Abstract: The electrical system of a vehicle includes a primary voltage source for starting and operating the engine of the vehicle and an auxiliary voltage source for operating the electrical accessories of the vehicle, particularly when the engine is not operating, and a voltage differential monitor circuit for warning the vehicle operator of the existence of a low voltage condition of the auxiliary battery, such as resulting from an auxiliary battery charging system failure which could result in the inability of an electrical accessory to operate even when the engine is operating.

Abstract: A display system in a marine vessel or other vehicle which includes various means or sensors for detecting various operating and navigating conditions of the vessel or vehicle and a single displaying device for displaying information regarding one or more of these conditions. When the display system is used in a marine vessel, the system also includes a fish detection sensor and information regarding the detection of fish is displayed on the single displaying device. The single displaying device has a fixed display which displays information regarding particular operating and navigating conditions and a variable display. The variable display has three displays: a first display of information, a second display of information and a warning display of warning information. The first and second displays can be displayed alternately by the operator.

Abstract: A fault inspection system for the rotary machine is disclosed in which the rotational speed or a physical quantity related thereto of the rotary machine drive with changing rotational speeds is detected as a first detection signal, and the sound pressure or mechanical vibration from the rotary machine as a second signal. A reference line representing the relationship between the values of the first and second detection signals is determined on the basis of the same values. A fault of the rotary machine is detected on the basis of a third detection signal associated with an area corresponding to the region where the first or second detection signal exceeds the reference line.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator for storage tanks including a cover member for covering an opening at the top of the storage tank, a central rod extending downwardly from the cover member into the storage tank, and a float movably disposed on the central rod. A vertically movable first rod assembly is connected to an upper portion of the central rod, and a vertically movable second rod assembly is connected to a lower portion of the central rod, with the float being disposed therebetween so that the float contacts and moves the first rod assembly when the storage tank is substantially filled, and the float contacts and moves the second rod assembly when the storage tank is near empty. Switches are associated with each of the first and second rod assemblies to activate signal members when either of the first and second rod assemblies are vertically moved to indicate when the storage tank is substantially filled or when the storage tank is near empty.

Abstract: An optical multiplexer and demultiplexer using combined code division and wavelength division multiplexing. The multiplexer comprises a plurality of code division multiplexers, each responsive to a plurality of input signals and a plurality of orthogonal code sequences, and a wave division multiplexer for generating an output signal representing the signals of each code division multiplexer carried on a different wavelength. Each code division multiplexer comprises a plurality of lithium niobate phase shifters, each comprising an indiffused titanium wave guide and a pair of electrodes for the accepting one of the orthogonal code sequences, to modulate the light wave being passed thrugh the wave guide.

Abstract: A traffic monitoring device mounted in a moving monitoring vehicle comprises a radar device for measuring the relative speed of a vehicle to be detected with respect to the speed of the monitoring vehicle. A speedometer measures the speed of the monitoring vehicle. By means of a releasing mechanism automatically triggered at adjustable limit speeds, a camera is released and the vehicle to be detected is photographed. The relative speed of the vehicle to be detected and the speed of the monitoring device are added in summing means. The sum then corresponds to the absolute speed of the vehicle to be detected. The camera is not released dependent on the relative speed but on the absolute speed of the vehicle to be detected. Thereby, all vehicles exceeding an allowed speed are detected without taking an unnecessary number of pictures.

Abstract: An alarm system is disclosed for use with a water softener including a salt-brine tank containing a bed of salt. The alarm system includes a sensor situated in the salt-brine tank on the top of the bed of salt, an electronic circuit including an alarm, and an input for connecting the circuit to the sensor. The sensor is responsive to direct contact with the brine for operating the circuit to initiate the alarm in the event the top of the bed of salt drops below a preselected level or the brine rises above another preselected level.

Abstract: An elevated third brake light flashing module for motor vehicles which is actuated by application of the brakes and employs a MOSFET transistor normally energized to pass current to the brake light but which is controlled in a simple manner by an oscillator and counter to cause the brake light to flash rapidly for a predetermined number of times followed by a prolonged "on" period in a sequential manner as long as pressure is applied to the brake pedal of the vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a water sensor unit wherein a plurality of water related appliances or equipment can be simultaneously monitored and in the event of sensing water with respect to any one of the several items being monitored appropriate action is taken such as shutting off the power to the unit and simultaneously shutting off the water supply to that particular unit. The sensor unit comprises a plurality of electronic circuits which include a "memory" permitting retention of a ground fault even through a power failure for up to 500 hours.

Abstract: A control unit for verifying the functionality of the pilot lamps installed on the instrument board of an automotive vehicle is proposed, wherein a central control unit continuously monitors the functional condition of the devices monitored by the pilot lamps and wherein by means of hand-operated actuation device, the functionality of the pilot lamps can be verified also while the car is running.

Abstract: A proximity to terrain warning system for aircraft utilizes a first set of warning criteria to generate a warning in the event of insufficient terrain clearance after take off. A different set of criteria are employed to generate warnings when the aircraft in in a cruise or approach phase of flight or on a tactical mission. Mode switching is provided to select the appropriate criteria and to select an excessive descent after take-off set of warning criteria in addition to the first set of criteria when appropriate.

Abstract: A computer security device includes a compartmentalized housing. One compartment is for storing floppy disks. Another compartment stores pressure switches associated with various computer components for sounding an alarm if an unauthorized person attempts to move the components. A further compartment stores certain of the components during periods of non-use. A still further compartment stores the electronics for various alarms to indicate tampering, fire, etc.

Abstract: A communications network comprising a hierarchy of communications systems all operating within the constraints of token ring protocols and operationally defining a single shared token ring. At least one of said systems is formed by a token ring hub as disclosed and claimed in our copending application 177,764 and is connected into a system comprising the next higher hierarchal level which may be another such token ring hub or a token ring LAN system. Each said hub has means for receiving a signal which indicates that the standard token ring protocols are satisfied with respect to the direct connection of the hub of a computer having a token ring adapter card fitted, or indicative of such a computer connected to another said hub at a lower level of the hierarchy.

Abstract: An electronic interface controller is disclosed. The controller is particularly suited for use in controlling dehydration processes of light, heavy and extra heavy crude oils on the basis of the interface between the oil and water. The controller includes sensor elements which generate a signal representative of current flow between the sensors to indicate the conductivity of liquids between the sensors. A first device, responsive to a current flow signal from the sensors, generates a control signal according to the conductivity of liquid in contact with the sensors. A timer is provided for delaying a control signal generated by the first device for a delay period between 0 and 180 seconds.

Abstract: A light signal system for a motor vehicle which utilizes the emergency flashing light system which is incorporated within a motor vehicle which is then to be visually observed by other motorists located rearward of the motor vehicle. Normal braking action will not cause actuation of the light signal system. Upon the braking force exceeding a predetermined level, the conventional brake light system of the motor vehicle will be changed into a flashing mode to make it more apparent to following motorists that a potentially dangerous situation is occurring. Actuation of the light signal system is to be made independent of vehicle inclination from horizontal either due to road gradient or suspension non-uniformly.

Abstract: An actuating device for use in moving a school bus safety unit, such as a stop sign or crossing arm, between a retracted position adjacent the school bus, and an extended position projecting outwardly from the bus. The actuating device includes a drive motor and a friction-type slip clutch which permits the safety unit to be manually moved from its extended or retracted positions without damage to the drive arrangement for moving the safety unit, and several alternative control circuits may be utilized to automatically or semi-automatically return the safety unit to its retracted and/or extended positions if manually moved therefrom.

Abstract: In a four level FSK optical communication apparatus, signal light which is modulated in FSK with information is transmitted through an optical transmission line. The signal light is detected in an optical heteroclyne system by using local oscillation light, thereby producing intermediate frequency band signal which is then demodulated. A detection system comprises first and second delay detection circuits. In the first detection circuit, the intermediate frequency band signal is divided into first and second signals. The first signal is delayed by a delay time, and then mixed with a second signal which is not delayed to produce first delay detection signal. In the second delay detection circuit, one of the first signal delayed and the second signal not delayed is shifted in its phase by .pi./2. Then, signal having the phase shift of .pi./2 and signal having no phase shift are mixed to produce second delay detection signal. Thus, the demodulation of four level FSK modulation signal is performed.

Abstract: Solar powered outdoor lighting and/or alarm systems are provided and include a light source or alarm, a passive infrared (PIR) sensor in conjunction with a battery recharged via solar cells, and a control circuit coupled to the light source or alarm, the PIR sensor, and the rechargeable battery. The control circuit guarantees that the light source or alarm is turned on by the battery only when the sensor senses the presence of a moving target. The systems may include a light detector which is utilized to prevent the system from activating in daylight. In the case of a lighting system, a timer is utilized to turn off a lamp after a desired period of time (e.g. 3 minutes). By limiting the "on-time" of the light source, a two to five watt bulb may be used. In the case of an alarm, the alarm may be hardwired to the control circuit; or if desired, a transmitter powered by the rechargeable battery may be used to transmit an alarm signal to a remote receiver.

Abstract: A laser beam communication system for spacecraft in which each communication terminal comprises, for steering the beam projected from that terminal, four mirrors, each mounted on a mechanism capable of rotating the mirror about a constant defined axis. The mirrors and their attached mechanisms are arranged in pairs with one pair on either side of a magnifying telescope. All rotating joints in each mechanism are constructed using flexure pivots. Such a pointing element can provide both the range and accuracy required for an important class of free space laser links without introducing any extra friction into the pointing system.

Abstract: The object of the disclosure is to construct an insert which, given the simplest structure, is optimally insulated and and voltage-stable. This goal is achieved in that the insert is composed of a jacket housing of highly insulating synthetic, for example, amino-butadienestyrol (ABS) or the like, and of a layer packet comprised of at least two shielding plates of, for example, aluminum or sheet steel, with a printed circuit board structure seated between them as a carrier for those components which are required for the energy and/or signal transmission, said layer packet being designed so as to be insertable into the highly insulating jacket housing.