Abstract: An automobile collision avoidance system based on laser radars is disclosed for aiding in avoidance of automobile collisions. The very small beam width, very small angular resolution and the highly directional character of laser radars provide a plurality of advantages as compared with microwave radars. With two sets of laser radars this system can detect the location, the direction of movement, the speed and the size of all obstacles specifically and precisely. This system includes laser radars with transmitters and receivers, a computer, a warning device and an optional automatic braking device. A steering wheel rotation sensor or a laser gyroscope is utilized to give information of system-equipped vehicle's directional change. The system will compare the predicted collision time with the minimal allowable time to determine the imminency of a collision, and when determined, provides a warning. An optional automatic braking device is disclosed to be used when the vehicle user fails to respond to a warning.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for controlling an automatic timer regulated sprinkler system; wherein, the apparatus (10) comprises a float member (60) disposed within a multi-stage screen member (30) secured within a receptacle member (20); and, wherein, the float member is operatively associated with a switch member (50) for controlling the flow of electrical current to the sprinkler system in response to the level of collected water within the receptacle member. Another apparatus (200) for controlling an automatic timer regulated sprinkler system; wherein, the apparatus (200) comprises a water-amount-responsive means (204) containing water absorbing material; and, wherein, the water-amount-responsive means is operatively associated with a switch means (203) for controlling the flow of electrical current to the automatic sprinkler system in response to the change in gravitational force or expansile force produced by water on the water-amount-responsive means.

Abstract: An automobile collision avoidance system based on laser radars for aiding in avoidance of automobile collisions. The very small beam width, very small angular resolution and the highly directional character of laser radars provide a plurality of advantages as compared with microwave radars. With two sets of laser radars this system can detect the location, the direction of movement, the speed and the size of all obstacles specifically and precisely. This system includes laser radars with transmitters and receivers, a computer, a warning device and an optional automatic braking device. A steering wheel rotation sensor or a laser gyroscope is utilized to give information of system-equipped vehicle's directional change. The system will compare the predicted collision time with the minimal allowable time to determine the imminency of a collision. When the system determines that a situation likely to result in an accident exists, it provides a warning.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for overriding an automatic timer controlled sprinkler system (100); wherein, the apparatus (10) comprises a float member (60) disposed within a two stage screen member (30) secured within a receptacle member (20); and, wherein, the float member (60) is operatively associated with a switch member (50) suspended above the receptacle member (20) for interrupting the flow of electrical current to an automatic timer controlled sprinkler system (100) in response to the level of collected rainwater within the receptacle member (20).