Abstract: The present invention overcomes the inadequacies of prior traffic controls by providing a system for a traffic junction between vehicle paths which includes a first detector for detecting the position of a first vehicle along a first vehicle path. The system includes a dynamic roadway sign for displaying the junction, the vehicle paths and the relative position of the first vehicle to the junction. The dynamic roadway sign is positioned along a second vehicle path, to be visible to any vehicles on the second vehicle path approaching the junction. The dynamic roadway sign is positioned sufficiently prior to the junction to allow sufficient time for vehicles travelling on the second vehicle path to react without abrupt manuevers to avoid collision with the first vehicle at the junction. The dynamic roadway sign would include a graphic display of the junction for the vehicle paths, and icons positioned in sequence in one of the vehicle paths.

Abstract: An electric fence monitoring light including a storage device adapted to be coupled to the electric fence for storing energy pulses present on the fence and light emitting means responsive to the energy storage device to emit a pulse of light at a repetition frequency which is sensitive to voltage values of the energy pulses present on the electric fence.

Abstract: An optical-electromechanical transducer to warn of slippage of a workpiece clamped within the manipulator grips of a robot.

Abstract: A system for alerting a worker who is falling into a doze records a parameter pattern or range derived from a plurality of eyeblink pulses in a waveform generated during an awake-state period, and then determines excessive deviation of parameters of each succeeding eyeblink pulse from the recorded pattern to generate an alarm signal.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of a load on the lower tray of a shopping cart comprising a shopping cart with a lower tray movable between an upper and a lower position, a signal reflector connected to the lower tray and a detection device for detecting when the lower tray is in the lower position.

Abstract: A wind shear detection and alerting system (30) compares inertially derived accelerations with air speed rate to provide a wind shear warning signal. Inertially derived accelerations are used instead of purely inertial accelerations because purely inertial systems generally require a vertical gyro. By utilizing angle of attack (.alpha.) and flight path angle (.gamma.) instead of pitch angle (.theta.) in the calculation, no vertical gyro signal is required and the system will be responsive to vertical as well as horizontal shear conditions. An enhanced version of the system is also compensated for roll angle (.phi.), with the roll angle being derived from the rate of change of heading (.PSI.) to avoid the need for a vertical gyro. The alerting system is capable of providing visual and aural warnings for a variety of wind shear conditions, such as, head shear, tail shear, head shear followed by tail shear and wind shear trend.

Abstract: A 1-bit microcomputer driven by a clock signal has first and second output ports. The signals from these output ports control first and second transistors whose output signals are supplied to step-up transformers. The output signals from these transformers drive the sounding devices constructed of piezoelectric elements to produce a chord sound. The memory of the microcomputer stores a program by which first and second square-wave pulse-train signals formed of a combination of a plurality of square wave pulses and in which each unit pulse train has a mutually different basic frequency are output from the first and second output ports.

Abstract: A detection system for use by a checkout clerk in a checkout line to detect a load left on the lower tray of a shopping cart by the customer. The shopping cart has a lower tray pivotably mounted on a frame. The tray is movable between a first and second position when a load is placed on the tray. A field producing source such as a permanent magnet contained within a shield material is attached to the cart, and the field is actuated at a distance when the tray is moved from the first to the second position by displacing the magnet and the shield material. A detector for detecting the presence of that field as the shopping cart passes through the checkout line is coupled to a control circuit capable of signaling the checkout clerk that the load is on the lower tray.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a system for measuring glaze ice, comprising a glaze-ice detector, a device connected to the detector to generate a signal indicating the formation of a specific quantity of glaze ice on the detector, and another device which responds to the signal, and causes sufficient heating of the detector to melt the glaze ice formed on it. The detector is characterized by the fact that it removes the water formed by this melting of the glaze ice before a new quantity of glaze ice has formed on the detector and been detected. An advantage of this system is that it can detect any formation of glaze ice with accuracy and without error.

Abstract: A wallet includes a pair of leaves foldable upon each other having two longitudinal metallic strips adhered on a magnet strip formed on a right leaf of the two leaves, a plurality of card bags adapted for inserting credit cards, lift cards, etc. therein each bag having a lower opening, a metallic foil chip backed with a ferrous chip corresponding to the lower opening to be operatively contacted with two matallic strips formed on the right leaf adapted to complete an alarm circuit, and an alarm circuit having a light-emitting diode (LED), a sensitive photoresistor and a inert photoresistor subject to light exposure from the LED when closing the two leaves, whereby if any card is not inserted in the bag, the foil chip will be magnetically driven to contact the two metallic strips to close the alarm circuit and light LED to thereby increase a positive voltage through the inert photoresistor to start the sounding IC to remind the wallet owner for his or her possible missing of a card.

Abstract: An ultrasonic speed sensor produces a linear voltage directly proportional to the speed of material falling through a chute and contacting a plate. A transducer coupled to the plate produces a second linear voltage which is directly proportional to the force applied to the plate by the material as it impacts the plate. An electronic dual slope integrator circuit combines these two linear DC voltages to produce a digital pulse output whose frequency is directly proportional to the flow rate of the material. The digital pulse output may be used to drive a totalizer which totals the amount of material flowing through the chute, and an indication meter to provide an instantaneous readout of the flow rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a card carrier such as a wallet for reducing the occurrence of loss of a card such as a credit card. The card carrier includes an arrangement for receiving a card and for triggering an alarm when (i) the card is missing from the card carrier, and (ii) the card carrier is placed in an enclosure such as one's pocket or purse. The arrangement for receiving a card and for triggering an alarm includes a pocket arrangement normally adapted to receive a card therein, a card sensing mechanism associated with the pocket arrangement for detecting the presence or absence of a card therein, and an enclosure sensing mechanism for sensing when the card carrier is placed in one's pocket, purse, or other enclosure.

Abstract: A method and device for automatically monitoring the state of steering and wheel suspension geometry and the state of balance of rotating parts connected to the steering linkage of a motor vehicle and for warning the vehicle driver when the state of the monitored parts is incorrect. Statistical methods are employed for analyzing the signals corresponding to the positions and motions of the steering linkage and generated by a single sensor on the steering linkage.

Abstract: In the event of an accident encountered by a vehicle, an emergency signal is automatically transmitted for asking a rescue. An acceleration of the vehicle in the inclination of the vehicle and the presence or absence of water within the vehicle are detected, and an emergency signal is transmitted whenever one of these items indicates the occurrence of an abnormality. A plurality of antennae are disposed at mutually different locations on the vehicle, and are selectively used for transmission of an emergency signal. The antenna selected is periodically and sequentially changed.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a condition such as tire air pressure where the monitor at each tire is remotely energized by radio waves, there being two embodiments disclosed for effecting this. A loop antenna concentrically mounted with respect to each tire receiver and/or transmits electrical energy to the remote location which is typically at the operator's console. Each pressure sensitive device is mounted away from the valve stem and may include a strain gauge mounted on the tire side wall or between the wall and rim. An infra-red detector may also be employed as a pressure monitoring device.

Abstract: A system for quick detection of driver impairment as evidenced by the driver's inability to keep a vehicle on an assigned course, utilizes parallel strips defining a relatively narrow lane through which the driver is to operate the vehicle. The strips, and their associated equipment, are readily portable, and are thus adapted to be set up by police officers at any location desired, in a minimum amount of time, thereby permitting spot checks with little or no advance warning to motorists passing the check point. The strips are hollow, and contain pressure chambers, the volume of which is reduced whenever a vehicle tire crosses or rides along one of the strips. Reduction of the pressure chamber volume is adapted to actuate switches, strategically located at predetermined intervals along the length of the respective strips. The switches in turn close circuits, when so activated, to recording devices, radar equipmet, or any other checking apparatus favored by the authorities.

Abstract: A personal security device having modular components that can be assembled in various configurations and combinations to perform a wide variety of security functions. A battery powered main alarm unit can be carried on the person and includes a pull out pin for activating a flashing light and audible alarm siren in the event of an assault, a slide switch may be activated for a flashlight mode. A chemical spray component attaches to the alarm unit and can be used with it or alone. A mounting unit which can be connected to the alarm unit with or without other components mounts on a door or wall and activates the alarm unit when a break in occurs. Other components include a smoke detector and a motion detector which activate the alarm unit in the event of fire or motion indicative of an intrusion. The modular construction provides the versatility necessary to meet whatever security needs are expected, and it also allows all components to use the battery and the audible and visible alarms in the main alarm unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting cracks in a flexible rotating coupling is disclosed in which the flexible coupling includes a flexible element having a plurality of flexible discs. An electrically conductive, normally continuous, line is affixed to at least one of the flexible discs and connected to a circuit. The conductive line becomes discontinuous if the disc cracks. The circuit is mounted on the coupling and transmits a signal indicative of the continuous or discontinuous condition of the conductive line and thereby the intact or cracked condition of the flexible disc. The transmitted signal is received by a stationary circuit which provides an output indication of the disc's intact or cracked condition.

Abstract: A portable monitoring system for detecting a radiated electrostatic field and producing an audible warning when the detected field exceeds a selected value is characterized by a switching device which can be used to reset the threshold warning level and which is not affected by the hand proximity effect. An alarm is sounded when a signal corresponding to the detected field exceeds a value which is stored. The stored value can be reset by a manually operated switching circuit including a delay device operable to delay the storage of a reference level corresponding to the intensity of the field currently detected.

Abstract: A tilt detector for accompanying goods to be transported to determine when the goods have been transported in a recommended position without being inclined at an angle greater than a pre-determined angle characterized by a first fluid of a first density, a second fluid of a second density, a horseshow shaped baffle with a trapping end in the form of an inner apex for trapping the second mass under the force of gravity when in a vertical position with its opening end in the opposite direction such that at least a part of the second mass is freed to move out of the baffle when it is tilted beyond a pre-determined angle of tilt; the degree of the sides of the baffle being related to the pre-determined angle of tilt, and a thin container having at least a transparent window for viewing at least the trapping end of the horseshoe shaped baffle for ascertaining if the second mass has been freed such that the tilt detector can be affixed to goods, containers and the like to tell if they have been tilted too much.