Patents Examined by Glen Swann
  • Patent number: 6064305
    Abstract: An alarm or monitoring system for a computer network in which network devices are able to be "locked" onto the network, in which condition an alarm is raised if the device is removed. This occurs even when the device is switched off, as the monitoring of the presence of the device is performed by the network. Alternatively, the device may be "unlocked" from the network, in which condition no alarm is raised even if the device is removed. Control of whether a particular network device is subject to the alarm system is therefore in the hands of the user of the device and this is particularly useful for items such as lap-top computers which may quite legitimately be regularly connected to and disconnected from the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: 3Com Technologies
    Inventor: Terry Lockyer
  • Patent number: 6064307
    Abstract: A method for relating information about an article to a finder of that object, person, or animal including providing an identification device proximate the article. Providing the identification device with a telephone number, code, and instruction for a finder of the article to call the telephone number. Using the telephone number to link the finder to a clearing house. The clearing house prompt the finder to enter the code. Using the code, the clearing house accesses information about the article and forwards the call to the proper recipient of the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: John P. Herres, Jr.
    Inventor: Ronald B. Silver
  • Patent number: 6064308
    Abstract: An RF signaling system and system for controlling the whereabouts of animals utilizing same functions, in a preferred embodiment, by efficiently establishing well-defined electronic boundaries using small, battery powered transmitters transmitting constant envelope RF signals in a near-field regime by repetitively delivering trains of brief, low duty cycle pulses of electrical energy to a resonant circuit which includes an antenna at a low RF carrier frequency corresponding to the resonant frequency of the circuit. During intervals between pulses, the resonant circuit is effectively isolated from the circuit delivering the pulses to minimize loading effects. Further energy efficiency is achieved by interposing inactive interals between at least some successive transmissions of the RF signals represented by the pulse trains. The RF signals emitted by the transmitters are digitally encoded as are those emitted from a wire loop coupled to an optional wire loop unit to define a wire loop boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Pole/Zero Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph J. Janning, Eugene A. Janning
  • Patent number: 6060987
    Abstract: A device that is retrofittably adapted to a refrigerator warns of a refrigerator door ajar condition. The normal refrigerator internal light is removed and the device is fitted into the light fixture. The light may then be affixed to the device. The device thus receives AC potential each time the refrigerator door is ajar. A time interval counter measures how long the door is ajar, and if a predetermined time interval is exceeded, a alarm is given. The device may also monitor internal refrigerator storage space temperature and sound an alarm when the refrigerator door is ajar if internal temperature is high, to alert of perhaps impending failure. The alarm may include audible, visual, and wirelessly transmitted signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Kim Marlia
  • Patent number: 6057761
    Abstract: A microwave/dielectric-response-based security system, and a related methodology, for detecting contraband. The system (which implements the associated method) includes an interrogation region through which a target that is to be screened passes, an appropriate transmitter/receiver array that operates adjacent this region for illuminating, and monitoring a dielectric response received from, a target in the region, and electronics which effectively produce output data that is interpretable to identify the presence or absence of contraband associated with the illuminated target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Spatial Dynamics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tex Yukl
  • Patent number: 6057764
    Abstract: An alarm system having motion violation sensors (motion or other presence detectors and door and window switches) can have a potential alarm condition be determined to not be a violation of the secured space in response to an authorization code transmitted by a personal device worn by a user. In one embodiment, the personal device transmits an authorization code periodically to bypass sensors in that room for an interval slightly longer than the period between transmissions. In another embodiment, a request for authorization is transmitted in response to a potential alarm condition, in response to which the device transmits the code. In one embodiment, a single authorization code is changed each time the alarm is disarmed, thereby to prevent recordation and subsequent use thereof. Another embodiment responds to plural authorization codes, such as ID numbers of authorized personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Melvin P. Williams
  • Patent number: 6057762
    Abstract: An alarm assembly for alerting a golfer whenever a golf club has been left behind includes a transponder unit attachable to the shaft of a golf club. The transponder unit is in selective communication with a remote unit attached to the golf bag or to the golfer. The remote unit is responsive to the transponder only within a predetermined range. The remote unit includes an audible and visual alarm, one of which is activated whenever the transponder is not within the predetermined range. The transponder unit is specifically configured such that it is only activated when attached to a golf club so as to not trigger false alarms when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: David C. Dusza
  • Patent number: 6054928
    Abstract: A system and method for tracking, monitoring and learning prisoner or parolee behavior involves obtaining prisoner or parolee data and monitoring data for at least one individual prisoner or parolee, storing the prisoner or parolee data and monitored data into a database, learning prisoner or parolee behavior from the prisoner or parolee data and the monitored data in the database, and updating the prisoner or parolee data and the monitored data in the database. Expert system (i.e. including but not limited to fuzzy logic, reinforcement learning, neural networks, artificial intelligence, etc.) algorithms are executed for determining and analyzing deviated behavior by the prisoner or parolee. A parole level is assigned to the prisoner or parolee and it is determined whether the prisoner or parolee is to be moved up or down a parole level depending on whether the prisoner or parolee behavior does not constitute or does constitute prisoner or parolee violations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventors: Jerome H. Lemelson, deceased, by Dorothy Lemelson, executrix, Robert D. Pedersen, John H. Hiett
  • Patent number: 6054925
    Abstract: A transponder 20 for an electronic identification system transponder is characterized in that it presents a high input impedance (>400.OMEGA.) at an input thereof which is directly connected to an antenna 22 with a matched high input impedance. The transponder is aimed at improving the voltage recovered on capacitor C.sub.2 from an interrogation signal and thus the operational range of the system. The modulator 30 of the transponder is arranged to backscatter modulate the interrogation signal at a modulation depth of less than 80%, preferably in the order of 30%. This also results in an improvement of the operational range of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Data Investments Limited
    Inventors: David Edwin Proctor, Christopher Gordon Gervase Turner
  • Patent number: 6054921
    Abstract: An alarmed roll shutter assembly includes a frame, a shutter that moves along the frame from a closed position to an open position, a pressure actuated sensor disposed in close proximity to the shutter and an alarm that detects actuation of the pressure actuated sensor to sound an alarm and/or turn on lights. The pressure actuated sensor may be disposed between the frame and the shutter when the shutter is in a closed position and is mounted to detect pressure caused by the shutter being forced against the frame at high pressure, such as pressure caused by placing a crowbar or other tool between the shutter and the frame and prying the shutter and frame apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: James V. Miller
  • Patent number: 6046678
    Abstract: A protective device for storage and transport containers comprises, in accordance with the present invention, a housing or frame carrying a sensor for detecting orientation, an attachment element for securing the housing or frame to a container, an alarm mounted to the housing or frame and operatively coupled to the sensor for generating a cognizable alert signal upon detection by the sensor that the container is in an orientation other than a predetermined preferred orientation, and an activation element mounted to the housing or frame and operatively connected to the sensor and/or the alarm for enabling operation of that component after securing of the housing or frame to the container. The activation element preferably includes a switching component for enabling operation of the alarm only after securing of the housing or frame to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Peter J. Wilk
  • Patent number: 6043741
    Abstract: A threshold warning system is installed directly on a conventional lift to fully comply with the SAE standard No. J2093. The threshold warning system comprises a sensor device for sensing whether there is an object crossing the boundary of the threshold zone, and a platform position indication device for determining whether the platform is in an unsafe position. The threshold warning system comprises an audible and/or visual warning device for warning a wheelchair user or a passenger when the user or passenger moves into a threshold zone from the vehicle opening while the platform is in an unsafe level for exiting from or boarding into the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Ricon Corporation
    Inventor: Sean J. Whitmarsh
  • Patent number: 6040773
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification tag system (10) utilizes a radio frequency identification tag (16) that includes stored tag information. The tag includes an antenna element (30) and a common electrode (28). The antenna element electrostatically receives an exciter signal (34) from a proximately-located electrostatic exciter (12). Upon receiving the exciter signal, the tag becomes energized, thereby causing it to generate a read signal (36) based on the stored tag information. The antenna element then electrostatically sends the read signal to a proximately-located reader (14), which detects the stored tag information. In addition, exactly one of the tag common electrode and the tag antenna element is arranged to magnetically store tag state information. The tag state information represents exactly one state of two possible states and is read by a proximately-located magnetic reader (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Allen Vega, Noel H. Eberhardt
  • Patent number: 6034607
    Abstract: An electronic freezer thermometer alarm computes an estimation of contents temperature in a freezer from the freezer air temperature. The calculated contents temperature is displayed by a LCD display and is used to trigger a sound alarm, by use of a piezoelectric buzzer, in case of too high a value. Alternatively, the freezer air temperature is used to start a timer that triggers the alarm several minutes after the freezer air temperature have risen above the limit value. In this case, the displayed temperature is the freezer air temperature. In both cases, freezer air temperature acquisition is done by the resistance measurement of a thermoresistor placed into a small case constituting the temperature probe. The thermometer housing has two magnets to keep on freezer external surface. The temperature probe is connected to the housing by a small thickness of wire going under the freezer door gasket. The thermometer is energized by a lithium battery placed into the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Pierre Vidaillac
  • Patent number: 6034602
    Abstract: A computer monitor system including an infrared motion detecting switch that deactivates the monitor after a predetermined delay during which no movement is detected in the vicinity of the monitor. The system is designed to prevent damage to the screens through excessive use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Stephan Brice Quibodeaux
  • Patent number: 6031456
    Abstract: A detector that can detect an obstacle in a detection field with simple configuration and at low cost is provided. In the detector 10 having a base 11 to be mounted on a ceiling, a wall, or the like, a sensor section 12 which is mounted on the surface of the base, and a cover which is mounted on the base so as to cover the sensor section, the detector 10 is configured such that a obstacle detection sensor 20 for detecting a change of reflectance on and around the surface of the cover can be provided outside the cover 13. The obstacle detection sensor 20 includes light emitting elements 25 and 26 for emitting light to locations on and around the surfaces of the cover, and a light receiving element 24 for receiving reflected light from those locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Nippon Aleph Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Hanyuda
  • Patent number: 6028517
    Abstract: The status of deposits or withdrawals of items in a receptacle is indicated to one or more users having access to the receptacle. A receptacle is accessible by at least one user and is capable of containing an item. A deposit/withdrawal sensor for sensing a deposit or withdrawal of an item in the receptacle is also provided. A user identifier for identifying a user having access to the receptacle during the deposit or withdrawal of the item sensed by the deposit/withdrawal sensor is employed by the system. One or more indicators that are responsive to the deposit/withdrawal sensor and the user identifier are provided to indicate a deposit or withdrawal of the item in the receptacle by the identified user. The indicators may be placed on the receptacle or may be located remote from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Sansone, Richard A. Bernard, Fran E. Blackman, Denis J. Stemmle, Daniel F. Dlugos, Edilberto I. Salazar, Karin A Russo, John N. D. Moody
  • Patent number: 6028518
    Abstract: An electronic system verifies that an article has been tagged with an electronic article surveillance marker. The marker includes a resonant circuit for use in detecting the presence of the article by receiving an interrogation signal and returning a response signal. In the system, the physical presence of an article is detected using an article presence detector which outputs an article presence signal upon physical detection thereof. An interrogation zone is monitored with an interrogator for disturbances in the form of a response signal caused by the presence of a marker within the interrogation zone. The interrogator outputs an interrogator output signal when a marker is detected in the interrogation zone. The article presence signals and the interrogator output signals are received in a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Rankin, Anthony F. Piccoli
  • Patent number: 6025782
    Abstract: A capacitive array is housed within a polyester mat or other appropriate nonconductive substrate material which is interconnected with a control module. The control module supplies to the capacitive array a suitable oscillator driver current and concurrently senses capacitance value changes within the capacitive array induced through dielectric shifts within the array brought about by the proximity or absence thereof of the patient's body mass. The control module consists of a power supply, a driver/sensor circuit, a calibration/comparator logic circuit, a system interconnection integrity circuit, and an alarm generation circuit. It may also optionally contain a nurse call relay circuit for interconnection to a facility's nurse call system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Paul Newham
  • Patent number: 6023225
    Abstract: The device of the present invention, positionable in or on a golf bag, monitors golf club location. The device includes a marker mechanism, positionable on a golf club that imparts a unique identification to the club. The device also includes sensing mechanisms for sensing removal and return of the golf club into or out of the bag by sensing a change with respect to the marker. The device also includes a readout mechanism that receives a signal from the return and removal mechanisms and transmits the status to the golfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Jeffrey V. Boley
    Inventors: Jeffrey V. Boley, Neil M. Goldman