Abstract: A parking metering system where the metering device is maintained within the vehicle for external inspection by a parking control person, the metering device in one embodiment having a display screen and light keys for visually displaying parking rate information by zone and remaining time, the metering device accounting for monies by use of a prepurchased debit card or account settlement by service centers, and in another embodiment the metering device includes a radio transmitter for short distance transmission of rate data and time data to a parking control officer equipped with a pager-like receiving device.

Abstract: An automotive steering column switch comprises a turn signal switch (1) whose turn signal lever (7) is pivotable about a pivot (6) arranged on the switch housing (5) of the turn signal switch (1) and the end section (8) of which switch, on the housing side, is equipped with a spring-loaded locking element (11). The locking element (11) coacts with a locking-follower track (19) formed on the switch housing (5) and is in mesh with a release (16) mounted on the switch housing (5) and serving to reset the turn signal lever (7). To reduce the manufacturing and assembly expense, the release (16) has a follower track (26) on which bears in sliding fashion the spring-loaded locking element (11) of the turn signal lever (7), has a sliding element (31) which coacts in sliding manner with a guide element (33) formed on the end section (8) of the turn signal lever (7), and has two mutually spaced lateral recesses (37) adapted to engage corresponding lugs (40) formed on the switch housing (5).

Abstract: A portable firewall having in combination a plurality of modular panels fabricated from a fire resistant material; support rods constructed for placement at spaced intervals across a ground terrain and fasteners for quick attachment of the modular panels to the support rods forming a continuous vertical barrier to an advancing fire.