the intersection.

Abstract: Incoming optical radiation is divided into two focused beams with a relatively large amount of delay and shift introduced between the beams. Through the focusing of each of the beams to a different focal point (F1), (F2) a lead is created such that a circular or bull's-eye fringe pattern (60) is formed in a plane of observation (45). The position of the fringe pattern with respect to the output optical axis of the device is a function of the angle (.theta.) of the incoming coherent radiation with respect to the input optical axis of the device. The spacing of the fringe rings is a function of the frequency of the coherent radiation and the intensity of the fringe pattern is a function of the intensity and coherency of the beam of coherent radiation. The interferometer of the invention has a wide angle of reception and no moving parts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic vehicle event detection, characterization and reporting. A processor processes accelerometer data from a vehicle over varying length windows of time to detect and characterize vehicle events such as crashes. The processed data is compared to thresholds to detect and characterize events. Such events are then reported to a dispatch center using wireless communications and providing vehicle location information. The dispatch center contacts the public safety answering point(s) necessary to provide services to the vehicle.