Abstract: Interstory drift measurement systems and methods of using the same can include a laser beam source configured to emit a beam having at least a first width in a first direction and a sensor system comprising a plurality of diodes spaced apart from one another in the first direction. The plurality of diodes can include a first diode and a diode spacing width in the first direction as measured between a centerline of the first diode and a centerline of an adjacent diode of the plurality of diodes in the first direction. The beam width in the first direction is at least two times the diode spacing width.

Abstract: A sensor system provides measurement of building interstory drift based on a laser beam impinging on a discrete diode sensor array. The diode sensor array determines the location at which a projected laser bean strikes the array, which provides a direct measurement of interstory drift. The diode sensor array is a two dimensional array of discrete diodes that allow the location of an impinging laser beam to be very accurately tracked as the beam moves back-and-forth across the diode array. Local rotations of the laser source that result from rotations of structural members (e.g. floor beam rotation) are appropriately corrected for. This allows accurate, dynamic measurements of the interstory drift between two floor levels of a shaking building.

Abstract: A sensor system provides measurement of building interstory drift based on a laser beam impinging on a discrete diode sensor array. The diode sensor array determines the location at which a projected laser bean strikes the array, which provides a direct measurement of interstory drift. The diode sensor array is a two dimensional array of discrete diodes that allow the location of an impinging laser beam to be very accurately tracked as the beam moves back-and-forth across the diode array. Local rotations of the laser source that result from rotations of structural members (e.g. floor beam rotation) are appropriately corrected for. This allows accurate, dynamic measurements of the interstory drift between two floor levels of a shaking building.

Abstract: An apparatus for externally controlling one or more brakes on a vehicle having a pressurized fluid braking system. The apparatus can include a pressurizable vessel that is adapted for fluid-tight coupling to the braking system. Impact to the rear of the vehicle by a pursuit vehicle, shooting a target mounted on the vehicle or sending a signal from a remote control can all result in the fluid pressures in the braking system of the vehicle being modified so that the vehicle is stopped and rendered temporarily inoperable. A control device can also be provided in the driver's compartment of the vehicle for similarly rendering the vehicle inoperable. A driver or hijacker of the vehicle preferably cannot overcome the stopping action from the driver's compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for externally controlling one or more brakes on a vehicle having a pressurized fluid braking system. The apparatus can include a pressurizable vessel that is adapted for fluid-tight coupling to the braking system. Impact to the rear of the vehicle by a pursuit vehicle, shooting a target mounted on the vehicle or sending a signal from a remote control can all result in the fluid pressures in the braking system of the vehicle being modified so that the vehicle is stopped and rendered temporarily inoperable. A control device can also be provided in the driver's compartment of the vehicle for similarly rendering the vehicle inoperable. A driver or hijacker of the vehicle preferably cannot overcome the stopping action from the driver's compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for externally controlling one or more brakes on a vehicle having a pressurized fluid braking system and a method for using the apparatus to halt the vehicle are described. The apparatus can include a pressurizable vessel that is adapted for fluid-tight coupling to the braking system. Impact to the rear of the vehicle by a pursuit vehicle, shooting a target mounted on the vehicle or sending a signal from a remote control can all result in the fluid pressures in the braking system of the vehicle being modified so that the vehicle is stopped and rendered temporarily inoperable. A control device can also be provided in the driver's compartment of the vehicle for similarly rendering the vehicle inoperable. A driver or hijacker of the vehicle preferably cannot overcome the stopping action from the driver's compartment.