Abstract: A rear mounted, brake light assembly which includes, inter alia, brake lights, back-up lights, turn signals and a signal for indicating that a following vehicle has its high beam or bright lights on.

Abstract: An adjustable collision avoidance signal for automobiles comprising a brake indicator signal, a mounting bracket, and a pedestal. Horizontal detents in the mounting bracket and complemental notches in the pedestal allow the mounting bracket to adjust vertically. The brake indicator signal is horizontally movable and pivotable with respect to the mounting bracket to which it is fixed. A light shade prevents stray reflections. The internal light source is located at the focal point of a parabolic reflector.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the start and stop of an engine starter motor includes a sensor, an amplifier, a comparator, and a monostable multivibrator. When a starter motor starts and stops, magnetic flux around the starter motor varies greatly. The sensor senses this varying magnetic flux and produces a voltage signal corresponding to the magnetic flux variation. The voltage signal is amplified by the amplifier so that the amplified voltage signal is fed to the comparator. When the voltage signal fed to the comparator is greater than the reference voltage of the comparator, a pulse signal is fed to the multivibrator, and in turn the multivibrator is triggered to output detecting signals corresponding to the start or stop of the starter motor. A warning lamp or buzzer may be energized by the detecting signal from the multivibrator.

Abstract: In an alarm system for gaining the attention of an individual requiring neither sound nor light for its operation, a transmitter unit is activated to send a signal at a predetermined frequency into an induction loop to be received by a receiver unit worn on the person of the individual whose attention it is intended to gain. The transmitter unit sends its signal for at least a predetermined period and the receiver unit responds by activating a mechanical agitator of selectable frequency and amplitude to cause bodily displacement of the receiver unit in a cyclic, periodic manner.

Abstract: A hose laying vehicle employs a mechanical connection between a loop of hose and a switch for activating a warning device for a predetermined period.

Abstract: A ringer employs a low-cost miniature transducer, having a reverberant cavity, mounted in a cylindrical housing which has a second reverberant cavity in front of the miniature transducer. A very large acoustic output power is achieved when the ringer is employed in known cordless telephones, using the conventional available 3.9 volts battery. The ringer, due to its small relative size, may fit in the limited space inside a cordless telephone portable unit without costly tooling modifications. It is also suited for other uses, including for employment in compact one-piece telephones. The ringer is substantially more compact, louder in sound level, more pleasant sounding than known devices, and operates from a substantially lower DC voltage source.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system for installation in a vehicle includes a receiver for receiving a radio transmission from a transmitter located in the vicinity of the vehicle at a central processing unit connected to the receiver and adapted to process and store information from the receiver. A device is provided for visually displaying information stored in or received by this central processing unit. Sensors are mounted in the vehicle for determining or measuring physical parameters including the weight of the vehicle and converting the sensed or measured parameters to electrical signals indicative thereof, which are then conveyed to the central processing unit. The monitoring unit is provided with a power supply unit including at least one battery. The weight sensors can comprise Hall effect/magnetic sensors mounted on axle assemblies of the vehicle, which are capable of producing a suitable signal indicative of the weight.

Abstract: A hollow tubular cartridge (4) is tethered on an insulated electrical lead (10) connected to a hand held box (18) containing sensing circuitry. The cartridge (4) is lowered into a fuel tank (12) for sensing water in the tank (18) by a reduced electrical resistance path between probe electrodes (6 and 8) on the cartridge (4) which is sensed by circuitry within the box (18).

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the inadequacies of prior traffic controls by providing a system for a traffic junction between vehicle paths which includes a first detector for detecting the position of a first vehicle along a first vehicle path. The system includes a dynamic roadway sign for displaying the junction, the vehicle paths and the relative position of the first vehicle to the junction. The dynamic roadway sign is positioned along a second vehicle path, to be visible to any vehicles on the second vehicle path approaching the junction. The dynamic roadway sign is positioned sufficiently prior to the junction to allow sufficient time for vehicles travelling on the second vehicle path to react without abrupt manuevers to avoid collision with the first vehicle at the junction. The dynamic roadway sign would include a graphic display of the junction for the vehicle paths, and icons positioned in sequence in one of the vehicle paths.

Abstract: An ultrasonic speed sensor produces a linear voltage directly proportional to the speed of material falling through a chute and contacting a plate. A transducer coupled to the plate produces a second linear voltage which is directly proportional to the force applied to the plate by the material as it impacts the plate. An electronic dual slope integrator circuit combines these two linear DC voltages to produce a digital pulse output whose frequency is directly proportional to the flow rate of the material. The digital pulse output may be used to drive a totalizer which totals the amount of material flowing through the chute, and an indication meter to provide an instantaneous readout of the flow rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a card carrier such as a wallet for reducing the occurrence of loss of a card such as a credit card. The card carrier includes an arrangement for receiving a card and for triggering an alarm when (i) the card is missing from the card carrier, and (ii) the card carrier is placed in an enclosure such as one's pocket or purse. The arrangement for receiving a card and for triggering an alarm includes a pocket arrangement normally adapted to receive a card therein, a card sensing mechanism associated with the pocket arrangement for detecting the presence or absence of a card therein, and an enclosure sensing mechanism for sensing when the card carrier is placed in one's pocket, purse, or other enclosure.

Abstract: A method and device for automatically monitoring the state of steering and wheel suspension geometry and the state of balance of rotating parts connected to the steering linkage of a motor vehicle and for warning the vehicle driver when the state of the monitored parts is incorrect. Statistical methods are employed for analyzing the signals corresponding to the positions and motions of the steering linkage and generated by a single sensor on the steering linkage.

Abstract: In the event of an accident encountered by a vehicle, an emergency signal is automatically transmitted for asking a rescue. An acceleration of the vehicle in the inclination of the vehicle and the presence or absence of water within the vehicle are detected, and an emergency signal is transmitted whenever one of these items indicates the occurrence of an abnormality. A plurality of antennae are disposed at mutually different locations on the vehicle, and are selectively used for transmission of an emergency signal. The antenna selected is periodically and sequentially changed.

Abstract: A personal security device having modular components that can be assembled in various configurations and combinations to perform a wide variety of security functions. A battery powered main alarm unit can be carried on the person and includes a pull out pin for activating a flashing light and audible alarm siren in the event of an assault, a slide switch may be activated for a flashlight mode. A chemical spray component attaches to the alarm unit and can be used with it or alone. A mounting unit which can be connected to the alarm unit with or without other components mounts on a door or wall and activates the alarm unit when a break in occurs. Other components include a smoke detector and a motion detector which activate the alarm unit in the event of fire or motion indicative of an intrusion. The modular construction provides the versatility necessary to meet whatever security needs are expected, and it also allows all components to use the battery and the audible and visible alarms in the main alarm unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for warning workers on electrified railroad tracks that the third rail is live having visual and/or aural alarms, sensing electrodes or contactors for deriving power for activating alarms from the third rail, and circuits for providing visual and/or aural alarms indicating that the contactors have not made proper contact with the rails to assure the workers that the warning apparatus is properly operating as a high voltage protector.

Abstract: An information display system comprising tactile output stimulators for providing spatial or directional information relative to an operator's egocentric coordinate system.

Abstract: An elevator such as an escalator having a display device presenting, whenever necessary, a display of matters to be noted upon a predetermined special operation (for example, when conveying a wheelchair) while making the display disappear during normal operation of the escalator so as to avoid unsightly appearance. This is also effective in preventing the inadvertent overlooking of the matters displayed. The display device comprises a liquid crystal layer; a pair of electrodes disposed on opposite sides of the liquid crystal layer, one of the electrodes being a transparent pattern electrode having a pattern corresponding to the display of the matters that should be taken note of, the other electrode being a transparent common electrode; and an electric power source for supplying electricity to the electrodes.

Abstract: An efficiency monitor circuit for an antiskid system is provided. The efficiency of the antiskid system is determined by monitoring the antiskid signal as to peak positive and peak negative moves thereof. The difference in these two signals corresponds to the efficiency of the antiskid system. This difference signal is compared to a threshold signal for comparison of the efficiency to a signal corresponding to an acceptable minimum value. Should the efficiency of the antiskid system fail to meet the minimum value, an alarm is activated.

Abstract: An alarm system for a two-cycle internal combustion engine having a lubricating oil pump and an alternator generating electric pulses at a frequency related to engine speed. An integrated circuit configured as a counter has an input connected to receive the alternator pulses. A pressure switch generates an electric signal in response to the oil pressure increase in the pump output each time the pump operates. The integrated circuit has a first output which changes logic state in response to a predetermined count and has a second output which changes value at a frequency related to engine speed. The signal generated by the pressure switch is connected to a reset input to the integrated circuit so the counter is reset to zero in response to each oil pressure signal. An SCR switch controls operation of an alarm horn. A control connected to the integrated circuit and to the SCR operates the horn at a frequency related to engine speed.

Abstract: A tilt detector for accompanying goods to be transported to determine when the goods have been transported in a recommended position without being inclined at an angle greater than a pre-determined angle characterized by a first fluid of a first density, a second fluid of a second density, a horseshow shaped baffle with a trapping end in the form of an inner apex for trapping the second mass under the force of gravity when in a vertical position with its opening end in the opposite direction such that at least a part of the second mass is freed to move out of the baffle when it is tilted beyond a pre-determined angle of tilt; the degree of the sides of the baffle being related to the pre-determined angle of tilt, and a thin container having at least a transparent window for viewing at least the trapping end of the horseshoe shaped baffle for ascertaining if the second mass has been freed such that the tilt detector can be affixed to goods, containers and the like to tell if they have been tilted too much.