Abstract: A bumper system for use on automatic guided vehicles includes a bumper, a pair of double-action, spring biased hinges, and a pair of switches cooperating with the hinges. The bumper is an arcuate, resilient strip which extends across the entire forward portion of the vehicle and is fixed at its opposite ends to the hinges. Upon engagement with an obstruction, the bumper flexes and pivots either of the hinges. Such movement by the hinges is sensed by the switches which, in turn, cooperate with the drive control system to stop the vehicle.

Abstract: A travel control device for an unmanned vehicle automatically travelling along a predetermined travel path. The travel control device comprises non-contact type and contact type obstacle sensors for detecting an obstacle in front of the unmanned vehicle, and the unmanned vehicle is stopped when an obstacle is detected. A working area is predetermined along the travel path, and entrance and exit marks are provided to indicate the working area. When the unmanned vehicle enters the working area, a detection of signals output by the non-contact type obstacle sensor is disabled, to avoid unnecessary stops in the specific area and maintain a smooth travel of the unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: A mobile cleaning apparatus device automatically follows guides such as walls or other obstacles, by engaging the guides with a detector element and controlling the steering of the apparatus in response to the level of forces sensed by the detector.

Abstract: An acceleration pickup, especially for release of occupant protecting devices in power vehicles in the event of an accident comprises a housing, a spring element, a seismic mass cooperating with the spring element, a movable contact, and a magnetic system formed so that the spring element is deflectable by the magnetic system in a rest position of the acceleration pickup independently of an outer acceleration and the contact is closeable.

Abstract: A tether-guided vehicle and method of controlling same. A tether sensor indicates the angle, .theta., of the tether with respect to the vehicle and the tension, T, on the tether. A contact-sensitive bumper disposed about at least the front periphery of the vehicle indicates the position, P, and force, F, of contact with an obstacle. A drive system moves the vehicle in response to tether angle, .theta., and tension, T, thereby providing a "servo pull" feature. When the vehicle contacts an obstacle, it stops, backs up, turns and resume forward motion to circumnavigate the obstacle, thereby providing an "obstacle avoidance" feature. The servo pull and obstacle avoidance features make the vehicle suitable in a number of applications, such as for canister vacuums, hospital or factory carts, and the like.

Abstract: A safety device attachable to a motor vehicle for preventing the motor vehicle from running over an object, the device including a plate assembly, a safety bar assembly slidably connected to the plate assembly, a first mechanism for raising and lowering the safety bar assembly with respect to the plate assembly, at least one switch assembly and a second mechanism for turning off the motor vehicle. The plate assembly includes first and second plate members which are spaced apart in parallel. The second plate member is pivotably connected to the first plate member. The second plate member pivots around a horizontal axis. The first mechanism is attached to the second plate member. The safety bar assembly is attached to the second plate such that it can only slide relative to the second plate in a direction towards and away from the second plate. The switch assembly is attached to the first plate and extends to contact the second plate. The switch assembly is connected to the second mechanism.

Abstract: The collision protection device comprises a collision protector held in a rest position by spring force. Upon collision against an obstacle, the collision protector is displaced against the spring force and thus cooperates with a de-energizing device. This collision protector is mounted on the vehicle chassis by two swing arms arranged symmetrically non-parallel or in angled relationship to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. This is to permit the de-energizing device to function effectively, irrespective of the place of impact of the obstacle against the collision protector and irrespective of any deformation of the collision protector. Each swing arm is pivotably mounted on the collision protector and on a sliding link member. Each sliding link member is acted upon by the spring force and is displaceably positioned on a cross-shaft mounted on the vehicle chassis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steerable device for moving trailer type vehicles, for example in working and parking areas. The device includes an engine for driving at least one of the wheels, means for connecting the device to that part of a trailer type vehicle normally connected to the fifth wheel connection of a tractor unit, and tiller steering for turning a steerable wheel or wheels. The device also includes an air compressor driven by the engine and a flexible connection provided with a quick-release adaptor for coupling the air compressor to the braking system of a trailer type vehicle for releasing its brakes.

Abstract: A travelling vehicle equipped with obstacle detector sensors having, at the front of the vehicle body (1), a noncontact-type obstacle detector sensor (A) and a contact-type obstacle detector sensor (B), and a vehicle speed control device (20) adapted to automatically reduce the vehicle speed from a preset vehicle speed (v.sub.)0) to a predetermined vehicle speed (v.sub.1) when the noncontact-type obstacle detector sensor (A) detects an obstacle, adapted to automatically reset the vehicle speed to said preset speed (v.sub.0) when the sensor (A) does not detect the obstacle any more during such speed reduction, and adapted to automatically stop the travelling of the vehicle immediately when the contact-type obstacle detector sensor (B) detects the obstacle.

Abstract: With this safety beading or ledge the drive of, for example, a driverless transport vehicle can be switched-off on collision with an obstacle, and can be switched-on again after removal of the obstacle. The safety beading or ledge mounted along a shock-absorbing or impact edge of the transport vehicle is provided for this purpose with a plurality of similar contact elements which are disposed in series and touch one another at contact points in an elastically deformable, pre-stressed tube. During collision with an obstacle and deformation of the safety beading or ledge the contact elements perform a rocking movement against one another, whereby contact is interrupted and the drive is switched-off. After removal of the obstacle the elasticity of the tube effects a return into the initial position, whereupon the contact points again touch and the drive is switched-on again.

Abstract: A rocker having a ball-and-socket mounting, hence movable in any direction, is normally held in a fixed position by the conical tip of a catch assembly which is pressed by a spring against the head of the rocker. In the event of a concussion, the rocker pivots, an armature forming part of the catch assembly is pulled toward the rocker, and a contact holder is simultaneously displaced, the path of movement of the contact holder being shorter than that of the armature. A contact element is thereupon separated from the matching contact stud, breaking the battery-grounding circuit. Provision may be made for an auxiliary circuit to be closed at the same time by a bridge connecting two additional contacts. By means of two electromagnets, the cut-out can also be actuated and reset by remote control.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a bumper with a handle contour is supported on a rotatably mounted lever which is arranged to actuate a switch in response to deflection of the bumper. This lever is coupled with an angle lever via a catch and the angle lever is deflected upon impact against an obstacle situated below the bumper area and, thereby, rotates the lever to actuate the switch. The disclosed arrangement serves for increasing the operational security in smaller transport cars for transporting files and goods of similar weight.

Abstract: An automatic drive prevention mechanism for an automated vehicle. The mechanism includes a switch frame having a rectangular periphery pivotally mounted on the automated vehicle and a switch mechanism, including a switch, coupled between the switch frame and the vehicle drive means, the switch being arranged to be activated to interrupt drive power to the vehicle when the frame is pivoted out of its neutral position. The switch mechanism includes a self-centering switch controller and the switch is arranged so that pivoting the switch frame causes actuation of the switch and release of the switch frame permits the self-centering controller to urge the switch mechanism to return to its original configuration thereby deactivating the switch and permitting the drive to be re-started.

Abstract: A fire prevention device for motor vehicles, having internal combustion engines, including a hollow cylinder containing two electrically conducting expansible coils separated by a shatterable sheet of material, electrical leads from the two coils one to ground and the other to the electrical line leading to the vehicles ignition system, and means for fastening the cylinder adjacent to vehicle fuel tank. Upon impact, the coils short out the ignition circuit causing the vehicle engine to cease operating, thereby diminishing the risk of post impact fires.