Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for controlling a vehicle and for providing data to the driver as to a tire pressure loss. When a tire pressure loss is detected, a limit speed is pregiven to which the speed of the vehicle is limited. The limit speed is dependent upon the distance already traveled since occurrence of the pressure loss or the elapsed operating time. Furthermore, for a detected tire pressure loss, the maximum range or the maximum operating time of the vehicle having a tire with reduced air pressure is determined and this is displayed to the driver.

Abstract: A safety system and method for buses, and in particular school buses, with the bus having a plurality of seats arrange in rows with at least one aisle running lengthwise of the bus, and a forward seat for a driver, and a door through which students enter and leave the bus. A sensor is associated with each seat to sense if a person is occupying the seat. A safety seat belt and buckle member enable a person seated in a seat to buckle in for safety. A sensor senses if the seat belt is buckled. The condition of each seat is read to determine if the seat is occupied and the seat belt is buckled. A display, within the vision of the bus driver while normally operating the bus, shows the condition of each seat. A telecommunications link is provided between the bus and a remote station and can be operated by the bus driver while normally operating the bus. A global positioning system coupled to the telecommunications link provides to the remote station the location of the bus.

Abstract: A school bus driver's vision enhancement system for detecting children in dangerous zones around the bus and alerting the bus driver when such children have been detected. Sensors are mounted along the roofline of the bus, preferably on the mirror housings, and are pointed towards the road surface to provide a broader coverage area on the road surface than known school bus sensor systems. A lighted display unit is provided within view of the bus driver to alert the driver when the sensors have detected an obstacle, such as a child. The lighted display units include lights that are energized when any one of the sensors detects an obstacle. The bus may be configured to automatically actuate the brakes or other means to prevent movement of the bus if the motor is turned on, the bus is in a stopped position, and an object is detected by one the sensors.

Abstract: A programmable bus stopping system of a mobile vehicle in electrical communication with controllers or actuators for all of the safety and warning devices requiring actuation upon a vehicle stop for passenger egress. The electrical communication may be through an area wide network that may allow multiplexing. In addition the controllers or actuators, the communication network may be electrically engaged to an electronic system controller for coordinating operation of controllers and actuators. There may be a manual switch, push-button, or actuator accessible to the driver of the vehicle that allows communication to activate a series of activities that must occur upon a bus stopping to let on or let off passengers. The system activation points may be tied to vehicle speed or to vehicle position relative to a stop requiring a component or components to activate.

Abstract: A supplemental warning apparatus for school buses which is mounted on the roof of the bus in a vertical plane spaced above the usual warning sign which is carried on the side of the bus, the warning apparatus including a display member carried by a base which display member is shiftable between a retracted position and an upright vertically extended warning position. The supplemental warning apparatus may be coupled with the warning sign assembly on the side of the school bus; the passenger door of the school bus; or may be directly operated by the driver of the bus, all to the end that a warning is given from the roof of the bus which can be seen by surrounding traffic when the view of the normal warning sign on the side of the bus is blocked by such traffic.

Abstract: A school bus safety device provides an engine status line wired to a voltage detection location. The voltage detection location is a point in the electrical system of the school bus which is typically at a high voltage potential when the engine is in operation, and is at the same potential as ground when the engine is turned off. An edge-triggered logic device, such as a flip-flop, receives the engine status line as a clock pulse input. In a typical application, the falling edge of the engine status line causes the output line of the logic device to go high, thereby driving an annunciator, such as a buzzer. Therefore, turning off the engine of the bus causes the buzzer to sound. The driver walks to the rear of the bus and notices if any sleeping children are left on board. A key switch device, located in the back of the bus, is used to send a reset to the logic device, thereby turning off the buzzer. The driver then walks back to the front of the bus, double-checking to see that all children are off the bus.

Abstract: A warning system for warning a user of an approaching vehicle, wherein the approaching vehicle activates a signal transmitter. The system comprising at least one transmitter and at least one receiver. The transmitter includes a member for receiving the signal from a signal transmitter; and a member associated with the receiving means for transmitting at least one signal component. The receiver is positioned remotely from the transmitter and includes a member for receiving the at least one signal component, a member associated with the receiving means for processing the at least one signal component and a member associated with the processing means for alerting a user as to an approaching vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for warning drivers as to the presence of a concealed hazard. A first step involves providing a sign capable of changing from an inactive mode to a warning mode upon receiving a signal. A second step involves providing a transmitter compatible with the signs receiver. A third step involves positioning the sign at a location along a highway that is visible a sufficient distance from the concealed hazard to provide warning to drivers of approaching vehicles. Where the concealed hazard is a concealed school bus stopping location, it is preferred that the transmitter be positioned in a school bus so as to enable a driver of the school bus to remotely change the sign from the inactive mode to the warning mode as the school bus approaches the concealed stopping location.

Abstract: A audible pedestrian alert system for use with vehicles having a wide turning radius such as buses and trucks. A device is disposed in the rear wheel well of the vehicle and is operatively connected to a conventional vehicle turn signal circuit including a battery and a turn signal switch operable to selectively connect the battery through a switching device to at least a first turn signal indicator lamp through a first contact point and to at least a second turn signal indicator lamp through a second contact point. The device includes a sound generating device and a timing and signal conditioning circuit operably connected to the turn signal switch for connecting the battery to the sound generating device. Upon activation of the turn signal switch, a pulsed tone is audible for a pre-determined time.

Abstract: A modular rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates one or more integrated subassembly modules or carrier members to which are connected separate electrical components such as lamps, reflectors, switches, plug receptacles and the like to simplify mirror assembly and provide integral support, electrical connections, and an electrical distribution network for the mirror assembly having added, electrically operated features. The carrier member includes a circuit member secured to and/or at least partially encased or encapsulated within a support body such that electrical connections extend therefrom. Preferably, the carrier member may include recesses at opposite ends for receiving and supporting reflectors thereon to prevent vibration while allowing interchangeability for different vehicle types. The carrier member may form a stop for a toggle actuator to limit the movement of the mirror housing between day and night positions in the event a prismatic mirror element is included.

Abstract: A warning system for a multi-passenger vehicle such as a school bus which prompts the driver to inspect the vehicle for passengers when shutting down the vehicle. In the preferred embodiment the system is activated when the vehicle safety flasher system is activated. Following activation an alarm sounds when the vehicle electrical system is deactivated by shutting off the engine unless the bus driver activates an alarm delay switch and within a preset time interval activates a disarming switch located near the back of the passenger compartment. Thus, in order to deactivate the warning system of the invention the bus driver must walk through the passenger area of the vehicle at least twice, inspecting the passenger area of the vehicle in the process. The time taken to inspect the vehicle serves as a cool-down period for the vehicle engine, which is desirable in the case of turbo charged vehicle engines.

Abstract: A School bus alert system has a school bus outfitted with message emitter. The school bus alert system also includes a set of roadway signs having alarm units directly or indirectly responsive to the messages emitted by the school bus emitter. The roadway signs are provided along the roadway approaches to a given bus stop. Upon activation by the messages from the school bus, the alarm units go active and give off an obvious sensible warning that is reasonably interpretable by motorists or drivers that (i) they--the motorists or drivers--are approaching the given bus stop and (ii) there concurrently is a school bus stopped or servicing passengers at the bus stop.

Abstract: A strobe light warning system for school busses for visually notifying a passerby of an emergency when an emergency door of a school bus is opened. The strobe light warning system for school busses includes a first pair of strobe lights adapted for mounting on opposite sides of an emergency door of a school bus. Each of the strobe lights is in communication with a power source of the school bus. A first switch contacts the emergency door. The first switch is electrically connected to the strobe lights such that the first switch closes a circuit when the emergency door is opened thereby permitting power to flow to the strobe lights.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful alarm system for use on a school bus having an ignition switch, a master switch, a rear door switch, the alarm system comprises a plurality of electromechanical circuits arranged so as to effect a resting state in which the system is inoperable, a stand-by state activated by actuating the ignition switch, a latching state from which the system may be armed, an armed state in which the system is operable, alarm means to indicate an alarm state, and a disarmed state in which the system is deactivated. There is also provided deactivation means positioned at a rear of the bus to deactivate the alarm system while in the armed state or the alarm state, wherein the alarm system is integral with the ignition switch, the master switch and the door switch of the bus.

Abstract: A vehicle installed monitoring system which allows a driver of a bus or a like vehicle to observe an area outside the vehicle and around the vehicle door. The vehicle installed monitoring system comprises a video camera mounted on the vehicle and connected to a monitor disposed near the driver. The video camera is mounted so as to view the area surrounding the vehicle door, and includes an attached microphone which transmits noises around the area to the monitor. The monitor includes a video display and a loudspeaker to allow the driver to audio-visually monitor the area surrounding the vehicle door. The monitor also includes a reminder device, a flashing light in this case, which attracts the driver's attention and reminds the driver to inspect the monitor and verify that the area around the door is clear before driving off. The camera, microphone and monitor are activated when the driver opens the vehicle door.

Abstract: A safety zone guard resides in at least one articulated outwardly pivotable guard rail mounted to the transverse side of a vehicle and is deployable to an extended condition wherein in the deployed condition the guard extends perpendicularly to the transverse side of the vehicle to create a zone of safety therealong.

Abstract: An actuating device for operating a safety unit mounted on a vehicle which includes a motor having an output shaft, a movable support for supporting the safety unit and moving it between its retracted and extended positions, and a non-mechanical switch arrangement that includes a pair of beam generators and sensors located in the path of the beams, and a plate for interrupting the beam and generating one control signal, and permitting passage of the beam to the sensor to generate another control signal. A control circuit is provided to operate the motor and movable support between its retracted and extended positions in response to the sensor's signals.

Abstract: A sign (10) includes a sign housing (16) having a pair of extension arms (102) extending therefrom for mounting purposes. The sign housing (16) includes light elements (28) to illuminate at least a portion of the sign (10). The sign housing (16) and extension arms (102) include channels therethrough to allow power conductors (52) to extend from the light element internal the sign housing (16) through the extension arms (102) to power source. The extension arm also receives and supports a hollow, L-shaped bushing (112) through which the power conductors extend. The bushings (112) are received in a mounting housing (122) which in turn secured to a support structure, such as a bus (12). The mounting housing (112) includes an actuator connected to the bushing (112) to pivot the sign (10).

Abstract: A vehicle video system including at least three video cameras electrically connected to a video signal relay device which directs video signals generated by each of the video cameras to either a video recorder or a monitor depending upon switching signals received to the video signal relay device. A video camera is automatically triggered to commence recording upon activation of a turn signal of a vehicle on which the system is deployed. A motion detector deployed on one vehicle can trigger a video camera deployed on another vehicle to commence recording. The system draws power from a battery of the vehicle.

Abstract: A moveable traffic turn indicator may be constructed with a first elongate member exhibiting a first major surface terminated by a first end, a second elongate member exhibiting a second major surface terminated, a hinge pivotably joining the second elongate member to the first elongate member, and a double acting actuator coupled between the first elongate member and the second elongate member to drive the second elongate member between a retracted position with the second major surface in juxtaposition alongside the first major surface and a deployed position with the second major surface obliquely oriented relative to the first major surface to fully expose indicia borne by the second major surface.

Abstract: A school bus has a stop sign hinged on a sealed electrical actuator assembly that is attached to the side of the bus. The actuator assembly includes the electrical and mechanical components including an electric motor that pivot the hinged stop sign from a stored position adjacent the bus to an operative position extending outwardly of the bus in perpendicular fashion and back to the stored position. These components and wiring harnesses are protected in an outer sealed housing that has a removable cover to facilitate installation and repair. Installation and repair is further enhanced by a removable inner housing sub-assembly that carries a motor control circuit for the electric motor and provides additional protection for the electric motor. The school bus also has a crossing arm hinged on an identical sealed electrical actuator assembly, that is attached to the front bumper of the bus near the passenger door.

Abstract: A school bus stop sign (10) of the type rotatably coupled to a school bus (18) and movable between a retracted position adjacent to the school bus (18) and an extended position extending outwardly from the school bus (18) is disclosed. The bus stop sign (10) is characterized by an array of light emitting diodes (34) disposed on the bus stop sign (10) to provide illumination thereto.

Abstract: A bus light system (10) includes a plurality of indicator assemblies (16) located at each upper end corner of a bus (12). Each of the indicator assemblies (16) include first and third sections (24, 28) for indicating a slowing-to-stop condition which include illuminated word messages of CAUTION and STOPPING. Second and fourth sections (26, 34) indicate a stop condition which include illuminated word messages of DO NOT PASS and STOP. The first and third sections alternately flash during the slowing of the bus (12), while the second and fourth sections alternately flash during stopping of the bus (12) for loading and unloading.

Abstract: Method for tire pressure warning in a motor vehicle in which, instead of direct pressure measurement, the tire pressure is monitored indirectly by recording the dynamic rolling circumference of the tire and, in this way, to dispense with sensors, in particular if wheel speed sensors have already been installed in the vehicle.The method works on the basis of a wheel speed balance, within which speed scaling factors are determined. By comparing these scaling factors in pairs, determining the maximum deviation and checking whether a particular threshold value has been exceeded, a reliable tire pressure warning can be implemented with little outlay, in particular in the case of a wheel speed balance for each axle.

Abstract: A safety device for mounting on school buses is provided. The device includes light assemblies so as to be visible in their on and flashing modes only within certain horizontal arcs which describe certain areas parallel to and in front of school buses. School children exiting the school bus are directed by the initial light to proceed to a first position located on the side of the road, in sight of the school bus driver and where a first light is visible. The school children are then directed by the first light to move to a second position in which a second light is visible. The second position is immediately in front of the school bus, and in sight of the driver. The driver then indicates to the children, via the second light source, to proceed with crossing the roadway only after the driver has ascertained that it is safe to do so.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle video recording system for recording passengers on a passenger vehicle as well as passing traffic. The preferred embodiment of the passenger vehicle video recording system includes two video cameras wherein one video camera is mounted to the rearview mirror of the passenger vehicle and the other camera is mounted to the side of the vehicle. The system additionally includes a video recorder, the video recorder located inside the passenger vehicle. A switching signal determines which of the two video cameras is in communication with the video recorder so as to view passengers on the passenger vehicle and passing traffic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for detecting and identifying school bus stop arm violations. The device includes a sensor positionable on a school bus for detecting the presence of a moving vehicle in a violation zone adjacent to the school bus. A detection mechanism detects the extension of the stop arm on the school bus. A control unit is operable with the sensor and the detection mechanism and provides a control signal indicating the presence of a vehicle in the violation zone when the stop arm is extended. A camera which is responsive to the control signal photographs the moving vehicle in the violation zone.

Abstract: A safety sensor and warning system, for use in combination with a motor vehicle, has sensors for determining if personnel are present in one or more predetermined danger zones proximate to the vehicle, during times when the vehicle is undergoing the loading and/or unloading of personnel; if the presence of such personnel is determined within any one or more of such danger zones related warning apparatus creates a sensory warning signal whereby the driver of the vehicle is made aware of such presence by the personnel; Microwave Doppler Shift Radar detects objects by reacting to a reflected radio signal of controlled strength and frequency which shifts off its original frequency when reflected off of an object of adequate density moving into, or changing position, within the range of the radiated radio signal and its consequent reflection; the sensors for determining if personnel are present in one or more predetermined danger zones utilize this known Microwave Doppler Shift Radar Technology and are electronica

Abstract: An audiovisual safety warning kit for use with a vehicle includes lighting for mounting to the vehicle to produce a visual safety warning and to illuminate the ground adjacent to the vehicle. The kit further includes a device which stores audio safety prompting messages and an associated audio speaker which emits the messages to vehicle passengers. The storage device relays safety messages to the speaker in response to receiving an electrical signal provided by an activating device or by a vehicle driver. The activating device is mounted adjacent to steps of the vehicle such that it is activated by persons boarding or exiting the vehicle. The driver can select a stored audio message, or can create a supplemental audio message which is directly emitted by the speaker system.

Abstract: A stop sign and/or crossing arm deployment system is secured to a side and/or the front, respectively of a school bus for deploying a safety stop sign and/or crossing arm between a retracted normal state and a deployed safety state. A dual power circuit is provided for providing maximum power at the instance of deployment and at the instance of final retraction. Otherwise, a lower power is used to operate a bi-directional DC motor which receives power for the entire time period between deploying and retracting the system. The system provides the lower power level while simultaneously heating the circuitry including the motor for use in cold climates. A single ground switch is used for coupling the motor directly to ground both during the deployed state and retracted state to provide maximum power in momentary cycle times to the motor.

Abstract: A pivoting safety apparatus is adapted for mounting on a motor vehicle. The safety apparatus comprises a housing for mounting on the motor vehicle and a safety device pivotally coupled with the housing for movement about an axis between a retracted position and an extended position. An actuator at least partially located within the housing is comprised of an air cylinder having a piston arm extending from a piston and coupled to the safety device for movement of the safety device about the pivot axis in response to variations from atmospheric pressure of air within the air cylinder. An air pressure adjuster comprised of an electrically powered air compressor, a fluid coupling extending between the air compressor and the air cylinder, and an electrically operated valve is employed for altering the air pressure within the air cylinder to move the piston, the piston arm, and the safety device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for detecting and identifying school bus stop arm violations. The device includes a sensor positionable on a school bus for detecting the presence of a moving vehicle in a violation zone adjacent to the school bus. A detection mechanism detects the extension of the stop arm on the school bus. A control unit is operable with the sensor and the detection mechanism and provides a control signal indicating the presence of a vehicle in the violation zone when the stop arm is extended. A camera which is responsive to the control signal photographs the moving vehicle in the violation zone.

Abstract: An actuating device (10) for operating a safety unit (12) mounts on a vehicle (14) and moves between a retracted position adjacent the vehicle and an extended position extending outwardly from the vehicle. A housing (16) is fixedly mounted on the vehicle and a bracket (18) is pivotably mounted on the housing for movement about a predetermined pivot axis between the retracted and the extended positions. The actuating device (10) also includes a drive mechanism (20) for pivoting the bracket (18) about the pivot axis between the retracted position and the extended position. A torsional spring (22) is mounted about the pivot axis and torsionally interconnects the bracket (18) and the drive mechanism (20) for allowing relative movement therebetween when a predetermined force is applied to the bracket.

Abstract: A warning sign hinge-mounted on the side of a vehicle, for warning motorists against blocking access, as by parking in close proximity, of a wheelchair to a wheelchair lift aboard the vehicle. The sign includes warning indicia and reflectors, and has a distinctive shape. The sign is manually latched to the vehicle side when not in service, and manually released for deployment. Springs urge the sign into the deployed position perpendicular to the vehicle side when not latched in the stowed position.

Abstract: The safety barrier system prevents a person from being caught under a wheel of a vehicle and is provided with a sensing system to inform the driver of the presence of the person on the barrier during start up. The sensing system combines a first sensor (for example, a pressure sensor) with an infrared sensor, and includes a snow switch for selectively using the first sensor and/or the infrared sensor depending on the weather conditions. The barrier is mounted to the vehicle by a motor drive mechanism to lower the barrier when stopped and to raise the barrier after the vehicle has travelled a given distance. The system is particularly suitable for school buses.

Abstract: An audible warning cue signal of a selected duration is provided to disembarked passengers to warn them of the impending departure of the vehicle from which they disembarked. The vehicle is stopped at a predetermined location for passenger debarkation. An entrance door of the vehicle is then actuated to an opened condition to allow the passengers to disembark. After the passengers have disembarked, the door is actuated to a closed condition and an audibly perceptible alarm is provided for a selected time duration to aurally alert the disembarked passengers to the impending departure of the vehicle.

Abstract: A safety sensor and warning system, for use in combination with a motor vehicle, has sensors for determining if personnel are present in one or more predetermined danger zones proximate to the vehicle, during times when the vehicle is undergoing the loading and/or unloading of personnel; if the presence of such personnel is determined within any one or more of such danger zones related warning apparatus creates a sensory warning signal whereby the driver of the vehicle is made aware of such presence by the personnel; Microwave Doppler Shift Radar detects objects by reacting to a reflected radio signal of controlled strength and frequency which shifts off its original frequency when reflected off of an object of adequate density moving into, or changing position, within the range of the radiated radio signal and its consequent reflection; the sensors for determining if personnel are present in one or more predetermined danger zones utilize this known Microwave Doppler Shift Radar Technology and are electronica

Abstract: A safety sensor and warning system, for use in combination with a motor vehicle, has sensors for determining if personnel are present in one or more predetermined danger zones proximate to the vehicle, during times when the vehicle is undergoing the loading and/or unloading of personnel; if the presence of such personnel is determined within any one or more of such danger zones related warning apparatus such as lamps and/or horn create a sensory warning signal whereby the driver of the vehicle is made aware of such presence by the personnel as well as warning the personnel within the danger zones and others beyond the danger zone of the presence of such personnel; Microwave Doppler Shift Radar detects objects by reacting to a reflected radio signal of controlled strength and frequency which shifts off its original frequency when reflected off of an object of adequate density moving into, or changing position, within the range of the radiated radio signal and its consequent reflection; the sensors for determin

Abstract: A housing contains a gate or arm to extend to the driver's side of a school bus to stop vehicular traffic at the back of the bus. The housing and the arm are located at the back of the bus by attaching it to the rear bumper of existing bus. For new buses, the housing can be built into the body of the bus on the driver's side near the rear. A stop sign, at eye level, is also extended from the driver's side of the bus. In a preferred embodiment, the sign is extended responsive to the opening of the passenger door on the school bus. As soon as the sign begins its outward movement, flashing lights are activated, a sound alarm is activated. After a short delay, the gate in the form of an arm is extended from the housing. To retrieve the arm and sign, the arm is brought in first and as soon as the arm is retracted it activates a limit switch which begins the sign retraction and when the sign is retracted a limit switch will deactivate the flashing lights and audible device.

Abstract: A driver alerting device for a school bus or the like includes a pair of transceivers adapted for mounting at the forward end and below the vehicle. Return wave signals from any object or person within the transceiver range are supplied to the transceiver through an antenna connection. Any resultant doppler shift signal is amplified for driving the audio alarm to alert the driver to the presence of a person or object within the transceiver range.

Abstract: A monitor system for ensuring that passengers have exited a vehicle such as a school bus is activated when the ignition of the vehicle is shut off. A buzzer sounds in response to ignition shut off, alerting the driver to disable the alarm system. If he does not do so within a predetermined period of time an alarm is actuated. A switch for disabling the alarm system is located at the rear of the bus to require the driver to walk to the rear of the bus to disable the alarm. This, in turn, requires the driver to observe whether or not any children remain in the bus.

Abstract: A safety gate for a school bus or similar conveyance. The gate is mounted on the front bumper of the vehicle and includes a barrier both in front of the bumper and between the bumper and the front wheel of the bus. Both barriers can be dropped from a travel height, in which the bus can travel on the roads, to a lower or guard height in which the barrier is close to the surface of the road so that people--particularly children--cannot go over or beneath the barriers in a location out of the view of the driver.

Abstract: A vehicle alarm for preventing injury to persons near the vehicle. Persons under and around a vehicle such as a school bus are detected by establishing an energy field and monitoring for disturbances therein. At least one transmitter establishes the energy field in areas of high risk. One or more receivers detect a signal resulting from the energy field. These signals are monitored by a processor unit for amplitude variations therein. The processor unit preferably stores the amplitude of the received signal when no persons are present and establishes one or more thresholds preferably in accordance with the stored amplitude. The received signal is subsequently monitored for variations that result in a threshold crossing indicating the unwanted presence of a person in a danger zone. When a threshold crossing is detected an alarm is activated.

Abstract: A motor driven barrier is disclosed for installation on the front end of a school bus. An elongate barrier member is carried in a stowed position adjacent the bus front bumper and upon deployment protrudes forwardly from the bus in approximate alignment with the right side of the vehicle. A motor housing includes brackets for bumper attachment. A reversible electric motor powers a driven shaft through 90.degree. or so to position the barrier. A lost motion drive includes a spiral spring which yields in the event an obstruction is encountered by the arm. A second spiral spring cooperates with the first mentioned spring to locate the barrier in an operatively disposed position forward of the vehicle and permits momentary displacement of the barrier. A pair of switches serve to establish polarity reversing motor circuits with the switches in relay controlled circuits with a driver actuated vehicle door control switch. A barrier mounted light is in circuit with the vehicle's amber light system.

Abstract: An electrically operated, air-driven pivotal sign device includes a housing and a sign assembly pivotally mounted to the housing. Within the housing, an electrically driven air compressor is pneumatically coupled through tubing and a three-way, electrically controlled valve, to a spring return type air cylinder coupled with a shaft from the pivotable sign assembly. Current supplied through a single wire to the device activates the compressor and closes the valve to atmosphere permitting pressurization of the air cylinder. The compressor is shut off automatically when the sign assembly is deployed. The sign assembly remains deployed until current is cut off to the valve, which causes the valve to vent the pneumatic coupling to atmosphere. The single wire also supplies current to a flasher device within the housing which flashes lights provided on the sign assembly simultanously with the pivotal deployment of the sign assembly.

Abstract: A safety system which contains a crossing arm or the like which is mounted on a vehicle, such as a school bus, and normally carried at a retracted position adjacent the vehicle, and a sensor device for sensing the presence of children near the bus which operates in a coordinated fashion with the crossing arm. The sensor may operate either only when the crossing arm is in its retracted position or when the crossing arm is both in its retracted and operating positions.

Abstract: An alarm system for vehicles such as school buses which forces the driver to walk through the vehicle to silence the alarm at the end of each route so that he will detect the presence of passengers remaining on board. An ignition relay is energized whenever the ignition switch is on. An arming relay for the alarm is energized when the door switch of the bus is first activated. An override relay is also energized when the door switch is first activated. Alternative circuits for the arming relay include one set of the override relay contacts and a disable switch for the alarm located at the back of the bus. The alarm sounds when the ignition switch is turned off and can be deactivated only by depressing the disable switch at the rear of the bus.

Abstract: A traffic control device for use on school buses which locates the traffic control sign in the normal field of view of oncoming traffic, yet is robust, can be extended and retracted automatically and rapidly, and substantially does not suffer wind, acceleration or deceleration damage during movement of the school bus. The traffic control device is comprised of a traffic control display such as a stop sign, apparatus for supporting the display in a horizontal plane adjacent the vehicle, and apparatus for thrusting the display outwardly from the side of the vehicle while rotating the display through 90.degree. to change the facing direction of the display to a plane visible to the traffic. The supporting apparatus is comprised of a beam, the display being fixed to the end of the beam. The rotating apparatus is comprised of the apparatus for thrusting the beam outwardly from the vehicle whereby the display is rotated through 90.degree.

Abstract: Apparatus for activating a stop sign on a bus from a retracted to an extended position and vice versa. The apparatus includes a motor coupled, via a rotary-to-reciprocating motion translator, to the stop sign. A rotor is connected to the motor and forms a part of the motion translator. The rotor includes an electrically conductive element at a discrete location on its periphery for sequentially engaging respective ones of a pair of elements located at fixed positions on diametric sides of the rotor. The fixed elements are connected via relays to the motor and an electrical power source to control the operation of the motor so that when the bus door is open the stop sign is extended and when the door is closed the sign is retracted.

Abstract: An actuating device for use in moving a school bus safety unit, such as a stop sign or crossing arm, between a retracted position adjacent the school bus, and an extended position projecting outwardly from the bus. The actuating device includes a drive motor and a friction-type slip clutch which permits the safety unit to be manually moved from its extended or retracted positions without damage to the drive arrangement for moving the safety unit, and several alternative control circuits may be utilized to automatically or semi-automatically return the safety unit to its retracted and/or extended positions if manually moved therefrom.