Abstract: A robotic golf caddy apparatus (21) movably supported on a steering assembly (28) and including a communications assembly (41) for communicating with a GPS system (61) and a central control station in order to guide and steer the apparatus around designated accessible areas of a golf course. The apparatus (21) also includes a dead reckoning system with distance determination device (83) and compass (85) for determining the distance the caddy travels should the communications assembly (41) lose communications with a predetermined minimum number of satellites in the GPS system (61). Also, a sensor (72a) is provided for detecting a guide tape or line (126,130), provided in preselected areas of the golf course. The caddy apparatus (21) is steered along the guide tape (126,130), rather than by the GPS system (61), in certain areas of the course where the GPS system (61) may be inadequate for maximum safe operation of the caddy apparatus.

Abstract: An autonomous personal service robotic apparatus, such as a robotic golf caddy, including a drive assembly for movement of the robotic caddy, a digital computer having memory devices in which are stored a digital map and navigation rules, and having a operations program for the control of performance of personal services, including movement and navigation of the caddy in the environment, and a position determination assembly for determining the position of the robotic device in the environment. The position determination assembly also dynamically determines the position of unmapped elements in the environment and super imposes or overlays them with the mapped elements and position of the robotic apparatus. Position preferably is determined by differential GPS techniques. The navigational rules for the robotic device control its movement in the environment in response to its sensed position in the mapped environment, the sensed unmapped elements and preferably the sensed relative position of the user.

Abstract: A personnel monitoring system for monitoring presence or absence of particular individuals at preassigned monitoring locations. A local unit is provided at each monitoring location for detecting presence or absence. Each local unit is arranged for short range radio communication with a mobile unit, so that the presence or absence information from the local units may be obtained by brining the mobile unit into proximity with the various local units, as by an officer traveling near the various monitoring location in series. Each local unit may include the base unit of a standard cordless telephone, whereas the mobile unit may include the portable unit of such a telephone. The system desirably provides intercom communication between the mobile unit and the local unit when selected by the monitoring officer, so that the officer can communicate with the monitored person as desired.

Abstract: A signalling tag of the type used in house arrest systems has a tamper detection device for detecting removal of the tag from the monitored person. The signal is set to a tamper condition upon removal. The tamper detector can only be reset to the normal state by a reset signal which incorporates a characteristic of the signal sent by the tag. This provides enhanced protection against attempts by the monitored person to defeat the system through unauthorized resetting.

Abstract: A personnel monitoring system includes a tag worn by each monitored person. The tag repeatedly emits digital radio signals, and a predetermined bit in the signal changes with time according to a predetermined pattern. Monitoring apparatus detects the radio signals and sends an absence alarm signal if the signals cease. The monitoring apparatus detects spurious, forged signals which do not replicate the predetermined pattern of variation and provides a forgery alarm signal. The tag may be attached to the person by a strap bearing parallel electrical conductors. Attempts to remove the tag by servering the strap cause electrical contact between the conductors. Such contact triggers a detector, which in turn alters the ratio signal.

Abstract: A system for monitoring presence of persons at preselected monitoring locations. A plurality of local units, one at each monitoring location, determines whether the monitored person is present or absent at the monitoring location and sends report signals via free space radio transmission. A mobile unit, preferably mounted in a vehicle, passes within range of the various local units in order, and hence recovers status information. Desirably, the mobile unit provides a perceptible signal to an officer in the vehicle if the monitored person is absent. Each local unit may be arranged to receive radio signals from a tag carried by the monitored person and to provide an absence indication if the tag signals are no longer received. The same radio receiver as employed to receive the tag signals may also be employed to receive a callout signal sent by the mobile unit.

Abstract: Electronic coin or token detector apparatus is provided in accordance with the teachings of the present invention wherein a predetermined parameter of a coin under test is measured to determine genuineness and surface reflectivity is tested to insure a selected threshold level is present. The coin under test is treated as authentic only if both conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sensing, switching and modulating relying upon apparent resonant properties of thin conductive materials are provided in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. According to the present invention, an output of an oscillating circuit is selectively varied as a function of the relationship between a coil within the oscillating circuit, a thin conductive member and the apparent resonant condition of the thin conductive member to achieve appropriate sensing, switching and modulating conditions.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus uses a group of distinctively colored marbles which are released to travel down an inclined path consisting of four mutually perpendicular segments. A series of deflecting pins are provided along the path for randomizing movement of the marbles free of any influence by the user. A series of steps and crowns are provided to prevent the marbles from being stopped by the pins. A slot is provided for accepting tokens or coins for placement of wagers with regard to the order in which the marbles will arrive at the finishing position. A mechanism is provided for identifying the sequence of finish and determining the outcome of the wagers. The movement of the marbles is at all times visible to the user to provide enjoyment and excitement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for accepting or rejecting a single type of coin, which is designed and constructed only to accept genuine coins of a particular value or denomination, and to reject spurious coins or slugs which may have the same dimensions. The present invention also provides an auxiliary coin acceptor-rejector component or device which may readily be fitted into already existing coin operated devices so as to discriminate more accurately between genuine coins and spurious coins or slugs. In such apparatus a sensing coil is provided for discriminating between genuine and non-genuine coins by suitable circuitry to actuate an accept solenoid to receive a genuine coin in an accept slot and to direct all other non-genuine coins to a reject slot. To discriminate between genuine and non-genuine coins two parameters are utilized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single coin acceptor or rejector for use with coin-operated machines, which has an oscillator circuit and a sensing coil, wherein the oscillator oscillates at a constant amplitude, and has sufficient gain that it will continue to oscillate at such constant amplitude when a coin is placed within the sensing coil. A field effect transistor (F.E.T.) which is utilized in the circuit becomes in effect a variable resistor, the value of which is controllable by materials passing through the sensing coil. Such effective resistance changes are detected by a resistor connected in series with the F.E.T. and which functions as a current to voltage converter.

Abstract: A coin, spurious coin and the like is passed in close proximity with the inductance of the resonant tank circuit of an oscillator and varies the losses of the tank circuit and thereby the amplitude of a signal produced by the oscillator in accordance with the metal content of the coin, and the like. The signal produced by the oscillator is converted to a control signal having an amplitude which when in a predetermined range indicates an acceptable coin and which when outside the range indicates a rejectable spurious coin, and the like. After passing the inductance, the coin is selectively directed to an accepted location or a rejected location in accordance with the amplitude of the control signal. A passive resonant circuit is also provided in close proximity to but electrically unconnected to the resonant tank circuit for sensing the dimensions of the coin.

Abstract: The invention provides a multiple coin detecting apparatus for use in coin-operated machines for discriminating between denominations of coins and genuineness of coins, so as to exclude from operation of the machines any coins which have not been specifically selected for acceptance. Essentially, the apparatus consists of a coin receiving and guiding free-fall chute of insulating material having a hollow core for receiving coins. An instantaneous analysis is made of the material of the coin near the entry of the chute and the apparatus immediately directs predetermined acceptable coins to an acceptance slot, and all other unacceptable coins are directed to the rejection slot. The analysis is made by a coil which surrounds the hollow chute and comprises a primary coil and a secondary coil.