Abstract: A radar system for monitoring the headway control distance between a vehicle equipped with a radar system of the present invention and a fixed or moving object of immediate concern in front thereof. The system employs an antenna positioned in front of the vehicle, transmitter and receiver circuits and signal processing circuits. A transmitted signal from the transmitter circuit when reflected back from an object of immediate concern is received by the receiver circuit and fed into conditioning circuits which separate the received signal into controlling signals that include the range or distance (R) to a detected object of concern, the closing rate (CR) to that object and the vehicle speed of movement (VS). Driving condition modifiers (.+-.

Abstract: An anti-skid brake control system for a vehicle having a first and a second set of wheels with each wheel being provided with a brake and a brake actuator. The first set of wheels tend to lock at a lower braking pressure than the second set of wheels. Wheel speed sensors are fitted to the first set of wheels. The system includes a first and a second regulator for separately regulating the braking pressure acting on the brake actuators of the first and second set of wheels respectively. The first and second regulator co-operate to control the braking pressure acting on the first and second sets of wheels by equalizing the braking pressure.

Abstract: A wheelchair latching device designed to connect a wheelchair to a commode, which latching device includes a latch mechanism mounted on the wheelchair and designed to engage a receiver mechanism secured to the floor and/or the commode. An axle component of the latch mechanism is designed to engage a pivoting latch tongue provided in the receiver mechanism to releasably secure the axle against a pair of spring-loaded tension receivers which are forced rearwardly in the receiver mechanism housing responsive to impact with the axle when the axle engages the latch tongue. The axle is thusly locked between the tension receivers and a lip provided on the latch tongue, and the seat of the wheelchair is thereby securely positioned immediately adjacent to the commode seat.

Abstract: A dispenser for semi-solid material such as deodorant comprises a tubular barrel, a radial flange of which holds captive a knurled drive wheel for rotation abotu the axis of the barrel. An elevator is mounted on a spindle connected to the drive wheel and is adapted to move deodorant up and down the barrel on rotation of the wheel. To facilitate bottom-filling of the dispenser the elevator is formed from a radially inner part and a radially outer part. The radially outer part is positioned in the barrel before filling, and the radially inner part, preassembled on the spindle, is then clipped into the radially outer part while the deodorant is still in liquid form.

Abstract: A Doppler radar system for a vehicle providing driver warning, vehicle brake application and air bag deployment. The system produces voltage level input directed to the distance and approach rate to an object, vehicle speed and driving monitor inputs, such as steering angles, turning rates, braking, and acceleration/deacceleration. These voltages are properly weighted as to their importance. These weighted instantaneous input voltages are summed. The summed voltage is then compared with a predetermined voltage level dividing safe and danger zones. If the summed level falls within the safe zone, the radar system produces no output signals. If the summed voltage level falls within the danger zone, the radar system produces audio warning signals and if impact with an object is eminent vehicles braking signals are then produced. The invention further includes an air bag deployment feature.

Abstract: A retractable light assembly for use in portions of a room and for hidden storage within the ceiling of the room when not in use, comprising a rigid support frame adapted to be mounted within an opening in and above the ceiling of a room and defining a lower frame opening containing movable panels attached to the frame for movement between a first position closing the frame opening and a second position extending downwardly therefrom into a room. A positionally adjustable lighting fixture mounted on the upper surface of one of the panels is carried thereby from a stored, hidden position in the ceiling into the room for manual positioning and use. An electromechanically-powered linear actuator connecting the frame to the panels is actuated to move the panels and lighting fixture from stored to use position.

Abstract: A release mechanism is disclosed for releasing an object such as a ball from a body under the force of gravity. A bimetallic element obstructs or opens an opening in the body for retaining or releasing the object depending upon the temperature of the bimetallic element. The release mechanism may be incorporated into a novelty "brass monkey" for "emasculating" the monkey when the temperature decreases to a predetermined temperature at which the balls in the "brass monkey" are permitted to drop to a base which is designed to produce an audible sound when struck by the balls.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-skid braking system, particularly for motor cycles, which employs a pilot brake for the purpose of generating operating power for the anti-skid system. The pilot brake is mounted for limited movement so that torque reaction moves it to actuate, for example, a fluid pressure pump. Such a pump actuated by the pilot brake may be used to control application, release and re-application of a main brake or may act only to return to a master cylinder fluid released from the main brake during an anti-skid operation.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-skid braking system, particularly for articulated vehicles, in which a fail-safe device is incorporated to disable the braking-releasing function if a skid signal is generated during the initial period of operation of the braking system before the brakes have been effectively applied.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for heating a fluid, such as water, for any of several purposes, such as for use with carpet cleaning apparatus; and charcterized by supplying electrical current periodically to the primary of a conductive coil, thereby building and collapsing a field about a shorted electrically conductive secondary of the coil. The shorted secondary is a hollow conductor that is heated by high current flow. The heat is transferred to a fluid flowing through the hot, shorted secondary. In a specific aspect of the embodiment, a frame including spray nozzles, vacuum nozzles and the like has the apparatus for heating water connected into it such that heated water is supplied, to effect much more efficacious cleaning of carpets or similar floor surfaces. Also disclosed are specific details and preferred embodiments that have been constructed to date; particularly, the details of the apparatus in which the primary and the secondary coils are closely adjacent each other such that the I.sup.

Abstract: A doppler radar module consisting of transmitting and receiving diodes disposed within adjacent sections of waveguide with the transmitter diode disposed a half wavelength away from a shorting end of the transmitter section of waveguide and a receiver diode disposed a quarter wave from a shorting end of the receiver portion of the waveguide. The receiver section and the transmitter section of the waveguide being separated by a common wall; a coupling aperture disposed in the common wall for coupling a small portion of transmitter energy into the receiver portion of the waveguide and for coupling a maximum of reflected energy into the receiver of waveguide section.

Abstract: A doppler radar module consisting of transmitting and receiving diodes disposed within adjacent sections of wave guide with the transmitter diode disposed a half wave length away from a shorting end of the transmitter section of wave guide, and a receiver diode disposed a quarter wave from a shorting end of the receiver portion of the guide. The receiver section and the transmitter section of the wave guides being separated by a common wall; coupling aperture disposed in the common wall substantially one wave length from the end of the transmitter section of wave guide for coupling a small portion of transmitter energy into the receiver portion of wave guide and for coupling substantially all reflected energy into the wave guide section.