Abstract: A vehicle passenger safety system for use where independent power is required. The system includes as cooperating elements: an independent source of power; a passenger restraining belt; an inflatable bag stored in the belt; crash event sensors; belt orientating structure; a source of inflating gas; and, in the preferred embodiment programmed electronics that control functioning of the safety system and prolong the service life of the independent power source.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle supplemental restraint system that includes an air bag positioned within the vehicle opposite the passenger side of the front seat, and electronics coupled to one or more impact sensors for activating the air bag in the event of a vehicle impact. Occupancy sensors are provided at the passenger seat for sensing seat occupancy and inhibiting activation of the air bag when the seat is either unoccupied or occupied by a rear-facing infant seat. System status is displayed to a vehicle operator, and the operator is provided with an opportunity to override the occupancy sensors and enable activation of the air bag.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system that includes an impact sensor for sensing a vehicle impact to provide an electrical impact signal, an occupant restraint such as an air bag to restrain motion of a vehicle occupant, and an electronic control circuit responsive to the impact signal for operating the occupant restraint. The impact sensor includes a permanent magnet axially slidable within a linear cavity and resiliently biased to one end of the cavity, such that vehicle impact forces on the sensor urge the magnet to slide axially toward the opposing end of the cavity against the biasing forces. A magnetic sensor is disposed adjacent to the cavity and is characterized by providing the electrical impact signal as an analog electrical signal that varies in magnitude as a continuous monotonic function of axial position of the magnet within the cavity.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle supplemental restraint system that includes an air bag positioned within the vehicle opposite the passenger side of the front seat, and electronics coupled to one or more impact sensors for activating the air bag in the event of a vehicle impact. Occupancy sensors are provided at the passenger seat for sensing seat occupancy and inhibiting activation of the air bag when the seat is either unoccupied or occupied by a rear-facing infant seat. System status is displayed to a vehicle operator, and the operator is provided with an opportunity to override the occupancy sensors and enable activation of the air bag.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor that includes a permanent magnet mounted for movement within a cylindrical cavity in a body of non-magnetic material. The magnet has a cylindrical geometry and an outer surface with a first portion of electrically conductive construction entirely around the magnet adjacent to one axial end thereof, and a second portion of electrically non-conductive construction entirely around the magnet adjacent to an opposing end thereof. A pair of diametrically opposed electrical contact leaves extend through openings into resilient sliding contact with the magnet. The magnet is resiliently urged toward one end of the cavity such that the contacts are in engagement with one of the first and second surface portions.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system that includes an impact sensor coupled by fiber optics to an igniter for inflating an air bag. The impact sensor includes a permanent magnet disposed within a cavity and biased by magnetic force toward one end of the cavity, motion of the magnet in the cavity being sensed by a weigand wire or Hall sensor for igniting the air bag. Facility is disposed externally of the cavity for selectively adjusting the bias of the sensor and/or moving the magnet into proximity with the Hall effect or weigand wire sensor to test operative condition of the sensor.

Abstract: A battery charge monitor for automotive vehicles that includes electronic circuitry for connection to the vehicle battery and responsive to battery voltage to provide a first electrical signal when battery voltage decreases to a selected threshold level. A latching relay includes relay contacts for connection between the vehicle battery and vehicle battery loads, including the starter. A first relay coil is operatively coupled to the relay contacts and responsive to the first signal from the electronic circuitry to open the relay contacts and disconnect the battery from the battery loads including the starter. A second relay coil is operatively coupled to the relay contacts and responsive to a second electrical signal from an operator reset switch for reclosing the relay contacts and connecting the battery to the loads. Thus, when battery charge reaches a level below which starting may be difficult, the electronic circuitry cooperates with the latching relay to disconnect the battery from the loads.

Abstract: Apparatus for operating exterior lights on an automotive vehicle under inclement weather conditions that includes an electronic switch responsive to a vehicle operator for selectively activating the vehicle windshield wipers under inclement weather conditions, and electronic circuitry responsive to the windshield wiper switch for automatically applying electrical power to the vehicle exterior lights. The electronic circuitry preferably comprises a latch circuit that is set by operator activation of the vehicle windshield wipers for maintaining illumination of the vehicle exterior lights even if the windshield wipers are later deactivated by the operator. The latch circuit is reset by operation of the vehicle ignition switch to disenable ignition at the vehicle engine. Thus, the vehicle exterior lights are activated and remain activated under inclement weather conditions that require operation of the windshield wipers.

Abstract: A relay having a contact and terminal base assembly having a platform with mounting holes formed in corners thereof, to receive depending limbs which extend from the coil and plunger assembly so that, in this way, the two assemblies are mechanically engaged by a socket-type connection. Each assembly, then, may be separately manufactured, to support the contacts and terminals in the one assembly, and to support the coil and plunger in the other assembly, respectively; then, the two are socketed together, to form the complete relay. Such modular construction simplifies manufacturing, and facilitates final, factory adjustments, of each module-assembly, before the two are mechanically joined.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor that comprises a body of non-magnetic construction having a linear internal cavity of uniform cross section, and a pair of permanent magnetics movably mounted within such cavity with like magnetic poles opposed to each other, such that the magnetics are urged to opposite ends of the cavity by force of magnetic repulsion therebetween. At least one weigand wire is positioned externally of the cavity between the cavity ends, and has a longitudinal dimension parallel to the lineal dimension of the cavity. The weigand wire is characterized by two stable magnetic flux-generating states dependent upon application of an external magnetic field of appropriate polarity for switching between such states.

Abstract: A solenoid valve for controlling pneumatic vacuum or pressure comprising a body having a bore. A first passage intersects one end of the bore. The bore defines a first seat adjacent the one end. The body has a second passage intersecting the bore intermediate its ends and a third passage. A coil surrounds a core. The core has a fourth passage therethrough with a second seat at one end. A tube provides communication between the other end of the fourth passage and the third passage. A single plunger is provided in the bore and has a first valve at one end adapted to engage the first seat and a second valve at the other end adapted to engage the second seat.

Abstract: A quiet alarm clock comprising a flat rectangular enclosure, and a motor-driven eccentric vibrator positioned within the enclosure. An electronic clock module is removably fastened within the enclosure, and includes a self-contained battery power source, switches for selectively setting time of day and alarm time and an alphanumeric clock display positioned on one wall of the enclosure for ready observation by a user. An alarm output from the clock is fed to a solid-state electronic switch that applies electrical power to the vibrator motor from a second battery power source within the enclosure. The clock module includes an operator panel positioned adjacent to the display and having the time-setting switches mounted thereon, and a hinged flap for removably covering the panel while permitting viewing of the display, whereby the clock module may be employed as a pocket watch separate from the quiet alarm.

Abstract: A sealed proximity switch assembly comprising a housing of non-magnetic material, contacts mounted in the housing, a movable contact member of electrically conductive material mounted within the housing for movement toward and away from engagement with the contacts, a spring yieldingly urging the contact member into engagement with the contacts, and a magnet within the housing and connected to the contact member such that when a portion of a movable member is in proximity with the housing, the magnet is attracted toward the portion moving the contact member out of engagement with the contacts.

Abstract: Relay comprising an electromagnetic coil wound an an insulating bobbin, the central cavity of which encloses a central spring-biased contact actuated by a magnetic armature in response to energization of the coil, to make or break contact with one or more fixed contacts also enclosed. A U-shaped member and heel plate, both of highly magnetically permeable material, surround the coil and complete the magnetic circuit for flux generated by the coil. In one modification a permanent magnet interposed into the cavity aids or repulses the flux generated by the electromagnet, depending on their respective directions. In accordance with another modification the bobbin and the enclosing coil are elongated to include a plurality of sets of contacts which are being simultaneously actuated.

Abstract: A control system for regulating the operation of an electric resistance heating grid for de-icing or de-fogging a window of an automobile in accordance with the temperature of the window includes a manually operable switching relay closed by the driver to start the flow of current through the heating grid upon the accumulation of an unacceptable amount of ice or fog on the window. A holding circuit maintains the switching relay closed until such time as an electric resistance-type temperature sensor in heat exchange relationship to the window surface on which the ice or fog accumulates operates through a transistorized circuit to break the holding circuit when the window reaches a preselected temperature high enough to dissipate any fog or ice accumulated thereon.

Abstract: The disclosed system comprises one or more stationary dispensers associated with drinking fountains for farm animals, for dispensing predetermined doses of drugs or nutrients, operating in cooperation with a plurality of portable units constructed for individual animals. The portable units are designed to interact electronically with a stationary dispenser to control the amount and timing of the doses. The stationary dispenser includes in circuit relation, an interrogator-transmitter, a reply receiver, and a liquid dispenser responsive to the reply receiver. Each portable system comprises a coded passive transponder, a timer, and a memory element. When an animal comes within range of the stationary dispenser, its portable transponder is interrogated. A coded reply is sent by the animal's transponder indicating whether animal has received a dose within a preceeding preselected time interval. If a positive reply is received by the stationary dispenser circuit, no further action is taken.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical relay, particularly for automotive use, characterized by quietness of operation in which the armature coil, spring arm and contact elements are so arranged that the mating surfaces of the contact elements lie substantially in a single plane when in open position and are closed without audible noise by relative sliding movement in said plane.

Abstract: An electromechanical switching device has a housing containing an armature. This armature is mounted in the housing to reciprocate between a closed and an open position. A coil mounted near the armature in the housing can magnetically hold the armature in its closed position. A manually operable member is mounted in the housing to reciprocate between a set and a reset position. This member can be moved into the set and reset positions to drive the armature toward its closed and open positions, respectively. Being arranged in this fashion the coil can be operated by a relatively small current. This current may be insufficient to attract the armature from its open to its closed position. However, the full travel of the armature is accomplished by the combined effects of the manually operable member and the coil.