Abstract: A system for detecting a sound level of vehicles comprising sensor units for detecting vehicles on a road and for measuring a sound level of a detected vehicle. A data processing unit is connected to the sensor units and has an identification recorder for operating the system by recording an identification of the vehicle detected if the sound level is above a given value.

Abstract: A device for measuring the running parameters of a bicycle having a sensor capable of reacting to a revolution of a rotationally movable member through a change of state and operating according to a cycle of changes of state, the sensor being provided to be mounted on a rotatable member of the bicycle, a transmission circuit having an antenna, a reception circuit having an antenna. The transmitting circuit has a circuit for calculating a value of the running parameter based on the signal originating from the sensor, a transmitter connected to the antenna to transmit this value to the receiving device, and an optimization circuit for activating the transmission of the transmitter to moments independent of the changes of state of the sensor.

Abstract: A sensor is provided for measuring the speed of a moving sports object, particularly an object being shot or launched, for example, from a gun, bow or other implement, such as a bullet or paint ball being shot from a gun or an arrow being shot from a bow. The sensor is operable over a short range and is preferably mounted in close proximity to the path of the moving object. The sensor of the preferred embodiment utilizes CW Doppler radar in the form of a microwave radio frequency transmitter and receiver that has a single-transistor integrated antenna/oscillator. A simple, low cost unit having a low radiation and low energy consumption transmitter, receiver and signal processor, is provided. In use, the unit is situated so as to place a transmit/receive antenna close to or in the line of motion of the object. Such an antenna, so positioned, may be separated from the unit and connected through a transmission line.

Abstract: A motion detection apparatus and method for securing a detector, transducer or accelerometer. The detector is securely positioned in a location corresponding to a portion of the body such as the head, stomach, heart, sternum, or other portion. The mounting apparatus includes a base section to which the detector is secured and support members. Support members can have a fixed-length or be extendable. The support members are adjusted if necessary to position the mounting apparatus and detector to the predetermined position.

Abstract: A falling sensor is provided, which detects a falling of a magnetic disk drive or a information processing device installed with the magnetic disk drive and which is effective for avoiding physical damage of magnetic heads and magnetic disk media. The magnetic disk drive or the information processing device, include an unload mechanism moving or evacuating the magnetic head from a surface of the magnetic disk media, and a falling sensor comprising a conductive flexible beam or member having a compatible function, a conductive weight supported by these beams and a conductive wall arranged to be made in contact or non-contact with the weight. The sensor can detect a falling of the magnetic disk drive or the information processing device, which is typically a notebook personal computer installed with the magnetic disk drive, and evacuate the magnetic head by the unload mechanism. The conductive wall can be formed of a tubular member.

Abstract: A method is provided to process system test data to determine certification parameters of the system based on the test data. For a torpedo launch system, the velocity data is generated by a Pressure/Velocity/Displacement housing interfaced with a computer based data acquisition system and known launch system and test parameters, such as sample rate, muzzle exit length, time of acquisition, decimation factor and low pass cutoff frequency are provided as inputs. The method forces assigns a value of zero to any data less than a predetermined threshold in order to eliminate non-zero levels contributed by ambient noise. The method then passes the data through a filter chosen to agree with hand fit smoothing methods, so as to obtain a smoothed velocity profile. The smoothed data is processed to obtain and display an acceleration profile and a displacement profile, as well as data points for peak acceleration, time at peak, acceleration pulse width, muzzle exit velocity and time at exit.

Abstract: A method for updating a sensor offset and a medium encoded with a machine-readable computer program code for updating a sensor using a robust sensor learning algorithm wherein the method includes obtaining vehicle data signals, obtaining a position sensor data signal, the position sensor data signal being responsive to a stored positional offset data signal, determining whether algorithm initial conditions are satisfied, formulating a new positional offset data signal conditioned on satisfaction of the initial conditions, and storing said new positional offset data signal so as to combine said new positional offset data signal with said stored positional offset data signal and replace said stored positional offset data signal.

Abstract: Method for the determination for an actual speed of a movable displacement element wherein an acceleration sensor is used to record an acceleration (a), and a position sensor is used to record a measured position of a displacement element. A model speed (vM) and a measured speed (v1) are determined by integration and differentiation, respectively. The model speed (vM) is used to determine an actual speed (v). The model speed (vM) and the measured speed (v1) are subtracted from one another. The difference is supplied to a controller (13) having an integral component, whose output signal is added to the acceleration (a).

Abstract: A data processing system including a data storage device having data stored on a data storage medium. Within said data processing system, a system electronics is operatively coupled to a sensor and to said data storage device. When the sensor senses a change in gravitational or inertial acceleration of said data processing system, it alerts system electronics to temporarily park a read/write head in a safe position.

Abstract: A device for measuring the running parameters of a bicycle having a sensor capable of reacting to a revolution of a rotationally movable member through a change of state and operating according to a cycle of changes of state, the sensor being provided to be mounted on a rotatable member of the bicycle, a transmission circuit having an antenna, a reception circuit having an antenna. The transmitting circuit has a circuit for calculating a value of the running parameter based on the signal originating from the sensor, a transmitter connected to the antenna to transmit this value to the receiving device, and an optimization circuit for activating the transmission of the transmitter to moments independent of the changes of state of the sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calculating, presenting, recalling and recording the maximum running speed of a user over a prescribed distance in miles per hour or meters per second. The result is shown in digital and iconic form on a liquid crystal display (LCD). The apparatus incorporates a micro-controller, a LCD, a motion sensor, a sound generator, press switches, and light emitting diodes. The motion sensor is used to generate a signal, in response to external motion, which is input to the micro-controller for use in calculating the speed in accordance with a prescribed formula. Upon completion of running over a fixed time period or distance, a message is displayed on the LCD to indicated the maximum speed achieved by the user during an interval of the fixed time and over the prescribed distance. The apparatus may be adapted for use on shoes, a user's wrists, or the like, for the purpose of encouraging the user to run as fast as possible, and to ensure safety of the user at night.

Abstract: A method for regulating a system for controlling the stability of a vehicle based on the forces exerted at the center of each wheel of the vehicle. Since, the actions of the driver, whether steering, accelerating or braking, are reflected by forces (variations in forces) transmitted by the tires to the ground, it is proposed to control the operating means of the vehicle (active anti-roll system, engine torque, braking torque or active steering) by force expectations derived from the actions of the driver. Depending on the speed of travel of the vehicle and the angle to the steering wheel (steering wheel velocity and steering wheel acceleration), the method expresses the inputs of the driver in terms of forces. If the actual forces that are measured do not correspond to the forces desired by the driver, the active system compensates for this difference by acting on the distributions of forces in the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for recording vehicle motion. The self-contained vehicle motion recorder apparatus is a sealed unit that contains at least a power source, and controller, sensor and recording devices. The controller device includes a power consumption manager that manages and conserves the overall power consumption of the apparatus. A sensor device is further included in operable communication with the controller device that produces signals that represent the vehicle's motion as a function of time. Additionally, a recording element is provided in operable communication with the controller for storing data that corresponds to the signals. A communication interface is further provided such that data may be read from the apparatus and commands and data may be written into the apparatus, from an external device.

Abstract: An aircraft data analysis computer program and method that allows user-defined measurements to be made on a set of flight data obtained from a variety of sources. Post-flight measurement and trending analysis software provides a user configurable measurement system using user-defined measurement definitions for analyzing flight data from a variety of sources. Measurements that require nonsequential analysis of the sequential flight data file can be performed. Data from a variety of aircraft types, from a variety of flight data recorders and from other sources of flight data can be analyzed by translating the data into fleet-independent terms, so that the performance of different fleets or different aircraft types can be compared. The user can perform trending, characterization and statistical analyses on the flight data information. The results of the user-defined measurements are stored in a flight analysis database and may be viewed by the user in a variety of display formats.

Abstract: An exhaust system is provided including two catalysts and three oxygen sensors. The second catalyst is disposed downstream of the first catalyst. The first oxygen sensor is disposed upstream of the first catalyst, the second oxygen sensor is disposed downstream of the first catalyst and upstream of the second catalyst, and the third oxygen sensor is disposed downstream of the second catalyst. A goal voltage corresponding to a desired level of nitrous oxide and hydrocarbon within the exhaust is provided for the third oxygen sensor. This goal voltage is based on engine RPM and MAP. The engine controller compares the goal voltage to an actual voltage generated by sensing the level of oxygen downstream of the second catalyst. Based on this comparison, an error value between the goal voltage and the actual voltage is obtained. This error value is converted into a goal voltage for the first oxygen sensor.

Abstract: A motor vehicle speed monitoring system is disclosed as a device to acquire and record the top speed obtained by a motor vehicle during each operating session. Such monitoring allows for the security that one's children, employees, valets, mechanics, or others entrusted with the care of a vehicle have not operated it above acceptable speed limits. The system digitally records the top speed of the vehicle every time it is started and keeps a log of the speed and the time and dates at which it occurred. The owner or authorized user may review the internal log by entering a password key into a keypad.

Abstract: An acceleration recorder and related method for monitoring, discriminating, and recording acceleration events only when the acceleration and calculated velocity change both exceed selected trigger values. While the acceleration values meet a first, user-defined threshold, the acceleration values are integrated to calculate a velocity change value. If the velocity change value meets a second, user-defined threshold, the acceleration event, including the velocity change, is recorded in memory.

Abstract: A high speed camera takes an image in the vicinity of a ball 3 and a club head 12, while a high speed camera 5 takes an image in the vicinity of the top of the swing of a golfer 1, and the images are recorded in a high speed video tape recorder 6. The recorded images are reproduced, swing time, a swing speed and a head speed are detected using a personal computer 15, and a shaft with an optimum flex for the golfer is selected based on the swing time, the swing speed, the swing time and the head speed, or the swing speed and the head speed.

Abstract: In a device for gauging the relative revolving speed of the races (10, 11) of a ball bearing, an impulse ring (12) is integral with the rotating race (10) of the bearing and faces a sensor (13). The sensor is integral with the stationary race (11) and electrically connected to a unit for processing data generated by the sensor. The sensor (13) is integrated in the body of a detachable connector (17) for fitting in a connection seat (15) fixed to the stationary race (11). The connector is provided with quick coupling means (19, 20) for mounting to said connection seat (15).

Abstract: A motor vehicle time speed recorder that includes a hollow parallelepiped-shaped housing, time apparatus, speed apparatus, graphical time apparatus, and graphical speed apparatus. The hollow parallelepiped-shaped housing has a front with an elongated slot and a side with an aperture. The time apparatus is responsive to the time of day. The time apparatus is disposed in the hollow parallelepiped-shaped housing and generates a time signal, so that the time of day can be monitored. The speed apparatus is responsive to the speed of the motor vehicle. The speed means is disposed in the hollow parallelepiped-shaped housing and receives a speed signal, so that the speed of the vehicle can be monitored. The graphical time apparatus graphically represents the time signal generated by the time apparatus and is disposed in the hollow parallelepiped-shaped housing, so that the time of day can be graphically represented.

Abstract: A portable notebook computer has a shock/vibration testing system incorporated therein and including first and second memory chips and a miniature accelerometer mounted on the computer motherboard and interconnected to the power supply board and storage battery portions of the computer by a power supply switchover circuit. During operational periods of the computer the switchover circuit connects the power supply board output to the accelerometer input, and the accelerometer output to the first memory chip, so that accelerometer output data indicative of the operational shock/vibration loads borne by the computer is received and stored in the first memory chip. During non-operational periods of the computer the switchover circuit connects the storage battery output to the accelerometer input, and the accelerometer output to the second memory chip, so that accelerometer output data indicative of the non-operational shock/vibration loads borne by the computer is received and stored in the second memory chip.

Abstract: A small size apparatus for measuring and recording acceleration comprises an acceleration sensor, an A/D converter which converts the output signal of the acceleration sensor to a digital signal, a control element which processes the digital signal, a detachable external memory device which stores data of a change in acceleration and, a battery for supplying electric power to the sensor, the A/D converter, the control element and the external memory device. The small size apparatus is mounted on a moving body to be measured and the entire small size apparatus is driven by the battery. The correct attachment of the external memory device is detected by steps of writing data into a special address, reading the data out thereafter, and comparing the written data and read data. When the read data coincides with the written data, it is judged that the external memory device is correctly attached.

Abstract: A battery-powered rotation detector detects passing of a rotating magnet attached to a vehicle wheel to generate and transmit a rotation signal. A receiver receives the rotation signal. A processor computes the vehicle running condition (e.g., speed, traveled distance) from the received rotation signal and displays the results on a display device. The processor monitors intervals between the rotation signals to detect when the vehicle is stopped. When the vehicle is stopped, the processor disconnects a battery power supply from components such as the display device for power savings. In addition, the processor checks the strength of the received rotation signal to determine a capacity of the battery in the rotation detector, and operatively indicates a power failure of the rotation detector.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which records the information necessary for a determination of the pre-impact speeds and the impact speed of a motor vehicle involved in a collision. Following an accident, the unit may be removed and connected to a personal computer as a reader. With entry of the proper access code, the data pointer outputs the stored information in the correct sequence for analysis.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus for sensing at least two physical quantities is disclosed. The sensing apparatus includes a first transducer that provides a first output signal proportional to a first measured quantity represented and a second transducer that provides a second output signal proportional to a second measured quantity. An excitation regulator device is connected to the first transducer and the second transducer. The excitation regulator device provides an excitation signal to the second transducer so that the second transducer output signal is referenced to the first transducer output signal in order to obtain a resultant output signal which is a combination of the first and second output signals.

Abstract: A motorcycle speedometer assembly includes a casing, and a display face on the casing; a first rotary indicator at the display face and rotatable about a first axis, there being first speed indicating indicia on the display first face with which the indicator registers as it rotates about the axis; a first drive responsive to motorcycle forward speed and connected with the first indicator for rotating the indicator in proportion to motorcycle speed to register with corresponding first indicia; and a second indicator at the display face and rotatable about a second axis to indicate motorcycle engine RPM, the second axis offset from the first axis, there being second indicia on the display face with which the second indicator registers as it rotates about the second axis, the second indicia indicating tachometer increasing values of RPM; and a second drive responsive to motorcycle engine RPM and connected with the second indicator for rotating the second indicator in proportion to engine speed to register with

Abstract: A device for detecting running variables in a motor vehicle comprises at least two acceleration sensors to detect the longitudinal and transverse acceleration of the motor vehicle, an evaluation circuit with a resettable time measuring unit which determines acceleration values from the sensor signals over a given period of time, a signal divider connected to the signal output of each acceleration sensor to divide the sensor signal into a low-frequency signal component, an adder connected to the LF outputs of the signal dividers for the vectorial addition of the LF components of both sensor signals corresponding to the longitudinal and transverse acceleration components, a storage unit connected to the adder and the time measuring unit to store the calculated acceleration values over the measured time and a control unit connected to the HF outputs of the signal dividers to control the time measuring unit.

Abstract: To demonstrate a signal, the signal is sampled and each sample of the signal is multiplied by the sine and the cosine of a phase angle indicating when the sample was taken from the signal. The sinusoidal signal for producing an in-phase demodulated signal is Chebychev-approximation derived and computed as a selected even or odd polynomial, depending on whether the phase angle falls within one of a plurality of angular ranges. So that the error in the synthetic sinusoid is minimax and so that the even and odd polynomials have similar computational complexity, the angular ranges for the even polynomial exceed the angular ranges for the odd polynomial. Preferably, the sinusoid for producing a quadrature-phase demodulated signal is computed as a differential of the sinusoid spliced from the odd and even polynomials. Therefore the quadrature-phase demodulated signal can be provided with a minimal increase in computational complexity.

Abstract: A drop height recorder apparatus includes a housing suitable for packaging for shipment from an origin point to a destination point, a triaxial accelerometer provides three signals to corresponding high gain and low gain channels. The three high gain channel signals are full wave rectified to change any negative signals to positive signals for summing into a single high gain "zero G" (free-fall) channel. AN analog to digital converter is connected to the three low gain channels, the single high gain channel, and to auxiliary sensors for digitizing the analog signals. A recorder has a programmable controller connected to the ADC for setting the digital sampling rate. The digitized low gain channel signals are passed through a digital trigger threshold comparator for comparison with a reference signal for generating event detecting trigger signals on the way to a delay memory which also receives the digitized high gain zero G signal and auxiliary signals.

Abstract: A display for displaying the velocity of a vehicle and the rotational speed of the vehicle engine is proposed, the velocity being represented in an annular segment and the speed being represented within a sector-shaped electronic indicator as quasi-analog luminous display band.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based interactive apparatus to compute coefficients of static and dynamic friction for a test surface using deceleration data of a weighted block sliding to a rest on the test surface. The apparatus provides an accessible graphical display of the recorded deceleration data which comprises a series of relative time values and associated block acceleration values. A movable cursor permits the user to interactively select the point on the surface for which the coefficient of friction is to be computed. The computed coefficient is then displayed on the graphics display device with the deceleration plot. The cursor may then be redisplayed and moved horizontally with respect to the graphical plot of the deceleration data so that another coefficient of friction may be computed and displayed for a different selected point.

Abstract: A tachograph includes stylus recorder (4,5,6) responsive to a signal related to engine speed for recording an indication of the engine speed on a chart (1). The stylus recorder is conditioned to provide a bar trace having different and readily distinguishable levels. Each level represents a threshold of engine speed which indicates that the engine speed is at or below the respective threshold and within a predetermined range. Threshold selector (8 or 9) are provided for adjusting the relationship between the levels and the predetermined thresholds so that the bar trace levels stay substantially the same but represent engine speed thresholds which are adjustably predetermined by the threshold selector.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and recording accelerations or other physical quantities experienced by easily damaged items of commerce such as fruit and electronic computers. A triaxial accelerometer or other suitable sensor produces signals which are sampled by a microprocessor operating according to a program stored in a read-only memory. When the sampled accelerations or other physical quantities exceed a predetermined threshold, samples are stored in a random access memory, along with their times of occurrence. The apparatus provides a serial port for reading out the recorded acceleration data. The data may then be subjected to further processing externally.

Abstract: The decelerating movement of a vehicle during a skid test is sensed by an accelerometer which provides an analog signal representative of the deceleration to a computer where the analog signal is periodically sampled and converted into a digital deceleration signal for storing in a computer memory. Alternatively, the decelerating movement of the vehicle may be sensed by a radar speed detector providing digital signals representative of the initial speed and final speed of a time increment to a computer processor which records and stores the digital speed signals in computer memory to be later recalled to produce a digital deceleration signal. The computer processor effects storing of the digital deceleration signals in the computer memory at the beginning of a skid test when the magnitude of the signals exceeds a predetermined threshold level as sensed by a threshold level detector or, alternatively, when a mercury position switch is operated by the deceleration force.

Abstract: A speed measuring apparatus is provided for indicating a percentage of noal full speed RPM of a jet engine and also for indicating time required for accelerating and decelerating the engine. A generator output is converted to a square wave and a time interval measurement is made between zero crossings of the square wave. The square wave controls the starting and stopping of a time period counter and measured time is converted to percent RPM which is displayed on a digital incandescent display. Similar time periods are measured when the engine is advanced from idle to full power, and also when the engine is retarded from full power to idle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an in-flight testing of projectile and mor fuzes. A microminiature electronic circuitry in a cartridge form is designed to attach to any of the large caliber shell or mortar fuzes. The test-cartridge is a recoverable, reusable, high-g hardened device. The system for sampling and recording projectile fuzes during a period of target impact comprises: a power supply; a timing and control logic unit; an accelerometer; an amplitude encoder; a shift register; and an interface connector to transform stored information of the fuze functioning characteristics to a ground station readout unit.

Abstract: An indicating instrument particularly for use in a vehicle comprises a first element which is moved behind a window of the instrument such that the amount of the first element visible in the window is indicative of the distance travelled by the vehicle, and a second element that is moved in dependence upon the speed of the vehicle and such that the second element is obscured from view in the window by the first element while a predetermined relationship exists between the speed and distance.

Abstract: A self-contained and internally powered shock, temperature and relative humidity acquisition and recording device particularly adapted for the rapid, accurate and automatic analysis of material handling and transportation facilities and procedures. The apparatus includes transducers which are used to sense shock, temperature and humidity in analog form. The analog signals generated by the transducers are converted to digital signals, i.e., binary multi-bit words which by means of digital logic and solid state memory devices, statistical and time dependent information are stored for an operating interval as long as two weeks. Thereafter the device is coupled to an interrogation system which generates output records from the collected data in operator selected density profiles or time histories.

Abstract: A safety device for use particularly with vehicles embodies a switching arrangement which is closed when excessive accelerative forces are applied thereto. Recording means are included to record "faults" sensed by the device and means are also provided for limiting the number of "faults" recorded by the device during a single prolonged closure of the switching arrangement.

Abstract: A locomotive speed recorder system having a gear train drive operable off the drive wheel of a locomotive, in which system a pneumatically operable cam bar is provided for disengaging the gear train drive so as to de-activate the recorder during dead-head engine runs. A changeable gear train is utilized to effect drive wheel wear compensation; and a right angle drive from the drive wheel incorporates reduction gearing to reduce wear of a flexible cable connecting the right angle drive with the recorder.

Abstract: In a continuous electrolytic foil forming process employing a constant d.c. voltage power supply, the speed with which the foil is drawn through the electrolyte is automatically adjusted by a feedback mechanism to maintain a constant value of forming current. In this process, the speed of drawing the foil corresponds inversely to the potential capacity of the foil as it enters the electrolyte at any given time. This speed or equivalent capacity and the corresponding location of the foil is monitored and recorded during the continuous film forming process.

Abstract: A combined speedometer and tachograph assembly has speedometer and tachograph indicia respectively arranged at one and the other side of a translucent plate and respectively adapted to be illuminated by separate light sources at opposite sides of said plate, the light transmission capability of the plate being such that the speedometer indicia when viewed from said one side of the plate are visible by the reflection from the indicia of artificial or natural light incident from said one side, but the tachograph indicia are only rendered clearly visible by the transmission through the plate of light incident on the tachograph indicia from an artificial light source at the other side of the plate.