Abstract: An alarm device with cross-bar that includes a telescoping cross-bar having a spring tensioning mechanism; an alarming circuit having a pair of contact points extending out from a contact point end of the cross bar; and a contact bracket, sized to detachably hold the contact point end of the cross-bar, having a moveable contact plate constructed from an electrically conductive material provided thereon in a manner such that both of the contact points of the alarm circuit contact the moveable contact plate when the contact end of the cross-bar is held by the contact bracket. The moveable contact plate is preferably pivotally supported from a central point. In a preferred embodiment the alarm circuit of the alarm device further includes a key-strip upon which a preselected deactivation code must be entered to turn off the alarm device after activation of the audible alarm.

Abstract: A low-cost circuit processes, with high precision, the output signals of a pointing stick used for controlling a cursor on a computer display screen. A two-stage method of high precision moderate range analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion is combined with a known method of A/D conversion by sweeping a reference voltage across the range of the voltage to be measured at a known rate and noting the time of coincidence. Operational amplifiers of moderate quality are used in an open-loop mode, so that the operational amplifier inputs are high impedance. In order to get sufficient isolation from power supply noise and variations, the analog circuitry is isolated from the supply voltage while measurements are being made.

Abstract: A dual use heads-up display panel for a vehicle may be orientated in a first orientation wherein it displays information onto the window of a vehicle. The display panel may be selectively moved to a facing-forward position wherein it directs information towards the operator of the vehicle. The control for the display panel determines which of the two positions the display panel is in, and modifies the information displayed on the panel accordingly. The information should be reversed in a mirror image between the two orientations such that it is properly orientated when read off of the windshield, and is also properly orientated when read from the facing-forward position. In a further feature, a convergent optical system, which may be a lens, is placed in the path of the light from the display panel when in the heads-up position. The lens causes the size of the information displayed on the windshield to be reduced such that its intensity is increased.

Abstract: A function display controlling method and apparatus for a composite apparatus of a compact disc graphics (CDG) player and of a video cassette recorder (VCR) for displaying on a single fluorescent display panel. The control functions are divided into three groups of the CDG player exclusive function, an exclusive function of the VCR and a function common to both the CDG player and the VCR. The functions selected or currently being executed in the composite apparatus of the CDG player and the VCR are recognized by a controller, and because the CDG player exclusive function, the exclusive function of VCR and the function common to both the CDG player and the VCR, which are stored in a function control input section, are read out in accordance with the operation size, the current operation state is displayed on a fluorescent display panel. Therefore, the fluorescent display panels in the composite apparatus of the CDG player and the VCR are simplified, and the operative functions are clearly displayed.

Abstract: A liquid level detector utilizing a housing having a wall portion defining a inner chamber. The inner chamber communicates to the exterior of the housing through an opening which also permits liquid to enter the chamber. A floatation element is pivotally located within the housing and includes a bridging conductor which rotates upwardly. The bridging conductor is capable of contacting a pair of terminals which constitute a portion of an alarm circuit.

Abstract: A lamp comprising an array of solid state lights, using light emitting diodes (LED's) has a massed arrangement of LED lights, the number of which may exceed the capacity of the face area of the lamp, such that a high intensity of light is achieved, being accomodated within the envelope of the lamp by being positioned at an angle from the face of the lamp. In one system embodiment, as a replacement for, and using the form of an incandescent lamp, the LED lights are mounted in substantial coincidence with the shape of the incandescent lamp reflector, to provide an area of light source concentration larger than the projected area of the lamp. In another embodiment for a lamp having a circular face, such as a traffic light, the massed lights are arranged as an annular strip facing inwardly towards the polar axis of the lamp. A conical reflector directs the light outwardly, to provide the required intensity of illumination.

Abstract: An alarm system to warn those pumping fuel into remote tanks that the fuel level is at the top of the tank, and thus prevent overflowing. This system is particularly useful for filling tanks in boats.

Abstract: A system to determine the usage of loading dock equipment such as a dock leveler, a vehicle restraint and a barrier gate to provide an output indicative thereof. For each loading dock component mounted at a loading dock in an operable configuration whose operation is to be monitored, sensor outputs are used to provide data accumulated by PLC's located in a control panel associated with the loading dock. When operation of a piece of equipment is initiated the occurrence delivers an output signal to the PLC. A counting circuit accumulates a count of the output signals. The panel has displays in the form of lights and screens and the data maybe read out by means of a hand held unit for display and/or programing or delivered to a remote PC by appropriate cable.

Abstract: This invention relates to a visual indication system for a field replaceable unit. The system includes two or more visual indicators on a face of the field replaceable unit (FRU), each indicator having a unique shape and being switchable between an on state and an off state. Diagnostic and administrative control within the FRU functions to monitor overall operation of the FRU and, under the control of Network Operations Systems, selectively turns on or off the visual indicators to reflect status of the FRU.

Abstract: An automobile speed indicator to be mounted to an automobile includes a speed sensor for generating a speed signal of the automobile to be transmitted to a microprocessor based controller for determination of the speed range of the automobile by being compared with pre-set reference. A lamp unit is electrically connected to the controller to be activated thereby for emitting light signals of different colors to indicate different speed ranges of the automobile.

Abstract: A light system comprising controllable light sources (35) positioned along alternative routes of movement to serve a s optical means for influencing persons to follow an indicated route of movement to one selected of a plurality of target areas, the system having control means (1,2) for turning light sources on and off to generate along the route indicated a moving light effect traveling in the direction of target area selected. At least one display unit (13) is provided for presenting a general view of alternative routes of movement along which the light sources are located. In response to an assignment command entered through input means (11) included in the system, processing and communication means (12, 14, 21, 22) activate the traveling light along each route assigned.

Abstract: A new Fire Alarm Safety Silencing System for providing a fire alarm which allows a user to silence during false alarms for a finite period of time wherein the fire alarm rearms itself. The inventive device includes a fire alarm having a receiver a transmitter for transmitting a signal to the receiver of the fire alarm for deactivating the fire alarm for a finite period of time during a false alarm, and a length of Velcro and a length of magnet secured to the transmitter for conveniently attaching to a metal surface.

Abstract: An automated waste cooking grease recycling tank having a top, a bottom, at least one side wall defining an inside and an outside of the tank with a plurality of openings in the tank. A liquid level sensor is inserted into the inside of the tank through one of the plurality of openings with the liquid level sensor operatively connected for sensing at least first and second different liquid levels inside of the tank. A control panel is positioned outside of the tank, operatively coupled to the level sensor and having first and second indicators thereon responsive to signal the first and second different liquid levels sensed inside of the tank. A fill pump is operatively coupled to the control panel and responsive to the control panel for adding grease.

Abstract: An electrical anti-theft security system for a motor vehicle includes an immobilising device for inhibiting power supply to the starter of the vehicle so long as the motor, incorporated in the anti-theft system and arranged to drive a blocking member, such as a steering lock, has not reached the unlocked position. The immobilising device is also arranged to prevent the system from being locked unless the vehicle is at rest.

Abstract: Electronic device to indicate the acceleration and deceleration for vehicles; being able to be driven through means connecting to the accelerator and able to generate luminous signals which can be seen by other vehicles; characterized because, being supplied by means of a source provided with a power regulator, said device comprehends a potentiometer, that, constituting a transductor of the mechanical movement of the accelerator, is connected to a comparator circuit; said comparator circuit constituted by a plurality of operational amplifiers, each one of said operational amplifiers having a first input connected to the potentiometer, while a second input is connected to a respective terminal of a voltage divider; the output of each operational amplifier is connected to the input of a respective power amplifier which at the same time has a plurality of luminous elements connected to its output, said luminous elements constituting at least one luminous display; said display including complementary luminous ele

Abstract: A new Computer Mouse Handwriting Transfer Device for capturing human handwriting movements with a computer mouse. The inventive device includes a first plate member moveable in a first direction and blocked from movement in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A second plate member rests on the first plate member and is moveable with the first plate member in the first direction and is moveable independently in the second direction. Barrier walls block first and second direction movement of a computer mouse having its sensing ball in contact with the upper surface of the second plate member so that movement of the second plate member is communicated to the sensing ball of the computer mouse. The second plate member has a recess therein for receiving the end of a writing instrument so that handwriting movements of the hand writing tool may be transferred to the sensing ball of the computer device.

Abstract: A warning system for a vehicle in which a control circuit is actuated to turn on selected exterior lights of the vehicle when the horn switch is actuated. The control circuit includes a relay that has a first contact connected to the battery, a second contact conductively connected to the first contact when the control circuit is actuated, and a plurality of unidirectionally conductive circuits, each connected in series between the second contact and selected electric lights and polarized to be conductive in the direction to conduct operating current from the battery to those lights to turn them on when the horn switch is actuated.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided to power and initiate the output of information sensed and/or stored by a device in a sealed environment having a viewing window. The device is powered and the output is initiated by the input of a light source to the device. When the output is initiated, the device provides a display representing the information. In a specific arrangement, the device scrolls to display the information on a sequential, repetitive basis while the light source is directed onto the device. In one specific embodiment, the device is powered by a solar cell or the like. In one specific application of the invention, the information represents the real-time primary voltage of components and circuitry within the switchgear. In another specific application of the invention, the device is located within a sealed switchgear enclosure and the information represents the faulted phase or phases of the power distribution circuit to which the switchgear is connected.

Abstract: A display (4) has its representation made by brightness of a backlight (7). A left flasher (SW 1) and a lighting (SW 3) supply on/off information to a dimming judgement unit (9). The dimming judgement unit (9) determines that when the lighting (SW 3) is turned on the environment is dark, and detects that a vehicle is going to make a left turn when the left flasher (SW 1) is turned on. It is further assumed according to the left turn of the vehicle that the driver's line of sight is turned to the left, and luminance of the backlight (7) is lowered. It is thus possible to prevent driver annoyance with a bright display (4), even when the display (4) comes within the driver's line of sight.

Abstract: A galvanic cell is formed when ground water within a sump reservoir, tub or other pool, rises to contact electrodes constructed of dissimilar metals, the electrodes mounted in a bridge, with recessing, expansion brackets, to facilitate covering the sump hole and including an alarm device adapted to provide a warning signal should the water level exceed a predetermined level to contact the electrodes.