Abstract: A wireless soil moisture meter network includes a central display unit and a plurality of remote sensor units. Each sensor unit uses a probe to measure moisture content in soil, and uses a wireless transmitter to transmit the measurement through a wireless channel to the central display unit. The central display unit receives and displays the measurement in a format selectable by a user. The user may add to or remove from the network a sensor unit using a user interface of the central display unit.

Abstract: A snow melting system including a controller, a first heater supplying heat under the control of the controller, the first heater supplying heat at a power density, a moisture detection apparatus located apart from the first heater, the moisture detection apparatus communicatively coupled to the controller and a second heater located proximate to the moisture detection apparatus, the controller directing power to the second heater at an other power density, the other power density substantially the same as the power density.

Abstract: A fail-safe electrical control system in the form of a sensor loop (24) is provided. The sensor loop (24) includes any number of sensor units (22) coupled in series. Each sensor unit (22) includes a local power source (26), a local sensor (14), and a local indicator controller (30). The local power source (26), local sensor (14), and local indicator controller (30) are coupled in series within the sensor unit (22) and the sensor loop (24) to form a closed circuit (40) that does not require a central controller or the performance of loop configuration activities. The local power sources (26) distributed throughout the sensor loop (24) within the sensor units (22) are all isolated from the earth. In one preferred embodiment, the sensor loop (24) controls the movement of solar collectors (12) into wind stow positions when high wind (16) conditions occur.

Abstract: A method and system for collecting meteorological data. A plurality of vehicles travel on roads in a geographic region. Each of the vehicles includes sensor equipment that senses at least one meteorological condition. The sensor equipment may be used to support other vehicle systems, such as vehicle safety systems or a vehicle navigation system. Each of the vehicles includes a program run on a computing device in the vehicle that prepares messages containing data indicative of the one or more meteorological conditions sensed by the sensor equipment. The messages are sent wirelessly from the vehicle to a meteorological data collection service that collects the data and uses the data for weather modeling or forecasting.

Abstract: A rain sensor and a method for installing a rain sensor are provided for a motor vehicle. The rain sensor includes a housing in which at least one printed circuit board is located and which has a light-conducting member, which at least partially closes the housing in the manner of a lid. A plate is located between the light-conducting member and the printed circuit board. During installation, the plate is partially punched through.

Abstract: A maintenance information supply system, including: a host terminal including a data base for storing information regarding a periodic inspection time or a part replace time for a predetermined electronic device terminal; and the electronic device terminal, provided with an information sending/receiving function for communicating with the host terminal. The electronic device terminal sends to the host terminal, device kind information and present position information or working environment information. The host terminal searches the information regarding the periodic inspection time of the electronic device terminal or a part replace time from the data base. The host terminal calculate maintenance information according to the present position information or working environment information, and a predetermined calculation table, so as to send the maintenance information to the electronic device terminal; and the electronic device terminal receives the maintenance information from the host terminal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor unit for detecting the wetting of a window. Signals from the condensation sensor are used to control an air conditioning, heating, and/or ventilation unit. The signals of the rain sensor, on the contrary, are used to control a windshield wiper or washing unit for vehicles. A sensor unit, which comprises two sensors, is placed on the interior of the window. In a preferred variant, both are coupled to a common switchable evaluation unit, so that through mutual evaluation of the two sensors or their signals, both incipient condensation on the interior of a vehicle window and the wetting of the exterior, e.g., by rain, is detected. In an improvement of the invention, both sensors are integrated into a sensor module.

Abstract: A battery powered water leak detector and audible alarm are held on a credit card sized plastic board that has sufficient unobstructed area for visible messages, such as advertising, to be printed of otherwise affixed thereon.

Abstract: A tape-drive condensation sensor includes a probe with first and second spaced-apart electrodes that define a passage for air flow within a pneumatic conduit. A voltage source is coupled between the electrodes and the voltage of the source and the spacing between the electrodes are adapted to pass a current when a drop of condensation forms between the electrodes. An alarm circuit is activated by the flow of current, the alarm being adapted to signal an event of discernible condensation.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for detecting leaks between a door and a primary seal of a vehicle. The system includes a mist generator that generates a mist and an illuminating device for illuminating any condensed mist on at least one of the primary seal or the door. The generator includes an output nozzle that is inserted at a predetermined distance from the door and the primary seal.

Abstract: A rain sensor for a motor vehicle, having a transmitter emitting radiation, a receiver, and a holographically embodied diffractive element that has a linear-grating-like structure.

Abstract: The present invention features a system and method for detecting and predicting lightning strikes via specialized electrostatic detection using highly sensitive atmospheric static electric detection, interpretation, and alarm signal distribution. The system employs a detection means which includes a designated lightning sensor having a surface which carries a high impedance static voltage reference charge. This reference charge, called the pilot voltage, is a static charge delivered to the lightning sensor at very low currents. The pilot voltage influences the relative charge in the molecules found in the atmosphere immediately surrounding the lightning sensor. There is a gradual transition in the charge between the lightning sensor's surface and the molecules in the atmosphere that surrounds the sensor. It is this varying molecular state that creates a modulation process which the present invention uses to determine a lighting strike.

Abstract: The purpose of this Plant Water Alarm is to provide a low cost visual and audible Alarm of low moisture level in domesticated plants or other.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.

Abstract: A self-luminous road sign system comprises a plurality of sensor units 1 . . . 1 each of which is equipped at least with a visibility meter and an illuminance meter, or which may be equipped with an anemovane and a thermometer as well as the visibility meter and the illuminance meter; and an information processing and management department 2 for centralized management of weather information detected by the plural sensor units in order to predict any danger in the road observation area, wherein the output information from the information processing and management department 2 is displayed on road installations 4 . . . 4 connected via a network. Based on the road background brightness obtained by the illuminance meter in the sensor unit, the optimum luminous brightness which provides a predetermined contrast is calculated.

Abstract: In a human body detector, a wave-detection circuit for detecting waves of a resonance voltage is connected to a sensor resonance circuit that varies a constant frequency voltage in accordance with a change in the capacitance of a sensor electrode. The wave-detection circuit is connected to a differentiator that acquires a changing rate by differentiating the wave-detection voltage with respect to time, and allows a voltage to pass if the changing rate of the voltage is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The differentiator is connected to a high-pass filter that allows passage of a voltage whose changing rate is greater than or equal to a second predetermined value. The high-pass filter is connected to a comparator whose non-inversion input terminal is connected to a power source that applies thereto a reference voltage.

Abstract: A vehicular precipitation sensor which detects precipitation on a vehicle window includes an imaging array sensor directed at the vehicle window from inside the vehicle, and a control operable to detect precipitation at a surface of the vehicle window in response to an output of the imaging array sensor. The imaging array sensor includes a plurality of pixels which sense a light value of incident radiation. The control controls an accessory of the vehicle in response to the precipitation detected reaching a threshold level of precipitation. The threshold level of detected precipitation is preferably adjustable in response to a level of ambient light present at the window. The rain sensor may include an illumination device which is preferably operable in a pulse mode, whereby the control is operable to reduce noise of the output of the imaging array sensor as a function of the pulse mode.

Abstract: A precipitation measuring device comprises a detector (20) disposed to electronically count individual rain drops, and an integrator (30) that integrates the results over a period of time. The detector (20) may comprise a piezoelectric sensor, a strain gauge, or some other type of detector that electronically detects the impact of individual rain drops. The integrator (30) may comprise hardware logic or a microprocessor. The detector (20) and integrator (30) may be disposed in the same or separate housings. The precipitation measuring device may also be used to prevent the execution of an irrigation schedule by an irrigation controller (200) when rain occurs. When used for this purpose the integrator (30) may comprise the microprocessor disposed in the irrigation controller.

Abstract: A wireless soil moisture meter network includes a central display unit and a plurality of remote sensor units. Each sensor unit uses a probe to measure moisture content in soil, and uses a wireless transmitter to transmit the measurement through a wireless channel to the central display unit. The central display unit receives and displays the measurement in a format selectable by a user. The user may add to or remove from the network a sensor unit using a user interface of the central display unit.

Abstract: A rain sensor for a motor vehicle is proposed, having a transmitter (16) emitting radiation, a receiver (18), and a holographically embodied diffractive element (22a, 22b) that has a linear-grating-like structure.

Abstract: A rain sensor for a vehicle including a light emitting device and a light receiving device that receives a portion of light reflected by a windshield is provided. The rain sensor comprises a variable resistor device and a control unit. The variable resistor device realizes a specific resistance that relates to an output value of the rain sensor. The control unit is configured to calculate infrared ray transmissivity of the windshield based on one or more parameters of the rain sensor, and to control the variable resistor device such that the resistance of the variable resistor device is determined according to the calculated transmissivity.

Abstract: A disposable sensoring absorbent structure for detecting wetness comprises at least one absorbent layer and at least one sensing device comprising a magnetoelastic film. Such an absorbent structure enables the monitoring the status, e.g., wetness and/or at least one biological and/or chemical analyte, in an absorbent article. A change in status, such as wetness, may reflect an event, such as urination or a feces event. Also included are methods for detecting wetness and/or at least one biological and/or at least one chemical analyte, using the sensoring absorbent structure according to an embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for detecting a wetting, in particular a precipitation and dirt accumulation, on a window (13) is proposed, with at least one transmitter (14) and at least one receiver (15) for the transmitter light (17) emitted by the transmitters (14), where the transmitters (14) and receivers (15) are disposed on the vertex points of an imaginary trapezoid. As a result, the external dimensions of the sensor are reduced, the ratio of sensitive area (19) and base area (18) of the sensor is improved, and a coherent sensitive area is produced, where there is also space available for a receiving element of an automatic light control.

Abstract: A leakage response system for an appliance includes a leakage sensor which is operative to change an electrical parameter upon contact by a conductive liquid, a controller circuit electrically coupled with the strip for generating an activation signal in response to contact of the strip by a conductive liquid and a response device coupled with the controller circuit and activated by the signal. The sensor includes a mat which is constructed of top and bottom outer layers of electrically conductive fabric separated by a central nonconductive fabric layer; and a pair of fusing layers fusing the top and bottom layers to the central nonconductive layer. The sensor may also include a pair of conductive pins for installation into a surface for detecting moisture hidden within the surface. The response device may include an audible alarm and/or a valve for shutting off the water flow in the appliance water supply line.

Abstract: A soil moisture indicator device for alerting a user when the soil in a pot needs to be watered to sustain a plant. The soil moisture indicator device includes a body member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the body member is designed for being inserted into the soil of the pot. A sensing elements is designed for sensing the relative moisture of the soil in at the pot. The sensing elements is positioned in the body member whereby the sensing elements is designed for being submerged into the soil when the body member is inserted into the soil. A low moisture light is operationally coupled to the sensing elements. The low moisture light emits light when the sensing elements detects the moisture in the soil being greater than a predetermined dry level.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic setting of a variable speed limits permits changing road conditions provides for variable speed limits at respective portions of a road based on weather conditions reported by sensor. A plurality of variable speed limit indicators are arranged at predetermined intervals along a road. Sensing report local road conditions regarding humidity, precipitation, temperature, fog, ice, snow, hail, sleet, wind, etc. A regulating unit correlates the sensed weather conditions with a predetermined speed limit for each given condition at each respective portion of the road. A matrix of a database may contain historical accident information regarding the specific location or zone of any accidents, time of day, date, temperature, precipitation, estimated speed and severity of injuries for each accident.

Abstract: A rain sensor and a method for installing a rain sensor are provided for a motor vehicle. The rain sensor includes a housing in which at least one printed circuit board is located and which has a light-conducting member, which at least partially closes the housing in the manner of a lid. A plate is located between the light-conducting member and the printed circuit board. During installation, the plate is partially punched through.

Abstract: A low-cost leak sensor that prevents leakage current from flowing between electrodes when moisture is deposited. A leak sensor is formed on an insulating substrate. The leak sensor has a through hole having a pair of opposed walls with a predetermined space. The opposed walls are provided with conducting films. On the opening of the through hole in the insulating substrate, a pair of lands are connected electrically with the pair of conducting films. A pair of wiring patterns are connected electrically with the pair of lands on the insulating substrate.

Abstract: An on-vehicle flood alarm system is disclosed to install a water level sensor in the bottom side of the floor of the motor vehicle, which water level sensor works when the motor vehicle's ignition switch turned off, and sends a control signal to a microprocessor when the distance between the water level sensor and the level of water accumulated on the ground became shorter than a predetermined distance, which microprocessor drives a GSM communication device to give a flood alarm short message to the owner of the motor vehicle when continuously received the control signal ten times within two minutes. By means of the aforesaid performance, the on-vehicle flood alarm system informs the owner of the motor vehicle to take the necessary action at an early stage, preventing soaking of the motor vehicle in water and reducing the cost of repairing.

Abstract: A window fan assembly comprising a housing with openings therein for an air stream through the housing; at least one fan is mounted in the housing for generating the air stream through the openings of the housing; and a sensor connected to the housing, the sensor being disposed on the housing for detecting moisture particles associated with the air stream, upon the detection of a moisture particle of a predetermined size, the sensor causes an interruption of the air stream by stopping the fan operation.

Abstract: A rain sensor to detect humidity drops inside an area on a transparent window has at least one transmitting element to emit optical rays into the window and has at least one receiving element to receive at least one part of the emitted optical rays where the intensity of the optical rays received is dependent on the number of humidity drops in the area of the window observed by the rain sensor. So that interference from the rain sensor with radio broadcasts is effectively reduced and, if possible even completely prevented, the rain sensor has a generator to generate an electrical signal which has a lower harmonic content than square-wave signals, preferably a sine-wave electrical signal to power each transmitting element of the rain sensor.

Abstract: An improved method of electric window heater activation automatically and independently activates front and rear window heaters at a variable level based on the respective potential of fogging, within the ability of the vehicle electrical system to supply the requested current without discharging the storage battery. A defog controller develops front and rear fog factors indicative of the relative potential of fogging, and activates the respective electric heaters as required to drive the respective fog factor to zero. The fog factors are based on an estimate of the cabin air dewpoint temperature, the temperature of the respective window surfaces, and a temperature interval over which the fog factor signals only partial activation of the respective heater. The temperature interval is biased in a direction to provide preventative activation of the heaters at a relatively low level when the electrical power requirement is limited, and the activation level is limited as required to prevent battery discharging.

Abstract: A detector of stains on a transparent plate surface is arranged on an internal surface of the plate and includes an emitter for emitting a modulated light signal towards the inside of the plate and a receiver for receiving the signal after it has been reflected on an external surface of the plate. An optical unit made with a material having an index substantially higher than the plate, is arranged on the internal surface of the plate. The optical unit is made up of at least three faces returning the light signal and an interface with the internal surface of the plate through an optical coupler. A deflector deflects the signal from the emitter toward the plate and from the optical unit towards the receiver. At least two reflections on the external surface of the plate are produced through the optical coupler without reflection on the internal surface of the plate.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for receiving weather forecast information in a vehicle and using that information to warn a vehicle operator of a future weather hazard with reference to the vehicle's intended direction of travel. A weather forecasting center maintains a database and display of forecast weather hazards across a large area. The forecasting center also receives information regarding the, location of each of a plurality of vehicles, such as automobiles or a fleet of commercial trucks. A hazard location algorithm compares a forecast location of each vehicle with a forecast weather hazard and transmits a warning to each vehicle that is predicted to encounter the hazard. The warning can take the form of text, audio, and/or a visual display indicating, for example, that the weather hazard will continue for a certain period of time. As the vehicle moves, its actual position is updated in the forecasting center, and a revised warning is transmitted to the vehicle.

Abstract: Two embodiments include a first image sensor (14, 114) for sensing a first image of the exterior surface of the glass (12) along a first optical axis A and a second image sensor (16, 116) for sensing a second image of the exterior surface of the glass (12) along a second optical axis B which intersects the first optical axis A at an intersection X disposed adjacent the exterior surface of the glass (12). Both embodiments include an image correlator (22) for correlating the first and second images and producing an activation signal (24) in response to coincidence of moisture (10) in the respective correlated first and second images. The rain sensor accurately interprets images of moisture that lie in a narrow measurement zone adjacent the exterior surface of the windshield while disregarding images of objects that lie outside that zone.

Abstract: A novel system is provided for automatically generating caution labels for moisture-sensitive semiconductor devices packed in drypack bags. The system has a scanner that scans a lot number or an ID mark representing ID information of a moisture-sensitive device sealed in a drypack bag, and a computing device with a look-up table containing moisture-sensitivity levels assigned to the moisture-sensitive devices. In response to an ID signal produced by the scanner, the computing device searches the look-up table for a moisture-sensitivity level assigned to the packed moisture-sensitive device. The determined moisture-sensitivity level is supplied by the computing device to a label-formatting device for generating a caution label indicating the moisture-sensitivity level. The label-formatting device controls a printer for printing the generated caution label.

Abstract: A plurality of the first L1 and second L2 image sensor elements are interleaved with one another. The first image sensor elements L1 has a peak response at the first wavelength &lgr;1 for capturing an illuminated image of the glass and objects on the glass containing a first wavelength &lgr;1 from an infrared illuminator (12). The second image sensor element L2 has a peak response at a second wavelength &lgr;2 for capturing an ambient image of light rays at the second wavelength &lgr;2 passing through the glass (10) from the exterior to the interior surfaces simultaneously with the capture by the first image sensor element L1. Instead of storing two complete sequential images and differentially subtracting them, the present invention creates two simultaneous images from a specially interleaved, single imager (14).

Abstract: A system for detecting, identifying and docking aircraft using laser pulses to obtain a profile of an object in the distance initially scans the area in front of the gate until it locates and identifies an object. Once the identity of the object is known, the system tracks the object. The system also monitors an area of the apron near the object to detect obstacles such as ground service vehicles. The system also analyzes the laser pulses to determine whether they are reflected from a solid object or from fog or other condensation or precipitation to avoid misidentifying condensation or precipitation as a solid object.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating information between a utility metering device, such as a water meter, and a remote location, such as inside a residence or a service provider.

Abstract: Stormwater running at a construction site is monitored from an off-site location. When rainfall of a selected level is detected on site, a specimen of runoff is collected and an offsite station signaled that the event has occurred.

Abstract: The invention is a rain sensor including a transmitter and receiver formed by chips bonded onto a printed circuit board. Advantageous embodiments of the invention provide filtering of radiation guided to the receiver of the sensor. The sensor is provided with a barrier to suppress parasitic radiation.

Abstract: A raindrop sensor has a prism body, incoming radiation side plano-convex lens portions each provided on inclined surfaces of the prism body for receiving light from light-emitting elements, and outgoing radiation side plano-convex lens portions provided on inclined surfaces of the prism body for emitting light toward a light-receiving element. The plano-convex lens portions are configured to cause a relatively small number of light-receiving element(s) to receive light from a number of outgoing radiation side plano-convex lens portions. Such a raindrop sensor can be made to have a more structure while employing a widened detection region.

Abstract: A fail-safe leak detection and flood prevention apparatus includes an induced current, transconductive darlington amplifier and tuned-frequency standing water detector mounted at a lowest point of a potential leak plane for sensing variations of standing water conditions on the potential leak plane, and an induced current amplifier in communication with the standing water detector. A sensitivity control device for controlling sensitivity of the standing water detector for humidity, or dampness, level and for detecting a standing water leak; the sensitivity control device being in communication with the induced current amplifier. A latching relay driver connected to the sensitivity control device with the latching relay driver being able to memorize a leak condition when electrical power is lost. A control rectifier driven by the latching relay driver, with the control rectifier driving a 120-volt AC line voltage load.

Abstract: An optical monitoring unit includes a transmitting unit having plural light emitting diodes that are connected together two at a time in respective diode pairs. Each diode of each diode pair is respectively selectively connectable to a current source so as to operate as an active transmitting diode, or to a load resistor across which a voltage may be measured so as to operate as a monitoring diode. When any selected single diode is operated as the transmitting diode, its light output is measured and evaluated by operating the other diode of the pair as the monitoring diode, which receives optical crosstalk from the light output of the transmitting diode and correspondingly generates a photoelectric current through the load resistor.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a soil mixture sensing device for sensing moisture levels in a particular soil area under surveillance, the device having a porous body (11) which in use is placed in the soil area under surveillance, the body (11) having at least two zones, a first one of said zones (11) having pore sizes that approximate a range of pores in typical soils, a second one of the zones (14) having pores arranged to be small enough to remain hydrated at matric tensions of the soil solution significantly above those which cause the first zone (11) to dehydrate, the first zone (11) containing a first electrode (12) and the second zone (14) containing a second electrode (16), each of which are paired with an electrode (17) common to both said zones (11) and (14) whereby, as the matric tension of the soil solution in the soil in the surveillance area increases, the pores within the first zone (11) progressively dehydrate causing electrical resistance between the first electrode and the common elect

Abstract: An absolute humidity sensor for a microwave oven is disclosed. The absolute humidity sensor includes a substrate having a first hole and a second hole in a predetermined region, a membrane formed on the substrate, a humidity sensing element formed on the membrane where the first hole is formed, for detecting humidity exposed to the air, having a variable resistance value depending on the detected humidity, and a temperature compensating element formed on the membrane where the second hole is formed, for compensating for the resistance value of the humidity sensing element.

Abstract: An environmental sensor system that communicates sensor data to a receiving unit using wireless means such as a radio frequency signal. The receiving unit interfaces with a controllable system, possibly affecting its operation. This arrangement allows one or more sensor and transmitter units to be remotely mounted at a distance from the receiver, without regard to installation complications that often result with a hardwired type units. In the preferred embodiment, an irrigation system is interfaced wirelessly with an environmental sensor such as a rain sensor. The rain sensor is contemplated such that in the event of sufficient rainfall, a wireless signal is transmitted to the receiver unit, which in turn interfaces with an irrigation controller resulting in the cessation of watering cycles until the sensor system provides another wireless directive to resume watering.

Abstract: A battery protection circuit includes a moisture detection circuit, a temperature sensing circuit, and a high-temperature battery discharge circuit. The moisture detection circuit includes a pair of conductive traces closely spaced on a substrate such that a resistive path is formed between the traces when moisture forms on the substrate. The traces are connected between the positive battery terminal and a pull-down current source. When moisture forms on the substrate, pull-up current flows between the traces, and a resulting voltage change on one of the traces is detected by circuit element such as a logic inverter. The temperature sensing circuit includes a voltage reference circuit that generates a proportional-to-temperature voltage and temperature-independent voltage reference signals corresponding to various predetermined temperatures.

Abstract: A rain sensor including light emitting means 7 for guiding light into a window glass so as to undergo total internal reflection within the window glass, light receiving means 8 for receiving the light which has undergone total internal reflection within the window glass, and means for detecting the amount of water drops adhered to or present upon the window glass so as to output a driving signal to a wiper driver apparatus 20, a difference signal corresponding to a difference between a preset reference value and an output signal of an amplifier circuit 17 of the light receiving means is fed back to the amplifier 17, and an amplification factor of the amplifier circuit 17 is adjusted so as to maintain the output signal thereof at a constant value irrespective of the operation condition of the wiper, when electrical power is applied to the rain sensor 2.

Abstract: A meteorological information system useable by aircraft pilots and others. A receiver-calculator unit receives raw meteorological data and site-specific physical data from a ground-based weather station having a signal transmitter for broadcasting signals conveying data about weather conditions at the station. The transmitted raw data signals are received by the receiver-calculator unit in the aircraft. The receiver-calculator unit may feature an input with which the operator inputs information about the physical character, such as the heading, of the runway of interest. The receiver-calculator unit processes both received raw weather data and received site-specific physical data, and/or operator-input data, to derive additional meteorological information. The raw and derived weather conditions information is displayed by the unit to be available to the aircraft pilot during landing or take-off maneuvers.