Abstract: A system and method uses a wireless tether comprising a transmitter and a receiver to alert a caregiver that an object or person has been left unattended. A detector senses the presence of the object, usually a child, located in a position such as a safety seat. The detector couples to the transmitter, which is located near the object. The transmitter transmits at least one wireless signal when the object is in the position. The receiver, which is remotely located from the transmitter, senses the at least one signal as long as the receiver is within a prescribed range of transmission. By performing a timing function, the receiver monitors the proximity of the caregiver, who maintains possession of the receiver, to the transmitter. The system communicates an alarm to the caregiver when the caregiver ventures outside the range of transmission without having removed the object/child from the position.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 27, 2001
Date of Patent:
March 30, 2004
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration
Inventors:
William Christopher Edwards, Terry L. Mack, Edward A. Modlin