Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-cost windshield wiper control system which can be readily incorporated into existing vehicle systems, particularly into an operator-accessible windshield wiper control unit assembly (100). The windshield wiper control assembly (100) is selectively operable as an intermittent wiper control system, or as a rain sensing windshield wiper control system without the need for microprocessors or multiplex circuitry.

Abstract: A moisture sensor is provided that simultaneously achieves ruggedness, sensitivity, wide dynamic range, versatility of application, and low cost. The outer, top service of the sensor is a lens having a predetermined geometric shape which preferably makes the rain sensor resistant to the build up of debris on the outer surface as well as being effectively self-cleaning. Within a housing of the rain sensor, at least one light emitter and at least one light detector are each deployed on a substantially planar circuit board facing such outer lens surface. So arranged, light rays from the at least one emitter strike the outer lens surface and is reflected about 90°, whereupon it strikes the outer lens surface once more and is again reflected therefrom about 90° to focus back onto the at least one detector. Raindrops present on the outside surface of the sensor affect the intensity of the light rays reflected and signals from the at least one light detector are sent to control circuitry within the rain sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-cost windshield wiper control system which can be readily incorporated into existing vehicle systems, particularly into an operator-accessible windshield wiper control unit assembly (100). The windshield wiper control assembly (100) is selectively operable as an intermittent wiper control system, or as a rain sensing windshield wiper control system without the need for microprocessors or multiplex circuitry.

Abstract: A moisture sensor is provided that simultaneously achieves ruggedness, sensitivity, wide dynamic range, versatility of application, and low cost. The outer, top service of the sensor is a lens having a predetermined geometric shape which preferably makes the rain sensor resistant to the build up of debris on the outer surface as well as being effectively self-cleaning. Within a housing of the rain sensor, at least one light emitter and at least one light detector are each deployed on a substantially planar circuit board facing such outer lens surface. So arranged, light rays from the at least one emitter strike the outer lens surface and is reflected about 90°, whereupon it strikes the outer lens surface once more and is again reflected therefrom about 90° to focus back onto the at least one detector. Raindrops present on the outside surface of the sensor affect the intensity of the light rays reflected and signals from the at least one light detector are sent to control circuitry within the rain sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rain sensor that adaptively functions in a variety of different modes when deployed on vehicle windows of different thicknesses and compositions. The arrangement of multiple lens segments and reflecting surfaces in a nonsequential configuration allows utilization of a greater proportion of light rays from the at least two emitters. Further, a greater portion of the light rays emitted by the at least two emitters is captured by the lens segments and reflectors arranged about at least two detectors, and directed to the detectors. Connection to analytical circuitry then allows interpretation of electrical signals, which in turn control, for example, window wiper systems.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for simulating an operating television for the purpose of deterring potential intruders by providing the appearance that one or more occupants are at home. Realistic simulation of a television is accomplished via perceived random combinations, amplitudes, colors, and durations of television program scene modes, these scene modes comprised of fades, swells, flicks, static periods, and low frequency noise. Color shifts, both subtle and dramatic, effectively emulate true television output. Efficient, reliable, and inexpensive super-bright LEDs serve as light sources.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for simulating an operating television for the purpose of deterring potential intruders by providing the appearance that one or more occupants are at home. Realistic simulation of a television is accomplished via perceived random combinations, amplitudes, colors, and durations of television program scene modes, these scene modes comprised of fades, swells, flicks, static periods, and low frequency noise. Color shifts, both subtle and dramatic, effectively emulate true television output. Efficient, reliable, and inexpensive super-bright LEDs serve as light sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rain sensor that adaptively functions in a variety of different modes when deployed on vehicle windows of different thicknesses and compositions. The arrangement of multiple lens segments and reflecting surfaces in a nonsequential configuration allows utilization of a greater proportion of light rays from the at least two emitters. Further, a greater portion of the light rays emitted by the at least two emitters is captured by the lens segments and reflectors arranged about at least two detectors, and directed to the detectors. Connection to analytical circuitry then allows interpretation of electrical signals, which in turn control, for example, window wiper systems.

Abstract: A moisture sensor for detecting moisture on the surface of a transparent material. The moisture sensor includes one or more emitters for producing emitter signals, and one or more detectors for receiving the emitter signals. The detector produces a detector output signal which is filtered and amplified in a pre-demodulation gain and filtering circuit to remove some of the unwanted signal components including noise from ambient light and EMI. Digital Signal Processing filtering is used after the moisture signal is demodulated to a dc signal to discern small signal changes due to moisture events in the presence of large amounts of the noise created by the pre-demodulation gain circuit. The DSP filtering includes a low pass filter stage and a bandpass filter stage implemented by a microcomputer and provides a Finite Impulse Response, an Infinite Impulse Response, or uses Fast Fourier Transform to provide the necessary filtering.

Abstract: An autobalance control circuit for use in a moisture sensor which senses moisture on the surface of a transparent material. The moisture sensor includes detectors for receiving emitter signals which are influenced by moisture on the transparent material. The moisture sensor further includes a pre-demodulation circuit for attenuating unwanted signal components in the detector output signal while amplifying the useful signal components for further processing by a microprocessor. An autobalance circuit is provided for receiving the pre-demodulation circuit signal and providing an autobalance signal to the pre-demodulation circuit input. The autobalance signal at least partially cancels the detector output signal to prevent saturation of the pre-demodulation amplifier when undesirable detector output signal amplitudes are encountered.

Abstract: An automatic intensity control unit for use in a moisture sensor which senses moisture on the surface of a transparent material. The moisture sensor includes one or more emitters for producing an emitter signal which is influenced by moisture on the transparent material, and one or more detectors for receiving the emitter signals. The automatic intensity control unit adjusts the intensity of the emitter signals to accommodate transparent materials having different transmittances. The automatic intensity control unit includes a comparator for comparing the intensity the emitter signals received by the detectors with a predetermined reference signal and a counter communicating with the comparator for producing a counter output.

Abstract: A glass heating system includes a low emissivity sheet of coated glass and an optical sensor mounted on the surface of the glass for optically detecting condensation on the glass. The low emissivity glass is economical to produce and provides superior thermal properties. The low emissivity glass has improved thermal characteristics for use in insulating glass doors for freezers and refrigerators. The optical sensor is positioned between the sheets of glass in the insulating glass unit for detection of moisture on the outer surface. When condensation is detected, the controller transmits power through the conductive coating on the unexposed surface of the glass to heat the glass and eliminate the condensation. In a two paned insulating glass door, the control circuit can be conveniently mounted in the frame of the door.

Abstract: A moisture sensor for detecting moisture on the surface of a transparent material. The moisture sensor includes one or more emitters for producing moisture sensing signals which are influenced by moisture on the transparent material, and one or more detectors for receiving the moisture sensing signals and producing a detector output signal. The moisture sensor further includes a pre-demodulation gain and filtering circuit having high order filtering for removing most of the unwanted ambient light noise and EMI interference from the detector output signal for the accurate detection of moisture in the presence of noise.

Abstract: A moisture sensor for detecting moisture on the surface of a transparent material. The moisture sensor includes one or more emitters for producing emitter signals which are influenced by moisture on the transparent material, and one or more detectors for receiving the emitter signals. The detector produces a detector output signal which is filtered and amplified in a pre-demodulation gain and filtering circuit to remove some of the unwanted signal components including noise from ambient light and EMI. Digital Signal Processing filtering is used after the moisture signal is demodulated to a dc signal to discern small signal changes due to moisture events in the presence of large amounts of the noise created by the pre-demodulation gain circuit. The DSP filtering includes a low pass filter stage and a band pass filter stage implemented by a microcomputer using First In First Out shift registers, summing elements and division elements.

Abstract: An autobalance control circuit for use in a moisture sensor which senses moisture on the surface of a transparent material. The moisture sensor includes detectors for receiving emitter signals which are influenced by moisture on the transparent material. The moisture sensor further includes a pre-demodulation circuit for attenuating unwanted signal components in the detector output signal while amplifying the useful signal components for further processing by a microcomputer. An autobalance circuit is provided for receiving the pre-demodulation circuit signal and providing an autobalance signal to the pre-demodulation circuit input. The autobalance signal at least partially cancels the detector output signal to prevent saturation of the pre-demodulation amplifier when undesirable detector output signal amplitudes are encountered.

Abstract: A compact moisture sensor for mounting on the inner surface of a windshield to detect moisture, such as rain, on the outer surface of the windshield and control the windshield wipers accordingly includes a coupler having a collimator and focuser and a housing for detachably covering the coupler. A planar circuit board disposed within the housing includes emitters and detectors mounted such that the axes of emission and detection are perpendicular to the windshield when the housing is secured to the coupler. The collimator and focuser are disposed adjacent the emitter and detector respectively such that the optical axes of the collimator and focuser form oblique angles with respect to the emission and detection axes. Two emitters and two detectors are used to form four optical paths of equal length and optical efficiency.

Abstract: A glass heating system includes a low emissivity sheet of coated glass and a capacitor for capacitive coupling the coated glass to a power source. The low emissivity glass is economical to produce and provides superior thermal properties. The low emissivity glass has a low sheet resistance and is coupled to one or more capacitors to increase the impedance of the circuit and reduce the power dissipation by the coated glass. The exact amount of power to be delivered to the coated glass can be varied by changing the capacitor. The low emissivity glass has improved thermal characteristics for use in insulating glass doors for freezers and refrigerators. In a two-paned insulating glass door, the capacitor can be conveniently mounted in the frame of the door or in the space between the two panes.

Abstract: A device to facilitate the mounting of an optical sensor on a windshield glass using a clear adhesive tape is disclosed. The device holds the sensor, with tape exposed, in a vacuum chamber which is sealed against the glass. The chamber is evacuated, and the sensor is then pressed against the glass by the longitudinal movement of a drive shaft. The sensor may be installed with consistent force and with no trapped air pockets or air bubbles. Air pockets are a special concern because air pockets adversely effect the optical performance of the sensor. The vacuum chamber device may be controlled by a computer, and features a latching mechanism which prevents the sensor from making contact with the glass until the chamber is evacuated.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device for transporting an individual. The device includes a frame that supports a drive wheel and a chair movably attached to the frame for receiving the individual. The device also includes a lift mechanism attached to the frame. The lift mechanism includes a screw, a mechanism for moving the screw, and an arm for lifting the individual from the chair. The device further includes a pivoting mechanism attached to the arm of the lift mechanism for positioning the lifted individual radially about the screw. The device additionally includes a swivel mechanism attached to the pivoting mechanism on the arm of the lift mechanism, opposing the pivoting mechanism for swiveling the lifted individual. The device also includes a leg for stabilizing the transporting device, when the lift arm is pivoting left or right.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for determining parameters of motion regarding a struck projectile. The invention has particular application to determining the launch parameters of a golf ball struck by a golf club. A Doppler microwave speed sensor measures the apparent speed of a struck golf ball, which is the true speed of the ball subtended onto a radial from the sensor to the ball. The speed sensor is positioned a substantial lateral distance from a straight aim line, and the sensor's microwave beam is wide. As a result of this deployment, and in contrast to the typical usage of microwave speed sensors, the apparent speed measured by the sensor differs significantly from the true speed of the ball. The measured apparent speed results from a complicated interaction of initial ball speed, loft angle, and aim angle. A computer connected to the sensor acquires measured apparent speed data into an array.