Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved universal device for vehicles, especially motor vehicles which measures the speed of the vehicle and continuously displays the speed on a digital readout display located in the vicinity of the dashboard of said vehicle. A separate digital switch integrated into the circuitry of the device is used to pre-set a reference speed to a desired value. As the vehicle's actual speed exceeds this pre-set reference value, a buzzer sounds and/or the speed display flashes off and on to alert the driver that he has exceeded the pre-set speed. When the vehicle speed falls below the pre-set limit, the buzzer and flashing stops and the device acts as a regular digital speedometer. The device is adjustable, thus enabling it to be used on a wide variety of vehicles.

Abstract: A tire monitor includes a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an A/D converter, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor has a sleep mode for conserving power and an output of the microprocessor controls the power applied to the pressure sensor and to the temperature sensor. A modulator and antenna are coupled to the microprocessor for transmitting data from the tire. Coupling between a monitor and a receiver is enhanced by extending a receiving antenna downwardly from the chassis of the vehicle, e.g. from the frame of a tractor.The tire monitor is fabricated on a small printed circuit board with terminals for programming or encoding each monitor with a unique identification code during manufacture of the monitor. Terminals are also provided for disabling the transmitter with a jumper until the monitor is installed in a tire.

Abstract: A vehicle data processing system is provided which, even if an on-vehicle data processor such as a navigation system or the like is not active, can input the necessary data into the system at an operator's home or the like. A vehicle includes a data processor and an input unit is independently located in the operator's home or other place. Data of destination and the like inputted into the input unit are transmitted to an information center wherein they are stored in a storage unit. When a sensor in the information center senses that the data processor on the vehicle has become active, the input data are transmitted from the input unit to the data processor.

Abstract: This invention pertains to: a method for controlling the monitoring of broadcast messages of traffic information, and reporting to a user, traffic information that relates to a set of user-specified routes of travel; and also to a travel route information monitor that operates in accordance with the method. The method includes a first step of programming information into a controller (1). A first portion of the programmed information specifies a time. A second portion of the programmed information specifies a set of geographical routes of travel comprising a primary route and at least one alternative route. A next step includes initiating the receiving of broadcast messages of traffic information at a time that is a function of the time specified by the first portion of the programmed information. A next step includes screening received broadcast messages to collect traffic information that relates to any of the routes of travel specified by the second portion of the programmed information.

Abstract: Ribs 9'a to 9'd provided in a connector 50b on the terminal device side are coincident with grooves 8'a to 8'd provided in a connector 40b on the ECU 30b side, but are not coincident with grooves 8a to 8d provided in a connector 40a in position, size and shape. Even if the connector 40b of the ECU 30b without the immobilizer CPU 13 is attempted to be engaged the connector 50a which should originally be connected to the ECU 30a with the immobilizer CPU 13, it cannot be engaged or right electrical connections between input/output terminals in the ECU 30a and corresponding terminal devices cannot be achieved. Accordingly, the theft of the vehicle by replacing the ECU 30a with the ECU 30b is prevented.

Abstract: A safety brake light for high profile vehicle including a plurality of lights. Two of the lights are secured on opposing sides of a trailer of a high profile vehicle at a level consistent with eye level of passenger vehicles and positioning two of the lights on opposing sides of the high profile vehicle at a level consistent with eye level of trucks and buses.

Abstract: A circuit interfaces a brake switch and a combination turn signal/hazard warning signal switch with a system electronic control module (ECM). The circuit is especially useful when the vehicle has an engine idle shut-down system that requires an input for distinguishing brake application from brake non-application, wherein such an input is derived from operation of the interface circuit. The circuit also employs a relay, which, along with the brake switch, the system ECM, and the combination turn signal/hazard warning signal switch, are connected such that the brake switch carries only the relay coil load, live D.C. voltage, which is independent of the position of the vehicle's ignition switch, is fed through the relay, and a hazard warning signal is prevented from having any effect on the ECM via the relay.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system in which a registration of an ID code of a new key to a vehicle side cannot easily be made by an ill-intentioned third party. Provided are a first memory for storing ID codes of operation keys and a second memory for storing an ID code of an L-key. Of a particular ID code of an inserted key has been registered as an operation key in the first memory, an immobilizer code stored in an immobllizer code memory is sent out to an engine ECU to enable the engine to be started up, and if the registered L-key is inserted, and operation keys are successively inputted, the renewal mode for the ID code is activated to rewrite the ID codes of the previously registered operation keys with ID codes of subsequently inserted operation keys in the first memory.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft engine control device enables engine control to be continued even if the data in the memory, wherein an ID code checking result has been stored, incurs "bit change" due to noise or the like, causing the data to change into data prohibiting engine control. The control device comprises a plurality of engine start enable flags for storing information on the enable/disable state of the engine control, enable flag registering means for registering "1" (enable) in all flags in response to a start permit signal, re-registering means for registering again, when "1" has been registered in at least one of the flags, "1" (enable) in all other enable flags, and control enabling means for enabling the engine control in accordance with the registered/reregistered enable flag.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft engine control device which is also applicable to an engine control unit without a vehicle anti-theft function and which can be used in combination with any type of vehicle anti-theft function as necessary. The engine control device for vehicle anti-theft function comprises an engine control unit for controlling the start of the engine in response to a start permit signal; an anti-theft function provision determining means for determining whether the engine is equipped with a vehicle anti-theft device or not and for issuing a signal indicating the presence or absence of the anti-theft function; a theft detector means for receiving a signal indicating that legitimate starting operation is being performed and for issuing a validation signal; and means for issuing a start permit signal in response to the validation signal received from the theft detector means or the signal indicating the absence of the anti-theft function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple, relatively inexpensive improved portable patient monitoring system that alerts a nurses station as well as the patient when the patient attempts to exit the hospital bed but that has no electronic components attached to the hospital bed. The portable patient monitoring system of the present invention comprises a portable master unit having an infrared emitter which emits an infrared beam and infrared detector which detects the infrared beam. The portable patient monitoring system of the present invention further comprises a portable external reflector which reflects the infrared beam emitted from the infrared emitter back to the infrared detector.

Abstract: An automated scorekeeping device for volleyball or other games that includes an audible announcing system so that players are audibly informed of any changes in the score or serving team. The device may further include a visual display. Remote control actuators can be provided to one or more people to operate the scorekeeping device. The scorekeeper can be adjusted manually to correct mistakes, and can be used in multiple modes.