Abstract: A shutter, positioned between an electronic imaging device (such as a laser printer) and a film processor, is actuated by a solenoid which is driven by a driver network which isolates the solenoid coil when it is deactuated. If, after deactuation, a jam occurs, such that the shutter does not close completely, the jam is detected by a solenoid engagement sensing circuit. The sensing circuit includes a function generator, an operational amplifier having the solenoid coil connected between its input and output, an envelope detector and a comparator. The comparator produces a jam signal in response to an increase in the voltage detected by the presence of the solenoid plunger within the solenoid coil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a network of electronic stations each suitable for generating at least one function, in particular for use on a motor vehicle. The method comprises the following steps: i) generating an activation signal in at least some of the stations when a previously inactive function is requested; ii) generating a deactivation signal when an associated previously active function is to be deactivated; iii) detecting the generated activation and deactivation signals; iv) incrementing at least one counter by one step each time an associated activation signal is detected; v) decrementing the same counter by one step each time an associated deactivation signal is detected; and vi) generating a "go to sleep" signal when a counter reaches a zero count after being decremented.

Abstract: A liquid activated control switch for detecting the presence of an excessive accumulation of low ionic strength liquids in an air refrigeration system and for controlling the operation of the air refrigeration system based upon the detection of the accumulated liquid which includes first and second liquid detection probes. When the liquid detection probes detect an excessive accumulation of liquid, the air refrigeration system is disconnected. After the excessive accumulation of liquid has been removed, the air refrigeration system remains disconnected until the switch is reset. Alternative embodiments of the liquid activated control switch prevent sloshing liquid in the vicinity of the probes from rapidly turning the switch on and off, by providing varying degrees of sensitivity to accumulated liquid. Time delays are provided in turning off the air refrigeration system when liquid is detected by the probes, and in turning on the system when liquid is no longer detected.

Abstract: The vehicle is provided with a system able to simultaneously control all the mobile closure elements (windows installed in the doors, and possible sunroof). The system is conveniently activated by a switch element installed in the vehicle passenger compartment, and/or by the centralized vehicle door locking device. The system can simultaneously close all windows and a sunroof by the actuation of a switch while the ignition switch Is is turned on. The system can simultaneously close all windows and a sunroof, and additionally lock all the doors, by the continuous actuation of a different switch (either K1 or K2) for more than two seconds if the ignition switch is not turned on.

Abstract: A plurality of first accelerometers are positioned forward of the passenger compartment and interconnected between vehicular ground and an airbag ignitor. At least one second accelerometer is positioned with the passenger compartment and electrically connected in series between the airbag ignitor and a reserve source of electrical power thereby providing a first firing path. Electronic circuitry positioned within the passenger compartment and connected to the airbag ignitor provides a second firing path through the ignitor to a passenger compartment ground independent of the vehicular ground which the first accelerometers are connected. This second conductive path is provided for a predetermined or dwell time in response to actuation by any of the first accelerometers. The electrical circuitry also includes prefiltering circuitry.

Abstract: A hand-held contact shock producing and nonlethal stun device wherein the electrical circuitry therein includes an oscillator coupled to an inverter transformer which, in turn, cooperates with an output transformer and spark gap device to produce a high voltage, short duration, low current arc across contact probes. The internal circuitry further includes a low battery detection circuit wherein a visual display of a low battery condition is produced when the gun is activated for a first predetermined time period. To preclude overzealous application of the device, the oscillator is disabled after a second predetermined time period. A wrist strap secured to the operator and having a key portion fixedly attached thereto is also provided. The key portion is received into the device housing and closes a kill switch within the housing to disable the device when removed from the housing. The key portion remaining with the operator disables the circuit when the device is separated from the operator.

Abstract: Protection of electronic circuits from static electrical discharge is provided by utilizing a key mat, having key buttons moulded therein, of a key board for the circuits to provide an electrically insulating barrier to such discharges. The electronic circuits are housed in a housing having apertures through which the key buttons extend. Electrical discharge from a key button through the aperture in the housing to the circuits is prevented by forming the mat to have an extent sufficient to ensure that any discharge track is longer than that for a predetermined potential. Where the direct distance to a circuit is short the mat is formed so as to ensure a discharge track greater than the direct distance and of sufficient length. For this purpose the mat may be formed with an upstanding wall. A housing may have a cooperating wall to lengthen the air path.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a plurality of electrical devices, each of the electrical devices including circuitry for switching the electrical device to a standby mode or an operational mode. A main control unit and a secondary control unit is provided in each of the electrical devices. When a main control unit of one electrical device is connected to a secondary control unit of a second electrical device, control of the operational state of the second electrical device is transferred to the remotely located first electrical device. When the two electrical devices are disconnected, local control of the second electrical device is maintained.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge foot grounding device made from a unitary piece of essentially planar conductive sheet material so that it includes, integrally connected, first and second leg portions and a connecting portion. The two leg portions form substantially a 90.degree. angle with each other, and the connecting portion projects away from the second leg portion so that it and the leg portion form substantially a 135.degree. angle with each other. Appropriate apertures in the leg portions and slits in the connecting portion provide attachment of the two leg portions into a generally cup-shaped configuration adapted to receive the heel or toe of a wearer's foot, and of the connecting portion to the cup so that, when the cup is placed on a wearer's foot, the connecting portion can be wrapped around the leg and attached to hold the cup in place.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling the power supply of an electrical load, having a device for detecting a short-circuit of the load. The detection device has a comparator which supplies a signal representative of a short-circuit state of the load when the voltage at the terminals of that load, after filtering, is below a reference voltage Vref. The device has a circuit for rapidly pre-charging a capacitor of the filter, when the load is switched on. The initial time interval during which the output signal of the comparator is not representative of the presence or absence of a short-circuit is thus reduced. The circuit is applicable to the control of actuators in motor vehicle electronics.

Abstract: A switch device for use in a power window for opening and closing a door glass of a vehicle. The switch device is driven by a driving apparatus and has a display unit for displaying whether the door glass can be opened or closed by means of an operating switch via the driving apparatus. Accordingly, it is possible to visually confirm whether or not the driving apparatus can be driven.

Abstract: A heel grounding device (10) is disclosed which is used in connection with electrically grounded conductive flooring which in one embodiment is secured to the shoe (12) of a human operator. A strap (24) is secured about the leg (11) of the operator with conductive material (29) touching the operator. Grounding lead (25) attaches by a fastener (27) from conductive material (29) to partially conductive material (20) which is secured to the heel (15) of the shoe (12) of the operator. A strap (23) is used to secure the device onto the shoe (12) of the operator. Metal rivets (31, 32, 33) are secured in and protrude from partially conductive erlement so as to maintain electrical contact with the conductive grounded flooring to overcome soil build up on partially conductive material (20) and thereby maintain electrical grounding of the operator.

Abstract: An anti-theft device that is adapted to be connected adjacent to or on a battery of a motor vehicle and including a power switch for disconnecting the battery from its standard battery cable when current flowing through the cable exceeds a preselected substantial amount of current associated with an attempt to start the vehicle. A lockout circuit is actuated by a remote transmitter for generating an external command signal to override the operation of the power switch. This device can be attached directly to a battery without external wiring and still provide the passive or self-arming anti-theft device.

Abstract: A method and device for the electrical control of a central locking system and of a mechanical securing device (that provides additional lock protection) for motor vehicles by a lock cylinder that interacts with at least two control switches. This method and device ensures a better utilization of the electrical control switches, in that, an unlocking control switch assigned to the unlocking of the central locking system and the deactivation of the mechanical securing device is switched in addition to a locking control switch assigned to the locking of the central locking system. If the lock cylinder is pivoted in the locking direction beyond its regular locking position, the resultant joint switching state of the two switching control devices is evaluated to activate the mechanical securing device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a corona discharging apparatus with an automatic cleaning mechanism for a corona wire comprising a plurality of sets of cleaning units, one of which having an L-shaped cleaning member made of elastic material. The cleaning members are abutted against a surface of the corona wire from different directions to effectively clean the corona wire.

Abstract: This invention is a circuit for a vehicle which will enable the engine to run, and the heater or air conditioner to operate without the key in the ignition switch by supplying power to the ignition and acessory circuits. The operation starts the vehicle, presses a switch, then removes the key. Now the engine is idling, and the heater or air condition will work, but the vehicle cannot be driven. The circuit automatically shuts off if the vehicle is put into gear. It also shuts off if the vehicle's engine overheats, or looses oil pressure. The vehicle may be driven by reinserting the key into the ignition switch and turning it to the "ON" position. The starter is disabled while the circuit is enabled, in case the operator turns the ignition switch to "START" while turning it to the "ON" position. This prevents damage to the starter and flywheel. The circuit can only be energized while the vehicle's engine is running.

Abstract: An excitation current control device for an automotive electromagnetic clutch includes a first and a second transistor 8 and 13 and a current detector resistor 14, coupled in series with the electromagnetic clutch. The first transistor is PWM controlled to control the amount of excitation current through the electromagnetic clutch. The second transistor turns off the excitation current in response to the disconnection signal for the electromagnetic clutch. The current detector amplifier 6 includes, in addition to an operational amplifier 61 and an input and a feedback resistor 63 and 62, an offset resistor 64 for offsetting the base current of the second transistor and the current flowing through a reverse excitation resistor 12 and the detector resistor 14. Alternatively, the offset correction for base current is effected by a software calculation.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor that comprises a body of non-magnetic construction having a linear internal cavity of uniform cross section, and a pair of permanent magnetics movably mounted within such cavity with like magnetic poles opposed to each other, such that the magnetics are urged to opposite ends of the cavity by force of magnetic repulsion therebetween. At least one weigand wire is positioned externally of the cavity between the cavity ends, and has a longitudinal dimension parallel to the lineal dimension of the cavity. The weigand wire is characterized by two stable magnetic flux-generating states dependent upon application of an external magnetic field of appropriate polarity for switching between such states.

Abstract: A six-phase power line configuration reduces the measured intensity of electric and magnetic fields that are associated with transmitting AC electric power. An open-wire configuration is taught that is compatible with transmission on power line right-of-ways, and that can be made by converting existing three-phase dual circuit power lines.

Abstract: A lightning resistant composite structure, particularly for aircraft, in which a composite skin panel, for example of carbon fibre, is attached to an inner composite structure by one or more lightning resistant fastener assemblies. The fastener assembly comprises a nut and bolt, the bolt being in good conductive contact with a conductive sleeve engaging the skin panel and a non-conductive sleeve engaging the inner structure. The nut is contained within a capped nut assembly located to the undersurface of the inner structure.The non-conductive sleeve and the capped nut assembly isolate the inner structure from the effects of lightning strike, the conductive sleeve providing a high quality conductive interface between the bolt and the skin panel. By this means adverse penetration of lightning current into the inner structure is prevented.