Abstract: A railway detection system in which the presence of a train is detected by means of first inductive loop apparatus. When the train is detected second inductive loop apparatus is enabled to detect the passage of wheels of the train.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-contained electric brake controller for energizing electrically operated brakes in a towed vehicle in response to a demand by a driver in a towing vehicle. The controller includes a unique deceleration sensing unit for generating a signal proportional to the magnitude of deceleration of the towing vehicle. The deceleration sensing unit includes an outer housing adapted to be secured relative to the towing vehicle, and a pendulum mounted on an axis for pivotal movement relative to the housing. The pendulum is movable in one direction from a resting position to a predetermined extended position when the vehicle is subjected to a predetermined magnitude of deceleration. The pendulum includes a magnet spaced from the pivot axis of the pendulum.

Abstract: A keyboard encoding circuit includes a first and a second set of resistors and a switching matrix divided into a plurality of switch banks, one switch bank corresponding to each resistor in the first set. Each switch bank comprises a plurality of switches with each such switch in a bank corresponding to a resistor of the second set. Each resistor in the first set has one terminal coupled in common to a supply lead of a source of DC current and a second terminal coupled to a first side of each switch in the corresponding bank of switches. Each resistor in the second resistor set has one terminal coupled to a second side of corresponding switches in one or more switch banks and a second terminal coupled to a return lead of the DC current source.

Abstract: Analog output signals from decentralized transducers for current and voltage are sampled with timing patterns generated at a decentralized location and are transmitted to a central evaluating facility in the form of digitally encoded data streams (D.sub.UR, . . . ).For the purpose of generating data sets which are each based on one sampling of each analog output signal, such that the relative time displacement of the samplings should not exceed a predetermined value which corresponds to the maximum (.DELTA.) of the data-refresh intervals, latch commands (L) are generated at greater intervals in the central evaluating facility, following which in each case the digitized sampled value arriving next of each data stream (D.sub.UR, . . . ) is temporarily stored. After the temporary storage has taken place, in each case a "Ready" signal (B.sub.UR, . . . ) is set. The "Ready" signals (B.sub.UR, . . .

Abstract: An instrument adapted to make assessments in sensory evaluation comprises two wafers which are separated by spacers and are provided on their opposing faces with conductive patterns. Upon use, the instrument is connected to a computer which activates one conductor at a time on one side of the instrument and senses if one or more of the conductors on the other side of the instrument are activated, i.e. if a person is exerting a pressure, for example by a finger, at some point or other on the instrument. The special design of the conductive patterns makes it possible to convert the analog position of the pressure into a digital signal which is fed directly into the computer.

Abstract: An exciter and detector circuit (A1, A2) is inductively coupled (18, 20) with a current conductor (B). The current conductor extends to a remote location at which it is inductively coupled (26, 30) with a remote transducer and encoder circuit (C1, C2). The exciter and decoder circuit supplies a square wave signal of a fixed frequency and amplitude across a primary winding (18) of the inductive coupler. After each half cycle of the square wave as the magnetic field in the inductive coupler is collapsing, a flyback voltage peak is generated which varies with the load applied to the current conductor. At the remote location, a voltage to frequency converter (40) converts variations in the output of the transducer into corresponding variations in a frequency signal. A load modulator (42) is connected with the voltage to frequency converter to apply a load to the rectifier at the frequency of the voltage to frequency converter.

Abstract: A parallel operation in which two input devices of nine input devices disposed in a square arrangement of, for instance, 3.times.3, are touched substantially simultaneously is performed at least once, so that a character code corresponding to the input signal is produced, and thereby character input is performed. Furthermore, in the present invention, by using an independent operation of a single input device together with a parallel operation of two input devices, and operating the input devices in a predetermined sequence, such as from top to bottom or in the sequence of the pen-stroke describing the character, a character code corresponding to the signal inputted by the operations is produced, so that character input is performed.

Abstract: An improved audio frequency track circuit system utilizes a synchronous train detection arrangement and reduces the number of fixed code rate modulated carrier signals. As few as two carrier signals are alternately applied at discrete points along a pair of jointless track rails to define the transmitter ends of the track sections, with complementary receivers defining the opposite ends. The two carrier signals are coded at one of two phase angles which are 90.degree. out-of-phase so that, when assigned, the nearest possible interfering signal is 90.degree. out-of-phase and is rejected thereby. Like carrier frequency transmitter/receiver arrangements are disposed on opposite sides of an insulated joint but are coded 180.degree. out-of-phase so that a breakdown of the insulated joint is detected and the false code signal is rejected.

Abstract: A center-fed track circuit arrangement for an electrified section of railroad track. A first and a second remotely located insulated joint defining the limits of the track circuit. A first impedance bond connected across the rails of the railroad track in the vicinity of the first remotely located insulated joint. A second impedance bond connected across the rails of the railroad track in the vicinity of the second remotely located insulated joint. A third impedance bond connected across the rails of the railroad tracks intermediate the first and second remotely located insulated joints. Each of the first and second impedance bonds includes a center tapped winding for accommodating propulsion current. A pair of tuned windings for accommodating at least two train detection signals having different frequencies. An untuned winding for exhibiting a low impedance at the frequency of a cab signal so as to mitigate leakage current across a broken-down insulated joint.

Abstract: A fail-safe system for an automotive anti-skid control system ensures that manual control of vehicle brakes is enabled if any system components should fail. The anti-skid control system employs actuators to control the brakes automatically, the actuators being powered by a vehicle battery. The power supply to the actuators is interrupted by the fail-safe system if malfunction of any system components is detected and the control signals for operating the actuators are held to a value such that the actuators are positioned in the brake pressure increase position. Specifically, the fail-safe system checks for open or short circuits in the actuators themselves, inaccuracy or failure of any of a plurality of wheel speed sensors, excessive or insufficient battery voltage, and malfunction of major system components such as a hydraulic pump used to expedite automatic control, signal processing units, etc. The particular type of malfunction may be recorded for reference during maintenance and repair.

Abstract: An electric brake control circuit is responsive to an activation signal and a vehicle deceleration signal for generating a brake control signal representing a predetermined amount of braking. A comparator compares the voltage level of the brake control signal with the voltage level of a sawtooth waveform to produce a pluse width modulated signal having a duty cycle corresponding to the predetermined amount of braking. This pulse width modulated signal is supplied to an output driver for generating a brake driving signal to energize the brakes. The activation signal is generated at the voltage level of the vehicle power supply when the driver actuates the vehicle stop light switch. The circuit is responsive to the activation signal for disabling the output driver when the voltage level of the activation signal is below a predetermined level. The circuit also senses the current load on the brake driving signal to protect the output driver in the event of a full or partial short circuit condition.

Abstract: To increase the number of different signals which may be transmitted from a ground station provided with a coder (17) to a rail vehicle (1) provided with a decoder (18) and being on a rail section connected to the station, the transmission is carried out by inductance by means of electric alternating current with both pulse-frequency modulation and pulse-width modulation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for monitoring faults in various functions of rail road cars from the lead car or from the locomotive of a train. This system scans the train once for one identical function of every car, and the scanning is repeated for subsequent identical functions. During scanning if this system detects fault in any car or cars, it illuminates corresponding lights on the display panel in the cab, indicating the types of faults and the car numbers. This system is capable of scanning a maximum of fifteen cars for nine different functions of each car.

Abstract: Audio frequency signal generator to generate signals in a selected band of audio frequencies to generate a noise having an amplitude pattern which simulates the noise generated by a selected occurrence which can be utilized for setting the actuation range of an audio actuated alarm device which is capable of discriminating the noise generated by such an occurrence where the generated frequency of the sound and amplitude of the sound waves can be varied selectively to simulate the pattern of the sound waves emanating from the selected occurrence.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining an optimal slip value .lambda. at at least one wheel of a vehicle, in order to be able to regulate the braking force optimally. To this end, at least the wheel speed is measured, and the vehicle speed is ascertained. By varying the braking pressure and the slip during driving, signal combinations for the wheel speed, the vehicle speed, the braking pressure and the tire/road contact force are ascertained and inserted into a given function V.sub.R (K+1). For the resultant equation system, the coefficients .alpha..sub.n can then be ascertained from which the coefficients a.sub.n of a general description of the .mu. slip curve can be ascertained. With these coefficients a.sub.n, the .mu. slip curve and its maximum, from which the optimal slip .lambda. can then be ascertained, are then clearly defined.

Abstract: A control apparatus for use in a fly-by-wire flight control system. The apparatus comprises a support structure, a tube (22) mounted to the support structure for rotation about the tube lengthwise axis, at least two joysticks (18, 20) mounted to the tube, a coupling bar (24) and sensors (14, 16). Each joystick has a first end (30) adapted for gripping by an operator, a second end pivotally connected to the coupling member, and an intermediate portion (64) pivotally mounted to the tube such that the joystick is rotatable about a transverse axis (40) fixed in the tube and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis, the transverse axes of the joysticks being parallel to one another. The sensors include a two axis photodetector (44) and light emitting diodes (46) for directing a beam of radiation to a point on the photodetector.

Abstract: A thermoelectric thermometer of the radio transmission type incorporating a thermocouple for measuring the temperature of an object having a relatively high temperature, such as metal in a molten state or being heat-treated. A signal representing the temperature measured is transmitted by radio waves and received at a desired location away from the hot object to remotely detect the temperature of the object.

Abstract: In a hand brake mechanism for railway cars in which a chain drum is rotatable by a manually rotatable shaft connected to the chain drum by a gear train, a centrifugal governor or brake connected to an intermediate gear of the gear train reduces the speed of rotation of the gears only after the force applied to the brakes has been substantially reduced, and hence even though the initial speed of rotation of the drum and the let-out speed of the chain when the brake is first released is substantially unaffected, the governor or brake is effective as the forces are reduced to substantially the forces of inertia of the brake mechanisms, the hand brake parts and the chain, so as to reduce the speeds of rotation of the hand brake parts to a small value and thereby prevent damage to and wear of the parts and increase the life of the hand brake mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring single pieces from a stack (16) of limp fabric pieces to a receptor (25) for further processing wherein a drum (10) is brought into pressure contact with the top piece in said stack (16) and a marginal portion of that fabric piece is gripped by the drum (10) via a friction roller (20) carried by the drum. The drum (10) is then rolled over the stack (16) so the top fabric piece to be wrapped about the periphery of the drum (10). The drum (10) is then transported to an operative position above the receptor (20) and rolled thereover to lay the fabric piece flat on the receptor (25).

Abstract: An improved controller for use in adjusting certain electrical and other values, such as a pair of electrical signals which can be used to actuate a circuit for performing a specific function, such as moving the cursor of a CRT display of a computer. The mechanism includes a rotatable shaft having a cylinder mounted thereon. The cylinder moves with the shaft as the shaft rotates, and the cylinder can move longitudinally of and relative to the shaft. A first encoder responsive to the rotation of the shaft is used to adjust a first electrical signal; and a second encoder responsive to the linear motion of the cylinder relative to the shaft is used to adjust a second electrical signal. When the first and second signals are applied to the mouse inputs of a computer, the cursor on the CRT display of the computer can be shifted around as a function of the rotation of the shaft and the linear motion of the cylinder. Other types of apparatus can be controlled by the mechanism.