Abstract: An externally mounted vehicle speedometer display is disclosed comprising an external speedometer intended to be installed on the outer rear segment of a motor vehicle. Housing a green digital speedometer, a magnifying lens is provided to increase visibility to surrounding drivers. Designed to be wired to either new or existing vehicles, a memory chip is provided for storing and retaining speed history information for the vehicle over a limited time period, in order to provide speed information in case of an accident.

Abstract: An optical treadle of extended longevity is disclosed. The treadle is of unitary construction with an improved cross-sectional passageway shape that more effectively interrupts light when a vehicle tire passes thereover. A treadle assembly with permanently affixed light transmitting and light receiving means is also provided such that a failed assembly can be quickly replaced as a unit. Further, a roadway treadle assembly comprising a frame for installation in a roadway and an adapter plate for adapting a preexisting treadle frame are provided for mounting the treadle assembly across a surface portion of a roadway.

Abstract: A sensor system is operable for detecting the presence of water in an oil emulsion inside the lower gear unit of a marine engine, and for providing an alarm signal when the presence of water is detected within the gear unit. The sensor system includes a ring oscillator circuit and a symmetrical array of passive input probes which are disposed in the oil/water emulsion inside the oil chamber. Each of the passive input probes is electrically connected to the ring oscillator circuit wherein the probes function as fixed capacitors for measuring the electrical characteristics of the emulsion. When a voltage is applied to the oscillator circuit, the oscillator circuit generates an oscillating signal that circulates at a frequency which varies according to the dielectric-properties of the liquid emulsion. When water is introduced into the chamber, the water is emulsified with the oil thereby changing the electrical characteristics of the oil.

Abstract: A control circuit for a center high mounted brake light of an automobile includes a tachometer for generating a voltage signal in response to a speed of the automobile, a preamplifier for amplifying the voltage signal from the tachometer to a predetermined voltage range, a voltage-controlled oscillator for outputting an oscillating signal in proportion to the voltage signal from the preamplifier, and a flicker circuit having a frequency divider for receiving the oscillating signal from the voltage-controlled oscillator and flickering the brake light in accordance with an output signal of the frequency divider,

Abstract: A self-propelled remotely controlled pilot vehicle adapted for use on raiad tracks to monitor hazardous conditions and obstacles on the railroad tracks. The pilot vehicle precedes a train along the railroad tracks at a distance which will allow the train to come to a complete stop in the event the pilot vehicle encounters a hazardous condition on the track. The pilot vehicle is equipped with a sensor array which measures a variety of different parameters such as the presence of noxious gases, moisture in the atmosphere or at ground level, and breakage in one or both rails of the track. The pilot vehicle is also equipped with a television camera which provides a visual image of the railroad track ahead of the pilot vehicle to the engineer of the train.

Abstract: A self-propelled remotely controlled pilot vehicle adapted for use on raiad tracks to monitor hazardous conditions and obstacles on the railroad tracks. The pilot vehicle precedes a train along the railroad tracks at a distance which will allow the train to come to a complete stop in the event the pilot vehicle encounters a hazardous condition on the track. The pilot vehicle is equipped with a sensor array which measures a variety of different parameters such as the presence of noxious gases, moisture in the atmosphere or at ground level, breakage in one or both rails of the track and orientation with respect to the force of gravity as well as the yaw, pitch and roll of the tracks upon which the pilot vehicle is riding. The pilot vehicle is also equipped with a television camera which provides a visual image of the railroad track ahead of the pilot vehicle to the engineer of the train. An infrared camera which is mounted on the front of the pilot vehicle generates an infrared image of the tracks.

Abstract: In a vehicular warning system for sensing the approach of severe weather, a pressure sensor generates a first signal representative of the barometric pressure. A computer, coupled to the pressure sensor through the electrical system of the vehicle, generates a second signal responsive to the first signal changing in a time series pattern correlated with a known time series pattern representative of a severe weather system. The computer is coupled through the electrical system of the vehicle to the horn and/or lights for generating warning signals responsive to receiving the second signal, but only when the vehicle is not in the operating mode.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a vehicle roll-over utilizes a z-axis accelerometer (12) and a processor (20) for analyzing the accelerometer output (18) to provide early detection/prediction of a vehicle roll-over. The output signal (18) is substantially a positive constant value equal to the force of gravity when the vehicle (16) is in a normal upright condition, and as the vehicle (16) experiences a roll-over, the output signal transitions to a substantially negative constant value when the vehicle has rolled 180.degree. upside down. To provide early roll-over detection and/or prediction, the z-axis data is averaged (102) and compared to a first threshold value (104) set to a g-force value within a range of 0 to -1 g. Estimating a slope value (step 110), i.e. the change in z-axis data over time, can provide an additional discrimination measure to improve overall reliability, and to provide a qualitative measure of the roll over.

Abstract: The rotational speed difference between rotational speeds of front and rear road wheels of a motor vehicle is weighted by a first ratio, and the difference between the rotational speed difference between rotational speeds of front left and right road wheels and an average signal of reference steering angle or between the rotational speed difference between rotational speeds of rear left and right road wheels and the average signal of reference steering angle is weighted by a second ratio. A sum signal representative of the sum of the rotational speed difference weighted by the first ratio and the difference weighted by the second ratio is used to determine a pneumatic tire pressure reduction highly accurately even when running conditions of the motor vehicle change such as when the motor vehicle makes a turn.

Abstract: An optical tank-level gauge includes an elongated gauge rod magnetically coupled at its lower end to a float for rising and falling with the liquid level. The outer surface of the rod is provided along most of its length with alternating reflecting and non-reflecting circumferential stripes of equal height, the rod having non-reflecting zones at its opposite ends. An optical read head is fixed on the tank and includes LEDs for illuminating the rod and four optical sensors spaced apart longitudinally along the rod and arranged into quadrature pairs relative to the stripes, so that each pair reads a longitudinal extent of the rod substantially equal to the height of one stripe. Each of the non-reflecting end zones has a height such that, in either the full or empty condition, the fields of view of all four optical sensors will be completely within one or the other of the end zones.

Abstract: According to the tire air-pressure reduction detecting apparatus and method of the present invention, when a vehicle travels, the detected rotational angular speeds F.sub.i of the tires W.sub.i are multiplied by correction coefficients C.sub.i to correct initial differences. Vehicle speed V.sub.0 is calculated based on angular speeds F.sub.i0, and is put in a relationship formula f(V) to obtain a front/rear wheel ration f(V.sub.0) corresponding to the speed V.sub.0. Based on the front/rear wheel ratio f(V.sub.1) corresponding to a speed V.sub.1 at which the correction coefficients C.sub.i have been obtained, and the ration f(V.sub.0), there is obtained a variation of the front/rear wheel ratio f(V.sub.0)/f(V.sub.1), by which rotational angular speeds F.sub.3, F.sub.4 are then multiplied. The products are used for detecting a reduction in the air pressure of a tire W.sub.i, thereby to calculate a judgement value D. When D satisfies the conditions:D<-D.sub.TH1 or D>D.sub.