Abstract: A binary multi-code combination sensor employs a magnetically coded transmitter and corresponding receiver to add a level of security to conventional low-security alarm systems. The transmitter includes a pattern of magnetic and non-magnetic portions. The receiver includes a series arrangement of magnetically sensitive switches wherein normally open switches are positioned to be held closed by the magnetic portions of the transmitter and normally closed switches are positioned opposite the non-magnetic portions of the transmitter. Added security is provided by the normally closed switches which open in response to attempted tampering using an external magnetic field. Coded sensors increase the difficulty of successfully defeating the sensor using an external magnetic field.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor comprising a plurality of magnetic sensing elements and a means for generating an image signal from the plurality of the signals generated thereby is used i) to sense a magnetic field proximate to a body portion of a vehicle for adjusting a magnetic circuit thereof, ii) to sense an occupant in a seat of a vehicle, or iii) to sense from within a body portion of a vehicle magnetic-field-influencing objects proximate thereto. In another aspect, the magnetic field sensor further comprises a plurality of magnetic focusing elements proximate to the magnetic sensing elements for improving the clarity of the magnetic image.

Abstract: The present invention is a wireless security system. Each alarm sensor contains three magnetoresistive sensors and that are capable of detecting the three-dimensional vector of a magnetic field. Preferably, the sensors detect the orientation of the door or window based upon the earth's magnetic pole. The three-dimensional vector output of the magnetoresistive sensors is received by a microprocessor on-board the alarm sensor. The microprocessor continuously compares the magnetoresistive sensors output with the maximum allowable position of the door or window. If the magnetoresistive sensors output exceeds the maximum allowable position, the microprocessor will signal an alarm, which is transmitted to the network controller via a transmitter on-board the alarm sensor. If an intruder attempts to disable or override a sensor, the alarm sensor will transmit a tamper signal to the network controller.

Abstract: The position of a monitored door is detected via a magnetic sensor. The detected positional information is digitally encoded and transmitted across power grid wiring within the home to at least one receiver. Based in part on the received positional information, a door alert indicator is activated. The system for door alert is also capable of monitoring multiple door or window openings via a network of interconnected sensors designed specifically for garages. Multiple door alert indicators may be placed throughout the home without interfering with the door status indicator system.

Abstract: A switching assembly for use with an exit alarm lock. The switching assembly uses two reed switches which must both be closed for the alarm horn to sound. An arm/disarm switch is operated by a magnet on a pivotable switch link which is operated by a link boss on rotatable deadbolt cams which are operated by the key cylinders. An alarm switch is operated by a magnet in the deadbolt.

Abstract: An alarm switch assembly includes a housing having first and second surfaces and an opening defined therein that extends from one surface toward the other surface. The opening is further defined by at least four inner surfaces. A magnetic field generating device is disposed adjacent the opening and between the first and second surfaces, and a switch is disposed adjacent the opening and is opposed to the magnetic field generating device.

Abstract: A security and monitoring device for an emergency exit door has an electrical control device 15 with a microprocessor, an LED current-status display device 11, an emergency off switch device 3, and a key switch device 12 are located in use in a door terminal 20. In order to obtain an especially simple design as well as advantages in assembly and maintenance, provision is made that door terminal 20 is modular in design and control device 15, status display device 11, emergency off switch device 3, and key switch device 12 are designed as modules. These modules are located in under-plaster switch boxes so that an under-plaster arrangement of the terminal is obtained.

Abstract: A portable security alarm system which can be installed on a temporary basis and removed from an object whose movement is to be detected including a motion detecting and radio signal transmitting member for mounting proximate the object whose movement is to be detected, a member for selectively coupling and decoupling the motion detecting and radio signal transmitting member relative to the object whose movement is to be detected, a combined radio signal receiving and alarm generating member for receiving a signal from the combined motion detecting and radio signal transmitting member and producing an alarm, and a remote control for actuating and deactuating the radio signal receiving and alarm generating member.

Abstract: A school locker having remote controlled locking, opening, and beeping functions. The locker includes a key pad transmitter having a first button that activates a locking mechanism, a second button that activates a door opening mechanism, and a third button that activates a sound-making device, much like the beeper in a wristwatch, in order to help a visually impaired student more easily find his or her locker. Two embodiments of the locking mechanism are presented, the first being a solenoid actuated remote control locking mechanism, and the other being a remote controlled motorized pendulum lock. Again, the second feature of the locker is a door opening device, which may be used in connection with either locking mechanism, and which opens the locker door after it is unlocked. The door opening mechanism utilizes a solenoid actuated system of release levers which urge the locker door's latch pins off of their corresponding latches.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display unit for the distribution of products, in particular a refrigerated display unit for food products such as ice cream and the like, which includes a cabinet in the form of a chest defining an environment for containing the products and having a top opening for access. The display unit includes an electric or electronic display panel arranged near the opening in the cabinet and operable to generate a plurality of predetermined visual presentations, and control means which the user can manipulate to cause a predetermined visual presentation to be generated on the display panel.

Abstract: A fume hood sash sensor uses multiplexed sensors to measure sash position. The sensor transmitter or receiver elements may be multiplexed. Furthermore, the sensor may employ passive, passive remote powered transponder, or powered transponder elements on the sashes to measure sash position.

Abstract: An alarm switch assembly includes a housing having first and second surfaces and an opening defined therein that extends from one surface toward the other surface. The opening is further defined by at least four inner surfaces. A magnetic field generating device is disposed adjacent the opening and between the first and second surfaces, and a switch is disposed adjacent the opening and is opposed to the magnetic field generating device.

Abstract: An audio system is provided for reminding a person exiting a building to possess a key. Included is a speaker for emitting audible audio signals. Also provided is a detection mechanism for indicating that a door of a doorway has been opened. Control circuitry is connected between the speaker and the detection mechanism. The control circuitry is adapted to emit audio signals via the speaker reminding a person exiting a building to possess a key only upon the detection mechanism indicating that the door of the doorway has been opened.

Abstract: 1. An integrated vehicle and building alarm system for protecting at least one vehicle located adjacent a building, comprising at least one vehicle alarm device, located within the vehicle, having means for detecting an intrusion into the vehicle, means for producing an audible alert in response to said intrusion, and means for activating an alarm signal when said intrusion occurs. The system also comprises a building alarm device having a plurality of input ports corresponding to a number of protected zones, the device is located within the building and has means for detecting the alarm signal on the input ports. In addition, the device has means for generating an alert signal when an alarm signal occurs. A junction box, having at least one input port and at least one output port, is located inside the building. An attachment cable is electrically connected between the vehicle alarm device and the input port of the junction box.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a security system. The system comprises a detector for producing an alarm signal. The system comprises a cord connected to the detector along which the alarm signal is transmitted. The system comprises a mechanism for securing the cord to a communication jack which produces an alarm when the cord is separated from the communication jack.

Abstract: An electromagnetic and/or electric interference suppression device that reduces the severity of electromagnetic and/or electric interference of an asymmetric system. The suppression device utilizes an antenna to develop a voltage that is ideally equal to the interference voltage developed from interference signals. A tuned circuit having two opposing diodes, a capacitor, and an inductor mounted in series with each other, to create a voltage that approximates as closely as possible the interference voltage, neutralizing its effect on an asymmetric system.

Abstract: An overhead door position sensor assembly includes a sensor actuating device, and a position sensor including a roller track clamping device for mounting the position sensor onto a roller track of an overhead door assembly. The sensor actuating device is mountable to an overhead door of the overhead door assembly for actuating the position sensor when the sensor actuating device is located within a minimum actuation distance from the position sensor. The roller track clamping device includes a body having a main member for placement adjacent to a sidewall of the roller track and a curved resilient member extending from the main member for placement along the contour of a curved roller race that extends from the sidewall of the roller track. A bracket of the roller track clamping device is coupled to the body.

Abstract: A passive remote garage door operator system including a magnetic field sensor which detects a magnet having a flux density and a transmitter that sends a coded security signal to activate a garage door. A controller determines whether the magnet field sensor detects the magnet from a first direction or a second direction and activates the position of the garage door. The magnetic field sensor is preferably affixed to the underside of a vehicle and the magnets are embedded in a driveway leading to the garage. The system thereby automatically opens a garage door based upon the approach of a vehicle and closes automatically based upon the exit of the vehicle without any intervention by the human vehicle operator.

Abstract: A magnetic switch apparatus (10) detects relative movement between first (12) and second (14) members and defeats attempted external magnetic manipulation of the apparatus. A rod-shaped, first switch element (20) is positioned transverse to and centrally aligned with a convex, second switch element (22) and spaced therefrom. A ring-shaped first magnet (26) is positioned about the first switch element (20) and spaced from the second element (22) in order to pull a ferromagnetic body (24) into a switch-open position out of contact with the second switch element (22) with these components mounted to the first member (12). A second magnet (18) mounted to the second member (14) is positioned and magnetically sufficient to pull the body (24) into a switch-closed position in contact with both of the switch elements (20, 22) when the members (12, 14) are in an adjacent position.

Abstract: An audible, visual, and remote alarm system designed to monitor the status of a person in another room to know when assistance or attention may be needed; thereby, reducing or alleviating the caregiver's dilemma of being tethered to a very small area. The persons being monitored may include the elderly, Alzheimer patients, sleep walkers, and others who may be at risk by getting out of the chair, or off the bed without assistance and may not be able to rationalize the need to summon help. The system is also suitable for monitoring individuals who can consciously summon assistance by activating a magnetic switch. Primarily designed for use in private homes as a stand-alone system, this system can also be used to augment permanent call cord systems in hospitals, nursing homes, and residential facilities.

Abstract: A security system (S) monitors displacement between a first unit (20) mounted on a door or window frame, and a second unit (21) mounted in the door or window, adjacent the first unit. An analog signal (Sx) created at one of the units is monitored at the other unit. A least one characteristic of the signal provides an indication as to the relative position of the units, and a nominal signal characteristic value represents a nominal position of one unit relative to the other unit for a predetermined set of conditions. On at least one side of the value is a range of signal characteristic values representing a range of acceptable motion through which one unit may move relative to the other unit without putting the system into an alarm condition. The total range of signal characteristic values representing the acceptable range of motion defines a window whose size is maintained so long as the one unit moves relative to the other unit within the window.

Abstract: An audio label comprising a circuit board substrate with a sound-generating microchip and a photovoltaic cell both attached to the substrate such that the microchip is electrically connected to the photovoltaic cell so that power is provided to the sound-generating microchip. A sound reproduction unit is also attached to the substrate and is connected to the sound-generating microchip communicates signals to the sound reproduction unit which are then converted by the sound reproduction unit to audible sounds. A system for audio label operation is also disclosed. The system includes a separate transmitter which transmits electromagnetic waves, such as light, infrared or radio waves to one or more audio labels which have electromagnetic wave receiving circuit elements, such as phototransistors disposed thereon. The transmitter thus sends wave signals to each label each of which then converts the wave signals to electric signals which each sound reproduction unit then converts to audible sounds.

Abstract: The present invention is a system which will activate an alarm when a garage door is opened. The system in a transmitter unit and a receiver unit. The transmitter unit is attached in proximity to the garage door. The receiver unit is located within a vehicle stored in the garage. The transmitter unit includes a signal generator which activates and transmits radio frequencies (RF) to the second unit. For activation, once the garage door is in an opened position, the transmitter sends a signal to the receiver. The receiver activates an alarm.

Abstract: A magnetic switch assembly (100) for electrically coupling with an electrical circuit of an alarm system (16) and for detecting relative movement between a first, stationary member (102) and a second, moveable member (104) is disclosed. The switch assembly includes a switch means (106) adapted for mounting within the first stationary member and a corresponding electromagnet assembly (108) having an electromagnet (120). The switch means includes a housing (110), a pair of spaced switch elements (112,114) supported in the housing that are electrically coupled with an alarm device or system, a ferromagnetic body (116) such as a ball positioned within the housing and moveable between the switch elements, and a ferromagnetic core (118) positioned above or adjacent one of the switch elements for biasing the body to either its closed or opened position. The electromagnet (120) is coupled with a suitable source of electricity and is switchable between on and off states.

Abstract: A non-magnetic plate, or spacer block, of is attached to the side of the switching assembly of a high security switch system. Alternatively, the actuator assembly may have an extended housing. As a result, a second actuator assembly may not be substituted for the first actuator assembly by placing the second actuator assembly on the side of the first actuator assembly and slid under the security switch assembly as the first actuator assembly is moved away for the purpose of defeating the security switch.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a barricade light control switch apparatus for operating a battery powered barricade light unit. The apparatus comprises a light unit housing, light source, battery, and circuit means for controlling operation of the light source, and a reed switch. A magnet retained by a magnet carrier is positionable in either of two positions and controls operation of the reed switch. When the magnet carrier is in a first position the magnet is positioned in proximity to and closes the reed switch. When the magnet carrier is in a second position the magnet is positioned away from and opens the reed switch. Retention means preclude unintended movement of the magnet carrier. A method for controlling a barricade light unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A refrigerator door alarm system that includes a message circuit having a playback function that is triggered by a trigger circuit that detects movement of the magnetic gasket of the refrigerator door. The refrigerator door alarm system includes an alarm housing and an alarm circuit including a trigger circuit, a timer circuit responsive to the trigger circuit, a message circuit responsive to the trigger circuit, and a buzzer responsive to the timer circuit. The alarm housing includes an outwardly extended magnetic attachment side strip secured to an attachment strip support, a speaker grate, a buzzer grate, a message record button opening, a message play button opening, a battery compartment, and a magnetically actuated reed switch assembly member; the trigger circuit including a magnetically actuated reed switch that is activatable by the magnetic field oat a magnetic refrigerator door gasket.

Abstract: An intrusion detector for security systems includes a stationary host unit and a transponder unit secured to a movable door, window or the like. The host unit is secured to a stationary frame in alignment with the transponder unit. A pair of electromagnetic coupling elements are supported upon the host unit and are aligned with a corresponding mirror image pair of electromagnetic coupling units supported on the transponder unit. The host unit provides a burst of power signal which is magnetically coupled to the transponder unit and rectified therein to provide operative power for the transponder unit. The host unit further provides a data signal magnetically coupled to the transponder unit which communicates a random number to the transponder unit. The transponder unit calculates a pseudo-random number using a predetermined algorithm and communicates the random number back to the host unit. The host unit performs an identical calculation upon the random number to provide a reference pseudo-random number.

Abstract: A resilient and compressible door channel magnet module facilitates the installation of a door channel magnet. The module comprises a magnet set supported inside a magnet holder that is connected to a flexible and deformable outer ring by a set of elongate web members. To install, the module is compressed, positioned in the door channel, and released. The pressure of the module against the walls of the door channel retains the module in position. A preferred module includes a rare earth magnet backed with a ceramic magnet for producing the requisite magnetic field strength at less cost than a sole rare earth magnet of equal magnetic field strength.

Abstract: A combined alarm system and window covering assembly includes a top housing, a bottom rail, a covering, an alarm element, a pull cord which is slidably coupled to the top housing and a resiliently biased reed relay switch. The resiliently biased reed relay switch includes a tube which has a first end and a second end which is crimped and which is mechanically coupled to an end of the bottom rail, an encapsulated reed relay switch which has a first end with a first conductive lead and a second end with a second conductive lead and which is fixedly coupled to the pull cord and slidably disposed within the tube and a spring which has a first end and a second end and which is disposed in the tube so that the first end of the spring is adjacent to the second end of the tube and the second end of the spring is adjacent to the first end of the encapsulated reed relay switch. Both of the first and second conductive leads are coupled to the alarm element.

Abstract: A gate opening alarm for swimming pool fences and the like will sound an audible alarm when the gate is opened without first pressing a reset/pass switch button that is mounted out of children's reach. An alarm housing and a magnetically actuatable switch are mounted on either the gate or frame, with a permanent magnet mounted closely adjacent to the switch on the other gate component so that they will be separated when the gate is opened. A reset switch button is provided so that an adult may disable the alarm for a short period to pass though the gate. If the gate is not then closed, the alarm will sound. Opening the gate without pressing the reset button will cause the alarm to immediately sound. The switch is rearmed when the gate is closed after opening or after a short period if the reset button is pushed but the gate is not opened. If the gate is left opened, the alarm will sound for a period of typically 3 minutes, then will stop to check whether the gate has been closed.

Abstract: A magnetic alarm sensor (80) includes a magnet (84) positioned so that dominant length components (108) of its magnetic field lines (104) are oriented so that they are transverse to a switch axis (96) of a magnetically sensitive switch (88). This orientation permits more versatile mounting options for placement of the alarm sensor, especially to positions that are less prone to displacements over time. A preferred embodiment of the magnetic alarm sensor (110) employs two spatially collinear magnetic switches (116, 118) vertically oriented along a door bracket (14) and a magnet (120) positioned on a door panel (22) such that the magnetic field lines (152) of the magnet are generally perpendicular to the switch axis (136) of the magnetic switches. The magnetic switches are electrically connected in parallel to extend the range of vertical critical distance between the magnet and the magnetic switches to inhibit false alarms caused by door sag.

Abstract: A surveillance system is disclosed for preventing violence which may occur during attempts of armed robberies or acts of terrorism, thereby improving the security of persons within public buildings, governmental and industrial facilities. The system utilizes one or more optical imaging device(s) strategically located throughout the facility under surveillance, and in particular the entry ways therein for detecting potentially armed individuals or intruders entering or moving about the facility. The optical imaging devices operate in conjunction with a computor system having one or more databases containing information indicative of the presence of weapons and representing the types thereof which may be brandished by one or more persons entering the area under surveillance, and data indicative of the spectrum of human pre-aggressive movements, postures and gestures. The databases enable the system to differentiate between law enforcement personnel and their weapons from potential intruders and their weapons.

Abstract: A vehicle rolling shutter system with magnetic door-ajar and compartment light switch. In combination with a vehicle, the rolling shutter system has a roller shutter, constructed of a number of interconnected links, for movement along guide rails positioned at opposing sides of an access opening to a cargo compartment of the vehicle. A lamp, for illuminating the cargo compartment, is positioned within the cargo compartment. An indicator lamp is positioned on a dashboard of the vehicle. The roller shutter has a lift bar which is mounted by mounting members to a lower portion of the roller shutter. The lift bar engages with strike blocks, positioned at opposing sides of the access opening to the cargo compartment, for retaining the roller shutter in a closed position. At least one of the strike blocks contains a magnetic switch element connected to the lamps.

Abstract: A security system that includes an inductive sensor commonly known as a "proximity sensor" or "variable reluctance sensor", an alarm unit, and a controller that allows a user to position the movable structure on which the sensor is mounted, e.g., a door or window, at a selected position and then arm the security system with the structure in that position to detect movement of the structure away from the selected position. For example, the user may open a window on which the sensor is mounted and then arm the alarm to trigger upon detection of movement of the window from that position or, alternatively, only upon detection of further opening of the window or, alternatively, only upon detection of closing of the window. A user could thus open a window a small, selected amount to admit fresh air without triggering the security system or open a door a small, selected amount to receive a caller or allow pets to enter or leave the premises without triggering the security system.

Abstract: An alerting device for an vehicle includes a sensor which senses the position of the movable locking knob of the vehicle and provides a switch output to a circuit which produces an alerting sound when the door locking knob has been opened. In one form thereof, the door locking knob is replaced with a structure which movably supports a magnet which moves between a position which is near a magnet sensor and a position where it is away from the magnet sensors. When the door locking knob is moved to the open position, the magnetic sensor senses its condition and causes the circuit to output an audible alert.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting intrusions into spaces of various kinds such as apartments, offices, lockers, and the like by either authorized or unauthorized persons apparatus monitors a specific portal for intrusion occurrence events using an intrusion sensing unit, which communicates intrusion occurrence information to a remote, and possibly hidden monitor unit. The monitor dynamically counts the number of valid intrusion occurrence signals received from the sensing unit and stores the same in non-volatile memory. The number of intrusions stored in memory can be displayed on a display means at the monitor unit, which, in a simple embodiment would take the form of a single, seven segment light emitting diode (LED) display. In addition, the number of intrusions stored in the non-volatile memory can only be reset by the input of a unique, coded personal identification number (PIN) signal from an input keypad located on the monitor unit.

Abstract: A remote garage door position indicator comprises a magnetic sensor device; a transmitter device being operatively coupled to the magnetic sensor device, the transmitter device being capable of transmitting electronic signals; a signal interruption device including a plate extending therefrom, in closed orientation the outer plate of the receiver device engaging the magnetic sensors of the sensor device thereby closing the electrical circuit and causing the transmitter device to cease sending electronic signals; and a garage door position indicator including a power source and a light, the position indicator including a receiver means capable of receiving electronic signals from the transmitter device, when receiving electronic signals from the transmitter the receiver device causing the light to illuminate, in the closed orientation the transmitter device does not emit electronic signals thereby preventing the receiver device from illuminating the light, users viewing the light of the position indicator to d

Abstract: A magnetic switch assembly (10) for electrically coupling with an electrical circuit of an alarm system detecting relative movement between first and second adjacent members and for defeating attempted magnetic manipulation of the switch assembly (10) is disclosed. The switch assembly (10) includes a ball switch (20) for sensing the presence of an intruder's magnet (28) in the vicinity of the switch assembly (10) and for changing the state of the electrical circuit in response thereto. The switch assembly (10) also includes a reed switch (22) electrically coupled with the ball switch (20) for detecting relative movement between the first and second adjacent members and for changing the state of the electrical circuit in response thereto independently of the ball switch (20).

Abstract: A magnetically-actuated, proximity switch system for use in physical security monitoring systems, machinery control systems and the like, including a stationary assembly and an actuator assembly moveable relative thereto. The stationary assembly includes at least two electrically-interconnected magnetic reed switches and at least two interacting permanent biasing magnets disposed in a predetermined physical relationship. The magnets are arranged to have opposing polarity orientations which produce a resultant interactive magnetic field. Each reed switch is biased in a magnetically actuated state by its orientation and position within that field. The actuator assembly in turn includes at least two permanent actuating magnets arranged to produce a number of apparent magnetic poles corresponding to the number of apparent (or consequent) poles produced by the permanent biasing magnets and in opposition thereto.

Abstract: An alerting device for an vehicle includes a sensor which senses the position of the movable locking knob of the vehicle and provides a switch output to a circuit which produces an alerting sound when the door locking knob has been opened. In one form thereof, the door locking knob is replaced with a structure which movably supports a magnet which moves between a position which is near a magnet sensor and a position where it is away from the magnet sensors. When the door locking knob is moved to the open position, the magnetic sensor senses its condition and causes the circuit to output an audible alert.

Abstract: A self-testing device is provided for a monitoring system for monitoring whether a closure member such as a door or window is closed. The monitoring system includes a switch unit mounted on the frame of the closure member being monitored and including magnetically biased switches connected in one or more electrical monitoring circuits, and a door magnet unit mounted on the closure member being monitored. The door magnet includes one or more permanent magnets that produce a magnetic field which, when the closure member is closed, cause said switches to assume a first state. When the closure member is opened, the switches switch to a second, alarm state. The self-testing device is electrically controllable from a remote location and produces a canceling or diverting magnetic field which simulates the effect of movement of the closure member from the closed position thereof without any actual movement of the member.

Abstract: A proximity sensor is provided with a means for sensing an attempt to tamper with the normal operation of a proximity sensor. An Eddy current killed oscillator is used to sense the presence of an undulating magnetic field provided by a coil and a monolithic timing circuit that periodically energizes and deenergizes the coil. A sensing coil is association with an Eddy current killed oscillator to provide an output signal that undulates in response to the undulations of the magnetic field provided by the stationary coil. If the output signal from the Eddy current killed oscillator changes states at a sufficient frequency to continually refresh a retriggerable resettable multivibrator, an output from the multivibrator will remain in a high condition and represent the coincident positions of the zones proximate the output coil and sensing coil.

Abstract: A window is positioned within a window casing and means are provided for rotatably connecting the window to the casing. A security apparatus includes a pair of rod holding brackets mounted on the casing on opposite sides of the window on an axis spaced from and substantially parallel to the rotational axis, each of the brackets having notch-like means for receiving and holding the end of a rod. An elongated rod is supported by the brackets and a permanent magnet is provided at one end of the rod to co-act with a magnetically operable switch attached to one of the brackets, the switch being connected to an alarm. When the window is closed the rod is positioned and held by the brackets and the permanent magnet causes the switch to have a first condition. The rod prevents the window from being moved from the closed position to the open position. If the rod is removed from the brackets, then the movement of the magnet away from the switch causes a change in condition of the switch to actuate the alarm.

Abstract: An open door warning system for a vehicle includes an open door detector mounted on the vehicle, which detects when the door is left open, and a light module mounted on a side of the vehicle and operatively coupled to the detector. The light module is preferably aligned with a driver side rear view mirror so that the driver can view the light module through the rear view mirror. The light module includes a light source which is driven by the detector to generate a flashing warning light when the door is left open. This warning light can be seen by the driver through the rear view mirror and thereby be warned of the open door situation. The detector includes a magnetically actuated switch controlled by a magnet attached to a top edge of the door. The switch is mounted on the vehicle to be juxtaposed to the magnet when the door is closed. The switch is coupled to a power module which includes a light driver circuit, a rechargeable battery pack, and a solar cell to keep the battery pack charged.

Abstract: A combined alarm system and window covering assembly includes a top housing, a bottom rail having two ends, a covering, a conductive wire and two resiliently biased reed relay switches. The covering is mechanically coupled to the top housing and the bottom rail. The conductive wire has a first end and a second end and extends from the top housing down to the bottom rail and up from the bottom rail to the top housing. The conductive wire functions as a pull cord for raising and lowering the bottom rail and the covering. Each resiliently biased reed relay switch is mechanically coupled to one of the two ends of the bottom rail and electrically coupled to the conductive wire.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated switch system (10) has reduced sensitivity to false alarms and reduced power consumption and resistance to physical and magnetic tampering. The system includes a signal processing circuit controlled by a microprocessor (16) that selectively enables magnetic sensors (12, 38), and compares the corresponding sensor outputs (76) to automatically calibrated level and predetermined timing characteristics.

Abstract: A magnetic switch assembly (10) is provided for detecting relative movement between first and second adjacent members (14, 18), and to defeat attempted magnetic manipulation of the assembly (10). The assembly (10) includes a pair of adjacent, superposed, upper and lower switch elements (22, 24) adapted for mounting on the first member (14), with the lower switch element (24) presenting a sloped surface (26). A shiftable, ferromagnetic ball (34) is disposed between the elements (22, 24) and movable along surface (26) between spaced upper and lower switch operating positions. A magnet (36) adapted for mounting on the second member (18) is also provided, and is oriented for normally retaining the ball (34) in the upper position thereof; however, upon movement of the member (18), the ball (34) is permitted to shift downwardly along the sloped surface (26) to the lower switch operating position thereof.

Abstract: A mechanical to electrical pulse power generator. Powerful rare-earth magnets (e.g., Neodymium-Iron-Boron, or Samarium-Cobalt) create strong flux fields. These flux fields are used to produce large percent change in flux through a coil of wire upon the triggering of triggering mechanisms which causes a snap action to assure creation of an electrical pulse sufficient to activate an alarm. A mechanical force in a first direction will cause a jerk action which will produce a pulse shape identifiable to the first direction force and a mechanical force in a second direction will produce a different jerk action which will produce a pulse shape identifiable to the second direction force. Low power electronics use the energy in these pulses to activate a radio frequency transmitter to transmit a signal revealing the direction of the mechanical force. A preferred embodiment codes the transmitter signal to indicate the source of the signal.

Abstract: A pool guard alarm provides constant security at the entrance to a pool using a delayed alarm to allow access to the pool area by authorized persons. Younger, unsupervised children are indicated by the alarm since a reset button located at least 5 feet above the ground must be pressed within 10 seconds of the opening of the gate or door. The alarm is battery-operated and cannot be turned off. A magnetic sensor is used to detect entrance to the indoor or outdoor pool area.