Abstract: A golf club storage and protection device comprising an elongated member and a sensing device. The elongated member houses the golf club shaft and grip and protects the shaft and grip from wear and damage. The sensing device is housed within the elongated member and includes a motion sensor that senses movement of the elongated member beyond a motion threshold level, and an alarm. The sensing device contacts the grip when the gold club is present in the elongated member and the alarm is kept deactivated. When the golf club is removed from the elongated member for at least a predetermined time period and the elongated member is moved beyond the motion threshold level, the alarm will activate until either the golf club is returned to the elongated member or the device is turned off.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for determining whether a set of items is complete. An interrogate signal is transmitted from a tag reader into an interrogation zone. Each item returning a response signal to the tag reader in response to the interrogate signal is included in a checked item set. The checked item set is compared to a set data. The set data identifies all items in a set of items, the set data is included in at least one tag associated with at least one item in the set of items, and the set data is included in at least one response signal received at the tag reader. A determination is made whether the set of items is complete, wherein the set of items is complete if every item identified in the set data is included in the checked item set.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking rounds of golf include a tracking system to track a golfer's position on a golf course and a golf stroke information providing system for providing information about a golf stroke taken by the golfer. The systems and methods also may include a coordinating system to coordinate the information about the golf stroke with the information about the golfer's tracked position on the golf course. The systems and methods also may include a recording system to record and store information about a golf stroke taken and the information about the golfer's tracked position on the golf course. The recorded and saved data may be displayed and/or otherwise analyzed and processed.

Abstract: A display assembly for a retail product has a base and a platform adjustably mounted on an upper end of the base. The platform includes a lower housing which is pivotally supported in a cradle attached to the upper end of the base. The platform is pivotally mounted on the cradle by a pair of pivot pins, at least one of which is threaded to secure the platform in an adjusted titled position on the cradle. A plurality of notches are formed on the platform housing and selectively engage a detent formed on the cradle to retain the platform in an adjusted position. A sensor may be removably mounted on the platform and connected to the product and to the base by an expandable cord to actuate an alarm if the product is removed in an unauthorized manner from the sensor or base.

Abstract: A communication system is capable of two-way wireless data communications between a parent unit and a child unit. The child unit includes a power switch for turning power to the child unit on/off; a power control signal issuing unit operable to issue a power control signal for turning power to the parent unit on/off in response to turning the power switch on/off; and a data communication unit operable to perform two-way wireless data communications with the parent unit. The parent unit includes a power control signal receiving unit operable to receive the power control signal from the issuing unit of the child unit; a power control unit operable to turn power to the parent unit on/off in response to reception of the power control signal from the receiving unit; and a data communication unit operable to perform two-way wireless data communications with the child unit.

Abstract: A system for applying RFID in ball game field to assist in making a decision in ball game includes a RFID tagging element embedded in a ball used in the game; a plurality of RFID reading devices spaced along borderlines of the ball game field for reading the RFID tagging element in the ball; and a control center connected to the RFID reading devices. When the ball with embedded RFID tagging element touches any of the borderlines, at least one of the RFID reading devices reads the RFID tagging element and sends a signal to the control center for determining whether the ball is out of bound or not. When the RFID reading devices are arranged at goal areas, the system may be used to determine the scoring. A decision signal is sent from the control center to a referee for use as a reference in making a decision.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an integrated GPS device & RFID transceiver is used with passive RFID tagged golf balls and clubs and sequences of events and rules that enable accurate automatic golf data collection. Active tags may also be used in place of passive tags.

Abstract: Security system for the crash helmet (1) of a motorcycle (100), comprising a security system (10) installed into the crash helmet (1) which communicates through radio waves (wireless with the control device comprises a normally open switch (T2) placed between the power supply (120) and the ignition system (121) of the motorcycle, and driven by a wireless communication device (119) which communicates with a wireless communication device (19) installed into the crash helmet security device (10). The security device (10) comprises detection means (15, 5, 13, 14) suited to detect the crash helmet use by the user and, accordingly, to send a command signal in order to enable the crash helmet communication system (19) to communicate with the motorcycle communication system (119), to close the switch (T2) and allow the motorcycle ignition.

Abstract: The golf club reminder system for a golf bag utilizes a capacitance-based, proximity sensing system to monitor golf clubs in the golf bag. The components of the golf club reminder system are built into a golf bag, and the golf club reminder system operates in two modes. In a first normal mode the presence of a normal count of clubs in the golf bag is detected, and any absence of clubs or presence of additional clubs is silently indicated with a light. In a second security mode of operation a loud audio alert is produced at the detection of any change in club count.

Abstract: A system for determining presence or absence of individual items making up a set of items normally maintained together as a set in a common location, such as a set of golf clubs normally maintained together in a golf bag, utilizes a magnet secured to each respective item. A magnetic field sensor monitors total magnetic field in the common location as an indicator of missing items. Alternately, a sensor can keep track of items removed from and added to the common location as an indicator of missing items. If one or more items are missing, an alarm, such as an audible and/or visual alarm, can be provided in a desired manner, such as when keeping track of gold clubs in a golf bag, when the golf bag is moved.

Abstract: A combined range and tag finder for determining distances to objects in an environment is described. Such a combined range and tag finder includes a system for determining distances to objects on a golf course and for finding golf balls for use with a system for finding golf balls. In the case of one exemplary integrated device, the device has at least two receivers, one to receive an RFID signal from the golf ball, another to receive a signal for positioning of the device location. At least one processor is coupled to both the receivers and can determine at least a direction and/or distance of the device from an object on the golf course. Other embodiments of a combined range and tag finder are also described.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for determining whether a set of items is complete. An interrogate signal is transmitted from a tag reader into an interrogation zone. Each item returning a response signal to the tag reader in response to the interrogate signal is included in a checked item set. The checked item set is compared to a set data. The set data identifies all items in a set of items, the set data is included in at least one tag associated with at least one item in the set of items, and the set data is included in at least one response signal received at the tag reader. A determination is made whether the set of items is complete, wherein the set of items if complete if every item identified in the set data is included in the checked item set.

Abstract: A method and a system for detecting and rewarding the returning of shopping carts to the supermarket collection points is provided. During shopping, a first signal A is generated. When a shopping cart is returned, a signal B is generated. These two signals A and B are correlated either in the supermarket or in an information device that the customer carries with him or her, in order to deliver a reward for returning the shopping cart. When the first signal A is generated, the customer or an information device carried with the customer is identified. Alternatively, the signal is provided to the customer at the supermarket checkout so that the customer himself/herself can take steps for the correlation of the signal A with the signal B that is still to be obtained.

Abstract: A communication system is capable of two-way wireless data communications between a parent unit and a child unit. The child unit includes a power switch for turning power to the child unit on/off; a power control signal issuing unit operable to issue a power control signal for turning power to the parent unit on/off in response to turning the power switch on/off; and a data communication unit operable to perform two-way wireless data communications with the parent unit. The parent unit includes a power control signal receiving unit operable to receive the power control signal from the issuing unit of the child unit; a power control unit operable to turn power to the parent unit on/off in response to reception of the power control signal from the receiving unit; and a data communication unit operable to perform two-way wireless data communications with the child unit.

Abstract: The concept herein is focused on a portable structure, generally in the form of a portable mat or other similar member, that can be moved or transported from place to place to be used in a temporary manner and placed on the ground for use in the process of facilitating the implementation of field exercise tests of individuals who are suspected of criminal or other activity such as driving under the influence of alcohol, such mat comprising in general a flat flexible mat-like member that can be placed flush against the ground for temporary use, such mat having an upper surface with demarcations thereon for guiding a person walking over the upper surface of the mat.

Abstract: A missing golf club warning system that automatically counts and displays the number of golf clubs removed, and not restored, to a golf club bag and further alerts the golfer as he/she is in motion and leaving the area where at least one golf club was removed from the bag and left behind. In addition, this warning system includes a wireless golf bag alarm system which automatically and remotely notifies the golf club/bag owner, and even golf grounds personnel, who at the time may be some distance from and out of visual contact with the bag, as to the non-authorized removal of a club, or of the movement or transport of the golf bag.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for detecting if a person has attempted to tamper with an integrated circuit (IC). The apparatus is located on the IC and comprises detection circuitry that detects a build up of electrical charge on the IC and disablement circuitry that disables the IC when the detection circuitry detects a build up of electrical charge on the IC. The method comprises detecting if a build up of electrical charge on the IC has occurred and disabling the IC when a build up of electrical charge on the IC has been detected.

Abstract: The golf club reminder system for a golf bag utilizes a capacitance-based, proximity sensing system to monitor golf clubs in the golf bag. The components of the golf club reminder system are built into a golf bag, and the golf club reminder system operates in two modes. In a first normal mode the presence of a normal count of clubs in the golf bag is detected, and any absence of clubs or presence of additional clubs is silently indicated with a light. In a second security mode of operation a loud audio alert is produced at the detection of any change in club count.

Abstract: A container is provided. The container includes a casing having an opening for admitting contents into the container. A matrix of conductive lines extends across at least a portion of the casing. A sensor senses a breach of integrity of the matrix. An indicator indicates a breach of integrity of the container when the sensor senses a breach of integrity of the matrix. A system is also provided. The system includes a monitoring network and a container. The container includes a casing having an opening for admitting contents into the container. A matrix of conductive lines extends across at least a portion of the casing. A sensor senses a breach of integrity of the matrix. An interface transmits a signal to the monitoring network when the sensor senses a breach of integrity of the matrix, the signal indicating a breach of integrity of the container.

Abstract: A baby monitor system with a parent unit communicable with a baby unit a soothing unit is provided. In an embodiment for the baby monitor system of the present invention, the baby unit is responsive to receiving a signal representative of an audible sound transmitted from the parent unit and the parent unit is responsive to receiving a signal representative of an audible sound transmitted from the baby unit. In an embodiment for a method of the present invention, a method for monitoring a baby is provided.

Abstract: A golf club is provided with a transponder that will transmit a coded signal when polled. The transmitter is small enough to fit into the golf club and does not need an external power supply. A data base associated with the coded signal is a depository of information related to the golf club.

Abstract: A smart container configured for transporting cargo on a transportation vehicle and a method for transporting the smart container on the transportation vehicle are disclosed. The smart container includes a container housing that has an opening for loading and unloading cargo. The opening can be sealed and unsealed. Disposed within the container housing is at least one detector for detecting deviations that could be indicative of possible threats (security concerns). A communications link is also disposed within the container housing. The communications link is capable of transmitting the possible threat information to a central cargo data collection location. For example, the container(s) on a transportation vehicle (e.g., a ship) transport information about the container to a central data collector onboard the ship. The central data collector may then transmit that information off of the ship, e.g., to a C4ISR grid.

Abstract: A gliding board in the form of a longitudinal beam having a laminated structure that includes a bottom surface layer, possibly borders by lateral running edges, reinforcing layers, a decorating layer, and a central core, the board being equipped with a data exchange label. The data exchange label is positioned at a distance greater than or equal to 2 millimeters from any metallic mass of the stack.

Abstract: Card-type anti-miss/anti-theft alarm device including a portable mainframe and an alarm sub-frame each having a central processing/controlling unit and a power supply unit. One of the portable mainframe and alarm sub-frame includes an intermittent oscillating transmission unit, while the other includes a signal receiving unit and a sonic/optical warning unit. The alarm sub-frame is designed as a thin card with a dimension smaller than or equal to that of an existent credit card, whereby the alarm sub-frame can be easily placed and hidden in an article carried by a user. In case the user misses the article or the article is stolen by a thief and spaced from the user by a certain distance, at least one of the portable mainframe and the alarm sub-frame can emit an alarm to indicate the user of the location of the missing article. Accordingly, the user can easily find the article and the thief is scared.

Abstract: An alert notification system for customers and sales personnel in a shopping area and a method of use is disclosed. In a first aspect, a system for alerting customers and sales personnel that merchandise has been left in a shopping area is disclosed. The system comprises a merchandise detector for detecting merchandise purchased by a customer and a customer detector for detecting whether the customer has left the merchandise. The system further includes a notification system responsive to the customer and merchandise detectors for alerting the customer when the customer has left the purchased merchandise. In a second aspect, the method comprises detecting the presence of merchandise associated with a customer via a second detector and detecting whether the customer has left the merchandise via a second detector. The method further includes alerting the customer, responsive to the first and second detectors, via a notification mechanism if the customer has left the merchandise.

Abstract: A system for detecting and rewarding the return of shopping carts to collection points is provided. A signal corresponding to a dividend is generated as soon as a shopping cart is returned to a collection point. The signal is only generated when the shopping cart is returned correctly to a row of shopping carts. The correct return of the shopping carts is monitored by a digital image processing camera or with an optical signal transmitter which cooperates with evaluation units disposed on the shopping cart.

Abstract: A retractable handle bar assembly incorporated with a traveling container includes a hand bar having a receiving cavity, a retractable arm for slidably folding the hand bar between a folded position and an unfolded position, locking device for locking the hand bar at the folded position, and a safety alert system, which is received in the receiving cavity of the hand bar, including an alert signal generator arranged in such a manner that when the hand bar is unlocked to slid from the folded position, the alert signal generator is activated to produce alert signals for aiding an attention of the container body.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of individual golf clubs in a golf bag comprises a club monitoring device mountable in the interior of the golf bag that may include a pressure sensitive mat for positioning on the bottom of the interior of the golf club bag. The pressure sensitive mat may include pressure sensing apparatus for sensing pressure applied to the upper surface of the pressure sensitive mat by the weight of one or more golf clubs. A control unit assembly may be operatively coupled to the pressure sensing apparatus of the pressure sensitive mat for indicating when the pressure sensing apparatus senses a decrease in the pressure applied to the pressure sensitive mat by removal of a golf club from contact with the pressure sensitive mat.

Abstract: A computer system equipped with a LAN signal processing part and a modem signal processing part comprises: a common connector to which an external LAN connector to be connected to the LAN signal processing part and an external modem connector to be connected to the modem signal processing part are selectively connected; a connector detector provided at the common connector for detecting which of the external LAN connector and the external modem connector is connected to the common connector; and a control part for controlling a predetermined signal to be transmitted to one of the LAN signal processing part and the modem signal processing part in correspondence to the external connector detected by the connector detector. With this configuration, the cost of production decreases, and space for an installation of hardware components is more plentiful.

Abstract: An orientation/time sensing alarm device is provided, which comprises an orientation sensor, a time sensor connecting to the orientation sensor, and an alarm connecting to the orientation sensor and the time sensor, forming a circuitry. The time sensor is activated by the orientation sensor when the orientation sensor senses the alarm device is above a predetermined orientational threshold. The alarm is activated when the time sensor senses the duration of activation of the time sensor being above a predetermined timing threshold. Also provided is a self-reminding golf club having an orientation/time sensing alarm device connected to the grip of the golf club for reminding a golfer of a misplaced golf club.

Abstract: A bag includes an upright bag body with a rectangular mouth portion confined by opposite longer walls and opposite shorter walls. At least one of the longer walls is formed with first strap holes therethrough. A carrying strap has opposite sections extending respectively through the first strap holes and formed with a respective retaining end for connecting the carrying strap to the bag body. A backing plate is disposed to lie against one of the longer walls, and is formed with second strap holes that permit extension of the carrying strap therethrough. A sound generating module has a frame unit mounted on the backing plate, and a data storage unit and an audio playback unit mounted on the frame unit. The audio playback unit is coupled to the data storage unit and is operable so as to audibly reproduce audio information stored in the data storage unit.

Abstract: A luggage locating system for facilitating location of luggage within an airport. The luggage locating system includes a remote transceiver assembly comprising a first transceiver means for transmitting a unique remote signal. A base transceiver assembly comprises a second transceiver means for transmitting a unique luggage signal. The second transceiver means transmits the unique luggage signal to the first transceiver means when the second transceiver means has received the unique remote signal from the first transceiver means. The first transceiver assembly comprises an indicator assembly. The indicator assembly is operationally coupled to the first transceiver means whereby the first transceiver means actuates the indicator assembly for indicating to the user that the base transceiver assembly is within a predetermined range of the user when the first transceiver means receives the unique luggage signal from the second transceiver means.

Abstract: A golf bag alarm provides notification of the lifting or moving of a golf bag, to the owner thereof who may be remotely located from the bag. The alarm includes a golf bag component which may be semi-permanently installed upon an existing golf bag, or permanently, integrally installed with a golf bag during bag manufacture. The golf bag component includes a weight actuated switch, an alarm transmitter, a receiver for remotely arming the alarm, and may also include an audio or visual alarm. The second component is carried by the golfer, and includes a transmitter for remotely arming and disarming the alarm system of the golf bag unit, a receiver for detecting an alarm signal from the golf bag unit, and an alarm. The system is valuable for the golfer who must leave his/her bag outside while visiting a golf clubhouse, course restaurant, etc.

Abstract: A gliding board including a longitudinal beam having a laminated structure that includes a bottom surface layer possibly edged with lateral running edges, reinforcing layers, a decorating layer, and a central core, the board being equipped with a data exchange label. The data exchange label is positioned at a distance greater than or equal to 2 millimeters from any metallic mass of the stack.

Abstract: A golf bag loss prevention system (10) including a control unit (11) attached to a golf bag (100) and an alarm unit (12) worn by a golfer (200) wherein the alarm unit (12) includes a micro-controller member 30 having a piezo film sensor (35) capable of generating a voltage signal proportional to the amount of movement imparted to the golf bag (100) wherein the micro-controller member (30) converts the voltage signal into a frequency signal that is transmitted to the control unit (11) having a variable frequency sensitivity switch (22) operatively associated with at least one alarm (25/26) that is actuated when the control unit (11) receives a frequency signal from the alarm unit (12) that corresponds to the setting of the frequency sensitivity switch (22).

Abstract: A system to assist a skier in locating an unattached ski in powder snow after a fall includes an audible alarm member which is mounted on the ski, and a remote hand-held activator member held by the skier. The skier can trigger the alarm by operating a switch on the remote activator. The sound emitted by the alarm will allow the skier to locate the direction and position of the lost ski.

Abstract: A golf bag alarm provides notification of the lifting or moving of a golf bag, to the owner thereof who may be remotely located from the bag. The alarm includes a golf bag component which may be semi-permanently installed upon an existing golf bag, or permanently, integrally installed with a golf bag during bag manufacture. The golf bag component includes a weight actuated switch, an alarm transmitter, a receiver for remotely arming the alarm, and may also include an audio or visual alarm. The second component is carried by the golfer, and includes a transmitter for remotely arming and disarming the alarm system of the golf bag unit, a receiver for detecting an alarm signal from the golf bag unit, and an alarm. The system is valuable for the golfer who must leave his/her bag outside while visiting a golf clubhouse, course restaurant, etc.

Abstract: An orientation/time sensing alarm device is provided, which comprises an orientation sensor, a time sensor connecting to the orientation sensor, and an alarm connecting to the orientation sensor and the time sensor, forming a circuitry. The time sensor is activated by the orientation sensor when the orientation sensor senses the alarm device is above a predetermined orientational threshold. The alarm is activated when the time sensor senses the duration of activation of the time sensor being above a predetermined timing threshold. Also provided is a self-reminding golf club having an orientation/time sensing alarm device connected to the grip of the golf club for reminding a golfer of a misplaced golf club.

Abstract: The device of the present invention, positionable in or on a golf bag, monitors golf club location or presence. The device includes a marker mechanism, or tag, positionable on a golf club that imparts a unique identification to the club. The device also includes a sensing mechanism or sensing system that monitors the status of the clubs, including the presence, removal and return of the golf clubs. As each club includes a unique identifier, the sensing system can track the clubs by monitoring the sensors. The device also includes a readout mechanism that cooperates with the sensing system to provide information to the golfer regarding the status of their clubs.

Abstract: An alarm system is provided for alerting a golfer about a forgotten club. A divot tool incorporates a radio transmitter powered by a rechargeable power source for transmitting a coded transmission. A radio receiver tuned to receive the coded transmission includes logic circuitry that generates an alarm signal whenever power associated with the coded transmission drops below a threshold level. One or more alarm devices are coupled to the logic circuitry to generate alarm(s) when the alarm signal is supplied thereto. A power source is coupled to the radio receiver for supplying power thereto and for supplying a charging current for the rechargeable power source via an electrical coupling. When a golfer places a club or other accessory on the ground, the divot tool is placed near the club. As long as the golfer remains within a prescribed range, no alarm will be activated. However, if the golfer moves further from the divot tool than the prescribed range, an alarm is produced.

Abstract: An automatic golf club selecting device for selecting a certain golf club by verbally indicating which club is desired. The automatic golf club selecting device includes a plurality of lifting units for lifting a club. Each of the lifting unit comprises a selectively extendable cylindrical member. Each of the cylindrical members being mountable in a golf club bag. A motor designed for extending and retracting the cylindrical member is operationally coupled to one of the cylindrical members. A control circuitry designed for recognizing spoken golf club indicators is mountable to the golf club bag. The control circuitry is electrically coupled to each of the motors. A power supply is removably mountable in the golf club bag and is electrically coupled to the control circuitry. A microphone for receiving golf club indicators is mountable to the golf bag and is electrically coupled to the control circuitry. An actuator for turning the control circuitry on and off is mountable to the golf club bag.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of individual golf clubs in a golf bag. The system includes a club monitoring device which is mountable in the interior of the golf bag for detecting the presence of at least one golf club in the interior of the golf bag, the club monitoring device comprising: a plurality of sensor units, each of the sensor units defining a gap for removably receiving one of the plurality of the golf clubs; and a control unit connected to each of the sensor units, the control unit indicating when one of the sensor units does not detect the presence of a golf club in the gap defined by the sensor unit, wherein the control unit has an indicator for indicating that at least one of the sensor units does not detect the presence of a golf club in the associated club receiving member.

Abstract: A device is provided for determining if one or more golf clubs are missing from a group of golf clubs. The device includes a transmitter or transceiver, that is, operative to direct a signal towards a group of golf clubs where each golf club is provided with a sensor tag. The signal from the transmitter registers with the respective sensor tags and in response thereto each sensor tag emits a response signal that is uniquely associated with the sensor tag and the golf club associated with the sensor tag. This response signal is directed back to the transceiver and the transceiver is in return coupled to a controller that receives information or data from the transceiver that identifies the detected golf clubs of the group. Based on the golf clubs detected, the controller can determine if one or more golf clubs are missing from the group.

Abstract: A system for tracking a plurality of recreational items for sliding on snow-covered surfaces of a hill. The system comprises, for each item in the plurality of recreational items, an associated integral ID storing device for storing an associated item ID, the associated item ID being electronically readable from the associated integral ID storing device. The system also comprises an interrogator for reading the associated item ID stored on the associated integral ID storing device for each item in the plurality of recreational items.