Abstract: A capacitance presence sensing apparatus (10) having a fail-safe circuit (13) and modular units (100). The fail-safe circuit (13) includes delivering a low voltage (FIG. 5) to a sensor and connecting voltage through a resistor to an oscillator (18). An opener ground in the circuit changes frequency of the oscillator (18) to indicate a problem With the fail-safe circuit (13). The apparatus also contains a number of inductance coils (28) which may be selected to tune the frequency of the system. Circuitry is provided in cards which may be combined together with receiver transmitter cards (106) and to easily facilitate the use of the system for desired applications.

Abstract: A capacitive sensing system senses the presence of an object proximate to an antenna using a sensing field signal having a sensing field frequency. The capacitive sensing system can be used in security systems, to provide an alarm if a valuable object is removed from where it can be detected. The capacitive sensing system can also be used to provide an alarm when an object is detected near a moving member, such as a parking barrier gate, sliding gate, elevator door, garage door, or window. The sensitivity of the system may be adjustable according to one or more conditions, such as position of the moving member, time of day, or operator inputs (for example, to put the system into a maintenance mode having low sensitivity). Systems may also have a cut-out, in which alarms are suppressed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitive sensing apparatus having utility in object detection security applications whereby the object detection field generated by the apparatus is made steerable. The apparatus includes a power source having a ground connection in communication with at least one sensing circuit operative to detect an object moving within the sensing field. At least one conductive element is provided in communication with electrical ground. To steer the direction of the sensing field, the relative position and distance between the conductive element and the sensing circuit is adjusted such that a desired sensing field pattern is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitive sensing technique that is advantageously useful for security applications wherein digital technology is used to measure frequency shifts caused by a conductive or grounded object moving within a capacitive sensing field. The system includes a floating reference to compensate for drifting or offsets caused by electrical noise or other environmental conditions. The system also includes a CPLD integrated circuit or microprocessor and operative to monitor changes in a sensing field signal and digitally compare a reference signal to the sensing field signal such that when a difference between the two signals exceeds a predetermined threshold, an object detection signal is generated by the monitor circuit which causes the activation of an alarm signal.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use with capacitive presence detection systems. The apparatus includes a sensor (10) in the form of a tape which may be adhesively affixed to an object such as a parking gate (4) arm. Additionally, spaces for use in mounting the sensors (40) are disclosed which increase the depth of field of the sensor. The tape is a sandwich having a plastic film top layer, a metallic foil middle layer, and a plastic bottom layer having an adhesive material.