Abstract: A remote monitoring system offers both random tracking and scheduled contacts while the monitored person is away from home, and continuous signalling at home, permitting the monitored person to be monitored even while asleep, by providing a remote monitoring system which includes a home monitoring unit for receiving RF transmissions from a wrist device, but which can be self-installed by the wearer of the device. The home monitoring unit transmits periodic status reports concerning the presence of an individual at the location of the monitoring unit, but the direct telephone connection may be replaced by an Internet connection for all but urgent communications.

Abstract: A remote monitoring system offers both random tracking and scheduled contacts while the monitored person is away from home, and continuous signalling at home, permitting the monitored person to be monitored even while asleep, by providing a remote monitoring system which includes a home monitoring unit for receiving RF transmissions from a wrist device, but which can be self-installed by the wearer of the device. The home monitoring unit transmits periodic status reports concerning the presence of an individual at the location of the monitoring unit, but the direct telephone connection may be replaced by an Internet connection for all but urgent communications.

Abstract: A system capable of remotely validating the identity of individuals and monitoring their locations includes a first device attached to the individual being monitored by a circumferential band worn around his wrist, ankle or neck that is capable of electronically generating a sequence of pseudorandom numbers that will cease to function if the band is cut or otherwise opened to detach the device from the individual. The system also includes a second device which is a remote microprocessor or computer based monitor synchronized to the same sequence of pseudorandom numbers and in occasional communication with the individual over telephone lines or some other remote means such as a radio frequency transmission link. The system may be used to limit remote access of computer data bases to authorized individuals or to limit entry to facilities such as offices or buildings on a campus. Access is authorized when the individual communicates a current valid pseudorandom number to the central computer-based monitor.

Abstract: A security system which employs an optical key shape reader to photoelectrically derive an electrical signal from a shape characteristic of a key is disclosed. The system provides heightened security over standard key operated systems and is particularly well suited for use in motor vehicles.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for tissue cutting and cauterizing using a YAG laser and an optical fiber. YAG laser outputs at wavelengths of 1.06 and 1.3 microns are used for tissue cauterizing and cutting, respectively. In one embodiment, a multimode laser with means for switching the laser output between the two wavelengths is utilized; in another embodiment, individual lasers operating at the respective wavelengths are utilized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing laser surgery by directing infrared and ultraviolet radiant energy from a surgical laser inside a patient's body using a lensguide is disclosed. The lensguide is comprised of a plurality of spaced convex lenses which are disposed within a plurality of rigid tubular segments connected end to end. The lensguide is flexible, allowing it to replace optical fibers in redirecting the radiant energy around bends encountered in surgical applications.

Abstract: A device for preventing an operator of a vehicle from locking an ignition key in the vehicle includes a key-in-ignition sensor switch, an open-door sensor switch, and a power door lock sensor switch. A logic circuit outputs a pulse to activate a power door unlocking circuit and an audible alarm whenever the three sensor switches indicate that the key is in the ignition, the door is open, and the power door lock switch has been pressed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a universal electronic locking system (UELS) which controls an actuating device for a lock is disclosed. The system is composed of two elements, a signal-transmitting unit and a signal-receiving unit. The signal transmitting unit transmits one or more encoded signals on electromagnetic carriers. An integrated circuit includes a programmable memory unit such that various codes may be entered and the codes may be changed at any interval desired by the operator. The signal-receiving unit comprises a means for receiving the encoded signals from the signal-transmitting unit and contains a programmable memory unit which is responsive to each and all codes contained in the signal-transmitting unit. Upon changing the code signal in the signal-transmitting unit, the memory unit of the signal-receiving unit may be reprogrammed so as to be responsive to the newly encoded signal and allow the latching mechanism of the lock system to be operated.

Abstract: A security system which employs an optical key shaped reader to photoelectrically derive an electrical signal from a shape characteristic of a key is disclosed. The system provides heightened security over standard key operated systems and is particularly well suited for use in motor vehicles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a universal electronic locking system (UELS) which controls an actuating device for a lock is disclosed. The system is composed of two elements, a signal-transmitting unit and a signal-receiving unit. The integrated circuit chip of the watch is expanded to include a programmable memory unit such that various codes may be entered in the watch and the codes may be changed at any interval desired by the operator. The signal-receiving unit comprises a photodetector for receiving an optical signal from the signal-transmitting unit and contains a programmable memory unit which is responsive to each and all codes contained in the signal-transmitting unit. Upon changing the code signal in the signal-transmitting unit, the memory unit of the signal-receiving unit may be reprogrammed so as to be responsive to the newly encoded signal and allow the latching mechanism of the lock system to be operated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a universal electronic locking system (UELS) which controls an actuating device for a lock is disclosed. The system is composed of two elements, a signal-transmitting unit and a signal-receiving unit. The signal-transmitting unit is envisioned, in one embodiment, as contained within a watch and powered by the power source of the watch so as to transmit an optical signal to the signal-receiving unit. The integrated circuit chip of the watch is expanded to include a programmable memory unit such that various codes may be entered in the watch and the codes may be changed at any interval desired by the operator. The digital display of the watch serves a dual purpose for displaying time and for entering key codes. The signal-receiving unit comprises a photodetector for receiving an optical signal from the signal-transmitting unit and contains a programmable memory unit which is responsive to each and all codes contained in the signal-transmitting unit.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus which permits the use of a transverse electrode electro-optic tunable filter (TEOTF), despite its obscured aperture, to produce a high quality image. The imaging apparatus includes a suitable conventional anamorphic input optical system in combination with a stacked plurality of TEOTFs in which the platelet of each TEOTF is made of an electro-optic material of a known index of refraction (such as CdS of an index of .about.2.4), and is clad between its surface and its electrodes with a material having a lower index of refraction than the platelet material (such as SiO.sub.2 of an index of .about.1.5).

Abstract: An information distribution system is disclosed. The system is composed of hub distribution centers which are connected to a plurality of individual subscribers by fiber optic cable or bidirectional coaxial cable. The system is particularly suitable for CATV distribution but may also be adapted to provide telephone, mail, radio and other services to the subscribers through the same cable connection with the hub distribution center.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fiber optic waveguide which is particularly suited for infrared radiation transmission at extended wavelengths. The core of the waveguide is fabricated from heavy ionic compounds selected from metal halides in order to achieve such extended infrared transparency. While it is impossible to prepare these materials into optical fibers using conventional fiber drawing techniques, the present invention teaches how such materials may be prepared into optical fibers using an extrusion process at elevated temperatures and high pressures.

Abstract: Plastic clad optical fibers and their method of production are disclosed. The fibers are formed of a core of doped silica and a silicone resin cladding.

Abstract: A thin film polarizer for dividing electromagnetic energy into two mutually orthogonal components with a high degree of selectivity. A plurality of wire grids having an interelement spacing of less than one wavelength is supported by a substrate of electrically insulative material. The substrate is invisible to the wavelength of the polarized electromagnetic energy. The planar wire grids are substantially parallel and spaced less than one wavelength therebetween to achieve an efficient and compact thin film polarizer. The process of this invention for forming the plurality of wire grids comprises photolithographically defining each grid layer by the interference pattern of at least two coherent beams such as laser beams, one forming step being required for each grid, an anti-reflective layer being inserted between adjacent grid layers.

Abstract: Electronically tunable optical filters are disclosed wherein a spatially varying dc electric field is applied to successive regions of a birefringent crystalline medium disposed between a pair of suitably oriented polarizers along the path of a light beam to be filtered. The dc electric field, which may be either parallel or perpendicular to the light path, electro-optically produces in the birefringent medium an effective oscillation of the optic axis of the medium about the pass direction of the input polarizer in a plane perpendicular to the light path as a function of distance along the light path with a predetermined spatial variation to achieve a desired filter transmission characteristic. The electric field is generated from programmable control voltages to provide a wide variety of filter passband or stopband characteristics.

Abstract: There is disclosed a laser instrument which uses an infrared fiber optical waveguide to transmit a high power carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide laser beam for treating a selected part of the body. In one important application of the instrument, the laser beam is transmitted to the interior of the human body to perform surgical functions.

Abstract: There is described a hermetic coaxial cable particularly adapted to be produced in miniature form and having a completely solid cross section with a solid metal central conductor, a tubular metal outer conductor, and a continuous glass dielectric insulator therebetween.