Abstract: An automated key pressing device includes a loading stage, a base, a transmission module, two key pressing modules. The base is located at one side of the loading stage. The transmission module is reciprocatedly slidable on the base. One of the key pressing modules is disposed on the transmission module, and extends outwardly towards the loading stage for pressing one key of a keyboard by the transmission module. The other key pressing module is located on the base and extends outwardly towards the loading stage for pressing another key of the keyboard. The one of the key pressing modules is more prominently extended outwardly than the other. The control unit electrically connected to the key pressing modules and the transmission module.

Abstract: A traffic preemption system comprising an intersection control module, an intersection preemption unit comprising a signal detector configured to receive a signal transmitted by a vehicle preemption unit mounted to a vehicle and a remotely located electronic device comprising a controller configured to detect a variation in voltage. The system further comprises a cable coupling the intersection controller, the intersection preemption unit, and the remotely located electronic device, the cable comprising a power wire configured to carry a modulated voltage level and share power among the intersection preemption unit and the remotely located electronic device, a ground wire, and a communications wire configured to transmit a communications signal between the intersection preemption unit and the intersection controller.

Abstract: An item storage facility that includes a resident programmable subcontroller, at least one stand, a one circuit board having a plurality of elongated openings therein supported on the stand, and a plurality of connectors resident on the circuit board and in communication with the subcontroller.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a device for controlling one or more vehicle features for a primary driver and a secondary driver is provided. The device comprises at least one controller that is configured to receive at least one driver status signal indicative of the driver being one of the primary driver and the secondary driver and to determine whether the driver of the vehicle is the one of the primary driver and the secondary driver based on the at least one driver status signal. The controller is further configured to control one or more vehicle features and to prevent the one or more vehicle features from being disabled in response to determining that the at least one driver status signal indicates that the driver of the vehicle is the secondary driver.

Abstract: An electronic device security and tracking system. A system includes one or more clients, wherein the clients are electronic devices; and a server computer system connected to each of the clients, wherein the server computer system is capable of tracking and locating each of the clients. In one aspect, the server computer system includes one or more web servers coupled to each of the clients, wherein the web servers include a website for the electronic device security and tracking system; one or more file transfer protocol servers coupled to each of the web servers; and one or more database servers connected to each of the web servers.

Abstract: A method of collecting weather data includes determining probable occurrences of weather events. Contact information corresponding to a plurality of users is maintained. Weather collection devices are sent to the plurality of users prior to the occurrence of the probable weather event. Data is collected by the weather collection devices upon the actual occurrence of the probable weather event.

Abstract: A PC card slot and an information processing device using the PC card slot are provided which are capable of having a user recognize a state of a PC card so that the user should not pull out the PC card carelessly or accidentally during access to the PC card or before completion of software termination procedures. The PC card slot is equipped with a PC card interface and a light emitting unit which goes on or off in response to a state of the PC card connected to the PC card interface.

Abstract: Portable threshold locators (32B, 32C, 32D) are placed in a room (120) at locations to define at least part of a boundary within which an autonomous vehicular appliance is to be confined. Typically, the threshold locator is placed in a doorway (32B) or at the top of a staircase (32D). The vehicle has a detection system which allows the autonomous vehicular appliance to detect the presence of the portable threshold locator. The detection system receives a signal from the threshold locator and the autonomous vehicular appliance uses the received signal to avoid the threshold marked by the locator (32B, 32C, 32D). The autonomous vehicular appliance is preferably a robotic floor cleaning appliance, such as a robotic vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting an operational condition of a rail track from a railcar includes an antenna positioned on the railcar that directs radar signals toward the rail track and collects radar signals returned from the rail track. A radar transceiver is connected to the antenna and supplying the radar signals to the antenna. The radar transceiver receives radar returned signals from an interaction of the radar signal with the rail track. A controller is connected to the radar transceiver for controlling transmission of the radar signals from the radar transceiver and receipt of the radar returned signals. A signal processing unit is connected to the controller and a sensor unit that supplies input data to the signal processing unit. The signal processing unit processes at least the input data and the radar returned signal to produce processor output data and to determine the operational condition of the rail track.

Abstract: An automatic keyboard testing apparatus includes a pair of support arms fixed to a machine frame for supporting a keyboard to be tested therebetween. A clamping device secures the keyboard between the support arms. A test module has testing units for operating/testing pushbuttons, a knob and indictors of the keyboard. A key actuating device comprises a plurality of key depressing elements movably mounted thereto. Each key depressing element forms a pressurized air stream outlet for applying a pressurized air stream to a corresponding key of the keyboard for actuating the key. A conveyor mechanism moves the key actuating device across the keyboard for sequentially actuating the keys of the keyboard. A keyboard coupling device electrically couples the keyboard to a processor-based determination device to receive signals therefrom for determining if the tested keyboard is properly functioning.

Abstract: A pull box for an emergency alarm system is disclosed having a modular construction that accommodates one or more optional modules in order to provide a wide variety of possible configurations. Also, the basic design of the pull station provides for its resetting without requiring a cover of the pull station to be open. As part of the optional modules, the pull station may be configured to provide both local and general alarm signals, with the general alarm signal capable of being activated only by authorized personnel.

Abstract: A point to point telealarm is provided which supplies both telecommunications and alarm functions between two fixed points connected by electrical wires. The alarm may be automatic or manual and may be silent at the point of initiation, or loud and blaring. The system protects itself against cut lines by providing both a visual and an auditory alarm when the line is cut. A self-test feature for this capability is also provided. Doors and windows may be protected against unauthorized entry as well.

Abstract: One or more security receptacles, provided for safekeeping keys, include a deposit opening especially configured in a shape corresponding to the longitudinal cross-section of the key handle. A set of ramps oblique and a normally locked horizontal ramp in the receptacle prevent access to the key. The horizontal ramp may be released from its horizontal position by disabling the lock so that the key falls to a lower portion of the receptacle. Disabling of the lock is accomplished by transmitting a coded signal to a receiver incorporated in the lock. Access to the key is then possible, preferably requiring a second key to open the lower portion of the receptacle.

Abstract: A room status signaling system is disclosed herein employing a plurality of separate signaling circuits employing the internal telephone wiring so that a separate signaling circuit is provided for each room. The plurality of signaling circuits terminate at a central location or board having an indicator such as a lamp for displaying the status of a room. Each signaling circuit not only includes an indicator lamp in series, but further terminates at its opposite end to a switch located at the room. The switch includes a housing having a slot adapted to receive a coin and a chamber for holding the coin after it has been inserted into and through the slot. The chamber further includes a pair of fixed spaced apart contacts which are insulated from each other and which are mechanically and electrically connected together when the coin is held in the chamber of the holder.

Abstract: An ultrasonic alarm system comprising a transmitter having an oscillator which produces an ultrasonic carrier frequency signal. An audio signal generator produces a signal which modulates the carrier signal. The modulated signal is applied to a crystal through a tuned circuit. The transmitter is energized by operating a pushbutton which remains latched in operative position and which is unlatched only by the use of special devices. A plurality of receivers are provided and individual receivers are positioned at different locations throughout the premises to be protected. Each receiver includes a demodulator that demodulates the received signal and applies the same to a phase locked loop type phase detector which actuates an alarm when the demodulated signal is present. The alarm indicates the particular receiver that has been activated so that help may be dispatched immediately to the correct location.