Abstract: An automated security attendant for a mechanical gate includes an interface that queries a visitor as to the name and destination of the visitor, and then automatically proceeds with authentication of the visitor. The system includes cameras and recording equipment for capturing the visitor's face and license plates, and records this information along with a time and date stamp of the event. The visitor can be authenticated in accordance with a pre-stored list of names or license plates, or can be authenticated in real time through contact with authorized personnel. The system can further initiate two way conversation with between the visitor and the authorized personnel, and provide the authorized personnel with the image of the visitor's face and/or license plate. The system can also monitor the gate for damage and alert authorities where the security of the gate has been compromised.

Abstract: A security system and method for a restricted entrance such as a vehicle gate is disclosed where requests for entry are issued from a device such as a computer or smartphone and directed to a dispatch operator. The dispatch operator locates the position of the requested entrance and sends a request to a control computer that verifies the user's authority to enter. If the user is authorized for entry, the control computer sends a command to a gate opening device or other mechanical device to open or unlock the gate. The system can also be used with software running in background to automatically send a request for entry when the user is within a predefined distance from the gate using GPS technology or other means.

Abstract: An automated security attendant for a mechanical gate includes an interface that queries a visitor as to the name and destination of the visitor, and then automatically proceeds with authentication of the visitor. The system includes cameras and recording equipment for capturing the visitor's face and license plates, and records this information along with a time and date stamp of the event. The visitor can be authenticated in accordance with a pre-stored list of names or license plates, or can be authenticated in real time through contact with authorized personnel. The system can further initiate two way conversation with between the visitor and the authorized personnel, and provide the authorized personnel with the image of the visitor's face and/or license plate. The system can also monitor the gate for damage and alert authorities where the security of the gate has been compromised.

Abstract: A security cover for an automatic gate arm protects against disengagement and removal of the gate arm for the purpose of unauthorized entry through the gate. The security cover comprises four walls and a top plate joined to form a housing that encloses a rotating turret and a portion of a drive arm used to actuate the gate. The security cover mounts over the turret using a vertical rod that extends from above the housing to a location within the drive mechanism of the gate arm motor, and a lock that secures the housing and prevents unauthorized tampering with the drive arm.

Abstract: A security cover for an automatic gate arm protects against disengagement and removal of the gate arm for the purpose of unauthorized entry through the gate. The security cover comprises four walls and a top plate joined to form a housing that encloses a rotating turret and a portion of a drive arm used to actuate the gate. The security cover mounts over the turret using a vertical rod that extends from above the housing to a location within the drive mechanism of the gate arm motor, and a lock that secures the housing and prevents unauthorized tampering with the drive arm.

Abstract: An expandable shopping bag carrier includes two cylindrical tubes telescoping within one another to expand and contract as needed. At respective outer ends of the carrier are radially extending annuli that serve to retain handles of conventional shopping bags thereon whilst a middle portion of the carrier is grasped by a hand, leveraging the weight of the shopping bags and providing a more ergonomically favorable surface to grasp. The carrier can include advertising and be made of an inexpensive plastic material so as to be suitable for free distribution by stores.

Abstract: A clip combination for a child's shoe includes a spring actuated clip tethered to an anchor. The tether and anchor combination secures the clip to the shoe and prevents accidental discarding, and may be accomplished with a bar that fits through the eyelet of the shoe in a first orientation, but cannot fit through the eyelet in other orientations thus resisting dislodging. The anchor can be placed through the eyelet and trapped on the inside of the shoe, undetected by the child's foot. When tension is placed on the tether corresponding to dislodging of the clip, the anchor is pulled against the eyelet such that, by its connection, passage through the eyelet is resisted.