Abstract: Automatic locking of the vehicle door locks by a relay controlled by sine and cosine voltage signals from a frequency to voltage (F/V) converter. A pulse-train signal whose pulse repetition rate varies with the speed of the vehicle is used to supply frequency information to the F/V converter.

Abstract: The apparatus is provided with a unidirectional motor operatively coupled to the hinged sign through an eccentric drive by a link arm which incorporates a pre-loaded helical compression spring to prevent damage to the link arm should an attempt be made to forcibly swing the sign. Two normally-closed limit switches are associated with the link arm whereby in the course of a motor operating cycle, the stop sign is caused by the link arm to swing out to its outstretched position, at which point one limit switch opens, and then to return to its retracted position, at which point the other limit switch opens. The limit switches are included in a control circuit which supplies power to the motor. The control circuit is responsive to a door switch associated with the bus door so that when the door is open, the door switch is then closed, and power is supplied to the motor through one limit switch until the sign reaches its outstretched position, at which point this limit switch is opened to cut off the motor.

Abstract: An emergency unlock assembly is provided for unlocking a lock mechanism associated with an onboard opening cover such as a boarding door, in response to the detection of an impact applied. The assembly includes means for detecting the presence or absence of an occupant within a vehicle. When the presence of an occupant is detected, the lock mechanism is unlocked in response to the detection of an impact applied. The lock mechanism is not unlocked in response to the detection of an impact applied in the absence of an occupant. This allows a rapid rescue of an inboard occupant in the event of an emergency while reliably preventing a casuality such as a theft of or articles placed in a vehicle in the absence of an occupant.

Abstract: Control apparatus for a hinged stop sign mounted on the side of a school bus to cause the sign to swing out to an outstretched position when the bus door is opened to load or unload passengers and to return the sign to its retracted position when the door closes. The apparatus is provided with a unidirectional motor operatively coupled to the hinged sign through an eccentric drive by a link arm having associated therewith two normally-closed limit switches, whereby in the course of a motor operating cycle, the stop sign is caused to swing out to its outstretched position, at which point one limit switch opens, and then returns to its retracted position, at which point the other limit switch opens. The limit switches are included in a control circuit which supplies power to the motor.

Abstract: Circuits are provided that automatically lock electric power door locks of a motor vehicle at a predetermined speed.Also, the system includes circuits for automatically relocking the electric power door locks if the doors come open or ajar. Provisions are made to inhibit the dome light switch which turns on the dome light from actuating the automatic door lock system and automatically locking the doors since the door jamb switch and the dome light switch are usually connected in the same circuit to turn on the dome light.

Abstract: An open-top vehicle including a foldable hood supported by a U-shaped pillar and a linkage for extending and folding the hood and pillar. At each side, a reversible motor is provided for actuating the linkage. There is provided a motor control circuit which prohibits motor operation when the vehicle speed is above a predetermined value.

Abstract: A transit vehicle having a door includes a zero speed condition detection apparatus provided to logically supply a zero condition output signal for each of a plurality of axles when both of the tachometers for each of those axles are under a predetermined zero speed condition. When two or more zero condition output signals are so supplied, a failsafe driver is energized to operate a control relay for determining the operation of the door.

Abstract: A rear monitor system for an automotive vehicle comprises a sensor secured to a vehicle door located on one side of the vehicle and adapted to be operated by a vehicle occupant when leaving the vehicle, the sensor generating a signal indicating that the occupant is going to leave the vehicle. A control unit is responsive to the signal from the sensor for transmitting radiant energy in a rearward direction to detect a reflection from an object approaching the vehicle from behind at a speed higher than a predetermined value. Further provided is a safety device which is responsive to the detected reflection for preventing the vehicle occupant from opening the door.

Abstract: A release system for a seat occupant restrained by a seat-belt in a vehicle can be operated either inboard or outboard. The system includes a mechanism for emergency-releasing a seat-belt retractor after the seat-belt retractor has been locked, and an emergency release control for the mechanism mounted on the vehicle body and having inboard and/or outboard operating terminals. According to this system, a rescuer can operate the system from outside the vehicle to release a stunned seat occupant, e.g. after a collision involving the vehicle and can quickly rescue the seat occupant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a locking mechanism for the locks of the rear doors of a motor vehicle with one locking device for each door lock acting against the unauthorized opening of the doors from the interior side of the doors, a so called child safety lock. Each locking device is assigned an electric-motor-driven control unit, the rotational direction of said control unit being reversible via a double pole changing switch (double throw switch) and said control unit being connected with it and being able to be remotely operated with respect to locking or unlocking of the lock by a switching element that can be operated from the front seats. The locking condition of the locking device is indicated by an optical display.To reduce manufacturing parts and expenses for the circuit controlling the optical display, this circuit is formed by parts of the circuit controlling the locking devices themselves.

Abstract: A door on a vehicle is provided with a packing assembly including at least one inflatable member which can be pressurized by a medium such as compressed air from a pressure source so that a completely satisfactory seal is attained. The system includes a control apparatus which responds to a speed sensor to act on a pressure sensor which controls a multi-way valve to supply pressure medium above a determined speed but below a determined pressure. When the pressurization exceeds a predetermined pressure level, the supply of medium under pressure is terminated and the pressurized member is maintained pressurized by a check valve. When used in vehicles, the structure provides a good seal around an openable closure but permits easy opening after depressurization.

Abstract: A transportation system for rapidly loading people from a platform into and from a plurality of cars. The system includes an elongated trackway which extends along a platform. Trolleys extend between the trackway and the cars supporting the cars on the trackway. The cars have side doors extending along the length thereof which open towards the platform to provide access to a single row of seats carried in the vehicles facing the doors. The doors can be automatically opened and closed upon reaching the platform. The trackway includes upper lower and intermediate rails upon which upper, lower and intermediate wheels, carried by the trolleys, engage to provide an interlocking relation therebetween. A vertically extending keel is carried by at least some of the vehicles for engaging power driven wheels that are positioned along the trackway.

Abstract: The central locking system for motor vehicles comprises a plurality of electric locking drives 1 and a time control means 15 which can be triggered by at least one manually switchable control switch 25 in the setting of a switch position allocated to the unlocking direction. The time control means switches on the locking drives 1 for a predetermined time duration in the unlocking direction. In parallel with the contacts 23, 27 of the control switch 25 which are allocated to the unlocking direction there is connected an electronic short-circuit switch 31, 33 which together with the control switch automatically holds the short-circuit switch position and is switchable into its short-circuit position by means of an acceleration switch 28 responding to its acceleration.

Abstract: An inertial lock for the electric actuated release mechanism of a door latch, said release mechanism comprising a solenoid and plunger and said inertial lock comprising a spring biased inertial ring disposed on an extended portion of the solenoid and operably associated with spring biased locking tabs operable to lock the plunger in place during conditions which would provide forces that might undesireably actuate the release mechanism, such as certain vehicle accident conditions. This inertial lock is set within the confines of a conventional electric latch release mechanism, not requiring additional space, and features have been incorporated into the design to ease assembly of the electric actuated release mechanism and aid in the collection of flux from the solenoid.

Abstract: A device for the control of the traveling speed of a motor vehicle with a regulating unit actuateable by the vehicle driver, particularly a gas pedal, and means for transmission of the movement of the same to an element, particularly the throttle valve, which influences the fuel-air mixture. An electrical controller is provided, the desired value input of which is applied with the output signal of a first electrical position indicator, the latter being coupled with the regulating unit and the actual value input of which is applied with the output signal of a second electrical position indicator, the latter being coupled with the setting member or positioning actuator of an electrical setting or adjusting device, the actuator standing in connection with the element which influences the air-fuel mixture. Upon actuation of the brake or clutch, a coupling device, between a servomotor of the electrical controller and the actuator, is disconnected for a short time.

Abstract: The digital display device of a vehicle is provided with a control facility for controlling other vehicle mounted electric equipment such as a warning device, an auto-door lock mechanism, or the like. The control is effected by using a control signal intended for turning on a particular segment of an indicating portion of the digital display indicator.

Abstract: An apparatus to provide improved safety for use in a motor vehicle equipped with a transmission having a "park" setting, a door to allow the operator to enter and leave the vehicle, and a gear shift handle having a park position and being moveable by the operator to select the transmission setting desired. The present improvement involves a connecting spring rod, gear shift assembly and automatic transmission which is capable of causing the transmission and gear shift assembly to move to park upon opening of the door. This apparatus provides that both the transmission and gear shift assembly will be in park when the operator leaves the vehicle via the door.

Abstract: A device for the control of the traveling speed of a motor vehicle with a regulating member actuatable by the vehicle driver, the gas pedal emitting an electrical signal, the gas pedal being connected with the desired value input of an electrical controller, the output signal of which acts on a positioning actuator, the latter being coupled with the element, particularly the throttle valve, which influences the fuel-air mixture, the instantaneous setting position of the positioning actuator being transmitted as an electric signal to the actual value input of the controller. The actual value input or the desired value input of the controller is driven by a circuit which produces a signal for influencing the position of the throttle valve, which signal is dependent on at least one factor to be monitored.

Abstract: An assembly which is to be used for generating adjustment movements on automobile ventilation devices driven by electric motors. The assembly is especially designed for use on roof openings or sunroofs closeable by a lid. The assembly is characterized in that a generator is coupled to a component of the automobile which revolves during traveling and the rotational speed of which is directly proportional to the speed of travel. A control signal directly proportional to the speed of travel is obtained from the generator by means of which the adjustment drive for the ventilation device can be switched on according to the speed of travel. The adjustment drive can be switched on in the direction of closing the ventilation device at a higher speed and in the direction of opening at a lower speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing vehicular mechanical motion, which includes a motion transducer for sensing a vehicular displacement, and which generates plural groups of transducer signals based on the sensed displacements, with the transducer signals of each group bearing a predetermined relative phase relationship with respect to the transducer signals of the other groups. The plural groups of transducer signals are respectively applied to plural latching switch circuits, each of which is capable of being set to a first motion sensitive output state and latched to a second output state upon the application thereto of a signal from a respective group of signals. Connected to the plural latching switch circuits is a circuit for detecting when all the latching switch circuits are in the second latched output state and for then generating a motion detected signal indicative of the fact that a predetermined vehicular displacement has occured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety interlock system that is associated with the door of a vehicle such as the door of a school bus, and which assures that the door of the vehicle is not inadvertently open and that certain safe conditions exist before the door can be opened. The safety interlock system comprises an electrically actuated locking mechanism, that includes a manual override, for locking the door handle of the vehicle. Forming a part of the safety interlock system along with the locking mechanism is an array of switch control means, all of which must be simultaneously actuated in order to unlock and release the door handle in order that the door be opened. First, the array of switch control means includes two independent switches that must be actuated by two separate individuals, preferably the driver of the vehicle and another individual such as the passenger or a monitor.