Patents Examined by Glen R. Swann
  • Patent number: 5258745
    Abstract: A temperature sensor (10), which is connected to a sampling/recording meter (14), is imbedded in a diaper (22). The meter measures and records the temperature of the sensor at time intervals of, for example, one minute over a predetermined period of, for example, three days. The temperature and time data are then loaded from the meter to a computer (30), which causes a printer (40) to plot temperature versus time data in graphical format, and numerical format. Voiding events are identified. Thereafter, at a short time before the person will void, the person can voluntarily use a toilet or bed pan either alone or with the assistance of care giver. This voluntary voiding is an example of intervention. The meter includes an event button (44) that allows the recording and later printing of a symbol representing a specific event and the time the event occurred. The symbols may be used in identifying voiding events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Inventor: Joyce C. Colling
  • Patent number: 5258743
    Abstract: A piezoelectric resilient arm contacts a projected object and establishes a reference relative to sensitivity means and differential detector means including feedback coupled amplifier means which operates in cooperation with a balanced square wave generator means for producing a switched output upon detecting motion. An alarm signal is produced which has a duration related to the rate of change of movement of the piezoelectric resilient arm. Programmable delay means appropriately enables an annunciator and/or wireless communication link to a system controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Uniplex Corporation
    Inventors: Jon Nelson, William W. Williamson
  • Patent number: 5257009
    Abstract: A tag for an electronic article surveillance system which includes a circuit means for reradiating a predetermined tag signal and voltage dependent means in circuit with the circuit means. The voltage dependent means has a capacitance which can be varied with a change in voltage to selectively enable the circuit means and disable the circuit means from being able to reradiate the predetermined tag signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Doug Narlow
  • Patent number: 5257010
    Abstract: A process and circuit device for the deactivation and subsequent proof of a resonance label which has a resonant circuit with a certain Q factor and a certain frequency. The resonant circuit is energized with and disabled by a deactivation energy during deactivation. During deactivation, time is divided into a continuous alternating sequence of first and second time periods which directly follow one another. A transmission antenna transmits a deactivation energy during each of the first periods of time in the form of a sequence of separate deactivation impulses to cause the resonant circuit of the resonance label to oscillate in a resonant mode. The height and the width of each of the deactivation impulses and the number of the deactivation impulses within the impulse sequence are such that the impulse sequence delivers sufficient energy to deactivate the resonance label. The transmission is stopped and the transmission antenna is disabled for each of the second periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Actron Entwicklungs
    Inventor: Jurgen Rehder
  • Patent number: 5257008
    Abstract: A compressed air system includes an air dryer which includes a desiccant for drying compressed air passed through the desiccant before the compressed air is received in a storage reservoir. A humidity sensor is installed in the system downstream of the desiccant for measuring the relatively humidity of the air after it passes through the air dryer. A control module is programmed such that if the humidity level increases above 80%, a timer is started. If a time period of several hours elapses without the humidity level decreasing below 50%, a depleted desiccant and/or a system malfunction is indicated, and an appropriate warning device is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventor: Naman A. Elamin
  • Patent number: 5254973
    Abstract: A security circuit includes a power supply and one or more modular switch units and a modular alarm unit. Each modular unit includes two standard multiple-conductor telephone jack sockets, with at least one conductor of each socket connected to the circuitry of the unit, with all of the other conductors of one socket being respectively directly connected in-line to the corresponding conductors of the other socket. The modular units are interconnectable with standard telephone connector cables having modular telephone jack plugs mateable with the sockets. The power supply may be a battery which may also be provided with modular telephone jack sockets. Alternatively, the circuit may be powered from the RS-232 serial port of a personal computer, the telephone connector cable being coupled thereto through a standard adapter. Different versions of switch units and alarm units are disclosed. Series circuits are terminated with a spiral terminator plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventor: John H. Gilmore, II
  • Patent number: 5254975
    Abstract: A pair of temperature detection devices having different heat time constants and an active device having a predetermined bias are connected in series. The bias is set so as to cause the active device to operate in a saturated region if the temperature is higher than a dangerous level, and to operate in a triode region if the temperature is lower than the dangerous level. The temperature detection devices are chosen so as to cause the voltage generated at the junction of the temperature detection devices to be higher than a predetermined reference voltage if the temperature has been raised to the dangerous level when the temperature is raised slowly, or if the temperature is raised rapidly, even if the temperature is lower than the dangerous level. A constant temperature function and a differential function are generated to detect that a fire has taken place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Hochiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuo Torikoshi
  • Patent number: 5252948
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Miquest Corporation
    Inventors: Donald L. Goris, David A. Noorman
  • Patent number: 5250927
    Abstract: A door-stop alarm has a frame adapted to be affixed to an inside surface of a door, and a rotatable lever carried on the frame rotatably movable between a position engaging a floor surface and a position away from engagement with the floor surface. Means for are provided for translating rotational movement caused by slight opening of the door to upward movement of one end of the rotatable lever. An alarm switch is provided within the frame, and a projection on the rotatable lever engages the alarm switch upon upward movement of the rotatable lever. The rotatable lever comprises a portion to engage the alarm switch for turning the alarm circuit on and off when the lever is rotated to a position away from the position engaging the floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: Kervis P. Nevels
  • Patent number: 5247281
    Abstract: This detector comprises a variable radio frequency oscillator (1) producing a first electrical signal, a transmission circuit (3) with a capacitive antenna to which said first signal is applied, a reception circuit (6) forming, with the transmission circuit (3), a selective coupler for picking up a second electrical signal at the frequency of the oscillator, and a circuit (9) for comparing the phases of the first and second electrical signals and producing an output signal in response to a variation of the phase shift between said signals due to the presence in the surroundings of the antenna of a foreign body to be detected.The detector further comprises a feedback circuit (13) driven by the output signal of the comparison circuit (9) and controlling the oscillator (1) in order to make the frequency of the first signal vary in the sense which tends to cancel out said variation of the phase shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Societe anonyme dite Bertin & Cie
    Inventors: Pierre Facon, Pierre Sajot
  • Patent number: 5245316
    Abstract: An identification marking system for objects involves giving each object its own electronic name tag. The electronic name tag can be specific amount of ferrite material that has been added to the object. An electronic reader system then measures the effect said object has on an identifying circuit as the object passes in close proximity to the identifying circuit. The measured effect is then compared to a pre-established value. The value on the electronic reader system becomes the electronic name tag for this specific object. It is not necessary to add ferrite to the objects to be identified. Most materials have a measurable effect on a variety of electronic circuits. An electronic name tag may well be established by simply placing an object in the vicinity of a particular circuit and measuring the results. The results are then compared to a pre-determined set of values. The results of this comparison will provide an electronic name tag for this specific object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Charles C. Conner
  • Patent number: 5245317
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for monitoring an item within a defined area and sounding an alarm if the item is removed from the area. A transmitter and transducers emit ultrasound which substantially saturates the area to be monitored. A security tag having a detector and alarm is attached to the items to be monitored within the area. Sensing circuits may be additionally provided to determine whether a security tag is being tampered with or removed by an unauthorized person. The security tag's alarm is sounded in the event that the receiver does not detect the ultrasound indicating that the monitored item is no longer in the monitored area. Additional alarms may be provided for indicating that the security tag has been tampered with or removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventors: Duncan Chidley, Paul J. Allen
  • Patent number: 5241297
    Abstract: Movement or removal of a display object placed on a base is detected by a switch mechanism for closing an electrical circuit, having an elongated plunger and a device for maintaining the throw length of the switch mechanism substantially constant and independent of the distance the plunger is depressed upon setting of the alarm. Detection of extremely short plunger travel is enabled without special adjustments in the plunger length. A "tilt" switch may be added for added sensitivity. A plurality of bases, each with its own switch, may be grouped with a single signalling device to provide an alarm system. Portions of the circuitry may be grouped in modular form for introduction into the base housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Gregory L. Goodman
  • Patent number: 5241300
    Abstract: A transilluminated optical fiber is placed adjacent to an infant's respiratory moving parts using an elastic fabric. Use is made of the effect that moving the fiber causes a modulation of the intensity of the transmitted light to monitor the infant's breathing pattern to avoid S(udden) I(nfant) D(eath) S(yndrome).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Johannes Buschmann
  • Patent number: 5241298
    Abstract: A batteryless, portable, frequency divider includes a first resonant circuit that is resonant at a first frequency for receiving electromagnetic radiation at the first frequency; and a second resonant circuit that is resonant at a second frequency that is one-half the first frequency for transmitting electromagnetic radiation at the second frequency; and a circuit element electrically connecting the first resonant circuit to the second resonant circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Security Tag Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ming R. Lian, Fred W. Herman
  • Patent number: 5239319
    Abstract: A micropump supervisory control method and apparatus having various functions, such as annunciation and safety measures. The control method and apparatus accurately control trace discharge rates through adjustment of the number and frequency of driving pulses for a piezoelectric valve element. In addition, the control method provides discharge, life-prediction and life-expiration warning, and operation acknowledge alarms and annunciations while driving the micropump, each having a predetermined sounding pattern. Micropump functions are also inhibited when a power source is reconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Miyazaki, Masaaki Handa, Taisuke Uehara, Tsukasa Muranaka
  • Patent number: 5239300
    Abstract: An operating unit for the manual control of a plurality of functions of different apparatuses, especially for hospitals or hotels, has a modular design and comprises a box-like main module and at least one slat-like submodule. At least one device, the function of which is controlled by manual key operation, is arranged in or at the main module. Accessory devices can be arranged within the submodules. The unit is characterized by comfortable handling and great versatility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Telehotel-TV-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Reimar Berger, Markus Borgens
  • Patent number: 5237310
    Abstract: A monitor (10) includes a transducer (20) registered with a pump (22) for generating electrical signals reflecting the status of the pump (22). The output of the transducer (20) is conditioned by a pump monitor circuit (16) to indicate the status (18) of the pump (22) and for subsequent delivery to an alarm processing unit (C) and alarm condition (D). The monitor (10) reports both normal and abnormal pump (22) conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Inco Limited
    Inventor: Michael Smith
  • Patent number: 5237307
    Abstract: A tamper-sensing system for an electronic tag 10 which is to be fixed to a surface 11 of an article 12, the tamper-sensing system comprising a capacitor having two non-contacting, capacitively-coupled elements 16, 19. Fixing of the body to the article will establish a precise location of the capacitor elements 16 and 19 relative to each other. When interrogated, the tag will generate a tamper-sensing signal having a value which is a function of the amount of capacity of the capacitor elements. The precise relative location of the capacitor elements cannot be duplicated if the tag is removed and affixed to a surrogate article having a fiducial capacitor element 19 fixed thereto. A very small displacement, in the order of 2-10 microns, of the capacitor elements relative to each other if the tag body is removed and fixed to a surrogate article will result in the tamper-sensing signal having a different, and detectable, value when the tag is interrogated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Dale G. Gritton
  • Patent number: 5237309
    Abstract: A medical pumping system has a supply tube (2), an outlet tube (6), a readily sterilizable, disposable cassette (3) connected to the tubes and engaged with the pump, and means (22,24) such as a motor-driven piston, for intermittently applying pressure to the cassette. The pumping system features a display and switch means (9, 10) on a front panel thereof, a pressure sensor (28), an optical fluid presence sensor (19), and a microprocessor (20) metering the volume of fluid pumped through said cassette (3), monitoring output signals from said sensors (18, 28), controlling the motor-driven piston in accordance with settings entered via said switch means (9,10), and directing output data to said display means (8). The microprocessor has a stored program for performing SET RATE, RUN, HOLD, VOLUME FED, and CLEAR VOLUME functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Frantz Medical Development, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark G. Frantz, Thomas J. Pavsek, Mark R. Honard, Lawrence M. Sears, Ying Shen