Abstract: At least a bottom layer of a swimming pool is continuously scanned at known time intervals in order to generate successive frames of image data containing the contours of all objects whose size exceeds a predetermined size threshold. Successive frames of image data are compared in order to identify those contours which are common to successive frames and whose displacement from one frame to the next is less than a predetermined threshold. This procedure is repeated over successive frames and, since the time interval between one frame and the next is known, a contour which remains substantially motionless for longer than a predetermined time interval may be detected. Such a contour represents a motionless body, on detection of which an alarm is activated. An apparatus according to the invention includes a sonar detector located at the bottom of the swimming pool for scanning the bottom layer thereof so as to produce image data which is subsequently processed by image-processing means.

Abstract: As yarn travels toward a take-up device after having passed a ballooning area, the travelling course thereof is bent through contact with a pressure sensor. An alarm device generates an alarm when the contact pressure of the yarn, which is monitored by the pressure sensor, is abnormally lowered.

Abstract: An autodyne microwave motion-detection system includes a supervisory circuit for monitoring the operating status of the microwave energy-producing component of the system. According to a preferred embodiment, the supervisory circuit of the invention comprises a relatively low-cost, "general purpose UHF" diode, i.e. a multipurpose diode commonly used in circuits designed to accommodate UHF frequencies of up to only about 3 Gigahertz. The supervisory diode is positioned within, or in close proximity to, the resonant cavity of the microwave energy-producing element, the latter being designed to produce microwave energy at a substantially higher frequency (e.g., 10.5 Gigahertz). Due to its close proximity to the microwave energy-producing element (e.g. a Gunn diode) and its presence within the energy field produced thereby, the supervisory diode develops a small, but readily detectable, voltage whenever such element is radiating microwave energy.

Abstract: A freezer alarm system is energized by a battery (2) or an AC power adapter (3) to drive a piezo alert pulsing buzzer (4) when activated by one of two sensor modules. An electrolyte freezer alarm sensor (13) has a non-conducting wall (9) and two conducting elements (9), and it contains electrolyte solution (10) and a small air expansion space (11). Alternatively, a modified mercury switch freezer alarm sensor has non-conducting walls (9) which form a tube that is square in cross-section; two conducting elements (12) that are placed at separate points in the vertex of one angle; and contains mercury (15), freezable liquid (14) and an air expansion space (11). The modified mercury switch freezer alarm sensor can also be used as a sensor component of home burglar alarm systems which are activated by breaking a closed electrical circuit.

Abstract: A door lock is provided with three alarm switches for activating an alarm system. The first switch has a first pair of contacts which are formed by a spring urging a tumbler pin and a metallic sleeve in which the spring is inserted. The second switch has a second pair of contacts which are urged toward each other and disposed on two opposite sides of a tongue connected to a tumbler for oeprating a lock bolt. The third switch has a third pair of contacts operable by a slide bar slidably disposed along the lock bolt. When an attempt is made to pick the lock, the first switch is closed to activate the alarm system; when an attempt is made to pull the lock cylinder out of the door, the second switch is closed to activate the alarm system; and when an attempt is made to pry open the door, the third switch is closed to activate the alarm system.

Abstract: What has been disclosed is a golf bag alarm system which actuates an alarm when a thief attempts to remove the golf bag without authorization. In a weight sensitive embodiment of the invention, even the attempt to remove a golf club from the bag will cause the alarm to be sounded. A second embodiment of the invention, sensitive to movement of the bag, will actuate an alarm when the bag is moved from its nominal resting position. The alarm system is portable and may be housed within the golf bag itself or within an associated golf cart. The battery which powers the golf cart may be utilized as the power source for the alarm system carried by the golf cart.

Abstract: This invention provides improved structure and detection methods for electromagnetic field ferromagnetic security detection stations of the type conventionally used at airports and the like. Improved sensitivity to ferromagnetic masses, such as knives or firearms carried by a person in the vicinity of the feet, ankles or lower legs is achieved by interosing a riser platform to assure that the person is introduced into the detection electromagnetic field above the floor or ground plane a predetermined distance that increases sensitivity of the detection of ferromagnetic msses carried by the person in the lower leg portion of the body. Even greter improvement in detectability is afforded by the requirement that the person stand in place at a position in the detection field affording more sensitive detection. The invention is simply used to retrofit field stations by introduction of a riser platform.

Abstract: The casing serving as a safeguard against burglary for tape recording cassette containers is made of a plastic material and includes in the narrow wall opposite of the insertion opening a perforation of the wall close to an edge and extending at its center substantially at the level of the angularly adjacent inner surface of the casing into the casing. Two locking bodies arranged adjacent of each other and integrally connected by a base disk and having a hook-like broadened and thereafter wedge-like sharpened end section are inserted into the perforation. The hinged lid of the tape recorder cassette container is kept somewhat depressed by the hook-like broadened end section which end section simultaneously engages over the adjacent side wall of the contained wherewith the container of the cassette and the casing are interlocked. In order to unlock the connection the interconnection between the locking bodies and the base disk resting against the outside of the casing is ruptured by means of a special tool.

Abstract: A remote control device is designed to be worn on one arm and operated by movements of a single hand. The device includes a forearm section and a pivotally connected hand section. The device is capable of providing up to 8 channels of individual controls. Both radio transmission and wire transmission capabilities are disclosed. The device includes switches that can be actuated by hand movements in either of two axes and also by a rotary movement of the hand relative to the forearm.

Abstract: A sleep posture monitor and alarm system detects one or more of four possible sleep positions and sounds an alarm when an individual wearing the apparatus assumes one or more of the detected positions. In addition, interface units for providing a monitoring output of the device to a polysomnograph are included as well as circuitry to record the commutative total time spent by the individual when in the selected positions.

Abstract: A peak level detecting apparatus for image sensors by which the maximum light value of a remote object is detected effectively utilizing the dynamic range of image sensors. The peak level detecting apparatus realizes a detection of the remote object patterns without any saturation in photoelectric devices by adjusting the exposure time with the detection of induced signal change in at least one of the photoelectric devices reaching the predetermined peak level, in order to improve the dynamic range and the signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: A spring failure detection and safety system comprising detection devices for continuously monitoring the life of a spring, and detecting and signalling its imminent or actual failure. The system also may comprise warning devices that have sensory outputs capable of informing a human operator of a spring failure. It may also comprise a memory device that would receive and store the failure detection signal, for example, for the purpose of informing maintenance personnel of the failure, or to serve as part of a test or failure evaluation system. The invention may also comprise a safety feature consisting of one or more springs to operate redundantly with the first spring, to protect against spring failure.

Abstract: A portable unit is releasably attachable to a worker, and an electrical network that has fully insulated wires releasably connected to the worker and a workpiece to the portable unit. The unit includes an amplifier and a sensitivity-adjusting element so that breaches in the worker's protective clothing as small as one molecule can be large enough to cause activation of an alarm.

Abstract: The delivery of special, preselected mail to a mailbox is detected and announced by including a piece of magnetic material or a metal object with the envelope. A magnetic detector or metal detector, within the mailbox, senses the presence of the magnetic material or metal object and actuates a radio transmitter, at the mailbox, which sends a signal to a radio receiver. Upon receiving the radio signal, the radio receiver activates a telephone answering device, or an automated building control or surveillance center having remote interrogation access or capable of sending an announcement so that a person at a distant telephone can be advised of the mail delivery. Electric wiring may be utilized in lieu of radio transmission.

Abstract: An identification system for wireless electronic identification and data transmission, comprises a reading unit and at least one electronic label including a resonant circuit and carrying data stored in a memory device of the label, which data can be read wirelessly when the label is introduced into a high-frequency interrogation field formed by a transmitter of the reading unit. The reading unit includes a control device which, in operation, periodically switches the interrogation field on and off and in the time intervals when the field is switched off switches on a receiver capable of detecting a signal transmitted by a label. The at least one label includes a modulator which in the time intervals when the field is switched off can modulate the quality factor Q of the resonant circuit in dependence on the data stored in the memory device.

Abstract: The appliance according to the invention has a front face with retention means adapted for cooperating with fixing means belonging to a removable label with rank or function identification characters. This label is molded over an electronic circuit comprising at least one visible light-emitting component, this circuit being connectable to terminals provided on the appliance by means of electric conductors.

Abstract: A capacitance sensing security system in which comparison/reference and sensing oscillator are coupled together to operate in substantial frequency synchronism, each of the oscillators includes an amplifier having input and output terminals and a feedback circuit including a capacitor connected to the input terminals, the feedback circuit connected to the sensing oscillator exhibiting a low capacitive reactance, the input terminals of the sensing oscillator being connected to one or more objects to be secured so that extraneous transient signals appearing at or on the objects do not affect the phase/frequency of the sensing oscillator, the resistive component being substantially greater than the resistance of the input terminals and is provided either by adjusting the value of the capacitive component in the feedback circuit and/or disposing a resistor in series therewith.

Abstract: This invention relates to a type of "automatic gas spray device & its safety system", particularly to one that can be installed at various locations to automatically spray irritative gas activated by an electronic control main unit and a sensor in case of an attack, robbery or burglary to hinder villains and with a closed-circuit monitor, illumination equipment, alarm and such components as solenoid sensor to comprise an integrated safety system, so that in case of an emergency, to simultaneously give alarm and switch on the illumination equipment and take a photo of the villain with a closed-circuit monitor to facilitate identification of the villain.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a device which is attached on rotating or moving equipment for the purpose of monitoring unsafe levels of equipment vibration. The invention comprises a mechanical assembly which is adjustably sensitive to the vibration amplitude of its given application. The monitor is so designed that it does not include the electronic switching device as an integral part of the invention. Rather, commercially available switching devices (proximity switches) are used as the electronic switching component. In the preferred embodiment, the unit is sensitive to vibration in any plane. The vibration monitor is a signaling device; it can be used to sound an external alarm, engage safety equipment, or disengage or stop moving equipment. It was developed as an inexpensive, rugged, device which can be used in conjunction with general purpose proximity switches to give vibration monitoring capability to an existing proximity switch product line.

Abstract: A cable for supplying power to electrical equipment is adapted to also provide security for the equipment by being formed to have a first state when it is connected to the equipment and a second state when it is disconnected from the equipment, whereby detection of the states of the cable permit detection of removal of the equipment which can then be communicated through repair AC power lines to a central station.