Abstract: Existing auditory warning systems are in general too loud and it is often difficult to distinguish between a number of different warnings. Further under different conditions warnings may change character due to masking by varying noise. A warning system is disclosed which is based on a microprocessor and waveforms for each warning sound stored in a ROM. The waveforms are read out to DACs and used to drive a loudspeaker by way of programmable attenuators. Each waveform is devised to have at least four quasi-harmonically related frequency components at a power level in the range 15 to 30 dB above threshold. In this way the sounds are distinctive and do not change character with varying noise levels below threshold.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for automatically switching off the turn signal of a vehicle, e.g., a motorcycle. The turning angle of the handlebar of the motorcycle is detected electrically, i.e., it is neglected when the vehicle travels at a lower speed, and the maximum swing of the handlebar is memorized. In returning the handlebar to the center position, when the turning angle differs from the maximum swing by a predetermined value, a turn signal cancelling signal is produced, which is also used to reset the circuit so that the circuit responds correctly when the turn signal action is repeated successively.

Abstract: This invention allows for the use of safety apparatus at the front and rear of the automobile, which serve as an addditional pair of "eyes" for the driver. The apparatus comprises a security system for the prevention of automobile collisions. The apparatus at the front of the automobile is connected to the front wheel system or to the steering mechanism by an appropriate rotary device which revolves so that the beams or waves do not encounter vehicles in oncoming lanes going in the opposite direction. The electronic safety apparatus emits beams or waves whose length is automatically regulated to correspond to weather conditions and to the speed of the vehicle so as to ensure safe braking distance.

Abstract: A theftproof device comprising a flexible tying member, an optical fiber extending through the flexible tying member, a light emission element arranged opposite an end of the optical fiber, a light receiving element arranged opposite the other end of the optical fiber, a fixture fixed to an object to be protected from theft, an electrical circuit arranged within the fixture, mechanical connector means for mechanically connecting the flexible tying member to the fixture, and electrical connector means for electrically connecting the light emission element and the light receiving element to the electrical circuit. The electrical circuit is responsive to a change in a photo signal generated by the light emission element and transmitted through the optical fiber, for performing a warning function.

Abstract: A theft preventive system, in an automotive keyless entry system with automatic door locking, is adapted to produce an alarm signal in response to door opening when the theft preventive system is in a door-locked position, and which is cooperative with a door-lock system but independently operable in order to switch its operating mode from a door-locked mode to a door-unlocked mode. The theft preventive system in an automotive keyless entry system, according to the present invention, includes a push-button-type function key for operating a door-lock mechanism to lock a vehicle door. A memory circuit is responsive to a door-lock signal fed from the door-lock function key to indicate the door-locked condition. The content of the memory cannot be cleared unless a plurality of door-unlock function keys are properly operated. An alarm circuit is responsive to a door-open signal from a door switch in the presence of a memory output indicative of the door-locked condition to produce an alarm signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alarm device for doors in vehicles which is located in a hollow rubber tube and gives alarm as the tube is compressed. The device can be adjusted to be sensitive by placing in one end of the tube a light transmitter and in the other end a light receiver producing a signal which changes according to the light intensity received by the receiver and by compensating slowly occurring changes in said light intensity so that the light intensity of the light transmitter in a corresponding manner is corrected.

Abstract: A display apparatus for a vehicle comprising arithmetic unit for processing outputs of different sensors in accordance with a given process program so as to provide display signals adapted to be displayed on different display units, a memory for storing predetermined process programs corresponding to different display standards, and a program selecting device for selecting one of the process programs stored in the memory in accordance with a desired one of the display standards and supplying the selected process program to the arithmetic unit, whereby the display units can display signals to meet any one of the different display standards.

Abstract: Electronic outdoor warning siren systems which include a plurality of speakers arranged in one or more vertically spaced circular arrays of circumferentially spaced vertically oriented speakers to achieve substantially uniform coverage in all radial directions in a horizontal plane, and utilizing frequency variations in adjacent speakers in a given horizontal plane to minimize interference between sound signals from adjacent speakers thereby permitting closer spacing of speakers than would otherwise be feasible and providing uniform omni-directional sound propagation. The same frequency variations are also employed with a plurality of speakers oriented in the same direction and rotated through 360.degree. to accomplish the same result of minimal interference and more uniform sound propagation.

Abstract: An indicator panel 20 has an array of LED's 25A to 25Q to provide an indication to the driver of a road vehicle, particularly a diesel-powered truck, when he should change to the next highest gear during acceleration from rest or low speed. The LED's are lit progressively as the engine speed increases in each gear and, when lit, emit green light if the engine speed is below the optimum change-up speed for that gear. When the engine speed begins to exceed the optimum change-up speed, the next LED illuminated produces red light to the driver. An audible warning may also be produced. If the driver does not change up in response to such warning, further red LED's will show and a more strident audible warning may be given. The change-up speeds to which the system responds are pre-set so as to be the optimum speeds for increased fuel efficiency. The change-up speed corresponding to the lowest gear is relatively low and increases successively for the successively high gears.

Abstract: A display unit for a speedometer for an automobile, wherein car speed is sensed and displayed in at least two modes including a standard scale mode when car speed is above a set standard speed, and an enlarged scale mode when car speed falls below a lower set speed. The display unit includes a bar graph display, and a scale display, both of which are controlled in correspondence with car speed to operate in either the standard scale mode or the enlarged scale mode.

Abstract: An alarm bell assembly wherein the working parts are located beneath and protected by the gong, and preferably also a cover for the assembly, being secured by means comprising a detector such as a micro-switch by which alarm drive is actuable when the bell is tampered with. A rechargeable battery is connected to an external control circuit such that the battery remains fully charged and supplies the alarm drive if the control circuit connection is severed.

Abstract: A position indicating system for an elevator system includes a position indicator which operates in conjunction with an elevator control to provide an indication of elevator position and direction of travel by means of a display disposed within the elevator or at any position in the building. The position of the elevator is sensed by the elevator control and is converted into a multi-bit digital word which is transmitted serially over hoistway wires to the position indicator. The position indicator utilizes the multi-bit word to access a memory in which is stored a library of codes for character sets which may be indicated by the display. The proper codes are obtained from the memory and used to energize the display elements to illuminate the desired characters. By transmitting the position word in serial fashion to the position indicator, only six hoistway wires are required regardless of the number of position indicators utilized in the building.

Abstract: A dual operational mode vehicle detection and collision avoidance apparatus is disclosed characterized by use of a single active or passive acoustic ranging device mounted for azimuth directional movement relative the vehicle to automatically detect the presence and direction of objects in the vicinity of the vehicle. Signals generated by the ranging device are time processed along with azimuth directional signals to generate an output utilized to provide both an audio and visual display of distance and direction of the detected object from the vehicle. In a first operational mode, i.e. a surveillance mode, the acoustic ranging device is sequentially positioned in a left, center and right azimuth directional position to selectively indicate the presence of objects in the individual azimuth direction. In a second operational mode, i.e.

Abstract: A display system for a vehicle utilizing two vehicle operating parameters as input signals on axes of a different direction on a display surface. The position on the display surface designated by the two signals is displayed.

Abstract: A hazard warning light for attachment to a vehicle is designed to give the illusion of a rotating lamp of high intensity and is actuable by the driver of one vehicle to alert following cars to the existence of an emergency e.g. a car crash. The light incorporates electronic circuitry.

Abstract: A single timing motor (26) drives a gear box (54) having an output shaft (56) for indexing a ratchet wheel (62) for turning a cam drum (68). One cam track (72) operates a line switch (22) for controlling the program interval "ON" time of the appliance. A second cam track (70) operates a second line switch (40) for controlling the timing motor. A toothless space (66) in the ratchet wheel stalls cam drum advance upon program interval time-out to maintain the timer switch (40) closed to keep the motor running. Output shaft 56 drives a sub-interval cam (80) which cycles a switch (48) for effecting intermittent appliance "ON" time for a minor portion of the sub-interval period to provide a "KEEP-WARM" mode of operation. An alarm bell (100) is sounded by a striker (98) actuated by the sub-interval cam. The operator manually advances the cam drum (68) for de-actuating the timer motor switch (40).

Abstract: The driver of a vehicle is informed that he has driven continuously for a present limit driving time and thus should rest for a preset rest period by a system comprising: a first timer for setting the limit driving time and starting to operate upon detecting that the vehicle driving has started; a second timer for setting the rest period and starting to operate upon detecting stopping of driving; warning means for emitting a warning upon detecting that the set limit driving time has been counted after start of the first timer operation; means for rendering the warning means inoperative upon detecting that the set rest period has been counted after start of the second timer operation; and means for causing the operation of the first timer to continue when the vehicle driving is restarted before completion of counting of the set rest period after start of the second timer operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the operation of machinery such as a motor vehicle by an operator who is intoxicated, such apparatus including an alcohol sensor and a proximity sensor located in the control area of the machinery.

Abstract: An audio signalling device provides a housing having at least one end, a piezoelectric transducer, a nodal mounting for the piezoelectric transducer in proximity to the end of the housing, a planar member, a mounting for the planar member in a spaced adjacent relationship with the piezoelectric transducer, and spring contacts mounted on the planar member for making spring biased electrical contact with the piezoelectric transducer.

Abstract: A tone-pip signal generator for use in systems employed in the identification and diagnosis of hearing defects, the generator including a counter for counting cycles of a clock signal which occur following the time marked by a reset signal, a gate circuit for coupling the clock signal to the counter until a predetermined count is accumulated, a memory addressed by the counter, the memory for retrieving in succession stored numbers representing respective time samples of the tone-pip signal and a digital-to-analog converter driven by the memory. Additionally, the generator includes an exclusive-OR-gate array for selectively inverting the tone-pip signal.