Patents Examined by Glen Swann
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Patent number: 5596313Abstract: A security system is provided wherein a portable locator (10) is disposed on a protected person and, with the use of an alarm switch (88), an individual can set the locator (10) to continuously transmit an alarm signal. This alarm signal is comprised of a pseudonoise (PN) code ORed with data and transmitted over a carrier frequency. This carrier frequency is then transmitted to a plurality of fixed receivers (14). The fixed receivers (14) note the time of arrival and then determine via this time of arrival the approximate location of the locator (10). During this time, the locator (10) operates in a high power mode that is sufficient to reach each of the receivers (14). This occurs for a short time and then the locator (10) goes into a low power mode to conserve the battery. During this low power mode, a portable monitor (62) is provided that has two receivers (66) and (68). Two antennas (70) and (72) are associated therewith. The system operates on an angle of arrival method.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1995Date of Patent: January 21, 1997Assignee: Personal Security & Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Victor P. Berglund, Richard R. Jaffe
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Patent number: 5596320Abstract: Ice in particular and also other substances such as water and glycol-containing anti-icing fluids can be detected and distinguished by means of differences in their optical index of refraction. A plurality of beams at different angles of incidence are multiplexed onto the reverse side of an optical surface which is embedded in a surface to be monitored or otherwise positioned in a sampling environment. The reflected beams at the different angles are measured and refractive indexes calulated form the measured reflected beams. If the calculated refractive indexes are the same at all angles, then the substance is positively identified. If the values do not agree, then there is partial coverage, and the substance may be identified by comparison with predetermined values. The system is applicable to aircraft, where in-flight and pre-flight monitoring of icing conditions and surface contamination is needed.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1995Date of Patent: January 21, 1997Assignee: Optical Sensor Consultants Inc.Inventor: Clarence W. Barnes
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Patent number: 5594418Abstract: An expandable intrusion detection screen for use with an audible electronic alarm has first and second screen panels slidably movable in parallel relation to each other to be expandable to fit within different sized window openings. The alarm is mechanically mounted and retained within an internal peripheral channel in the frame of one of the screen panels and has an intrusion detector extending outward through the frame of the screen panel for detecting the separation of the screen panel from any part of the window against which the detector is placed when positioned in a window opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1996Date of Patent: January 14, 1997Inventor: Lyle B. Martin
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Patent number: 5594419Abstract: A table-edge hanger having a hook for hanging a personal item such as a purse or a jacket. The hook may be movably attached so it can swing side to side. The hanger can also have a decorative attachment which can be a timepiece for keeping time. Preferably, the hanger has a microswitch for triggering an alarm if the personal item is removed from the hook or removed from the table together with the hanger. The alarm can be disabled with an on/off switch if desired.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1996Date of Patent: January 14, 1997Inventor: Allen K. W. Lo
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Patent number: 5592148Abstract: The warning system includes, in one embodiment, an antenna which is tuned to an EMF frequency generated by the EMF radiating device. These EMF radiating devices may be televisions, computer monitors, cathode ray tubes or microwave ovens. An RF receiver and converter is electrically connected to the antenna. The converter generates a first control signal in the presence of the EMF radiation from the EMF radiating device. A motion sensor is mounted adjacent to the EMF radiating device. The motion sensor generates a second control signal when the motion sensor detects a moving object within a detection range. A switch, electrically connected to the converter and the motion sensor, receives the first and second control signals. The switch generates activation signals dependent upon the first and second control signals. A visual warning alarm is electrically connected to the switch and issues visual warnings dependent upon the activation signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1996Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Inventor: Nicholas S. Morales
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Patent number: 5589821Abstract: A system generates an alarm at one unit of the system when a second unit of the system is more than a predetermined distance from the first unit. The system has a first transceiver unit with a first transmitter for transmitting a first reference signal having a phase with respect to a reference source, and a first receiver for detecting a second reference signal having a phase which bears a relationship to that of the first reference signal. There is a second, portable, transceiver unit with a second transmitter for transmitting the second reference signal after receipt of the first reference signal. The first transceiver unit includes a distance resolver for determining the distance between the two transceiver units from the phases of the first and second reference signals, and an alarm, responsive to the distance resolver, for generating an alarm signal if the distance between the two transceiver units is more than a predetermined amount.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1994Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: Secure Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Roy Sallen, W. James Budzyna, Charles E. Sawabini
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Patent number: 5585791Abstract: A warning system for aircraft equipped with an autopilot system having a radio altitude hold (R/A HOLD) function and/or a barometric altitude hold (ALTITUDE HOLD) function monitors the R/A HOLD and ALTITUDE HOLD function control switches, as well as the touch-controlled steering (TCS) control to determine when the functions have been engaged. When either of the R/A HOLD or ALTITUDE HOLD function control switches are selected while the autopilot system is engaged, the system samples the radio altitude or barometric altitude at the moment that the R/A HOLD or ALTITUDE HOLD functions are selected and stores the sample as a reference or datum. The system then compares the current radio altitude or barometric altitude with the datum. Should the actual radio altitude or barometric altitude exceed the datum by a predetermined amount, a warning is generated. In order to prevent spurious warnings, the system is disabled when the touch-control steering is active.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1995Date of Patent: December 17, 1996Assignee: AlliedSignal, Inc.Inventors: Noel S. Paterson, Scott R. Gremmert, Gary A. Ostrom
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Patent number: 5583488Abstract: The spatial separation of an object from a reference location is monitored utilizing a proximity alarm system which comprises a transceiver station mounted on the object and a repeater station at the reference location. Both stations function to generate and transmit an encoded rf signal in a half-duplex manner, with the transceiver station initiating the process. In one embodiment of the system, a phase delay is measured between a remote signal originating at the transceiver station and a corresponding decoded timing signal received from the repeater station. Correlation of the phase delay with a reference value ascertains the distance between the stations and an alarm at the transceiver station is actuated when the distance exceeds a predetermined value. A second embodiment of the system employs a clock driven counter that is stopped when a predetermined multiple of decoded timing signals is received at the transceiver station in response to iterative transmissions therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1995Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Inventors: Nicola R. Sala, Rocco L. Sala
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Patent number: 5578991Abstract: The system includes (1) a sensor for detecting a separation of the portable computer from an object, the sensor transitioning from an inactivated state to an activated state when the portable computer is separated and (2) an alarm circuit coupled to the sensor and having a disarmed state and an armed state, the alarm circuit detecting when the sensor is in the activated state and issuing a notification when the alarm circuit is in the armed state and the sensor is in the activated state.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1994Date of Patent: November 26, 1996Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.Inventor: Erica J. Scholder
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Patent number: 5576694Abstract: A disruption generator is provided for use in an electronic animal confinement system for preventing undesirable correction of the animal in the vicinity of incidental conductive structures capable of coupling and re-radiating a transmitter signal for controlling the animal. The disruption generator produces a disruption signal for masking, preventing, or otherwise interfering with reception of the transmitter signal by an animal control receiver device mounted on the animal. The disruption generator can be connected to such incidental conductive structures as utility conduits, door frames, household wiring, and the like, to prevent undesirable correction of the animal in the vicinity thereof due to inductive or resonant coupling of the transmitter signal by such structures.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1995Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Assignee: Invisible Fence Company, Inc.Inventors: Scott F. Touchton, Albert T. Ernst, Jr.
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Patent number: 5576693Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for remote sensing of objects, said method including the steps of marking said objects with at least one label (10) comprising at least one electrical resonant circuit (14) having an induction means (11) and a capacitor means (12), exciting said resonant circuit (14) to resonance at a resonant frequency, and detecting said resonant frequency of said resonant circuit (14) by the electromagnetic energy transmitted from said resonant circuit (14). An element (13) of a magnetic material having a varying permeability is coupled inductively to said induction element (11). The resonant frequency of said resonant circuit (14) is affected by the permeability of said element (13) of magnetic material, and said element (13) of magnetic material is exposed to an external and spatially heterogenous magnetic bias field through which the permeability of said element (13) of magnetic material is controlled.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1994Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Assignee: RSO Corporation N.V.Inventors: Carl Tyren, Leif Persson
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Patent number: 5574432Abstract: An apparatus attachable to a shoe for deploying a rescue signal includes a base attachable to a rear section of a conventional shoe. The base comprises strips coupled to a lower extent thereof and extended horizontally therefrom. The strips each have a plurality of buttons coupled thereto. The base also comprises a slot formed on an top surface thereof. Also included is a restraining unit adapted to secure about an upper extent of the shoe. The restraining unit comprises an annular band adapted to slidably insert within the slot of the base. The restraining unit further includes a pair of generally triangular members attached to the band and extended downwardly therefrom. The triangular members each have a plurality of buttonholes coupleable to the buttons disposed on the strips of the base. A metal rod is adapted to insert within a lateral bore formed in a heel of the shoe and further within a pair of apertures formed in the strips.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1996Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Inventor: Steven R. McCarthy
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Patent number: 5574429Abstract: A self contained, programmable alarm system is securely attached to an article and activates an alarm device when the article is moved. A programmable controller provides the operational routines which determine the function of the alarm system. Non-position-sensitive, vibration activated switching means are included for activating the alarm device after sensing movement of the article. The alarm system can be mounted in a water resistant enclosure that can be locked by a further switch that physically locks the enclosure to the article, electrically connects power to the alarm system, and provides access to a secure compartment within the enclosure for battery storage.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1993Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Inventor: Robert W. Streeter
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Patent number: 5574433Abstract: A personal security alarm is combined with a wristwatch to be readily accessible on a user's wrist in an emergency situation. An exposed activation button has a large surface to be easily activated by a person's finger or face; a reset button is hidden on the underside of the device to require removal of a buckle fastener before resetting can be done.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1996Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Assignee: ArmAlarm IncorporatedInventor: James Bahcall
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Patent number: 5570079Abstract: A security system has a flee-standing intrusion detector. The free standing intrusion detector has a transmitter coupled with a portable receiver to alert a homeowner that an intrusion has taken place or occurred within a pre-set time period. The area under surveillance is monitored by an infrared detector which activates the transmitter upon the detection of abrupt differences in infrared radiation levels, associated with the presence of a warm body in an otherwise equilibrated environment. A radio signal is emitted by the transmitter which is received by the portable hand-held remote receiver. A first signal, indicating that an intrusion has been detected less than a preselected period of time in the past in the monitored areas, is displayed on the receiver for that preselected period of time.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1995Date of Patent: October 29, 1996Inventor: Devan Dockery
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Patent number: 5568125Abstract: A two-step continuous annealing process is applied to an amorphous metal alloy ribbon. During the first annealing step, a saturating transverse magnetic field is applied, and the field is omitted during the second annealing step. After the two annealing steps, the material is cut into discrete strips suitable for use as active elements in pulsed-field magnetomechanical EAS markers. The resulting markers exhibit satisfactory total frequency shift and ring-down signal amplitude characteristics, without excessive sensitivity to bias field variations.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1995Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics CorporationInventor: Nen-Chin Liu
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Patent number: 5568127Abstract: A drowsiness warning device includes a band which is securable about a wearer's neck, and an alarm positioned by the band below the wearer's chin for producing a tactile and an aural warning as the chin contacts the alarm device. The band includes a central section formed with a vertically stiff plastic material which is capable of holding a lower elongated body of the alarm therein. An upper rounded dome section of the alarm extends above the central section. The band also includes a pair of straps having hook and loop tape fasteners, and intermediate sections between the straps and the central section lined with a fibrous material for wearer comfort. In one embodiment, the alarm includes a hollow elastomeric ball having a mechanical noisemaker disposed within an air inlet/outlet aperture for the ball. In another embodiment, the alarm includes an electrically actuated speaker connectable to a battery on depression of the upper rounded dome.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1995Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Assignee: Richard M. BangInventor: Harry H. J. Bang
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Patent number: 5568123Abstract: A device is mounted inside the interior space defined by a cabinet to alert a supervising adult that a child has opened the cabinet door. The device is mounted so that an outer face of its housing is directed outwardly adjacent to the opening closed by the door. A perpendicular mounting end is attached to an inner sidewall surface of the cabinet. An activator switch has a lever or button biased to project outwardly from the outer face of the housing. The closing of the cabinet door moves the projecting lever into a depressed position. When the cabinet door is opened, movement of the lever into a projecting position activates an audible alarm. In alternate embodiments, one or more of the components of the device may be provided in a separate housing part mounted outside the cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1995Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Inventor: Charles F. Derheim
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Patent number: 5568126Abstract: A physiological-condition monitoring system is attached to a person for providing monitored physiological data signals. A computer system processes the physiological data signals to determine whether the person may have suddenly experienced fear by comparing the monitored physiological data with stored stress profile data for the person. The stress profile data is based upon prior measurements of the monitored physiological conditions of the person during situations of stress. When such processing by the computer system determines that the person may have suddenly experienced fear, the computer system provides an alarm-indication signal to an initial alarm indicator. If the initial alarm indication was false or if the condition causing the person to suddenly experience fear was very brief and no longer poses a threat, the person can operate an alarm deactuation switch to cause the computer system to discontinue the alarm indication signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1995Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Inventors: Stig L. Andersen, Jens O. Sorensen
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Patent number: 5563580Abstract: A security system for pools and spas incorporates two distinct sections. The first control means allows for automatic operation and consists of sensors that detect and keep track of the number of adults entering or leaving the pool area and deactivate or activate the second control means of the system. Within the second control means, a motion detector first senses movement of an animate object in the area adjacent to the pool, which then interrupts, for a certain period of time, pool cleaning equipment to allow the aquatic sonic transducer to operate at a more effective sensitivity which senses frequencies characteristic of splashing over other sounds, coupled to circuitry responsive to the same frequencies. When splashing is detected, alarms are activated which then need to be reset.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1995Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Inventor: James O. Stephens