Abstract: A proximity detector including a rapid transistor (i.e., one having a very high product gain-band) connected to a high potential voltage via a capacitor. The capacitor is connected in series to a source of a pulsed current that is a function of the proximity of an object. The capacitor is also connected to a low potential voltage via an RC circuit. The mid-point of the RC circuit is connected to the collector of a transistor connected to the high potential voltage by a collector resistor in parallel with a gain resistor of the amplifier.

Abstract: A deactivation method for an antitheft adhesive label used with clothes and the like is disclosed. The method involves applying mechanical pressure on the label to release gel in the anti-theft device, thus modifying its physical characteristics and deactivating the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for alerting personnel in response to an alarm from an automated system. The monitoring system detects an alarm. Upon detection of the alarm, the monitoring system searches a list. The list includes contact numbers, wherein each contact number has a corresponding contact person, delay time, and a contact day and time for when each contact number should be used. A current day and time is matched with a contact day and time from the list. Upon a successful match, a contact person corresponding to the matched contact day and time is notified using a contact number corresponding to the matched contact day and time. If after a delay time corresponding to the matched contact day and time the alarm is not reset, a next contact number from the list having a contact day and time matching the current day and time is used to notify a contact person corresponding to the next contact day and time. A next contact number is selected and used from the list until the alarm is reset.

Abstract: A field programmable tracking device which includes a programmably channelized multichannel transmitter. The transmitter includes a magnetically operable circuit which allows external programmability of transmission channel selection. Activation of the magnetically operable circuit for a first period of time activates a microcontroller. Continued activation of the magnetically operable circuit for a second period of time causes the microcontroller to initiate a verified channel count. Once a desired channel count is verified, activation of the magnetically operable circuit is stopped to select the desired channel. The transmitter is provided with a flexible antenna. Both the transmitter and the flexible antenna can be coupled to a collar.

Abstract: An optional security system for monitoring door opening is designed to be plugged into the main board of a slot machine without any change of hardware or addition of extra switches. This security system allows time stamping of any access to the machine interior and will operate while the machine is powered down. Standard and optional security is designed so that when the optional security module is added it can share the same sensors as the standard system. The normal security system does not prevent the security module functioning when the power is off. Ideally, a security module can be plugged into a machine and take over or add the new security features. The isolation between the main board and the security system is achieved by the use of schottky diodes. When operating from battery power, the security subsystem remains in a low power drain "sleep" state for the majority of the time, "waking up" periodically to check the door switches and then going to sleep again.

Abstract: A driver dozing preventing apparatus includes a device for issuing a doze prevention alarm signal, and a device for outputting an alarm sound having a moving acoustic image of a fundamental sound when the alarm signal is issued.

Abstract: In a system for planning, visualizing, tracking and analyzing physical objects such as merchandise in a retail space, a transponder is attached to each object and the transponders are interrogated periodically by a transmitter. Receivers receive the transponder signals and direct the received signals to a location processor which determines the location of each object. The locations of the objects can be displayed in various formats on a two or three dimensional map of the space. When objects are moved, they are interrogated more frequently so that traffic patterns in the space can be displayed.

Abstract: An alarm prioritizing system for use with a medical device categorizes the alarms into high, medium and low priority alarms. With the medium and high priority alarms, there is a visual indication and a audible sound that cannot be fully muted. With certain alarms, however, the operator can, by a positive and deliberate input, de-escalate the alarm priority from a medium priority alarm to a low priority alarm where the audible sound is muted and only a visual indication is thereafter provided. There is a time delay between the time the user actually starts the de-escalation process before it is effected to enable the user to properly identify the alarm and its location on a visual display panel. As a further feature, the same visual indication shifts from a medium priority alarm location to a low priority alarm location.

Abstract: A rugged ultrasonic sensor is provided which is capable of detecting objects in very close proximity to the sensor. This close proximity detection includes the detection of objects which are immediately adjacent the sensor housing. Such close range operation is achieved by tailoring the transducer to operate at previously undesirable conditions, including low Q and high frequency. Such operating conditions allow the resonating characteristics of the transducer not to interfere with close range operation.

Abstract: A control system utilizes generated acoustic or electromagnetic waves within a deformable wall wave guide. The wave guide is located in the surveillance area and, upon the wave guide being deformed by an obstruction or an intruder, the characteristics of the wave within the change. The change is sensed by a receiver which produces a control signal to activate an alarm and/or an operating system if the control system is used to control moving elements, such as a door or gate. The wave guide can constitute a homogeneous portion of door weatherstripping.

Abstract: The system is adapted to receive input signals relating to the pressure in a firefighter's breathing system as well as 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 tag for theft prevention is provided for decreasing the porion covering the inside of a container case as much as possible while being capable of carrying out detection without being affected adversely by a recording medium. The tag for theft prevention includes a detecting circuit which is positioned at the circumference edge of at least one of the sides of a container case in the thickness direction of the recording medium and is capable of detecting electric waves.

Abstract: A light beam, preferably from a laser, is reflected from a target, which is a potential intruder. The time period required for the beam to return to a light detector, as well as the intensity of the reflected light, is recorded. The system includes a computer and software for analyzing the measurements of distance and intensity of reflected light. The algorithm for detecting the presence of an intruder is based on changes in the measured distance and/or intensity of reflected light from initial measurements made during a "learning" period. The system tracks targets using data collected in consecutive searches of the area to be protected. Preferably, an alarm is sounded and/or a video camera is slaved to the system.

Abstract: A sleep detection and alarm system includes a sensor for sensing physiological changes in a user indicating the onset of sleep, an alarm, and an alarm activation mechanism connected to the sensor for sounding the alarm upon detection of the changes by the sensor to awaken the user. The sensor preferably includes a wrist band, an instrument housing mounted to the wrist band and containing a power source, a microprocessor, a piezoelectric crystal for sensing pressure variations between the user wrist and the wrist band, and a mechanism for feeding electronic information in the form of an analog signal to the microprocessor for processing and selectively sounding the alarm. The system preferably additionally includes a filtering mechanism for filtering the analog signals before they reach the microprocessor for removing sudden variations and non-sinusoidal components of repetitive heart and blood stream sounds, so that only continuously varying signals are sensed and analyzed.

Abstract: A gate alarm system includes a gate of a wire or cable between supports, a gate entry and a gate alarm comprising a gate alarm housing, a switch, a switch activating device, a spring or coiled wire for biasing the switch activating device, an alarm, and a power source for the alarm. The switch activating device is maintained under compression by the spring or coiled wire during the gate closed mode and contacts the switch and sets off the alarm in the gate open mode when this compression is relaxed. The gate entry can range from a handle, a clasp and a loop to a handle, a combination of a threaded rod and tube, a clasp and loop. This very simple alarm system warns of unauthorized entrance to parking lots of commercial establishments, driveways to private dwellings, and roads or cart paths to farms and ranches; and to alert personnel of open gates in enclosures around unsafe areas such as wells or in construction and demolition sites.

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring the security status of an object includes affixing to the object a passive two way communication circuit such as a frangible radio security tag or smart label. The tag or label, when operational, is arranged to receive a remotely generated request for status information and, responsive to the request, to transmit status information to a remote device. The radio tag or label is affixed to the object in a manner so that it is rendered inoperative if the object is tampered with. By remotely monitoring the status information on a periodic basis, the security of the object can thus be determined. The tag can include a circuit built on a substrate that is scored or otherwise rendered breakable along a predetermined axis or in a predetermined direction. This assures that when the object to which the radio tag is affixed is subject to authorized manipulation or tampering, critical components in the tag will in fact break.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for checking the closed state of a door mounted on an object (1), especially on a motor vehicle, by using an electronic key (2). The electronic key (2) and the object (1) are each fitted with intercommunicating transmitter/receiver units (3, 4 or 13, 14). The closed state of the door (1) is determined via a closure detecting sensor (8) on the door (7) and indicated via optical displays (10 or 16) on the outside of the object (1) and/or on the electronic key (2).

Abstract: An occupant sensing apparatus for detecting a seated person on a seat includes a pressure switch disposed in the seat. The pressure switch has a pair of films and a pair of electrodes disposed between the films. The pair of electrodes are spaced in the films so as to define an OFF condition of the pressure switch. The pressure switch is in an ON condition when the electrodes contact each other. The occupant sensing apparatus further includes a controller connected to the electrodes of the pressure switch and determining whether the seat is occupied in accordance with the ON or OFF condition of the pressure switch.

Abstract: A wafer-like alert unit is disclosed which is affixed to a body surface in a private and discrete manner and provides a private or silent stimulus such as a vibrational signal to the user at selected time intervals to remind the user to flex adjacent muscle groups or to perform isometric exercise. The alert unit is designed to be worn imperceptibly to the public and provide a private and discrete way to maintain an exercise regimen without any wires or bulky control boxes. The alert unit is mounted directly to the body using adhesive or alternatively fitted in a self-adhesive pouch or pocket which is then secured to the body. The alert unit may also be inserted into a fabric pouch that is sewn into an undergarment which is then worn in the normal manner. The alert unit includes a power source such as a battery, a motor which creates a vibrational signal, a power switch, a timer, and means for inputting variable interval settings to allow the user to tailor his or her exercise regimen as needed.

Abstract: This anti-theft device applies a security strip directly onto the frame of an audio or video cassette. The location of the strip could be anywhere on the shell or frame. For example, one could locate it next to the UPC code on the underside of the shell, on the spine, or anywhere under the label or paperboard sheath. While the hidden strip is useful with a standard cassette and label, it is especially useful with a composite cassette having a paperboard sheath. The hidden security strip makes detection and removal virtually impossible.