Abstract: A hall information system for an elevator having a hall operation panel including a plurality of destination buttons corresponding to a plurality of destination floors. Hall and destination calls are registered in response to the actuation of the destination buttons so as to combine destination calls into at least one group in each of up and down directions, and a cage is then assigned to serve a particular group of destination calls. An information unit is provided in each hall providing a cage arrival display having hall lanterns and/or chimes controlled in response to each subsequent actuation of the destination button and cage assignment to indicate a change in hall and destination calls and cage arrival display.

Abstract: A signalling system utilized in a firedoor control system. For warning and alerting personnel of the immanate (seconds) closing of a firedoor, to avoid injury of such personnel in the vicinity of the closing firedoor. The system is actuated by being responsive to either a smoke detector signal or to an electrical failure to the smoke detector. Means responsive to the smoke detector generates a first control signal, a first timer means generates a second control signal at the end of a first delay interval, and a second timer means generates a series of reoccurring control pulses transmitted to audible and visual signalling elements. A test means is provided to determined operational (functional) status of a rechargable battery utilized in the system in the event of an electrical failure to the smoke detector.

Abstract: A safety helmet to be worn by motorcyclists is provided which contains a backward facing warning light which shines when the motorcycle's brake pedal is depressed. To avoid using a wired connection between the motorcycle and the helmet a transmitter is attached to the motorcycle and a receiver which activates the light is installed inside the helmet. A transmitter encoder and a receiver decoder prevent spurious sources of radio frequency from activating the receiver. A code card is used to guarantee that both the encoder settings and the decoder switch settings are identical.

Abstract: A phase shifter uses a PIN diode or diode pairs operated in a switching mode to switch transmission-line elements for phase-shifting radio frequency or microwave signals. A drive circuit for each diode(s) includes a FET switch controlled by a first level of a bilevel control signal to apply B+ to forward bias the diode(s) with a forward current. When forward biased, the active region of the diode(s) becomes flooded with charge carriers. The first FET switch is turned OFF by a second level of the bilevel control signal, and a second FET switch is turned ON to apply a reverse bias voltage to the diode(s) to render them nonconductive. Before the diode(s) become nonconductive, the excess charge carriers must be swept out of the diode(s). To achieve fast switching, the second FET switch must draw a large current for a short time as the excess charge carriers are removed.

Abstract: A device for electrically measuring the oil level of a machine, particularly of an internal combustion engine, is connected with a device for temporarily blocking re-measurement. The device for the measurement of the oil level comprises a measurement probe (2) which is heated by a constant current during a connect time which is commenced in an automotive vehicle by a switch on a battery terminal (15). Furthermore, means are provided for comparing an initial voltage U.sub.O of the measurement probe at the start of the connect time with a measured voltage at the end of the connect time of a measurement period in order to form a result of the comparison which corresponds to the oil level. A signalling logic (7) which signals ranges of the oil level can be controlled by said result. The blocking-time transmitter, in combination with a control logic (10) for the total program control, blocks repeated measurement during at least one predetermined period of time after the machine is turned off or again turned on.

Abstract: The apparatus for monitoring an insulation deterioration of an insulation layer surrounding an outer surface of a coil conductor comprises a semiconductor layer of 10.sup.2 to 10.sup.7 ohm-cm formed within the insulation layer of the coil, an electric field sensor such as Pockels element or ferroelectric element mounted on the coil insulation layer. The semiconductor layer is so formed as to divide the insulation layer into inner and outer layers. When the inner layer deteriorates, a high electric field is sensed, while the outer layer deteriorates, a low electric field is sensed. Therefore, it is possible to discriminate the insulation deterioration positions on the basis of the change in electric field detected by the sensor element. In case of deterioration, alarms are produced or the power supply of machine is turned off for safety.

Abstract: A level warning device for dump trucks comprises a light transmissive tubular trackway having raised, closed ends and a mount for securing the tubular trackway to a transverse member of the bed of the truck. The trackway includes a detent at a central location which defines a pocket lateral of the passage defined within the trackway. The trackway itself comprises straight, tubular segments which are inclined with respect to a horizontal axis at angles equal to the critical angle at which the truck would likely start to turn over. Positioned above a central region of the trackway is a photo-electric switch. Optically aligned with the photo-electric switch from below the trackway is an element for emitting an infra-red beam through the tubular element. A ball which is sized to roll freely in the trackway and the pocket is held within the detent pocket while the bed is in a lowered position by reason of the inclination of the detent at such conditions.

Abstract: A tire pressure warning device is disclosed which comprises a body adapted to be threaded into the valve stem of the tire, a pressure sensing valve in the body and an elastomeric compression spring acting on the sensing valve to open it when the pressure in the tire is below a predetermined value. In one embodiment an alarm in the body is adapted to produce an audible signal in response to air flow through the sensing valve. In another embodiment the body includes a distendable diaphragm as a pressure sensor and an elastomeric compression spring for closing a switch when the air pressure is below a predetermined value. A radio transmitter in the body transmits a warning signal when the switch is closed. A monitor detects a transmitted audio or radio signal and compares it with a stored reference signal and produces an output signal only when the transmitted signal corresponds to the stored signal.

Abstract: The present invention is a circuit for activating a local alarm when a telephone service line is cut. A closed loop circuit is formed by a pair of insulated monitor wires electrically connected at their first ends to a resistor and electrically connected at their second ends to a normally closed circuit of an alarm. The wires are secured to a telephone service line. Shrink tubing encapsulates the wires and the service line together in a single cable. When the cable is cut, thereby severing either or both of the insulated monitor wires as well, the closed loop circuit is opened, thereby activating the alarm. In various embodiments of the invention, circuitry is provided upstream from the cable for signaling a telephone company of a loss of a service line connection. A load or signal is generated by the circuitry and transmitted over telephone service lines. When such a load is detected, proper authorities can be notified of the loss of the service line connection.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating the presence of power on the third rail of a transit system having two running rails and a third rail includes a first connector for connecting to the third rail and a second connector for connecting to one of the running rails and a circuit for indicating the presence of a voltage between the first connector and the second connector and thereby indicating a voltage between the one running rail and the third rail, the means for indicating including visual and audible signaling apparatus. In some forms of the invention the apparatus may include an annunciator and a strobe light. Other forms of the invention include third and fourth connectors which are magnetically held to the rails.

Abstract: A tire pressure warning system, including a valve stem-mounted tire pressure detector, including means for sensing the tire pressure and means for transmitting an encoded signal when the tire pressure drops below a predetermined level, and a receiver that can receive and recognize the encoded signal, differentiate between various encoded signals, and provide a warning signal to the vehicle operator. The inside of the tire pressure detector is hermetically sealed; inside the sealed portion is a unique on/off switch that can be externally actuated without compromising the seal.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the start and stop of an engine starter motor includes a sensor, an amplifier, a comparator, and a monostable multivibrator. When a starter motor starts and stops, magnetic flux around the starter motor varies greatly. The sensor senses this varying magnetic flux and produces a voltage signal corresponding to the magnetic flux variation. The voltage signal is amplified by the amplifier so that the amplified voltage signal is fed to the comparator. When the voltage signal fed to the comparator is greater than the reference voltage of the comparator, a pulse signal is fed to the multivibrator, and in turn the multivibrator is triggered to output detecting signals corresponding to the start or stop of the starter motor. A warning lamp or buzzer may be energized by the detecting signal from the multivibrator.

Abstract: A low fluid level warning system (100) is adapted for use with a conventional oil circulation and low pressure warning system in an engine-driven vehicle. Oil from a crankcase reservoir (102) is pumped through an inlet conduit (110) to varius engine supply lines (116). A portion of the oil is also pumped into an enclosed chamber (124). A pressure sensor diaphragm (132) and switch contacts (130) sense the chamber pressure and illuminate a warning lamp (142) when the pressure is below a predetermined pressure. A drain conduit (160) extends from the bottom of the chamber at the bottom of the oil reservoir (102). A vent conduit (150) extends from the top of the chamber to a predetermined level in the reservoir (102). If the oil in the reservoir (102) is below the predetermined level, the chamber (124) drains completely when the engine is turned off. If the oil in the reservoir (102) is above the predetermined level, the chamber oil does not drain.

Abstract: A hose laying vehicle employs a mechanical connection between a loop of hose and a switch for activating a warning device for a predetermined period.

Abstract: Means for determining the state of lubrication in surfaces lubricated by a lubricant and rolling or sliding with respect to one another, provided with a unit for generating a signal dependent upon the capacitance between the lubricated surfaces, characterized by an operating circuit connected to the unit which, in response to the signal dependent upon the capacitance, emits a second signal which is dependent in accordance with a non-linear, for example, exponential, function upon the capacitance between the lubricated surfaces such as that one and the same relative variation in the thickness of the lubricant between the lubricated surfaces results in a fairly great signal variation in the event of decreasing thickness, the second signal being supplied to an integrator which integrates the second signal over an integration period displaced in time and the output signal of which indicates the state of lubrication.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system for installation in a vehicle includes a receiver for receiving a radio transmission from a transmitter located in the vicinity of the vehicle at a central processing unit connected to the receiver and adapted to process and store information from the receiver. A device is provided for visually displaying information stored in or received by this central processing unit. Sensors are mounted in the vehicle for determining or measuring physical parameters including the weight of the vehicle and converting the sensed or measured parameters to electrical signals indicative thereof, which are then conveyed to the central processing unit. The monitoring unit is provided with a power supply unit including at least one battery. The weight sensors can comprise Hall effect/magnetic sensors mounted on axle assemblies of the vehicle, which are capable of producing a suitable signal indicative of the weight.

Abstract: A ringer employs a low-cost miniature transducer, having a reverberant cavity, mounted in a cylindrical housing which has a second reverberant cavity in front of the miniature transducer. A very large acoustic output power is achieved when the ringer is employed in known cordless telephones, using the conventional available 3.9 volts battery. The ringer, due to its small relative size, may fit in the limited space inside a cordless telephone portable unit without costly tooling modifications. It is also suited for other uses, including for employment in compact one-piece telephones. The ringer is substantially more compact, louder in sound level, more pleasant sounding than known devices, and operates from a substantially lower DC voltage source.

Abstract: An electro-acoustical transmitter converts electrical signals which correspond to acoustical events into mechanical vibrations which are transmitted onto the skin. The aim is to achieve a small vibrator which, insofar as possible, can be worn on the wrist, for instance, in the manner of a wristwatch. To that end, a coil is employed into which a magnetic core, resiliently mounted relative thereto for instance by a diaphragm, projects as an armature. The housing which carries both the diaphragm and the coil forms the magnetic return flux path. Thus, a miniaturization of the vibrator on the desired order is achieved. An inventive vibrator is particularly suited for the deaf.

Abstract: The invention provides for rapid response and reliable detection of vertical windshear during the takeoff and approach phases of flight. Standard instrumentation available on many aircraft is used to calculate the down-draft acceleration and its effect on the aircraft's performance capability. The invention utilizes inputs from vertical acceleration, true airspeed, pitch angle, and angle of attack sensors. The rate of change of vertical wind is derived from the sensed signals and used to determine the margin between the aircraft's present performance capability and the predicted performance capability at stick shaker speed.

Abstract: A hollow tubular cartridge (4) is tethered on an insulated electrical lead (10) connected to a hand held box (18) containing sensing circuitry. The cartridge (4) is lowered into a fuel tank (12) for sensing water in the tank (18) by a reduced electrical resistance path between probe electrodes (6 and 8) on the cartridge (4) which is sensed by circuitry within the box (18).