Abstract: An apparatus and method for predicting a lubricating oil replacement time for an engine by precisely predicting a total acid value and/or an amount of soot in a lubricating oil and by displaying an accurate time which will elapse before a required lubricating oil replacement. Accurate prediction of lubricating oil replacement prevents engine seizing and other damage and avoids wasteful replacement of otherwise useful lubricating oil.

Abstract: In a rain sensor system for a motor vehicle, a sensor element is provided as separate part for attachment in the vicinity of a vehicle window. The sensor element is wiped by a separate wiper blade which is fastened to a windshield wiper or driven by the latter. As a function of the a degree of wetness present on its top, the sensor element supplies electric signals to an evaluation electronics. Above a limit value of the signals, the evaluation electronics connects the windshield wiper.

Abstract: An air restriction indicating device for measuring very low ranges of filter restriction (e.g., on the order of 0.0 to 1.5 inches of H.sub.2 O or 0.0 to 0.54 psi) in a micronfilter used in vehicular heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The indicating device includes a housing that is separated into two sub-chambers by a flexible diaphragm. A indicating member is carried by the diaphragm so that the diaphragm and the indicating member move, within the housing, responsively to changes in the pressure of the air flowing in the HVAC system caused by restrictions in or clogging of the micronfilter. To facilitate reading, the indicating device also includes structure that progressively locks the diaphragm and indicating member in position.

Abstract: A vehicle guiding system enables a plurality of vehicles to run in a platoon with minimum assistance from drivers, and is intended to enhance effective use of from auto-drive lane. When the vehicle runs in the platoon, a front running vehicle detects its displacement from a magnetic nail, and calculates a steering amount to be corrected (i.e. control variables). The front running vehicle not only controls its own movements on the basis of the control variable data but also transmits them to a following vehicle. The following vehicle does not detect its displacement from the magnetic nail, but controls its steering amount on the basis of the received control variable data. The first following vehicle transfers the control variable data to a further following vehicle. The further following vehicle simply receives the control variable data from the following vehicle, and does not calculate its own control variables.

Abstract: A valve which includes signal generating means generate a signal representing a pressure drop within a vehicle tire. The valve includes an absolute pressure sensor coupled to measure the pressure within the tire. A microprocessor is provided which upon activation following operation of the valve stores a value of the electric pressure signal from the pressure sensor in a memory. During operation of the vehicle, the stored reference electric pressure signal is compared with periodic measurements of pressure within the tire. The transmitter is activated at periodic intervals, whenever a given ratio between the compared values and a threshold value exceeds an upper or lower limit. The system is activated by a acceleration sensor which can detect when the vehicle is moving, thus avoiding power consumption stopped.

Abstract: If agreement between an identification code transmitted from a transmitter 111 installed in a door key 11 and a predetermined identification code is detected in an immobilizing ECU 12, a variable code including a predetermined key word is transmitted from the immobilizing ECU 12 to an engine ECU 13, and the variable code is decoded in the engine ECU 13. If the decoded key word does not agree with the predetermined key word, the starting of the engine is inhibited.According to another aspect of this invention, a variable code is transmitted from the engine ECU 13 to the immobilizing ECU 12, a returning variable code is calculated based on a predetermined key function in the immobilizing ECU 12, and it returns to the engine ECU 13. If an agreement with returned variable code and a reference variable code determined in the engine ECU 13 is detected for the predetermined period, the starting of the engine is inhibited.

Abstract: A fault control apparatus is disclosed having elements that provide for an easily reconfigurable fault response. When the fault detection circuit signals that a fault has occurred, an alarm is triggered, switching means are automatically set to their fault positions, and a control output circuit is activated. The flexibility of fault response is made possible by the use of a matrix of switched connections to preset the fault positions of the relays. Additional flexibility is provided by providing an adjustable level for the control output.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of a liquid in a region, including an electrically passive sensor adapted for contacting the liquid, and an electrically active detector. The sensor is a circuit with a pair of spaced-apart terminals connected to a switch that closes in the presence of the liquid. The detector carries an alternating current with a resonant frequency. When the sensor is placed in a region and liquid is present in the region, the circuit of the sensor is closed. By bringing the detector close to the sensor, an alternating current is induced in the sensor that will, in turn, alter the resonant frequency of the detector. The change in the resonant frequency is signaled by a transducer. The switch can operate by a change in conductivity of a material between the terminals of the sensor or by expansion of a liquid absorber that pushes the two terminals together, or by a change in the conductivity of the space between the terminals as a result of the presence of the liquid.