Abstract: An apparatus (10) for sensing weight of an occupant on a vehicle seat (36) in an occupant restraint system (10) includes variable inductance sensor (50) mounted in the seat (36) so that inductance of the sensor (50) is functionally related to the occupant's weight on the seat (36). A capacitor (98) is connected in parallel across the variable inductance sensor (50). The capacitor (98) and the variable inductance sensor (50) form a tank circuit (100). An oscillator (40) is operatively coupled to the tank circuit (100) for driving the tank circuit (100) into oscillation. A phase detector (94) monitors a phase shift between an output of said oscillator and oscillation of tank circuit. Weight on the seat is functionally related to the monitored phase shift.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for effecting continuous automated querying of collection receptacles from a passing motor vehicle to ascertain whether articles have been deposited in each collection receptacle. Each collection receptacle has a detector capable of detecting whether at least one article has been placed within the collection receptacle, and a radio frequency transceiver. A motor vehicle provided for the purpose of collecting articles from the collection receptacles also has a transceiver. The transceiver of the motor vehicle continuously transmits a querying signal which is recognizable by the transceiver of each collection receptacle. When the detector has detected an article and a querying signal is received, the collection receptacle transmits an encoded response signal. This response signal is recognized by the transceiver of the motor vehicle, the identity of the transmitting collection receptacle is determined, and the results are annunciated to the operator of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a complete, easy to use and install security and surveillance system for a personal computer, which is designed to act as a peripheral to the personal computer. The system utilizes a radio frequency device having receiving and transmitting means connected between the serial port of the personal computer and various sensors to input signals to the non-data pins of the serial port whereby software in the personal computer interprets the signals received at the non-data pins to place a call to a pager or cellular phone, or communicate with another computer, produce sound effects, and/or operate video equipment.

Abstract: A combined data and power transmission arrangement has one or more power supplies and loads interconnected by a power transmission line, with transmitters and receivers for transmitting a digital data signal over the transmission line. The transmitter and receiver each include an inductor for providing a high impedance barrier to a data signal on the line, so as to isolate the data signal from the power supply and load. The receiver includes circuits for tracking the mid-point value of the data signal to produce a threshold value, and for comparing the threshold value with the data signal to produce an output signal. The threshold value is a controlled positive feedback signal derived from the output of the comparator by way of a positive feedback loop having a time constant approximately equal to the time constant of the transmitter.

Abstract: A flashing motorcycle brake light enhancement system including a plurality of super bright light emitting diode (LED) modules which signal the driver of a following vehicle to slow down to avoid a rear-end collision. The application of the motorcycle's brake supplies input current to a plurality of (LED) modules via a flasher unit and connected wiring. The flashing circuit is controlled by a single, blinking light emitting diode, which is operated in combination with a resistor matched to a relay coil, to actuate a mechanical relay, which passes full battery voltage to the (LED) modules. In one embodiment the flashing (LED) modules are contained within weather-resistant housings which are attached in symmetrical arrangement and externally of the rear-mounted motorcycle brake light housing.

Abstract: In a wristwatch type distress message sending device worn by the user, a positional information generator receives GPS signals sent by a plurality of GPS satellites and generates positional information on the latitude and longitude of the position of the user. When the user meets a disaster, a distress message signal generator generates a distress message signal containing the positional information generated by the positional information generator. A sender then sends out the distress message signal by radio.

Abstract: A latency counter for use in relatively complex systems having relatively large numbers of devices with associated timers. Whenever a timer is activated by setting a time period, the latency counter is set to the larger of its current value or a value associated with the time period of the last-expiring timer. Prior to scanning the timers to determine if a timer has expired, the latency counter is checked. If the value of the latency counter is equal to a predetermined value, then no timers are active and no scanning is performed. If the value of the latency counter is not equal to the predetermined value, the latency counter value is modified and a scanning operation of each timer is performed to determine if any timers have expired. Considerable processing resources can be saved.

Abstract: In a vehicular drive assist system for warning a driver to pay attention to a preceding vehicle running ahead when a vehicle comes close to the preceding vehicle and the distance between these two vehicles becomes smaller than a safe inter-vehicle distance, this safe inter-vehicle distance is automatically established in two stages according to traffic conditions. One stage is where road is empty and another is where road is crowded. Since the safe inter-vehicle distance at the crowded condition is established to be a smaller value than the one at the empty condition, when road is crowded, due to the shortened safe inter-vehicle distance, warning is prevented from being issued so frequently.

Abstract: A tire diagnostic system for detecting an inflation condition of a pneumatic tire on an automotive vehicle includes a sensor cooperating with each wheel to sense a distance related parameter of each wheel and a global positioning receiver for receiving position signals from a global positioning system. A distance related parameter of the vehicle based on the position signals received from the global positioning receiver is calculated so that a desired distance related parameter of a wheel having a predetermined inflated pneumatic tire may be calculated. The system then compares each sensed distance related parameter of each wheel with the desired distance related parameter to determine whether each tire is properly inflated.

Abstract: A engine kill switch system has a transmitter and receiver which are linked through specific transmitted codes within a frequency. The receiver is mounted directly on the boat and wired to an engine kill switch, maintaining the switch in the closed position as long as a signal is received from all of the activated transmitters. Once the transmitter signal is unintentionally deactivated, the receiver shuts down the engine. A range adjustment allows the separation distance between the transmitter and receiver to be changed, dependent upon the size of the boat and end use. A strobe and audio warning can also be attached to the receiver and activated simultaneously with, or as an alternative to, the deactivation of the engine. Automatic transmitter activation and deactivation can be provided through storage ports tied to the receiver. The transmitter is a battery powered remote device carried by a user. The transmitter has a programmed unique code recognized by the receiver.

Abstract: A protective method for storage and transport containers comprises a sensor for detecting orientation, an attachment element for securing the sensor to a container, and an alarm operatively coupled to the sensor for generating a cognizable alert signal upon detection by the sensor that the container is in an orientation other than a predetermined preferred orientation. The alarm may include an electroacoustic transducer and means for reproducing a voice message. A timer operatively connected to the sensor measures a time interval during which the container is in an orientation other than the preferred orientation. A memory is operatively connected to the timer for automatically storing the time interval in encoded form. A mechanism and/or circuit may be operatively connected to the timer and the memory for deactivating the timer and for locking the memory to ensure integrity of contents of the memory upon an opening of the container. The method may also include a detector for measuring temperature.

Abstract: The power feeding efficiency and the communicable range of an automatic answering system are improved in an automatic answering system using a transponder which performs code communication using amplitude modulation of a carrier with an electromagnetic coupling transponder mounted in a key or the like. In a transceiver for performing the code communication with the transponder via an antenna coil, a circuit for driving the antenna coil in a transceiver based on clock is implemented by a bridge-type complementary circuit of transistors. Thereby, driving current is increased. Meanwhile, a circuit for controlling the driving mode based on a write signal is implemented by a parallel circuit of a transistor to which a power-supply voltage is applied and a resistor. Thereby, a current corresponding to a resistance of the resistor flows through the antenna coil even during the minimum driving when the transistor is turned off, thus improving the power feeding efficiency and the communicable range of the system.

Abstract: 058315250 The present invention provides for removable cartridge devices including removable cartridges having fan assisted cooling for housing data storage devices and brackets adapted for removably mounting the cartridges. Various features of these cartridge systems include temperature dependent fan speed control, fan failure alarms, data storage device identification number LED display and air filtration systems. Methods are provided for removably mounting these cartridges in a computer.

Abstract: An electronically activated holster that releasably secures a weapon to the holster. A locking mechanism releases the weapon upon receiving an electrical signal generated when certain conditions are present. These predetermined conditions are selected by a user and these inputs can be sensed with photosensitive devices attached to the holster that detect bar codes on a user's hand or glove so that a predetermined pattern can be read and conveyed to a control circuit, such as a central processing unit. In turn, the control circuit records the event and causes the locking mechanism to release the weapon if the necessary conditions are present. Alternatively, an ultrasonic transmitter can be worn by a user in a wristband and a cooperative receiver on the holster designed to be activated when a predetermined proximity is achieved. An alarm output is provided to visually or audibly broadcast a violated condition.

Abstract: A vehicular robbery preventive system including a controlling means for controlling a vehicle; a robbery determining means for outputting a control allowance signal to the controlling means based on a signal inputted from outside; a restricting means for restricting-communication between the robbery determining means and the controlling means to a predetermined number of times or a predetermined period of time; and wherein the controlling means controls the vehicle when the control allowance signal is outputted from the robbery determining means to the controlling means within the predetermined number of times or the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method of controlling traffic signals on existing grid-like systems of avenues and crossing streets. Two phase traffic signals, red and green, wherein both phases are equal in duration and the amber interval is a part of the green interval. The coordinated two-dimensional progression traffic signal system requires simultaneous changes of the signal cycle at three levels of the designated grid plan. The duration of each phase of the signal cycle is determined by the time required to traverse two contiguous lengths of the optimum grid rectangle. A band length is determinable from the calculation of the duration of the phases and corresponds to the integral number of roadway intersections to be crossed by a vehicle. Between bands, adjacent band widths are in the reciprocal phase from one another. Between avenues, parallel band widths on adjacent avenues and streets are also in reciprocal phases from one another, and between interphases.

Abstract: A security system (300) for a personal computer maintains computer terminal (302) in an active mode of operation while the user is within range of the terminal. The system includes a radio (314) worn by a user (316) which generates a low level RF signal (318). As long as the user (316) remains within range of the computer (302), a receiver (312) will detect a received signal strength which maintains the computer monitor (306) in an active mode of operation. When the user (316) walks away from the computer terminal (302), the received signal strength decreases below a threshold which causes the monitor (306) to go into a lock-out condition.

Abstract: A security system for detecting weapons and explosives being carried into buildings and similar locations accessible to the public. A sensing unit is located at a monitored premises, and has at least two types of sensors. Each sensor senses a characteristic of weapons or explosives which is different from characteristics sensed by another sensor. The sensing unit transmits data signals by radio to a control station having a microprocessor for processing these data signals. Data from the sensing unit is compared to stored data relating to known, predetermined characteristics of weapons and explosives. If comparison determines recognition of a weapon or explosive or both at a monitored premises, an alarm ensues. Identification of the weapon or explosive is displayed on a CRT monitor and is printed out. Optionally, a distress signal is generated, and connected by a telephone system to a third party. Preferably, many sensing apparatuses at diverse premises communicate with a single control station.

Abstract: A vehicle display device such as a speed meter including indicators, many segments illuminated in two or more colors by plural LEDs and an indicator control circuit. The indicators dispose the segments so as to display a variable such as a car speed in a bar graph or in the form of a number. The indicator control circuit displays the variable by controlling the lighting of the LEDs and changes an emitted light color of indication based on a fixed color changing reference value in accordance with a value of the variable. The control circuit controls a duty ratio of a supply current or a current value in a predetermined set value range determined on the basis of the color changing reference value. Namely, brightness of the emitted light color before a color change is gradually decreased, while brightness of the emitted light color after the color change is gradually increased.

Abstract: A vehicle accident recording system employs a digital camera connected to a controller, a non-volatile memory, and an accident-sensing interrupter. The controller accesses images from the digital camera periodically and stores the images in a limited space of n sectors. After all n sectors are filled, each new image is overwritten to the oldest stored image. In the event of an accident, the interrupter causes the operation of storing images to cease. The result is a recorded history of n images spanning a time period up to the incidence of an accident of the number of images stored times the average time period between images. In a preferred embodiment the system has a communication port whereby the stored images may be downloaded after an accident to a digital device capable of displaying the images, thereby providing a visual record of the time period immediately preceding an accident.