Abstract: An optical signal transmission system for an automotive vehicle by which a number of electric signals generated from switches arranged on the steering wheel are transferred to other controllers optically and digitally for control the necessary vehicle operating conditions with high reliability, without producing electrical noise even while steering wheel is being turned. The optical signal transmission system of the present invention comprises optical transmission devices including an electricity-to-light converting means, a light-transmitting ring, a light-to-electricity converting means, in addition to a digital circuit including an encoder, decoder, etc.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring the condition in a vehicle wheel mounted tire. The system includes first and second LC circuits disposed within the tire and interconnected by a diode multiplier in series with a pressure switch. An exciter establishes an energetic electromagnetic field of a first frequency such that a first LC circuit is resonant at the same first frequency. This first frequency is converted into energy of a second frequency by a harmonic multiplier diode and is impressed upon a second LC circuit which is resonant at the second frequency, the second frequency being either an even or odd harmonic of the first (exciting) frequency. A receiver tuned to the second frequency interrogates the second LC circuit for presence of harmonic energy at the second frequency.

Abstract: A plurality of engine operating parameters and useful information items are monitored by respective sensors. A control unit receives signals from the sensors to display the monitored items in a varible format on a single viewing screen in accordance with the conditions of the monitored items. Abnormal condition of the monitored items is detected by the control unit to enlarge the display format to give an warning indication. A pushbutton is provided for each of the monitored items to generate a display command signal in response to a manual command to provide a display of a desired item in an enlarged format.

Abstract: By mounting unusual vibration transducer apparatus consisting of a piezo-electric vibration detecting member, a pre-amplifier including a gain adjust knob, a comparator including level adjust knob, a monostable multivibrator including a pulse width adjust knob, a preset counter including preset value setting switch, a flip flop memorizing signals, an amplifier amplifying signals, and an output circuit at a machine tool like a grinding machine, a lathe, a milling machine, a planer, and/or a drilling machine, or by mounting only a piezo-electric vibration detecting member and installing the other components at a separate position outside a specified machine tool, vibrations produced during machining work are taken out by a comparator as high or low signal and alarm is then issued when such a vibration reaches the preset value of the counter, causing rotation or travel of a tool to stop or feed of workpiece to stop, and/or causing the rapid infeed rate of wheelhead to be changed to an adequate roughing feedrate.

Abstract: A multiple signal transmitting apparatus for automobiles includes a plurality of switches mounted on the steering wheel of an automobile, a multiplexing circuit mounted on the steering wheel for multiplexing the output signals of the switches, at least one light-emitting device mounted on a moving part rotatable together with the steering wheel so as to be arranged on a circumference lying in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of rotation of the steering wheel and concentric with the central axis of rotation to generate a light signal in response to the multiplexed output signal of the multiplexing circuit, at least one light-sensitive device mounted on the surface of the steering wheel bearing portion facing the light-emitting device to receive the light signal from the light-emitting device and generate an output signal, and a decoder circuit mounted on the body portion of the automobile to decode the output signal of the light-sensitive device to generate signals corresponding to the output signals

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting reduction in the pressure of a pnenumatic vehicle tire, particularly for multi-wheeled vehicles comprises a sealed housing fitted over the pneumatic tire valve adapted to depress the valve stem of a conventional pneumatic tire valve to release air into the sealed housing and provide a pressurized chamber. The pressure in the housing operates a pressure sensitive member such that when the pressure is reduced, the pressure sensitive member operates contact points to activate a transmitter or other warning device provided in the housing. In one preferred embodiment a sonar transmitter activated by the pressure sensitive member operates a sonar receiver in the vehicle to provide a visual and/or audible warning signal to the operator of the vehicle as to the loss of pressure in any particular vehicle tire.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement which is adapted to be triggered by deceleration forces. The sensor arrangement forms a component of a vehicle safety belt system and includes a mass deflectable from an initial position to a deflected position upon exceeding a predetermined deceleration and an indicator which responds if the belt of the safety belt system has been deployed during the occurrence of the predetermined deceleration. The mass is associated with the indicator and has such a mounting and/or includes a track of such an ascending slope, that the full deflection of the mass is attained only beginning at a deceleration of about 2 g. An arrangement is provided for preventing the deflected mass from returning to the initial position.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for a vehicle such as a tractor comprises a console including controls and a control circuit for calculating wheel slippage of at least one drive wheel of the vehicle and responsive to engine RPM of the vehicle and to the rotational speed of the drive wheel for calculating a predetermined relationship therebetween. The control circuit is also responsive to actuation of the controls for setting the calculated relationship equal to a predetermined reference value when there is substantially no load on the vehicle, and hence minimum slippage of the drive wheel, in each of a plurality of ranges of gear ratios of the vehicle, thereby calibrating the control circuit to calculate wheel slippage for each of these ranges of gear ratios. The console also mounts an observable indicator and the control circuit also calculates other variables such as vehicle speed and engine RPM and actuates the observable indicator when the calculated values deviate from preselected values.

Abstract: A motion sensing system which can be oriented in any position and which provides an output signal when it is moved or tilted. The system includes an oscillator which provides an output signal; the amplitude of the oscillator signal is modulated responsive to motion. A signal level detector provides an output signal when the modulation amplitude exceeds a predetermined level. The output signal from the level detector indicates excessive motion and can be used to provide an alarm or to control associated equipment.

Abstract: A low fuel pressure monitor (25) for a two cycle engine (12) having an operating piston (21) initially cooled by pressurized fuel senses the fuel pressure at an output (18) of a fuel pump (14) and the operating speed of the engine (12) as sensed at an output (30) of an alternator (24) to provide an alarm (31) in response to a sensed low fuel pressure condition existing for a predetermined period of time while the engine (12) is operating above a predetermined speed. A circuit (99) senses an improper polarity connection of a battery (96) to provide a second type of an alarm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a releasing circuit for a motor vehicle safety device having a piezoelectric acceleration sensor for delivering a signal which corresponds to the sudden deceleration of a motor vehicle when it collides with an obstacle. An evaluating circuit evaluates the output signal of the acceleration sensors. A switch releases the safety device through an ignition element starting from a predetermined release value of the output signal of the evaluating circuit. A checking circuit for the releasing circuit has a check pulse generator for delivering check pulses which are fed to the releasing circuit. The checking circuit, in addition to the check pulse generator 11, is connected to a reference pulse generator 12 that provides reference pulses which assume characteristic values in accordance with the check pulses which are evaluated in the releasing circuit. A comparator 17 connected to the error indication 22 compares the evaluated check pulses and the reference pulses.

Abstract: A tire condition monitor converter including a plurality of wires extending about a tire rim and defining a first coil electrically connected to a first capacitor to define a first LC circuit and a second coil electrically connected to a second capacitor to define a second LC circuit. A mounting ring of electrically insulating material extends about the rim and has grooves therein in which the wires are disposed. A yieldable material is disposed between the ring and the rim for allowing radial expansion and contraction of the ring and rim while maintaining the circumferential length of the wires constant. A connecting block is disposed between the terminal ends of the mounting ring and the wires are connected to the block to place the wires in tension. The block includes circuit means for electrically interconnecting the ends of the respective wires and also supports the capacitors. A pressure switch is disposed in the circuit and is responsive to tire pressure.