Abstract: A first (1) and a second (6) narrowband laser device (1, 6) are each connected to an optical coupler means (3, 8) and also to each an input (13, 14) of a directional coupler (15). The coupler means (3, 8) have their respective outputs (5, 10) connected to a photo detector (18). The laser devices (1, 6) are each connected to their respective control circuit (17, 20). The control circuit (20) of the second laser device (6) is in turn connected to the output (19) of the photo diode (18) and to an exterior control signal (V2) with a frequency f.sub.0. Controlled by its control circuit (17) the first laser device (1) transmits a light signal (S1) with a fixed frequency f.sub.1, and the second laser device (6) transmits a light signal (S3) with a frequency f.sub.2. The photo detector (18) transmits a signal (V1) with a frequency f.sub.2 -f.sub.1 and the second control circuit (20) controls the second laser device (6) so that f.sub.2 -f.sub.1 =f.sub.0. An information carrying signal (V.sub.

Abstract: A warning light device having a directional warning panel to regulate traffic, which is attached in a vertical position near the rear of a vehicle. The warning light device displays traffic symbols for following traffic, with controllable electric luminous elements. An autonomous, mobile warning light device with great versatility of display is provided since the warning panel includes a controllable optical fiber display matrix having a plurality of traffic symbols. The warning light device is attached or attachable to the roof, extending as far as the rear, of a motor vehicle. Power is supplied to the warning light device with an electric power supply system of the motor vehicle or a supplementary electric power pack mounted in the motor vehicle. An operating panel is disposed near the dashboard of the motor vehicle, or is built into the dashboard, and has operating elements for switching the warning light device on and off.

Abstract: A fluid detection system includes a central monitor, an overfill probe for detecting the approach of the overfill condition of a tank of liquid, and n other probes, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The probes are connected to the monitor via electronic cables. The monitor communicates with the probes by producing probe identifier signals comprising integers starting with zero up to the number n. Each probe includes a signal receiving and sending means which compares the identifier signal sent by the monitor to a preset identifier number for that probe and sends a status signal indicative of the fluid status at that probe when it receives the identifier signal that is the same as the preset number. The overfill probe is set with the identifier zero. The monitor includes a timing circuit which determines a six second probe check cycle.

Abstract: A safety system for use with boats to be stored in enclosed buildings to minimize potential problems of fires and explosions. This system has a transmitting unit for attachment to the boat itself which is energized when the electrical distribution system of the boat is energized. This transmnitting unit generates a signal indicating this energized state. A receiving unit associated with the building receives any output signal of the transmitting unit and sounds an alarm when this output signal is detected by the receiving unit. In the preferred form, the transmitting unit and the receiving unit utilize infra-red light as the generated and received signal. Also in the preferred embodiment, the detector unit has a plurality of detector elements arranged along the side and top edges of a doorway leading into the storage facility. As a result of this system it can be assured that no boat with an energized electrical distribution system is stored within the facility.

Abstract: A device for detecting leakage of liquid through a ceiling comprising at least one liquid concentrating tray having peripheral flanges for support from ceiling panel support rails and surfaces between said flanges sloping toward narrow troughs, electric conductors for conducting electricity, sensor terminals for contacting the liquid, warning device for warning of a leak in the ceiling, and a current source for actuating the warning means when the liquid contacts the sensor terminals. The sensor terminals are connected in parallel by the electric conductors to the electric current source and the warning device in the electric circuit.

Abstract: Traffic measurement equipment has a pair of coaxial cables having barium titanate piezo-electric responsive crystals embedded in the polymer together with a vehicle presence detector to indicate all measurements required of traffic including vehicle count, vehicle length, vehicle time of arrival, vehicle speed in any required measure, number of axles per vehicle, axle distance per vehicle, vehicle gap, headway and axle weights.

Abstract: A fault indicator operable from an internal battery for indicating the occurrence of a fault current in a monitored electrical conductor of an AC power distribution system. Upon occurrence of a fault current a reed switch in magnetic communication with the monitored conductor momentarily closes to connect the internal battery to a capacitor, which is charged by the battery during the switch closure. The capacitor is connected to the display electrodes of a high impedance liquid crystal display, which displays an "F" to indicate fault occurrence. The fault indication may be reset either by the slow discharge of the capacitor, by discharging the capacitor through a second reed switch manually actuated by a magnetic reset tool from outside the fault indicator housing, or automatically upon restoration of power in the conductor.

Abstract: A battery-powered, liquid-detection alarm and shut-off system includes an elongated sensor, an electronic controller, and a spring biased shut-off valve assembly. The sensor comprises two partially exposed conductors separated by protruding ridges of insulation. The protruding-ridge configuration enables the sensor to detect small quantities of surface water and yet be insensitive to humidity. The electronic controller maximizes battery life and protects against false alarms caused by electrical interference. The shut-off valve assembly comprises a 1/4-turn ball valve and a valve-actuating assembly. The valve is set by being manually cocked to an open position, engaging a lever actuated cam and preloading a valve shut-off spring. The valve is then closed by momentarily passing an electrical current through a temperature-activated memory-shaped spring located on the valve assembly. The current is supplied by the electronic controller in response to detection of liquid by the sensor.

Abstract: An information display system for a vehicle includes: a plurality of sensors for detecting various conditions of the vehicle; a display unit for displaying a selected one of a plurality of items of information relating to the conditions of the vehicle as detected by the corresponding sensors; a pair of manual for sequentially shifting the item of information which is currently displayed on the display unit; and a control unit for producing one of the items of information on the display unit according to output from one of the sensors. The control unit is further adapted to change the item of information which is currently displayed to a display of a default item of information, when the current display was manually selected, upon elapsing of a certain time interval after the manual selection of the current item of information for display.

Abstract: A pressure transducer having a first pair leads for receiving an excitation voltage and a second pair of leads between which it can supply a voltage corresponding to a pressure applied to it is provided with means for placing at least one electrical load between said first pair of leads. The leads are connected to a pressure monitor having means for indicating the pressure represented by the voltage between said second pair of leads and means for indicating an alarm condition when said signal indicates a pressure outside of a given limit. The monitor has local means for disabling the alarm indicating means and means for setting the indicated pressure to zero. The monitor also has means responsive to a first given current in said first pair of leads for disabling said means for indicating an alarm and means responsive to a second given current in said first pair of leads for causing said means for indicating pressure to indicate a zero pressure.

Abstract: A tire abnormality detecting device has a first unit to be provided on a vehicle body side and a second unit to be provided on a tire side. The first unit includes an electrical signal generating source for generating a specific electrical signal, a first coil device for generating an induction voltage in receipt of the electrical signal, and a device for detecting a change in the induction voltage of the first coil device. The second unit includes a second coil device adapted to be magnetically connected to the first coil device, a third coil device having a magnetic core formed of a temperature sensing magnetic material to form a resonance circuit in cooperation with the second coil device, and a switch mechanism for changing a time constant of the resonance circuit in response to a change in air pressure in a tire. With this construction, the abnormal reduction in air pressure in the tire and/or the abnormal increase in temperature of the tire can be detected.

Abstract: A restricted flow alert for use in the access arm of the main clean-out plug location in a commercial or residential sewage system includes a diaphragm which moves in response to the presence of to close a switch and actuate an alarm. A pneumatic time delay prevents the alarm from being actuated in response to transient flow conditions in the sewer line and allows operation of the alarm at any physical orientation relative to the axis of the body of the restricted flow alert.

Abstract: A deactivatable tag useable with an electronic article surveillance system and method of making such a tag. The tag includes a resonant circuit and a provision for promoting the permanent deactivation of the tag. The solution according to the present invention has been to render the deactivator more difficult to operate. A higher level of excess energy is applied to the resonant circuit before the breakdown material breaks down. This higher level of energy in the resonant circuit is applied to the improved deactivator and operates the deactivator much more completely. This arrangement promotes permanent deactivation of the resonant circuit to prevent the resonant circuit from becoming active again or "coming back to life" as time passes. The deactivator adjacent the resonant circuit can include a vacuum metalized conductive coating.

Abstract: A digital serial interface system is provided for communicating digital signals including digitized audio between microprocessor-based Control and Transceiver Units of two-way radio communications equipment. The system of the invention essentially comprises three subsystems: (1) an interface in the microprocessor-based Control Unit, (2) an interface in the microprocessor-based Transceiver Unit and (3) a two-way medium for linking the two units. Various signals and audio in the Control Unit interact with a software-driven microprocessor of the Control Unit and are digitized and then translated into a serial format, organized in channel groups through a TDM (Time Division Multiplex)/PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) process and transmitted in frames through a two-way medium to the Transceiver Unit which is also microprocessor-based and incorporates a similar interface. The digital data communicated to the Transceiver Unit then undergoes a reverse process. The Interface System is duplex (bidirectional).

Abstract: A system for automatic and real time detection of the presence or absence of a substance in an environment by monitoring variations in light energy transmitted through an optical fiber having a specially processed sensitive probe area. The sensitive probe area is positioned on, about or within the environment where a substance is to be detected. Because of differences in optical indices of refraction and energy absorption characteristics of different substances, the presence of different substances at the processed sensitive area will cause different proportional and characteristic attenuation of the light energy passing through the optical fiber. Changes in light energy transmission can be interpreted automatically to provide an indication of the condition of an environment.

Abstract: The invention is an electronic monitor for monitoring the pressure of in fluid circuitry and governing the shutdown in such mechanisms as dynamometers. The monitor has two pressure switches at every point in the fluid circuitry where pressure is sampled, and has a monitor circuit responding to signals from the switches to selectively energize lights indicating the status of the fluid circuitry. The monitor has a circuit for shutting down the dynamometers and other equipment when pressure falls below a predetermined threshold at one of the pressure monitoring points. The monitor also has a circuit for detecting which of the points is first to experience a fall in pressure below the threshold when the fluid circuitry as a whole is losing pressure.

Abstract: An alarm device adapted particularly for the indication of electrical leakage and mal-insulation of electrical appliances disposed in association with a marine tank for use in fish raising. An electrical leakage sensor unit is provided in the tank, to which are electrically plugged the illumination light, air pump, temperature controller, water filter member, germicidal light, so that an alarm signal led via an IC comparator and further to a sonic frequency vibrator for transformation and further to an signal amplifier and subsequently to a parallelly-connected buzzer and red-light indicator to simultaneously alarm the operator of the hazard of electrical leakage and mal-insulation.

Abstract: An audible warning tone and a flashing optical signal are generated by a personal portable signalling apparatus when it detects the approach of a lighted moving vehicle. The flashing optical signal also alerts the operator of the moving vehicle of the presence of the user of the personal portable signalling apparatus. A housing is provided to optically isolate the receiving and transmitting portions of the optical apparatus.

Abstract: A focus control system for a video camera determines a first gradient indicative of a change in value of a predetermined frequency component in the video signal for first and second positions obtained from the signal of predetermined frequency component in the video signal sampled at the first lens position and at the second lens position, and determines a second gradient indicative of a change in value of the predetermined frequency component in the video signal for second and third lens positions obtained from the signal of the predetermined frequency component in the video signal sampled at the third lens position point, and the speed of longitudinal movement of the lens is controlled in accordance with changes in the first and second gradients, thereby permitting faster focusing and reducing the amount of overrun of the lens during such focusing.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing damage to the output stage of a driver circuit for use in an overdrive/functional tester, while the output stage is providing logic high or logic low signals, is shown to include a first sensor for sensing the current in the output stage, a second sensor for sensing the voltage in the output stage, a multiplier for multiplying the sensed current with the sensed voltage to determine the power dissipated in the output stage, a filter to account for thermal/time characteristics in the determined power dissipated and a comparator for comparing the filtered power with a power reference value and for generating an indication signal reflective of such comparison.