Abstract: A portable bar is provided which attaches and locks to a vehicle steering wheel, preferably attaching to and extending tangentially from the top of the rim, and extends to where it is fully visible from outside of the vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the bar is a hollow tube in which a pair of clamping members, one being a fixed section of the tube and the other part hinged thereto, surrounds and is locked about the steering wheel rim. A cavity in the tube protectively encloses, along with anti-saw-through bars and/or mace, alarm circuitry and the batteries therefor. Light and sound annunciators on the bar and a LED armed-condition indicator, which preferably flashes only when dark, are provided. A panic button on the outside of the tube manually triggers the alarm. Push button selectors enclosed in the tube are accessible only when the device is unlocked to arm and disarm the alarm or function automatically by contact with the rim upon locking and unlocking thereto.

Abstract: A parking stall monitor located adjacent a restricted use parking stall detects vehicle presence in the parking stall and activates an alarm to provide a warning in response thereto. A disarm/arm circuit associated with the monitor generates a coded input in response to receipt of an identification signal from an authorized user, thereby to disarm either the detector or the alarm to enable the vehicle of the authorized user to occupy the parking stall without a warning being provided. Subsequently, when the authorized user is ready to leave the parking stall, receipt by the disarm/arm circuit of another identification signal, or removal of the initial identification signal, causes the monitor to rearm. The identification signal may be produced nonautomatically or automatically, either actively or passively, and the capability of originating this signal serves to distinguish a selected group of authorized users from those not permitted to use the stall.

Abstract: A flexible automobile bra securable to the exterior surface of an automobile is constructed of at least one panel which absorbs mechanical impact, provides mechanical stabilization to inhibit flapping under windy or high-speed conditions, faciltates water drainage, and limits temperature rise of covered portions of the vehicle. The bra comprises at least one panel having a first, non-abrasive layer; a second thermal radiation reflective layer which is also preferably a thermally conductive, radar reflective metal; a third layer of elastomeric reticulated foam, which can be a radar-absorbing type; and a fourth layer of water impervious material which is preferably water vapor permeable. In an alternative embodiment, the reflective second layer is eliminated.

Abstract: A portable bar attaches tangentially and locks to a vehicle steering wheel, preferably at the uppermost section of the rim, and extends to where it is fully visible from outside of the vehicle. The bar is a holllow tube in which a pair of clamping members, one being a fixed section of the tube and the other part hinged thereto, surrounds and is locked about the steering wheel rim. A cavity in the tube protectively encloses, along with anti-saw-through bars, alarm circuitry and the batteries therefor. Light and sound annunciators on the bar and a flashing LED armed-condition indicator are provided. A panic button on the outside of the tube to manually trigger the alarm, and push button selectors enclosed in the tube and accessible only when the device is unlocked to arm and disarm the alarm and to activate the light to serve as a flashlight or emergency flasher.

Abstract: A remote confinement system provides a plurality of different unsupervised tests to determine the presence, identity or conduct of the prisoner. The tests preferably include an RF test performed continuously with an RF transmitter attached to the prisoner and a receiver at the remote location, a schedulable voice test performed to identify a person as the specified prisoner, and a breath alcohol test to determine the prisoner's sobriety. The tests are performed with equipment at the remote location in accordance with test selections and schedules selected in a prior automated communication with a central office computer. Events which include test results are communicated to the central office upon a selectively established communications link to the central office, in reply to which communication information selecting subsequent tests procedures or scheduling is communicated from the host to and stored at the remote location.

Abstract: A remote confinement system is provided which includes a monitoring station having a telecommunications camera and a breath flow responsive actuating means which may form part of an alcohol breath tester. The actuating means is mounted to position the face of a person blowing thereinto facing the camera such that a properly focused, centered identifying image of consistent scale and devoid of background will be formed. Where the confinee is subject to restrictions on the use of alcohol the actuating means may form part of an alcohol breath tester which preferably has a visual display that is also included in the image field of the camera. The operation of the camera is conditioned on the commencement of the delivery of a breath sample. When a proper breath sample is provided, the camera forms and transmits at least one image to a central office by way of a communications link for interruption.

Abstract: A parking stall monitor located adjacent a restricted use parking stall periodically transmits a burst of ultrasonic pulses into the parking stall during a first time interval and then periodically detects the reflection of the ultrasonic pulses off of a vehicle in the parking stall during a second time interval, the first and second time intervals being staggered in time. Upon detecting vehicle presence in the stall, the monitor provides an audible warning to indicate that use of the stall is restricted. Before and after authorized use of the stall, the monitor can be selectively disarmed and then rearmed, respectively, by a signal transmitted from a portable transmitter within the authorized vehicle.

Abstract: A mouthpiece system for deterring evasion of an alcohol breath test particularly a test wherein a breath sample is delivered without human supervision. The system includes a mouthpiece configured so as to render difficult the delivery of artificial breath samples through the use of hoses, balloons and the like. The mouthpiece has an oversize upper surface which includes a tapered lip around the mouthpiece inlet to receive the mouth of the user. The lip is surrounded by a wide apertured ring which, together with the lip, will not readily form an effective connection with a balloon or hose. An electrode on the mouthpiece is used for sensing and/or signalling the user. The impedance in contact with the electrode is sensed during testing to insure it falls within a range expected for a human user to deter use of evasion using filters or bogus gas delivery devices. Continuity of the impedance during testing is monitored to detect attempts to pass the mouthpiece to an accomplice.

Abstract: A remote confinement or home arrest system and method which provides for determining from a central office the presence of a prisoner at an assigned remote location such as the prisoner's home and for determining the compliance by the prisoner with behavioral restrictions associated with the confinement such as the abstinence from alcohol or other drugs. The system includes a tester such as a breath alcohol tester or other body fluid tester for determining the effect of substance abuse by the prisoner and for simultaneously verifying the identity of the prisoner and the fact that the test information originated from the identified prisoner. Pictorial, voice print and other means for identifying the prisoner are contemplated.

Abstract: A sobriety interlock system prevents a vehicle or other equipment from being started unless the identity of a designated operator is confirmed by the system and the operator passes a breath sobriety test. The designated operator is trained to perform a physical act, the successful completion of which can be determined by the system and which requires at least a predetermined number, N, of attempts to learn. A necessary precondition for starting the vehicle is satisfied when the system determines that the identity-confirming act has been performed in fewer than N attempts.

Abstract: A sobriety interlock for a machine such as a vehicle operates in either an interlock mode or a BYPASS mode. In the INTERLOCK mode, a breath sobriety test must be passed before the machine can be started, while in the BYPASS mode, a breath test is not required to start the machine. When the system is powered up, it operates in the INTERLOCK mode for a predetermined period, preferably about 12 hours before automatically beginning operation in the BYPASS mode. From the BYPASS mode, INTERLOCK mode operation can be selected at any time by actuating a switch which locks in INTERLOCK mode operation for at least the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A waterproof enclosure for a portable radio, tape recorder/player, or the like includes a flexible membrane with a finger control pocket adjacent the control knobs of the radio, an opening for inserting and removing the radio from the enclosure with a waterproof sealed cover to close the opening, and a waterproof seal around the earphone plug connector that extends through the flexible membrane. A waterproof earphone speaker is also provided, which has a conical waterproof boot fitted snugly over the speaker. Annular collars on the conical boot anchor the speaker in a person's ear and seal water out of the ear and conical boot.