Abstract: A vehicular sensor system of the present invention includes a plurality of bumper sensors mounted to a front bumper of a vehicle in a spaced relationship in a widthwise direction thereof, and a controller for controlling operations of two actuators for lifting up a trailing end of a hood responsive to output signals from the bumper sensors. The controller converts accelerations, detected by the respective bumper sensors, into deformation speeds, with the deformation speeds, associated with the sensors which are adjacent to one another, being added. When an added deformation speed exceeds a predetermined threshold level, the controller controls the actuators to be initiated.

Abstract: A sensor device, comprising a pyroelectric sensor which is set to operate in daylight, especially an infrared-based motion sensor, and an electronic evaluator. The electronic evaluator is connected downstream of the sensor and is configured to produce a control signal in response to a detector signal from the sensor in relation to a threshold value. The electronic evaluator also has a sensing device for measuring a daylight ambient brightness and a compensating device which is configured to respond to a considerable change in the daylight ambient brightness by modifying the threshold value and/or the detector signal to compensate.

Abstract: An improved fire alarm system capable of reliably detecting the presence of fire caused by different sources. The fire alarm system detects a smoke density (S) as well as a temperature difference (&Dgr;T) within a predetermined time interval, and has primary criteria of (i) whether the smoke density (S) exceeds a smoke threshold [e.g., S>5%/m]; (ii) whether the temperature difference (&Dgr;T) exceeds a temperature difference threshold [e.g., &Dgr;T≧18 C]; and (iii) whether a combination of S and &Dgr;T satisfies an inequality [e.g. 2S+&Dgr;T≧12] which is based upon a decreasing function of &Dgr;T with an increase of S. The detected smoke density and the temperature difference are examined with reference to the primary criteria so as to provide a fire warning signal indicating a possible fire presence when anyone of the above primary criteria is satisfied.

Abstract: A communication system (10) for a vehicle (12) includes a portable identification device (32) for keyless entry into the vehicle (12) and a tire sensor device (e.g., 48A) for providing information regarding a condition at a tire (e.g., 46A) of the vehicle (12). The portable identification device (32) includes an antenna (110) for receiving an interrogation signal (36) and for transmitting an identification indicative signal (38) responsive to the interrogation signal. The tire sensor device (48A) includes a sensor (158) for sensing at least one tire condition. The tire sensor device (48A) includes antennas (148 and 172) for receiving an initiation signal (e.g., 66A) and for transmitting a condition indicative signal (e.g., 50A) responsive to the initiation signal. The system (10) includes a transmitter arrangement (e.g., 72A, 28A, and 64A) for I emitting the interrogation signal (36) at a first frequency and the initiation signal (66A) at a second, different frequency.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting wheel lift of an automotive vehicle includes a yaw rate sensor (28) that generates a yaw rate signal, a lateral acceleration sensor (32) that generates a lateral acceleration signal, a roll rate sensor (34) generating a roll rate signal, and a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36) for generating a longitudinal acceleration signal. A controller (18) is coupled to the yaw rate sensor (28), the lateral acceleration sensor (32), the roll rate sensor (34), and the longitudinal acceleration sensor (36). The controller determines a dynamic load transfer acting on the plurality of wheels as a function of yaw rate, lateral acceleration roll rate, and longitudinal acceleration. Normal forces for each of the plurality of wheels is determined as a function of the dynamic load transfer. Wheel lift is indicated when at least one of the normal forces for each of the plurality of wheels is less than a normal force threshold.

Abstract: Isolating signaling environments in a power line communication system involves the use of a filter to block power line data signals from entering and/or leaving a signaling environment while allowing power signals to pass to or from the signaling environment. Power line data signals are typically at a higher frequency than power signals, and therefore the filter is typically a low-pass filter, bandpass filter, or notch filter that blocks the higher frequency power line data signals while allowing the lower frequency power signals to pass through. The filter may be coupled between power side wires and outlet side wires. The filter may be integral to a circuit breaker for installation in a fuse box or other wiring system.

Abstract: An automobile distance warning and alarm system (ADWAS) in which the warning system is armed when the vehicle exceeds a threshold speed. The vehicle speed is used, along with road or weather conditions, to determine a safe vehicle separation time and corresponding distance. A range finder then determines the actual separation distance between the driver's vehicle and a forward or following vehicle. If the safe separation distance is not maintained for a selected dead time interval, the driver is alerted by an alarm, which may be both an audible and visual alarm. The driver of a following vehicle is also alerted by a rear indicator light.

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring and detecting a sleeping driver incorporating a load cell connected to electronic scales for establishing a base line force value when a driver grasps the steering wheel so that when the driver relaxes the grip on the steering wheel and the force value falls below the established base line value an alarm is sounded.

Abstract: As the application range of solar power generation systems widens, a number of relatively compact and lightweight inverters must be installed outdoors. However, an inverter has no burglarproof function at all. A burglarproof device which switches the state of the burglarproof function upon receiving a burglarproof function state change signal, and outputs an alarm signal when the output signal output in the alarm state from a connection detection section indicates that the power supply or load is disconnected is added to the inverter.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for using passive infrared technology to analyze the thermal energy in a given space, to determine whether a person is present, and if so, whether he or she is experiencing an emergency or a normal physical state. A detector mounted on the wall or ceiling collects the thermal data. A microprocessor in a desk top control module or a personal computer determines occupant status from the data and instructs a wall-mounted indicator to activate occupant status signals. The preferred signals are: an intermittent red light and tone for emergencies, a green light for normal states, and an amber light for absences. Occupant status signals and silent alerts may be transmitted to and from other locations via a communications network. The invention also warns of possible fire danger. Additionally, it may be used to control lights and office machines and integrated with building security systems.

Abstract: A brake lamp illumination system for a trailer senses when the speed of the wheels decreases. If the system detects such a deceleration, the system senses whether power has been supplied to illuminate brake lamps provided on the vehicle. If no power is detected in the circuit which supplies power to the brake lamps, power is directed to the circuit to illuminate the brake lamps.

Abstract: The position of an operated winker lever (104) is held by a moderation pin (108) and a moderation ridge portion (151). Further, a position detection means detects a position at which the winker lever (104) is held. Moreover, a projection portion (121) and a guide portion, which respectively interlock with an operating plate (131) of a solenoid (103) and a winker lever (104), are engaged with each other. Thus, as the magnetized operating plate (131) moves, the winker lever (104) is returned to a neutral position.

Abstract: A stealth system and method that allows a resource to be practically invulnerable to fast online brute-force attacks is disclosed. The method for controlling access to a computer resource consists in performing a user authentication procedure upon receiving a request from a user to access the computer resource. As part of the user authentication procedure, a password verification procedure is performed which comprises the steps of requesting a password from the user and comparing the entered password with an expected valid one. The next steps are to compute the number of ungranted access for the user during a predefined time interval N if the password matches the expected one and to grant access to the user only if the computed number is lower than a predetermined number K of authorized requests.

Abstract: A self timing test circuit switch powered by the same conductor as used to carry data may be used in vehicles where it is desirable to test and confirm the continuity of a critical circuit by illuminating for a brief period of time an indicator lamp after power-up of the vehicle. The switch may be used in sensor circuits where the sensor is a normally open switch and the normally open configuration can not otherwise be distinguished from an open circuit due to a wiring fault or a burned out bulb. Typical applications include checking the continuity of leads leading to metallic chip sensors in the engine and drive train oil or hydraulic fluid of aircraft engines.

Abstract: A setting apparatus and a setting method are provided for setting setting information including attribute information and interlocking operation information into an electric power line carrier communication terminal apparatus equipped with an electric power line carrier communication section for performing electric power line carrier communication through an electric power line of a commercial electric power source. The setting information is previously stored in a data storage memory, and an infrared transmitting section transmits the setting information stored in the data storage memory, directly to the electric power line carrier communication terminal apparatus using an infrared communication method.

Abstract: An image sensor, a voice sensor, an auxiliary sensor part (infrared sensor, etc.), a total analyzing part, and an application communicate with each other through data/control signal communication units. Each sensor provides feedback on its signal detection results and control information used by the other sensors for determining a range of a detection target and a detection sensitivity at a time of subsequent signal acquisition, to the other sensors through the communication units. The total analyzing part investigates whether or not there is inconsistency among the results detected by the respective sensors, and provide control information to each sensor. Each sensor determines a range of a signal detection target and a detection sensitivity based on the obtained information, and acquires a signal in accordance with the determination.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a distinctive article (20) having a monitored portion (22), and a status signaling device (24) for communicating a change in status of the monitored portion. The status signaling device includes a sensor (26) which can indicate a change of state that occurs when said monitored portion (22) of the article (20) changes from a first condition to a different, second condition. A passive electronic transponder (28) can be cooperatively connected with the sensor (26). The transponder (28) can be configured to receive electromagnetic input energy which has been provided to the transponder at a predetermined input frequency, and can be configured to respond with operative indicator data when the monitored portion (22) is in the second condition.

Abstract: A tire tag includes a monitoring package, a battery, and an antenna encapsulated within an encapsulation mold. The antenna is connected to the encapsulation mold so that the antenna does not move during the encapsulation process. The antenna remains spaced apart from the monitoring package but connected to the monitoring package by connectors that are completely surrounded by encapsulation material so that the connectors are protected during the operation of the tire tag. The antenna may be connected to the encapsulation mold by an adhesive, by pins, by an interference fit, or by clips. The connection between the antenna and the monitoring device may be made by soldered wires or by spring loaded connector pins. The method of encapsulating the tire tag in this manner allows the position of the antenna to be precisely known before, during, and after the encapsulation process.

Abstract: An aural warning system for buses is provided which comprises a logic controller circuit board in electrical communication with an audible alarm. The logic controller circuit board actuates the audible alarm in a preprogrammed response to input data. The input data is provided by one or more loading lights which sending an on/off signal to the logic controller circuit board, a speed sensor which provides information as to the speed of the bus to the logic controller circuit board, and an open/closed switch providing information regarding the open/closed status of one or more doors of the bus. The preprogrammed response actuates the audible alarm when the one or more loading lights are on, the speed sensor when the speed of the bus is less than a threshold speed and the one or more doors are closed.

Abstract: A smart table to be utilized is disclosed. The smart table includes a patron presence detector, a patron counter, a staff presence detector, and a transmitter. The patron presence detector detects information regarding the presence of patrons sitting at the table. The patron counter counts the number of patrons sitting at the table. The staff presence detector detects information regarding the presence of a staff member serving the table. The above-mentioned detected information are subsequently transmitted by the transmitter to a remotely located data processing system.