Abstract: An electromagnetic solenoid drive apparatus for use in a vehicle for turning on an electromagnetic solenoid from a battery every time when a command switch is turned on comprises first and second resistors connected in series to each other on an electric line for flowing an electric current through the electromagnetic solenoid; a first switching element turned on in a state in which an output voltage of the battery is lower than a predetermined threshold voltage and short-circuiting both ends of the first resistor; a timer circuit operated for only a constant time in association with the turning-on operation of the command switch; and a second switching element turned on during only the operating period of the timer circuit and short-circuiting both ends of the second resistor.

Abstract: A transmission operating apparatus for automatic transmission wherein, when a shift lever of the automatic transmission is shifted to a specific position such as a parking position, a detent pin provided for the shift lever is engaged with a movable body and is moved to a first position so as to be engaged with detent means so that the shift to another shift position is prevented. A lock is engaged with the movable body which has been moved, together with the detent pin, to the first shift position so that the lock means cannot be separated from the movable body if a driver does not perform any special operation such as footing the brake or the like. Therefore, the movable body cannot be moved to the second position, and the shift lever cannot be moved to another shift position. The movable body is positioned at the second position when the shift lever is positioned at another shift position, while the same is engaged with the detent pin immediately after the shift lever is operated to the specific position.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an automotive power-operated convertible roof includes means for detecting movement of a vehicle, drive means for opening and closing the automotive convertible roof, a relay for preventing the opening and closing of the convertible roof and roof opening/closing controlling means for controlling the relay to inhibit the opening and closing of the convertible roof when the velocity of the vehicle detected by the movement state detecting means is not below a predetermined speed level. As a result, is unlikely that the convertible roof will be opened or closed erroneously during movement of the vehicle, nor is there the possibility of damage to the roof caused by an excessive wind pressure during opening or closing of the roof. In addition, no special consideration is needed about the possibility of floating or vibration of the vehicle body caused by wind pressure acting on the roof, and vehicle stability is enhanced.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for energizing an electric motor for forward or reverse rotation, which motor operative to open or close a side window pane of a door or a sun roof panel of an automobile. The motor is energized for forward or reverse rotation in accordance with the status of a pressure sensitive switch which is mounted on a window frame to detect the presence of an object or hand and an operation of up/down command changeover switches. If the presence of an object is detected by the sensor during the forward rotation of the motor which is effective to close the window pane, a self-hold circuit is triggered or set, and the motor is energized for reverse rotation. The motor is deenergized at a given time interval after the sensor has ceased to detect the object. The motor remains at rest as long as the self-hold circuit is set. In certain embodiments, the self-hold circuit is reset when up command changeover switch is moved from its up position to its non-operative position.

Abstract: An automotive rear safety checking apparatus which comprises a plurality of obstacle detectors mounted on the rear part of the automobile for radiating ultrasonic wave on the watching areas smaller in width than the width of the automobile respectively and detecting the ultrasonic wave reflected from an obstacle. The ultrasonic wave is radiated from the obstacle detectors in time division. Pulse signals in the number associated with the distance between the obstacle detector and the obstacle are generated in response to the detection of the ultrasonic wave reflected from the obstacle, so that the relative positions of the automobile and the obstacle, are indicated two-dimensionally in accordance with the pulse signal.

Abstract: An azimuth determinating apparatus wherein the azimuth sensor is oriented to a specified direction, and the deviation of the two-component detection signals of the azimuth sensor from the pointing direction of the azimuth sensor are corrected by the adjustment of the two-component detection signals with the adjusting circuit in accordance with the indication on the amount of deviation indicated by the indicating circuit, whereby distortion of the output signals due to the residual magnetism of the azimuth sensor is corrected and the true azimuth can be determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating mileage corresponding to remaining fuel for vehicles includes a microprocessor connected to receive input signals respectively indicating a traveled distance and a consumed fuel quantity in a predetermined short period. During such time when quantity of fuel remaining in the tank is above a certain threshold level, the mileage corresponding to the remaining fuel is calculated by multiplying the remaining fuel quantity by a fuel consumption (Km/l) which substantially corresponds to the average fuel consumption during a period between two recent successive fillings of the fuel tank. After the remaining quantity of fuel has reduced below the threshold level, the value of the fuel consumption is updated by increasing the weight of the momentary fuel consumption which reflects the actual running condition.

Abstract: A seatbelt system for restraining and protecting an occupant in an emergency of a vehicle, and more particularly to improvements in a fully passive type seatbelt system wherein a motor for driving the webbing is automatically actuated in accordance with the actions of an occupant entering or leaving the vehicle so as to fasten the webbing to the occupant or release the webbing from the occupant. When a closed door condition is detected by a door switch for detecting the opened or closed door condition, the motor is actuated to fasten the webbing to the occupant. When an opened door condition is detected by the door switch, the motor is actuated to release the webbing from the occupant. When limit switches detect the movement of the webbing to a normal fastened position or a normal released position are not actuated within a given period of time during which the webbing is being driven by the motor, the driving of the webbing by the motor is brought to a stop.