Abstract: At each of a plurality of points of embedment in a conveyor belt, a set of at least two detectable elements is embedded, and a control unit is arranged (a) to receive and process signals from an externally installed sensor, the signals having a varied intensity corresponding to the number of detectable elements in a given embedment point, (b) to average the intensities of a plurality of the signals for the given embedment point, and (c) to judge, on the basis of the average obtained in (b), the presence or absence of a breakage of detectable element or elements at the given embedment point. The abovementioned arrangement is able to judge whether one of the two detectable elements is broken, and the judgment is not affected by variation of the distance between detectable elements and the sensor. If breakage of a single detectable element of any set is identified, the affected element may be repaired during an outage of the conveyor.

Abstract: A personal electromagnetic radiation monitor includes an electromagnetic radiation sensor, a conductive shield spaced apart from the sensor and a backing of graduated lossy material. The electromagnetic radiation sensor includes thin film resistive thermocouples. The backing of graduated lossy material is interposed between the radiation sensor and the conductive shield. The layer is progressively more conductive through its thickness from the side which faces the sensor to the side which faces the conductive shield.

Abstract: A management system includes a daisy chain arrangement for serial transfer of dock status data from one module to another of a group of monitoring modules and to a master control box, each module being located at a dock of a multi-dock facility. The master control box periodically receives dock status data from one or more groups of modules, determines whether any change of status has occurred and transmits data to a central processing unit.

Abstract: An electronic posture position sensor device for alerting the user whenever an incorrect posture is assumed. The posture position sensor includes an electrical circuit that includes, a power means, a switch assembly, an electronic timer capable of being set at predetermined cycles, and an alerting means. The switch assembly comprises a first conducting pendulum and two sensor terminals attached, respectively, to second and third selectively positionable conducting pendulums. The second and third pendulums have a clamping means which allow the user to manually position the second and third pendulums for different sitting positions. When an incorrect posture is assumed, the switch assembly is opened which allows current to flow from the power means through the circuit to the timer. When the predetermined timer cycle elapses, the current causes the alert means to alert the user when sitting in an incorrect sitting position.

Abstract: An alarm device connectable to a handbag or brief case includes a sensor built into an attachment strap that connects the housing of the device to the handbag or brief case. The alarm device also includes an electronic circuit that includes a continuous, high frequency oscillator that has a bypass capacitor connected in parallel to the sensor. A sound circuit is connected to the oscillator by the gate of a transistor and is normally reversed biased thereby. The sound circuit includes a dual oscillation circuit, an amplifier, and a speaker. When a human being or other creature approaches the sensor too closely, it creates an additional capacitance that is added to the capacitance of the bypass capacitor with the result that the oscillator stops oscillating, removing the reverse bias applied to the gate of the transistor. The speaker then emits a sound generated by the dual oscillation circuit.

Abstract: A seat occupancy switching device for motor vehicles having a sensor responding to seat occupancy and an analysis circuit which emits a signal when a seat is occupied. The sensor is a lateral-force-sensitive cable which is arranged in the area of the seat surface. This cable provides a plurality of signal changes occurring continuously during seat occupancy. The analysis circuit registers each change of the sensor output signal as seat occupancy information. This analysis circuit includes a processor that receives the sensor output signal, and a monostable-circuit step.

Abstract: A portable anti-theft device has a gravity operated switch, settable manually or by action of gravity to an open position. This switch is connected in series with a key switch and an alarm, to provide an alarm when the gravity operated switch is moved. The gravity operated switch may be a mercury switch. The gravity operated switch may be pendularly mounted, and be restrained from movement by operation of the key switch.

Abstract: A home communicator includes aid request circuitry capable of establishing communication with a central monitoring station in response to a first predetermined activation step performed by a subscriber and test circuitry capable of self-testing the home communicator in response to a second predetermined activation step formed by the subscriber. The home communicator further includes enable/disable circuitry capable of transmitting an identification number to a central monitoring station in response to a third predetermined activation step with the aid request circuitry and the test circuitry being unresponsive prior to the functioning of the enable/disable circuitry.

Abstract: An object to be protected is placed on a compressible pad having upper and lower conductive plates, separated by a compressible dielectric. A sensing device is connected to the upper and lower plates to sense a first capacitance when the upper plate is compressed by presence of the object, and a change in capacitance when the object is removed so as to permit the dielectric layer to expand and change the capacitance. There is a time delay circuitry and other circuitry to alleviate the possibility of false alarms.

Abstract: A monitoring and alarm system allows a firefighter to monitor a variety of safety related parameters during firefighting activities through audible and/or visual means. The system monitors the pressure in the firefighter's breathing system and also monitors ambient temperature and motion of the firefighter. An audible alarm is activated to indicate a potential emergency situation relating to low remaining air time, impending thermal breakthrough or lack of motion of the firefighter.

Abstract: A protective garment, such as a surgeon's glove, is monitored for the occurrence of a breach in that garment. The monitoring is performed using an improved version of the system disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,036,309 and 5,109,215. The system is further improved by making the protective garment of one piece with one layer of electrically conductive material and one layer of electrically insulating material, and connecting one of the electrical contacts to the electrically conductive layer. Several forms of the protective garment are disclosed, including a dual layer garment and a triple layer garment. The triple layer garment has two forms, one of which includes an insulating layer sandwiched between two electrically conductive layers, and the other form of which has an electrically conductive layer sandwiched between two insulating layers.

Abstract: An intrusion detection apparatus for detecting the presence of an intruder in a forbidden space comprises a sensor, an illumination system, a sound system and a still camera. When the sensor detects the presence of an intruder, it switches on the illumination system and the sound system (e.g. a buzzer or an alarm), and activates the still camera to take a picture of the illuminated intruder. The sound system masks the operation of the camera so that the intruder is unaware that a picture has been taken.

Abstract: A container, e.g., case or bag, has an internal compartment with an access opening that is entirely closed with a cover having a clasp that cooperates with a latch of an electronic lock carried on the container. Preferably, the cover carries a key pad on its external surface and the key pad is in circuit to an alarm system that includes a control unit, power supply, motion and/or shock detector, and an audible alarm such as a siren. Most preferably, the power supply comprises one and preferably a pair of panels of solar cells which are also located on an external surface of the top cover. The container has one or more handles which can include a shoulder carrying strap. Preferably the container is formed of a thermally insulating material so that the container also serves as a cooler for beverage cans and the like.

Abstract: A mounting plate secures a fire extinguisher canister within a releasable securement strap, wherein the securement strap further includes a flashlight member released upon releasing of the fire extinguisher canister. An audible alarm is cooperative with a flashing light to direct a visual and audible signal in association with a smoke detector circuitry of a dwelling.

Abstract: A motion sensor includes an array of interdigitated zig zag shaped conductors, a metal sphere for bridging adjacent conductors and a housing formed of an electrically insulative material in a one-piece molded assembly defining a chamber in which the sphere rolls upon the indigitated conductors. The chamber contains a cylindrical wall and an annular wall, the latter of which is of the geometery of a right conic section coaxial with the cylindrical wall. Movement of the ball bridges and unbridges adjacent conductors to cause electrical current surges. Electronic detector provides audible signal upon detection of such current surges. The cylindrical wall serves to rigidize the housing and the tapered inner wall renders the sensor more tolerant of positioning on an installed object.

Abstract: An anti-pilferage alarm system for a cigarette carton display case. The system includes optical detectors, a control microprocessor, and an alarm. The detectors optically detect the presence of cartons within the shelf exit openings and emit carton-present signals upon such detection. The microprocessor is responsive to the signals and activates an alarm when a preselected detector signal pattern is observed. In the preferred embodiment, the alarm patterns include four signals within 15 seconds or one signal having a duration of 6.5 seconds.

Abstract: A machining fluid temperature deviation alarm device is attached to an electrical discharge machining device which, having a temperature sensor (S1) for machining fluid temperature detection and a cooler (2) for machining fluid cooling, controls the cooler in response to a temperature sensor output signal, thereby controlling the machining fluid temperature within an allowable range. The alarm device employs a second temperature sensor (S2) for determining whether the machining fluid temperature is within a predetermined temperature range set by means of a second setter (5) and encompassing the allowable machining fluid temperature range.

Abstract: A field monitoring device (FMD) for use in an electronic house arrest monitoring (EHAM) system has an infrared (IR) communications port concealed in the back of its housing. A strain relief fixture for the power cord covers the IR port during normal FMD operation. This strain relief fixture is removable only with a special tool. The IR port includes two small holes. Inside one hole is an infrared receiver. Inside the other hole is an infrared transmitter. Data communications with the FMD is established by optically linking a matching infrared receiver included in a coupling head of an IR adapter with the infrared transmitter within the FMD; and by similarly optically linking a matching infrared transmitter with the infrared receiver within the FMD. The IR adapter interfaces with a conventional data terminal, such as a personal computer, which data terminal functions as an external programmer for the FMD.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for emergency lighting has a light, a detector for gas or the like, which can produce an electric input, and a processor which can receive the electric input and produce an optic and/or acoustic alarm.

Abstract: Pulsed ultrasonic apparatus for monitoring a swimming pool includes a transmitter housing securable to a child and provides a swept frequency pulsed output from a transducer within the housing when an electrical circuit is completed by having a pair of tabs on the outside of the housing immersed in water. The output from the transducer is detected by a receiving hydrophone and the hydrophone is connected to receiver circuitry which provides an appropriate alarm signal.