Abstract: To provide a machine component with an IC tag affixed thereto, in which with the IC tag having an increased storage capacity, the IC tag can be mounted with no difficulty and, also, reading or writing of information from or in the IC tag, respectively, can be facilitated. A plurality of IC tags 2 are attached to a machine component, which forms a part of a rolling bearing assembly 1, or to a machine component and an accessory with division made therebetween. Those plural IC tags 2 have different information stored therein. Where the machine component is a retainer incorporated rolling bearing assembly 1, those plural IC tags are attached to a roller retainer 5 at respective locations symmetrical with each other about the axis O of rotation thereof.

Abstract: A system for determining the position of a rotating wheel using RFID. In one embodiment, the system includes a position sensing wheel mounted to one or both of a crankshaft and a camshaft in the engine. A plurality of RFID tags are disposed at predetermined intervals around the wheel, and an RFID transceiver is positioned proximate the wheel. As the wheel rotates, the RFID transceiver transmits a signal that interrogates the RFID tags, which then transmit a coded signal to the transceiver identifying the wheel's position relative to the transceiver. Therefore, regardless of the position of the wheel, the RFID transceiver can interrogate the closest RFID tag and immediately know the position of the engine so that an engine controller can provide fuel and spark to the cylinders as soon as possible.

Abstract: A chair based interface comprising a lower portion attachable to the base of a two part chair and an upper portion attachable to the shaft of a two part chair. A rocker arm connects the two portions and depresses an internal switch when pressure is placed on the chair. A wireless transmitter and receiver and attached interface can control a computer or other device based on the activation or deactivation of the switch. The device can be integrated into or attached to a chair during manufacturing or attached after market.

Abstract: A simple crime prevention alarm device for the windows of dwelling houses or the like. The alarm device can be simply and easily attached to and placed on various kinds of objects, such as windows or the like, to prevent crime. The manufacturing cost and the attachment cost are reduced, and further provide a simple alarm device which can be used as an urgent call means.

Abstract: The wireless sensor adds identification information peculiar to respective sensor modules to detection data of vibration, temperature, and soon, detected by the sensor modules respectively. The wireless sensor transmits the detection data with the identification information as a signal through a communication unit by radio waves. On the other hand, the management apparatus receiving the signal classifies and files the detection data on the basis of the identification information included in the signal. Then, the monitoring system is designed to make the management apparatus manage a plurality of wireless sensors attached to movable shafts of processing machines or the like.

Abstract: A device for securing a gated enclosure includes a latch including a power lock motor and a bolt. The power lock motor is operable to engage the bolt with a catch portion of a pin protruding from the gate when the gate is closed, thereby preventing extraction of the pin from the device. The device includes a switch operated by a key to activate the latch. The device can include an electric horn, a light, a battery, and circuitry powered by the battery, the circuitry operable to send a signal to one or more of the horn and the light.

Abstract: A rotary machine includes at least one rotating member and at least one stationary member positioned such that a clearance gap is defined between a portion of the at least one rotating member and a portion of the at least one stationary member. The clearance gap has a measurable radial dimension and a measurable magnetic flux is generated in the clearance gap at least partially by relative movement between the stationary member and the rotating member. A method of monitoring a clearance gap measurement system for the rotary machine includes providing at least one clearance gap measurement assembly. The measurement assembly has at least one dimension measurement apparatus and at least one magnetic flux measurement apparatus. The method also includes positioning the at least one measurement assembly on the stationary member to facilitate measurements of the clearance gap during operation of the rotary machine.

Abstract: A torque sensing system generally includes a torque sensor comprising a torque sensing element configured upon a substrate in association with an antenna for sending and receiving wireless signals. A plurality of electronic controlling components for controlling the torque sensor, wherein the electronic controlling components are configured upon another substrate in association with an antenna for sending and receiving the wireless signals to and from the torque sensor, such that the torque sensor is located on a rotating member in order to generate signals indicative of a torque associated with the rotating member, and wherein the signals are wirelessly transmittable from the torque the via the antenna configured upon the substrate in association with the torque sensor.

Abstract: In a dump truck where a monitoring system prevents the raising of the cargo bed when the level of lateral tilt exceeds a safe limit, a keyed switch allows for presetting the maximum safe degree of tilt by simple left or right manipulation of the switch, and to switch the display from current level of left or right tilt to the value of the preset limit.

Abstract: A sliding mechanism includes at least one member adapted to slide along at least one body wall. The body wall and the sliding member are adapted to mate in at least one designated location when the sliding member is pushed into frictional sliding contact with the body wall from an initial location. A motion detector is operatively coupled to the sliding member. A controller is operatively coupled to the motion detector and adapted to determine whether the sliding member has moved from the initial location to the designated location based on input from the motion detector.

Abstract: A closure cap (10) is provided with an audible warning when the cap (10) is removed from a container (12). The closure cap (10) preventing the inadvertent consumption of pharmaceutical products, bleaches or other products by children or other minors. In use, the closure cap (10) may be provided with child resilient means and can be screwed on to any standard container (12). When the cap (10) is removed from the container (12), mechanical energy is expended by the user and such mechanical energy is converted to sufficient electrical energy using a piezoelectrical element (14) contained in the cap (10). The electrical energy generated is then conditioned and stored using signal conditioning electronics (26) such that and alarm signal of sufficient level is sounded.

Abstract: The present invention can be generally described as a blade monitoring and wireless communications system. This monitoring and communications system is formed by the integration of commonly available or easily developed hardware and/or software components, which may be controlled by non-proprietary, open architecture software. This allows the present invention to easily incorporate a variety of sensors and/or detectors; thereby, providing the user with the first blade monitoring system capable of providing an improved blade monitoring capability.

Abstract: The device according to the invention has a sensor (5) for generating and detecting an electromagnetic field situated in the vicinity of a moving part (1) that should not be touched. The device according to the invention also has an evaluation unit (8) that is connected to the sensor (5) in order to evaluate sensor signals that can be generated by the sensor (5), wherein the evaluation unit (8) can generate an evaluation signal. Finally, a control unit (9) connected to the evaluation unit (8) is provided, which is designed and can be operated so as to control the movement of the part (1) as a function of the evaluation signal.

Abstract: A power tool includes a leveling mechanism that determines horizontal or vertical planes of the power tool. The leveling mechanism has a housing with a cavity in the housing. A rotating member is in the housing. The rotating member moves in the cavity such that the rotating members seeks an equilibrium position. The equilibrium position corresponds to a horizontal or vertical plane. Electrical contacts are coupled with the rotating member such that the electrical contacts only complete an electrical circuit when the rotating member is in the equilibrium position. An indicator is electrically coupled with the electrical contacts to indicate to the user when the mechanism is in an equilibrium position. A power source is coupled with the electrical contacts and the indicator to energize the indicator when the circuit is complete.

Abstract: A wheel position indication system for a vehicle comprising a steerable wheel, a wheel position indicator and a controller. The wheel position indicator has an on state and an off state. The wheel position indicator provides a visual indication of the position of the steerable wheel when the wheel position indicator is in the on state. The wheel position indicator does not provide a visual indication of the position of the steerable wheel when the wheel position indicator is in the off state. The controller selectively alters the wheel position indicator between the on state and the off state. The controller places the wheel position indicator into the on state when the vehicle is in a predetermined driving condition and places the wheel position indicator into the off state when the vehicle is not in the predetermined driving condition.

Abstract: A device for positioning a workpiece for machining has a bench, which is mounted movably at a base and to which the workpiece (14) can be fastened. A detection device (15, 16, 17, 18) is arranged at the bench (12) for detecting a state of a machining process of the workpiece (14) and for generating detected information depending thereon. An energy transmission device (38, 42, 49, 50), for transmitting electric energy to the components (16, 17, 18, 21), is arranged on the bench (12). An information transmission device (39, 40, 43, 44, 59, 60) for transmitting detected information of the detection device (15, 16, 17, 18) to a control (63) is associated with the base (11). The energy transmission device (38, 42, 49, 50) transmits the energy and the information transmission device (39, 40, 43, 44, 59, 60) transmits the information inductively and/or capacitively via the same air gap.

Abstract: Guide mechanism and method for axially directing an annular transponder unit segment by segment to an adhesive application station for subsequent attachment of the annular transponder unit segment by segment to an annular tire surface, the transponder unit being of a type having a sensor housing coupled to an annular antenna. The guide mechanism includes opposed fingers proximately positioned adjacent to an adhesive application station. The opposed fingers pivot to capture the annular assembly therebetween and slideably direct the assembly segment by segment to the adhesive application station. The guide mechanism is adjustable to a preferred proximal height from the annular surface of a tire and presents the annular transponder unit to the adhesive application station at a specified diameter and height above the tire surface.

Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having movable cutting tools for cutting workpieces in a cutting region. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tools, and a reaction system associated with the detection system. The reaction system is configured to retract the cutting tool at least partially away from the cutting region upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for generating an alarm signal in a motor which comprises a rotor (50) whose actual rotation speed during operation lies in a normal zone (nSoll, TSoll), can deviate from that normal zone in the event of a fault, and is to be monitored against a malfunction or fault state, comprising the following steps: At least one alarm switch-on rotation speed (nAOn, TAOn) and at least one alarm switch-off rotation speed (nAOff, TAOff) are defined, of which the latter is located closer to the normal zone than the former, an associated pair of alarm switch-on rotation speed and alarm switch-off rotation speed defining between them a hysteresis zone. When the rotation speed to be monitored arrives, coming from the hysteresis zone, at the alarm switch-on rotation speed, an alarm switch-on criterion (Flag DIR=0) is generated. The duration of this alarm switch-on criterion is monitored. When this duration reaches a predetermined value (tdOn), an alarm signal (ALARM) is activated (FIG.

Abstract: A tactile generator comprises an eccentric mass that imparts a vibration as it rotates about a rotational axis. The mass is radially movable with respect to the rotational axis such that the distance between the mass and the axis is variable. Varying the distance of the mass from the axis varies the amount of vibration generated when the mass is rotated. The amount of vibration may be controlled responsive to a detected level of ambient noise.

Abstract: In a headlamp apparatus comprising a sub-CPU integrally provided on a headlamp for controlling an optical axis direction changing operation and a main CPU for sending out to the sub-control circuit a control signal for changing the direction of the optical axis, the sub-CPU comprises a power-on resetting circuit of a simple configuration comprising a capacitor and a resistor. When the main CPU detects an abnormality in the sub-CPU, a power supply is temporarily cut off by a power supply control means, and the sub-CPU is reset by a power-on resetting circuit. An abnormality triggered by a runaway of the sub-CPU can be resolved so that the sub-CPU can be restored to a normal condition as quickly as possible.

Abstract: An axial position detection circuit detects the axial position of a rotor from the difference in voltages generated at axial position detection coils disposed at both ends in the axial direction of a stator of a canned motor. An axial zero point adjustment circuit uses a voltage supply, which varies proportionately with the power supply voltage of the canned motor, as a bias power supply to adjust the voltage difference of the axial position detection coils to zero when the rotor is at a reference position in the axial direction. Even if the power supply voltage of the canned motor varies, since the bias power supply of the axial zero point adjustment circuit varies in likewise manner, the zero point adjustment by the axial zero point adjustment circuit is not affected and axial bearing wear detection of high precision is enabled.

Abstract: Disclosed is an orientation device that may be deployed in a mechanical assembly such as a surveillance camera or enclosure to positively determine the physical orientation and/or attitude (tilt), or any change in such physical orientation and/or attitude, of either the camera or the enclosure, and report that information electronically. The invention includes a sensor that is triggered by the movement of a weighted flag along a shaft caused by gravity or gravity in conjunction with the operation of a spring. As the invention is rotated through 360°, the force of gravity and force of the spring are exerted on the weighted flag, causing it to move along the shaft as the assembly is rotated. Each movement by the flag is detected by the sensor which sends an electronic signal indicating that a predetermined point has been reached. Multiple assemblies may be used, offset from each other, to provide additional and more precise position information.

Abstract: A bearing test method and a bearing test device are provided for bearings in which a non-contact state is maintained between a shaft element and a bearing element in a normal rotation state. In addition, a motor bearing monitoring device is provided to detect an abnormality in a motor or that a motor's life is near its end, where the motor utilizes the bearing. Furthermore, a storage device such as a hard disk drive equipped with the motor monitoring device is provided. For a bearing that can retain a shaft element and a bearing element coaxially positioned in a non-contact state when the number of revolutions exceeds a predetermined number of relative revolutions, a bearing test method is provided to determine whether the shaft element and the bearing element are in a contact rotation state.

Abstract: A system for determining the position of a bolt in a door including a locking mechanism for moving the bolt between a first locked position wherein the door is secured in position within a door frame and a second unlocked position wherein the door is moveable within the door frame. The position of the bolt is determined by a determining means and a signal indicative of the position of the bolt is generated. A transmitter is connected to the determining means and transmits a signal to a means for indicating to a user the position of the bolt. The indicating means includes a processor and receiver and wherein the transmitter transmits the signals generated by the determining means and the receiver receives the signal and provides the signal to the processor for determining the position of the bolt and generating a signal indicative of the determination.

Abstract: A hydraulic stroke measuring system for accurately determining the cylinder rod position within a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic stroke measuring system includes a measurement shaft slidably positioned within a housing unit, a shaft bracket attachable between the measurement shaft and a cylinder shaft of a hydraulic cylinder, a plurality of contact members within the housing unit, a main contact attached to the measurement shaft for selectively engaging one or more of the contact members, and a plurality of display lights electrically connected to the contact members. The display lights illuminate when the main contact engages the corresponding contact members.

Abstract: A reach type forklift truck includes a rotation sensor interposed between a load wheel and a load wheel shaft on which the load wheel is provided. A signal line for transmitting a detected signal of the rotation sensor is inserted in a guide groove formed in the load wheel shaft that extends along an axial direction thereof. The signal line is led out from a reach rail side of the load wheel.

Abstract: A sensor system for remote detection of a measurable variable includes a sensor, with a first resonator (5) which has a resonant frequency that is variable under the influence of the measurable variable; an antenna (1) for sending and receiving a modulated high-frequency signal; a modem (2) for coupling the first resonator (5) to the antenna; and a second resonator (3) that can be excited by a carrier frequency of the high-frequency signal. An interrogation unit generates an inquiry radio signal for exciting the two resonators and interrupts the broadcasting of the inquiry radio signal in order to receive a response radio signal broadcast by the sensor.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting at least one dimensional variable of a rotating object (30) includes a plurality of sensors (33) disposed on the rotating object (30) that are sensitive to the dimensional variable and an antenna array (11) for supplying the sensors (33) with high-frequency energy and for receiving a high-frequency signal, modulated by the variable to be detected, from the sensors (33). The sensors are disposed on the object (30), distributed in the circumferential direction, and the antenna array (11) has a directional characteristic (34) for transmission and/or reception which is stationary with respect to a coordinate system not rotating with the object (30) and which includes only a subregion (32) of the object (30).

Abstract: A control device for controlling operating parameters and control functions for the operation of a laboratory centrifuge. The control device has a panel for displaying a visual representation of at least a part of the operating parameters and control functions such as speed of rotation, acceleration temperature, etc. A control switch sets the operating parameters and control functions, this switch being capable of at least two independent movements—a first movement including a rotation about an axis, the second one a displacement along the axis. One of these switch movement, e.g., rotation, provides for the selection and change in setting of one of the operating parameters and control functions, and another of the switch movement, e.g., displacement, provides for acceptance of the selection and acceptance of the setting.

Abstract: A rotational phase difference detecting system, a method that is capable of very accurately detecting a rotational phase difference between a plurality of rotating bodies, a machine operating-state monitoring system, and a method employing the rotational phase difference detecting system. The detecting system has a first rotating body with a first mark, a second rotating body with a second mark, a mark sensor for detecting the first mark, a first camera for imaging the second mark when the mark sensor detects the first mark, and a display section for displaying the second mark imaged by the first camera. The rotational phase difference is detected from a position of an image of the second mark displayed on the display section and is thus detected very accurately with a simple construction comprising the mark sensor, the first camera, and the display section.

Abstract: A freight-loading system in a cargo hold of an aircraft is provided that offers enhanced operating safety. The freight-loading system comprises a plurality of power drive units (PDUs), which can be actuated by control signals in such a way that items of freight can be maneuvered into or out of the cargo hold as well as within it. The power drive units (PDUs) are connected by control leads to control panels for actuation by personnel. A control maintenance computer (CMC) is provided and connected to the power drive units (PDUs) and the control panels, and is so designed that status information from the power drive units (PDUs) and the control panels can be read out, and that the power drive units (PDUs) and/or the control panels are controllable by the control maintenance computer (CMC).

Abstract: A control apparatus controls a drive of a motor having a movable part via an electric power converter. The control apparatus includes a detecting device for detecting a position of the movable part of the motor; a locking device for locking the movable part of the motor; and a storage device for storing an initial position at which the movable part of the motor is locked for the first time. It is determined that the movable part is locked at an abnormal position when a deviation between the position detected by the detecting device where the movable part of the motor is locked and the initial position stored in the storage means is larger than a predetermined reference distance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of a continuous determination of an instantaneous position of an impeller blade tip (5′) in a rotor turbine machine, particularly in a turbine impeller (6) in a turbojet engine during its operation in a real condition in order to obtain a current information on a technical state of the blade (5). In a selected place of an housing (7) of a rotor turbo machine, in a movement plane of impeller blade tips (5′), it is arranged in a stable manner at least one microwave antenna (3) with an aperture shape (4) which is consistent with an internal surface of an housing (7). The microwave signal (11), which is produced by a microwave homodyne system, is emitted, and then received, through a microwave antenna (3). The output signal (9) from that system, which carries out information on each instantaneous position of an impeller blade tip (5′) in relation to an antenna aperture (4), is converted by an electronic system, and then it is read.

Abstract: A sensor head component is configurable as an accessory for performing various functions on other sensor head components interconnected in a sensor head of a monitoring tool assembly. Certain sensor head components may benefit from the performance of such functions as removable of debris from particular surfaces as well as calibration processes. To perform these functions, an accessory is configurable to include a body portion with a motor positioned therein. Connectable to the motor may be an accessory arm which includes at least one element connected thereto for performing the particular function. When activated, the motor manipulates the accessory arm such that the element moves within a target area and performs the particular function upon at least one of the sensor head components.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring connectivity in a cable system includes radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders on cable ends and RFID sensors at connection points. The RFID sensors are connected to a central monitoring system. Presence of a particular cable end at a particular connection point is detected and recorded by the central monitoring system.

Abstract: In a detecting apparatus for detecting a steering state at a steering member (1) by respectively providing targets (34 and 35) in the shape of a spur gear having teeth portions (34a and 35a) to an input shaft (32) connected to the steering member and an output shaft (33) connected to the input shaft (32) by interposing a torsion bar (31), when an allowable maximum value of rotational torque applied to the steering member is designated by notation T, a number of teeth Z of the teeth portions (34a and 35a) and a spring constant K of the torsion bar (31) are determined to satisfy the following inequality, 360(deg)/Z>T(Nm)/K(Nm/deg).

Abstract: A rotary position transducer with a cosine and sine attenuating voltage wave output has the substantially linear portions segmented and pieced together from a predetermined set of conditions to form a continuously linearly varying voltage output.

Abstract: Provided is rotational-state-of-wheel detecting apparatus that can avoid output of an incorrect rotational direction during a halt of a wheel. In ECU 10, a signal input section 10a accurately detects wheel speeds and rotational directions of respective wheels 12, 14, 16, 18, and, based on the results, respective computers 10b, 10c, 10d execute ABS control, TC control, and VSC control. On this occasion, switching of the rotational direction is restricted with a computation result of wheel speed of zero, and it is thus feasible to prevent occurrence of a malfunction or state hunting being repetitive switching of signs, due to an external magnetic field during halts of the wheels 12, 14, 16, 18. This further optimizes the state control of a vehicle.

Abstract: Brush failure detection on a robotic device for use with a data storage library is accomplished through the use of two brushes drawing power from the same conductor. For example, each brush conducts electrical current between the robotic device and a conductor. Electronics determine operating status of each brush based on a measurement of the difference in current conducted through each brush in the pair of brushes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for thermally managing a display. A display may be tiltably coupled to a base, and the display may have a tilt sensor disposed therein for providing a tilt output when the display is tilted beyond a tilt threshold. Further aspects include a temperature sensors disposed for providing a high- or low-temperature threshold output when the display the exceeds predetermined temperature thresholds. The disclosure provides for producing a warning signal to the user when sensed signals are positive, and for producing a sleep signal to protect the display from thermal damage.

Abstract: A rotary paddle bin monitor for indicating a level of dry bulk material in a bin. In normal operation, a rotary motor rotates a shaft and paddle. A spring mechanism keeps the motor in a first angular position when the paddle is rotating freely. However, when the paddle engages the dry bulk material, the created torque overcomes the spring mechanism and causes the rotary motor to rotate. A first magnetic detector (e.g. a hall effect detector) mounted inside the housing senses a first magnet marker fixed to the rotary motor via the motor support plate to provide an indication when the rotary motor has rotated due to the sufficient presence of dry bulk material. A second magnetic detector mounted inside the housing senses a second magnet marker fixed to the shaft to provide an indication that the shaft is rotating at a proper speed (and indicate the direction of the rotation as well).

Abstract: A computerized tomography system includes a stationary section (A) and a rotating section electrically linked by at least one interconnecting slip ring (D). On one side the slip ring (D) is configured as a series of electrically conductive segments (20A-20H) separated by non-conductive interruptions (22A-22H). On the other side a like number of transmitters (26A-26H) is in selective electrical contact with the conductive segments (20) depending on a position of the rotating frame. Also included is a de-multiplexer (40) which takes image data from the plurality of receivers (RxA-RxH) and rearranges the image data in a determined sequence. Also shown is an angular encoder (46) for providing angular displacement signals (44) to the de-multiplexer (40) for assistance in reconstructing the data channels (30) in the determined sequence.

Abstract: A valve-position output apparatus capable of adequately detecting valve-positions on an optical basis. The valve-position output apparatus for a valve comprises an interlocking member arranged to move in sync with open and close operations of the valve, a position detecting aperture formed in said interlocking member, an optical encoder having a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section which are arranged opposed to each other with interposing the interlocking member therebetween, digital valve-position signal generating means for generating a digital valve-position signal on the basis of a signal from the optical encoder, and initial setting means for initializing the digital valve-position signal generating means so as to match the digital valve-position signal of the digital valve-position signal generating means with an actual valve position.

Abstract: A sensor (36) for monitoring rotation of an object (16) about an axis (20) comprises a switch member (40) that is urged into a neutral position and is movable relative to the object (16). A direction of movement of the switch member (40) relative to the object (16) is indicative of a direction of rotation of the object (16). Inertia of the switch member (40) during initial rotation of the object (16) results in relative movement of the switch member (4) away from the neutral position. Centrifugal force during object (16) rotation further enhances the relative movement of the switch member (40). The sensor (36) also comprises a device (56) for monitoring a direction of movement of the switch member (40) and for providing a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: A rotary position transducer with a cosine and sine attenuating voltage wave output has the substantially linear portions segmented and pieced together from a predetermined set of conditions to form a continuously linearly varying voltage output.

Abstract: A trim tab monitoring circuit is provided which receives a signal that is representative of a voltage potential across a stator winding of a motor which is attached to the trim tab. This signal is passed through a high pass filter to remove the DC component of the signal, amplified, and passed through a low pass filter to remove certain high frequencies components of the signal. A zero crossing detector is used to discern individual pulses which are then received by a counter that provides a single output pulse for a predetermined number of input pulses. The series of output pulses from the counter are conditioned and, in conjunction with a direction sensor, provided to an up/down counter controller that provides digital signals to a signal output circuit. The signal output circuit provides a DC voltage output to a display and the DC output voltage is representative of the position of the trim tab.

Abstract: An apparatus and circuit for monitoring the closed position of a fuel cap relative to a tank connection pipe . The fuel cap has a ratchet torque limiter for controlling the tightening of the fuel cap to the tank connection pipe. A magnet is connected to the fuel cap and a magnetic switch, such as a reed switch, is connected to the tank connection pipe or proximal thereto. The movement of the magnet relative to the magnetic switch, indicating a locked fuel cap condition, is sensed by an abrupt change in magnetic field strength of the magnet. When releasing members snap over the cams therein, a current pulse is induced in a pickup coil . This current pulse is sensed and a logic level high voltage is produced corresponding to a tightened fuel cap condition. A dashboard lamp is then extinguished indicated that the fuel cap is safely and securely tightened.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for indicating a broken shear pin on a snow blower head cutter drum in a rotary snow blower. At least one shear pin connects the snow blower head cutter drum to a drive shaft on the snow blower. The indicator system utilizes a proximity sensor which is mounted on the drive box of the vehicle and focused on at least one target on the snow blower head cutter drum. As the snow blower head cutter drum rotates, the proximity sensor detects the passage of the target and resets a timer. When the shear pin breaks, the cutter drum stops rotating. Because the proximity sensor does not detect the target, the timer is not reset. When the elapsed time equals or exceeds a predetermined amount, an electrical impulse is transmitted, activating the broken shear pin indicator.

Abstract: A device for indicating a multi-position state and having one or more sensors, one or more bi-stable, magnetic switches, and a control unit. The switches are provided with an electromagnet arranged in connection with each individual switch thereby enabling the switches to be switched between two or more indicating positions by sending an electric pulse through the electromagnet. The sensors are connected to the control unit, which is in turn connected to the switches. The sensors are arranged to sense which of the two or more positions is the current state of a measured object, and transmit a signal corresponding to the position of the measured object to the control unit. The control unit is arranged to transmit a signal to the electromagnet of the corresponding switch in order to update the indicated state of the switch.