Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the efficacy of the backup batteries connected in series that are used to supply electrical power to a load in the event of an interruption of an AC electrical input power source which normally supplies electrical power to the load and maintains the backup batteries in a state of ready charge includes measuring the AC ripple voltage across a minimum of one of the backup batteries and comparing the AC ripple voltage to a minimum and a maximum threshold. In the event the AC ripple voltage exceeds the maximum threshold an alarm is activated to indicate that a failure of at least one of the backup batteries has occurred and is in need of servicing. In the event the AC ripple voltage falls below the minimum threshold a determination is made as to whether the backup batteries are supplying electrical power to the load. If they are supplying power, then the loss of AC ripple is expected under this condition and the backup batteries are assumed to be functioning properly.

Abstract: A sensor and a response unit are coupled to a piece of baggage to produce an entertaining signal such as music, notes, blinking lights and so forth. The signal may be triggered by any of several events, including proximity, movement, and opening or closing of the baggage, especially at a flap. In preferred embodiments the baggage comprises a sporting or educationally directed personalty holder such as a knapsack.

Abstract: A self-contained conveyor member including a plurality of EAS deactivators is adapted to connect in-line to an existing conveyor system for transporting goods at a manufacturer or distributor's site. The conveyor member has attached to it several commercially available EAS marker deactivators spaced apart to provide continuous coverage across the width of the conveyor and such that the deactivation field of each of the deactivators do not cause interference of the deactivation fields of the adjacent deactivators. EAS markers attached to articles being transported on the conveyor member will pass through at least one of the deactivation fields and will be deactivated. The deactivators selectively deactivate a variety of specific EAS markers such as RF and/or magnetomechanical EAS markers.

Abstract: A generator set controller verifies the status of a synchroscope mode selector to determine whether the generator set controller is operating in a synchroscope mode. When operating in a synchroscope mode, the generator set controller uses an existing display panel to create an indication of the difference between the phase of the power on a power bus and the phase of the power output of the generator.

Abstract: In a device applicable to a pager or similar electronic apparatus for detecting a thin disk-like primary battery which feeds power to a load circuit, a secondary battery is provided which is complementary to the primary battery. A receiving portion receives the primary battery and has a first contact terminal for contacting the positive electrode side of the battery, a second contact terminal for contacting the negative electrode side of the battery at one end and connected to ground at the other end, and a third contact terminal contacting the negative electrode side of the battery at one end. When the primary battery is inserted in the receiving portion in a predetermined orientation, a detecting unit determines that the battery is present on the basis of the contact of the second and third contact terminals via the negative electrode side of the battery.

Abstract: A warning device for a distance between cars, for measuring a distance between a car and an object in front of the car, judging the possibility of danger on the basis of distance data thus obtained, and generating an alarm in the case where it is judged to be dangerous. The warning device provides a first alarm (a rear-end collision alarm) generated in a condition of alert which necessitates deceleration or braking, and a second alarm (an alarm for a distance between cars) generated in a condition of alert which does not necessitate deceleration nor braking, the first and second alarms, respectively, being judged by separate formulae for determining. Accordingly, it is possible to positively generate an alarm when deceleration or braking is necessitated. Further, the warning device discriminates a kind of an object being measured (a moving body, obstruction, guardrail or the like) to judge danger according to the kind of the discriminated object.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for indicating and implementing control interventions for parking a motor vehicle, a prospective parking space is measured, and the indicating and the implementation of the control interventions does not take place before a confirmation signal for the start of the parking operation is entered by a vehicle operator. The system for carrying out the process has control devices for displaying and implementing the control interventions for parking a motor vehicle as a function of the confirmation signal.

Abstract: A device for emitting audible signals within a vehicle compartment for notifying a driver of a vehicle of the presence of objects at predetermined locations around the vehicle. The driver is alerted to the presence of objects at predetermined sensing zones around the vehicle through the presence of audibly distinct tones corresponding to each sensing zone. Thus, an object present in any sensing zone causes a unique, audibly distinct sound to be generated within the cabin for warning the driver of the presence of a particular object.

Abstract: A multifunctional sensing and control assembly has a hollow main casing, a control device disposed in the hollow main casing, a cover plate disposed on a front portion of the hollow main casing, and a lamp casing disposed on an upper portion of the hollow main casing. The hollow main casing has a chamber receiving cells, an inner block having two slots, a first upper notch, a plurality of positioning apertures, two lower oblong apertures, and two upper click hooks. The cover plate has a second upper notch, a plurality of lateral click hooks, a round opening, and a through aperture. The control device has an electric circuit board, a control board, and a horn inserted in the round opening.

Abstract: A circuit that senses changes in the electrical characteristics of a guard ring, and generates one or more signals based, at least in part, on the electrical characteristics that are sensed, is incorporated into an integrated circuit. The one or more signals generated by the circuit are indicative of the reliability of the integrated circuit.In one embodiment of the present invention, a first point of the guard ring is electrically coupled to a voltage supply node by a switchable element such as a MOSFET, and at least two points of the guard ring are electrically coupled respectively to two input terminals of a differential amplifier circuit in such a way that voltage changes across the guard ring can be sensed.

Abstract: A programmable vehicle detector with operator actuatable function selection and parameter value setting keys, and an operational display. A small cluster (four) of key switches enables an operator to select programmable vehicle detector functions, such as pulse/presence, scanning/non-scanning, end of green control; and also adjust the value of settable parameters, such as loop frequency, sensitivity, delay time, and maximum presence time. The value of certain parameters is displayed, either by manual interrogation by operation of the switches during a set mode or automatically during normal operation. During normal operation, the display also indicates dynamically the relative value of the loop inductance, using a unique bar graph, the generation of Call a signal, and the time remaining in a delay time period and a maximum presence time period. The display further indicates which of several channels has been selected for function and parameter programming, or is currently being monitored for operation.

Abstract: A system for warning motorists of the presence of an emergency vehicle is provided. The system includes a transmitter adapted to be coupled to the emergency vehicle for emitting an emergency signal. The system also includes a direction finding antenna adapted to be coupled to the vehicle of a motorist's vehicle, a receiver coupled to the direction finding antenna and adapted for receiving the emergency signal and producing a directional signal in response thereto, and an audio system for generating an audio playback signal which identifies the presence of the emergency vehicle as well as the relative direction between it and the motorist's vehicle.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a person in a secured zone is disclosed. One or more transmitters transmit a first signal into the zone. The person wears a tag that receives the first signal. The tag transmits a second signal that is responsive to the first signal. A receiver receives the second signal and provides a third signal responsive to the first signal. A controller is connected to the receiver and includes a discrimination circuit that determines if the third signal is responsive to the first signal. The controller provides an alarm signal if responsiveness is found. The responsiveness may be a constant phase relationship, and data may be transmitted by the tag at a frequency derived from the first frequency. A three loop antenna, with each loop disposed in a unique plane is described. Each unique plane is substantially perpendicular to the other unique planes, in another embodiment. The tag includes a band removal circuit that senses the skin resistivity of the patient in another embodiment.

Abstract: A detection switch for enabling the setup sensitivity of the switch to be checked without lowering the movement speed of an object to be detected. A light reception section outputs a light reception signal RS corresponding to a light reception amount. A detection section amplifies the light reception signal RS and converts the amplified light reception signal RS from analog to digital form, then outputs the digital signal as light reception data RD indicating the light reception amount. A hold time control section 5 gives a hold timing signal HT defining a hold period to a hold circuit. The hold circuit holds the peak value or bottom value of the light reception data RD every hold period and outputs the hold value to a control section each time the end of the hold period is reached. The control section causes a display section to display the hold value.

Abstract: A universal adaptor for use with electronic parking meters which provides these electronic parking meters with the ability to detect the presence of a parked vehicle and to adjust the position of the detector for accomplishing the vehicle detection, to gather statistics on the parking spaces and the meters, to alert the parking authority of meters that are expired in connection with vehicles still parked, and zeroing the remaining time off of any meter once the parked vehicle departs.

Abstract: An automatic gas detection system 10 for vehicles 100 wherein a carbon monoxide sensor 20 is disposed within the passenger compartment 101 of the vehicle 100 and the output of the sensor 20 is fed to a microprocessor control member 50 that will activate a multi-function steering wheel mounted alarm member 30 and lower the power windows 102 a predetermined amount via a power window reversible motor 40 and relay element 41 in response to a high concentration of carbon monoxide being detected by the sensor 20.

Abstract: A bicycle spoke warning light device capable of setting and displaying characters. The device is mounted on the spoke of the bicycle, in which a rotational speed detecting unit of a controlling circuit detects the rotational speed of the spoke. When the rotational speed reaches a certain value, a processor takes out the data set in a memory unit by a setting unit and makes multiple light sources immediately emit light to form a predetermined picture or character on the quickly rotating spoke by using temporarily remaining vision so as to achieve a highlighting and warning effect.

Abstract: A multi-directional RFID read/write antenna unit is described which provides multi-directional RF communication to a source, such as a RF tag. The antenna comprises a plurality of coils adapted to transmit multi-directional RF signals to a RF tag and receive RF response signals from the RF tag. The RF antenna includes a switch for selecting at least one of the RF antenna coils for transmission of the RF signals and receipt of the RF response signals whereby the RF signals can be directed toward and received from a plurality of different directions from a fixed position.

Abstract: A security system for an automotive vehicle including a positioning device which, in cooperation with a Global Positioning System ("GPS") satellite network provides location information regarding the vehicle's position. The security system further includes a passive operator identification device having a first security code and a theft control unit including memory storing a second security code. The passive operator identification device and the theft control unit work together to ensure the vehicle operator is authorized to operate the vehicle. An event detector communicates with the theft control unit to provide an event signal associated with the vehicle such as vehicle movement. If an event signal is received by the theft control unit, and the first and second security codes are not equal, the theft control unit communicates the vehicle position as determined by the position detector to a monitoring station.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic system incorporated into a circuit interrupter device to identify the circuit interrupter device associated with a particular power outlet receptacle.