Abstract: A remote-controlled apparatus improves the reliability of a vehicle security system. Each time the transmitting unit transmits data, a first code updating section changes a variable code storage in a memory in the transmitting unit by predetermined shift processing to form a new variable code, and replaces the preceding variable code with the new variable code. An ID code setting section sets an ID code formed of the variable code and a fixed code. Predetermined data including the ID code and command signals is transmitted. When the receiving unit receives the predetermined data, the fixed code and the variable code in the received ID code are compared with a fixed code and a variable code stored in the receiving unit.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a receiver for receiving information transmitted without the use of wires, in particular by infrared light signals. The information is transmitted by a battery-operated transmitter provided with a display unit which delivers an appropriate signal depending on the completeness of the information (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Adjacent tactile modules (10) together define a row of modifiable Braille cells (11), opposite a row of micro-switches (50), and opposite a row of covers (30). Each of the latter defines a pivoting tab (32) controlling the corresponding micro-switch, a tab connected by an undercut hinge (36) to a fixed part (31) bearing a fixed Braille information display area (40). At the free end of each tab (32), a bent lug (35) forms a stop with the underside of the associated micro-switch (50). On the back of each tab (32), a cylindrical transverse embossing ensures in-line contact with the micro-switch (50). Considered transversely, the series of pivoting tabs (32) exhibits a sinusoidal shape, this enabling a single tab to be actuated selectively with a broad finger. Also, each tab (32) is furnished with a longitudinal guiding rib, for steering the finger.

Abstract: A number wheel assembly (10) for a counter mechanism has a plurality of number wheels (13-18), each number wheel (13-18) having a sleeve (48) around its circumference with a plurality of positions representing successive increments in a count, a substrate (26-31) opposite one surface of the number wheel (13-18), the substrate (26-31) carrying an electrode (42) that is spaced from the number wheel (13-18) to form an air gap for a variable capacitor, and wherein the number wheel (13-18) carries at least one dielectric element (46) that is rotated with the number wheel (13-18) to vary the capacitance of the variable capacitor according to the position of the number wheel (13-18). Circuitry for detecting the capacitance and the position of the number wheels (13-18) is provided on a circuit board (39) that is electrically connected to the number wheels (13-18).

Abstract: A wireless train proximity alert system provides a constant warning signal to warn vehicles approaching a train crossing when a train is also approaching the crossing. The system includes a transceiver, positioned on the train itself or at the side of the track, for transmitting a train proximity signal, which preferably includes the train's speed and position. A crossing-based transceiver receives the train's proximity signal and transmits the boundary coordinates of a warning zone when the train's estimated time-to-arrival at the crossing is within a predetermined range. A vehicle-based receiver receives the warning zone signal and the crossing's position, compares them to the vehicle's position and speed, and produces an alarm to the vehicle's operator when a potential accident is indicated.

Abstract: A fault tolerant method of decoding an electronic key system includes the steps of reading a key return image from one or more actuated keys and comparing the read key return image to the previous key return image. The method also includes the steps of determining the actuated key from a net key return image between the read key return image and the previous key return image.

Abstract: A gear selection indicator for manual transmissions includes a shift lever knob with lights arranged thereon for indicating the usual gear selections of "1" to "5", and "R." The lights are independently controlled by separate switches, each of which are arranged to be engaged by the shift lever at a different gear position. Moving the lever to select a particular gear causes it to engage the corresponding switch, which activates the corresponding light to provide a positive visual indication of the currently selected gear.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly for a computer with movable keyboard pallets. The pallets are movable relative to each other between a compact stowing position and an extended operational position. A movement mechanism moves at least one of the pallets in a lateral direction relative to the other pallet and then towards the other pallet in a direction orthogonal to the lateral direction. The movement mechanism can be connected to the cover of the computer to automatically control movement of the pallets based upon position of the cover relative to a base of the computer. Thus, the pallets can be automatically moved from the compact stowing position, when the cover is closed, to the extended operational position when the cover is opened. Upon moving the cover from the open position to the closed position, the pallets are automatically moved from the extended operational position to the compact stowing position.

Abstract: An automobile onboard television system by which a normal television picture is displayed only when the automobile is stopped, as a safety feature. An image display condition of the television is switched over in response to an image display switching signal from a microcomputer. Information as to setting of the automobile parking brake, information about the accessory input in the automobile, and information indicating a time-out of a timer circuit are supplied to the microcomputer. The microcomputer determines the logical product of this information, to supply an image display switching signal for displaying a normal picture on the television only when particular logical products are output. The driver is therefore kept from watching the television while driving, and hence from driving carelessly.

Abstract: A remote monitoring system for instrumentation that is capable of measuring certain characteristics of a process such as a pH value includes an instrument for providing a measurement output signal which can be stored. A comparison circuit can compare the output signal with a predetermined value. A transmitter can transmit when the output signal exceeds the predetermined value, and a receiver can receive the output signal and convert it into a measured result. The instrumentation can be pulled from the receiver and the output signals can be encoded to identify a particular instrument with distinct transmission time periods available in a plurality of transmitting channels.

Abstract: A keypad encoder is used with a keypad having an array of keys arranged in columns and rows. Depressing any key on the keypad closes a corresponding switch, coupling one of the columns to one of the rows. The keypad encoder includes a resettable logic circuit that generates a control signal having first and second states that control the mode of operation of the keypad encoder. A scanning circuit asserts a scanning signal on the columns of the keypad in a predefined sequence when the control signal is in the first state and asserts the scanning signal on all of the columns of the keypad simultaneously when the control signal is in the second state. An encoder circuit identifies which row, if any, has a closed switch in any of the keypad columns on which the scanning circuit has asserted the scanning signal.

Abstract: A hydroplaning detection system comprising AM specific frequency component extraction AM, which comprises a band-pass filter for extracting signal components PS in a main frequency band corresponding to the wheel rotation speed or the vehicle speed from wheel rotation speed signals, and a band-pass filters for respectively extracting signal components PL in other frequency bands, and AM determining the occurrence of hydroplaning based on the ratio PL/PS between the signal components PS in the main frequency band and the signal components PL in other frequency bands.

Abstract: The fuel tank of a mobile vehicle is provided with a level sensor for sensing the level of fuel in the tank as it is being filled. The output signal from the level sensor is applied to a microprocessor which in turn provides output signals to drive an audible alarm and a visual display. The microprocessor determines the level of fuel in the tank from the signal produced by the level sensor and drives the audible alarm to provide a first sound pattern, such short beeps or tones when the tank is at least 3/4 full but less than 7/8 full and a second sound pattern such as a continuous tone when the tank is at least 7/8 full. The microprocessor also drives a visual display to display text messages indicating the level of fuel in the tank. A vehicle operator may initiate filling of the tank and attend to other service on the vehicle, leaving the fill operation unattended. The first sound pattern warns the operator that he must soon give his full attention to the fill operation.

Abstract: A computer has an operating system with a graphical user interface. This computer also has a key manager for graphically associating objects, such as data or application programs, with keystrokes, such as Fn-Fx key combinations, where Fn is a special shift key and Fx is a numbered function key. A key group or folder contains icons which represent objects. This key group can be built or modified by the user by copying an icon contained in another program group or folder via a drag and drop or similar operation. The key manager interrogates the operating system for the contents of the key group, and receives a key array. The key array contains objects associated with keystrokes. The key manager then monitors the operating system for any keystrokes received from the user. Upon receipt of a keystroke, the key manager determines whether the keystroke is in the key group.

Abstract: A meter reader 12 analyzes a signal from a meter 22 and compares its structure with a plurality of known signal structures stored in a memory 41. If the comparison shows that a particular one signal structure stored in the memory is inconsistent with the data signal being received, that structure is rejected and not used in future comparisons as the receipt of the data signal progresses. Eventually, the non-rejected signal structures should be reduced to a single structure which by elimination must be the closest structure to that of the signal being read. The meter reader can then pass the received data signal and the identification of its particular signal structure to further processing apparatus 11 such as a signal recorder or signal display and can arrange this recording or display so that parts of the signal representing different properties can be arranged consistently with other data signals which may be of different structures.

Abstract: Utility meter assembly (10) includes a utility meter (11) having an external housing (12) adjacent to which is mounted a remote meter reading module housing (25) that preferably is mounted to a pair of upstanding cylindrical posts (15 and 16) that rise from the utility meter housing (12). Preferably, flexible pins (32), which preferably are part of the module housing (25), bias the module housing (25), and a ground plane plate (26) within the module housing, towards a conductive surface (14) of the utility meter housing (12). The ground plane plate (26) coupled to the meter housing (12) and to the conductive surface (14) takes advantage of the meter as an extended ground plane or a counterpoise and thus increases the radiation efficiency of the antenna. This configuration permits the use of a shorter antenna (23) for power efficient transmission of meter data.

Abstract: A multipurpose optical intelligent key board apparatus permitting a plurality of key tops made of transparent materials in an optical dot matrix arrangement to be moved upward and downward. It forces the corresponding positions of the optical dot matrix to be turned on or off, so that a computer or an electronic appliance can be operated by predetermined key inputs. Therefore, the function command words and characters appearing on the key tops are displayed by a display device supported by its software.

Abstract: A controller apparatus for controlling a device comprising a support having a surface with a wall extending therefrom and along a segment of the surface. A plurality of force sensing members are positioned in a predetermined arrangement adjacent to an inner surface of the wall of the support with each member generating a signal in response to a force applied to the member. An assembly for adaptable engagement with the force sensing members is translationally movable to selectively engage and transmit a translational force to the force sensing members to develop a signal for control of a function of the device.

Abstract: A hand held control device formed as a rigid body adapted to be gripped and carried by a single hand of a user and comprising a plurality of control elements operable by the thumb or a finger of the user's hand gripping and carrying the body, a pointing stick and a chirality detector for sensing whether a right or left hand is gripping and carrying the body for controlling the flow of information to or from a computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting signals according to the present invention between electrical metering devices and a system control center includes a mobile node. The mobile node communicates with the electrical metering devices operably connected to a distribution transformer and transmits the signals received from the electrical metering devices to the system control center while the mobile node is in the field and removed from the system control center. The mobile node may then be relocated in the field within the electrical power distribution system so as to communicate with the electrical metering devices operably connected to another distribution transformer. Thus, a single mobile node may communicate with the electrical metering devices connected to a number of distribution transformers so as to decrease the number of fixed nodes employed by a communications system of an electrical power distribution system.