Abstract: A portable reserved parking alarm system including an electric motor contained in a housing mounted on a base plate and having a gear box mechanically connected to one end of an eccentric rod member whose other end is pivotally connected to a mast member, the lower end of said mast member being pivotally mounted on said base plate, said motor causing movement of said mast upon being energized by electrical means activated by a radio frequency signal, said electrical means including means for activating an alarm whenever said mast member is moved other than by action of said motor.

Abstract: A safety control device for an actuator of a flap solenoid valve, such as for an automatic transmission. The device includes a current control device which is connected to a shunt resistor for measuring the current through the solenoid valve and the current control device. It also includes a control package which measures the time between the starting of the power to the solenoid valve and the moment when the current reaches a threshold intensity. The control package compares this time with a time range which indicates the proper operation of the solenoid valve so that if the time falls outside this time range, the control package instructs the current control device to cut power to the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A seismic detector which generates an electrical signal in response to the occurrence of a vertical seismic wave predetermined magnitude is mounted in a weather-proof container in or adjacent an inhibitable building. A circuit breaker to interupt electrical power to the building is mounted in the same container and connected to open in response to signals from the detector. Gas and water line connections each with a solenoid operated shut-off valve are separately housed in a weather-proof container in or adjacent the building and the valves are connected so that they will close in response to a signal from the seismic detector. The entire system is rendered fail safe through the use of an interruptible power supply system housed in the container with the seismic detector and connected to energize the gas and water line cut off valves to hold them in open condition.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for automatically unlocking the guard bars on a window in response to the output signal of a fire detection device. In a preferred embodiment a smoke alarm having a pair of relay-controlled contacts is used in conjunction with a solenoid arrangement to unlock the window bars. Power to the smoke detector and the solenoid circuit is supplied by a rechargeable battery, so that in the event of power failure the automatic window bar unlocking apparatus continues to operate.

Abstract: Apparatus for shutting off utilities, such as gas and electricity, automatically in the case of an emergency, such as an earthquake. The utility can be a gas or electric line and, at shutdown, an alarm may be sounded and a light activated. The apparatus includes a box mounted adjacent the main power panel. The box includes a solenoid wired to the main breaker switch of the main power panel and a start/stop switch coupled to the solenoid valve at the main gas line. If an earthquake hits, the solenoid to the electric panel is activated to shut off the main switch. This in turn activates the solenoid to the gas line which turns off the gas. Simultaneously, a signal alarm coupled to the box sounds and a light also coupled to the box is lit. The alarm may be turned off manually and the light kept on, if desired. After the emergency, the control panel may be reset and the gas turned on after manually opening the gas valve and re-lighting the pilot.

Abstract: A method of detecting movement of an electromagnetically actuated valve of the kind useful in internal combustion engines for controlling fuel intake or exhaust emission, by monitoring the increase in energizing current for detecting a brief drop in the rising current characteristic of the armature of the electromagnet engaging the stator. A signal generated in response to the detected current drop, or the absence thereof, may be used to control the further operation of the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting pipes subjected to freezing temperatures. An electric circuit is provided with a switch that senses the ambient air temperature in the vicinity of a pipe to be tested. The switch is set to activate an alarm when the water in the pipe reaches about 4.degree. C. to about 5.degree. C. The electric circuit is contained within a housing that is perforated to permit the sensing of the ambient air temperature. The housing may be provided with velcro straps to secure the housing to a pipe to be tested.

Abstract: An electromagnetic door lock system employs an electromagnetic lock which magnetically bonds with an armature plate. An acoustical sensor generates a detection beam. The detection beam is directed toward the doorknob. Reflected energy is received and electronically processed to detect the presence of a foreign object in the vicinity of the doorknob. The lock automatically deactuates when a foreign object is detected in the vicinity of the knob. The electromagnetic lock, sensor and processing circuitry are mounted in a housing which is located near the top of a doorway. An audio alarm and status light indicators are mounted at the housing to indicate the status of the lock.

Abstract: A motor vehicle suspension control includes a solenoid actuator having an actuating coil connected in series with a transistor across an electric power source and circuit protection apparatus for the transistor. The voltage across the transistor is monitored, after a short time delay following turn-on, as a signal indicative of excessive current therethrough. If the signal so indicates, the transistor is turned off for a period of time and then turned on again for another try. This continues for a predetermined maximum number of attempts. Specific clocked digital circuitry is disclosed for controlling the operation and producing the different required time delays or counts.

Abstract: An electric motor comprising a motor overload protection such as a thermal switch and a main relay for controlling a multipolar switch in the voltage supply conductors of the motor. The thermal switch and the main relay are mounted in a control circuit in parallel with the voltage supply conductors. An auxiliary relay is coupled in parallel with the main relay and can connect an auxiliary motor via a contact arm when the thermal switch is switched off.

Abstract: An advanced latching circuit (14) is used for latching a compressor (16) to a power source (18). The circuit includes the solenoid (32) of a compressor relay. A first set of contacts (28) of the compressor relay, a capacitor (34) and a resistor (36) are connected in parallel with each other and in series with the solenoid (32). Power supplied to the latching circuit (14) with the capacitor discharged energizes the solenoid (32) and latches the circuit. The opening of the latching circuit (14) by a safety switch (38, 40) deenergizes the solenoid to disconnect the compressor from its power source and charges the capacitor (34). The solenoid cannot be reenergized to reactivate the compressor until service personnel remedy the heat pump malfunction and interrupt power to the latching circuit (14).

Abstract: Electric control apparatus (20) for equipment (1) comprising a driving circuit (5) for generating a signal (S.sub.1) to drive the equipment as installed in a vehicle, the driving circuit including circuitry having a first specified working voltage range, and a breaking circuit (6) operatively interposed between the driving circuit and the equipment, the breaking circuit including a first switching circuit (100) for operatively interrupting the supply of the drive signal to the equipment under a condition that the supply voltage (Vdd) is lowered below a first predetermined level (V.sub.

Abstract: A power-saving system for use with a bowling machine which initiates motor operation when a bowling ball passes a position in front of the pit cushion and deactivates the motor upon the bowling ball return sequence. The system comprises a switch for controlling power to the motor which is activated upon detection of the bowling ball passage past a position in front of the pit cushion. Detection of the return of the bowling ball onto the track deactivates the switch. A circuit includes a group of switches for detecting various functions of the machine cycle to hold the switch in an activated state.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for a vehicle for providing power to motorized accessories, such as power windows and sun roofs, even after the vehicle ignition has been switched off. The power supply circuit includes a relay having relay contacts for delivering power to the accessory drive motor, and a relay coil which is energized upon switching on of the vehicle ignition. The relay is self-holding and continues to be energized even after the ignition has been switched off. However, when a door of the vehicle is opened, as detected by the closing of a door switch, the relay coil is de-energized and power to the accessory drive motor is terminated. In an alternative embodiment, power to the accessory drive motor is not terminated until after sequential opening and closing of a vehicle door.

Abstract: Circuitry is provided for use with solenoid driven apparatus, such as a metering pump, for example, which is typically powered by direct current from a full wave rectifier. The circuit compensates for variations in the supply voltage by adjusting solenoid "on-time" in substantially inverse relationship to the supply voltage by powering an RC charging network of an integrated circuit directly from the secondary of a transformer supplying power to the solenoid.

Abstract: A magnetic sensing device for controlling power required for maintaining an armature in a closed position on a stator, characterized by a soft-iron shunt extending between and spaced from the armature and stator for conducting a magnetic field therebetween and a magnetic field sensor between the stator and the shunt for monitoring the magnetic field and for controlling power to a coil of the stator.

Abstract: An electronic ski binding incorporating a capacitor for generating actuating signals to a release circuit, and a recharging circuit for recharging the capacitor from an energy source according to the energy level of the capacitor. A charge measuring circuit is provided for measuring the charge of the energy source according to the time required to recharge the capacitor.

Abstract: An electronic circuit adapted to receive conditioned force signals from a three-axes load cell mounted on the arm of a robot and provide a stop signal for use by a controller of the robot. The circuit compares the sum of the absolute value of the forces with a variable reference signal. A force trip relay and a masking relay are connected in parallel to provide the stop signal when both the resulting sum is greater in value than the reference signal and the robot is in an operating condition in which high forces do not normally occur.

Abstract: An electrical circuit is presented for operating a motor vehicle window, wherein the drive motor (M1 and M2) can be switched on by means of an operating switch (S1 and S2), even after the turning off the ignition (opening the ignition switch ZS) and after opening a vehicle door (closing of the door contact switch TK) or alternatively by opening a vehicle door or by the opening and reclosing of a motor vehicle door. The circuit is so designed that only a small operating current flows therethrough when the ignition is turned on as well as when the door is open, as long as the operating switch is not actuated, thus preventing a discharging of the battery even if the motor vehicle door is left open for a longer period of time.

Abstract: The occurrence of a condition indicative of an impending shutdown causes the closing of a switch which completes a circuit powering an indicator and a relay coil. The powering of the relay coil causes the closing of the associated contacts which completes a circuit for powering the relay coil independent of the initial closing of the switch so that the indicator remains powered/lit until manually disabled. The powering of the coil also results in the establishing of a summary fault signal. A timing relay is used to avoid false signals at start up.

Abstract: A control system for eddy current coupling drive for armoured face conveyors wherein the systems controls a number of eddy current drives via a pair of power supply lines and a single pilot line. A main contactor controlled by a relay is held closed by contact of a pilot relay which is energized only if relay contacts in individual control units for each drive remain closed. These last mentioned contacts open if certain operating conditions are not met.

Abstract: A trip system comprises groups of three switches, each group being responsive to a single trip initiating event and each switch switching a different phase of a three phase power supply. Three trip actuators are each connected between different pairs of switches. Malfunction of a single switch in any group will not cause a trip to occur while concurrent operation of two or more switches in any group will cause a trip.

Abstract: In a solenoid actuated device for controlling the oil supplied to a power steering unit of a motor car, a driving circuit is provided to pass current through the solenoid. The driving circuit comprises a comparator supplied with an analogue control signal proportional to the running speed of the motor car, a power amplifier including an output transistor which supplies exciting current to the solenoid coil in response to the output of the comparator. A positive feedback resistor is connected between the output of the comparator and the input thereof to which the analogue signal is applied, and a negative feedback resistor is connected between the output of the power amplifier another input of the comparator thereby ON-OFF controlling the output transistor to pass pulse current through the solenoid coil.

Abstract: A vibration sensor and electrical power shut off device including a pendulum switch constructed for universal movement whereby vibration in any direction causes the pendulum switch to close and actuate a solenoid that shuts off electrical power at a switch point in an electrical power line, a low voltage circuit remaining energized to indicate power interruption.

Abstract: An electronic sensor package includes at least six sensor-amplifier circuits each adapted to be electrically connected to a different condition-responsive device and each electrically connected directly to a relay for energizing the relay, each of the relays being electrically connected to at least two of the sensor-amplifier circuits, whereby the number of relays to which the sensor amplifier circuits are connected is no more than half the number of sensor-amplifier circuits. The relays are electrically connected to a timing circuit electrically connected to signalling or controlling devices.

Abstract: An explosion prevention control system is provided for automatic ignition fuel-gas burning appliances to sample the atmosphere and, in response to a predetermined level of fuel-gas in the atmosphere, to deactivate the automatic ignition apparatus in the appliance and block the flow of fuel-gas in the gas distribution system.An alarm can be provided to indicate that the control system is responding to fuel-gas concentrations in the atmosphere.A latch-off switch can be provided for the automatic ignition apparatus to ensure that the automatic ignition apparatus remains deactivated until the latch-off switch is reset.

Abstract: A condition control device has been shown as a thermostat that not only controls, but draws power from the same two conductors. The drawing of power from the control conductors is accomplished by momentarily opening the control circuit and allowing a charge to be stored on an energy storage means. The control of the operation of the switching relies on a voltage controlled oscillator that is synchronized to the line frequency during the slight period of time that the solid state load switch means that controls the load is deenergized.

Abstract: A control system for providing controllable direct current power for energizing an electromagnetic brake having an alternating current power supply and a power rectifier for converting and supplying direct current power to the brake. A power switch controls the amount of direct current power supplied to the brake. A control circuit controls the actuation of the power switch and includes a brake control actuating a variable output transformer. The output from the transformer is converted to a variable pulse width signal for actuating the power switch. Preferably, the transformer is a variable ratio transformer having a movable core connected to the operator's control. A battery charger and batteries may be connected to the ouput of the power rectifier for maintaining brake power in the event of alternating current line failure. Multiple transistor power switches connected to separate brake coils maintain a portion of brake power in the event of partial equipment failure.

Abstract: A safety device for power driven equipment which mechanically locks an access door on the equipment in closed position until the power drive motor has coasted to a stop. A manually operated locking bolt for the access door is pivotally mounted on a housing in which the control components for the safety device are contained. A locking plate is rigidly mounted on the pivot shaft of the locking bolt within the housing for movement with the shaft and bolt. A solenoid operated locking lever is pivotally mounted in the housing and is engageable with the locking plate when the solenoid is energized to prevent movement of the locking bolt from its door locking position. A bolt mounted on the locking plate actuates a switch which is electrically connected in the drive motor control circuit to open the circuit when the lock bolt moves to an unlocked position.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting the shorting of a diode in a circuit for rectifying AC current. A current transformer senses the current flowing through a diode. A DC bias current applied to the transformer secondary winding along with the unidirectional pulses normally passed by the diode cause saturation of the transformer core so that the normal current passed by the diode does not induce corresponding pulses in the secondary winding. In the event of diode shorting reverse current pulses will produce corresponding pulses in the secondary winding and those pulses are detected by a relay so that relay actuation occurs upon diode shorting.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically controlling transformer coupled alternating-current electric lines. The secondary winding of each transformer is provided with a center tap. A switching circuit is connected to the center taps of a pair of secondary windings and includes a switch controller. An impedance is connected between the center taps of the opposite pair of secondary windings. The switching circuit has continuity when the AC lines are continuous and discontinuity with any disconnect of the AC lines. Normally-open switching means are provided in at least one AC line. The switch controller automatically opens the switching means when the AC lines become separated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a detecting element for a control device for invalids which detects without any physical contact the presence or the absence or even the displacement of a moving member within a sensitivity range in space, the size of the region in which this movement can be detected being large with regard to said moving member.

Abstract: A signal is generated indicating a defect in a woven fabric and applied to a counting circuit stopping the loom which starts at a normal operating condition after correction when a normal length of fabric has been made in response to a reset signal.

Abstract: A load monitoring system for indicating and controlling loads cyclically applied to force carrying members, such as the members of production presses. The system includes a high load limit circuit adapted to energize an overload detector when the loading on the member exceeds a predetermined maximum value and a low load limit circuit adapted to activate an underload detector when the loading on the member fails to reach a predetermined minimum value during a loading cycle. The low load limit circuit includes a control rectifier that is rendered conductive for a predetermined short pulse during each loading cycle in which the minimum load is exceeded and solid state logic means responsive to the failure of the rectifier to trigger during a loading cycle for activating the underload detector.

Abstract: A current sensor provides a positive voltage when a non-desired condition is present, such as rotation of machinery above a predetermined speed, and a gating circuit causes contacts of a relay to close whenever the rotational speed drops below such predetermined speed, that is when the desired condition is achieved. The gating circuit also closes these relay contacts in response to failure of the electrical power to such gating circuit. The circuit includes a P-N-P transistor in series with the relay coil, which transistor is switched on or off by a NAND gate. A low level signal to the base of the P-N-P transistor is provided through the NAND gate when the inputs to the gate are high, thereby providing a fail-safe feature for the relay because one of the NAND gate inputs is provided from the sensor's reference voltage through a Schmitt-trigger circuit.

Abstract: A control system for energizing and de-energizing an external load in series with a source of electricity incorporates a rectifying network having inputs in series with the alternating current source and the external load. An electronic switch of the system activates the load by effectively shorting together the inputs to the control system when the combination of externally sensed parameters obtain predetermined magnitudes. The sensed parameters control the activation of the electronic switch by a plurality of control modules which interact with a control logic module, representing a Boolean combination of the control module outputs, so as to activate a trigger module which in turn causes the electronic switch, such as a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) to be triggered. The external load is then energized by the SCR effectively shorting the inputs to the control system and which thus completes the electrical path from the source of electricity through the load.