Abstract: A device for actuating electronic equipment in a motor vehicle has a picture-taking sensor unit (21) for monitoring the passenger compartment (1) of the motor vehicle and a evaluation unit (22) for recognizing pictures of the picture-taking sensor unit (21). If the piece of electronic equipment is an airbag (12-15) arranged in front of a vehicle seat (2-4), the triggering of the airbag (12-15) in the event of a crash can be prevented if there is no person (5-7) or no object (8) located on the vehicle seat (2-4).

Abstract: An analog signal processing system for determining airbag deployment includes a first low pass filter receiving a conditioned analog accelerometer signal and providing an analog acceleration signal therefrom. A first comparator/latch circuit receives the analog acceleration signal and provides a first signal to a logic circuit. The analog acceleration signal is further provided to a first integrator which converts the signal to a first velocity signal and provides the first velocity signal to a second comparator/latch circuit which provides a second logic level signal to the logic circuit. A second low pass filter receives the analog acceleration signal and provides a low frequency analog acceleration signal to a third comparator/latch circuit which provides a third signal to the logic circuit.

Abstract: A device for assisting relocation of a handicapped individual, which device has a frame that is disposed between an individual and a surface underlying the individual to assist movement of the individual across the underlying surface. The frame has a first orientation in which the frame resides with the frame being used by the individual to engage the underlying surface and assist movement of the individual across the underlying surface. The device further includes an alarm system for causing a detectable signal to be produced as an incident of the frame being repositioned from the first orientation into a second orientation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus determine the frequency or the period of the natural characteristic oscillation of a vehicle, and therefrom determine the mass of the vehicle and provide a warning if a dangerous oscillation condition exists which could lead to a tipping or rollover of the vehicle. The evaluation is carried out while the vehicle is driving. The apparatus includes a sensor such as a rotation rate sensor, a timer, an evaluating unit, and a warning unit. The method involves measuring the time interval between two characteristic features of the oscillation measured by the sensor, such as zero crossings, minimum points or maximum points of the angular velocity of the oscillation, and then calculating the period and/or the frequency of the oscillation from the measured time interval. Then the moment of inertia and/or the mass of the vehicle can be determined from the period or frequency.

Abstract: An anti-vandalism detection and alarm system is disclosed for detecting and reporting the scratching of relatively hard materials such as glass and plastic which generate characteristic sound or vibration frequencies during scratching, and for detecting and reporting the cutting and slashing of relatively soft materials such as fabric, leather and plastic.

Abstract: A tilt compensation method, circuit and apparatus utilizes a two axis tilt sensor or two single axis tilt sensors for alerting, a user and/or compensating a surveying instrument for off vertical alignment above a reference point when the instrument support is free to move about the reference point, e.g., when mounted on a monopod support. The sensor comprises a cell having a central electrode and four peripheral electrodes spaced 90 degrees apart around the central electrode. Fluid in the cell chamber changes the conductance of the electrodes with reference to the central electrode. The cell is mounted to the support or to the instrument itself. A microprocessor preferably provides a square wave drive signal selectively to alternate pairs of the opposing electrodes through tristate buffers while at the same time the microprocessor provides a channel select signal to the gate of the tristate buffers to float the idle electrodes.

Abstract: A vehicle security system 10 having a sensor 28 which selectively produces output signals based upon a threshold signal comparison, which automatically deactivates upon the presence of transmitter 20, and which may be used in combination with an existing vehicle security system 106.

Abstract: A shock detector provides for ultra low power detection and measurement of damage to an object caused by shock and vibration. The shock detector includes a shock sensor, such as an accelerometer, attached to the object that produces an electrical vibration signal representative of the mechanical vibration of the object. A signal conditioning circuit determines when the magnitude of the electrical vibration signal exceeds a threshold voltage and converts the signal into a digital signal that is in the high voltage state when the magnitude of the electrical vibration signal is above the threshold voltage. Otherwise, the digital signal is in a low voltage state. A data logger records the time spent in the high voltage state. The measured time data and the threshold voltage are then used to estimate the damage applied to the object. Mounting a number of the conditioning circuits in parallel allows for a more accurate estimation.

Abstract: A car location indicating and burglarproof alarm device including a main frame and a portable controller. The main frame includes a central processing/controlling unit, a signal receiving unit, a shock sensor, an indicator and an alarm unit. The main frame is equipped with a clip member enabling a user to easily mount the main frame on a sunshade or instrument panel of the car by way of clipping. The portable controller includes a microprocessing unit, a signal transmitting unit and a key pad unit. The portable controller is used to remotely control and activate or turn off the burglarproof alarm of the main frame. When a user via the key pad unit of the portable controller gives the main frame a command of activation, the signal receiving unit of the main frame receives the signal transmitted from the portable controller and sends the signal to the central processing/controlling unit for processing.

Abstract: A control circuit determines that a vehicle is in a turning mode. A roll rate sensor then detects the roll rate (RR) and determines whether or not the roll rate exceeds a threshold value. If it is determined that the roll rate does exceed the threshold value, then it is determined that the vehicle is in a roll over state if the relationship between the sideways acceleration (Gy) and the roll angle (RA) falls inside the roll over determining area of a determining map stored in advance in the control circuit. Accordingly, the roll over state of the vehicle is detected early.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment system for allowing a user to easily align a hitch of a vehicle with a trailer hitch. The inventive device includes a control that is mountable to a visor of the vehicle in view of the driver, a receiver unit attachable to the bumper of the vehicle and in communication with the control unit, a transmitter unit removably attachable to a trailer hitch that transmits a locating signal that is detectable by the receiver unit, and a storage case. Electronic circuitry within the control unit determines the position of the transmitter unit from the receiver unit from the reception of the locating signal. The control unit includes a turn right indicator and a turn left indicator for visually indicating to the user whether to turn left or right while backing toward the conventional trailer. The control unit also includes a buzzer and stop indicator light for indicating to the user when the ball hitch is positioned below the coupler of the trailer hitch.

Abstract: A vibration sensor (10) that more effectively distinguishes between various causes of vibrations is disclosed. The vibration sensor includes a housing (18), a plurality of spaced contacts (22-34) positioned above the floor (44) of the housing, a central electrode (36) positioned within the housing, and an electrically-conductive ball (38) configured for movement within the housing. The contacts are interconnected by a plurality of electrically-conductive elements (50-62) such as resistors and are configured for connecting to a first terminal (12) of an alarm system (16). The central electrode is spaced from the contacts and is configured for connecting to a second terminal (14) of the alarm system. The ball is configured for simultaneously contacting at least one of the contacts and the central electrode so that it provides an electrical path between the first and second terminals to allow the transfer of an electrical signal therebetween.

Abstract: The anti-theft alarm system includes a base unit which is shaped and sized to fit in a bicycle accessory such as a water bottle or to fit on a water bottle cage or on a bicycle component such as a seat frame at a location where it is concealed from view. The base unit has a microprocessor and a shock sensor which in reponse to tilt or other movement of the sensor (and bicycle) allows electrical current to flow through the microprocessor which outputs a signal into either just an alarm in some embodiments or into both a radio transceiver and an alarm in other embodiments. The transceiver emits a signal to a remote unit which is sufficiently compact that it may be carried by a user and which includes a second transceiver and an auditory or vibration alarm. The second transceiver activates the auditory or vibration alarm in response to receipt of the signal from the transceiver of the base unit thereby alerting the user to theft or attempted theft of the bicycle.

Abstract: An optical shock sensor 22 which includes a light generator 40 adapted to generate light 46 and a light detector 44 which are an optical communication by means of a moveable hemispheric dome 48. Specifically, an intrusion, tampering, motion, and/or shock, applied to vehicle 11, causes the moveable dome 48 to move, and to interrupt or change the amount tyoe, focus and/or intensity of the light 46 which is reflected or communicated to light detector 44, thereby causing a tampering output signal to be selectively produced.

Abstract: A warning device to warn drivers of two wheeled vehicles of an approaching critical angle is disclosed. The warning device may include a sensing device and a separate signaling device. The sensing device may be a pendulum, bubble within a tube of fluid, a proximity sensor, or a mechanical whisker. The signaling device may be a buzzer, beeper, or lighted bulb. The sensing device sends a signal to the signaling device when a predetermined angle, greater than the critical angle, is reached so that the operator has time to react to the information prior to the vehicle tipping or contacting the ground. The warning device may be attachable to a bar of the vehicle or placed atop the vehicle and Is preferably easily installed by the motorcycle owner/driver. A method for warning a driver is also disclosed.

Abstract: A communication system and method for keyless-entry alarms includes a vehicle-mounted alarm transducer (215) controlled by a vehicle-mounted control system (250) that includes a receiver (207). The system also includes a hand-held R.K.E. transmitter device (200) for transmitting a radio-frequency message. The vehicle-mounted alarm transducer (215) is deactivated when receiving the transmitted radio-frequency message. If the vehicle-mounted alarm transducer (215) was active when it was deactivated, and a deactivate-alarm command code is not received in the radio-frequency message, then the vehicle-mounted alarm transducer (215) is reactivated after the transmitted radio-frequency message is completely received and decoded.

Abstract: A multifunction vehicle security system, which includes a receiver connected to a control unit which processes received information and enables various functions. The user can increase or decrease the sensitivity of the system sensor, by merely pressing a button on the remote control to increase the sensor sensitivity, and another button to decrease the sensitivity. A special programming mode resets the system programmable features and values to factory settings, to quickly re-establish to a known state all or only preselected features. The system provides automatic silencing during night conditions of the system's arming/disarming chirping to confirm the change of system state. The security system generates a door unlocking command to the vehicle's power door locking system to unlock the doors in the event of a vehicle collision. A theft warning LED energy management system conserves battery power when the vehicle is left unattended for long periods of time.

Abstract: A vehicle having a scanning system for zero contact scanning of one or several mutually spaced road areas and having an analyzing system connected behind the scanning system. The analyzing unit is equipped for determining the roll-over angle, the roll-over moment, the vehicle load condition and/or the road condition via measured data detected and supplied by the scanning system. The resulting data is particularly suitable for the early determination of dangerous influences on the driving dynamics of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method of indicating a degree of incoming threat to an electronically secured area comprising the steps of sensor sensing a degree of threat delivered to a secured area and generating an electric signal proportional to the degree of threat; analyzing the signal to determine if it is a low degree of threat or a high degree of threat; and producing either a first pulse representing low degree of threat or separately producing the first pulse and a second pulse representing a signal having both low degree of threat and high degree of threat.

Abstract: An integrated security door lock system which combines a vehicle security system with a remote controlled engine starting system so as to start a vehicle's engine, air conditioning; and to start an engine at a preset time or temperature and the alarm system of a vehicle by way of a remote control transmitter.

Abstract: An array of randomly flashing warning lights comprised of high intensity Light Emitting Diodes, alert observers to the presence of moving vehicles or pedestrians. Motion sensors such as tilt, reed, or mercury switches can be used to achieve randomized flashing while vehicle or pedestrian are in motion. Dynamic forces, generated by motion, cause sensor contact closures which, in turn, produce short duration pulses of light to be emitted by the LED array. When motion ceases, an auxiliary circuit automatically causes the LED array to continue flashing for a period of about one-minute. The extended period of flashing will continue to alert observers should the vehicle or pedestrian stop for a traffic light, stop sign, or sundry other reasons. Termination of the warning light's activity will result in a power-down state wherein power consumption becomes so minute it eliminates the need for an on-off switch.

Abstract: A jackknife warning system for a trailered vehicle. A rotation sensor, mounted to a chassis of a tractor, engages an underside of a semi-detached trailer and senses rotation of the trailer with respect to the tractor. A pressure sensor senses pressure applied to a set of brakes for the vehicle. When rotation of the trailer reaches a first setpoint, and pressure applied to the brakes reaches a second setpoint, an alarm is emitted. The alarm can either be a right alarm or a left alarm, depending on if the vehicle is jackknifing to the right or to the left. The brake pressure setpoint can be adjusted by the driver based on the load being carried or on road conditions.

Abstract: A vehicular accident locator system is provided including a plurality of sensor assemblies each including a brittle conductive element. The sensor assemblies are mounted throughout the body and the elements thereof are connected in series via insulated wires. As such, an activation signal is transmitted upon the breaking of any one of the elements by way of an accident. A transmitter housing has a transmitter connected to the elements of the sensor assemblies for transmitting a coded signal upon receipt of the activation signal. Finally, a receiver base is positioned distant the vehicle and adapted to receive the coded signal to triangulate the exact location of the vehicle such that an emergency vehicle may be dispatched.

Abstract: A car alarm is provided for a vehicle. The alarm has a warning system having a sleep alert device with a touch sensor and a siren. When the system is switched ON the touch sensor must be touched within a first set time period. Otherwise the siren will be energized for a second set time period or until the touch sensor is touched. In a preferred embodiment the warning system also has a anti-theft device which is put in operation by turning the ignition switch to the OFF position. A programmed controller means is employed for controlling functions of the sleep alert device and the anti-theft device.

Abstract: A vehicle warning and help apparatus and method comprising a light box electrically and removably connected to a control panel. The light box comprises a red light, yellow light, transceiver, power supply, inertial switch, and momentary contact switch. The control panel comprises a continuous yellow switch backlit when ON by a continuous yellow switch light, a three-flash yellow switch backlit when ON by a three-flash yellow switch light, a red switch backlit when ON by a red switch light, and a horn. In operation, a transmitting vehicle warning and help apparatus sends a signal on a red frequency, a yellow frequency, or both. The transmissions are received by a receiving vehicle warning and help apparatus, and the receiving vehicle warning and help apparatus sounds its horn and illuminates a combination of its continuous yellow switch light, three-flash yellow switch light and red switch light, thus communicating a condition of maximum alert, minimum alert, momentary warning, or official alert.

Abstract: An alarm system having a signal evaluator is disclosed. The system includes an alarm controller and at least one sensor that generates a signal that corresponds to the magnitude of a detected event. The signal evaluator is part of the controller and receives the magnitude signal from the sensor. The signal evaluator compares the magnitude signal to an alarm threshold and generates an alarm signal if the magnitude signal exceeds the alarm threshold. If not, the signal evaluator compares the magnitude signal to a warning threshold and generates a warning signal if the magnitude signal exceeds the warning threshold and is less than the alarm threshold. The signal generated by the signal evaluator is coupled to an alarm annunciator which generates an alarm in response to the alarm signal and a warning in response to the warning signal. The warning and alarm may be vocal, a siren, or a chirp.

Abstract: A device for generating an audible signal using an audible unit of a motor vehicle, particularly when the motor vehicle performs an evasive maneuver. The device includes a striking member situated substantially in the motor vehicle; the striking member includes a contacting portion. The device also includes an enclosing member situated in a close proximity to the striking member; the enclosing member includes a contacting unit electrically connected to the striking member for generating an activating signal when the motor vehicle is performing an evasive maneuver. The device further includes a third unit having a first end for electrically communicating with the enclosing member. The third unit also has a second end providing an output signal to the audible unit of the motor vehicle in response to the activating signal, and the output signal being provided for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A protective method for storage and transport containers comprises a sensor for detecting orientation, an attachment element for securing the sensor to a container, and an alarm operatively coupled to the sensor for generating a cognizable alert signal upon detection by the sensor that the container is in an orientation other than a predetermined preferred orientation. The alarm may include an electroacoustic transducer and means for reproducing a voice message. A timer operatively connected to the sensor measures a time interval during which the container is in an orientation other than the preferred orientation. A memory is operatively connected to the timer for automatically storing the time interval in encoded form. A mechanism and/or circuit may be operatively connected to the timer and the memory for deactivating the timer and for locking the memory to ensure integrity of contents of the memory upon an opening of the container. The method may also include a detector for measuring temperature.

Abstract: A vehicle security system 10 having a sensor 28 which selectively produces output signals based upon a threshold signal comparison, which automatically deactivates upon the presence of transmitter 20, and which may be used in combination with an existing vehicle security system 106.

Abstract: A programmable alarm and lot monitoring system monitors a plurality of individual vehicles congregated together in a given area. A central server transmits RF signals to individual RF transponder sensor units installed on respective individual vehicles and receives RF signals from the Rf transponder units. Each RF transponder unit senses a change in the status of the respective vehicle and, upon sensing a change, transmits an RF violation signal to the central server and also honks the horn, flashes the lights, and/or sounds an audible alarm. The central server may activate a remote video camera to record the scene of the violation, and if moved, follow the movement of the vehicle until out of camera range and transmit a violation message to a remote security station. In a global alarm mode, all of the individual RF transponder units honk the horn, flash the lights, and/or sound the alarm on all of the vehicles upon one of the units sensing a violation.

Abstract: An analog signal processing system and decision logic for controlling airbag deployment includes low pass filter circuitry, differentiation circuitry and integration circuitry operable to receive an analog acceleration signal and provide a differentiated analog bandpass acceleration signal, a reduced bandpass analog acceleration signal, a low pass analog acceleration signal, an analog velocity signal and an analog displacement signal. An interface circuit receives the foregoing analog signals and converts such signals to a number of logic level signals based on comparison with a number of predefined analog threshold signals. A decision logic circuit receives the converted logic level signals and processes such signals to discriminate between severe and non-severe impact events, and control airbag deployment in accordance therewith.

Abstract: A motion detection alarm for a bicycle including a motion detector with an input terminal and an output terminal. The output terminal is adapted for transmitting a motion detection signal only upon the receipt of an activation signal via the input terminal in combination with the motion detector sensing physical vibration at a level above a predetermined amount. Further provided is a speaker coupled to the output terminal of the motion detector for transmitting an audible high frequency alarm signal upon receipt of the motion detection signal. Also included is a receiver coupled to the input terminal of the motion detector. In operation, the receiver transmits an activation signal upon receipt of a remote signal via free space and further precludes the transmission of an activation signal upon the subsequent receipt of the remote signal.

Abstract: An impact sensing system senses an impact or acceleration applied and provides an external alarm indicative of the impact or acceleration applied. An envelope detector detects an envelope of an output signal of said sensor unit. An amplifier amplifies the output signal of said envelope detector, a direct current component being eliminated therefrom. A first low pass filter filters a first level signal from the output signal of said amplifier, the first level signal being indicative of a first level of impact or acceleration. A second low pass filter filters a second level signal from the output signal of said amplifier, the second level signal being indicative of a second level of impact or acceleration. A first timing pulse generator generates a first timing pulse with a first time duration in response to the output signal of said first low pass filter, the first time duration being indicative of said first level signal.

Abstract: A system for preventing the overturning of the bin of a tipper truck during the raising of the bin for purposes of unloading includes a lateral level sensor to sense the lateral orientation of the tipper truck, and a longitudinal level sensor for sensing the longitudinal inclination of the bin. A processor processes the outputs of the lateral and longitudinal level sensors to derive a measure of risk of overturning. The system also includes a display for displaying an indication responsive to the measure of risk. The processor preferably processes the output of the lateral level sensor to calculate a rate of change of lateral inclination of the tipper truck. Optionally, a mechanism may be provided for interrupting the raising of the bin, the mechanism being responsive to the processor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing motionlessness for sensing motionlessness in a land-based vehicle is provided. The apparatus can include an inertial measurement unit (IMU) mounted in a predetermined orientation on the vehicle and a programmable computer. The IMU can have an inertial sensor which generates a plurality of motion signals. More than one inertial sensor can be used and, in that case, each of the sensors can be mounted in a second predetermined orientation with respect to the others, such as an orthogonal orientation, thereby creating a selected spatial reference frame. The inertial sensor can be one or more accelerometers, or one or more gyroscopes, or an accelerometer-gyroscope combination. The computer receives the motion signals and determining a motion state of the vehicle therefrom. The computer provides the motion state to a target application which acts in accordance therewith.

Abstract: A vehicle interior is monitored by storage of sample signals in a memory of a computer and comparison of at least one stored sample signal with a signal picked up on a detector of sound waves from the interior of the vehicle. An identity or similarity test is conducted by the computer and an alarm device is triggered when the predetermined degree of similarity is reached to signal an incursion.

Abstract: A driving behavior monitoring system mountable within a vehicle and having a board member on which are mounted first and second accelerometer devices for measuring acceleration in mutually orthogonal directions. Each accelerometer device includes an arm member in the form of a generally L-shaped crank or elbow. The crank is pivotable at the elbow joint thereof, and one arm of the crank is provided with a weight at the end thereof with the other arm having the free end thereof attached to one end of a tension spring, the other end of which is fixedly attached to the board member. A pair of electrical switch contacts are positioned in spaced relation on either side of the spring, with each contact being placed at approximately the same distance from the axial centerline of the spring. Movement of the weight translates to deflection of the spring in a direction orthogonal to its axis.

Abstract: This invention is an enhancement to current automobile safety by providing addition information to a trailing vehicle concerning the rate of acceleration and deceleration of a vehicle equipped with the invention. The invention involves a weight which responses to inertial forces involved in acceleration and deceleration by the sequential activation of red lights in response to deceleration and green lights in response to acceleration.

Abstract: A monitoring of a vehicle interior is effected by detecting sound waves in a vehicle interior, either from an incursion source or as reflected as echo waves and decomposing the electrical signals representing those detected sound waves into measurement vectors which are compared with sample vectors in a neural network so that a correlation parameter is generated which triggers an alarm when the correlation parameter indicates incursion. The system can respond first to glass breakage before an echo system is used to then further establish the nature of the incursion.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a vehicle sensor, an alarm indicator, and a controller operatively connected to the vehicle sensor and alarm indicator. The controller includes a remote panic lock control feature for moving one or all of the vehicle door locks to the unlocked position and generating an alarm responsive to receipt of a remote panic signal from a remote transmitter and when the controller is in the armed mode. Accordingly, an owner returning to his vehicle may press the panic button on his handheld remote transmitter thereby causing the alarm to sound and the driver's door or all the doors to be unlocked to permit entry of the owner into the relative safety of his vehicle. The controller also preferably moves an unlocked vehicle door lock to the locked position a first time after receipt of the remote panic signal, such as in the event of an inadvertent pressing of the remote panic switch.

Abstract: A transducer device for converting mechanical motion into an electrical output, consists of an inductance, a flexible support and a permanent magnet positioned in approximately colinear alignment, the nature of the flexible support being such that the inductance and the permanent magnet are free to move mutually independently. The magnetic fields of the permanent magnet and the inductance are mutually interactive, and when the flexible support moves even slightly, it causes the magnet to move, which in turn induces changes in the self-inductance of the inductance and thus the resonance of the circuit, so as to convert the mechanical motion into an electrical output. This inventive transducer device may be implemented in a wide variety of different circuits to serve various functions, but it is particularly suited for use in an alarm device having one or more alarm or warning means.

Abstract: A method of indicating a degree of incoming threat to an electronically secured area consists of the steps of sensing via sensor a degree of threat delivered to a secured area and generating an electric signal proportional to the degree of threat; analyzing the signal to determine if it is a low degree of threat or a high degree of threat; and producing either a first pulse representing low degree of threat or separately producing the first pulse and a second pulse representing a signal having both low degree of threat and high degree of threat.

Abstract: A combination underhood security switch and lamp assembly that provides a security signal to a body control module of a vehicle indicative of an unauthorized entry into an engine compartment of the vehicle. The lamp assembly includes a switch that is closed when the vehicle hood is raised. When the switch closes, the lamp assembly is illuminated and a hood open signal is sent to the body control module. If the security system is armed, the body control module initiates an alarm signal of an unauthorized entry into the engine compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing car-jacking including a receiver situated within a vehicle and adapted to allow the receipt of the activation signal and deactivation signal from an off site transmitting source similar to that employed in the art of pagers. Also included is a control mechanism electrically connected to an existing alarm, ignition coil of a vehicle, and the receiver. The control mechanism is adapted to activate the alarm and deactivate the ignition coil after a predetermined amount of time upon the receipt of the activation signal by the receiver. The control mechanism is also adapted to deactivate the alarm and activate the ignition coil upon the receipt of the deactivation signal.

Abstract: A self-contained electromagnetic impact sensor includes a frame, a fixed permanent magnet, a fixed coil, and a metallic body elastically mounted for movement within the frame. An impact received by the sensor imparts motion to the metallic body, thereby altering the pattern of magnetic flux extending from the permanent magnet and through the coil. An electrical signal is produced within the coil, which is processed and compared to one or more threshold levels to drive one or more corresponding output triggers.

Abstract: An anti-theft and anti-carjacking system for an engine powered vehicle. The system has a remote transmitter which selectively operates a vehicle mounted receiver and switch. The switch, when actuated to a selected position, interrupts electrical continuity. The transmitter is compact and is preferably embodied in an article carried or worn by the driver such as a wristwatch. In the preferred embodiment, activating the system to the anti-theft or armed condition will also engage an internally mounted lock in the engine compartment to prevent attempts at circumventing the system.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a plurality of vehicle sensors; an alarm indicator for indicating an alarm at the vehicle; and a controller for generating a first full duration alarm responsive to an initial triggering of a first vehicle sensor after the controller entered the armed mode, and for generating a first reduced duration alarm relative to the first full duration alarm and responsive to a subsequent consecutive triggering of the first vehicle sensor after the initial triggering of the first vehicle sensor. First and second sensors may be alternately zoned in and out if each is triggered a predetermined number of times. In other words, the controller may zone out the first vehicle sensor after a predetermined number of consecutive triggerings thereof, and zone out a second vehicle sensor responsive to a predetermined number of consecutive triggerings thereof and after zoning out of the first vehicle sensor.

Abstract: An aftermarket mechanical shock detector for mounting to protected property containing an existing alarm system. The shock detector incorporates a piezoelectric transducer detecting mechanical vibration and generating an electrical vibration signal, and circuitry for comparing the vibration signal to thresholds. The shock detector includes two separately adjustable thresholds. If the vibration signal exceeds either threshold, the shock detector creates an electrical connection between two terminals, thereby triggering a previously-installed alarm circuit to create an alarm.

Abstract: A vehicle protection system comprises a sensor, a transmission unit, a control unit and an alarm signalling unit. The sensor is mountable on and capable of detecting interference with a vehicle, and the transmission unit is also mountable on the vehicle and is activated in response to detection by the sensor of interference with the vehicle to transmit a signal to the control unit. The control unit is located remotely from the vehicle and is arranged to activate the alarm signalling unit in response to receipt of the signal, there being no physical connection between the control unit and the transmission unit.

Abstract: A control device for an alarm system includes a sensor circuit, an amplifier circuit for amplifying a sensor signal from the sensor circuit, a filter circuit for filtering an amplified output of the amplifier circuit, and first and second comparators, each having a reference input and a test input which receives a filtered signal output of the filter circuit. The first reference signal present at the reference input of the first comparator is lower than the second reference signal present at the reference input of the second comparator. The first comparator activates an oscillator circuit to generate an intermittent activating signal when the filtered signal output exceeds the first reference signal. A first alarm signal source presents a first control signal to the alarm system upon reception of the intermittent activating signal from the oscillator circuit.