Abstract: A circuit for monitoring the status of electrical signals, such as those present on the control and data lines of an RS-232 interface, includes a single operational amplifier and a dual-color LED indicator. The electrical characteristics of the LED's form a significant part of the circuit parameters. The monitor design provides a predetermined circuit input impedance and positive/negative switching thresholds to effect the selective illumination of the LED's.

Abstract: An analog signal processing circuit including both an analog signal multiplexer and a ranging circuit in cascade therewith is adapted for use in an integrated circuit. The multiplexer has a plurality of input current paths and an output current path. It responds to a set of coded selection signals to couple one of the input current paths to the output current path to permit current therebetween and includes another circuit for maintaining the selected input current path at a predetermined potential, preferably ground potential. The ranging circuit has its input current path coupled to the output current path of the multiplexer and includes a plurality of current splitters coupled in a cascaded chain having one end of the chain coupled to its input current path. The ranging circuit responds to another set of coded selection signals to draw current from one and another current paths to the output current path of the multiplexer.

Abstract: An alarm terminal device has a lower limit voltage generator for generating as a lower limit voltage an analog signal which is produced from a temperature sensor and which is lower than a first predetermined value, and an upper limit voltage generator for generating as an upper limit voltage an analog signal which is produced from the temperature sensor and which is higher than a second predetermined value. At least one additional sensor is provided for generating an analog data signal having a voltage higher than the upper limit voltage or lower than the lower limit voltage so as to indicate any information other than that contained in the analog signal from the temperature sensor. A disconnection or a short circuit of a platinum resistor of the temperature sensor can thus be represented by the analog data signal to be quantized by an analog-to-digital converter employed in the sensor.

Abstract: An indicating system includes first and second voltage comparators, first and second output circuits which are respectively supplied with output signals of the first and second voltage comparators, and first and second indicating elements which are connected to a common output terminal of the first and second output circuits. A first input terminal of the first voltage comparator is supplied with a first reference voltage, and a second input terminal thereof is supplied with a control signal. A first input terminal of the second voltage comparator is supplied with a second reference voltage, and a second input terminal thereof supplied with the control signal. When the voltage level of the control signal is higher than the first reference voltage, the first output circuit causes a current of a first polarity to flow to the common output terminal. As a result, the first indicating element is lit up, and the second indicating element is not.

Abstract: Described herein is a radiation upset threshold detector apparatus for measuring the output from a circuit that is operating in a radiation environment to determine when the radiation upset threshold is exceeded for the circuit.

Abstract: A ranged precision voltage monitor with out-of-range enunciator characterized by a power supply and reference voltage stage, a voltage sensing stage, and an enunciator stage. The power supply stage provides power for the monitor, and further provides a reference voltage and a sensing voltage. The voltage sensing stage senses and displays voltage levels within a predetermined range, and further senses and displays over-range and under-range conditions. The enunciator produces a first audible tone for under-range conditions, and a second audible tone for over-range conditions.

Abstract: A system senses alternating current in a conductor, such as a main line supplying electrical power to a home, and responds to the sensed current as by providing a warning signal when the sensed current exceeds or is less than a preset value for a predetermined short period of time. The current sensor itself is a simple coil of wire, either with an air core or a partial ferromagnetic core, which can be easily operatively associated with the current carrying conductor without the need for disconnecting the conductor from its terminals and which when installed does not present the hazards associated with current transformers.

Abstract: The Detector Module derives a synchronization signal from the half-wave crossovers of the AC power line. A half-wave peak detector detects the peak voltage of each half wave. An impulse detector detects the voltage of any impulses occurring during a half-wave. A common mode detector detects the peak value of each half-wave across the common mode terminals. A microcomputer is provided together with a clock/calendar for recording threshold values and for each half-cycle if a SAG or SURGE is detected; the time that the SAG or SURGE was initiated; the voltage of the half cycle of greatest SAG or SURGE during the event and the number of cycles is recorded. For LO and HI AVERAGE an average resistor stores the average of the peak values for each of the last thirty-two half cycles and that average is compared with the threshold to determine if an event has occurred. If an event has occurred, the duration and the lowest average occurring during the event is stored.

Abstract: Instead of monitoring a thermal deburring operation by reference to whether a certain high temperature is reached and thereby indicting whether a successful ignition in the deburring chamber has taken place at every step of operation of the chamber, a circuit responsive to the rate of change of temperature is used to recognize a successful operation, thus permitting faster operation of the apparatus. Such a circuit is also useful for rapid detection of a short circuit circuit in electrochemical apparatus utilizing heavy electrical currents and variable amounts. In the latter case a digital circuit for measuring the amount of change at equal intervals of time is particularly useful.

Abstract: In a method for controlling output of alarm information in a system for monitoring a plant wherein process variables including analog type process variables at respective sensing points in the plant are sampled and each of the sampled analog type process variables is compared with a normal range limit value for determination as to whether it is within a normal range or within an abnormal range, an alarm limit level is determined in accordance with changes that have occurred in the process variable during the latest sampling interval. Output of alarm information is permitted in connection with the process variables that have a priority level whose value is higher than the value of the alarm limit level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring an alarm system such as a fire alarm system having a plurality of alarms connected to a central station determine the amount of departure of measured alarm values from a rated quiescent value and calculate a fluctuation value therefrom, the fluctuation value then being compared at selected time intervals with a rated limiting value. If the result of the comparison shows that the fluctuation value is less than the rated limiting value, a malfunction signal is displayed.

Abstract: A voltage divider used to supply multiple reference voltages is energized electrically, in shunt, by a constant voltage generator and, in series, by a constant current generator. The magnitude of current supplied by the constant current generator determines the voltage drops across successive resistor stages of the voltage divider, while the magnitude of voltage supplied by the constant voltage generator determines the voltage level, with respect to ground, of the voltage-divider tap to which the constant voltage generator is connected. Since these two generators are independent of each other, it is possible to independently control the range and zero point settings of a voltage divider.

Abstract: An arrangement for storing user programmed system timing information in a microprogrammable system in the event of a power outage. The system includes a static random access memory (RAM) for periodically storing microprocessor-generated timing information and an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM) which is coupled to the static RAM for the temporary storage of this information in the event of a power outage. Also provided in the system is a power down sensor responsive to an AC-coupled power supply for detecting power loss to the system. When the input voltage drops below a predetermined value, the contents of the static RAM are automatically transferred to the nonvolatile EEPROM.

Abstract: A digital comparator for determining whether a digital test signal qualifies as an expected logic level, particularly suited to in-circuit digital testing applications. First and second comparing circuits, each formed by a differential amplifier circuit, receive the test signal, a high threshold signal and a low threshold signal. A control circuit selectively enables and inhibits the two comparing circuits so that only one is operative at any instant depending on the expected level of the test signal. The output terminals of the comparing circuits are connected so that the enabled one of the comparing circuits directly provides a pass/fail indication. A standby circuit allows both comparing circuits simultaneously to be selectively energized or deenergized, and an input buffer circuit permits the selective variation of the input impedance of the comparing circuit on the basis of the type of test being performed.

Abstract: A monitoring system for use with an electrified fence and an energizer (21) therefor, monitoring system being adapted to determine the effectiveness of electric pulses applied to the fence by the energizer (21) and including a voltage sensing device (10) for sensing the voltage of the pulse applied to the fence conductor, a current sensing device (12) for sensing the current in the fence conductor and monitoring device (14) (16) (17) (20) for monitoring signals related to the current and voltage whereby the monitoring device (14) (16) (17) (20) operates an alarm (18) and/or indicates a reading on an indicator (15) when the monitored signals fall outside predetermined ranges of values indicative of lack of fence effectiveness.

Abstract: An electric field strength indicator for use with high voltage conductors comprises a capacitive probe mounted within a tubular shield having an insulating spacer at one end for locating the unit with respect to a conductor under test. The probe is electrically coupled to a signalling circuit and is movable axially within the shield to a position at which a threshold response is obtained. Such position, which denotes the conductor voltage, is read on a scale provided. Because of the shield the device is directional, the probe being shielded from neighboring conductors.

Abstract: A reset circuit which monitors the voltage of the power supplied to a microprocessor unit, and produces a low resistance to ground at the reset terminal of the microprocessor whenever the supply voltage changes from a low value to a high value, or from a high value to a low value. It is based upon the combination of two RC circuits of different time constants, such that when the supply voltage is constant, no current flows in these circuits. A transistor is connected to the RC network such that it carries current only when there is a changing voltage of the power supply. If the voltage increases or decreases, a second transistor acting as an electronic switch grounds the reset terminal, and when the voltage becomes constant again, either at a high value or a low value, the switch opens and the reset voltage goes high.

Abstract: A procedure for adjusting the stopping of an elevator as accurately as possible on desired level with the aid of the deceleration instruction (DR). From the elevator's deceleration instruction (DR) a sample is taken at the beginning and at the end of deceleration, these are compared with each other and the linearity of deceleration is adjusted on the basis of the result obtained. The invention also concerns an elevator deceleration measuring circuit for carrying out the procedure. The measuring circuit, connected to the deceleration instruction (DR) of the elevator, comprises a display unit such as for instance two light-emitting diodes (D4,D5) by which the result can be ascertained if the deceleration instruction is increasing or decreasing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the response sensitivity and the interference resistance in an alarm system such as a fire alarm system which cyclically samples a plurality of alarm units in the system for obtaining a series of measured values from each alarm unit, the measured values being utilized to form a quiescent value which is stored in a quiescent value memory. With each sampling cycle a current comparison value is formed from the alarm measured value, the stored quiescent value, and a comparison value from a previous sampling cycle stored in a comparison value memory. The current comparison value is then written in the comparison value memory as the new comparison value. The current comparison value is compared with a rated limiting value, and if the comparison value is greater than or equal to the rated limiting value, a display unit is activated indicating an alarm.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for use in a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine. The electronic circuit comprises a constant-voltage regulated power-supply circuit, a control circuit having a central processing unit for controlling electrical apparatus installed in the vehicle, and a detecting circuit for detecting variations in supply voltage supplied from the power-supply circuit. The detecting circuit is adapted to generate an output signal when the supply voltage of the power-supply circuit is out of a predetermined range. The electronic circuit further includes circuitry responsive to the output signal of the detecting circuit to render the central processing unit inoperative and an alarm responsive to the same output signal to give warnings.

Abstract: A status monitor for coaxial cable networks is disclosed. The monitor is designed to be directly attached to an output port of an amplifier/repeater in the network and is used as an aid in trouble shooting faults in the network. The monitor comprises a detector (12 or 40) which generates a d.c. voltage indicative of the level of a pilot frequency signal on the network. This d.c. voltage is supplied to a plurality of voltage comparators (18, 20 and 22) which compare the d.c. voltage with different reference voltages in order to sense different fault conditions. If a fault condition is sensed, the outputs of the comparators are used by a tone selection logic (24) and an OR logic switch (26) to control a voltage controlled oscillator (28) to generate a modulating tone. A signal from a crystal controlled oscillator (32) or an IF output of the detector (40) is modulated by the tone produced by the voltage controlled oscillator and radiated.

Abstract: There is provided a voltage monitor which monitors a first voltage. A means for providing a reference second voltage is provided. Also, a signal third voltage which is obtained from and is proportional to the first voltage is provided. A comparison amplifier for comparing the reference second voltage and the signal third voltage produces an output voltage which goes to a first polarity when the signal third voltage exceeds the reference second voltage and which goes to a second polarity when the signal third voltage is less than the reference second voltage. Also, there is provided at least one indicator and at least one driver amplifier which amplifies the output voltage and drives the indicator into a first state when the output voltage shows that the signal third voltage exceeds the reference second voltage, and drives the indicator into a second state when the output shows that the signal third voltage is less than the reference second voltage.

Abstract: A communication system useful for fire detection which transfers data/commands bidirectionally between a controller and connected transponders on a real time, interactive basis. This system makes possible accurate data recovery, whether a transponder has its output shorted, or although multiple transponders are replying and makes possible the remote determination and constant monitoring of transducer sensitivity, at the controller. The sensitivity can be adjusted remotely at the controller, and different transducers can have different thresholds simultaneously, which can be changed collectively or individually to different settings manually or automatically at the controller. The system transmits reference data for supervision of system accuracy. Compensation for long-term changes is provided for both transponders and reducers in this system.

Abstract: An alarm system which includes at least one primary detecting device that provides an analog output signal. The rate of change of the analog output signal is monitored, and an alarm signal is generated when the rate of change exceeds a preset limit. The analog output signal is also compared with a first reference level signal to provide a pre-maintenance warning signal when the analog output signal reaches the first reference level.

Abstract: Power supply sensing circuitry comprises a first comparator for determining whether the power supply potential voltage exceeds by a predetermined amount the voltage required to operate a data processing system connected to the power supply potential, and a second comparator for determining whether the power supply potential is at least the voltage required to operate the connected data processing system.

Abstract: A compact ribbon-indicator and chart-recorder instrument for use in process control systems adapted to indicate and simultaneously record the values of up to three independent process variables. The motive power for each pen/indicator drive system is supplied from a corresponding relatively high-speed stepping motor. Each such motor is servo-controlled by a feedback circuit including a potentiometer coupled to the pen drive cable for developing a d-c feedback signal to be compared with the d-c measurement signal. The system is arranged to actuate the motor immediately upon development of a deviation signal outside of a fixed dead-band, but the extent of initial motor movement is limited to a pre-set small amount (preferably one step). If the deviation signal still is outside of the dead-band after a predetermined period of time, a clock pulse oscillator is turned on to actuate the motor at a relatively rapid rate until the deviation signal returns to the dead-band.

Abstract: In a fire sprinkler system a plurality of physically distributed actuators are connected in a normally balanced bridge circuit. The bridge circuit is impressed with a pulsed measuring voltage thereacross to conserve power. LEDs are connected to the bridge for indicating either normal or unbalanced conditions of the bridge as well as indicating which actuator branch of the bridge is causing unbalance.

Abstract: A digital controller used in regulating the output of a power supply including a diagnostic circuit for sensing the failure of a component in the power supply. Upon the occurrence of a fault, signals are generated locating the component which caused the shutdown of the power supply. The fault signals are inputted into a plurality of encoders which determine the priority between two or more simultaneous occurring faults and which further outputs binary signals identifying the faulty component. The binary signals are then latched and displayed in a LED display which may be actuated any time after the fault has occurred by the operation of a switch member.

Abstract: A thermostat monitoring and controlling the temperature of produce ripening within an enclosure and featuring a bridge circuit sensing errors between the actual and desired temperatures in which the desired temperature is selected directly in units of degrees. A bridge amplifier having feedback maintains the bridge in electrical balance to avoid errors due to changes in bridge component self heating. An error detection circuit having a single control simultaneously selects upper and lower error limits centered on the desired temperature, in units of degrees. The circuit indicates whenever the actual temperature goes outside these limits. An alarm circuit indicates a temperature error or a power failure in the thermostat at the thermostat and at a remote location. This circuit utilizes an alternating current source which activates current direction-dependent indicators operating on alternate half cycles.

Abstract: A ground circuit voltage detector for monitoring stray ground voltages occurring in dairy equipment to provide both an instantaneous warning indication and a sustained alarm indication. The voltage detector is connected between the equipment to be monitored at a sensing input and a separate ground. The sensed voltage is filtered and applied to a first comparator through an averaging circuit. If the average ground voltage exceeds the threshold level of the first comparator, a warning indication is provided which is proportional in strength to the sensed ground voltage. The first comparator is connected in series with a second comparator through an integrator. If the threshold level of the second comparator is exceeded, a sustained alarm indication is provided. A test circuit applies a voltage to the detector input to ensure the detector is operating properly.

Abstract: A system for identifying which of the phases of an N-phase electric-power transmission network has experienced an electrical disturbance. For each phase there is produced a first signal representative of the transient variations of an electrical parameter of the respective phase, or of a linear combination of at least two of these parameters. A set of N second signals is generated from the product of two linear combinations of at least N-1 signals selected among the first signals. The sum of all coefficients for each linear combination is set to zero, with each of the second signals being related to a given phase. Each of the second signals is then integrated to produce a set of N third signals associated with the respective phases. A fourth signal is generated by combining all of the N first signals in a symmetrical manner with respect to all of the first signals, such that the fourth signal is independent of the associated phases.

Abstract: An output voltage-drop detecting apparatus added to a stabilized DC power source device which includes a power control circuit for controlling a DC input voltage to produce a DC output voltage of a specified value, a reference voltage source whose voltage is capable of being varied, and an error amplifier, with the DC output voltage and the reference voltage being compared by the error amplifier and the power control circuit being controlled by the output of the error amplifier to stabilize the output voltage.

Abstract: In a system of parallel switching regulators sharing a common load, each regulator generates controllable pulses from an unregulated d-c. voltage source and then smoothing those pulses to form a d-c. output that varies according to changes in the pulses. A comparator controls the pulses according to the differential between a reference signal and a feedback signal, and an output resistor is connected between the comparator and the load. A reference signal source generates a reference signal for the comparator in a first one of the regulators, and the load side of the output resistor in the first regulator is connected to the feedback signal input to the comparator in that regulator so that the load voltage is determined by the reference signal for the first regulator.

Abstract: A signal selection system, including a plurality of detection circuits having inputs receiving respective direct voltage signals and outputs connected to a scan bus. Each detector circuit includes an operational amplifier having a non-inverting input receiving one of the direct voltage signals, an inverting input connected to the scan bus, and an output connected via a diode to the scan bus, so that the scan bus is maintained at essentially the highest or lowest signal of the signals being scanned, depending on the orientation of the detector circuit diodes. The system includes a plurality of indicators, associated respectively with the detector circuit diodes, for indicating whenever the associated diode is forward-biased, and an alarm circuit connected to the scan bus for indicating whenever the scan bus voltage exceeds a maximum value if the signal being detected is the highest signal, or whenever the scan bus voltage is less than a minimum value if the signal being detected is the lowest signal.

Abstract: A control circuit for the turn-signal flasher system of an automotive vehicle. The flasher system includes a relay having switch contacts which are serially connected, together with a direction indicator switch, between the vehicle battery and the turn-signal lamps. A measuring or sampling resistor is connected between the battery and the relay contacts. First and second pulse generators are connected between a first voltage indicator and the relay coil, and are selectively gated to interrupt the relay during normal lamp load conditions. The first pulse generator provides a normal mark-to-space ratio whereas the second pulse generator provides a reduced mark-to-space ratio for use during night driving conditions. Third and fourth pulse generators are responsive to corresponding voltage indicators connected to the measuring resistor. The third and fourth generators function to respectively provide different mark-to-space ratios in response to, and indicative of, lamp outage or current-overload conditions.

Abstract: A battery powered device which can continuously monitor and detect nuclear radiation utilizing fully integrated circuitry and which is provided with an alarm which alerts persons when the radiation level exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A combustion detection apparatus and method is provided for generating an alarm output when either a first alarm condition or a second alarm condition is present. A first alarm output is generated when a first predetermined concentration of combustion products is continuously present in a region being monitored for a preestablished period of time. A second alarm output is immediately generated when a second predetermined concentration of combustion products is present in the region being monitored. The second predetermined concentration of combustion products represents a relatively greater concentration of combustion products than the first predetermined concentration.

Abstract: A wear-indicating brush and warning circuit adapted to convey an indication to an operator that a dynamoelectric machine provided with such a brush is in need of maintenance before the brush wears to the point that a rotor contact surface is damaged by contact with electrical connections to the brush are disclosed. A brush (10) having current carrying pigtail leads (16) embedded therein includes a wear-detecting wire (20) embedded in the brush a short distance (A) beyond the lowest extent of the pigtail leads (16). The wire (20) is insulated over its periphery, including its tip (24), the insulation (26) being abraded by contact with the rotor contact surface (50), so that the wire (20) senses the voltage present thereon. Non-latching warning circuits (66, 66a) are disclosed, with and without the use of an isolating resistor within the dynamoelectric machine to permit the use of a single wire between the machine and the warning circuit.

Abstract: A monitor for a polyphase power line continuously compares the voltage on each phase of the power line with reference voltages that are selected percentages above and below the average of the power line voltages to detect voltage unbalance and with fixed voltages to detect high or low voltage conditions. The monitor is also responsive to phase sequence.

Abstract: A device for detecting imminent failure of a high-dielectric stress capacitor utilizing circuitry for detecting pulse width variations and pulse magnitude variations. Inexpensive microprocessor circuitry is utilized to make numerical calculations of digital data supplied by detection circuitry for comparison of pulse width data and magnitude data to determine if preselected ranges have been exceeded, thereby indicating imminent failure of a capacitor. Detection circuitry may be incorporated in transmission lines, pulse power circuitry, including laser pulse circuitry or any circuitry where capacitors or capactior banks are utilized.

Abstract: Means for checking the voltage level of a battery used in an apparatus including an operational amplifier powered from the battery and an indicating means operatively connected to the output of the operational amplifier. The indicating means provides a replace battery indication which is presented when the battery is in a replacement condition and the amplifier is operated at saturation.

Abstract: A battery monitor circuit for rechargeable multicell batteries that provides a reliable indication of battery failure independent of temperature, load and age, by continuously comparing the impedance of the cells of the battery against each other. Comparison means are provided responsive to a first voltage at a tapped terminal of the battery that divides the battery cells into two groups, and to a second voltage that represents a fraction of the battery voltage corresponding to the ratio of the number of cells in each group, said comparison means generating an error signal when said first and second voltages change so as to experience a reversal in relative magnitude, which is indicative of cell deterioration.

Abstract: A signal level indicator comprises first and second voltage comparators responsive to the low and high levels of an input signal, respectively. First and second switching transistors are provided. The base of the first transistor is connected to the output of the first comparator through a first diode, the base of the second transistor being connected directly to the output of the second comparator. First and second light-emitting diodes which emit different colors are respectively energized in response to the conduction of the first and second transistors. The collector of the second transistor is further connected to the cathode of the first diode through a second diode to cause the first diode to switch off to thereby turn off the first transistor in response to the turn-on of the second transistor.

Abstract: A circuit for sensing a plurality of inputs, each of which have a plurality of condition states, and providing a visibly coded output signal to a single indicator lamp, or the like, whereby one may readily determine the various condition states. The circuit is exemplified in an automotive voltage and current sensing system which senses the conditions of normal voltage, overvoltage, undervoltage and battery discharge. The circuit commands a single lamp to be off, to flash rapidly, to light continuously, or to flash slowly in correspondence to the particular sensed condition.

Abstract: The output of an audio power amplifier fed to a loudspeaker driver is sensed and when this output exceeds a predetermined level, a switch control circuit operates to place a current limiting device, such as a power resistor, in series with one of the driver feed lines, thereby reducing the power fed thereto. An indicator may also be provided to indicate when the overload condition exists. Operation is made more accurate and distortion minimized by employing separate sensing and power channels in the circuit, the first of these channels operating to sense the overload while the second of these channels utilizes a portion of the amplifier output for driving the switch control circuit for placing the power limiter in the speaker line. The sensing channel is designed to sense the average voltage of the amplifier output, thus providing control more directly responsive to power. The power channel is designed to use audio power from the amplifier output only occasionally, thus producing a minimum of distortion.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes an apparatus for analyzing a physical quantity, such as current, and for providing an indication of this quantity to an actuating element, for example a relay; a value of the physical quantity is compared to two preadjusted reference points and, as a result of this comparison, the actuating element is either energized, de-energized or remains unchanged; the two reference points are entirely independent from one another and either one can be made greater than the other; a particular application for this invention is for actuating a current relay.

Abstract: A direct-wire alarm system for scanning and monitoring a plurality of security alarm systems located in various user's facilities. The device monitors each line sequentially and converts current levels present on each line to a digital value. A digital filter is utilized to eliminate periodic line noise while a second digital filter is utilized to eliminate pulse noise. The system further comprises a line ringing system for notifying the user of a line condition and an adjustable comparator for obtaining high resolution of line current values.

Abstract: A ringback circuit in a security protection system, of the type which monitors a dc current, automatically reports to remote premises that the central station has, at an appropriate time, received an indication that the dc current has been changed to the normal current level for night operation. At the central station, a change in the current level from normal daytime to normal nighttime current is sensed, activating an oscillator. An electronic current limiter in the communications line responds to the oscillator through an isolation circuit, oscillating the current in the communications line, which activates a buzzer at the remote premises.

Abstract: A mobile medical diagnostic device having a mobility chassis with two supporting wheels and a central steerable drive wheel. The device has an electrical power steering system controlled by two synchronized handles operable by wrist action of an operator walking behind the device. The handles include a rotatable grip for controlling the velocity of the device. Advancing the grip actuates the throttle to the drive wheel and retarding the grip actuates a proportional electromechanical braking system. The device includes a proximity detector system which uses ultrasonic transducers to determine when an obstacle is within close proximity to the device, and automatically actuates the brake system. A window signal is established on the basis of both a preselected distance from the device within which it is desirable to apply the brakes, and a delay function which is determined by the distance of the front portion of the device from the transducer.

Abstract: An electric control circuit for a safety apparatus adapted to be actuated by electrically operated actuator, the control circuit including an electric power source, a first storage condenser connected with the power source through a resistor to be charged in a predetermined time constant, a normally open switch interposed between the condenser and actuator to discharge the condenser through the actuator upon closure of the switch, a second storage condenser connected with the power source through a second resistor to be charged in a second predetermined time constant, the first-named time constant being normally larger than the second time constant, a comparator for comparing a first signal indicating the charged voltage of the first condenser with a second signal indicating the charged voltage of the second condenser to generate an output signal therefrom when the first-named time constant becomes smaller than the second time constant, and an indicator for indicating shortage of the charged voltage of the fi