Abstract: A projectile attachment is disclosed that has open-biased arm members that can be either mounted directly onto the projectile base or may be mounted to a mutual connection means which is then attached to the projectile base. The arms are compressed into a restrained position so that they may be inserted into the casing of the bullet. Upon firing, the arms extend to the unrestrained position. Upon impact the projectile penetrates the target then the extended arm members engage the target surface to cause widespread damage while slowing the projectile. The members may optionally have hook-like ends.

Abstract: A security system comprising a plurality of remote wireless units, a central control unit and an adaptive console for translating messages in radio frequency signals into messages in signals suitable for transmission over a wire in order to augment the wireless capability of the system. The adaptive console has a wireless receiver for receiving the radio frequency signal, which includes identification and status information from a wireless remote units. The adaptive console also has a processing unit which translates the identification and status information from the radio frequency signal to corresponding function data derived from a mapping of valid identification and status information to function data, the function data emulating data generated by keypresses on a keypad that is representative of a function to be performed by the security system.

Abstract: An improved bullet featuring a large, heavy non-aerodynamically shaped projectile that is to be used in short range life or death situations. This projectile and cartridge would be used in large game applications where the intent is not to fire unless in imminent danger. The projectile and cartridge combination of this invention would cause immediate destruction and transfer energy rapidly. The projectile is shaped to increase aerodynamic resistance by redirecting the displaced air into its preferred path. The large cross section and short body height further limit aerodynamic ability. The casing is machined from solid stock to provide a stronger more stable enclosure. This large diameter personal defense bullet uses a soft projectile body of high mass and improved shape, in conjunction with a high capacity casing of one piece precision machined construction to deliver maximum stopping power.

Abstract: A glass breakage detector that uses an acoustic transducer, an analog-to-digital converter, and a processing means which uses software algorithms to determine if a signal received by the acoustic transducer is a result of glass breaking. The glass breakage detector also uses amplifiers which have a greater gain response for higher frequency components in the received signal. The glass breakage detector is also able to correct the offset error generated by the amplifiers. The processing means or digital signal processor (DSP) uses a feature extraction software algorithm that extracts characteristics of the received sound using a plurality of filters centered at different frequencies and a rules analysis software algorithm to compare the extracted features to features from glass breakage and false alarms. The DSP is also capable of transmitting the extracted features to an external computing device for further analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting interference in radio frequency signals for use in wireless alarm systems which increases a charge voltage in response to a dc-coupled signal during a charging time when the dc-coupled signal contains interference, decreases a charge voltage in response to a dc-coupled signal during a discharging time when the dc-coupled signal contains substantially no interference, compares the charge voltage to a reference voltage, provides an interference status signal in an off state when the charge voltage is less than the reference voltage, and provides the interference status signal in an on state when the charge voltage is greater than or substantially equal to the reference voltage.

Abstract: A self testing wireless data communications system suitable for use with an alarm system, the transmitting element of the communications system is capable of transmitting at two different output power levels. If the message is a supervisory message, it is transmitted at a lower power level than an alarm message, in order to ensure that non-supervisory alarm messages are received with an adequate signal margin.

Abstract: A method for increasing the dynamic range of the receiver/control unit of an alarm system. The alarm system comprises the receiver/control unit, the receiver comprising at least one antenna apparatus and apparatus for switching the antenna apparatus. The control unit, or processing apparatus, comprises signal detection apparatus and apparatus for controlling the antenna apparatus switching. The method comprises the steps of selecting an input to the receiver, wherein the input maybe an output of one or more antenna apparatus or no antenna apparatus, and detecting the presence of a signal. The basis of the apparatus alarm system is the selection of no antenna, which causes the receiver to be approximately 12 dB less sensitive. The switching of the antenna apparatus is preferably accomplished by processor control of switching diodes.

Abstract: A system and method for using identification codes found on ordinary articles of commerce to access remote computers on a network. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a computer is provided having a database that relates Uniform Product Code (“UPC”) numbers to Internet network addresses (or “URLs”). To access an Internet resource relating to a particular product, a user enters the prodoct's UPC symbol manually, by swiping a bar code reader over the UPC symbol, or via other suitable input means. The database retrieves the URL corresponding to the UPC code. This location information in then used to access the desired resource.

Abstract: A dual-sensing intrusion detection device for detecting an intruder comprising a PIR sensor and a microwave sensor. The device comprises PIR processing means and microwave processing means, means for summing the processed PIR signal with the processed microwave signal to generate a summed signal, and means for comparing the summed signal to a sum threshold value to determine if an alarm condition exists. The sum threshold value is selected for optimal discrimination between a human intruder and an animal presence. An additional feature of the intrusion detection device is the generation of a PIR difference signal. This feature allows the device to compensate for the limited bandwidth of the PIR sensor and to be more sensitive to a human intruder. The processing of the sensor signals includes an integration technique that sums the amplitude values of the signal and causes the sum to decay at a slow rate.

Abstract: A video game system with a light gun video game peripheral device having a photosensitive transducer operating in conjunction with a personal computer platform. The gun-shaped light-sensitive device is connected to a peripheral adapter coupled between the computer and a video monitor. The peripheral adapter captures the horizontal and vertical synchronization signals from the video adapter card in the computer and sends them to the light gun so that processing circuitry therein can generate a peripheral position signal indicative of the position of the field of view of the photosensitive transducer relative to the screen. The video game peripheral device also has means for transmitting the peripheral position signal to the computer means for further processing. This allows a light gun to be used with a conventional personal computer without having to modify the computer with additional circuit boards and operating system changes.

Abstract: A self testing wireless data communications system suitable for use with an alarm system, the receiving element of the communications system is capable of measuring the signal strength (RSSI) of the received message and comparing it with stored signal information from a memory location associated with the ID of the transmitting device. Upon an unfavorable comparison, the system indicates a trouble condition by updating a user-interface visual display and/or alerting a central station. The system may have additional features such as the stored signal information may be updated to produce a running average of the RSSI of each message, or the indication of a trouble condition may include intelligent processing prior to updating a user-interface visual display.

Abstract: A pool cue having a sliding bridge sleeve with cleaning wipers provides for a smooth linear motion of the bridge sleeve while preventing frictional resistance due to contaminant buildup between the bridge sleeve bearings and the linear shaft of the pool cue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in wireless alarm systems is provided which enable the simultaneous sounding of any or all alarm devices in the system upon sensing of an alarm condition by at least one of the alarm devices. The alarm devices are battery powered and include a reduced power transmitter which transmits an alarm signal, with an optional address corresponding to the initiating alarm device. The alarm signal is received by a central receiver in communication with a central control unit. The central control unit transmits a broadcast signal to any or all alarm devices in the system via the central transmitter. The broadcast signal optionally includes address information regarding the alarm devices to be activated. Reduced power receivers in the alarm devices receive the broadcast signal, determine if the address corresponds to its own and activates alarm notification and illumination systems accordingly.

Abstract: Disclosed are three major aspects relating to wireless transmission of encrypted data messages in a security system wherein the receiver stores locally an encryption key utilized by the transmitting device to encrypt the data message and the receiver uses the encryption key to decrypt an encrypted data message, and wherein a sequence number generator is used to synchronously track the message sequence at both the transmitter and receiver. A first major aspect involves encrypted device registration (learning) methods that are user-friendly and immune from detection by technically skilled intruders with special RF equipment, and periodic user-friendly changing of the encryption key per encrypted transmitting device in the system. A second major aspect involves encrypted device de-registration (unlearning, or deletion) that is likewise user friendly.

Abstract: A foot pedal assembly having a base, a first support member with an upper end and a lower end, a foot pedal attached to the upper end of the first support member, a second support member with a fore end and an aft end, a guide member with a retention slot affixed to the base, and means for coupling the fore end of the second support member and the lower end of the first support member within the retention slot of the guide member; wherein the means for coupling slidingly guides the fore end of the second support member and the lower end of the first support member substantially along the retention slot upon application of a downward force to the foot pedal.

Abstract: A system and method for using identification codes found on ordinary articles of commerce to access remote computers on a network. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a computer is provided having a database that relates Uniform Product Code ("UPC") numbers to Internet network addresses (or "URLs"). To access an Internet resource relating to a particular product, a user enters the product's UPC symbol manually, by swiping a bar code reader over the UPC symbol, or via other suitable input means. The database retrieves the URL corresponding to the UPC code. This location information is then used to access the desired resource.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a balanced diode mixer and local oscillator combination in a microwave receiver. The diodes comprising a balanced mixer are unbalanced in a selective, controlled manner to generate an offset signal. The unbalancing of the mixer is accomplished by heating one of a pair of mixer diodes. By measuring an offset voltage output of the balanced diode mixer after one of the diodes has been heated, it is possible to measure an artificially created diode mismatch offset voltage and thereby verify that the balanced mixer/oscillator combination is working properly. The heating step is performed by either forward biasing the mixer diode or by placing a resistive heating element adjacent to the diode.

Abstract: The present invention is a secure system and method for providing automated access to electronic information stored in a database in either a local or remote location. The system utilizes a machine-readable code printed on a document, referred to herein as an intelligent document since it stores information used to automatically access the information. The machine-readable symbol is encoded with source data (including a file location pointer) that is first obfuscated by generating a checksum of the source data, encrypting the source data by using the checksum as an encryption key, and assembling the checksum with the encrypted source data prior to encoding. The machine-readable symbol is then printed and distributed by the vendor by any logical means to the end user. The end user then scans the code via appropriate code scanning (e.g.