Entrance/exit Patents (Class 340/528)
  • Patent number: 11561598
    Abstract: A power supply system includes circuitry that controls transition of an operation mode of the information processing apparatus from a first mode to a second mode in response to reception of user operation for transitioning to the second mode, the second mode being a mode in which electric power supplied to the information processing apparatus is less than that of the first mode, determines whether to release the second mode based on a detection result of a sensor that detects presence of a human, to output a first determination result, determines whether a first condition relating to the user operation is satisfied, to output a second determination result, and determines, based on the second determination result indicating that the first condition is satisfied, whether to allow releasing of the second mode based on the first determination result indicating that no human is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Goto
  • Patent number: 11284331
    Abstract: A server-based environment for reporting a status of a security, monitoring and automation controller is provided. Detecting cessation of an always-on persistent network connection between the SMA controller and the server is also provided. Reporting the cessation of the network connection to an end user and defined others is further provided. A further aspect provides for automatically reporting an alarm event to a central station, the end user, and others, in the event the cessation of the network connection occurs while the SMA controller is aimed and after a zone fault event, and not receiving a disarm notification prior to expiration of a preset entry delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: iControl Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Wade Cohn, Gary Robert Faulkner, James Edward Kitchen, David Leon Proft, Corey Wayne Quain
  • Patent number: 10726695
    Abstract: A building safety system that receives a first communication from a fire sensing appliance and translates the first communication to a building system to effectuate a selected response from the building system, the fire control system including control circuitry in a ready state that is operative to monitor the first communication and to produce a first event marker signal upon receipt of the first communication, the first event marker signal is in a first electrical communication with the building system, wherein operationally the first event marker effectuates the selected response from the building system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventor: Rodney Craig Blincoe
  • Patent number: 10403102
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for determining operation of an openable barrier into a building. A method for determining a state of a barrier includes identifying, based at least in part on a barrier sensor, a first position of the barrier. In one embodiment, the barrier sensor may be positioned at a first side of the barrier, and a magnet may be positioned adjacent to the barrier sensor at the first side of the barrier. The magnet may be positioned at an angle with respect to the barrier sensor. The method may further include determining, based at least in part on the barrier sensor and the magnet, when the barrier changes position from the first position to a second position; and wirelessly transmitting data concerning the change in position of the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventor: Wallace E. Day
  • Patent number: 9888815
    Abstract: A system having a dispenser enabled to contain and dispense a liquid or semi-liquid material and located on a wall of a facility having a door, a user-operable triggering mechanism causing dispensing of a volume from the dispenser upon operation of the triggering mechanism, and a door latch mechanism incorporated at an opening edge of the door of the facility and coupled to the dispenser in a manner that operating the triggering mechanism to dispense the volume also unlatches the door latch mechanism, allowing the door to open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: James Borchard
  • Patent number: 9852605
    Abstract: Systems and methods of adjusting a pre-alarm time are provided, including detecting, by a sensor, an entry into a building by a person and generating detection data according to the detected entry. A processor communicatively coupled to the sensor adjusts a pre-alarm time according to the detection data. An alarm is output, by an alarm device communicatively coupled to at least the processor, according to the detection data and the adjusted pre-alarm time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Sourav Raj Dey, Mark Rajan Malhotra, Yash Modi
  • Patent number: 9811986
    Abstract: A method for determining the unauthorized intrusion through a door, including: a) determining a movement path of the door as a function of time in all three spatial axes using a movement sensor in an active mode; b) determining parameters in all three spatial axes based on the movement path of the door, an unauthorized intrusion at the door exists when the actual value of the particular parameter is within an assigned parameter range for the unauthorized intrusion; c) determining an opening angle of the door using an angle measuring sensor when an unauthorized intrusion has been determined; and d) comparing the opening angle of the door with a threshold value for a closed door; e) determining that the door has been opened when the opening angle exceeds the threshold value, and outputting an alarm signal if the door has been opened. A device is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Maxime Loidreau, Julian Bartholomeyczik, Frank Schindler, Qiulu Dai
  • Patent number: 9704376
    Abstract: In some embodiments, security and/or automation systems, collectively referred to as automation systems, may offer a user the peace of mind of having an automation system active while the user is present in a residence. False alarms may become costly to both the user of the automation system and to emergency responders using resources to respond to the false alarms. The automation system may provide the benefit of an armed automation system without the risk of frequent false alarms. An automation system may provide additional or alternative security to a residence when a person is detected in the home with a reduction in the false alarms that may be present in a strict alarm state. This may provide security to a person in the home during the day and provide unique daytime features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Eyring, Jeremy B. Warren, James E. Nye
  • Patent number: 9576469
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide systems and methods of adaptively adjusting sensitivity of a sensor of a security system that provide a first sensor to detect a motion event of a door or window of a building, and a controller communicatively coupled to the first sensor, to determine whether the detected motion event is a human-caused motion event or a periodic motion event by a comparison between data of the detected motion event and stored motion data, and to generate a security exception when the detected motion event is determined to be a periodic motion event, where the controller adaptively adjusts a sensitivity of the first sensor to detect the motion event according to data aggregated by the first sensor over a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Yash Modi, Kevin Charles Peterson, Mark Rajan Malhotra
  • Patent number: 9558647
    Abstract: A hygiene assurance system utilizing a plurality of individual sensors having a correlating fixture or entrance, a keypad for identifying the user and a plurality of audible signals to ensure a user of a bathroom facility washes ones hands before leaving the area. Additionally the present invention provides sensors having individual controls for what predetermined parameters must be met to activate said sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Sheikh Moussa Drammeh
  • Patent number: 8941484
    Abstract: A method and apparatus wherein the method includes detecting a plurality of events within a security system, evaluating the events using one of a first expression defined by ?r?Qconf(f(r)?mrg(r)), a second expression defined by ?r?R|f(r)?mrg(r)|dr and a third expression defined by ?r?Rconf(f(r)?mrg(r))dr, where r is a size of a neighborhood around a data point, f(r) is a Local Correlation Integral (LOCI) of r, mrg(r) is a margin of r, R is a predetermined set of intervals of neighborhood sizes, Q is a predetermined discrete set of neighborhood sizes and conf(d) is a non-linear confidence function being 0 for near distance to the data point and quickly approaching 1 for larger distances, comparing a value of the evaluated expression with a threshold value and setting an alarm upon detecting that the value exceeds the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Pavel Vacha, Vit Libal, Valerie Guralnik
  • Patent number: 8922335
    Abstract: A weapons container for releasing a defense weapon includes a cabinet, a cabinet door, and an interior securing the defense weapon. Upon detection of a fingerprint input by a biometric sensor, a surveillance camera captures video and an audio intercom provides communication with a central command center. A recording system saves the video and audio to a storage database. A delay release lock secures the defense weapon for an amount of time and releases the defense weapon depending on a signal from the central command center. A communications system is connected over a network to the central command center, a local authority, and an emergency responder. The communications system notifies the local authority or the emergency responder upon detection of the fingerprint input and streams the video and audio to the central command center and at least one of the local authority and the emergency responder over the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventors: Timothy Deweese, Brandon Delibro
  • Patent number: 8791839
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of recognizing the presence of a passenger in front of a door of a transit vehicle comprises directing an ultrasound transmitter/receiver at a volume of space adjacent the door, emitting an ultrasound pulse into the empty volume, recording and integrating intensity of the echoes and storing the integrated value as a standard value, repeatedly emitting an ultrasound pulse into the volume, and comparing the integrated values to the standard value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Citta, Robert Urman
  • Patent number: 8754778
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an exit sign retrofit lighting system kit including a low profile switch mode power supply contained in internal and external enclosure and use Light Emitting Diodes with long life. The system is powered by a high energy efficient switch mode power supply with low power consumption. The height of this lighting system is very close to half of one inch or less. This kit can be used to save energy in existing Exit Sign fixtures using Tungsten filament lamps or linear fluorescent lamp or compact fluorescent lamp. This kit can be also used with Box type and Edge lit Exit Signs. The long life time of Light Emitting Diodes makes it practically maintenance free, in addition to saving considerable energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey Winton, Joseph Nowik, Andrew Rybarski, Sri Sridharan
  • Patent number: 8624736
    Abstract: A status monitoring device for a fenestration unit is provided. The device is positioned in or on the fenestration unit and includes a panel position sensor and a lock status sensor. The device is capable of transmitting panel position data and lock status data to a remote device, trigger an audible alarm on the device or the remote device, trigger a visual alarm on the device or the remote device, or a combination of these.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Sachin Gore, David Plummer, Daniel Timmerman
  • Patent number: 8604903
    Abstract: A wireless access control system comprising a central access control system connected through a wireless network to a remote access control system comprised of a plurality of localized remote access controllers (locking mechanisms). The plurality of remote access controllers will generally be used to lock parts of a facility, whether physical facilities, parts thereof or mobile components within the facilities, and will allow for a supervisory function to determine which users of the system are allowed to access which resources within a facility. Also disclosed herein is an interlinked cascade lock system coupled to a central access control system that is comprised of at least two levels of security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Synpatic Wireless, LLC
    Inventors: Rick Bowen, Mark Bowen
  • Patent number: 8525666
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring use of handwashing agents to determine compliance with hand hygiene guidelines. A handwashing agent is provided with a detectable, volatile compound, such as odors, which is then rubbed onto a subject's hands using the subject's handwashing technique. After the handwashing event, the subject's hand is then exposed to an detector (such as a badge), which includes a sensor capable of detecting the volatile compound, and an indicator that communicates detection of the volatile compound, indicating use of the handwashing agent and hand hygiene compliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Melker, Nikolaus Gravenstein, Donn Michael Dennis, Christopher Batich
  • Publication number: 20130207802
    Abstract: An alarm system at a premises reduces the overall delay in signalling an alarm condition in the presence of an entry delay timer. The alarm system establishes, or commences the establishment of a network connection prior to the expiry of the entry delay. This allows an alarm message to be quickly dispatched upon expiry of the entry delay timer, or if a tamper condition is sensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Tyco Safety Products Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiang Wu, Jitendra Patel, Rajeshwar D. Bishundeo
  • Patent number: 8217780
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for extending the expiration of an entry delay period for disarming a security system based on the entry of a keypress that matches a valid access code before expiration of a preprogrammed entry delay period. The security system includes a plurality of detection devices to detect any number of conditions, a user interface such as a keypad, and a control panel communicating with each of the detection devices and the user interface. The system extends the entry delay period based on the input of each keypress using the user interface that matches a symbol of a valid access code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Safety Products Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Kylie J. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 8179248
    Abstract: An acoustic door latch detector is provided in which a sound recognition sensor is integrated into a door or door lock mechanism. The programmable sound recognition sensor can be trained to recognize the acoustic signature of the door and door lock mechanism being properly engaged and secured. The acoustic sensor will signal a first indicator indicating that proper closure was detected or sound an alarm condition if the proper acoustic signature is not detected within a predetermined time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Robert F. Eakle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8064898
    Abstract: A system and method of covertly monitoring a communications device, the method that includes using a separate monitoring device to monitor a monitored communications device, without any indication of the monitoring being received by the monitored communications device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Murat Carnall
  • Patent number: 7880591
    Abstract: A technique is provided for detecting whether consumer abuse has occurred in an electronic device. In accordance with this technique, a system is provided for detecting the occurrence of a consumer abuse event and storing a record thereof. In one embodiment, the system provides one or more sensors coupled to an abuse detection circuitry for detecting the occurrence of an abuse event. The system may further provide a memory, wherein upon detecting an abuse event, the abuse detection circuitry may store a record of the abuse event into the memory. The system may further provide an interface by which a diagnostic device may access the memory and analyze the abuse event records to determine if an abuse event occurred in the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Johnson, Richard H. M. Dinh, Tang Y. Tan
  • Patent number: 7733043
    Abstract: In a method and system for controlling a revolving door that has a plurality of chambers defined by wings of a revolver, at least one imaging sensor is provided for acquiring images of a first area where the plurality of chambers rotatably pass by or through. A drive causes the revolver to rotate in a first direction from a first position where a user can enter a first chamber via the first opening. Images are acquired by the one imaging sensor and signals are acquired from a position sensor that is operative for outputting signals indicative of the angular position of the revolver. Based on the signals acquired from the position sensor, each imaging sensor or its output is disabled and/or each image acquired by each imaging sensor is ignored when each door wing is in field-of-view of the imaging sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: B.E.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary T. Casella, Michael F. Stadler, Thomas P. Schluep
  • Patent number: 7619512
    Abstract: A system and method provide for the immediate transmission of a potential alarm to a remote alarm signal escrow site and from the escrow site to a host station in the event where a control panel or an alarm signaling device is tampered with or destroyed by a disablement tactic, e.g., a “crash and smash intrusion.” A system and method may also send an alarm signal during such an attack by using predictive analysis of real-time events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Alarm.com
    Inventors: Stephen Scott Trundle, Alison Slavin, Jean Paul Martin
  • Patent number: 7466224
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the presence of persons within a zone, the system comprising: one or more remotely detectable markers, each capable of being carried by a person; a first sensor arrangement capable of identifying the presence of the body of at least one person within the zone; a second sensor arrangement capable of identifying the presence of at least one marker within the zone; and a processing arrangement responsive to the first sensor arrangement and the second sensor arrangement to generate an alarm signal if the first sensor arrangement identifies the presence of a body without the second sensor arrangement identifying a marker corresponding in a first predetermined manner to that body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Ubisense Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Martin Robert Ward, Paul Michael Webster, Rupert William Meldrum Curwen, Peter Joseph Steggles
  • Patent number: 7453351
    Abstract: An access control mechanism such as a movable barrier operator (70) has a first time window unit (72) that is responsive to one or more triggers (71) (such as a delayed-closure button). An event detector (73) then monitors for one or more events of interest during a corresponding first time window. For example, the event detector can monitor for evidence that a vehicle is moving towards a garage exit or has effected an exit from the garage. A second time window unit (74) responsive at least to the event detector and optionally as well to the first time window unit then responds with a second time window. Upon conclusion of the second time window, a movable barrier closer (75) initiates movement of the corresponding movable barrier towards a closed position (or other position of interest).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Walter Parsadayan
  • Patent number: 7405663
    Abstract: Techniques for detecting radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags are disclosed. For example, an exit control system is described that detects unauthorized removal of articles from a protected facility. A series of antennas are setup to produce interrogation corridors located near the exit of the protected area. RFID tags are attached to the articles to be protected. Each tag includes information that uniquely identifies the article to which it is affixed and status information as to whether the articles removal from the facility is authorized. The RF reader outputs RF signals through the antennas to create electromagnetic fields within the interrogation corridors. The reader outputs RF power from a single port to the multiple antennas via a splitter/combiner. In this way, a single RF reader with only one transmitter/receiver port simultaneously interrogates multiple antennas. A variety of techniques are described by which the reader can detect the removal of an unauthorized article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Seth A. Lieffort, Edward D. Goff, Ronald D. Jesme, Thomas C. Mercer
  • Patent number: 7400242
    Abstract: A security system for protecting a building which includes at least a first presence sensor, an alarm panel that includes a microprocessor and memory, an exit delay in the alarm panel providing an interval for a user to exit the building after arming the security system, a reset of the exit delay providing a still further interval for a user to exit the building after arming the security system, the reset being initiated by the first presence sensor. The invention also includes the method for protecting a building which includes providing at least a first presence sensor, providing an alarm panel that includes a microprocessor and memory, providing a reset in the alarm panel having an interval for a user to exit the building after arming the security system, and initiating the reset in the alarm panel to provide an interval for a user to exit the building after arming the security system. The reset is initiated by the first presence sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher D. Martin
  • Patent number: 7397371
    Abstract: A security system which includes at least a first sensor, an alarm panel including a control system and programmable apparatus, a connection between the at least one sensor and set alarm panel, a keypad assembly including a camera, and a connection between the keypad assembly and the alarm panel. In various embodiments of the invention the camera includes a CMOS image sensor, the camera produces digital images, the camera tracks the user of the keypad assembly, the camera is remotely controllable from the alarm panel to focus on an object of interest, and/or the camera is remotely controllable from a central monitoring station to focus on an object of interest. In some cases the camera system is configured to take a picture in response to a specific user code entered by the user, take a picture in response to time of day when the input occurs, take a picture in response to invalid code entry and/or take a picture in response to an invalid card being presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Martin, Thomas S. Babich, Kevin G. Piel
  • Patent number: 7388467
    Abstract: A system for determining a state of a door having a locking mechanism for locking the door includes a locking mechanism and a door sensor. The locking mechanism sensor is disposed for sensing a condition of the locking mechanism and generating a signal indicative thereof. The door sensor disposed for sensing a condition of the door and generating a signal indicative thereof. The system further includes a processor for determining a state of the door, in response to the signals from the locking mechanism sensor and the door sensor. The state of the door is a secured state when the door sensor senses the condition of the door as closed and the locking mechanism sensor senses the condition of the locking mechanism as locked. A method for determining a state of a door having a locking mechanism for locking the door includes sensing a condition of the locking mechanism and sensing a condition of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: GE Security, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph John Fisher, Nick Andrew Van Stralen, Kenneth B. Welles, Jeffrey Michael Ashe, James D. York
  • Patent number: 7319391
    Abstract: A device of automated closure, and of locking, comprising a mobile closure or locking element (2), an actuator (3) electrically controllable for the motion of the element, a sensor (4), a programming and control device, the program of which comprises at least a mode of delayed action and a unit of transition to that delayed action mode, wherein, when placed in the delayed action mode, the programming and control device delivers a complete closure instruction only on activation of a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Somfy SAS
    Inventors: Eric Lagarde, Bernard Pitaud, Olivier Poulet
  • Patent number: 7307524
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided that functions as an area-intrusion informing embodiment for announcing the unauthorized entry into an enclosure or area which has at least one access opening and closing means. The invention is not intended to replace conventional alarm systems, but to provide its' own unique functional identity. The Invention comprises components that, when installed, will function as a tamper proof device, whose components are packaged in a combination of at least one container, to facilitate remoteness, and substantially small for inconspicuous insertions, or surface mounting. The Access Annunciator is ideal for access doors, windows, filing cabinets, desk draws, closets, and the like, and typically includes at least one light emitting diode, an optional numeric liquid crystal display, a timer, an alert signaling means, and resetting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Albert George Adams
  • Patent number: 7173532
    Abstract: The present invention is to an integrated end-to-end system and process composed of numerous application systems and subsystems (applicable in total or in subparts) which enables parties (such as businesses, buildings, prisons, governments, etc.) to acquire information (biometric and textual) regarding an applicant requesting entry, verify the acquired information—checking it against defined (e.g., government enforcement agencies) offender lists, and utilizing the acquired information at defined points in the process to track individuals. Further, the system preferably includes mandatory, scheduled check-ins to ensure compliance with the visitation requirements during the stay by the party in the sponsoring facility, country, business, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Xegesis, LLC
    Inventors: John Paul Hanle, Alexander McAllister, James Kunkel, Rita Yadav
  • Patent number: 7148798
    Abstract: A solid state programmable timer attaches with two wires across the two contacts for the key circuit of the PC board controlling a security gate and two wires to the emergency personnel remote key switch. A timed cycle is activated by an emergency personnel key opening the security gate. When the timed cycle ends the timer causes the closing of the security gate allowing it to resume normal operation without the need for the emergency personnel key. The timer is pre-programmed with the amount of time normally required for an emergency operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: James E. Chapman
  • Patent number: 7138912
    Abstract: Movement of a movable barrier (10) such as, for example, a vertically-dropping fire door, can be controlled in an informed manner and with greater flexibility regarding the manner of movement via, in one embodiment, use of a motor (20) as a generator to resist the downward movement of the barrier. One or more dummy electrical loads (22) can be used in combination with the generator mode of operation to influence the degree of braking proffered by the motor. In various embodiments, one or more sensors (25, 26, 27) can be used to detect local and remote conditions of interest to thereby at least partially inform the barrier movement decision process. A display (90) (or displays) can serve to provide various kinds of information to authorized personnel and an operator control (120) can serve, at least under some operating circumstances, to permit a person to locally cause a closed barrier to move to at least a partially opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Andrew Gavel, William Gioia
  • Patent number: 7119692
    Abstract: Techniques for detecting radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags are disclosed. For example, an exit control system is described that detects unauthorized removal of articles from a protected facility. A series of antennas are setup to produce interrogation corridors located near the exit of the protected area. RFID tags are attached to the articles to be protected. Each tag includes information that uniquely identifies the article to which it is affixed and status information as to whether the articles removal from the facility is authorized. The RF reader outputs RF signals through the antennas to create electromagnetic fields within the interrogation corridors. The reader outputs RF power from a single port to the multiple antennas via a splitter/combiner. In this way, a single RF reader with only one transmitter/receiver port simultaneously interrogates multiple antennas. A variety of techniques are described by which the reader can detect the removal of an unauthorized article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Seth A. Lieffort, Edward D. Goff, Ronald D. Jesme, Thomas C. Mercer
  • Patent number: 7091844
    Abstract: A security system utilizes danger sensors (3) and a central unit connected wirelessly to the danger sensors (3). The danger sensors (3) have a communication module (8) which has the same dimensions and same shape for all sensor types, and which is intended to attach the danger sensor (3) to a mounting plate (2). In addition to the communication module (8), the danger sensor (3) contains a detection module (9) where the communication module (8) has a mechanical and electrical/electronic interface with the detection module (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies AG
    Inventors: Beckers Rolf, Rene Lange
  • Patent number: 7081826
    Abstract: An electronic device that functions as an area-intrusion informing device for announcing the unauthorized entry into an enclosure or area which has at least one access opening and closing means. The device uses components that are small for inconspicuous insertions, or for surface mounting, and preferably utilizes a dummy hinge arrangement as an electrical conductor between the various components. The device is used for access doors, windows, filing cabinets, desk draws, closets, and the like, and typically includes at least one light emitting diode, an optional numeric liquid crystal display, a timer, and alert signaling and reset components. The components act together to provide notification of illegal entry between the times of departure, and arrival, of authorized users of the enclosure or area. A simple security alert system is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Albert G. Adams
  • Patent number: 7068146
    Abstract: A vehicle door lock apparatus receives a signal from a portable transmitter and at least locks a door based on the received signal. When a door lock request is received from the transmitter and the door on the driver's seat side is closed, signals detected by door courtesy switches are monitored. When all doors of the vehicle are closed, a door lock actuator is controlled for locking all doors by a lock unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Sasaki, Minoru Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 7030751
    Abstract: Process for operating a security system, for the protection of persons and belongings, comprising a warning device (2) triggerable by a control unit (3), a unit (11) for activating a signalling device (7) and a means (6) of unlocking an electrically controlled lock (5), this process consisting:—in activating a timeout unit when the control unit is invoked so as to engage a timeout interval (T1),—in activating the element for unlocking the lock when the said activation unit is invoked during the timeout interval (T1), and in disabling the signalling device during the aforesaid timeout interval (T1) so that this signalling device can be activated only if the said activation unit is invoked outside of the timeout interval (T1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: ATRAL
    Inventors: Jean Malot, Jean-Pierre Villeroy, Gilles Morey
  • Patent number: 7030739
    Abstract: A method for programming a vehicle security system comprises initiating a timed delay feature, determining a timed delay of the timed delay feature, and incorporating the timed delay into a security system event delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Audiovox Corporation
    Inventor: John DiCroce
  • Patent number: 7002464
    Abstract: A remote sensing system operable to collect sensor timing data comprising a central data hub for detecting the occurrence of an event and processing information about the detected event, the remote sensing system comprising a central data hub, at least one sensor having a simple clock operable to sense an event and transmit data to central data hub. By way of calculating the data transmitted by the at least one sensor, the central data hub can determine the time at which each event occurred and place a plurality of sensed events in sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Home Data Source, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Bruemmer, Rich McGillicuddy, Ryan Nicoletti
  • Patent number: 6937149
    Abstract: A garage door opener remote controller unit is mountable on the handlebar of a motorcycle or other handlebar steered vehicle and includes a radio frequency transmitter and a push button actuator for sending a door control signal. The controller unit includes a housing and opposed mounting parts for mounting the controller unit on a handlebar assembly. The controller unit is mounted on a handlebar assembly by screw type fasteners which secure the controller unit housing and mounting parts in assembly. At least one of the mounting parts may include a recess or channel for training vehicle control cables and electrical conductors therethrough and along the handlebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventor: Michael T. McMahon
  • Patent number: 6906626
    Abstract: An improved battery operated combination burglar alarm and door chime mounted to the inside of a door from where the alarm and chime modes are selected. A dead bolt slide cooperates with a jamb plate fastened to the door frame to manually arm the device from the inside with the door closed. Opening the door activates the dead bolt and sounds the alarm. A magnetically sensitive switch within the device cooperates with a magnet fastened to the jamb plate and further cooperates with a mode selection switch to effect either the chime mode or delayed alarm mode when the door is opened. The delayed alarm mode is activated with the door open to permit pre-arming the device followed by automatic arming of the device when the door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Raymond J. Novotny
  • Patent number: 6747564
    Abstract: A security system wherein, when a staff enters a building, a smart card carried by the staff is verified, and staff information inclusive of a staff number and fingerprint information is read from the smart card and is stored temporarily in a temporary storage file. When the staff logs on to a terminal, the fingerprint of the staff is read by a fingerprint input device (LS) and verified with the fingerprint information of the temporary storage file for verification. When the staff leaves the building, the staff number is read from the smart card the staff carries, and the corresponding staff information is erased from the temporary storage file. Security of a security object inside a security zone can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Mimura, Yoichi Seto, Yoshiaki Isobe, Masaji Aoki
  • Patent number: 6737969
    Abstract: An wireless security sensor system includes a window frame defining a window opening, a window sash movable relative to the window frame between open and closed positions; and a sensor unit embedded in the window frame. The sensor unit includes a housing having an inner end within the window frame, an outer end at a surface of the window frame and a flexible ¼ wave wire antenna extending e.g. longitudinally of the window frame from the housing. The housing contains a sensor switch, a microprocessor, and RF transmitter and a battery for emitting signals to a master station or controller and the wireless security sensor system includes a magnet mounted in the window sash for actuating the sensor switch. The window frame is made from a plastics material extrusion having a hollow interior and the housing has a peripheral flange at the outer end thereof which is seated on the surface of the window frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Ion Digital LLP
    Inventors: Julian Carlson, Dean David Schebel
  • Patent number: 6720874
    Abstract: A portal access control system is disclosed for preventing unauthorized entry from a public area into a secure area. The system utilizes input from several different sensors, including: passive IR sensors, motion detectors, photo detectors and authentication devices. Also, the passage time of an individual through the open portal may be determined. Based on selected combinations of one or more sensor inputs, the portal access control system can detect passage into the secure area by a lone perpetrator and also by tailgating behind an authorized user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: IDS Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Vincent Fufido, Giuseppe Pino Baldassarre, Reginald Gary Moffat
  • Publication number: 20030098790
    Abstract: An apparatus for the detection and enunciation of hazardous conditions within an environment comprises at least two detection circuits positioned to sense ambient conditions within a home or business environment. One of the detection circuits senses the presence of smoke, and the other detection circuit senses the presence of carbon monoxide. The apparatus also comprises an alarm circuit which is responsive to each of the detection circuits for generating at least one alarm pattern, and preferably a separate alarm pattern for each different sensed condition. A voice synthesizer circuit is also included, and is responsive to each of the detection circuits for generating at least one voice message. As with the alarm patterns, the voice synthesizer preferably generates separate voice messages for each separate detected condition. The apparatus advantageously also contains an interleaving control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Andres, Michael W. Apperson, Stephen M. Ernst, Chris R. Gilbert, Richard Kwor, Joseph G. DeLuca
  • Publication number: 20020190858
    Abstract: A customer conversion system connects existing, conventional sensors to a point of sale computer or other computer. Entries by people into a retail space so equipped are counted and recorded on a continuous or on a periodic interval basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Jon A. Holmes, Steven P. May, Timothy J. Casey
  • Patent number: 6462652
    Abstract: A multi-unit monitoring system includes a plurality of units coupled to a communication medium. The system can also incorporate a common control element coupled to the medium. The individual units include control circuitry which is capable of carrying out verification, confirmation, or entry/exit delay processing. While the control element can receive messages from the various units indicative of their status, the units themselves carry out the respective timing functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Pittway Corporation
    Inventors: Steven W. McCuen, Dominick A. Testa