Abstract: The system includes optical detectors, a control microprocessor, and an alarm. The detectors optically detect the presence of cartons within the shelf exit openings and emit carton-present signals upon such detection The microprocessor is responsive to the signals and activates an alarm when a preselected detector signal pattern is observed. In the preferred embodiment, the alarm patterns include four signals within 15 seconds or one signal having a duration of 6.5 seconds.

Abstract: A centrally controlled system for preventing overflow of fuels during loading operations includes dual processors either of which can take over the functions of the other processor when it fails. The system also includes full self-diagnostics and automatic testing to ensure that the warning lights and audible alarms at the loading compartments and the warning lights and audible alarms at the central location are operative during loading operations. If warning lights at the loading compartments are not visible due to obstructions, a voice synthesizer is used instead of lights at the loading compartments to announce the compartment identifier and the level of alarm reached. Floats in each compartment operate contacts when the level in the compartment reaches a first high level and when the level in the compartment reaches a second overfill level. In addition, if the level in any compartment reaches an overfill level, the power to the pumping station is automatically cut-off ceasing the loading operation.

Abstract: An electrical connector with visual display connecting an information bus to a computer in an information processing system including electronics mounted within a connector body and coupled to the information bus, the electronics monitoring information flowing through the information bus and providing output signals in response thereto and visual display circuitry mounted in the connector body and connected to receive the output signals from the electronics and provide a visual display in response thereto indicating the flow of information through the bus.

Abstract: A temperature limit circuit has a pair of comparators for producing an output signal when a sensed temperature either exceeds of falls below a permissible range. A common impedance circuit uses a single output pin to establish both the upper and lower temperature limits and a hysteresis level at each end of the range. A hysteresis circuit includes two branches, one of which directs a hysteresis current in one direction to a hysteresis resistor at a common input to the comparators to set the hysteresis at one end of the temperature range, and the other of which directs the hysteresis current through the hysteresis resistor in the opposite direction to set the hysteresis at the other end of the temperature range; the oppositely directed current flows establish hysteresis differentials of opposite polarities. A voltage reference circuit that includes a feedback circuit is preferably used for both temperature sensing and to establish a reference current upon which the hysteresis current is based.

Abstract: An actuator shaft is journaled for rotation within a housing of the apparatus and is coupled to a rotary shaft projecting through the top of a valve or valve actuator. The actuator shaft is coupled to a drum having graphics information on an outer surface thereof, such as the words "open" and "closed". As the actuator shaft rotates the graphics information is also rotated past a window in a window member such that the words observed indicate the position of the valve. The window member couples to an alignment ring which is keyed to receive the window member. By rotating the alignment ring, the window member can be selectively oriented such that the graphics are viewable from a preferred perspective. Each of the components is keyed to be oriented with one another and constrained as a cartridge assembly which can be quickly removed as a single unit to access internal switches and circuitry, whereby the cartridge can be quickly reattached such that the components cannot be inadvertently incorrectly reassembled.

Abstract: A digital signal transmitter which is mounted upon a rigid panel by resiliently deformable strips such as double-sided adhesive or springs. The mounting is such that a button is disposed adjacent a switch contained within the transmitter structure. The entire apparatus is then worn by a person upon a belt-like structure in such a way that upon muscular expansion by the person wearing the structure, the button closes the switch causing the transmitter to emit a radio frequency signal. The radio frequency signal may then be received by a transponder or other electronic device which amplifies and converts the signal and directs it toward a central station.

Abstract: In fire detector apparatus for monitoring an extended area from an elevated location, and especially for detecting forest fires, a scanning assembly (1) has azimuthal freedom of movement. A row of adjoining infrared detector element pairs (S, S') is disposed on a common support (7) in the focal plane of a reflector (6). Detector extent or area increases from the optical axis upward, and the detectors are connected with decreasingly sensitive circuitry. As a result, detection areas having different elevations have nearly equal distance range, and detection sensitivity is essentially independent of distance so that a remote forest fire is detected with the same degree of certainty as one close by. For the elimination of false alarms due to diffuse thermal radiation, detector elements are arranged in pairs, side-by-side on the same support (7), and connected in differential circuitry.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring personnel in an institution such as a correctional facility, hospital, school, military installation, and the like, includes a computer connected with one or more stationary transceivers in a defined area of the facility, and a portable transceiver unit worn by each individual who is to be monitored. The computer sends command signals to the stationary transceivers, which broadcast interrogation signals to the portable units. The portable units are configured to respond only to interrogation signals unique to that individual, and upon decoding an interrogation signal incident thereon, broadcast a response signal to the stationary transceivers. The stationary transceivers relay corresponding data to the computer, where the data is analyzed to provide an indication of the number, location and identity of the individuals.

Abstract: A read/write device includes a transmitter for producing an RF signal and a modulator coupled to said transmitter for modulating the RF signal and, finally a data receiver for receiving RF data signals from a portable microchip. The microchip includes a resonant circuit tuned to the RF frequency of the read/write transmitter and a receiver that is coupled to the resonant circuit for detecting the RF signal. There is also provided a charging capacitor capable of storing the electrical energy from the RF signal so that the microchip can be powered during pulse pauses of the RF signal. The microchip includes a memory circuit for storing the identification code of the microchip, and a code generator that is coupled to the memory circuit for generating an RF signal that is modulated with the identification data. A switching element that couples the resonant circuit to the code generator de-tunes the resonant circuit when the identification data is transmitted back to the read/write device.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a magnetic computer tape cassette (10) with a theft detection device (12) that emits an audible signal when the cassette is moved adjacent to an apparatus that detects the presence of the detection device, is described. To mount the detection device into the cassette, a groove (70) is cut into the cassette to access a cassette chamber (80) formed between an outer housing (36) that encloses an inner housing (38) that encases the magnetic computer tape (40). The detection device is then inserted into the cassette chamber through the groove and held wedged in place by a V-shaped spring (76). The groove in the cassette is finally sealed with a strip of pressure sensitive tape (88). This method of retrofitting the cassette with the theft detection device ensures that the detection device cannot be removed from the magnetic computer tape cassette without visibly damaging the cassette.

Abstract: A prealarm system is provided for an anti-theft alarm where a signal from a displacement/vibration detector is picked up by a one-shot timer circuit. If no other activation signal is picked up after the first signal is received a main control alarm circuit is activated for (1) driving a siren circuit to generate a short chirp sound as an audible warning, and (2) a flashing circuit to flash a light for a preset period of time as a visible warning. If the number of activation signals received subsequent to the first are greater than a predetermined threshold number, or the activation signal continues for a predetermined period of time, the main control alarm circuit is activated for driving, (1) the siren circuit to give a normal audible signal alarm, and (2) both, the flashing circuit for flashing a light and the dome light control to provide visible signals.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sound emitting apparatus produces an undesireable noise for animals such as dogs and cats to deter such animals from trespassing within certain geographical locations with this noise being of such a high frequency level that it is not heard by most human beings. The apparatus includes a housing with an ultrasonic emitter being mounted within a reflector cone formed within the front face of the housing. The sound emitter is moveable relative to the cone between a projected position and a retracted position and when in the retracted position the pattern of sound emitted is substantially wider than when the emitter is in the projected position. With the emitter in the projected position the pattern of sound emitted is of substantially greater length than the pattern of sound with the emitter in the retracted position. A sensor such as an infrared sensor is to be mounted within the front face of the housing which will cause activation of the emitter only upon an animal being detected.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for remote transmission adapted to a remote controller transmitting a radiated remote control optical signal for controlling remotely controlled appliances. Product control data or company control data, and signal formats corresponding to respective keys are stored in a memory in advance, so that, whenever one key selection is inputted, respective control data corresponding to the inputted key are transmitted in accordance with the product signal format.

Abstract: An electronic article surveillance system responder which comprises an electrical responder circuit and a housing which mounts the circuit on an article to be protected. The housing is arranged to support the circuit in such a manner that a dielectric region is formed between the circuit and the article. An electrically conductive plate is also held by the housing on the opposite side of the dielectric region from the circuit to isolate the circuit from the effects of metal objects on which the responder is mounted. The housing is flared so that it can be mounted on an article in proper orientation.

Abstract: A plurality of light-emitting/receiving sections respectively include light-emitting sections arranged to correspond to substrates to be detected and light-receiving sections for receiving beams from the light-emitting sections. The substrates to be detected are a predetermined number of substrates arranged and accommodated at predetermined intervals in a substrate accommodating section. A moving section relatively moves the plurality of light-emitting/receiving sections and the substrates to be detected in directions cross or perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A mobile security system includes remote sensor units each having a condition-responsive sensor of a variety of types (motion, intrusion, loop, heat, water, etc.) and a transmitter for sending a signal to a master control to report a sensed condition. The master control includes a receiver for intercepting signals from the remote sensors and a transmitter for sending a signal to a remote alarm unit in response to a sensed condition. The remote alarm unit can be positioned to provide a sound to discourage an intruder or it can be positioned to alert a guard that an intruder or other condition has been sensed. One of the remote sensors is disposed in a pocket on the bottom side of a tarp which is used to cover goods to protect them from weather and theft. Any attempt to loosen or move the tarp to gain access to the goods will cause an alarm signal to be generated.

Abstract: A resettable fire detection device comprises in combination a rate of temperature rise sensor, an electronic fixed temperature sensor, and electronic circuitry connected to both circuits for producing an alarm signal if either sensor is activated and for maintaining the alarm signal once the device has been activated. This resettable fire detection device has many uses: specifically, it can be used as a replacement device for a smoke detector device commonly used on ships. In this case, the device draws a very low amperage for use on a parallel circuit common wih smoke detectors. In addition, a time delay circuit can be associated with each of the sensors to avoid false alarms and to accommodate certain environmental conditions. The resettable nature of both the fixed temperature and rate of rise temperatue sensor allows full testing of each device while allowing a remote reset signal to be used to reset the device. In a preferred form, the rate of temperature rise sensor is a mechanical arrangement.

Abstract: A personal safety device controlled by a microprocessor which responds to commands, such as activation and deactivation commands. The microprocessor acts to control sound emitted from two separate speakers. The sound is controlled through digital outputs of the microprocessor such that the sound emitted by the first speaker has a first sinusoidal component sin(a) and the sound emitted by the second speaker has a second sinusoidal component sin(b) yielding a complex tone when perceived by a human ear. The personal safety device further allows for coded deactivation thereby rendering it difficult for a third-party without knowledge of the code, such as a would-be attacker, to deactivate the device. Further, the personal safety device provides a detection circuit for detecting a low battery condition. Finally, a method for operating the device is disclosed.

Abstract: A low voltage detection circuit includes bandgap and differential comparator circuits for generating a first signal proportional to the level of the supply voltage when it exceeds a predetermined range, and an output driver responsive to the first signal for generating an output indication representative of a low or failure condition of the supply voltage.A supplemental current source provides a bias current to the output driver in opposition to and much smaller than the first signal in order to proactively switch the output driver into the low or failure condition when the supply voltage, and the first signal representative thereof, fall below a predetermined minimum range.

Abstract: A security dye pack disguised as a bundle of currency for deterring robberies includes a housing formed from a stack of currency bills sewn together and having a hallow chamber formed therein. A substrate disposed within the chamber has a flexible central region through which electrical conductors extend for making electrical interconnections between opposing ends of the substrate. Electrical components are mounted on both sides of the flexible central region to generate an actuating signal upon detecting removal of the security dye pack from the protected premises. Canisters containing dye or other active chemicals are secured at opposing ends of the substrate to emit dyed or other active chemicals in opposing directions when expended. The flexible central region of the substrate allows the security dye pack to be bent into a U-shape. Batteries are arranged in a side-by-side relationship in an elongated narrow case to facilitate bending of the security dye pack.