Abstract: A portable anti-theft device has a gravity operated switch, settable manually or by action of gravity to an open position. This switch is connected in series with a key switch and an alarm, to provide an alarm when the gravity operated switch is moved. The gravity operated switch may be a mercury switch. The gravity operated switch may be pendularly mounted, and be restrained from movement by operation of the key switch.

Abstract: A multi-featured electronic vehicle security system is disclosed. The system is controlled by an electronic controller such a microcomputer. To reduce noise pollution due to false alarms caused by repetitive tripping of the system sensor devices, the system will not respond to more than a defined number of successive trippings of the same sensor device to initiate an alarm condition. The system includes a user-enabled feature wherein a first alarm signal generator is activated by a sensor tripping, and a second, distinct alarm signal generator is activated when a trigger device has been tripped. When the system is passively armed, active sensors and triggers are automatically diagnosed and bypassed, permitting the system to be passively armed even if one or more trigger or sensor is active.

Abstract: An automobile theft alarm apparatus for detecting the variation of the inclination angle of the automobile includes: a sensor of a bridge configuration mounted in the automobile for sensing the angle of inclination of the automobile; a differential amplifier for amplifying the output of the sensor; an offset compensating circuit which produces a reference voltage for the differential amplifier by comparing the output of the differential amplifier with a constant value and by then integrating the differential output; an alarm device for issuing an alarm when the output of the differential amplifier exceeds a predetermined value; and a switching device for increasing a time constant for making the total integration time constant for the offset compensating circuit larger than the time constant of the integrating elements thereof by intermittently supplying the output of the differential amplifier to the offset compensating circuit.

Abstract: An automobile electronic alarm device alternatingly produces an alarm sound signal and a speech sound signal when an attempt to burglarize or steal the automobile is made. The speech sound signal can correspond to a combination of the digits found in a license plate of the automobile so as to provide a distinct alarm sound output.

Abstract: An alarm system senses the presence of a person sufficiently near a protected object, such as an automobile, to inflict damage thereto, and provides verbal warnings to the person that he or she must step back from the object or an alarm will be sounded. The alarm system includes a proximity detector that senses the proximity of a person to the protected object and means for generating vocal signals using synthetic speech generation circuits. Such vocal signals instruct the person to back away from the protected object, thereby preventing the person from inflicting any damage to the object. The user may select various operating modes and performance options in how the system is used.

Abstract: The firing mechanism for a pyrotechnical gas generator in the tightening means of a safety belt restraining system includes a pivotally mounted vehicle-sensitive inertia mass, a spring-loaded pivotally mounted strike piece, a firing pin which is arranged with its free end lying opposite the impact fuse of the gas generator and with its other end lying opposite the strike piece, and a roller blocking mechanism which in the readiness state holds the strike piece at a distance from the opposite end of the firing pin and on vehicle-sensitive pivoting of the inertia mass after over-coming an inhibition threshold releases the strike piece which then under the action of the spring biasing is driven to the oppositely disposed end of the firing pin, strikes the latter and via the firing pin effects firing of the gas generator.

Abstract: An improved vehicle intruder alarm system includes a method of automatically arming an alarm system. When arming the alarm system by remote control the vehicle windows can be raised and the vehicle headlights automatically turned on by remote control. When entering a vechicle door while the system is armed, a low warning tone is produced for an entry delay time. The warning tone increases with time. The processor for the alarm senses the magnitude and rate of impacts or motions of the vehicle. Short warnings are produced when the magnitude and rate are above a threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for controlling actuation of a passenger restraint system in a vehicle. The apparatus includes an accelerometer for providing a time domain vibratory electric signal having frequency components indicative of a vehicle crash condition. An A/D converter converts the accelerometer signal into a digitized signal. A fast Fourier transform device transforms the digitized time domain vibratory electric signal over at least two time intervals into frequency domain signals. The amplitudes of corresponding frequency bins of the frequency domain signals are summed over the entire frequency spectrum, bin-to-bin. A microcomputer monitors the sum of the amplitudes of at least one selected frequency bin of the frequency domain signals and actuates the passenger restraint system when the sum is greater than a predetermined threshold thereby indicating a particular type of vehicle crash is occurring.

Abstract: A fail safe auto theft alarm includes a sound maker coupled to a complex switch includes a plurality of switches in series. One switch can deactivate the alarm. An activation switch is coupled to the shock absorber so that the alarm is activated only by motion up and down of the auto such as occurs during driving. A delay can prevent activation by single impacts. A pulser can generate an alarm unique to stolen autos. The switch is activated during theft by a rod coupled to the rear shock, then up into the trunk to activate the switch. The switch deactivation switch may be hidden on the dash panel of the auto.

Abstract: A portable bar attaches tangentially and locks to a vehicle steering wheel, preferably at the uppermost section of the rim, and extends to where it is fully visible from outside of the vehicle. The bar is a holllow tube in which a pair of clamping members, one being a fixed section of the tube and the other part hinged thereto, surrounds and is locked about the steering wheel rim. A cavity in the tube protectively encloses, along with anti-saw-through bars, alarm circuitry and the batteries therefor. Light and sound annunciators on the bar and a flashing LED armed-condition indicator are provided. A panic button on the outside of the tube to manually trigger the alarm, and push button selectors enclosed in the tube and accessible only when the device is unlocked to arm and disarm the alarm and to activate the light to serve as a flashlight or emergency flasher.

Abstract: A self-contained theft and vandalism deterrent system for equipment security includes sensors (12) for detecting conditions to which an alarm (24, 26, 28, 50) is responsive. The analog signals from the sensors (12) are serially delivered by a multiplexer circuit (16) when they are then directed to a network (20) for conversion to digital signals. The digital signals are delivered to a micro processor (22) where the signals are evaluated to determine if an alarm condition exists. The sensing means (12) include sound and vibration detectors for monitoring the ambient envelope. The micro processor (22) includes built in reprogramming and comparator circuits for varying the level at which a given condition will trigger an alarm response.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for controlling actuation of a passenger restraint system in a vehicle. The apparatus includes an accelerometer for providing a time domain vibratory electric signal having frequency components indicative of a vehicle crash condition. An A/D converter converts the accelerometer signal into a digitized signal. A fast Fourier transform device transforms the digitized time domain vibratory electric signal over at least two time intervals into frequency domain signals. The amplitudes of all the frequency bins over the entire frequency spectrum for each frequency domain signal are summed to provide a value corresponding to the integral of the amplitudes of all the frequency bins over the entire frequency spectrum for the associated frequency domain signal. The integral values of the frequency domain signals are summed.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a device which is attached on rotating or moving equipment for the purpose of monitoring unsafe levels of equipment vibration. The invention comprises a mechanical assembly which is adjustably sensitive to the vibration amplitude of its given application. The monitor is so designed that it does not include the electronic switching device as an integral part of the invention. Rather, commercially available switching devices (proximity switches) are used as the electronic switching component. In the preferred embodiment, the unit is sensitive to vibration in any plane. The vibration monitor is a signaling device; it can be used to sound an external alarm, engage safety equipment, or disengage or stop moving equipment. It was developed as an inexpensive, rugged, device which can be used in conjunction with general purpose proximity switches to give vibration monitoring capability to an existing proximity switch product line.

Abstract: An alarm system detects an unauthorized approach towards a protected object, such as an automobile, and provides verbal warnings to the person approaching the object, that he or she must move away from the object or an alarm will be triggered. The alarm system includes a proximity detector to detect an intrusion into an adjustable electromagnetic field set up around the object and means for generating vocal signals using synthetic speech generation circuits. Such vocal signals instruct the intruder to back away from the protected object before the alarm is triggered, thereby preventing the intruder from inflicting any damage to the object; and draw attention to the fact that an unauthorized penetration or entry event has occurred in the event the alarm is triggered. The user may select various operating modes and performance options in how the system is used.

Abstract: A vehicle alarm control system built into a single integrated circuit, which includes a number of inputs including M/D-, INO-, INO+, H/T-,C.S+, and INC- which monitor a plurality of sensors strategically placed around an automobile; a fail safe/override/memory circuit which prevents the alarming of the alarm should any of the inputs become defective but allows the user to temporarily disable the defective input; and instant trigger override control which allows the user to cause the sensors to instead trigger the alarm after a delay upon the opening of the door; a main power cut warning control which triggers to provide an audible warning signal should the alarm be removed; a per-entry alert control which triggers an audible warning immediately should the automobile's door handle be touched while the alarm is armed; and a headlight on warning control which causes the alarm to give an audible warning if the automobile's headlights are on after the automobile's engine is turned off.

Abstract: A piezo-electric film is pasted to one surface of an elastic film fixed at the ends and a weight is attached substantially to the middle of the other surface of this elastic film.

Abstract: A steel ball operated burglar proof device adapted for use in automobile, and particularly mounted on an engine hood and a trunk lid, which is actuated to work once the engine hood or trunk lid is tiltedly lifted at one end. The present device mainly includes a mounting seat and an actuation device with the latter attached on the former, and the former fixed to the inside of the engine hood or trunk lid. The actuation device is made up of a connection terminal, a washer, first and second water sealing rings, a rivet, a tiny steel ball all of which are housed in a torch-shaped metallic casing with the steel ball disposed at the bottom thereof. The connection terminal is coupled to an alarm so that the lifting of the engine hood or trunk lid can cause the tiny steel ball to roll toward the bottom of the rivet, and the contact of the steel ball with the rivet will make the alarm operate instantly.

Abstract: A trailer stability monitor for tractor-trailer vehicles including a motion sensor and signal responsive r.f. transmitter responsive thereto mounted on the trailer and a r.f. signal receiver coupled to alarm means and mounted on the tractor, preferably in the cab thereof, for receiving the signal from said transmitter and causing an alarm to warn the operator of the tractor-trailer of conditions conducive to rollover to permit remedial measures to be undertaken to avoid such incident. The motion sensor includes a pair of angular mounted normally open mercury switches arranged to detect lateral forces to the right or left to a degree conducive to rollover. A vertically oriented normally closed mercury inertia switch is connected in series with the pair of angular mounted parallel connected switches to momentarily disable the circuit to prevent spurious signals from bumps. The switch array is connected in series with a battery and a lower power r.f.

Abstract: A tamper-proof motion and tampering alarm for a pneumatic tired vehicle consists of a motion detector, tampering detectors, radio transmitter, and power supply. All of these are mounted inside the pressurized tire of the vehicle. Any unauthorized motion or tampering with the tire will cause the alarm to be activated at a distant remote site by way of radio signal through the dielectric tire.The control unit consists of a radio receiver, alarm, system interfaces, and power supply. The system can be enabled and securely disenabled by use of prearranged and encrypted radio signals.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for triggering a safety system. A circuit arrangement serves the purpose of triggering a motor vehicle air bag system and contains an energy source, at least one release switch and at least two series branches connected in parallel and each branch has a tripping device for an air bag. A series capacitor is provided in every series branch, this capacitor limiting the current quantity in the tripped case in order to guarantee a reliable tripping of the further tripping device which acts with a time delay.

Abstract: An automobile theft prevention device has an alarm circuit for intermittently energizing a horn, a sensor for detecting a monitored action; and a control unit for controlling the alarm circuit so as to intermittently energize the horn when the monitored action is detected by means of the sensor during a period of time after an automobile door is locked according to a predetermined procedure and until the automobile door is properly unlocked.

Abstract: A detector for an alarm system receives a disturbance signal and transmits an alarm signal to a remote station. A group of such detectors can be connected in circuit to operate a common alarm. The detector has means (6, 26, 33) for suppressing a first disturbance signal so that only a second and subsequent ones trigger the alarm. There are also means (8, 30) whereby a disturbance signal only of a given length can pass to trigger the alarm. With another facility (38, 43) the detector registers whether it is the first or a subsequent one in a group to be disturbed. The detector is largely embodied on a integrated circuit chip and all these facilities are selectable by making or omitting simple pin connections.

Abstract: A motion sensor comprising a permanent magnet suspended in pendulum fashion at one end of a length of cord string so as to be capable of swinging freely within an electrical coil when the motion sensor is moved. The movement of the magnet induces an emf in the coil which can be detected by simple electronic circuitry. The motion sensor is extremely simple but yet highly effective to detect both shock movement or a gentle motion.

Abstract: An alarm system for detecting, signaling and reporting the occurrence of a penetration towards or an unauthorized entry into a defined area, such as towards or into a closed automobile. The alarm system includes a proximity detector to detect an intrusion into a prescribed zone or region around the defined area, and one or more sensors to sense an unauthorized entry event or attempted entry event into the defined area. The alarm system further includes means for generating vocal speech warning or alarm signals for the purpose of: (1) drawing attention to the fact that an unauthorized penetration or entry event has been sensed, and (2) providing vocal reports to indicate the status of the system and to alert the owner of the system that a prior unauthorized event was detected. During use of the system, the user of the system can select various operating modes and report options, thereby providing flexibility in how the system is used.

Abstract: An anti-theft alarm device for a vehicle, the device having: (a) a detector for detecting an emergency of the vehicle and for emitting a detection signal; (b) a switch for setting and deactivation the alarm device, the switch emitting selectively a setting and a deactivation signal; (c) a control circuit for transmitting selectively an alarm signal in response to the detection signal and confirmation signals in response to setting signal and deactivation signal, the confirmation signals being weaker than a alarm signal; (d) an alarm speaker for selectively generating an alarm sound and a confirmation sound in response to the alarm signal and the confirmation signals respectively, whereby generating an alarm sound according to an emergency of the vehicle and a confirmation sound when the alarm device is set and deactivated.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a collision detector for a vehicle, capable of avoiding the adverse effect of the diagnostic pulses on the detection of a collision so that the failure of the acceleration sensor can be diagnosed correctly. A collision detector in accordance with the present invention comprises a diagnostic pulse generator which applies diagnostic pulses to an acceleration sensor to detect the failure of the acceleration sensor, and a diagnostic circuit which stops the output diagnostic pulses of the diagnostic pulse generator when the output of the acceleration sensor exceeds a malfunction avoidance level which is lower than a reference collision level.

Abstract: A security unit is to be fitted to a goods container to be secured, normally to the load doors, and will transmit a radio signal when it is interfered with to a radio receiver which gives the alarm. Where the container is part of or is loaded on a vehicle, then in addition to this security for the container itself, the alarm system will have to be immobilized by an authorized driver before the vehicle can be driven by inserting two different keys in a predetermined time sequence before the vehicle can be operated.

Abstract: An improved vehicle intruder alarm system includes a method of automatically arming an alarm system. When arming the alarm system by remote control the vehicle windows can be raised and the vehicle headlights automatically turned on by remote control. When entering a vehicle door while the system is armed, a low warning tone is produced for an entry delay time. The warning tone increases with time. The processor for the alarm senses the magnitude and rate of impacts or motions of the vehicle. Short warnings are produced when the magnitude and rate are above a threshold.

Abstract: An arrangement for automatic release of occupant protecting devices in vehicles, particularly power vehicles, by means of producing a control signal in response to a deviation from an acceptable position or an acceptable condition of a vehicle, the arrangement comprises a sensor including a base plate provided with at least one coil through which a high-frequency alternating current flows, a seismic mass composed of an electrically conductive material at least in the region of the coil and movably suspended near the base plate so as to be in an operative connection with the coil, a pendulum-like suspending member which supports the seismic mass so as to enable a substantially parallel movement of the seismic mass relative to the coil, and a perforated member which coats the coil, the perforated member being composed of an electrically conductive material and provided with at least one slot.

Abstract: A Hall-effect device and a magnet are mounted on respective resonant bridge supports in magnetic field relationship whereby movement of either the magnet or the Hall-effect device produces a change in the field strength at the Hall-effect device. The two support structures with their mounted components exhibit different natural resonant frequencies whereby stimuli in either of two different ranges causes one or both of the magnet or Hall-effect device to move at their resonant frequency producing a signal. Signal processing circuitry disregards D.C. signals from the Hall-effect device and responds only to A.C. signals, indicative of shocks in the 1000 to 2000 Hertz range or movement of the detector with components in less than the 150 Hertz range. Three different bridge structures are disclosed, one with separate bridges, one employing common support columns and one which is integrally molded.

Abstract: In a burglarproof system for an automotive vehicle, a door key cylinder arranged at a vehicle door includes a cylindrical body and a rotor accommodated therein. An acting section provided at the rotor extends radially from an axis thereof. A door key switch arranged in the vicinity of the door key cylinder detects the acting section to output a key-operation detection signal, when the rotor is angularly moved by turning operation of a key to bring a door locking mechanism to an unlocked position. A door lock switch detects in which one of the locked and unlocked positions the locking mechanism is. A stealing detector is provided for outputting a stealing detection signal when the stealing detector does not receive the key-operation detection signal from the door key switch, but receives the lock-releasing detection signal from the door lock switch. A burglarproof unit executes operation for a burglarproof in response to the stealing detection signal.

Abstract: An apparatus mounted upon an automotive vehicle to determine the impact of centrifugal force upon the vehicle in traveling through a curve of a road for the purpose of ascertaining an upper safe speed limit for posting the curve.

Abstract: A user-programmable sensor system for generating an alarm signal upon detection of an alarm event is disclosed. The system is particularly suited for use in vehicle security systems. The system employs a three axes accelerometer as a shock/motion detector, and the transducer outputs are summed and the composite signal filtered to provide several channels, each covering a specific frequency or frequency band. The outputs of the channels are digitized and processed by a microprocessor. An event is characterized by seveal signal parameters with an alarm event triggered by the simultaneous occurrence of several predetermined conditions, and not just one condition. The limit values for the signal parameters which are required to qualify a shock/motion event as an alarm event may be readily programmed by the user at any time or place.

Abstract: An active entry delay device which uses a wired or wireless momentary switch to be placed at edge of door or car door, so that the entry delay device can be initiated by turning on the switch; if the switch is not turned on before opening of door/car door, there will not be any entry delay, and alarm system will be triggered to sound alarm immediately.

Abstract: A multi-element piezo-electric transducer is mounted on the wall or frame of a body and is held in a predetermined position relative to the body. The support element of the transducer is subjected to an altering force by the force applying element of the transducer which applied such force when the attitude of the body changes. The altering force is transmitted to the piezo-electric element of the transducer by way of the support element. The altering force bends or otherwise deforms the piezo-electric element thereby introducing internal stresses into the piezo-electric element which thereupon generates a detectable signal. The signal is amplified and filtered to remove frequencies in the vibration range and to provide an output signal which is proportional to the extent of change in attitude of the body. The output signal of the amplifier is applied to a trigger circuit which operates an alarm.

Abstract: A theft protection electric cable includes at least one conducting core, a sheath which is least partially insulating, and a suitable connection. The cable is characterized in that it is connected between a source of electrical voltage and a user member by at least one contactor (3), said contactor receiving information concerning the conducting or non-conducting state of the cable and including a spring or switch (11, 34) for interrupting the passage of electricity as a function of said information.