Abstract: A garage monitoring system for use with an automatic garage door opening mechanism that includes a carbon monoxide detector configured to sense the presence of carbon monoxide within the garage and generate an audible alarm when carbon monoxide reaches a predetermined level in the garage. A heater is positioned adjacent the carbon monoxide detector for maintaining the carbon monoxide detector above a minimum operational temperature. The garage monitoring system further includes a garage door position sensor for determining the position of the garage door and generating a signal corresponding to the position of the garage door.

Abstract: A alarm system for providing silent notification to a user including an alarm device. The alarm device includes means for generating an alarm signal, and a transmitter connected to the generating means for transmitting the alarm signal. The system further includes a notification device. The notification device includes a receiver for receiving the alarm signal and means for alerting a user that the notification device has received the alarm signal from the alarm device.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a facility is provided. Generally, the system comprises monitoring tags wherein each monitoring tag emits an identifier signal unique to each monitoring tag, monitoring sensors wherein the monitoring sensors receive signals from the monitoring tags and relay the signals to one or more monitoring stations, and monitoring stations wherein the monitoring stations log and display information associated with the signals received. The monitoring station identifies possible events based on the signals received from the monitoring sensors. The monitoring station alerts staff members of the events via a graphical user interface, pagers, email, and alarms.

Abstract: A magnet seat for engagement with a magnet in a warning system includes a base and a column extending upward from a side face of the base for extending through the magnet and having a stop formed on a free end of the bar for permanently fixing the position of the magnet on top of the base. Multiple slits are defined in the side face of the base for receiving therein glue. Supporting bars are concentrically located on the side face of the base for surrounding and supporting the magnet.

Abstract: An electronic security system that would alert a homeowner that someone is attempting to gain access to their home. The system includes a transmitter positionable within a dead bolt housing within a doorjamb of an existing door assembly. The transmitter is engaged when a dead bolt is positioned within the dead bolt housing in a locked orientation. The transmitter emits a signal once the dead bolt is removed from the dead bolt housing. A receiver is in communication with the transmitter. The receiver has an internal alarm enunciator. The receiver receives the signal from the transmitter thereby activating the internal alarm enunciator upon removal of the dead bolt from within the dead bolt housing.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for adaptively tracking the position of an entry portal, such as an automatic garage door. In accordance with the present invention a transmitter assembly senses and transmits the sensed position of the door position in a periodic manner at a predetermined transmit interval. A receiver assembly including a receiver module receives the transmitted door position signals and synchronizes the activation of the receiver module with the transmit interval such that the receiver receives the door position signals transmitted at the predetermined transmit interval. A receiver output indicator is then updated in accordance with the entry portal position determined by the received door position signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for monitoring access to a transport container. The system includes a monitoring unit secured to the transport container and at least one sensor in operable communication with the monitoring unit. The sensor is structured to detect incidents of access to the transport container and to communicate data corresponding to the incidents to the monitoring unit. The system includes at data key configured to communicate with the monitoring unit. The data key is capable of being configured as an activation key and/or a deactivation key. The activation key is configured to activate the monitoring unit so that the monitoring unit begins to monitor access to the transport container. The deactivation key is configured to deactivate the monitoring unit. The monitoring unit is configured to communicate data corresponding to the access incidents to the deactivation key.

Abstract: A hidden security device for a container of cargo transportation includes a case provided with an electronic processing unit; a tightly-seized device, including a plate, extending from the case, on which a displacement sensor communicating with the electronic processing unit is provided at a predetermined place; and a tightly-seized part, perpendicularly extending from the plate and having a flexing end; and an antenna, communicating with the electronic processing unit and extending out from the case to the flexing end of the tightly-seized part. The present security device can accurately record the time and frequency of opening the door plates of the container, and meanwhile it is disposed on the inner side of the door plates, and is readily concealed.

Abstract: A burglar alarm device has a body and a mounting bracket. The body has a casing, a rear cover and a detection and alarm assembly. The detection and alarm assembly is mounted on the rear cover inside the casing and has a vibration sensor and an illumination source. The body is attached to the optional mounting bracket. When a doorframe with the burglar alarm device is touched, the detection and alarm assembly will sound an audible alarm to warn people in the house, and the illumination source will light up. Further, the illumination source can be turned on to illuminate the keyhole so a person can easily insert a key.

Abstract: A door system includes an antenna-based proximity sensor with a releasable electrical connector that enables the sensor to function with a breakaway feature of the door. The sensor includes a signal generator and a door-mounted antenna for sensing a body or an obstruction near the door. The signal generator (or oscillator) can be installed at various locations between a power source and the antenna. In some cases, the wiring between the antenna and the power source includes a rotatable feature to accommodate the rotation of a drum that carries a wrap-up, pliable door panel. The rotatable feature may be a rotatable electrical connector, or it may be a wire having sufficient length and flexibility to twist about itself within the hollow interior of the drum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to detect an external source are described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cargo container having an audio system, which is capable of broadcasting music and safety regulations for workers when they load or unload freight in or from the cargo container. An audio system is fixed to an inner surface of a corrugated wall of the cargo container. The audio system becomes operated so as to broadcast a radio station when a door of the cargo container is opened. The audio system has a sensor which detects the opening of the door, an automatic power supply switch which automatically supplies electric power from the battery to a printed circuit board when the opening of the door is detected by the sensor, a voice chip which reproduces voice data stored in it when the electric power is supplies through the automatic power supply switch, an a radio signal receiving section which is turned on and receives a radio broadcast signal when data reproductions by the voice chip is completed.

Abstract: The application discloses various methods and systems that utilize infrared communication to enhance and manage the security and convenience of occupants and the operation and efficiency of the staff of a multi-unit building.

Abstract: A method of operating a control panel in a security system that includes a door entry security device in a housing suitable for mounting within a recess of a doorjamb or door of a premises. The control panel is programmed to register a system arm/disarm device and a door closure device, both with the same identification number, such that the control panel recognizes that identification number to be associated with a door entry security device. In the even that the control panel receives, while in an armed state, an alarm signal from a security device in the security system and then receives a system disarm message, then the control panel determines if the system disarm message was received from a system arm/disarm device that has been registered as a door entry security device.

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.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an environment comprises a plurality of sensors, each sensor generating respective events in response to activity in the environment. A processor is in operative association with the sensors, and at least one stored set of linked events are accessible to the processor. The processor is responsive to an event being generated by a sensor to determine whether the event is in a sequence of events corresponding to a stored set of linked events and to generate an alarm accordingly.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring a working status of a swimming pool cover assembly. The system comprises a pool cover assembly operably connected to an alarm apparatus; both may be operably connected to a plurality of sensors capable of detecting a working status of the pool cover assembly and sending a signal to the alarm apparatus. The alarm apparatus continually produces at least one humanly perceptible indication corresponding to a working status of the pool cover assembly. The alarm apparatus includes at least one alarm-producing device, such as an audio or visual device, or combination of the two, a receiver operably connected to the plurality of sensors for receiving the signals, a processor operably coupled with the receiver for processing and recognizing the received signals, and software operably coupled with the processor enabling the alarm-producing device to produce the humanly perceptible indication corresponding to the recognized signal.

Abstract: An electronic alarm and a vending machine equipped with the alarm monitors a plurality of zones by suitable circuitry to detect vandalism and theft. Each zone has a mechanically-triggered sensor that provides an electrical output. The zones comprise a pair of door sensors and a separate, shock sensor. A solid-state logic circuit includes a red and green indicator light, and a loud warning buzzer ultimately triggered by the sensors. A circuit time delay and logic scheme analyzes sensor status, and separate false-alarm prevention circuits insure proper triggering after a predetermined delay. Alarm status is indicated by highly visible green and red status lights mounted on the door. A buzzer sounds in response to sensor activation and circuit logic. A back-up battery that is coupled to the logic circuitry for fail-safe operation includes an automatic recharge system, and dual red and green LED's monitor battery condition.

Abstract: An automatic door opening system utilizing wireless links to communicate from hazard or obstruction sensors to a controller to react to such conditions. The present invention allows the use of hazard, fault or obstruction switching devices which themselves utilize internal continuity monitoring in a wireless environment. Compressible hazard switch sensors which utilize internal, continuous conducting elements are continually monitored for breaks in such elements through continuity checks. A signal is generated from the wireless transmitter during door operation to indicate to the system that the link between the wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver is fully functioning at all times. The system can determine if an actual obstruction hazard is detected or if there is a loss of communications between the wireless transmitter and receiver link in the disclosed system while also allowing for wireless continuity checking between sensor switches utilized.

Abstract: A MEMS based overhead garage door intrusion sensor for a security system, such as a residential/home security system, for detecting an intrusion through an overhead garage door. In one embodiment, a MEMS sensor accelerometer is mounted with a sensitive axis of the MEMS device, along which the MEMS device measures acceleration/gravity, pointing vertically downward towards the earth when the overhead garage door is closed, such that the MEMS sensor measures a 1 g acceleration/gravity force, and when the overhead garage door is open, the sensitive axis of the MEMS device points horizontally with respect to the earth, such that the MEMS sensor measures a 0 g acceleration/gravity force, such that the output of the MEMS sensor, indicating either a 1 g or a 0 g measured acceleration/gravity force, indicates whether the overhead garage door is respectively closed or open. Alternatively, the MEMS sensor can be a MEMS switch.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the rear roll-up, truck-door indicator is a magnetically operated indicator which is visible to the truck driver by simply looking into the driver's rear view mirror. The invention relates to a rear roll-up, truck-door open-or-closed indicator. The indicator will be located on the outside of the left side of the truck box body. There will be a clear tube placed through the truck box and will extend outside of the body. This tube will be placed at a slight upward angle from the outside of the truck to the inside of the truck box. A colorful indicator piston will be placed inside of this tube. The indicator will be colorful when the door is open; conversely, the indicator will not be colorful when the door is closed.

Abstract: A security system is provided for a cargo container having a door. An electronic control unit is provided for monitoring the locked status of the door. The electronic control unit is operably communicable with a remote computer terminal. A first software control program is located within the electronic control unit to monitor the locked status of the door. A second software control program is located within the remote computer terminal and is capable of retrieving activity and functions from the first software control program. A protocol is provided to facilitate communication between the electronic control unit and the remote computer terminal.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the activities of a resident living independently to distinguish normal activity from unusual activity. A variety of sensors distributed around the home collect data on activity in the home. The data is communicated to a remote monitoring center and collated in a database according to applicable time slots. The time slots for a twenty-four hour cycle are at least three and can be as many as forty-eight or more. Historical activity time lines are created and a buffer time is added to and offset from the maximum historical activity time line. If a new data point comes in that exceeds both the maximum historical activity time line and the buffer time, an alert is issued indicating the activity is unusual.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for automatically actuating a door, in particular a vertical door, which aims to replace to a great extent known signal generation devices or control signal sensors for opening the door or for the security monitoring of the closing motion of the door. This is achieved by a detector of a security system, which is configured as a scanner detector and operates according to reflective principles, for monitoring an area by allocation to one of the ground level aprons of the door, said detector being mounted in the vicinity of a lateral border of the door opening, at a height, which is adjusted to the maximum height of objects supported on the relevant apron that are not to be registered as obstacles. The scanning beam of said detector scans a horizontal fan-shaped area, which covers the relevant apron and has a low vertical depth, determined by the depth of the scanning beam, as the monitoring area.

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.

Abstract: When an anomaly occurs in a monitor area, careless entry of the user into the monitor area is blocked reliably and simply. In a monitoring system for monitoring a house as a monitor area, sensors are placed at appropriate points in the house, and a door open hindrance unit for hindering opening of a front door placed at the entrance of the house is placed. Upon detection of an anomaly in the house based on a detection signal from each sensor, a management unit instructs the door open hindrance unit to hinder opening of the front door.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes an openable window and a detector with a charge-coupled device sensor. The sensor detects the light distribution proximate to a closing line of the window. If an obstruction is present, the light distribution received by the sensor varies. The light distribution received by sensor is compared with a reference distribution to detect if an obstruction is present. If an obstruction is detected, movement of the window is stopped, allowing any obstruction in the path of the window.

Abstract: A method for detecting entry into a secure area uses a passive entry detector. The secure area has an access door, having a closed position. The passive entry detector comprises a source of energy internal or external to the passive entry detector, an activator for detecting a change in the access door from its closed position, and for releasing the energy in response to the change of the access door from the closed position. The energy is transferred to one or more pseudo random units. Each of the pseudo random units has a plurality of mechanical states. The pseudo random units are responsive to the activator. The activator induces a change of the mechanical states in the pseudo random units upon transfer of energy. The pseudo random units report the mechanical states upon interrogation. Using above passive entry detector, a first interrogation using the interface is performed to create a first record to identify one or more mechanical states with the access door in the closed position.

Abstract: A door/window/mailbox alarm system comprising a switch, a transmitter unit, a receiver unit and a warning means. A user is reminded to check and close an opened door/window/mailbox by the warning means on the receiver unit which is located away from the door/window/mailbox and in a close proximity to the user's active area such that the user could see or hear a warning signal from the warning means easily. The transmitter unit comprises a timer device that enables the transmitter unit to send out a preset signal every “x” amount of seconds to the receiver saying the door/window/mailbox is still open and serves as a reminder.

Abstract: A door condition sensor for a safe having a door. The sensor has a housing mounted on an inside surface of the door, frame engageable means for abutting the door frame, a driver rotatably mounted in the housing, analog signal generator mounted in the housing having a rotatable part driven by the driver, and spring for extending the frame engageable means that is slideably mounted and confined to linear displacement in the housing. The driver transforms displacement of the frame engageable means into rotational orientation of the driver. The generator produces analog signals corresponding to the rotational orientation of the rotatable part. A means converts analog signals from the generator to corresponding digital signals that are proportional to displacement of the frame engageable means. Memory means compares the displacement with a set point range thereby continually monitoring the condition of the door.

Abstract: An RFID reader for use in a security system based upon RFID techniques. The RFID reader can use power line carrier communications to communicate with the controllers in the security system. The RFID reader of the security system can be provided with multiple modulation techniques, multiple antennas, and the capability to vary its power level and carrier frequency. The controller of the security system determines which RFID readers may transmit, at what times, and the parameters with which to transmit. The RFID reader can detect interference or jamming, and respond. The RFID reader can transmit RF energy useful for detecting motion or for charging the batteries in RFID transponders. The RFID reader can receive wireless communications from active transmitters or from other RFID readers.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having a microprocessor (10) or other programmable platform will automatically work in a safe and appropriate manner both with and without safe-operation sensors (13). Once a safe-operation sensor is detected, the operator will thereafter function in a fashion that requires the continued presence of such sensor. In one embodiment, the operator state can be purposely reset to the initial operating state.

Abstract: A door opening/closing device for a vehicle includes a control mechanism recognizing an opening/closing operation of a vehicle door based upon an operation of a door handle, operating a door lock mechanism so as to unlock the vehicle door when the opening operation of the vehicle door is recognized, operating the door lock mechanism so as to lock the vehicle door when the closing operation of the vehicle door is recognized, and controlling a light-emitting means included in the door handle to light-emit In response to the operation of the door lock mechanism.

Abstract: A detection system for detecting a body near a doorway includes two detectors having one or more activation lines that overlap each other. With certain mounting arrangements, the detectors cover areas within and on both sides of the doorway. The detectors are meant to help prevent an already open door from accidentally closing on the body. The door is powered by a drive unit that ignores the detectors when the door is closed.

Abstract: A door system includes an antenna-based proximity sensor with a releasable electrical connector that enables the sensor to function with a breakaway feature of the door. The sensor includes a signal generator and a door-mounted antenna for sensing a body or an obstruction near the door. The signal generator (or oscillator) can be installed at various locations between a power source and the antenna. In some cases, the wiring between the antenna and the power source includes a rotatable feature to accommodate the rotation of a drum that carries a wrap-up, pliable door panel. The rotatable feature may be a rotatable electrical connector, or it may be a wire having sufficient length and flexibility to twist about itself within the hollow interior of the drum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a folding door brace to prevent unwanted entry of an intruder. The present invention is a folding, portable door brace that may be easily installed and removed on a wide variety of door types. The door brace also has a motion sensor and an alarm to alert any occupants of the room to any attempts to open the door. A number of interchangeable foot pads are provided to allow the door brace to be used with a variety of different floor surfaces.

Abstract: The method makes it possible to control and monitor the dynamic operation operation of an actuator intended to drive a movable element of a building protection installation. The actuator is associated with nearby controlling means comprising a power supply device or converter, a local processing unit, and a two-way radiofrequency transmitter, constituting a local actuation unit. The method is characterized in that it consists in transferring to another unit, called the remote processing unit, all or part of the processing for analyzing measurements relating to said actuator and/or to said movable element.

Abstract: In a process for adjusting a movable motor vehicle part (33) between at least two positions by means of a drive (42), the monitoring area (13, 30, 31) outside and/or inside the motor vehicle (10) is checked for at least one perturbing object (32). When a perturbing object (32) is detected within the monitoring area (13, 30, 31), the drive (42) is turned off or reversed. In this way, perturbing objects can be detected without contact and can be protected against pinching even before they are actually pinched.

Abstract: An RFID reader for use in a security network based upon RFID techniques. The RFID reader can use wireless communications to communicate with RFID transponders and other devices in the security network. The RFID reader of the security network can be provided with multiple modulation techniques, multiple antennas, and the capability to vary its power level and carrier frequency. The RFID reader can transmit RF energy useful for detecting motion or for charging the batteries in RFID transponders. The RFID reader can contain an audio transducer, a camera, or various environmental sensors to detect parameters such as smoke, temperature, and water, among others. The program code of the RFID reader can be updated. A master controller within the security network can control operations within the RFID reader.

Abstract: A security network for a building using at least one RFID reader to communicate with at least one RFID transponder to provide the radio link between each of a number of openings and a control function capable of causing an alert in the event of an intrusion. A gateway provides an interface between the security network and various external networks. The control function can be located in either or both of the RFID reader and the gateway. The RFID transponder is connected to an intrusion sensor. The gateway can communicate with the RFID reader using active RF communications, power-line communications protocol, or hardwire connection. The RFID transponder can contain an energy store. The RFID reader contains means for transferring power to an RFID transponder for the purpose of charging any energy store. The security network can contain more than one RFID reader.

Abstract: A signal to warn of the open condition of a sub-grade vault whose lid may be open or missing. A spring-loaded placard is held down in the vault by a closed lid and raises above the opening by its own stored energy when the lid is open or missing.

Abstract: A secure screen that includes a sheet of robust metal mesh having separate locking devices, located, but not limited to, the top, bottom, left, and right sides thereof that to provide for independent locking locations on the mesh member that are each lockable to one of four separate dwelling structure locations; a motion sensor being mechanically attached to an outer frame of the robust metal mesh member and, if connected to an existing alarm system, such that tampering with the electrically metal mesh member, can activate the alarm system to summon help and, thereby, prevent entry of a potential intruder.

Abstract: An alarm chip (10) and the use of the alarm chip (10) for giving warning of burglary or undesired entry into buildings, installations or structures, preferably by so-called shell-protection of the building, installation or structure, the alarm chip (10) detecting, by means of an associated accelerometer, motions/vibrations in the object to which the alarm chip (10) is fixedly arranged, the object being formed of e.g. a window (2), a door, possibly a frame or casing connected to the window (2) or door, wherein the motions/vibrations are converted by means of the accelerometer into an outgoing flow of acceleration values, which are further processed, by means of a processor in a signal processing circuit, in which, by means of algorithms, the acceleration values are recognized and separated into either output alarm signals or output non-alarm signals, and in which output signals may be coded/encrypted, so that each alarm chip (10) has i.a.

Abstract: A sensor unit for use in a surveillance system is provided. The sensor unit interfaces with a sensor device to receive sensor data from the sensor device. The sensor unit is configured to generate an event record based upon received sensor data. The event record is of a predetermined format and is output to a data unit.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator (10) can control a plurality of light sources (12) via corresponding light drivers (11) to effect various lighting schemes in response to facilitating various operating modes and/or operational states of the operator. Preferably such lighting schemes are both selectively assignable by a user to specific modes/states and themselves uniquely definable by a user.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for adaptively tracking the position of an entry portal, such as an automatic garage door. In accordance with the present invention a transmitter assembly senses and transmits the sensed position of the door position in a periodic manner at a predetermined transmit interval. A receiver assembly including a receiver module receives the transmitted door position signals and synchronizes the activation of the receiver module with the transmit interval such that the receiver receives the door position signals transmitted at the predetermined transmit interval. A receiver output indicator is then updated in accordance with the entry portal position determined by the received door position signal.

Abstract: Door sensor(s) may be attached to a door body or bodies of automatic swing doors. The door sensor(s) may be equipped with door position detectors including geomagnetic sensor(s), the sensor(s) being itself or themselves capable of detecting position(s) occupied by the door body or bodies during opening and/or closing thereof. During opening and/or closing of the door body or bodies, determination may be made as to whether detected object(s) are object(s) intended for detection; and in the event that object(s) are object(s) intended for detection, opening and/or closing of the door body or bodies may be stopped, slowed, and/or reversed in correspondence to detected position(s) occupied by the door body or bodies during opening and/or closing thereof.

Abstract: A door entry security device used in a security system including a control panel, the door security device in a housing suitable for mounting within a recess of a doorjamb or door of a premises. In the housing is a lock position detecting switch, adapted to detect the position of a lock mounted on a door as being either locked or unlocked, a door position detecting switch adapted to detect the position of the door as being either open or closed, and processing circuitry adapted to generate a security system disarm signal when (1) the position of the lock has transitioned from a locked state to an unlocked state, (2) the door is closed at the time that a predefined time period has elapsed since the position of the lock transitions from a locked state to an unlocked state, and (3) the door has been opened after that predefined time period has elapsed. The door entry device also has a data transmitter for sending the security system disarm signal to the control panel.

Abstract: A contact detecting device includes a flexible piezoelectric sensor of a cable shape, a resilient member including a hollow portion having a free end to allow the hollow portion to be opened, a sensor holding portion for holding therein the piezoelectric sensor. The hollow portion is provided with a support for maintaining a hollow state thereof.

Abstract: A wireless security device, such as a door or window motion sensor, that can be mounted almost entirely within a recess of a door, window or frame, with only the antenna mounted on the surface of the door or window jamb. The wireless security device has a housing suitable for being embedded within a structure such as a door, window or frame. In the housing are a security sensor circuit adapted to generate an alarm signal when activated, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter connected to the security sensor circuit for transmitting an RF signal when the alarm signal is generated, and a power source (such as a battery, piezoelectric element, solar cell or fuel cell) for supplying operating power to the security sensor circuit and the RF transmitter. A substantially flat surface mountable strip is located in proximity to the housing and is suitable for being mounted outside (i.e. along the surface of the structure).