Abstract: Mounting a device to a horizontal surface of a transport vehicle is achieved by connecting a latch post assembly to the horizontal surface and a receiver assembly to the device. The latch post assembly and the receiver assembly may then be mated together creating multiple zones of frictional contact and positive retention force preventing inadvertent decoupling of the latch post assembly and the receiver assembly.

Abstract: Mounting a device to a surface of a transport vehicle is achieved by connecting a latch post assembly to the surface and a receiver assembly to the device. The latch post assembly and the receiver assembly may then be mated together creating multiple zones of frictional contact and positive retention force preventing inadvertent decoupling of the latch post assembly and the receiver assembly.

Abstract: In a camera control apparatus, an imaging control unit controls imaging operations of a camera. This camera is able to capture an image of a license plate of a vehicle entering a premises from an entrance thereof. A detection area setting unit sets a planar detection area for detecting a position of the vehicle. A vehicle detecting unit detects the position of the vehicle based on the detection area. The camera is capable of changing the imaging direction thereof. The detection area setting unit sets detection area groups, each of which are composed of a plurality of detection areas aligned in a width direction of the entrance, in multiple stages from the entrance towards the inside of the premises. The imaging control unit performs imaging while changing the imaging direction of the camera based on the position of the vehicle detected by the vehicle detecting unit.

Abstract: Proposed is a method for carrying out a transaction between a mobile telephone (6) and a sales apparatus (45), the telephone (6) comprising a first memory (40) for storing an identifier (I), the identifier (I) being able to identify the mobile telephone (6) uniquely, the method comprising the following steps: a) reception of the identifier by radiofrequency communication via the sales apparatus (45), b) identification of the mobile telephone (6) by the sales apparatus (45) from the identifier received during the first sending step, and c) generation by the sales apparatus (45) of a proof of purchase comprising a signature computed by the sales apparatus (45) and able to authenticate the proof of purchase, the proof of purchase (PA) being a transportation title.

Abstract: A trailer alignment system is provided. The system comprises a sensor disposed within a housing. The system also comprises a processor configured to determine a location of a vehicle on a trailer based on data received from the sensor and in response to the vehicle location determination, the processor generates a notification. The system further comprises a notification element configured to display the generated notification to a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer alignment system is provided. The system comprises a sensor disposed within a housing. The system also comprises a processor configured to determine a location of a vehicle on a trailer based on data received from the sensor and in response to the vehicle location determination, the processor generates a notification. The system further comprises a notification element configured to display the generated notification to a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer alignment system is provided. The system comprises a sensor disposed within a housing. The system also comprises a processor configured to determine a location of a vehicle on a trailer based on data received from the sensor and in response to the vehicle location determination, the processor generates a notification. The system further comprises a notification element configured to display the generated notification to a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to bicycle systems, especially to bicycle systems adapted for use with smartphones, to smartphones configured for use with bicycle systems, and to methods and to computer software for use with such bicycle systems or smartphones, and to servers configured to communicate with such bicycle systems or smartphones. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a bicycle system including a bicycle, the bicycle system including a processor integral to the bicycle, the bicycle system further including a battery integral to the bicycle, wherein the processor is powerable by the battery, the bicycle system including a smartphone holder configurable to receive a smartphone and to connect the smartphone to the processor, wherein in use the smartphone holder is attachable to, and detachable from, the smartphone.

Abstract: A locking structure for a bicycle contains: a fixing mount, a locking member, and a flexible strap. The fixing mount includes at least one orifice, a recessed portion, and a first connecting portion. The locking member includes a housing in which a lock block and a retaining unit are accommodated, the housing has a second connecting portion for mating with the first connecting portion, and the lock block has a cylinder core and an aperture. The flexible strap includes a coupling bolt arranged on a first end thereof and a loop disposed on a second end thereof. When the coupling bolt inserts into and locks in the aperture, it pushes the retaining unit into the recessed portion to fix the locking member and the fixing mount together, and the coupling bolt inserts through the loop so that the flexible strip forms a positioning ring.

Abstract: A multi-position illuminated signage panel comprising a mounting assembly anchored to a vehicle, a display assembly, and an intermediate assembly. The display assembly comprises an illumination panel and a sign insert for displaying a visual element. The intermediate assembly comprises a control unit for controlling the operation of the illumination panel, the control unit having a solar panel, rechargeable battery, motion sensor, light sensor, and control module. The illumination panel is positioned behind the sign insert and produces a back-light effect by emitting light which passes through the sign insert. The illumination panel can be activated when the motion sensor detects the vehicle's motion, and deactivated when the photosensor is exposed to light. The display assembly is hingedly connected to the intermediate assembly, which is in turn hingedly connected to the mounting assembly, allowing the multi-position signage panel to be configured in multiple display positions.

Abstract: The present invention is provided to suppress an increase of communication cost, immediately detect theft and illegal use of a moving object, and immediately deal with the theft and illegal use. A moving object monitoring device 10 is installed in a moving object 1, and transmits moving object information 15 of the moving object 1 to a managing server 4 which controls the moving object 1. The moving object monitoring device 10 includes a control unit 11 which transmits the moving object information 15 such that a transmission interval is shorter when a startup lock function for prohibiting the startup of the moving object is on than a transmission interval when the startup lock function is deactivated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism for electronically disabling a motor vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to a transmitter that is aimed by law enforcement personnel at a receiver attached to a motor vehicle driven by a suspect. The transmitter emits signals that cause the receiver to trigger a relay to open thereby terminating the power to the ignition coil (or to a microprocessor) and shutting off the engine of the suspect's motor vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic system of locking and alarming one or more doors such that if an attempt is made to open the door, the alarm sounds. The device is preferably installed on vehicles having multiple built-in equipment compartments. The device is powered by the vehicle battery and includes a novel lock mechanism which requires very little power. The lock mechanism comprises a lock housing, a pin, a pivoting latch gate, a switch and a solenoid. The device is electrically connected to a vehicle's conventional remote-controlled security system and sounds an alarm if an attempt is made to open a compartment door.

Abstract: A vehicle theft prevention device (10) arranged to be fitted to the air inlet/outlet of a vehicle tire includes a motion detector (11) and an air release means (12). The device (10) can be armed so that, in use, a solenoid controlled valve (13) in the air release means (12) is arranged to be opened when the motion detector (11) senses movement. If movement is detected air held under pressure in the tire is allowed to escape and the vehicle is disabled. The device (10) may be disarmed so that an authorized user may use the vehicle without unnecessary deflation of one or more tires of the vehicle. The device (10) also includes a standard maintenance valve (14) for adjusting the air pressure of a tire in normal use.

Abstract: A method and system to prevent auto theft from parking areas, such as airport parking lots, includes a ticket dispenser, at an entry gate, which issues a numbered ticket to each driver. The driver is advised to carry the ticket with him and not to leave it in the car. At the same time the ticket is issued, the a part of its license plate number, is automatically determined and entered into computer memory, in association with the ticket number. At the exit, the ticket is presented by the driver, read by a ticket reader, and its associated license plate data is retrieved from computer memory. Also at the exit, part of the license plate of the car is again automatically obtained and compared with the license plate data retrieved from the computer memory. In the event of a mismatch, a warning signal is generated.

Abstract: If agreement between an identification code transmitted from a transmitter 111 installed in a door key 11 and a predetermined identification code is detected in an immobilizing ECU 12, a variable code including a predetermined key word is transmitted from the immobilizing ECU 12 to an engine ECU 13, and the variable code is decoded in the engine ECU 13. If the decoded key word does not agree with the predetermined key word, the starting of the engine is inhibited.According to another aspect of this invention, a variable code is transmitted from the engine ECU 13 to the immobilizing ECU 12, a returning variable code is calculated based on a predetermined key function in the immobilizing ECU 12, and it returns to the engine ECU 13. If an agreement with returned variable code and a reference variable code determined in the engine ECU 13 is detected for the predetermined period, the starting of the engine is inhibited.

Abstract: A method and system to prevent auto theft from parking areas, such as airport parking lots, includes a ticket dispenser, at an entry gate, which issues a numbered ticket to each driver. The driver is advised to carry the ticket with him and not to leave it in the car. At the same time the ticket is issued, the color of the car, or its length or part of its license plate number, is automatically determined and entered into computer memory, in association with the ticket number. At the exit, the ticket is presented by the driver, read by a ticket reader, and its associated data (car color, length or license number) is retrieved from computer memory. Also at the exit, the car's color, length or part of its license plate is again automatically obtained and compared with the data retrieved from the computer memory. In the event of a mismatch, a warning signal is generated.

Abstract: A new and improved anti-carjacking apparatus for a motor vehicle includes an open door sensor assembly and a first timer assembly actuated by the open door sensor assembly. A first switch actuator assembly is activated by the first timer assembly for a first predetermined period of time. The first timer assembly controls a ready state for the first predetermined period of time. A second timer assembly is actuated by the first timer assembly. The second timer assembly is actuated after actuation of the first timer assembly by a second predetermined period of time which is a delay period. A deactuation switch assembly is capable of being manually actuated by a person and is capable of deactuating the first timer assembly and the second timer assembly.

Abstract: A portable automobile alarm hung over the top of an automobile side window is secured in place by raising the window into its frame. The portion of the unit positioned on the interior side of the glass contains a sensor, a receiver, and associated electronic circuitry. The exterior unit houses an alarm siren. The unit is powered from an internal battery or from a cigarette lighter. The unit may be armed and disarmed by a remote transmitter.

Abstract: A substantially "U" shaped break-away-bar assembly is constructed to a size and configuration to fit about a portion of an air-inflated vehicle tire. A key actuated lock latching assembly is carried by the break-away-bar assembly and includes an internally threaded connection member utilized to selectively connect the latching assembly to the external threads normally provided on a valve-stem of a tire rim for an air inflated vehicle tire. Operation of the key actuated lock to its locked condition prevents disconnection of the latching assembly from the valve stem. When the break-away-bar assembly is positioned about the vehicle tire and the latching assembly threadably connected to the valve stem rotation of the vehicle tire so that the bar assembly moves beneath the tire, rips the valve stem out of its seat and permits relatively rapid escape of the air from the tire. Slip joints provided for the break-away-bar assembly permit selective adjustment thereof to accommodate different size tires.

Abstract: An electrical switching mechanism has a pair of arcuate spring contact members which are mounted in a casing. An aperture is formed in the casing for receiving an actuator member which may comprise a screw or other similar actuator member. A camming member is slidably mounted in the casing with one portion thereof abutting against one of the spring contact members. The camming member is urged by the spring contact member such that it is resiliently urged towards the aperture. The spring contact members are retained in the casing by means of casing guide elements in a position such that when a screw or other member is inserted in the aperture, the camming member is urged outwardly by the screw so that it retains its associated spring contact member in a non contact position with the other spring contact member.

Abstract: A vehicle movement warning device particularly designed to deter vehicle theft by emitting a loud clatter if the vehicle is moved without authorization. Advantageously, the device also deters vehicle movement by providing a frictional impediment to movement, without damage to the vehicle. The device includes a pair of waffle surfaces, the first waffle surface being mounting to a wheel for rotation with the wheel. A releasable shift mechanism mounts the second waffle surface to the vehicle in a position for selective shifting movement into and out of engagement with the wheel-mounted waffle surface. Preferably, the shift mechanism comprises a spring biasing the second waffle surface into engagement with the wheel-mounted waffle surface and a solenoid for withdrawing and holding the second waffle surface out of engagement with the wheel-mounted waffle surface.

Abstract: A motor vehicle theft deterrent device comprising a supply of oil or other oily fluid introduced into the motor vehicle engine intake through one of the engine suction lines upon operation of the engine while a hidden switch is closed and turns on a valve disposed in the line connecting a reservoir containing the oil or oily fluid to the engine intake. The excess oil or oily fluid being ingested by the engine causes a telltale cloud of smoke at the exhaust and causes malfunction of the engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing theft or unauthorized use of an article such as a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes an exposed electrically conductive element, at least one exposed electrically conductive touch pole and a control mechanism which prevents normal operation of the article unless electrical communication has been established between the exposed conductive element and the touch pole. In a preferred embodiment of the invention for preventing theft or unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, the conductive element and at least one touch pole are provided within the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, and to properly activate the ignition system of the motor vehicle to an operable state the operator must touch the conductive element and while maintaining contact with the conductive element, then touch the touch pole or each of the touch poles if a plurality of such touch poles are provided.

Abstract: An antitheft device adapted for attachment to the valve stem of an inflated vehicle tire may comprise: a plunger assembly including a plunger engageable with a valve core of the valve stem and axially movable relative thereto for forcing the valve core to an open position releasing air from the tire; and an actuator assembly including a cam member radially movable with respect to the axis of the plunger in response to rotation of the vehicle tire, from a passive position to an active position forcing the plunger toward opening of the valve core.

Abstract: A portable locking and alarm system for securing objects to a stationary member comprising an enclosed casing and a flexible cable secured at one end to the casing by a conventional key-type lock and secured at its opposite end to an audio alarm actuating system internally of the casing. The flexible cable includes an outer hollow casing and a relatively thin elongated actuating core. The audio alarm actuating system includes a spring biased hammer secured to the core of the cable and normally spaced in an unarmed position relative to a piercing or actuating pin for puncturing the diaphragm at the discharge end of a CO.sub.2 cylinder. As long as the cable and core member remain intact, the hammer remains in an unarmed position and the audio alarm system is dormant. However, if the cable is severed or the casing tampered with, the piercing pin is actuated by the hammer or a pivotally mounted member internally of the casing to puncture the diaphragm whereby the CO.sub.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for indicating the removal of lug nuts from the lug bolts on a vehicular hub mounted rim and tire assembly to provide an indication of whether the rim and tire assembly has been removed which includes operatively associating an indicator member with the lug bolt/lug nut connections holding the rim and tire assembly onto the vehicular hub after the lug nut has been tightened onto the lug bolt to mount the rim and tire assembly so that the indicator member is destroyed beyond reuse if the lug nut with which the indicator member is associated is removed, yet the indicator member does not prevent the lug nut from being removed.

Abstract: A device, mounted on an automobile, operative--upon being pre-set to a working position--to produce an exteriorly audible signal if the automobile is subsequently operated without authority, as for example when stolen. The device comprises, essentially, a frame-mounted post unit having a wheel on its lower end, the post unit being vertically adjustable from within the automobile between a normally raised, out-of-use position wherein the wheel is clear of the road, and a lowered, working position wherein the wheel is in contact with and rotated by the road upon travel of the automobile, and a signal unit associated with the wheel and functioning upon rotation thereof to produce such audible signal, apprising others--such as law enforcement officers--that the automobile is being operated without authority.

Abstract: An assembly is provided consisting of a flasher lamp of the type commonly found employed on barricades at construction sites as a means of providing a visual warning of the existence of a possible hazardous condition, and of a protective container for the flasher lamp operable for protecting the latter against theft and/or physical damage rising from vandalism, from the barricades being knocked over, etc. The protective container comprises an enclosure of mesh construction formed from a material having a multiplicity of holes provided therein. The enclosure is provided with an open end suitably dimensioned to permit the flasher lamp to be inserted therethrough into the interior of the enclosure. Fastener means are provided operable for attaching the protective container to the barricade to provide a theft-proof mounting thereof. In addition, the enclosure is provided with mounting means adapted to be employed in mounting the flasher lamp within the enclosure.