Abstract: A stand alone sensor module having built in intelligence that provides object detection for a both a vehicle and stationary applications. The system includes a processor connected to a sensor and a signal interface. The processor receives signals from the sensor and the signal interface and generates a status signal based on the signals received from the sensor and the signal interface. The processor drives the status signal to the signal interface.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for controlling a system of multiple traffic signals for regulating the traffic of vehicles is described. Traffic data is transmitted by wireless transmission to traffic data processing units assigned individually to a locally limited group of traffic signals, and each traffic data processing unit performs an analysis of the local traffic situation for the environment of the locally limited group of traffic signals up to, at the maximum, the neighboring locally limited groups of traffic signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing timely and efficient notification of vehicle parking space availability and locations of vehicle parking spaces to motorists or other network users. Local detector devices sense the presence or absence of a vehicle in a particular parking space and communicate space identification and status information to a computer network. The parking space status information is integrated with electronic street maps of the area where the relevant spaces are located. Integrated maps containing space status identifiers are communicated to any number of networks.

Abstract: Systems and methods for indicating the status of a battery in a portable computing device are disclosed. The methods include retrieving battery status data from a basic input-output system (BIOS) on the computing device, and comparing the retrieved battery status data to a predefined battery status threshold stored on the computing device. Based on the comparison of the battery status data to the predefined battery status threshold, a battery status indicator may be provided to an applications program on the computing device. The battery status data is reflective of a characteristic of the battery, such as battery voltage. A system according to the present invention includes a computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions for performing a method according to the present invention.

Abstract: A reusable mechanical fastening means for a vehicle monitoring system facilitates maintenance and repair of the system. A plurality of carrier sections are connected together by clips. The clips have release tabs to move prongs against a spring force, thereby making the clips manually detachable. Vehicle sensing probes have interference ridges which mate with probe openings in the carrier sections. The carrier sections have open bottoms, and the worker can overcome the locking force of the interference ridge by turning the carrier section over and pressing on the probe through the open bottom. The clips can be attached on multiple planes relative to the carrier sections, minimizing torsional play within the extended support train. The clips and carrier sections are also easily manufacturable.

Abstract: A high-voltage-proximity warning system has a local panel (1) for being positioned in or about a cab (2) of heavy equipment or other vehicle (5), a remote panel (3) in predetermined electrical communication with the local panel and one or more proximity antennas (4) for being positioned selectively on the vehicle in predetermined electrical communication with the local panel. The local panel is adapted to be push-button operable conveniently by an operator with gloved hands in a position where it is readily visible and easily connectable electrically to the remote panel and to the one or more proximity antennas. The remote panel is adapted to be positioned on or off of the vehicle where it can be protected for supportive operation and accessed for plural electrical connection to electrical devices that can include an electrical-source terminal (11), to speakers, and to warning and alarm communication devices (50).

Abstract: A personal alarm system can be worn or carried by the user, may be activated at any time by the user and/or may be automatically activated to send a signal to any remote monitoring station on the network. The device identifies the user as well as the user's location within the monitored area. The alarm-sending unit is designed to fit within a box the size of a small cell phone or pager. The unit includes an ID memory for identifying the user, is programmable and has an on-board processor for generating a signal to a wireless transmitter for sending the signal to a to a local receiver for inputting the signal onto the network. A centralized, networked RF receiver is used with the personal alarm unit and one or more of these RF receivers may be installed in order to provided adequate coverage of the monitored area.

Abstract: Wireless sensor platforms (10), when deployed, can ascertain whether they can meaningfully participate in communications with more than one cluster (22, 23) of such devices. When true, such multi-cluster platforms can serve as bridge nodes to facilitate the passing of data collected from one cluster to or through another cluster. In a preferred embodiment, the platforms serving as bridge modes (24 and 25) utilize a communication schedule that imposes no greater work load than the load the platform would otherwise have served as an ordinary node, and preferably the workload is considerably reduced. This aids in ensuring that the portable power reserves of the bridge nodes will support bridge operations for at least as long as the clusters are otherwise functioning.

Abstract: Vehicle security systems comprise at least one addressable transponder for communication with at least one base station. Each transponder and base station comprises a steerable directional antenna having an antenna azimuth sensor. Transponder and base station antenna azimuths assist in locating a vehicle carrying a transponder and allow near real-time estimation of vehicle heading. Base station networks facilitate location, tracking and/or interception of vehicles within a network geographic area. Use of multiple effective transmission ranges for transponders and/or base stations improves the accuracy of vehicle location.

Abstract: A monitor for detecting failures in the installation of neon gas sign transformers has an electronic circuit in the transformer compartment to turn the transformer off in the event any failure occurs. The monitor uses a programmed digital micro-controller connected to the transformer and supplies an exciting current to a “TRIAC” that turns on/off the primary coil of the transformer under an AC voltage of the distribution network and also supplies a current to turn on a red LED when failures occur and a green LED that indicates if any power is being fed from the distribution network. When the sign lights properly, the TRIAC is activated, the transformer remains activated and the red LED remains inactivated while the green LED remains activated. When there is any failure the monitor detects the failure immediately and the transformer is turned off and six seconds later it is automatically turned on again. If the cause of the failure disappears, the transformer continues operating regularly.

Abstract: A toll collection system obtains the data showing that the vehicle enters into the entrance of a toll road and data obtained from the on board unit mounted on the vehicle as the entrance passing data and the data showing that the vehicle exits from the exit of the toll road and the data peculiar to the on board unit mounted on the vehicle obtained by wireless communication with the on board unit as the exit passing data. Furthermore, the system specifies the utilization by the vehicle basing upon the obtained exit passing data and the entrance passing data and also, obtains the data read out from the number plate provided on the vehicle and specifies the vehicle basing upon the data read out from the number plate, when the utilization by the vehicle cannot be specified.

Abstract: For transmitting traffic informations for a driver of a vehicle a detection and recording device is provided in a vehicle, informations are requested wirelessly by the detection and recording device from transmission devices arranged in a roadway or on a roadway edge, and supplying an energy for an information transmission is supplied by the detection and recording device.

Abstract: A device for detecting meter opening, the meter including at least a first structural element and a second structural element that are in a given position relative to each other when the meter is closed, said device comprising: a moving member connected to the first element and organized to take up a stable state or an unstable state as a function of the displacement of one of the structural elements relative to the other; holding means connected at least to the second element and co-operating with the moving member as a function of the displacement of one of the structural elements relative to the other, so as to hold said moving member in its unstable state and so as to enable it to go to its stable state; and detection means suitable for determining the state of the moving member and for emitting an opening signal when the moving member is in a predetermined state.

Abstract: A vehicle remote control system includes a remote transmitter to be carried by a user, a receiver at the vehicle for receiving signals from the remote transmitter, an audible signal generator at the vehicle, and a controller connected to the receiver and being operable in response to a received signal. Moreover, the controller is also preferably connected to the audible signal generator for-causing generation of an audible signal based upon a received signal, and wherein the audible signal has at least one characteristic based on the transmission distance so that the audible signal is less intrusive for a shorter transmission distance. For example, the controller may determine the transmission distance based upon the received signal strength. In addition, the at least one characteristic may comprise one or more of a volume, duration, or frequency of the audible signal. The audible signal generation may be used for a vehicle security system, a remote keyless entry system, and/or a remote start system.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) allows atmospheric pressure into an environmentally sealed enclosure for creating an equilibrium that allows a sensor (28) make a proper measurement. A slot or opening (26) in the cover (14) exposes outside atmospheric air to a restricted portion of a gas permeable membrane (18). The membrane (18) allows a selected gas to pass through the membrane (18) creating the equilibrium in the housing (12). A gasket (16) positioned between the cover (14) and housing (12) seals the housing in an air tight manner except for the gases allowed in through the membrane (18). Pressure sensor (28) can then make a more accurate measurement. Apparatus (10) finds particular utility in a low pressure tire management system.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for controlling delivery of dangerous material, such as LPG, from a tanker 12 to a tank 14, through a pipe 16. A valve 18 is controlled by an arrangement 22. An operator 28 carries a radio transmitter 24 and must periodically transmit an appropriate signal to the control 22, otherwise the control 22 will time out and close the valve, also sounding an alarm. In accordance with the invention, the transmitter 24 is also provided with a timer, having a shorter count down time, and also re-set when the signal is sent to the control 22. The timer in the transmitter 24 alerts the operator 28 that a signal should be sent, giving the operator an opportunity to send a signal before the control 22 closes the valve 18. However, if the operator does not send a signal, or is incapable of doing so, the timer at 22 will assume that an emergency situation exists, and cease further delivery.

Abstract: A motion-sensitive bird repelling device comprises a cylindrical shaped housing, and a plurality of spike legs extending downwardly from the bottom thereof for securing the housing to a garden or lawn, for protecting newly planted seeds from being eaten by birds and rodents. The bird repelling device includes motion sensors for detecting motion of a bird or rodent entering a prohibited area. The motion sensors activate a motor in response to simultaneous detecting of the trespassing animal into such area. When the motor is activated, a plurality of flexible arms mounted to the motor rotates, producing both noise and fluttering motions for scaring the approaching animals prior to reaching the seeds.

Abstract: In a power distribution system, a reliable, accurate, and energy efficient fault circuit indicator is provided through a microcomputer-based fault current indicator design. First, reliability is improved inherently because the microcomputer, and the software embedded therein, replace the functionality of numerous discrete, less reliable electronic components found in prior designs. Second, the embedded software is capable of placing the fault current indicator in one of a number of energy conservation states, without compromising the fault current indicator's ability to provide information relating to the occurrence of a fault. Finally, greater fault current indication accuracy is achieved by detecting excessive line current, followed by a significant drop in line voltage.

Abstract: A body worn transmitter and its associated portable monitoring receiver receiving global position signals, is provided with tamper detection to support twenty-four hour violation reporting from a subject under community supervision moves about the community. The body worn transmitter incorporates active radio frequency sensors to determine if the body worn transmitter has either been removed from the subject's body or the attachment strap has experienced tampering for the purpose of removal from the subject's body. A signal from the body worn transmitter is encrypted in order to prevent recording and retransmission of the body worn transmitter signal to an associated portable monitoring receiver for the purposes of masking body worn transmitter tampering or to make the body worn transmitter falsely appear in a different location. The body worn transmitter can be immersed in electrolyte solutions without generating a false tamper signal.