Abstract: A system is disclosed for locating swimmers who could be in danger of drowning, as determined by preset parameters such as the time duration that they remain at a depth where breathing is impossible. In this system, each individual swimmer wears a SONAR Swimmer Location Monitor (SSLM). This is a miniature electronic device that not only determines the extent of the swimmer's danger but also emits an ultrasonic alarm signal whenever such danger exists. At each occurrence, an alarm, which may be audible and/or visual, is sounded on the surface. Meanwhile the swimmer's location is tracked in real time from the signals received on a hydrophone array deployed along the perimeter of the swimming area. These signals are combined in a central processor and the computed real-time location is displayed graphically on a monitor to guide the guard personnel in rescue operations. The invention is intended for use in pools, beaches, water parks, and other swimming areas.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for locating swimmers who could be in danger of drowning, as determined by preset parameters such as the time duration that they remain at a depth where breathing is impossible. In this system, each individual swimmer wears a Swimmer Location Monitor (SLM). This is a miniature electronic device that not only determines the extent of the swimmer's danger but also emits an electromagnetic alarm signal whenever such a danger exists. At each occurrence, an alarm, which may be audible and/or visual, is sounded on the surface while the swimmer's location is tracked in real time from the signals received on an antenna network deployed along the bottom of the swimming area. These signals are combined in a central processor and the computed real-time location is displayed graphically on a monitor to guide the guard personnel in rescue operations. The invention is intended for use in pools, beaches, water parks and other swimming areas.

Abstract: A remote controller is disclosed for controlling the throttle, brake and steering mechanism of a conventional motor vehicle, with the remote controller being particularly advantageous for use by severely handicapped individuals. The controller includes a remote manipulator which controls a plurality of actuators through interfacing electronics. The remote manipulator is a two-axis joystick which controls a pair of linear actuators and a rotary actuator, with the actuators being powered by electric motors to effect throttle, brake and steering control of a motor vehicle adapted to include the controller. The controller enables the driver to control the adapted vehicle from anywhere in the vehicle with one hand with minimal control force and range of motion. In addition, even though a conventional vehicle is adapted for use with the remote controller, the vehicle may still be operated in the normal manner.