Abstract: An improved electronic measuring system which not only determines the amount of fuel oil consumed by a home, office, or factory heating system, but also detects leaks in underground fuel storage tanks, errors in oil deliveries, heating system problems such as clogged nozzles, lines, filters, etc. and declining heating system efficiencies. The measuring system consists of an electromagnetic counter, printed circuit board with electronics, transformer, and dipswitches which are located in an enclosed housing. The device calculates fuel consumption rate via a mathematical algorithm based on burner nozzle size, fuel pump pressure, and burner flame-on time. Errors in count are avoided by using the burner's photo-optic cell output, and maintaining constant power to the electronics.

Abstract: An intrusion detection system for a space secured in part by a deflectable physical barrier includes a cable sensor mounted on the barrier in such manner that it stretches and flexes in response to deflection of the barrier, thereby to produce an output signal representing such movement. A signal processor receives the signal from the coaxial cable and provides an output affirmative signal if the amplitude of the cable signal, within a predetermined frequency range lying below about 30 Hz, exceeds a predetermined level for a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: To generate an alert signal indicating that an unauthorized subject is in a first region within seven feet of a passageway, a radio transmitter is worn by the subject and received by a receiver at the passageway. A second signal is generated upon satisfaction of a second condition, such as an open door at the passageway, which second signal indicates the likelihood of the subject passing through the passageway. A first display indicates if the first signal is present and a second signal if the second condition occurs.

Abstract: An improved locking mechanism having a first electrode carried by at least one of the locking elements and a second electrode carried by the locking surface normally engageable by the locking elements when the locking mechanism is in its locked configuration, and an electrical tamper-detection circuit connected across the first and second electrodes and operative to generate an electrical signal response in the event that the first electrode is caused to engage the second electrode.

Abstract: An electronic identification tag interrogation method is provided in which a portal transmits an interrogation signal which is received by an electronic identification tag within its field of range. The interrogation signal includes an address which requests a response from every tag having an address greater than or equal to the address of the signal. If more than one reply is received by the portal, the interrogation address is bisected and the interrogation signal is retransmitted. The interrogation address is successively bisected until a single response is isolated. When a single response is isolated, communication is directed between the portal and the identification tag and the interrogation system is reset to isolate and identify any remaining tags.

Abstract: A temperature monitoring system comprises a sensor for measuring the surrounding temperature, a timer for generating clock data, a controller for reading temperatures at predetermined intervals and storing selected temperature data and corresponding time data in memory, input switches for entering commands and data, a data display, and first and second alarm indicators. The controller operates in predetermined steps to activate the first alarm to indicate a current alarm condition and to activate the second alarm to indicate a past alarm condition. The controller selectively switches the display between normal and alarm modes to show differing time and temperature data depending on the temperature conditions monitored. The user may review alarm histories, including total alarm time and, for each past alarm period, maximum temperature, starting time and alarm duration, which have been calculated and stored.

Abstract: A remote control system has a transmitter, a current storage device feeding its triggerable control signals, an external receptacle into which the transmitter can be inserted, and a charge monitoring device with charge-state indicator. The charge monitoring device with charge-state indicator is assigned to the receptacle and preferably causes the transmitter to automatically transmit a control signal after being inserted into the receptacle. Via the charge monitoring device, the charge state of the transmitter can be evaluated independently of the voltage supply from the current storage device of the transmitter either directly via its voltage supplied under load or indirectly via the intensity of the control signal emitted by it, and be indicated if respective minimum values are undershot. The system is suitable for remotely controlling motor-vehicle security devices.

Abstract: An element of an intrusion-alarm system, for example a passive infra-red sensor, has two subsystems which protect it against obstruction. The first subsystem can detect attempts at obstruction by the removal of the lens or front screen of the element or by the spraying of the element with a spray or a lacquer. The second subsystem projects, towards the area under surveillance, radiation which can be reflected by a masking screen. The detection of this reflected radiation gives rise to the emission of a warning signal.

Abstract: A remote commander wherein a user can confirm operation of an operation key after such operation has a touch panel operating section including a display device for displaying an image of a plurality of operation keys thereon and an operation detecting device for detecting, when one of the operation keys displayed on the display device is depressed, the thus depressed operation key. Upon such detection of the depressed operation key, the display device is controlled to display part or all of a display portion of the depressed operation key in a flickering condition for a predetermined period of time after completion of such depression of the operation key. An infrared ray command signal corresponding to such depressed operation key is sent out to a remote object appliance to operate the object appliance.

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.

Abstract: A weight alarm device for a trash container having a body with a top surface resiliently connected to a bottom surface, a switch attached to the body and responsive to relative movement between the top surface and the bottom surface, and an alarm electrically connected to the switch for producing a humanly perceivable signal when the relative movement between the top surface and the bottom surface exceeds a predetermined amount. The body has a shape adapted for receipt within the trash container. The top surface and the bottom surface have overlapping sides extending around the periphery of the surfaces. A coil spring is interposed between the top and bottom surfaces. The switch is a contact switch which is movable between a first position and an alarm sounding second position. An abutment member is connected to the bottom surface so as to contact the contact switch upon a movement of the top surface beyond a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A tool transport container including a flexible carrying strap is provided, with the container including a divided container wall therewithin. The container wall is arranged to mount a compartmented further container, as well as a motion sensor to prevent inadvertent displacement of the organization by an unauthorized individual. The lid permits reception in a complementary manner of a further of the containers for a stacked relationship.

Abstract: Magnetically desensitized targets or sensor elements on protected articles are resensitized by means of rotating permanent magnets which are moved relative to the magnetized target desensitizer elements such that the elements become subjected to reversing magnetic fields of gradually decreasing intensity.

Abstract: A security system in which sensors are included in one or more groups which are stored in the system. Groups of sensors are selectably actuable by a user entering mode information into the system so that only the selected group(s) will provide indication of an alarm condition when a sensor indicates an alarm event has occurred.

Abstract: A joint excursion monitor device which, when strapped onto a person's leg, can monitor a pre-set limit of joint movement, and when that pre-set limit is reached, generate a signal. When set to a point just beyond the allowable limit, this signal may be used to alert the wearer that he has exceeded the allowable range. Alternatively, when set to a point just inside the allowable limit, this signal may alert the wearer that the desired goal has been reached. The device may also count the total number of joint excursions. An alternate embodiment additionally monitors a second plane of joint motion, generally perpendicular to the first plane of motion, and similarly initiates an alarm signal in the event that the wearer should exceed a pre-set allowance.

Abstract: A locating system 10 for locating predetermined labelled objects 20 includes a transceiver unit 12 which comprises a narrow beamwidth antenna 14 for transmitting an energizing signal 16 at a predetermined first frequency and for receiving a returned signal 22 at a predetermined second frequency from an object to be located, the energizing signal 16 incorporating a predetermined transponder category code. A plurality of label-like transponders 18 is provided, each of which is affixable to an object 20 to be located. Each transponder 18 includes logic circuitry in order that each transponder 18 in a predetermined group of labelled objects 20 constituting the category radiates a returned signal 22, including a transponder identification code, to the transceiver unit 12 in a time-delayed manner so that returned signals 22 are received serially by the transceiver unit 12.

Abstract: The invention is related to a process of deactivating a magnetic security marker of an article surveillance system, wherein the security marker is detected by simulating conditions normally present in such a system, e.g., by creating between a transmitter and a receiver a sinewave electromagnetic field and the deactivating the security marker by means of the electronically switchable magnetizing apparatus in response to the detection of the magnetic field which corresponds to the magnetization of the security marker in the surveillance zone. It is the object of the invention to enable the magnetic security marker to be deactivated using any alternating power line. To this end, the magnetic system is automatically connected to a power line without circuit change when the security marker is detected.

Abstract: A locating device has a locating circuit having a oscillator/counter logic circuit, a reset circuit, a reset beep circuit, an enable flip-flop, a delay flip-flop, a mux (multiplexer) flip-flop a mux logic circuit and a piezo oscillator circuit. The locating device is generally designed to assist the user to locate an object of which the locating device is a part. The preferred embodiment of the device is especially useful to determine the location of a misplaced television remote control. The alternative embodiment of the device could also be used to locate an object such as a credit card, locate an animal when lost or to find person on which the device is carried as a game. The locating device may also be used to reduce the occurrences of misplacement of objects or items (credit cards, ID cards, etc.) from their proper place or to alert a person when the object or item is in an improper place. The alternative embodiment has mode switch to control the audio alarm emission cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing hygiene comprises a sensor for generating a first signal upon automatically sensing that an individual has entered a washroom and for generating a second signal upon automatically sensing that the individual has exited the washroom. The hygiene enhancing apparatus further comprises a monitoring device for automatically monitoring an individual upon his entry into the washroom, to automatically determine whether the individual has cleaned his hands. The monitoring device includes a generator for producing a third signal upon a detection by the monitoring device that the individual has cleaned his hands. An alert signal generator is provided for generating an alert signal cognizable by a human being. The alert signal generator is operated or activated by a control unit which is operatively connected to the sensor, the monitoring device, and the alert signal generator.

Abstract: An excavator includes an upper structure swingably supported by a lower structure. A worker position sensor consists of a plurality of radio frequency transceivers provided in the excavator and a radio frequency transceiver carried by each of the excavation workers working within the working range of the excavator. A signal processing unit determines whether the relative distance between each worker and the excavator is either of short distance, slightly long distance or long distance and identifies the position of each worker for each of the predetermined identifying areas. A determining signal from the signal processing unit is supplied to a control unit. The control unit is connected to a drive unit which includes electro-hydraulic proportional valves for energizing actuators for positioning, swing, and traveling of the excavator. This control unit is also connected to a machine sensor which includes a swing angle sensor, a traveling level sensor, and a swing operation lever sensor.