Abstract: Air Based Unmanned Vehicle (UV) devices and systems receiving modulated signals for demodulating and processing these signals into processed baseband location finder signal. Devices processing a camera provided signal into a processed camera signal and providing processed camera signal with processed baseband location finder signal to a transmitter for transmission of processed camera signal with processed baseband location finder signal. Receiving, demodulating and processing in vehicles a modulated remote control (RC) signal into a processed RC signal and providing processed RC signal to a processor for control of a vehicle. Receiving and processing in a vehicle a sensor generated signal into processed sensor generated signal, for storing or transmitting the processed sensor generated signal.

Abstract: A quick release device that includes a base member and an arm hingedly attached to the base member. In application, an opposite end of the tether can be tied to an anchor disposed on a lower portion of the base member and a first end of the tether is passed through the hunting dog's collar between the dog's neck area and collar, and then passed between the base member and arm while in the open, unlocked position. Urging the arm to the locked position catches and secures the first end of the tether so that the hunting dog is releasably secured. Transmitting a radio signal from the remotely located radio transmitter to the radio receiver, will cause the solenoid to disengage the coupling mechanism causing a propulsion member to apply a separating force to an extension disposed on the arm. The exerted separating force of propulsion member contacting the extension causes the arm to release the base member into the open or unlocked position.

Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle includes a vehicle speed sensor configured to emit a periodic function with a parameter correlated to the speed of the vehicle, an acceleration monitoring system, a braking system engagement detector to detect a braking status of the vehicle, an alerting device capable of signaling other drivers of a deceleration condition of the vehicle, and a control device. The acceleration monitoring system is configured to compute the acceleration of the vehicle from variations in the parameter of the periodic function of the vehicle speed sensor and to output a deceleration status of the vehicle. The control device is coupled to the acceleration monitoring system, the braking system engagement detector, and the alerting device, wherein the acceleration monitoring system sends signals to the control device and the control device operates the alerting device in a manner dependent on the deceleration status of the vehicle.

Abstract: A portable communication apparatus in which an LCD can slide and stand at a desired angle is provided. To this end, the portable communication apparatus includes a first housing extending in a longitudinal direction and a second housing that slides substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and rotates while facing the first housing to stand at a desired angle. A guide member guides the sliding and rotational movement of the second housing, and a rotational moving member is included between the first housing and the second housing to make the second housing stand at the desired angle.

Abstract: A traffic control board assembly as a self-contained unit is provided for mounting in an emergency response vehicle in a manner that accommodates deployment of a traffic control board above the top surface of the emergency response vehicle in any desired angular orientation about a vertical axis for visibility from any direction in relation to the emergency response vehicle. When docked, the top cover on the traffic board provides a weatherproof cover. Manual input and programmed control of a liftable rotation assembly on which the traffic board is mounted facilitate convenient and simple operation. A motion signal indicative of the emergency response vehicle moving can prevent deployment of the traffic control board and/or initiate returning it to a docked or stowed position.

Abstract: A school bus has a hinged stop arm, a bidirectional electric motor operatively connected to the hinged stop arm for pivoting the hinged stop arm between a stored position adjacent the school bus and a deployed position extending outwardly of the school bus, and a motor control module for controlling the bidirectional electric motor. A retainer arrangement is attached to the school bus for retaining the hinged stop arm in the stored position positively and a second control module is operatively connected to the motor control module. The retainer arrangement includes a servo motor and a lock member that is moved by the servo motor between a lock position retaining the hinged arm in the stored position and a release position allowing the hinged stop arm to be pivoted outwardly by the motor. The motor and the servo motor are operated by a common switch.

Abstract: A retainer arrangement that includes a retainer for retaining a hinged arm on a vehicle in a stored position positively so that the hinged arm does not move away from the vehicle unintentionally. The arrangements may be used in connection with a hinged stop arm that is attached to the side of a school bus that is deployed when the school bus stops to pick-up or drop off passengers.

Abstract: A school bus has a hinged stop arm, a bidirectional electric motor operatively connected to the hinged stop arm for pivoting the hinged stop arm between a stored position adjacent the school bus and a deployed position extending outwardly of the school bus, and a motor control module for controlling the bidirectional electric motor. A retainer arrangement is attached to the school bus for retaining the hinged stop arm in the stored position positively and a second control module is operatively connected to the motor control module. The retainer arrangement includes a servo motor and a lock member that is moved by the servo motor between a lock position retaining the hinged arm in the stored position and a release position allowing the hinged stop arm to be pivoted outwardly by the motor. The motor and the servo motor are operated by a common switch.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting responsible personnel to perform a post-trip inspection check for passengers remaining on a bus at the end of a trip by issuing audible and/or visual alerts when the bus is parked and the motor shut off at the end of the trip. The ignition switch (47) must be placed in ACCESSORY position and a park brake applied for the system to be rendered capable of being disarmed by operation of a disarming device (45S) at the rear of the bus. Operation of the disarming device is indicated by a correct sequence of operating conditions of the device, namely first non-actuated, then actuated, and then non-actuated. The system includes a SNOOZE state that allows the ignition switch to be temporarily turned off during a trip and the alert to be stopped by pressing a snooze switch.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting responsible personnel to perform a post-trip inspection check for passengers remaining on a bus at the end of a trip by issuing audible and/or visual alerts when the bus is parked and the motor shut off at the end of the trip. The ignition switch (47) must be placed in ACCESSORY position and a park brake applied for the system to be rendered capable of being disarmed by operation of a disarming device (45S) at the rear of the bus. Operation of the disarming device is indicated by a correct sequence of operating conditions of the device, namely first non-actuated, then actuated, and then non-actuated. The system includes a SNOOZE state that allows the ignition switch to be temporarily turned off during a trip and the alert to be stopped by pressing a snooze switch.

Abstract: A deployable message display and work light structure for attachment to a vehicle. Said structure comprises an anchor assembly attachable to the front or rear end of a vehicle, a message display panel support frame having parallel arms hingedly secured at their lower end to the anchor assembly, and a message display panel secured to the upper end of said arms. Said support frame may be rotated between a stored position, in which said arms follow the upper surface contour of the vehicle, and a substantially vertical raised display position whereby said message display panel is viewable to oncoming motorists. Work lights secured to the frame below said panel shine downward to illuminate the site without spilling glare in the eyes of motorists. Preferaby the display panel displays in alternative flashes a one word message and a graphical representation of open and closed travel lanes.

Abstract: A combination magnetic tag (10) is described comprising an optical part (20) and a magnetic part (30), the optical past including a plurality of optical elements for conveying an optical code and the magnetic part including a plurality of magnetic elements for conveying a magnetic code, the optical and magnetic codes being mutually complementary for verifying authenticity of the tag (10). Incorporation of both optical and magnetic codes into the tag is of advantage in that they are capable of rendering the tag less susceptible to copying. The tag (10) is relevant to appropriate to anti-counterfeiting applications.

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: An auxiliary safety warning light system for a vehicle includes a light assembly having a first side lighting portion, a mediate lighting portion and a second side lighting portion and a control unit connecting the light assembly to the light-control system of the vehicle or independently to the steering panel of the vehicle. The light assembly can light and/or blink in different conditions so as to facilitate the identification of the state and intentions of the vehicle and decrease the likelihood of accidents to secure the driver's safety.

Abstract: This apparatus conceals an emergency warning device, which may be in the form of an array of laterally spaced lights and/or sirens, mounted on an emergency vehicle below a vertically movable roof section in an opening formed in the roof of the emergency vehicle. In a first lowered position, the lights are concealed below the roof line of the vehicle. A power source, such as an electric motor, can be selectively activated to raise the roof section above the roof line of the vehicle so that the lights attached thereto are also raised above the roof line and pivoted into a second operative position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hazard device for a vehicle in which an outwardly rotatable vertical panel attaches to the rear of the vehicle. The vertical panel can extend the entire height of the vehicle. A safety panel attaches to the vertical panel and extends to the ground. The vertical panel and safety panel provide protection to a person inspecting the vehicle. Alternatively, a portable hazard device is provided in which a plurality of foldable panel sections are connected. In the extended position, the portable hazard device has a height substantially the same as the vehicle. In the folded position, the portable hazard device can be transported in a vehicle.

Abstract: An FM multiplexed broadcasting signal received by an antenna and FM-demodulated by an FM tuner portion is demodulated by a demodulation LSI into a digital signal corresponding to packet data. The digital signal is successively supplied by every packet to a CPU of a receiving portion. The CPU of the receiving portion removes unnecessary data of the received data and then supplies only data required for a CPU of a personal computer via a buffer without delay from the reception. When a transferred packet is a successive reproduction program packet or a time information packet, the CPU of the personal computer calculates latency required before a predetermined data analysis processing is started, and performs data analysis processing in an elapse of the latency. Responsively, reconfiguration of program data is performed and corresponding character information or the like is output to a displaying portion.

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: An emergency signal lamp device for a vehicle, includes a lamp door disposed on a portion of the vehicle, an emergency signal lamp disposed behind the lamp door and being elastically movable from the vehicle, and a latch mechanism for moving the lamp door to control the movement of the emergency signal lamp, whereby the emergency signal lamp generates a turn signal when an original signal lamp is out of order.

Abstract: A traffic signal device having a single, continuously-illuminating lamp and several plain reflectors constructed by optical thin film technique to receive the light beam projected from the lamp and respectively reflecting light components of pre-determined wavelengths to display differently-colored traffic signals. Also, is a lamp detection system which monitors and detects the operation of the lamp and generates a signal to actuate the lamp interchanging mechanism to automatically replace the lamp with a spare lamp once the lamp malfunctions.

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: A yellow warning light indicator that is located at the rear of a lead vehicle to be visible by a tailing vehicle and wherein the yellow warning light is lit when the driver of the lead vehicle releases his foot from the accelerator pedal so as to warn the driver of the trailing vehicle that the lead vehicle is slowing down.

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 new and improved automobile locator apparatus includes a base member adapted to fit onto a top edge of an automobile window, an identifier element, and an adjustable assembly, connected between the base member and the identifier element, for orienting the identifier element with respect to the base member at a variety of selectable orientations. The adjustable orientation assembly includes a first element containing a first uneven surface connected to the base member and a second element containing a second uneven surface connected to the identifier element. A spring urges the first element and the second element together when a selected orientation of the identifier element with respect to the base member has been made. The identifier element may be an internally illuminated flat panel that employs fiber optics. Indicia are placed on top of the internally illuminated flat panel element to provide for specific identification information.

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 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.

Abstract: An improved actuating device for school bus safety unit, such as crossing arms and the like, which includes an arrangement for driving and controlling the crossing arm in a continuous predetermined arcuate path of movement, with the safety device being moved continuously back and forth in a sweeping motion that provides a moving barrier in areas adjacent the school bus where children may be placed in an unsafe situation, such as immediately adjacent the front bumper of the bus which is outside of the normal line of vision of the school bus operator. In one embodiment, an extendable line is anchored to the bus at one or both ends, and an intermediate portion of the line is engaged by the moving safety unit, whereby the line itself creates a changing barrier as the safety unit sweeps through its path of movement.

Abstract: A moving signal light for both stationary or traveling vehicles and equipment. The unit can be mounted selectively either inside or outside the vehicle and is controlled either automatically in response to a collision or by the drivers action to provide a flashing moving conspicuous warning light to both traffic and to pedestrians. The unit is activated in one of four ways; thru the brake switch, thru a reverse or back up switch, by a manual switch, or by the automatic collision switch. The movement of the variable speed variable intensity light is controlled by a motion detector in combination with a relay or by the manual switch which has two operating modes.

Abstract: An electric power driven sign raiser mounted inside a vehicle bvelow and inside a rear window. The unit is electrically conneced to be activated when the brake light come on with actuation of the brakes. Upon actuation an electromagnet and an electric motor are energized with the electric motor driving a sign lever up to the raised state with the sign showing through the rear window to a position where a switch is thrown cutting off power to the electric motor. The electromagnet holds the sign in the raised position for following drivers to see through the rear window and then when the vehicle brake pedal is released the electromagnet is de-energized and the sign falls back down to its lowered out of sight state ready for reactivation raising with the next application of the vehicle brakes.

Abstract: The apparatus is provided with a unidirectional motor operatively coupled to the hinged sign through an eccentric drive by a link arm which incorporates a pre-loaded helical compression spring to prevent damage to the link arm should an attempt be made to forcibly swing the sign. Two normally-closed limit switches are associated with the link arm whereby in the course of a motor operating cycle, the stop sign is caused by the link arm to swing out to its outstretched position, at which point one limit switch opens, and then to return to its retracted position, at which point the other limit switch opens. The limit switches are included in a control circuit which supplies power to the motor. The control circuit is responsive to a door switch associated with the bus door so that when the door is open, the door switch is then closed, and power is supplied to the motor through one limit switch until the sign reaches its outstretched position, at which point this limit switch is opened to cut off the motor.