Abstract: A vehicle turn signal malfunction warning system that alerts the vehicle driver when a turn signal indication is not cancelled after a predetermined time period comprises a modular housing that is plug-compatible with all standardized flasher units in use, requires no wiring to be connected to the turn signal system or to the vehicle electrical system. The system includes a full-wave rectifier connected across the inputs of the standard turn signal flasher, and is powered solely by the voltage derived from the turn signal system. The warning system includes a first time base circuit, a second time base circuit, a gating means, and a tone generator means. The first time base circuit is arranged to be fully charged by the first turn signal pulse through the full-wave rectifier, and to discharge approximately 2.5 seconds after the turn signal pulse train ends. The second time base circuit begins charging when the first time base is fully charged, and accumulates a charge until the first time base circuit resets.

Abstract: A signalling system is provided that is alternatively operable in programming and operating modes. The signalling system includes a keypad, control head, control unit and a plurality of signalling features selectively activated by the control unit in the operating mode. The system provides for keystrokes to the keypad placing the system in the programming mode and selecting the signalling features to be activated by the control unit in the operating mode.

Abstract: An audible turn signal canister unit for automobiles incorporates an audible alarm in the form of a unitary, self-contained module which can be plugged into the existing socket in the automobile in place of a standard flasher unit. The alarm is a pure tone in the mid-speech frequency range (e.g. 1000 to 2500 Hz) in order to be more readily heard over background noise or by hearing impaired individuals. Optionally, the unit can be provided with a time delay circuit in the form of an electronic counter that is reset each time that the turn signal switch is turned on or closed in order to establish the beginning count for the activation of the alarm a predetermined time interval after the turn signal unit is activated.

Abstract: An emergency response vehicle such as an ambulance is provided with a warning unit that provides a visual and audible warning signal. The warning unit is mounted in a recess or cutout in the hood which covers the engine compartment of the vehicle. This positioning of the warning unit avoids blockage of the air flow through the radiator required for cooling of the vehicle engine. Brackets or other suitable devices are used to mount the warning unit, preferably to a wall such as a radiator support, so that the warning unit remains stationary during opening and closing of the hood. The wall also serves to block rearward passage of the noise generated by the warning unit.

Abstract: A sound generating device which increases the effectiveness of the sound generated by mechanically coupling a weight to a piezoelectric element. This sound generating device may find particular application in a combination backup light and sound generating device utilized in an automotive vehicle. Also, circuitry for driving a piezoelectric element at its resonant frequency when the driving signal is applied to the piezoelectric element across a step-up transformer. The circuitry features a feedback signal which detects the frequency at which the piezoelectric element is vibrating. This feedback signal is then subjected to low-pass and high-pass filtering to remove any phase shifts resulting from applying the driving signal across the step-up transformer. This filtered feedback signal is then utilized to control the driving signal.

Abstract: A novel flashing light siren alarm which, when activated, provides a bright flashing strobe light and loud siren sound which attract attention. A flashing light siren and sound alarm which includes (a) a light emitting apparatus; (b) a sound emitting apparatus; (c) a battery adapted to power the light emitting apparatus and the sound emitting apparatus; and (d) a causing which carries the light and sound emitting apparatus, and the battery.

Abstract: A flasher unit is provided which can plug into the standard flasher receptacle of a turn signal system of a vehicle. When the vehicle operator selects a turn signal lamp by operation of the turn signal switch, the flasher unit will cycle the chosen lamp on and off at a predetermined rate for as long as the turn signal switch is closed. The flasher unit will also operate an audible signal to indicate that the turn signal system is in operation, with the level of the audible signal progressively increasing in the event that the operator forgets to restore the turn signal switch to the off position.

Abstract: A combination back-up light and sound emitting device includes a housing formed by a reflector and a light transmitting cover. A light bulb is mounted within the reflector, as is a piezo electric speaker. Both the light bulb and the speaker are electrically connected to an electrical socket in the reflector, into which an electrical plug from the vehicle may be fitted. Therefore, once the housing is mounted to a vehicle, electrical connection for both the light bulb and the sound emitting device can be achieved by the single operation of inserting the electrical plug into the socket.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle audible warning system and method for improving emergency vehicle mission effectiveness and reducing the undesirable side effects of emergency vehicle audible warning systems. The audible warning system projects different selectable sound phrases that indicate varying levels of urgency. Periods of silence are included between sound phrases for, among other purposes, improving listener attentiveness and allowing operators of emergency vehicles to hear other approaching emergency vehicles. Urgency is further indicated by varying the duration of silent period between sound phrases with speed changes of the emergency vehicle. Higher and broader frequency spectrums compared to typical warning systems are utilized in order to better penetrate other vehicles and to project a less harsh, yet still effective warning.

Abstract: An audible warning tone and a flashing optical signal are generated by a personal portable signalling apparatus when it detects the approach of a lighted moving vehicle. The flashing optical signal also alerts the operator of the moving vehicle of the presence of the user of the personal portable signalling apparatus. A housing is provided to optically isolate the receiving and transmitting portions of the optical apparatus.

Abstract: An annunciator is presented that, when connected to an automotive signal light flasher, emits an agreeable, short tone each time the signal lights are turned on by the flasher. It is suitable for use in automotive emergency flasher light circuits as well as turn signal circuits. It connects to the flasher via a special, flat interconnector that does not interfere with the normal location or operation of the flasher itself. It operates by allowing a capacitor to charge during the `open` portion of the flasher's cycle, and as the flasher closes, discharges the capacitor through an oscillator, which in turn drives an audio transducer. The tone thereby produced is pleasant and not "elctronic` sounding because it decays with the charge of the capacitor.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay according to the present invention is applicable, for example, to a flasher relay to be mounted in automobiles, autobicycles or the like. When a driver of the automobile turns on the switch for the winker, the winker lamp is turned on and off and at the same time, a sound is generated to inform the driver of the fact that the winker lamp is being operated.

Abstract: A foldable, warning triangle includes illuminating and audible alerting indicators to warn oncomers of vehicular accidents and other danger conditions. Flashing lights may be powered from self-contained batteries or from an external source such as an automobile battery and the flashing rate may be set by an internal timing circuit or may be derived from the collision-avoidance lamp of an automobile.

Abstract: An audio indicator is provided for a motor vehicle direction signal circuit of the type including a battery and a turn signal switch connecting the battery to at least one indicator lamp through a set of switchable contacts in a plug-in timer can, and with structure for intermittently opening and closing the contacts to flash the indicator lamps. The audio indicator has an electrically operated sound generating device with a substantially greater series resistance than the indicator lamps, and that is connected in parallel with the contacts of the timer can. When the timer can contacts are closed, the indicator lamps are "on", and current is shorted through the contacts such that the sound generating device is "off". When the timer can contacts are open, the indicator lamps are "off", and substantially all of the voltage from the battery appears across the sound generating device and the sound generating device is "on".

Abstract: A combination back-up light and sound emitting device for use with an automobile includes a housing having a base at one end and a socket at the other end. A light bulb is mounted in the socket of the housing and a sound emitting device is also mounted in the housing. Bayonet type connectors are formed on the base of the housing and are electrically connected to the light bult and sound emitting device. The bayonet type connectors are used for mechanically connecting the housing to the back-up light socket of a vehicle tail light assembly, so that installation of the combination back-up light and sound emitting device can be accomplished simply by inserting the base into the back-up light socket and turning so as to secure the bayonet type connection.

Abstract: A vehicular back-up lamp alarm device, comprising a sonic element, such as a buzzer, which is an integral part of the lamp base or of socket for receiving it. The sonic element is connected so it will be in parallel with the back-up lamp. Alternatively, the sonic element may be an integral part of a socket converter having a conventional lamp base and socket, and connected in parallel with the electrical connections between such base and socket. As a result, the operating voltage which is applied to the back-up lamp when the vehicle is put into reverse gear will also cause the sonic element to emit an audible alarm.

Abstract: A combination back-up light and sound emitting device for use with an automobile includes a housing having a base at one end and a socket at the other end. A light bulb is mounted in the socket of the housing and a sound emitting device is also mounted in the housing. Bayonet type connectors are formed on the base of the housing and are electrically connected to the light bulb and sound emitting device. The bayonet type connectors are used for mechanically connecting the housing to the back-up light socket of a vehicle tail light assembly, so that installation of the combination back-up light and sound emitting device can be accomplished simply by inserting the base into the back-up light socket and turning so as to secure the bayonet type connection.

Abstract: An emergency signal sending apparatus for emitting a preset sequence of visual and auditory signals. The apparatus can be manually or automatically switched so as to indicate the nature of assistance required by the signal sender. The signal sending apparatus can be equipped with a sudden or rollover motion sensing automatic switching device so that the preset signalling sequences will be initiated regardless of operator input. The signal sending apparatus includes an auditory signalling unit so that signalling can be successfully accomplished even if the sending apparatus is obscured from view.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a car's back-up alarm, and particularly a back-up alarm attachedly provided with a communication function capable of guiding the auto body while the car driver speaking therethrough with person/persons in the outside of the car.