Abstract: A device, using which signals and energy may be transmitted without contact between an electrical device on or in the vehicle body and an electrical device on or in a vehicle seat, reliable signal and energy transmission being ensured even in the event of frequent changes of the seating configuration, without the vehicle user having to take special precautions for this purpose. The two electrical devices are each assigned a transmission module. These transmission modules form a high-frequency wireless transmission path. The transmission module on or in the vehicle body is integrated into the rail system for the vehicle seat, while the transmission module on or in the seat may be coupled into the rail system in such a way that the signal and/or energy transmission occurs via the displacement current generated in the rail system.

Abstract: A wireless control device which: allow communication, commands.

Abstract: A vehicular warning system for use by school buses and/or other emergency vehicles in rural, hilly, areas and extremely low population areas, which provides a short range radio transmission signal broadcast sequentially over all 40 channels of a citizens band radio acting as an audible signal to be picked up by any nearby CB radio turned on. The warning system comprises a transmitter means to be installed on school buses and/or other emergency vehicles that can warn truck drivers of an upcoming situation which would require the truck to slow down or stop. The present system finds special utility in hilly regions where a truck driver cannot see over the next hill, and consequently does not know if he needs to stop.

Abstract: A system for providing assistance to impaired drivers including a substance detector for generating an impairment reading for a user based on a sample provided by the user and a notification device in communication with a transportation service in which the notification device contacts the transportation service when the impairment reading is outside a predetermined range. The notification device also provides the transportation service with navigational data when the notification device contacts the transportation service to permit the transportation service to locate the user. Additionally, a method for providing assistance to impaired drivers includes the steps of generating an impairment reading for a user based on a sample provided by the user and contacting a transportation service based on the impairment reading and providing the transportation service with navigational data to permit the transportation service to locate the user.

Abstract: A communication system and methods are disclosed for use with vehicles. The communication system includes a first communicator attached to the car and a second communicator that is selectively mounted to a harness in the car. When the second communicator is disengaged from the harness, the communicators are synchronized to a common operative channel or frequency with low-noise, and are ready to be put in service. One disclosed method provides a simple to use communication system that provides toll-free, local communication between a person within the vehicle and a passenger who has left the vehicle. Another disclosed method permits toll-free, local communication between people in two different vehicles.

Abstract: A wireless output input device (WOID) digital audio player for storing and/or receiving digital audio and preserving the digital stream without the inherent distortion of translating the stream to analog prior to modulation and transmission, which includes an FM receiver, and an FM transmitter for transmitting the audio to an external FM radio or receiver. The device automatically and periodically scans a plurality of channels on the FM band to determine the channel having the least amount of interference and then tunes the FM transmitter to the frequency of that channel and displays the channel to which the external receiver should be tuned. A remote control may be provided to selectively transmit signals to the player's FM receiver for controlling operation of the player.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle for receiving and transmitting wireless transmitted radio data that is emitted from outside a vehicle, the system having an antenna for receiving the radio data, a first module disposed within the vehicle, a second module and a transmission line for transmitting the radio data substantially within the vehicle, the antenna of the system being connected to a receiver disposed within the second module such that the radio data is transmittable from the second module to the first module through the transmission line, and the antenna being formed by an electrical line that also forms the ground connection of the second module.

Abstract: During an off-state of an ignition switch, a reception circuit and a transmission circuit of a station for telematics services in a vehicle are periodically shifted between an on-state and an off-state. As soon as a door knob of the vehicle is manipulated during the off-state of the ignition switch, the reception and transmission circuits along with a control circuit are shifted into the on-state even when staying in the off-state thereof. Thereby, a user can be, without waiting, provided with the telematics services associated with interface circuits for controlling operations relating to a vehicle body.

Abstract: To provide a semiconductor device in which a layer to be peeled is attached to a base having a curved surface, and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly, a display having a curved surface, and more specifically a light-emitting device having a light emitting element attached to a base with a curved surface. A layer to be peeled, which contains a light emitting element furnished to a substrate using a laminate of a first material layer which is a metallic layer or nitride layer, and a second material layer which is an oxide layer, is transferred onto a film, and then the film and the layer to be peeled are curved, to thereby produce a display having a curved surface.

Abstract: In a vehicle equipped with a dedicated short-range two-way communications system to acquire and otherwise participate in a roadway information service, method and apparatus are provided to detect (301) an absence of the availability of such a service and to respond by substituting (302) roadway information from other sources and to provide notice (303) to the driver regarding the absence of realtime service information and/or the present use of substituted roadway information.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of selecting a modem carrier type for data transmission over a wireless communication system. An incoming call is received from a mobile vehicle and then an initial carrier tone is sent to a mobile vehicle in response to the incoming call. A modem response signal is received from a vehicle modem in response to the initial carrier tone. The modem response signal is determined to be either an analog modem response signal or a digital modem response signal, and then the call is connected to either the analog modem or digital modem based on the modem response signal determination.

Abstract: An exciter system (1, 2) able to communicate information between an exciter unit (10) and one or more remote units (12) or between multiple exciter units (10). The exciter units (10) may include wireless type exciter devices, such as optimum exciters (14), or they may include wired equivalent type exciter devices, such as direct connect exciters (16). The exciter devices (14, 16) inject or extract RF currents (24) in the metallic framework (22) of a vehicle. The remote units (12) couple electromagnetic fields (26) with the metallic framework (22) of the vehicle. The information is exchanged with the exciter devices (14, 16) by communications equipment (20) that modulates or demodulates the RF currents (24) and/or electromagnetic fields (26) with the information. As the RF currents (24) and/or electromagnetic fields (26) reach everywhere within, on and in close proximity to the vehicle the information is communicated throughout.

Abstract: An FM transmitter and power supply/charging assembly electrically coupleable with an MP3 player. The assembly includes a modular docking unit having a main body portion with a docking cavity therein, wherein the main body portion contains the FM transmitter and power/charging circuitry, with coupling means in the docking cavity for connecting the MP3 player with the FM transmitter and power/charging circuitry, to accommodate FM transmission by the FM transmitter of audio content when played by the MP3 player in the docking cavity of the modular docking unit, and adapted for transmitting electrical power through the modular docking unit and the power/charging circuitry therein, for charging of a battery of the MP3 player and/or powering of the MP3 player.

Abstract: A wireless transmission device for communicating a plurality of audio streams to remote devices comprises a plurality of inputs for receiving a plurality of digital audio streams, a combiner connected to the inputs for combining control codes and the received audio streams in a predetermined format to form a signal wherein the control codes for controlling the operation of a remote device equipped for processing the signal to extract the audio streams therefrom in accordance with the predetermined format, and a transmitter connected to the combiner to transmit the signal for reception by the remote device. The transmitter may include an infra-red light emitter for transmitting the signal as an infra-red light signal.

Abstract: A communication inhibiting apparatus is provided with: disturbing wave generating means for generating a disturbing wave signal which disturbs communications to and from a portable telephone or similar communication terminal equipment; and disturbing wave emitting means for emitting the signal generated by said disturbing wave generating means, as said disturbing wave, to said communication terminal equipment.

Abstract: A cellular radio system comprises a radio coverage area formed by a plurality of cells (C1,C2), each cell having at least one primary station (PS1,PS2) including a radio transceiver for communicating with a secondary station (SS1,SS2) when in its cell. The or each secondary station is able to roam within the radio coverage area. In order to facilitate call handover the secondary station informs the infrastructure (PS1, PS2, 10) of its velocity and the infrastructure uses knowledge of the velocity to make a decision regarding handing over a call-in-progress from one cell to another cell. The velocity information may be provided by a GPS receiver (18) carried by a vehicle in which the secondary station is located and the information is relayed to the secondary station by way of a short range radio system. The secondary station uses the cellular system to forward this information to the infrastructure.

Abstract: Method for presetting a mobile phone communications mode in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, using at least one built-in mobile phone terminal or a built-in holder and a portable mobile phone terminal which fits in the latter, at least one communications function of the mobile phone terminal, or of at least one mobile phone terminal, being automatically controlled by a function of the vehicle or of a peripheral unit thereof and/or at least one separate data carrier, in particular a chip card or magnetic card, in such a way that various communications profiles are thus set.

Abstract: Located on the right and left sides of a housing (1) of an automobile radio for example is one detent spring (2) each projecting from the housing (1), which spring is retractable to enable insertion of the housing (1) into a mounting slot (3) and which, by rotating a catch, is retractable into the housing (1). By rotating the catches (5) in the other direction of rotation, the detent springs (2) are again released. Disposed eccentrically on the top side (14) of each catch (5) is a pin (8) for which a guide channel (9) is located in the mounting slot (3) so that the housing (1) may be inserted into the mounting slot (3) only with the detent springs (2) projecting from the housing (1). After complete insertion of the housing (1) into the mounting slot (3), the detent springs (2) snap in place against detent edges (4) of the mounting slot (3) to lock the housing (1) in place. To remove the housing (1) from the mounting slot (3), the detent springs (2) are retracted into the housing (1) by rotating the catch (5).

Abstract: A system for publicly displaying messages includes one or more mobile units, each including an automotive vehicle carrying a publicly visible electronic display; a computer for controlling the images shown on the display; and a radio for transmitting and receiving information, including information about which messages should be shown on the mobile unit's display. A central system receives and sends information to radios on the mobile units to control what messages they display. In some embodiments the mobile unit includes programming to enable a remote computer, such as a central system computer, to have remote access over the radio to commands of the mobile unit's computer's operating system. In some embodiments, the information transmitted by a mobile unit's radio includes information about the status of the mobile unit's computer. This can include how much more room its memory has, how utilized its CPU is, how much radio traffic it is having, what display message it is currently showing, etc.

Abstract: A system and methods to allow multiple stations in geographically dispersed locations to monitor and track vehicle repair record and service status information in a coordinated fashion. In a service area comprised of a number of geographically-bounded service regions, at least one regional communications terminal is provided in communication with a plurality of local communications terminals. Each local communications terminal and regional communications terminal communicates with a vehicle service status database. Vehicle service events are entered into a vehicle tracking system and maintained using the vehicle status database. Database files are exchanged between local communications terminals and regional communications terminals and with a central equipment manager in order to provide timely and accurate dissemination of service status.

Abstract: This invention relates to a remote communication system for use with a vehicle, comprising a first communication unit (1), located within a vehicle (2), said first communication unit comprising a first transceiver (3), connectable with a long-distance wireless communication network (16), such as a cellular network; and a portable second communication unit (7), comprising a second transceiver (9), connectable with a unit for long-distance wireless communication (14), such as a cellular terminal. The first and second communication units (1,7) are connectable with each other using said long-distance wireless communication network 16, thereby establishing a remote two-way communication link between said communication units.

Abstract: A diagnostic mechanism for processing diagnostic data transferred from a host computer (e.g., a motor vehicle computer) to a portable computer (e.g., a personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular phone, etc.) An alert is provided based on a comparison in the portable computer of a threshold variable (e.g., generated from a desired threshold value input into the portable computer by the user) and a diagnostic variable (e.g., fuel remaining, service interval, etc.) generated from the diagnostic data. Preferably, the alert includes a calendar entry displayed on a PDA. The alert may further include an alarm at a time-of-day preceding an alarm clock setting of the PDA. Consequently, the user does not have to rely on his/her memory to arise earlier in the morning to fill up with gasoline, for example. Preferably, the PDA receives the diagnostic data in response to being placed in a cradle mounted in a vehicle passenger compartment.

Abstract: A system for providing a mobile telephone service on board a vehicle is connected to a public land mobile network via a satellite and can set up at least one transport connection between the vehicle and the public land mobile network before receiving a call request and then use the transport connection for a call as soon as a request to set up a call is received.

Abstract: The number of showings desired for different messages within corresponding remaining time periods is used in selecting which message to show at a given time and/or location. The showings can be on public displays, including vehicle mounted displays. The number of desired exposures remaining for a message can be based on an estimate of the number of people or types of people reached by its prior showings. Such estimates can be based on information derived from sensors near the time and place of the prior showings and/or from less-real-time, previously derived data relating to such times and places. Which message is selected for a given time and/or place can be based on the relative degree to which viewership attributes desired for the showing of different messages match attributes associated with the given time and/or location.

Abstract: Databases provide information on viewership for messages. In some embodiments the database can describe the numbers and/or type of pedestrians who can watch public displays at different locations and times. The displays can be outdoors and/or vehicle mounted. The database can be updated by information from sensors. In some embodiments data having a given temporal and spatial granularity, such as pedestrian or vehicle data, is smoothed to produce data having a higher spatial and/or temporal resolution. In some embodiments a database of potential viewership is used to automatically select the message and charge for a showing on a given display. In some embodiments the database indicates viewership for different times of day and the charges or messages selected also vary by time of day. Such message or charge selection can be applied to nonpublic displays, based on multiple-viewer demographics associated with different displays, including demographics derived by sensors.

Abstract: A first data communication method comprises a step (201) of automatically directing a mobile telephone (24) to switch operation from a first telephone number to a second telephone number to receive a data call placed to the second telephone number. A second data communication method comprises a step (301) of automatically directing the mobile telephone (24) to switch from the first telephone number to the second telephone number to place a security call using the second telephone number. A data communication apparatus comprises a controller (40) to direct the mobile telephone (24) to perform the aforementioned methods.

Abstract: A communications apparatus for enabling communications among networks, buses, devices and other subsystems having different communication requirements is provided. The communications apparatus offers an open architecture for interoperability among diverse subsystems. The communications apparatus is particularly applicable in a vehicle. In one embodiment, a portal apparatus located remote from the vehicle facilitates communications with the communications apparatus, particularly where the vehicle is part of a vehicle fleet. The communications apparatus includes a common module that has at least one protocol by which disparate subsystems can communicate with each other. One or more managers can be defined as being part of the common module. The disparate subsystem managers provide the necessary interfacing to enable the disparate subsystems to communicate between and among each other using the common module. Each such manager has dedicated functionalities to facilitate communications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a receiver system for vehicles having an antenna and a receiver with an interference signal receiving device. This interference receiving device comprises a coupling element with an input for taking up the pulse-like interference radiation emitted by the vehicle aggregates and which interference radiation emitted by the vehicle aggregates and which interfere with the reception, with an evaluation circuit for presenting the interference radiation. A controllable transmission element is disposed within the receiver between transmission elements. Controllable transmission element is controllable with respect to its transmission behavior for the purpose of signal sampling, which also receives output signals of evaluation circuit so that during the duration of the interference pulses, the interference pulses interfered with receive and sample usable signals.

Abstract: A processional travel control apparatus allows processional travel with a leading vehicle driven by a driver and at least one succeeding vehicle automatically following the leading vehicle, while maintaining distances and directions between the vehicles by means of radar devices. The leading vehicle and the succeeding vehicles constitute a group. Each of the vehicles comprises a vehicle group identifying device for distinguishing the vehicle group from another vehicle group, the vehicle group identifying device preventing radio interference between the groups during processional travel.

Abstract: A unique system is provided for storing home security function signals such as garage door opener signals on a vehicle key/fob combination. The key/fob combination learns its coded signal from a control on the vehicle. In this way, the key/fob combination need not be provided with an expensive scanning receiver. The vehicle control preferably communicates to the key/fob combination through the LF receiver/transmitter that is already typically part of the vehicle immobilizer system. In further features, a coded key pad may be provided such that the system may be moved into a secure mode when the key/fob combination or vehicle is in the control of a valet. Further, the key/fob combination may be provided with a switch such that it can be moved into home or auto mode such that the number of switches on the key/fob combination may be reduced.

Abstract: A transmission unit includes a sine-wave generator that generates a carrier oscillation. A binary information item is modulated onto the carrier oscillation in a modulator. The modulated oscillation is fed to a transformer that forwards the modulated oscillation to a plurality of antennas connected in parallel. A method for transmitting an information item includes providing a generator having a primary side and a secondary side, a modulator, a transformer, and a plurality of antennas. The plurality of antennas is connected to the secondary side of the transformer. An information item to be transmitted is created. A sinusoidal carrier oscillation is generated. The information item is modulated onto the carrier oscillation and forms a modulated oscillation. The modulated oscillation is transformed from the primary side to the secondary side and an electromagnetic field is generated by the plurality of antennas to aid transmission of the information item.

Abstract: There is disclosed a theft prevention system for trailers interacting with the customary pneumatic trailer braking system having spring actuated parking brakes that apply when in absence of pressure in an air supply line to the trailer from a tractor-mounted compressed air tank. A normally closed solenoid valve is connected in series with the pressurized air supply line that supplies air to release the trailer parking brakes and a signal receiver adapted to receive an electrical signal from a transmitter in the tractor cab must be caused to actuate the solenoid to open the valve to release the trailer parking brakes. The signal from the transmitter to the receiver may be a dc, ac, or high frequency signal transmitted over the normally provided electrical cable from tractor to trailer or may be a radio transmitted signal wherein of the kind employed for garage door openers.

Abstract: A vehicle-based garage door opener system for use with a hand-held transmitter unit includes a user-operable input device, a cradle configured to support a hand-held transmitting unit located remotely from the input device and a link between the input device and the cradle.

Abstract: A DSRC car-mounted equipment which self-diagnoses its communication function and informs the driver of the result, comprising a first local oscillator 30 for generating a car-mounted equipment frequency fosc, a demodulator 16 for detecting the electric field intensity HE and for picking up reception data D1, a car-mounted controller 40 for fetching the reception data by changing over the transmission/reception change-over switch SW1 and for sending transmission data D2, a second local oscillator 31 that outputs a frequency for detecting abnormal condition corresponding to an on-the-road equipment frequency fs, and means for judging the condition of the transmission/reception circuit using the frequency for judging abnormal condition, wherein the transmission/reception change-over switch is connected to the reception circuit, abnormal condition is judged from at least either the electric field intensity or the reception data detected based on a leakage power of the frequency for detecting abnormal condition, a

Abstract: A universal hand-free system for use with various types of cellular phones produced by different manufacturers is designed to operate in combination with a vehicle's audio stereo system. The hand-free system can automatically turn off a vehicle's audio stereo system when incoming signals are being received by a cellular phone and automatically turn on the audio stereo system as the cellular phone terminates its operation. It intends to improve the communication quality of a cellular phone and increase driving safety. Moreover, by means of signal cable, which can convert and discern incoming signals and signal criterion levels for various types of cellular phones produced by different manufacturers, the hand-free system can be universally applied to a variety of cellular phones.

Abstract: A vehicle display unit is designed to be carried by an automotive vehicle. Some such units are designed for mounting on the roof of a car, bus, or other vehicle. Others are designed to be mounted in other locations on or in a vehicle, such as, for example, on the side of a car, truck, or bus. Such a display unit can include components such as an one or more electronic displays; display drive circuitry, which can include a computer; a connection for receiving power from the electrical system of a vehicle; an enclosure around the one or more displays and their drive circuitry which has ventilation openings; and a ventilation fan for moving cooling air through the enclosure. The electronic displays can have 640×480 or greater resolution. Some roof-mounted embodiments have three electronic displays arranged in a triangle, with two displays each visible from the front and one side of the vehicle, and the third display visible from the behind the vehicle.

Abstract: Auto Locating Emergency Rescue Transmitter (ALERT), is an automatic emergency signal generator that broadcasts a radio frequency (rf) signal that can be locally received across the entire AM band spectrum for guiding rescuers to the location of a distressed automobile, aircraft or other vehicle that may also be outside of anyone's cognizance. The preferred embodiment includes an additional amplifier/modulator with a pre-recorded voice or tone-coded message that may be installed in or provided as an adjunct to the vehicle's existing radio. To use this embodiment, rescuers may determine the location of the distressed vehicle by standard rf signal tracking techniques. However, using recently available technologies, an alternate embodiment provides map grid co-ordinates to rescuers via a link to the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) System. In either embodiment activation of the system is accomplished via an inertia switch or manual override switch in the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and methods to allow multiple stations in geographically dispersed locations to monitor and track vehicle repair record and service status information in a coordinated fashion. In a service area comprised of a number of geographically-bounded service regions, at least one regional communications terminal is provided in communication with a plurality of local communications terminals. Each local communications terminal and regional communications terminal communicates with a vehicle service status database. Vehicle service events are entered into a vehicle tracking system and maintained using the vehicle status database. Database files are exchanged between local communications terminals and regional communications terminals and with a central equipment manager in order to provide timely and accurate dissemination of service status.

Abstract: A vehicle-onboard DSRC (dedicated short-range communication) apparatus (10A) which can ensure suppression of communication error due to difference in type of motor vehicles. The apparatus includes an antenna (11) and a control unit (20) for receiving/transmitting information from/to an on-road transport managing equipment serving as an electronic toll collection system and installed in association with a road on which motor vehicles are to run, and a receiving sensitivity setting means (14A, 21 to 23, 30) for setting receiving sensitivity of the DSRC apparatus in an area for communication with the on-road transport managing equipment in dependence on vehicle type information indicative of type of the motor vehicle, wherein the receiving sensitivity setting means is so designed as to compensate for difference of electric field intensity of received radio signals due to different types of the motor vehicles with the receiving sensitivity.

Abstract: Connection of a car adapter or a car battery in an automobile to a portable radio communication apparatus is detected; communication with a communication system not warranting communication during fast transit is forbidden; and switching over to a communication system warranting it is accomplished.

Abstract: A communication inhibiting apparatus is provided with: disturbing wave generating means for generating a disturbing wave signal which disturbs communications to and from a portable telephone or similar communication terminal equipment; and disturbing wave emitting means for emitting the signal generated by said disturbing wave generating means, as said disturbing wave, to said communication terminal equipment.

Abstract: A device on a motor vehicle is controlled by selecting a function for the device to perform. The selection is conveyed to a control circuit which wirelessly transmits a message using the Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications protocol, wherein the message identifies the device and function. A controller receives the message and recovers the identification of the device and the function and then responds by activating the device to perform that function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing navigation and information services. A mobile unit which includes a microphone and a speaker is used to communicate between a user and a service location. The service location includes a computer and data storage which includes data on geography, roads, road conditions, traffic and other data which may be of use to a user. The mobile unit includes a receiver and position determination processing circuitry for location determination. A user may obtain navigation information and routing information by pressing a button on the mobile unit so as to initiate communication with the service location. The user then verbally requests the information which he needs by speaking into the microphone. Using location data which is transmitted to the service location and the data in data storage, the computer compiles a response which is transmitted to the mobile unit and through the speaker for communication to the user.

Abstract: A radio receiver with an integrated telephone device (1) is proposed, which is used for switching of loudspeakers (20, 21, 22, 23) between radio reception and telephone reception. In the telephone mode the loudspeakers (20, . . . , 23), which can be connected to the radio receiver, are switched to telephone reception, and when a preset signal is received by the radio receiver, preferably an information signal for traffic reports which has been modulated on a 57 kHz auxiliary carrier, the loudspeakers (20, . . . , 23) are partially switched over to radio reception. In the radio reception mode the loudspeakers (20, . . . 23), which can be connected to the radio receiver, are switched to radio reception, and in case of a loop allocation in the telephone device (1) for receiving an incoming and/or outgoing call, the loudspeakers (20, . . . , 23) are at least partially switched over to telephone reception. Switching of the loudspeakers (20, . . .

Abstract: A Vehicle Information and Safety System (VISC) includes a main computer at a vehicle fleet headquarters (HQ) with access over a CDPD data network to a computerized sensor system mounted in each vehicle of the fleet. Sensors which may be used include load sensors coupled to the axles, accelerometers and temperature sensors coupled to the cargo bay, infrared andor pressure sensors monitoring the operator, cameras viewing the cargo bay, cab andor environment, and GPS data. The sensor data are processed by in-vehicle andor HQ computers, to monitor the state of the vehicle and operator, and the security status of the vehicle. PSAP (911) calls can be transmitted from the vehicle under remote control from the HQ for those cases in which the operator is unavailable or unresponsive, and the transmission can be tagged with GPS data. Speech signals from the operator are converted to text, and may be used for control of various functions, or may be data-compressed for transmission over the data network to HQ.

Abstract: For remotely operating security barriers such as gates, garage doors and the like by manipulating multiple pre-existing equipment controls of a motor vehicle simultaneously or successively, a vehicle-integrated access control device is described having an access control signal transmitter, an optional voltage regulator, and means for causing the operation of the transmitter to depend on the actuation in concert of several vehicle controls such as, for example, the simultaneous or rapidly successive actuation of the left and right turn signals of a motorcycle. A logical AND device and, alternatively, a pair of transistor switches are disclosed for establishing the dependency. One or more optional relays are disclosed for establishing the dependency. A latching circuit is described for establishing the dependency upon successive actuation of first and second circuits.

Abstract: A vehicle communication system includes a trainable transmitter that is connected with the antenna associated with the AM/FM radio receiver in the vehicle. The trainable transmitter preferably is capable of learning a variety of communication signals and then later, selectively transmitting them to communicate with a variety of external, remotely located devices. A system designed according to this invention allows a single antenna to be used for emitting signals and receiving signals and, moreover facilitates communication with a variety of remotely located devices such as a garage door opener and a home security system.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a transmitter that is alternatively permanently mounted in or selectively removable from the vehicle. The transmitter communicates with a security system controller associated with the vehicle so that the transmitter is only useable under selected, authorized conditions. The transmitter enables a vehicle owner to access and operate a plurality of remotely located systems or devices such as a garage door opener, a home security system or a pager system, for example.

Abstract: The invention discloses a device for realizing a power supply contact between printed circuits on a printed circuit board and a current source. The device includes a casing and an electronic board which has a metallic surface connected to a power supply contact, on the one hand, and to circuits to be supplied with electric power on the other. The printed circuit board is kept on the casing by at least one securing means secured to the printed circuit board on the metallic surface and secured to the casing on a securing surface. The securing means has a conducting part between the power supply contact and the metallic surface for leading the power from the power supply contact to the circuits to be supplied with power.

Abstract: The present invention provides for permitting hands-free operation of a telephone handset in a vehicle. The device, having a base pivotally attached to the vehicle above the door opening on the driver's side, and also has means for storing the device above the door opening when not in use. Means are provided for wiring the device to the microphone input of the mobile phone set. A resiliently flexible elongated extension, having a coaxial cable being disposed therein, with a proximal end connected to the base and and a distal end containing a microphone. The extension connects the energy source to the distal end and is formed of a material that can be easily flexed by hand to assume a multiple of different shapes and angles, and which can retain a given shape indefinitely. The distal end is normally oriented towards the user's mouth when in position for use.