Abstract: A centralized alarm sytem for warning of abnormalities in a plurality of components, in particular, for a vehicle, comprising, a plurality of sensors, each associated with a component for producing an abnormality signal when the associated component becomes abnormal, a control circuit connected to each of the sensors for producing a main indication signal when any one of the sensors produces an abnormality signal and for producing a local indication signal for each sensor producing an abnormality signal, and a plurality of local indicators, each associated with one of the sensors and connected to the control circuit being capable of producing a perceptable indication when an associated one of the sensors produces an abnormality signal.

Abstract: Fire observation system comprises a central receiving device and detectors, said central receiving device being provided with a remotely searching means for generating detection mode changing signals to continuously change the quantity of detection from a small value to a large one by means of electrical output units, which are connected to the detectors and can feed an output corresponding to the quantity of detection detected by each of detectors, and each of detectors being provided with an intrinsic signal feeding means for causing each of detectors to receive the detection mode changing signal and feed to the central receiving device the quantity of detection detected by the detector at the place where a fire is developing.

Abstract: Monitoring system for an emergency stop circuit controlling a number of machines in a factory, to determine the location of an actuated stop button. The stop circuit consists of a supply line to a self-latching contactor and there is an emergency stop button in the circuit at each machine. A monitoring line runs parallel to the supply line and is connected to each section between adjacent stop buttons by high value resistors. When a voltage is applied to the supply line a current appears in the monitoring line whose magnitude depends upon the position of the actuated stop button and thus is connected to a voltage which is applied to a series of comparators driving light emitting diodes. Each comparator is provided with a different reference voltage from a resistive chain and since the L.E.D.'s are connected between the outputs of successive comparators along the chain, only the L.E.D. whose position represents the position of the actuated button is illuminated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting theft or tampering with a vehicle. The method includes monitoring the impedance of individual circuit elements within the electrical system and triggering an alarm whenever the impedance of a circuit element exceeds or falls below predetermined threshold levels. The apparatus includes a transistor switching circuit coupled through diode bridges to individual circuit elements of the vehicle's electrical system.

Abstract: An automotive security, convenience and fuel saving system which utilizes a pushbutton combination panel in lieu of conventional keys to control all access to ignition and engine compartment, prevent burglary of mounted components, save fuel, and screen physically and mentally disabled drivers. Basic to the system are pulse gates, pulse triggered locking and unlocking means for hood-ignition-start, burglar alarm pulses to the horn, improved fuel economy pulses to the air conditioner, and pulses to screen physically or mentally disabled drivers. The invention further consolidates and improves the efficiencies of each of these functions and is a new application for and an extended use of electric permutation locks referenced and as modified.

Abstract: A radio receiver equipped central control unit continuously monitors at least one battery-powered remote transmitter activated in response to predetermined alarm conditions, such as open doors and windows, fire, smoke, low transmitter battery voltage, and the like. In its activated condition, the transmitter is cycled to radiate a one-second duration radio frequency signal every 30 seconds, such cycling being established by transmitter timer circuitry series-inserted between the transmitter and its battery power source. The transmitted signal is received by the central control unit which, in response to the received signal, selects and activates one or more alarm indicators for a predetermined time period. Such selection and activation of particular alarm indicators and the duration of their activation are determined by switching and timing circuitry series-inserted between the central control unit's radio frequency receiver and the various alarm indicators.

Abstract: A supervisory control system and apparatus used in a fire prevention system, a burglar alarm system, a remote control system, etc., in which progressive operation by continual selective signals is performed using a series of operating units in order to supervise and control each unit.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting the discharge level of a long life battery, such as a lithium battery, in which the battery is periodically subjected to an increased load for short durations of time. The periodic increases in load allows the end of battery life to be predicted and detected prior to the time the battery is fully depleted. Forecasting the end of battery life ensures that the battery will have sufficient energy to reliably operate the discharge level detection circuitry before the battery is fully depleted.

Abstract: For use with a resistance level and temperature sensor, operative to provide a measure of the level and temperature of a fluent material, a readout and alarm system operative to provide a numerical readout of material level and temperature as well as visual and audible indications of alarm conditions. The system is contained within a portable housing which can be employed in hostile environments and which can provide intrinsically safe operation in explosive atmospheres.

Abstract: A wear indicator for the friction material of a drum brake shoe includes a spring-loaded captive plunger carried in an elongated sleeve attached to the brake shoe. The plunger includes an enlarged head which abuts the sleeve and which is recessed below the surface of the unworn friction material at a depth which corresponds to a worn-out shoe. When the shoe wears to a sufficient degree, the plunger head is worn off by the rotating brake drum and the plunger is released. When freed, the plunger is moved by the spring bias and slides within the sleeve to press against an electrical contact carried by the backing plate of the brake to close an alarm circuit.

Abstract: A vehicle speed alarm is used to alert a driver of a vehicle that the instantaneous speed thereof has exceeded a pre-established maximum vehicular speed. The speed alarm produces a reference signal upon receipt of a transmitted signal containing information corresponding to the pre-established maximum vehicle speed. This reference signal is compared with a speed signal which corresponds to the instantaneous speed of the vehicle. When the instantaneous speed of the vehicle exceeds the pre-established maximum speed, a control signal is developed to alert the driver of that condition.

Abstract: A plurality of remotely located transponder units each communicate with a central station unit to provide a full array of alarm and status signals to the central station. The transponder units are capable of remotely addressing the central station unit directly, without the need for human intervention at the central station, to alter subscriber opening and closing times, passwords, and other system parameters. The transponder also permits defective zones to be shunted either from the central station or locally pending repair, testing and status checks.

Abstract: An improved diesel fuel monitor system that determines a specified level of water trapped in a component of the system and disposes of said water, said water having been separated from the fuel being pumped in the engine fuel line hookup. The system consists of a device to monitor the accumulated water level as it rises in the device, said device also being the means for separating said water from said fuel and for disposing of said water, said system includes an electrical wiring circuit, connected to engine run circuit, to operate said device, a set of logic circuits as part of said electrical wiring circuit, and a combined visual and audio monitor console to record status current status of operation of said system.

Abstract: A reaction signal for an automobile is provided whereby the driver of a car following the car equipped with the reaction signal will know whether the driver in front is accelerating, coasting, or braking.

Abstract: An alarm device indicates the occurrence of a power failure or other interruption of power supplied to businesses or residences which triggers the alarm indication only after the elapse of a predetermined adjustable delay interval commencing upon the occurrence of the power failure. The device includes a mechanically-operated timer-alarm device, the operation of which is controlled by a lock and release lever, with the lever position in turn controlled by an electrically-operated solenoid plugged into the circuit to be monitored. As long as the circuit supplies power to the solenoid, release of the timer is prevented. Upon occurrence of a power failure, the release of the lock and release enables the timer to begin timing out intervals of a preselected duration, after which the alarm is sounded.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting and disconnecting appliances to an electrical supply, responsive to door activated switch means. A transmitter responds to entrance into a room by causing a receiver to activate a connecting means supplying an appliance with electrical energy. Upon closure of the door, a deadbolt must be engaged within the room within a predetermined period to maintain the appliances in their energized states. Release of the deadbolt to exit from the room causes the transmitter to enter a delay sequence, thereby providing an occupant with sufficient time to exit prior to de-energizing the appliances. Subsequent thereto, a signal is transmitted to the receiver for shutdown of the appliances. An overriding thermostat is provided to control heating and cooling appliances responsive to the transmitter, the thermostat having a broader thermal zone of operation than a typical thermostat controlling the heating and cooling appliances in the presence of the room occupant.

Abstract: The battery is connected to the terminal supplying the electrical system and the starter relay or the primary ignition circuit by a thyristor. The latter's gate is controlled by a switch. Another switch makes it possible to establish a brief short-circuit to extinguish the thyristor. Any current draw then supplies the winding of an alarm relay.

Abstract: Alarm devices are provided with circuit means for permitting interconnection of the alarm devices into an alarm system in which each of the powered alarm devices continually senses for an adverse condition, such as smoke in a smoke detection alarm system, and in which all of the powered alarm devices signal an alarm in response to the sensing of an adverse condition by any one of the powered alarm devices.

Abstract: Systems for reminding the automobile driver who is leaving his car of his engine key inadvertently left behind in the engine key switch of the car before he shuts car doors in locked condition from outside the car. In one system, if the driver or his fellow passenger opens at least one of the front car doors with the engine key inadvertently left inserted in the key switch and tries to manually set a conventional door locking mechanism for the open front door in lock-ready condition, then an electrical circuit for the system is completed to energize a sound generator or an electric lamp causing it to produce a warning signal. In another system, the manual setting of the door locking mechanism in lock-ready condition is prevented under the same situation, thus reminding the driver of his left-behind engine key.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transmitter is combined with an ignition key of an automotive vehicle and is manually operable to produce and transmit an ultrasonic signal. An ultrasonic receiver has an electronic switch electrically connected to at least one of the components of the electrical system of the vehicle and between said one of said components and another one of the components of the electrical system. The switch is open upon the failure of the receiver to receive the signal transmitted by the transmitter thereby preventing the operation of the electrical system and the operation of the vehicle. The receiver closes the switch upon receiving the signal transmitted by the transmitter thereby permitting the operation of the electrical system and the operation of the vehicle.