Abstract: A load sensor for a vehicle safety belt 10 comprises means for determining an electrical characteristic of the belt 10 and control means for comparing the sensed characteristic with a reference level for the characteristic. In one embodiment, conductive fibers 26, 28 are interwoven into the belt 10 and electrical contacts 30, 32 are provided at each end thereof. Excessive loading of the belt results in a break in the fibers 26, 28 which, in turn, results in electrical discontinuity. The discontinuity is sensed by an electrical sensor and indicator means is provided to indicate to the driver of the vehicle that a belt has been excessively loaded.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting a position of a body on a support surface of a bed. The apparatus includes at least one first sensor coupled to the bed and at least one second sensor located adjacent the support surface. The at least one first sensor has an output signal which is variable in response to changes in a weight applied to the support surface. The at least one second sensor has an output signal which is variable in response to changes in the position of the body on the support surface. The apparatus also includes a controller having inputs configured to receive the output signals from the first and second sensors. The controller is configured to monitor the output signals, to provide an indication of changes in the position of the body relative to the support surface, and to provide an indication if the body exits the support surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the level of harvested cotton in a basket assembly of a cotton harvester is provided. The apparatus includes a transducer, a control circuit and an indicator. The transducer is coupled to a motor of a compaction member of a compaction assembly of the cotton harvester and measures the pressure exerted by the harvested cotton upon the compaction member. The transducer generates a pressure signal that is received by the control circuit. The control circuit generates a basket level indication signal a short time after the pressure signal indicates a predetermined pressure has been measured. Alternatively, the control circuit generates the basket level indication signal when the pressure signal indicates the basket assembly is approximately full. An indicator, such as a lamp or buzzer, receives the basket level indication signal and provides an indication to the operator of the level of harvested cotton in the basket.

Abstract: A fastener system employs a portable, sensing device, such as one or more reactance capacitors or an image processor such as a camera or a laser, which removably attaches adjacent to the fastener to detect and measure the change in a gap or specialized form of the bolt head or associated washer caused by the relative movement of portions of the fastener system when the fastener is under strain without contacting the sensed portions undergoing the significant relative movement. Associated electronic components process and indicate the clamp load of the fastener system.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting impacts to a vehicle, including diagnostics for monitoring the sensor system. The sensor system includes one or more piezoelectric sensor assemblies (42), each including a coaxial piezoelectric cable (44) contained within a tube housing (54), which is mounted to a structural member of the vehicle. The sensor system may also include accelerometers (36, 38) that are also in communication with the restraints control module (40) and employed in combination with one or more piezoelectric sensor assemblies (42). Further, the sensor system includes diagnostics for monitoring one or more of the sensor assemblies (42) in order to detect a sensor failure, while not interfering with the impact signals from the sensor assemblies (42).

Abstract: A door mat includes a mat element disposed on top of a base which includes a bottom portion for engaging with a supporting surface. A sound generating device is secured to the bottom of the base and includes a switch button extended downward for engaging with the supporting surface. A spring may bias the switch button away from the supporting surface for allowing the switch button of the sound generating device to be actuated and depressed to energize the sound generating device when the base is depressed toward the supporting surface against the spring.

Abstract: A device which relates to the monitoring of things such as cranes and hoists and seeks to improve on known so-called capacity limiters or overload devices usually associated with the hoist or chain rope. A monitoring device for use with a crane or hoist having a drive roller with a drive shaft and a gearbox directly or indirectly attached to the drive shaft. The monitoring device includes a means of resisting rotational movement of the gearbox located between the gearbox and an adjacent rigid structure, the means between the gearbox ad the adjacent rigid structure being such as to allow a limited degree of movement of the gearbox, and there being a means to react to the movement of the gearbox associated with the means of resisting rotational movement.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided with a frame including an operator's compartment having an entrance, a drive mechanism supported on the frame, a material handling unit coupled to the frame, and a device including an actuator located across the threshold of the entrance of the operator's compartment. The device generates an alert signal when a portion of an operator's body engages the actuator.

Abstract: An improved safety related compact hand-portable apparatus for home or office use, EQ-Alert.TM. is ceiling or shelf mountable, activating upon sensing a minimum-threshold earthquake preferably of about 3.25/Rictor-scale intensity, instantly emitting a series of approximate 110-decibel level siren-alarms;--preferably along with activation of a safety-lamp to illuminate an immediate floor-area in event of community power-outage. A preferably dry-cell powered dc/electronic IC-chip timer-circuit, limits duration of the audible-alarm, triggered by sufficient movement of an internal omni-directional mercury n.o./jiggle-switch. Upon completion of the timed audible-alarm and optional voice-chip announcement, the timer-circuit sequences a conventional integral superheterodyne-AM/radio user has preset to a local Conelrad/news-station, for ongoing notification of any earthquake rescue procedures.

Abstract: Several sensors are provided for determining one of a number of physical properties including pressure, temperature, and other physical conditions. In general, the sensors feature a resonant circuit with an inductor coil which is electromagnetically coupled to a transmitting antenna. When an excitation signal is applied to the antenna, a current is induced in the sensor circuit. This current oscillates at the resonant frequency of the sensor circuit. The resonant frequency and bandwidth of the sensor circuit is determined using an impedance analyzer, a transmitting and receiving antenna system, or a chirp interrogation system. The resonant frequency may further be determined using a simple analog circuit with a transmitter. The sensors are constructed so that either the resonant frequency or bandwidth of the sensor circuit, or both, are made to depend upon the physical properties such as pressure, temperature, presence of a chemical species, or other condition of a specific environment.

Abstract: A control lever for a vehicle or a machine tool, in particular for an industrial truck, is disclosed for the generation of an electrical control signal. The actuation travel of the control lever is limited by a stop point that is defined by a stop and the control lever has means to generate a restoration force. The stop has an elastic component, as a result of which an at least slight deflection of the control lever beyond the stop point is possible. The elastic component of the stop is realized so that in the event of a deflection beyond the stop point, the restoration force, as a function of the deflection, increases to a greater extent than in the event of a deflection of the control lever between a neutral position and the stop point.

Abstract: The dialogic style RF guidance system comprises multiple stationary base-sets established at the destination and the hand-held apparatus carried along by the visually handicapped people. This provides safe and efficient guidance to visually handicapped people in reaching their destinations, and more conveniently communicates with the base-set and simultaneously receives the message from the base-set through the microphones or external speakers.

Abstract: Apparatus is configured to provide an alarm perceivable by a user when an increase in a level of force applied to a foot exceeds a threshold value determined by a variable resistance. The level of force is determined from a pressure established within a transducer in an insole placed, for example, within the shoe of the user. This pressure is converted into an electrical signal within a pressure transducer within a control box. This electrical signal charges a capacitor to produce a voltage which is compared with a voltage level corresponding to the threshold value. The result of this comparison is used to determine when the alarm is provided.

Abstract: A motion detector for detecting movement of a rail based vehicle and the direction of that movement is provided. The motion detector can be integral with or attachable to an end-of-train unit and can include a single axis accelerometer mounted at an angle from the rails for detecting acceleration in both the lateral and vertical directions. A systems controller, which can include an analyzer, can be provided to receive and analyze output from the accelerometer to determine a motion state and a direction. A power controller can be provided for supplying power to the accelerometer on an intermittent basis to conserve power. A calibration unit can be provided to both initially calibrate and to subsequently recalibrate the accelerometer after a stopped motion state is detected. Additionally, an input/output port and an output driver for conditioning the signal for output to the end-of-train unit can be provided.

Abstract: An alarmed roll shutter assembly includes a frame, a shutter that moves along the frame from a closed position to an open position, a pressure actuated sensor disposed in close proximity to the shutter and an alarm that detects actuation of the pressure actuated sensor to sound an alarm and/or turn on lights. The pressure actuated sensor may be disposed between the frame and the shutter when the shutter is in a closed position and is mounted to detect pressure caused by the shutter being forced against the frame at high pressure, such as pressure caused by placing a crowbar or other tool between the shutter and the frame and prying the shutter and frame apart.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for monitoring shocks and vibrations on sensitive devices is provided. The sensor assembly comprises a detector beam supported between a pair of support members. A detector weight is secured to the detector beam between the support members. The detector beam is fracturable in response to the application of a predetermined level of force. An electrical circuit may be coupled to the detector beam for monitoring electrical continuity and structural integrity of the detector beam. The detector beam provides passive monitoring as the detector beam will fracture irrespectively of the power state of the electrical circuit. One or more detector beams may be used to monitor forces along a variety of different axes.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement over existing walking canes to be used by people with physical impairments that require them to have additional support while walking. The present invention provides a means by which an imbalance in the weight distribution among the multiple legs of the cane is sensed and transmitted to the user. The walking cane with sensors comprises a handle, a vertical shaft and multiple legs or feet. Each of the legs is equipped with electronic stress or load sensors which are coupled to an electronic processing module. The processing module evaluates the input from the cane legs and activates a warning to the user in the event that the load sensors on the legs detect a load distribution indicative of an approaching unstable situation. The user can then stop and probe with the cane until a stable position is found.

Abstract: A motion detector for detecting movement of a rail based vehicle and the direction of that movement is provided. The motion detector can be integral with or attachable to an end-of-train unit and can include a single axis accelerometer mounted at an angle from the rails for detecting acceleration in both the lateral and vertical directions. A systems controller, which can include an analyzer, can be provided to receive and analyze output from the accelerometer to determine a motion state and a direction. A power controller can be provided for supplying power to the accelerometer on an intermittent basis to conserve power. A calibration unit can be provided to both initially calibrate and to subsequently recalibrate the accelerometer after a stopped motion state is detected. Additionally, an input/output port and an output driver for conditioning the signal for output to the end-of-train unit can be provided.

Abstract: An arrangement, having at least one motion sensor in the vehicle seat, detects with a high reliability whether or not the vehicle seat is occupied by a person. For this purpose, the sensor output signal is analyzed into multiple signal components by frequency selection, and decision-making criterion for occupancy or non-occupancy of the vehicle seat by a passenger is formed by comparing the frequency-selective signal components.

Abstract: An improved weight estimation apparatus includes a closed elastomeric bladder filled with fluid and installed in the foam cushion of a vehicle seat bottom, with at least one pressure sensor installed in a closed exit port of the bladder. A temperature sensor disposed in proximity to the bladder provides a temperature signal, and a controller estimates the weight of the occupant based on the temperature and pressure signals. The pressure sensor is preferably configured to sense the gage pressure--that is, the differential pressure between the fluid and atmospheric pressure--at the center of gravity of the fluid in order to provide a stable output independent of changing atmospheric pressure and changing orientation of the bladder due to vehicle pitch and roll.

Abstract: A touch pad such as a keypad or a touch screen is mounted with at least one vibrator to produce a tactile feedback sensed by the user as the pad is touched with a finger or a pointer. The vibrator is controlled by a processor such that it will vibrate for a predetermined length of time in the range of 50 to 1000 ms and at a predetermined amplitude. The vibrator is also selected to vibrate at a frequency between 100 and 5000 hz. The touch screen may be any of the analog resitive, infrared, accoustic, capacitive or electromagnetic inductive type operated devices.

Abstract: A device for indicating the level of the axle of a vehicle having a reference mark indicator which follows the level of the vehicle axle is arranged fixedly connected on the axle of the vehicle and changes its position as a result of the change in level. An electric signal which corresponds to the level of the axle is obtained from a resistance network which is firmly attached to the body of the vehicle. In a level indicator which operates with little wear, is economical to manufacture, and nevertheless is of high accuracy, the resistance network has, associated with it, a contact structure which, under the action of a magnet device which is movable by the change in position of the reference mark indicator, can be deflected in the manner that an electrical connection which is dependent on the level of the axle is produced.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a circuit for providing a variable output signal in response to a physical parameter sensed by a sensor in the circuit, preferably a force sensing resistor. The current mirror may consist of two transistors having common bases. Flow of current through the first transistor flows through the sensor and through a parallel resistor. This current is mirrored in a second transistor which provides flow of current which may either be used as an output signal or, more preferably, as a base current for a transistor which is used to control output signal voltage. The circuit uses the current mirror in connection with the sensor to eliminate the need for a negative voltage supply. The circuit may further advantageously contain a voltage limiter module which is used to limit the voltage which may be applied across the sensor if the range of input signals or the desired range of output signals exceeds the sensor's capability.

Abstract: This invention comprises footwear having a power source and switching mechanism mounted in the heel under padding and an electroluminescent wire mounted in a predetermined position on the footwear to provide illumination. The electroluminescent wire comprises a thin linear light source wherein light is produced by activating an electroluminescent phosphor with high alternating electric current. The phosphor is located between two electrically conductive wires, one in the core or center of the phosphor layer and one on the outside of the phosphor layer with spirals about the wire. The electroluminescent wire is connected to a control circuit for converting the battery power to alternating current. When an individual applies force to the bottom of the footwear or motion, a vibration sensitive switch activates the circuit causing the electroluminescent phosphor to become lighted. The wire may be positioned along the out sole inside and outside or along the tongue or other position on the footwear.

Abstract: A device senses a mechanical shock to a component, such as a tape cartridge, and provides indication thereof to a reader mechanism upon inquiry by the reader mechanism. The device, secured to the component, includes a sensing structure which reacts to a shock event. The device also includes a transmission for transmitting the occurrence of a shock event prior to use of the component upon appropriate inquiry by the reader mechanism.

Abstract: An untied shoelace warning system with first and second conductive shoelace segments coupled to an indicator that activates when the shoelace segments do not touch, and does not activate when the shoelace segments do touch. The first and second conductive shoelace segments and the indicator are coupled to a battery and a switch. The switch activates the indicator when the shoelace segments are not touching, and does not activate the indicator when the shoelace segments are touching. The untied shoelace warning system further includes a pressure sensor so that when the pressure sensor does not sense pressure and the first and second conductive shoelace segments coupled to an indicator are not touching, the indicator does not activate. The untied shoelace warning system does not activate the indicator when the shoe that is tied with the first and second shoelace segments is not being worn. The indicator may be a sound device, e.g., a piezoelectric buzzer, a light or a series of lights, e.g.

Abstract: A shoe size fit sensor indicates by a perceptible alarm that the shoe of an infant, a toddler or other small child is too tight for wear. The shoe fit sensor sets off a perceptible visual and or audible alarm when a child's toe makes constant with the sensor when the shoe is too tight. To avoid false alarms when the child kicks with the shoe, a time delay is provided so that incidental touching of the sensor by momentary kicks does not set off the constant alarm. The sensor also determines when a sock is "bunched up" in the toe area, and distinguishes this condition from a condition where constant contact by a portion of the child's foot indicates that the shoe is too tight.

Abstract: A crime prevention display device is disclosed which includes a casing (21) provided therein with a chuck mechanism (20) for gripping a wire (W) inserted therethrough, a crime prevention alarm circuit (3) connected to the casing and a load detection means (40, 66, 25) for detecting a variation in load applied from an exhibit to the device. The load detection means (40) detects that removal of the exhibit held on the display device causes the device to be unloaded, so that the crime prevention alarm circuit (3) generates an alarm, leading to warning of the abnormality. Also, the crime prevention alarm circuit (3) generates an alarm sound, which is then collected by a sound wave receiver, followed by inputting of the alarm sound to a centralized control equipment (13), so that it may positively exhibit a crime prevention alarm function without causing any malfunction.

Abstract: A control system utilizes generated acoustic or electromagnetic waves within a deformable wall wave guide. The wave guide is located in the surveillance area and, upon the wave guide being deformed by an obstruction or an intruder, the characteristics of the wave within the change. The change is sensed by a receiver which produces a control signal to activate an alarm and/or an operating system if the control system is used to control moving elements, such as a door or gate. The wave guide can constitute a homogeneous portion of door weatherstripping.

Abstract: A sensor for counting the rotations of a pneumatic tire on a vehicle comprising a rigid base member adapted for attachment to the radially inner surface of the tire tread region, at least two spaced-apart mounting links, a force sensing member disposed between said mounting links for producing a countable output signal and means for processing said output signal such that on rotation of the tire, a force variation is applied to the force sensing member due to the changes in circumferential radius of curvature of the tire tread in contact with the road.

Abstract: A training aid for skiers or other individuals engaged in physical activity using an athletic apparatus includes a sensor for sensing the force between a skier's leg and his boot. The sensor is arranged to generate an electrical signal indicative of the weight distribution of the skier during skiing. This signal is monitored and if it indicates that the skier's weight distribution is improper, an indication is provided to the skier so that the skier can take corrective measures.

Abstract: A honk strip comprising an electrical power source, electrical leads, electrically conducting members and an alarm. The honkstrip being useful for detecting vehicular impact with other objects and signaling a vehicle operator that an impact has occurred.

Abstract: A vehicle detector for installation on the surface of a multi-lane road, comprising at least a coaxial detector cable provided with a central conductor, a metallic cladding and a filler material between the cladding and the conductor. The coaxial detector cable comprises at least one region which is referred to as the active region and in which the filler material is mechanoelectric, and also comprises at least one adjoining region which is referred to as a neutral region and in which the filler material is neither mechanoelectric nor potentially mechanoelectric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a highly reliable mat sensor which can also detect temporary faults in a sensor portion. Two sensor portions are provided, and agreement or disagreement of an ON/OFF condition of the output from the two sensor portions is detected, and when the output conditions of the two sensor portions are in agreement, then a normal judgment signal for both sensor portions is generated. When the normal judgment signal is generated and the two sensor portions are OFF, an operation permit signal for a movable portion of a machine is generated. Moreover, the presence or absence of a body is detected from a change in value of the electrostatic capacity of one sensor portion. In this way, a temporary poor contact attributable to deterioration of the sensor portion can also be detected, and the movable portion of the machine can be stopped.

Abstract: A pressure detection apparatus including a pressure detection diaphragm, pressure detection circuit for outputting a pressure detection signal proportional to a pressure applied to the pressure detection diaphragm and clamping circuit for clamping the pressure detection signal to a predefined maximum or minimum value when the detected pressure signal is larger than the maximum value or less than the minimum value. Signal clamping by the clamping circuit is cut-off or cancelled when the pressure applied to the pressure detection diaphragm causes an operational error. This operational error may be detected by forming part of the clamping circuit on a semiconductor diaphragm of the sensor. Also, a failure detection circuit may be used to detect sensor failure and then cancel signal clamping.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush (10) with an adaptive load sensor (12) is disclosed. The toothbrush of this invention includes a brushhead (16) that is vibrated by a drive assembly (18). The load sensor monitors the current drawn by the drive assembly to determine the mechanical load to which the toothbrush is exposed. The load sensor assembly produces an adaptive threshold signal that represents the instantaneous maximum pressure load. If the sensed load voltage exceeds the adaptive threshold signal, the load sensor assembly deenergizes the drive assembly and generates an alarm signal so as to give the user a warning that the toothbrush has been excessively loaded.

Abstract: A membrane switch including a plurality of upper dot-pads and a plurality of lower dot-pads is provided to enhance the operational sensitivity while avoiding unexpexted actuation of membrane switch is provided. The plurality of upper dot-pads are provided during the print process of the top switch-pad and distributed to surround the top switch-pad. A plurality of lower dot-pads corresponding the plurality of upper dot-pads are provided during the print process of the bottom switch-pad and distributed to surround the bottom switch-pad. Each of the plurality of upper dot-pads has a lower-edge and each of the plurality of lower dot-pads has an upper-edge. As the top membrane is free of an external force, the lower-edge of top switch-pad is spaced from the upper-edge of bottom switch-pad by a first dimension greater than a second dimension by which the lower-edge of each upper dot-pad is spaced from the upper-edge of each lower dot-pad.

Abstract: A diving computer has a housing in which electronic components, at least one diving data display means and an electricity source are disposed water-tightly. Furthermore there are means, accessible from the outside, for connecting the energy source to the electronic elements. The diving data display means is preferably a liquid crystal display module with an integrated background illumination that can be switched on and off. For switching on and off this said illumination, an acceleration sensor and an electronic circuit are mounted in the diving computer. These last-mentioned parts have the effect that the illumination can be switched on or off by merely knocking on the diving computer or hitting the latter against another object. This is a procedure which can also be done underwater easily and safely, using just one hand, despite relatively thick diving gloves.

Abstract: An impact sensing system senses an impact or acceleration applied and provides an external alarm indicative of the impact or acceleration applied. An envelope detector detects an envelope of an output signal of said sensor unit. An amplifier amplifies the output signal of said envelope detector, a direct current component being eliminated therefrom. A first low pass filter filters a first level signal from the output signal of said amplifier, the first level signal being indicative of a first level of impact or acceleration. A second low pass filter filters a second level signal from the output signal of said amplifier, the second level signal being indicative of a second level of impact or acceleration. A first timing pulse generator generates a first timing pulse with a first time duration in response to the output signal of said first low pass filter, the first time duration being indicative of said first level signal.

Abstract: A training system for monitoring kinetic activities of an individual uses one or more transducers that are highly directionally sensitive to detect certain characteristics of a user's activity, such as motion, direction of motion, distance, velocity, and the like. The sensors have a housing which includes an acceleration-responsive transducer and circuitry responsive to output signals from the transducer to provide an indication to the user of certain characteristics of the activity. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor has a pointer indicating the direction of maximum sensitivity of the transducer, so that the user can orient it to preferentially detect motion in certain directions. The output signal supplied to the user preferably comprises a tone having one of several discrete frequencies corresponding to discrete range intervals of the transducer output.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system having crash detection circuitry and an airbag adjacent a vehicle seat further includes a system for determining the weight of a passenger on the vehicle seat. If the detected weight of the passenger does not exceed a predetermined weight threshold, the airbag is disabled. A forward sensor and a rear sensor are mounted in a vehicle seat adjacent a ferromagnetic structure element in the seat. The sensors measure strain on the ferromagnetic element, which is proportional to weight on the vehicle seat. A comparison of the measurements of the two sensors also provides an indication of the position of the passenger on the vehicle seat, such that the airbag may be disabled if the passenger is sitting too close to the airbag. Each of the sensors preferably comprises an electromagnet generating an oscillating magnetic field of a known frequency and a coil. Strain on the ferromagnetic element alters the magnetic field and such strain is detected by the coil.

Abstract: A traffic sensor for dispostion across a lane or lanes of a roadway includes a pliable strip within which is housed a flexible carrier which in turn supports electrical sensors and coaxial cables. The components are in circuit with a roadside located recording device. Vehicle imparted loads applied to the strip and carrier are counteracted by an inelastic member extending lengthwise of the strip to prevent erroneous electrical impulses. The inelastic is embodied in strands of material embedded in the carrier. Fastener elements extend through the strip for insertion into the roadway for strip retention.

Abstract: A low voltage switch pad that is placed outside an entrance door on a car seat or under a car floor mat, allowing a pet or person to activate a bell buzzer or a car warning device. This relates to providing a way for a pet to signal its owner eliminating long waiting periods at the door. It also provides a protection device when it is concealed on the seat of an automobile or under car floor mat. Other objects of the invention is to provide a multiple switch pad that is simple in design easy to build inexpensive to manufacture easy to use and is efficient in operation. These and other objects will become apparent upon the study of the following specifications.

Abstract: A load sensing assembly for sensing loads applied at a plurality of spaced locations around the perimeter of a closure employs a plurality of spaced load sensors disposed on a substrate, with one of the load sensors adapted to be positioned proximate each of the spaced locations, and a layer of a compliant elastomeric material disposed on the sensing assembly and overlying each load sensor.

Abstract: A device measures the torsional moment being exerted on a shaft. The device includes two magnetic circuits, essentially cylindrical and arranged around the shaft, each equipped with at least one permanent magnet generating a magnetic flux and with a variable air gap on the rotor. Each variable air gap includes two facing relative parts each fastened to the shaft at respective points offset with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, in such a manner that torsion of the shaft leads to a modification of the air gap which differs depending on the direction of the torque exerted. The two magnetic circuits include a common central yoke part with which is associated at least one measurement means sensitive to the algebraic sum of the magnetic fluxes.

Abstract: A tamper indication system for use with combination locks can indicate or signal that unauthorized manipulation of one or more of the lock components has occurred. In one mode, the tamper indication system senses unauthorized retraction of the lock bolt. Unauthorized movement of the lock cover or combination dial can also be sensed. Sensing can be achieved by generating a mechanical action responsive to the unauthorized manipulation and converting the mechanical action into an electrical signal for sensing and indicating. The mechanical action can utilize a snap action motion generation system, non-contact means such as magnets or a spring biased switch.

Abstract: A transducer device for converting mechanical motion into an electrical output, consists of an inductance, a flexible support and a permanent magnet positioned in approximately colinear alignment, the nature of the flexible support being such that the inductance and the permanent magnet are free to move mutually independently. The magnetic fields of the permanent magnet and the inductance are mutually interactive, and when the flexible support moves even slightly, it causes the magnet to move, which in turn induces changes in the self-inductance of the inductance and thus the resonance of the circuit, so as to convert the mechanical motion into an electrical output. This inventive transducer device may be implemented in a wide variety of different circuits to serve various functions, but it is particularly suited for use in an alarm device having one or more alarm or warning means.

Abstract: An optical treadle of extended longevity is disclosed. The treadle is of unitary construction with an improved cross-sectional passageway shape that more effectively interrupts light when a vehicle tire passes thereover. A treadle assembly with permanently affixed light transmitting and light receiving means is also provided such that a failed assembly can be quickly replaced as a unit. Further, a roadway treadle assembly comprising a frame for installation in a roadway and an adapter plate for adapting a preexisting treadle frame are provided for mounting the treadle assembly across a surface portion of a roadway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security device for fixing to a surface to allow relative movement of the device and the surface to be detected, and a connector for such a device.

Abstract: A crime prevention display device is disclosed which includes a casing (21) provided therein with a chuck mechanism (20) for gripping a wire (W) inserted therethrough, a crime prevention alarm circuit (3) connected to the casing and a load detection means (40, 66, 25) for detecting a variation in load applied from an exhibit to the device. The load detection means (40) detects that removal of the exhibit held on the display device causes the device to be unloaded, so that the crime prevention alarm circuit (3) generates an alarm, leading to warning of the abnormality. Also, the crime prevention alarm circuit (3) generates an alarm sound, which is then collected by a sound wave receiver, followed by inputting of the alarm sound to a centralized control equipment (13), so that it may positively exhibit a crime prevention alarm function without causing any malfunction.