Abstract: An arrangement for preventing an unauthorized starting of vehicles which includes a data carrier preferably connected to a key provided for mechanical locks of the motor vehicle and with an evaluating circuit triggering a signal if the correct information is introduced into the arrangement. The data carrier contains at least one of unerasable vehicle-related information or erasable arbitrary information. The evaluating circuit includes at least one read/write unit and a comparison unit wherein the total data of the data carrier are examined and which, in addition to the signal triggered if the information was recognized as correct, passes on the vehicle-related information at least partially to a terminal provided for one of external diagnostic systems or a diagnostic system provided in the vehicle.

Abstract: An intrusion warning system for protecting a wall or fence, in particular a chain-link fence, against intrusion by cutting through and/or climbing over same. A small-diameter shielded electrical cable, e.g. a coaxial cable or a shielded twisted pair is mounted on the fence and the vibrations of the fence detected by sensing the small electrical field generated when the dielectric material between the conductors of the cable is stressed by the minute flexing of the cable caused by such vibrations. The sensed electric field signal is AM detected, shaped and then processed as to duration and persistence. An alarm indicating an attempted cut-through type of intrusion is activated if a preselected number of signals of very short duration, indicating abrupt disturbances of the fence, are detected.

Abstract: The improved intruder detection system of the present invention, because of its sensor, optical, and electronic systems, is uniquely capable of responding only to radiation from an intruder to signal an alarm. To achieve this, the sensor and optical systems are designed and cooperate to optically reject and balance-out extraneous, nonintruder-related radiation. In addition, the electronic system detects and rejects nonintruder-related inputs by recognizing certain uniquely intruder-related characteristics of the sensor signals, and to only signal an alarm in response to inputs evidencing such characteristics. Preferably the system is designed to reliably sense the presence of an intruder in multiple zones, to be economical to manufacture, easy to install, to be battery-powered and of a long life.

Abstract: The air pressure in a tire is monitored by transmitting an electromagnetic interrogating signal (specifically a radio frequency signal) from the vehicle to a passive transponder, affixed to the wheel on which the tire is mounted, in communication with the air pressure within the tire. When the pressure is normal, a semiconductor diode and an antenna in the transponder will be shielded from radiation and therefore no response will be made to the received interrogating signal. On the other hand, abnormal air pressure in the tire causes the antenna to become unshielded and exposed to the interrogating signal radiated from the transmitter, whereupon the diode reacts to the received signal and develops therefrom a response signal which is retransmitted from the antenna and includes, among other signal components, the second harmonic of the interrogating signal.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable, safety alarm device adapted to be worn on a user's hand for providing an alert signal when, through drowsiness or otherwise, the user's hand relaxes. The device includes at least a partial glove including a fingertip portion adapted to be worn on at least one fingertip of the user, a wristband portion adapted to be worn about the user's wrist, and connecting means connecting the fingertip portion to the wrist portion.The wristband supports a housing which includes a battery, an alarm device energized by the battery, and an on-off switch. The fingertip portion supports a switch electrically connected to the battery and alarm device which provides an open circuit when the user holds the switch against a contact surface, for example, a steering wheel of a vehicle, and provides a closed circuit to permit the battery to energize the alarm device when the user's hand relaxes away from the contact surface.

Abstract: In an automatic train-line air brake pressure monitoring system, a peak detector and hold circuit determines the peak voltage of an input signal representing the air pressure in the air brake system. A signal representing the present peak voltage of the input signal from the previously detected peak voltage is subtracted from the presently detected peak voltage to provide a subtraction output signal such that signals representative of the air brake pressure can be generated. The monitoring system may provide emergency air brake condition signals, as well as a number of programmable monitoring signals representative of different pressures within the air brake pressure system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing air pressure in pneumatic suspension units for a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, comprising: air pressure sensors capable of sensing air pressures in pneumatic suspension units to generate an output signal when the air pressures are below a predetermined level; a vehicle speed sensor capable of sensing vehicle speed to generate an output signal when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined level; a signal processor adapted to receive output signals from the pressure sensors and the vehicle speed sensor and generate an output when the air pressures in the pneumatic suspension units are below a predetermined level while the vehicle speed continues to be in excess of a predetermined level for more than a predetermined period of time. An indicating device produces an indicating signal when it receives an output signal from the signal processor.

Abstract: There is disclosed a portable fire alarm apparatus which comprises a foldable housing consisting of a base assembly having a surface for resting upon a horizontal plane. A central section is pivotally mounted to the base assembly to extend in the vertical plane. Pivotally mounted to the top of the central section is a top planar section which is pivotally mounted and adapted to be positioned in the horizontal plane where it is above and parallel to the base assembly and held in position by means of lockable hinges. The top section contains a smoke or heat detector with the central section containing a speaker or an alarm, with the base section containing electrical circuitry and a power source for alarm operation. The central section has an internal surface which is concave to act as a sounding surface for the audio signal indicative of an alarm condition.

Abstract: A gas pedal movement dampening arrangement has a spring assembly disposed on a base plate located directly beneath the gas pedal for a motor vehicle. In one embodiment, the damping unit comprises a spherical hollow elastic body having an air outlet nozzle which affords a linearly progressively increasing resistance force to further downward movement of a gas pedal until beyond a certain point whereupon the resistance force decreases. This enables free movement to full-throttle positions of the gas pedal if such is desired. In another embodiment, the damper unit comprises a spring assembly with a U-shaped spring biasing against downward movement of the gas pedal. Switch means operating upon movement of the gas pedal are also provided for controlling an indicator system informing the vehicle operator of his driving condition as a function of gas pedal movement.

Abstract: According to the invention, a transducer is mounted fixed in the area of the hub of the wheel in question, which transducer continuously is affected by the changes in the dynamic behavior of the tire which occurs at driving owing to dropping air pressure. The output signal from the transducer is processed in an electronic unit for forming a secondary signal, which is an expression for the vertical acceleration component in the output signal. When the secondary signal deviates by an amount critical for the driving safety from a nominal value, warning is released.

Abstract: A vehicle performance sensor that monitors the operation of a vehicle and provides a shift point indicator to inform the vehicle operator when to shift the transmission. When the rotational output from the vehicle torque converter is not within the desired operating range of the transmission gearing, a signal will be generated to notify the operator by a visual indication that the transmission should be shifted and which gear should be selected.

Abstract: A bearing assembly includes a lubricated bearing and a thermistor mounted in or adjacent the lubricant flow path through to or from the bearing. The thermistor is in heat exchange relationship with the lubricant and is connected in an electrical circuit so as to operate in the self heating mode to respond to a deleterious change in the flow of lubricant along the path. The rate of flow of lubricant determines the rate of dispersion of heat from the thermistor and thereby determines the temperature of the thermistor.

Abstract: Anti-theft circuits are provided which can be obtained by incorporating a few components into the electrical system of an existing automobile. In one embodiment interior mounted anti-theft and bypass switches, and an exterior mounted arming switch are interconnected between the turn signal circuitry, the horn circuitry and the door actuated dome and courtesy light circuitry. When all three of these switches are in their off positions, operation of the turn signal lamps, the brake lamps, the horn, and the dome and courtesy lights is conventional. Both the anti-theft and bypass switches can be moved to their on positions to place the circuit into a hazard mode in which the front and rear turn signal lamps flash on and off together, and the rear brake lamps flash on and off together alternatingly with the flashing of the rear turn signal lamps.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system includes a tuned circuit with a pressure sensitive switch which is closed when the tire pressure is normal, connected across it, the tuned circuit and switch being mounted on the vehicle wheel. Mounted on a part of the vehicle is a detector circuit including an oscillator which includes an inductor which is at least intermittently coupled to the inductor of the tuned circuit. When the switch is closed the oscillator runs normally and its output is detected to indicate that all is well. When switch is open, however, the oscillator output is suppressed whenever the inductors are coupled together. The circuit can also be used in other applications where it is required to detect the state of an isolated switch.

Abstract: An electrical switching device for use on machinery to prevent machine operation unless safety guards or the like are correctly positioned comprises two separate parts one part including at least two Hall effect devices which respond to magnetic poles of opposite polarity and electronic switching means which is actuated only when all the Hall effect devices are triggered simultaneously, and the other part including a corresponding number of magnets positioned to actuate the respective Hall effect devices when the two switch parts are placed in close proximity and predetermined orientation. The switch is substantially tamper proof and a control circuit can detect any unauthorized attempt to override the switch.

Abstract: A highway line detection system which is insensitive to changes in road surface warns the driver of a motor vehicle when the vehicle is about to drift across either a center line or an edge line. A unit on each side of the vehicle directs light rays rich in infrared and red radiation downwardly toward the road surface, and includes a photoresponsive receiver responsive to the rays reflected from a painted line or mark. A valid center line or edge line has a width within a predetermined range of minimum and maximum widths and is recognized by the receiver to activate a suitable alarm, but other markings of greater or lesser width are discriminated against to prevent a false alarm. The receiver employs a series of photoconductive cells which are highly sensitive to radiation in the red and near infrared region; they are spaced horizontally on a line extending orthogonally with respect to the fore-and-aft axis of the vehicle in order to establish corresponding spaced points at which reflected rays are detected.

Abstract: An area surveillance system which combines an ultrasonic intrusion detector, an electronic range finder, an instant camera and an alarm. The system is packaged in a temper-proof housing and is particularly suitable for the protection of residential and commercial buildings and for providing a quick identification of intruders. The output of the range finder is used to focus the camera objective on the intruding subject. After focusing a series of pictures of the area are taken. The pictures are readily available for early identification of the intruder. By means of an interface programming device, immediate or delayed silent and/or audible alarms are triggered upon detection of the intruder.

Abstract: The present invention provides an early warning sound alarm system for signalling unauthorized entry or attempted entry through a pet door when the pet door is covered and not in use. The alarm system in accordance with the invention, comprises in combination: a pet door including a frame defining a passageway therethrough, and a flap swingably mounted on the frame adjacent the upper edge of the passageway for swinging movement in either direction therethrough; a covering member removably secured to one side of the frame adjacent the flap for preventing entry through the passageway; and an electrically powered sound alarm, including a sound signal box, and a switch such as a leaf spring biased limit switch disposed between the flap and the surface of covering member adjacent the flap. The switch is suitably positioned to maintain the sound signal box in a deactivated state when the covering member is secured on the frame to prevent entry through the passageway.

Abstract: A pressure sensing mat utilizes a thin sheet of semiconductor material that has an electrical conductivity generally invariable as to pressure applied to the mat material. The sheet of semiconductor material is sandwiched between sheets of copper, steel or aluminum foil which are in mechanical contact with the semiconductor sheet to define a pair of electrodes. The electrodes are connected to various circuits including a pressure (voltage) threshold detector, a learning circuit for establishing a learned threshold, a circuit for matching time-pressure patterns and a circuit for detecting pressures between a predetermined maximum and minimum level. A matrix of pressure sensing mats is utilized with various circuits to detect sequential pressure patterns.

Abstract: A device to be used in connection with an automotive vehicle for indicating rates of acceleration above pre-set thresholds so that the vehicle operator may change such rate in a fashion to reduce fuel consumption. The device includes a box-like housing containing a mercury switch having two electrodes located at a first end thereof and which are adapted to be bridged when the mercury mass moves under the influence of acceleration forces. These electrodes are connected in a series circuit with a source of electrical potential and an indicator means such that a signal is given when and if the vehicle is accelerated at a rate above an adjustable, pre-set level.