Abstract: A shift device that enables optimally operation. The shift device is provided in a vehicle including a transmission and shifts a shift range of the transmission. The shift device includes a shift operation unit, a controller, and a light emitting device. The shift operation unit is connected to the transmission of the vehicle and shifts the shift range of the transmission. The controller determines whether the shift range of the transmission should be shifted in accordance with a driving environment and generates a shift instruction signal when determining that the shift range of the transmission should be shifted. The light emitting device gives a notification for operation of the shift operation unit in accordance with the shift instruction signal.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking and controlling access to objects such as keys includes a lockable storage cabinet adapted to receive, store, and dispense objects within transparent security containers. A control computer is operably coupled to the cabinet. Information about objects, such as their weight, an image, or magnetic characteristics, is extracted by sensors when the objects within their containers are dispensed to a user or checked in by a user. This information is compared to a data base of the same information previously extracted for these objects. From the comparison, the connected control computer verifies that the objects present in the security container are the objects expected to be in the security container. If they are not, then theft or tampering is indicated and the computer takes remedial actions such as setting alarms or notifying security personnel.

Abstract: A remote control is remotely mounted and controlled by an activation switch. The remote control is mounted within a cavity of a motorcycle and in electrical communication with an activation switch. The activation switch is mounted for easy access and manipulation. A feedback device is provided for communicating that the remote control has been activated. A universal mounting bracket allows the operator to selectively mount the activation switch and feedback device in any location they desire.

Abstract: A vehicle security system for performing selectable vehicle security functions that are programmable in a wireless manner. The system has a microcontroller controlling a vehicle security interface including at least a siren control unit and a vehicle head/signal light controlling unit. A physically independent remote programming unit is used for transmitting function-programming information to the microcontroller, and a radio receiver is connected to the microcontroller for receiving function-programming information transmitted by the remote programming unit. The remote programming unit includes a switch array for setting up a security function code pattern representing the selected security functions. The remote programming unit also includes a radio transmitter for sending, in an electromagnetic transmission, the function-programming command in a signal string representing the security function code pattern to the microcontroller.

Abstract: The invention addresses resolution of serious deficiencies in the timing and movement of racing animals at racetracks and other locations. These needs are met by utilizing, refining, and applying modern computer satellite and tracking technology to an antiquated industry. The technology to be utilized includes adaptations of computer chips currently in domestic pet location use, global positioning satellite technology and on board transponders and uses modern communication technologies to centralize information flow and dissemination for efficient management of many respects of the animal racing industry.

Abstract: A system and method are for alerting safety personnel of unsafe air temperature conditions. The system includes a temperature sensor exposed to the ambient environment, a temperature indicator disposed in a field of view of safety gear such as a face mask, and a control unit. The temperature indicator and the control unit may be disposed in a protected location, such as within the face mask. The control unit may produce warnings based on detected temperatures and exposure time thresholds. Detected temperatures may also be recorded, along with positioning information, such as GPS data, to facilitate mapping of temperature gradients. At startup, the system may automatically execute a battery check and produce a warning if insufficient charge remains to provide a predetermined operating time. Various embodiments may use an arm to keep the temperature indicator within the field of view or a single screw attachment to a face piece.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for time-staggered generation of identifying signals by programmable automation components (AK1, AK2) with a system time recorder (SZ). A user (A) or an automation component (AK1, AK2) or a user program (AP) can register a time-staggered identifying signal (K) with an event manager (EV). The event manager (EV) controls a system time counter (SZ) and signals waiting events (E1-E3) back to the user (A) or the automation component (AK1, AK2) or the user program (AP). The event (E1-E3) is thereby enabled and an identifying signal (K) is generated.

Abstract: A rotary paddle bin monitor for indicating a level of dry bulk material in a bin. In normal operation, a rotary motor rotates a shaft and paddle. A spring mechanism keeps the motor in a first angular position when the paddle is rotating freely. However, when the paddle engages the dry bulk material, the created torque overcomes the spring mechanism and causes the rotary motor to rotate. A first magnetic detector (e.g. a hall effect detector) mounted inside the housing senses a first magnet marker fixed to the rotary motor via the motor support plate to provide an indication when the rotary motor has rotated due to the sufficient presence of dry bulk material. A second magnetic detector mounted inside the housing senses a second magnet marker fixed to the shaft to provide an indication that the shaft is rotating at a proper speed (and indicate the direction of the rotation as well).

Abstract: A water damage protection system and method of preventing water damage for domestic water supply systems is provided. The system comprises a control valve, a sensing device, and a controller. The control valve is bias toward an open position to allow fluid flow therethrough. The control valve is moveable to a closed position upon actuation thereby preventing fluid flow through the conduit. The sensing device detects fluid flow through the fluid conduit. The sensing device sends a fluid flow signal upon detection of fluid flow. The controller receives the fluid flow signal from the sensing device. The controller actuates the control valve when the fluid flow signal occurs continuously for a predetermined length of time and the control valve moves to a closed position.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic system comprises a hydraulic fluid reservoir and a hydraulic circuit assembly comprising lines and hydraulic components. The hydraulic components comprise a hydraulic actuator comprising a cylinder, defining an interior, a reciprocating piston within the interior dividing the interior into first and second regions, and a first shaft extending from the piston, through the first region and out through a first opening in the cylinder. At least two of the hydraulic components and the reservoir fluidly coupled to one another by the lines. Hydraulic leak warning apparatus, fluidly coupled into the hydraulic fluid reservoir, is constructed to provide a signal indicating a possible hydraulic fluid leak. The invention includes the structure that compensates for changes in the volumes of fluid within the first and second regions as the piston moves within the cylinder so that actuation of the hydraulic actuator has no effect on the fluid level within the reservoir.

Abstract: Electronic article surveillance markers, methods for their production and for their use are disclosed. In one aspect there is provided an integrated deactivatable hybrid marker which can be used both in radio frequency and magnetic harmonic article surveillance systems. The harmonics generating element or elements of the marker are inserted into a RF resonant circuit as an active part of the circuit. The deactivation of the marker is accomplished by employing another element of high coercivity magnetic material. When placed in a RF interrogation field, the hybrid marker causes an increase in absorption of transmitted signal in order to reduce the signal in the receiving coil of the RF surveillance system. When placed in an interrogation zone of a magnetic harmonic article surveillance system, the marker generates high harmonics of the interrogating frequency that can be detected by the receiver of the surveillance system.

Abstract: Tags encode information by means of spatial inhomogeneities that may be detected in the time domain; in effect, characteristics in space are transformed into time for sensing purposes. Such tags may be very inexpensively produced yet carry appreciable quantities of data. The inhomogeneities may be obtained by simple physical modifications to, or externally applied field biases operating on, materials that are very inexpensive to procure.

Abstract: A network may receiving tracking information of various emergency services personnel, so that when a security breach has occurred at a particular location, the network may receive a surveillance profile from a computer that is disposed at the location where the detector is located, and dispatch the most geographically appropriate emergency services personnel as determined based on the tracking information. A verification protocol may be initiated by calling a predetermined sequence of telephone numbers set by the subscriber to the security system. If the subscriber provides the predetermined authorization code, the detected security breach is disregarded as being a false alarm. However, if the call recipient is unable to provide the predetermined authorization code, or if there is no answer at any of the numbers in the predetermined call sequence, the emergency services personnel are dispatched.

Abstract: Object carriers are provided for use with an object tracking and control system of the type having a storage receptacle with a tray provided with an array of slots for receiving ID tags bearing touch memory devices. A computer-based controller is provided for detecting the absence or presence and identity of ID tags disposed in the slots. The carrier of this invention includes a container with an openable panel for placing objects in and removing objects from the carrier. A thin plastic tongue projects from the carrier and bears a touch memory device. Carriers bearing objects to be tracked are placed in the storage receptacle with their tongues extending into the slots of the receptacle. The controller can thus detect and log the removal and replacement of the carrier in the storage receptacle. In one embodiment, the opening and closing of the carrier when it is not stored in the receptacle is detected and logged for tracking access to the carrier in more detail.

Abstract: A controlled system comprises a plurality of peripheral operating devices connected to an electrical power supply. Each of a plurality of local controllers is mounted near an associated peripheral operating device, and is connected in series with the power supply to the associated peripheral. Each of a plurality of sensors is connected to a local controller and is operative to send sensor information to the connected local controller. An interface is operative to enable each local controller to communicate with each other local controller. Each local controller is operative to receive information from a connected sensor and from other local controllers, send information from the connected sensor to other local controllers, and control power to the associated peripheral operating device in response to information received from the connected sensor or other local controllers.

Abstract: A traffic monitoring system that provides vehicular traffic information is described. A plurality of motion sensors for detecting speed of traffic information are placed along one or more roadways. The motion sensors transmit the detected information over a wireless network at periodic intervals. The information is received and communicated to a database, which is accessible for providing speed of traffic information detected by a selected portion of the motion sensors. Users can request and receive traffic information through mobile communications units such as mobile cellular telephones, personal display assistants, or interactive pagers, or through an internet connection. Traffic information can be combined with mapping and routing information to determine optimal commuting routes.

Abstract: A light-source lamp unit includes a light-source lamp unit detachably mounted, and a CPU constituting a drive and controller for the light-source lamp unit. The CPU senses lamp information obtained by a lamp-information storing block in the light-source lamp unit, pertaining to a lamp power rating, lamp life and whether a lamp is new or not, and starts counting operation time when the lamp is lit. The CPU compares the lamp life sensed and the operation time count, and forces the lamp to extinguish when the life of the light-source lamp expires. Prior to this action, the CPU gives a warning display before the life expiration of the lamp by a fixed duration of time, to warn that lamp replacement is needed. Because the lamp-information storing block in the light-source lamp unit stores the information about the lamp type and characteristics of the lamp, the light-source device can properly drive the lamp to light it and determine the lamp life even when a light-source lamp unit of a different type is used.

Abstract: A safety system for entering and exiting garage doors and entrances comprises a warning sign adapted to be placed by an attachment cable at a primary line of sight of a driver of a truck during lowering and raising movement of the door. A delay circuit is provided to facilitate a movement of the sign in such a manner that the sign will always appear first in the primary line of sight of the driver to eliminate a possibility of collision between the truck and the door. A moving mechanism is adapted to lower the sign into an operational position and provided to keep the sign in non-operational retracted position when the door is completely open to ensure clearance for moving truck. The warning sign is activated by a warning sign activating device such as a motor-driven assembly. The door is activated by a door detector adapted to transmit signal to a door control panel operating the movement of the door by a door motor.

Abstract: A system of advertising has a source of advertising information adapted to transmit advertising information of different contents substantially corresponding to objects to be advertised situated in different advertising zones and formed as a server unit, a plurality of moving vehicles, each of the vehicle being provided with a receiver for receiving the advertising information of different contents, each of the vehicles being provided with further unit for receiving a signal, which does not contain a geographical information, each of the vehicles being provided with a display for displaying advertising information, and the server unit determining a zone in which the vehicle is located and therefore a geographic information and to transmit to the further receiving unit of the vehicle the signal does not contain the geographic information without transmitting the geographical information, while the receiver in each of the vehicle is formed so as to select in a vehicle based on the signal and to display an adver

Abstract: A flight display for use in an avionics system has a visual display format to show an enhanced vertical situation of an aircraft. Included is a vertical terrain profile display that displays terrain in front of the aircraft over a selected range and a selected swathe width. The vertical terrain profile display shows a side-on terrain profile view with a digital display of the selected swathe width and a display of range in front of the aircraft. A plan view of the aircraft position is included that shows swathe lines on either side of an aircraft to show the selected swathe width. A means for selecting the swathe width by the pilot is provided. The flight display the vertical terrain profile display may be changed into a end-on vertical terrain profile view over the selected swathe width. The end-on terrain profile view has a digital display of the selected range and a digital display of the selected swathe width on each side of the aircraft.