Abstract: This invention describes a sensing device useful as a wet condition indicator, and is composed of a sensing element that produces electric energy when it becomes wet, and an informing means such as an integrated circuit/piezoelectric buzzer (speaker), light source or electrochromic device. The sensing element incorporates small amounts of non-toxic, non-allergenic substances and operates as a battery when wet. That battery produces enough electric energy to power the informing device without need of any other circuitry or batteries. This has the advantage of lower cost so that it can be used for a wet condition indicator in disposable diapers. One sensing element is incorporated in each diaper, and can be discarded with it, while the informing element is reused.

Abstract: A deactivation device for use in an EAS system and comprising a detection transmit means operable to transmit a detection field into a detection/deactivation area, a detecting means operable to sense a signal from an EAS tag responsive to the detection field, and a deactivating means for transmitting a deactivating field into the detection/deactivation area operable to deactivate said active EAS tag, and wherein said detection transmit means and said deactivating means use a common coil to transmit the respective fields.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for monitoring tires on a vehicle to detect adverse tire operating states, by continuously measuring the distance between the associated vehicle axle (or a vehicle body part rigidly connected thereto) and the road while the vehicle is in operation. From this measurement, the tire deflection is determined, which represents a comparatively exact measure of the respective tire load. When the tire deflection determined leaves a predetermined desired range, a warning signal is transmitted.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is an alarm system for detecting the presence of a person locked in a parked automobile. The alarm system includes a motion detector and a temperature detecting element coupled to a NOR gate. The motion detector transmits a low signal to the NOR gate once it detects motion within the interior of the automobile. The temperature detecting element transmits a low signal to the NOR gate if the temperature in the automobile exceeds a pre-determined extreme temperature. The NOR gate, upon receiving low signals from both the temperature detecting element and the motion detector, transmits an alarm signal.

Abstract: A portable alarm device which comprises an enclosed compartment within which a spring-loaded triggering device may be locked into an alarm position by a magnetic field and held there until properly switched off. The apparatus further comprises a battery power supply and locking apparatus for locking it into a disarmed position.

Abstract: A light management system for an automotive vehicle includes vehicle sensors that collectively represent a state of the vehicle and that provide a state of the vehicle signal, vehicle sensors that collectively represent a state of the environment and that provide a state of the environment signal, a microprocessor controller which receives both the state of the vehicle signal and the state of the environment signal, the microprocessor controller provides a modified beam pattern based on the state of the vehicle signal and the state of the environment signal and then manipulates the modified beam pattern based on the state of the vehicle signal and the state of the environment signal and then provides a final light distribution signal, and a forward lighting array for receiving the final light distribution signal and illuminating a roadway thereupon.

Abstract: A security alarm system including at least one code signal generator, at least one code signal receiver, a transmitter, and at least one alarm, the at least one code signal generator and the at least one code signal receiver being respectively mounted on the transmitter and the at least one alarm, the code signal generator providing a switch signal and a switch code to the at least one code signal receiver, causing each code signal receiver to alert or disarm the respective alarm subject to the instruction of the switch signal, the at least one alarm being triggered to buzz when receiving no signal from the at least one code signal receiver after a predetermined length of time.

Abstract: A vehicle user can request emergency or roadside assistance from a response center by activating a button in the vehicle. The global positioning system is used to continuously store the vehicle location. A cellular telephone network is used to contact a response center and transfer a data string via modem containing information to assist the response center in acting on the request. Predetermined information concerning system operation is stored in a non-volatile memory during an activation for diagnostic purposes. Data is written in two groups at respective times during an activation, and a status flag indicates whether both groups were successfully written to memory.

Abstract: A warning device for people with the potential of operating a motorized vehicle while under the influence of substances which can impair their judgment and their ability to react to unexpected situations. The warning device is locked onto the steering mechanism of the motorized vehicle and is activated when a movement detector senses the presence of a potential operator. Audio and visual reminders against driving while impaired are provided to the potential operator prior to starting the engine. The warning device can be removed from the steering mechanism through the use of a key, a procedure that could prove difficult for an impaired person. Although it is contemplated for the warning device to be used predominantly on automobiles, applications could also include use on other types of motorized vehicles such as trucks, motorcycles, boats and airplanes.

Abstract: A magnetic alarm sensor (80) includes a magnet (84) positioned so that dominant length components (108) of its magnetic field lines (104) are oriented so that they are transverse to a switch axis (96) of a magnetically sensitive switch (88). This orientation permits more versatile mounting options for placement of the alarm sensor, especially to positions that are less prone to displacements over time. A preferred embodiment of the magnetic alarm sensor (110) employs two spatially collinear magnetic switches (116, 118) vertically oriented along a door bracket (14) and a magnet (120) positioned on a door panel (22) such that the magnetic field lines (152) of the magnet are generally perpendicular to the switch axis (136) of the magnetic switches. The magnetic switches are electrically connected in parallel to extend the range of vertical critical distance between the magnet and the magnetic switches to inhibit false alarms caused by door sag.

Abstract: A synchronous receiving/transmitting departure alarm including a receiver unit and at least one transmitter unit cooperating with the receiver unit. Once a holder of the transmitter unit is far away from the holder of the receiver unit by a preset distance, the holder of the receiver unit can be in time warned. The transmitter unit intermittently transmits a clock pulse signal and a receiving circuit of the receiver unit is synchronously opened to receive the signal so as to judge whether the holder of the transmitter unit is within the preset distance. Therefore, a person under care or an article with the transmitter unit is prevented from missing or being lost. A mobile phone can be used with the alarm to inform the holder of the receiver unit of a phone call.

Abstract: In an auto-cruise system for a vehicle, when a distance detected by a distance detecting device becomes shorter than a reference distance based on a value detected by a vehicle speed detecting device, a speed reducing command signal is output from a distance regulating device. A travel speed control device is capable of being switched over among a cruise speed control mode for controlling the vehicle speed such that a vehicle speed is equalized to a vehicle speed set by a speed setting device upon non-outputting of a speed reducing command signal, a speed reducing control mode for reducing the vehicle speed upon outputting of the speed reducing command signal, and a speed increasing control mode for increasing the vehicle speed until it is restored to the set vehicle speed in response to the disappearing of the speed reducing command signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a theft preventive apparatus to be attached to an object of theft prevention for detecting a preliminary stealing act by e.g. issuing alarm, and relates also to a radio wave receiving signaling device to be used with the apparatus.Conventionally, there has been a problem of the alarm output means being rendered inoperative when a sudden shock is applied to the theft preventive apparatus for example.According to the present invention, a circuit board (6) of alarm output means (AO) disposed inside a box (2) to be attached to the object of theft prevention is retained to one first side wall portion (2a) of a pair of opposed wall portions (2a), (2c) of the box, and the other side second wall portion (2c) retains a first-kind constituting element (FE) of the alarm output means (AO).

Abstract: A system for monitoring a patient located on an item of furniture such as a bed is disclosed. The system includes a pneumatically actuated switch for providing a signal circuit to notify of undesired movement of the patient beyond a predetermined range. The pneumatic switch is responsive to a pneumatic pulse which is released from an armable pneumatic pressure generator having a spring loaded plunger and piston combination. The piston is maintained in an extracted and armed position through a releasable clip positionable within a notch in the piston and attached to the patient by a length of cord.

Abstract: A wheel detector for indicating the presence of a rail vehicle on a set of spaced rails is disclosed. The wheel detector transmits a radar pulse signal and samples a portion of the signal corresponding to a target area on one of the rails. The wheel detector will generate an indication signal if a change in the reflectivity of the received signal corresponding to the target area is detected. The wheel detector may additionally include multiple transmitters and receivers to provide redundancy, and be configured to determine the linear velocity and direction of a wheel.

Abstract: An isolated fault monitoring circuit for a AC port in an AC I/O module for a programmable logic controller is taught. Briefly stated, a bridge circuit is series connected to a fuse and an optocoupler. When the fuse which is in series with the AC input line is blown, the output of the optocoupler produces a voltage one-half of that during steady state operation thereby causing one of two comparators to go high which in turn causes an LED to light indicating a blown fuse. Should the AC input line be disconnected or otherwise not present, the optocoupler produces no output which thereby causes the second of the two optocouplers to have its output go high thereby causing a second of the two LEDs to light so indicating that condition. At any time during the fault condition only one of the LEDs will light, while no LEDs are lit during steady state operation.

Abstract: A smoke detection unit has a detection chamber for sampling smoke from a surrounding environment. The detection chamber allows air circulation but is optically opaque. This configuration is typical of photoelectric smoke detectors, for example. A housing defines a window though which air from the environment circulates into and out of the detection chamber. The window's height is approximately the same as the chamber. A cage vane is positioned in the window and is configured as an inverted frustoconical member. An inner edge of the cage vane is spaced away from the chamber. The angled vane, along the other aspects of the unit's configuration, improves sensitivity by increasing smoke circulation through the chamber. This configuration guides the air currents typically created by fires at the ceiling so that the smoke flows easily into the detection chamber.

Abstract: The thickness of a semi transparent layer, such as ice, is determined by supporting the layer atop or above a light transmissive window and directing multiple light beams through the light transmissive window and into the layer. The light transmissive window has a higher index of refraction than the layer or any intermediate layer directly above the semi-transparent layer. Light beams are directed at an angle to the surface that results in total internal reflection from the outer surface of the supported semi-transparent layer. The light reflected to the rear of the window at the same but opposite angle is monitored and correlates to the thickness of the monitored layer. The spatial distribution of reflected light along the longitudinal axis of the window changes in dependence upon the thickness of the supported layer. Quantitative indications of that thickness are displayed and should that thickness exceed a prescribed level an alarm may be generated.

Abstract: A transmitting station is connected to a receiving station by a two-wire line via which the supply current required for operating the transmitting station is transferred from the receiving station to the transmitting station. The transmitting station comprises a supply circuit including a voltage regulator for maintaining the operating voltage of the transmitting station constant and an energy store for compensating current and/or voltage fluctuations. Via the two-wire line a signal current, variable between two limit values, is further transferred from the transmitting station to the receiving station. This signal current consists of the supply current for the transmitting station and a supplementary current determined by the transmitting station. For transfer of the communication information between the transmitting station and the receiving station, a symmetrical communication current is superimposed on the signal current.

Abstract: A drinking container includes a fluid-tight container having a continuous sidewall connecting an open top and a closed bottom, and a handle secured to the sidewall and extending substantially the length thereof. A rigid lid has a lid body configured and dimensioned to close the open top and a lid lever extending outwardly from the lid body and beyond the handle for pivoting the lid body relative to the open top from a top-closed orientation to a top-open orientation. A pivot is secured to the handle for pivotally engaging the lid lever and enabling pivoting of the lid body between the top-closed orientation and the top-open orientation. An electronic sound generating element is disposed in the lid body and responsive to an actuating switch disposed on the lid lever such that the normal movement of a user for causing pivoting of the lid body from the top-closed orientation to the top-open orientation also actuates the sound-generating element prior to causing pivoting of the lid body.