Abstract: A firefighter's telephone communication system is provided that includes a polarized telephone station that may be connected to either 3-state (detection of normal, open, or call-in) or 4-state (detection of normal, open, short, or call-in) telephone control panel, without the need to alter the telephone station.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a monitoring system having first and second portions adapted to be supported on a mobile arrangement that includes a container. The first portion has structure for monitoring a selected aspect of the container, and for transmitting from the first portion to the second portion a first wireless communication that includes first information relating to the selected aspect. The second portion has structure for broadcasting from the second portion to a remote location a second wireless communication that includes second information based on the first information.

Abstract: A system comprising a transmitter periodically transmitting a packet via electromagnetic radiation. The packet may be encoded with information and have a length measured in time. The system may further include a receiver comprising an antenna converting incident electromagnetic radiation to an analog electrical current, an analog-to-digital converter receiving the analog electrical current and producing a digital representation thereof, and first and second buffers. Each of the buffers may have a capacity of at least two times the length of the packet. The first and second buffers may store respective first and second copies of the digital representation. The first copy may be offset in time from the second copy by at least the length of the packet.

Abstract: A method for receiving alarm warnings with a mobile communication device, comprising the steps of: storing a district—warning radio frequency contrast table in the mobile communication device, wherein the district—warning radio frequency contrast table records a relationship between a plurality of districts and a plurality of warning radio frequencies for broadcasting the audio warning messages corresponding to one of the plurality of districts; finding a first warning radio frequency corresponding to the first district of a user location in the district—warning radio frequency contrast table, wherein the user carries the mobile communication device, the first district is one of the plurality of districts, and the first warning radio frequency is one of the plurality of warning radio frequency; and receiving a radio signal according to the first warning radio frequency and demodulating the radio signal to obtain a first audio warning message corresponding to the first district.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for obtaining the direction of a target location through a handset, which includes: the handset obtains geographical information of a current location and that of the target location, determines a geographical meridian line of the current location and a angle of this geographical meridian line displayed on the screen of the handset; the handset determines the direction from the current location to the target location according to geographical information of the current location and that of the target location, determines an included angle between this direction and the geographical meridian line. According to the included angle and that of the geographical meridian line displayed on its screen, the handset determines the direction displayed on the screen of the handset from the current location to the target location, and displays the direction of the target location on the screen according to the displayed direction.

Abstract: A residential monitoring system incorporates both physiological sensors and activity sensors. Some of the sensors can be in wireless communication with control circuitry. One or more activity profiles can be established for a resident to expand upon and supplement information from the physiological sensors.

Abstract: A system for monitoring ingestion of medicine (21) comprises forming a digestible radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (10). The RFID tag is attached to the medicine. The RFID tag and medicine are ingested. A signal from the RFID tag is monitored.

Abstract: A system for monitoring ingestion of medicine (21) comprises forming a digestible radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (10). The RFID tag is attached to the medicine. The RFID tag and medicine are ingested. A signal from the RFID tag is monitored.

Abstract: A security system and method for monitoring a security status of fixed and mobile assets. The security system comprises an agent connected with the asset. The agent monitors a security of the asset and transmits the data to a master control unit. The master control unit retransmits the security status to a global operations center for processing the security status to detect a security threat. In response to a security threat, the global operations center generates an output. Periodic reports are generated and transmitted to the customer, and the customer is billed at intervals. For mobile assets, the security system also tracks a location of the asset as the asset is transported between a shipper 's loading dock and a designated distribution center, including an origination port and a destination port. For fixed agents, the security system includes an interface for interfacing an existing security device to the master control unit and for controlling the existing security system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for monitoring, detecting, tracking and identifying explosive materials. The system and method involves placing RFID tags within or on explosive materials.

Abstract: A controller equipped with a user interface having multiple-day programming capabilities, including methods of programming such devices, are disclosed. The user interface may include one or more menus or screens that can be used to program a schedule for one or more selected days during the week. An illustrative method of programming the controller may include the steps of entering a scheduling routine, selecting multiple days for schedule modification, changing the schedule parameters for one or more periods during the selected days, and then exiting the scheduling routine.

Abstract: A method of installing a security system includes placing a security device at an installation location. An air-borne signal is transmitted to the security device. An indication of a quality of the signal as received by the security device is displayed on the security device.

Abstract: A user of a handheld device may be alerted to a possible risk of losing the handheld device. The handheld device is able to be secured to a carrying case. The carrying case may alert the user by activating one or more of its user interface elements. The handheld device may determine that a trigger condition has been met and transmit a signal indicating this to the carrying case. The carrying case may itself determine that a trigger condition has been met. The handheld device may determine that a trigger condition has been met and may alert the user by activating one or more of its user interface elements. The handheld device and the carrying case may communicate via a wireless communication link according to a communication protocol, for example, a Bluetooth® standard, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) standard, a Zigbee™ standard or an ultra wideband (UWB) standard.

Abstract: System incorporating devices employing radio frequency data transfer and G.P.S.-based capabilities for monitoring, recording, and reporting of environmental temperature conditions, incorporating a user-selectable range of environmental temperatures.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a plurality of objects, involving configuring a sensor for a first object of the plurality of objects, wherein the sensor monitors an environment of the first object, attaching the sensor to the first object, associating each of the plurality of objects together using a pre-defined stimulus to obtain an associated set of objects, and communicating a notification message when a change in activity of the environment of the first object is detected by the sensor.

Abstract: Radio Frequency identification (“RFID”) tags are affixed to objects in such a way as to reliably change state in response to a trigger event. The change in state of an RFID tag based on a trigger event is used to indicate a change in state of an object associated with the RFID tag. The state of an RFID tag can be remotely detected with an RFID reader. Thus, the change in state of the object associated with the RFID tag can also be remotely detected.

Abstract: An improved system and methods for increasing security at sensitive locations from unwanted third parties through the use of fluidized granular solids.

Abstract: A vibration detection and/or classification system includes a waveguide in operative contact with a boundary, at least one sensor for sensing vibrations operatively connected to the waveguide and providing a signal, and a control circuit operatively connected to the at least one sensor and adapted for filtering the signal into a plurality of frequency bands and detecting and classifying vibrations. The control circuit may be further adapted for detecting and classifying vibrations to determine if the boundary has been crossed by an intruder. The control circuit may include a transceiver for sending signals to a central computer for processing, such as via a radio modem.

Abstract: A swinging automatic door control system includes an activation sensor for acquiring images of a first area where the door swings when opening or closing, a presence sensor for detecting motion in a second area that fronts a non-swinging side of the door when said door is closed, and a controller for controlling the opening and closing of the door as a function of the acquired images of a first area and the detection of motion in the second area.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the breaking of a contact-sensitive surface includes an acoustic, shock, and vibration transducer, a detector circuit responsive to the transducer for detecting an acoustic wave resulting from a contact force applied to the surface and generating a signal, a support for the transducer, and the means for disqualifying a contact force to the support as a breakage event that relies on differentiation of the speed with which a shock wave travels through a solid material versus the speed with which an acoustic wave travels through air. The transducer may include a front electret condenser microphone and in some preferred embodiments the microphone does not have a preamplifier associated therewith.

Abstract: An asset subsystem is provided for use in a security system. The security system includes a security system controller operable to trigger an alarm. The asset subsystem includes a transceiver operable to communicate a first signal to a tag associated with an asset and to receive a second signal communicated by the tag in response to the first signal. The asset subsystem also includes a controller operable to determine whether the tag failed to communicate the second signal to the transceiver and trigger the alarm in response to determining that the tag failed to communicate the second signal to the transceiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for fail-safe alarm comprising a mobile communication device comprising a front, a back and an alarm button, wherein said alarm button may be displaced in a displacement motion in a predetermined direction to activate an alarm; said alarm button comprises a key, said key being activated by a force substantially perpendicular to said front of said mobile communication device; and said key need to be activated to enable said displacement of said alarm button. Hereby is achieved, among other things, to protect said device from generating false alarms. It is further achieved to allow for a reflex-controlled activation of said alarm button.

Abstract: In a physical distribution system (150) for delivering a package (10) from a sending source (141) to a receiving destination (143), an information-transfer system (1) for conveying product information (131) along with the package (10) comprises an IC tag (5), an information-writing device (2), electronic mail (121) and an information-reading device (6). The IC tag (5) is attached to the package (10) and stores the product information (131) thereof, and the information-writing device (2) writes the product information (131) in association with key information (132) into the IC tag (5) when the product information (131) and the key information (132) are entered at the sending source (141).

Abstract: Determining the location of wireless devices is improved by storing location information in RFID devices. As RFID devices come within range of each other they examine a confidence level associated with each others location information. The RFID device may update their location information based upon location information received from other RFID devices that have a higher confidence level.

Abstract: A telecommunications device and method of executing a telecommunications device function using data stored in a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag are presented. The telecommunications device is positioned near the RFID tag and a device function is selected. An interrogation signal is transmitted from the telecommunications device to the RFID tag. In response, the RFID tag broadcasts stored data. The device function is executed using at least a portion of the broadcast data. The device function can be, for example, the initiation of a communications session with another telecommunications device. In another example, the device function includes storing at least a portion of the broadcast data in a memory module and associating the stored broadcast data with a user reference for later retrieval.

Abstract: A method is presented for employing radio frequency (RF) identifier (ID) transponder tags (RFID tags) to create a unique identifier, termed an RFID signature, for use within a data processing system with respect to a person or an object. An interrogation signal is transmitted toward a person or an object with which a set of one or more RFID tags are physically associated. A first set of RFID tag identifiers are obtained from an interrogation response signal or signals returned from the set of one or more RFID tags. A mathematical operation is performed on the first set of RFID tag identifiers to generate an RFID signature value, which is employed as an identifier for the person or the object within the data processing system with respect to a transaction that is performed by the data processing system on behalf of the person or the object.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a directional coupler switchable between a normal state and a bypass state. In one embodiment, the directional coupler comprises shunt switches for switching between the normal state and the bypass state, and first and second transmission lines each extending between first and second ends, wherein the shunt switches comprises a first switch coupled to the first end of the first transmission line, a second switch coupled to the first end of the first transmission line, and a third switch coupled between the second end of the first transmission line and the second end of the second transmission line.

Abstract: A system and a method for managing the entrance and exit of employees by utilizing a keytag comprises a keytag (100) for emitting a unique frequency containing personal data along with a flashing light signal when the keytag bearer arrives or brings it into contact with an entrance terminal scanner, a data reader (200) for receiving the personal data emitted by the keytag (100), a controlling server (300) for comparing the received unique personal data with pre-stored personal data to determine an access permission. The keytag (100) consists of a memory unit (130) for storing the personal data, an antenna unit (110) for communicating the personal data signal remotely or through contact, a power source (120) for activating the keytag (100), a signal light unit (150) for emitting the visible signal, and a control unit (140) for controlling each unit.

Abstract: The RFID tag of the present invention includes the tag antenna, and the LSI chip being connected in parallel with the tag antenna. The tag antenna includes a feeder terminal to which the LSI chip is connected, a loop antenna connected to the feeder terminal, and a bypass conductive line bypassing the loop of the loop antenna. Further, the line width of the bypass conductive line is structured thicker than the line width of the loop antenna.

Abstract: A security system and method for the limited monitoring of visitors to a country or territory has an input component such as a keyboard or electronic reader configured for receiving information pertaining to a visitor's stay in a country or territory. The information includes the scheduled departure of the visitor. A controller communicates with the input component, and a database communicates with the controller for storing the information pertaining to the visitor's stay. The controller is configured for polling the database to determine if the visitor has departed as scheduled, and for sending an alert if the visitor has not left as scheduled.

Abstract: An RFID tag recognizing portion reads information from a plurality of RFID tags lying in a communication area of an antenna. The number of RFID tags from which information is read is counted. Further, the number of articles lying in the communication area of the antenna is acquired. Then, the number of RFID tags 6a is compared with the number of articles and information of the RFID tags is determined when they coincide with each other.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled security tag and accompanying security system is described. The tag generally includes a housing having external contacts to interface with elongated contacts on a connecting band. The band forms a complex impedance circuit with a patient's limb that allows detection features such as removal and band compromise. A microprocessor and related circuitry as well as a transmitter and receivers are enclosed in the housing. The tag is adapted to communicate inductively with an activator/deactivator unit as well as a tag programmer that updates and changes tag features in the tag firmware. The overall system further includes a hub to receive the data from a plurality of tags in the system. The tag can also communicate with a phased multiple antenna that sends signals to the tag.

Abstract: A process and system for identifying and tracking persons and related articles, includes the steps of registering a person and one or more articles in a coordinated relationship, storing information concerning the person, the articles and the coordinated relationship in a database, cross-referencing RFID tags with the information stored in the database, attaching the cross-referenced RFID tags to the person and at least one of the articles, reading the RFID tags at random intervals, and enabling an alarm if the RFID tags do not match the cross-referenced information stored in the database. The invention also includes a system for performing this inventive process. The process may be adapted to various situations, a particularly preferred embodiment is adapted to the transportation industry.

Abstract: An intelligent antenna system for extending the effective communication range of a machine-readable passive tag. The system includes intelligence that allows one of a plurality of extension antennas to be active at any given time in order to both facilitate communications and safeguard the system. The machine-readable tag and antenna system may be embedded in a structure. In a further embodiment, the system may include multiple passive tags that are active in correspondence to a display or advertisement currently being exhibited. The system includes means for operatively coupling a designated machine-readable tag to the embedded antenna network previously described.

Abstract: An intelligent antenna system for extending the effective communication range of a machine-readable passive tag. The system includes intelligence that allows one of a plurality of extension antennas to be active at any given time in order to both facilitate communications and safeguard the system. The machine-readable tag and antenna system may be embedded in a structure. In a further embodiment, the system may include multiple passive tags that are active in correspondence to a display or advertisement currently being exhibited. The system includes means for operatively coupling a designated machine-readable tag to the embedded antenna network previously described.

Abstract: A battery identification system and method using identifiers affixed to batteries and/or to a battery case of a battery pack allows for identification and tracking of the batteries and the battery case throughout their life in varied environments even when the battery pack itself is un-usable. Identification and tracking can be accomplished without need for the batteries or the battery pack to be physically inserted into a reader or other device. Consequently, identification and tracking of the batteries and the battery pack may be expedited.

Abstract: In some embodiments, materials and methods of making and using a security key case having a plastic shell that encases a proximity access transponder for communication with a proximity access transponder reader and a head of a key. Teeth of the key project from the shell for unlocking a lock. A user employs the proximity access transponder to gain entrance to a common area of a facility and then uses the lock to gain access to a limited use area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a security device for attachment to an electrical cord. The device includes a housing assembly having an exterior housing and an interior housing. The interior housing having means to securely attach the plug inside the interior housing. The device also includes an exterior housing for inwardly receiving the interior housing and the attached plug. The interior housing snap locks into the exterior housing to provide a locking non-removable engagement therewith. Additionally, the housing has means to provide a tight engagement of the plug with the housing assembly.

Abstract: A container to receive a parcel for shipment to an intended recipient comprises a pouch having a pouch interior and a mouth, a closure movable between open and closed positions, and a protective insert structure removably disposed in the pouch interior to substantially envelop the parcel and reduce risk of damage to it during shipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement to monitor localisation, movement and properties of an object (O), such as human body according to the invention an excitation signal (HS) is connected to first division of conductor of a transducer (TRANSDUCER MATRIX) which includes a distribution of conductor such as a matrix, a signal (AS) is derived from second division of conductor of said transducer (TRANSDUCER MATRIX) and said operations are to be repeated with other divisions of the transducer (TRANSDUCER MATRIX) and based on information related to coupling between divisions said monitoring will be performed.

Abstract: A method for assessing improvement in hand hygiene practices using sanitation solution dispensers deployed within particular areas of interest in a healthcare facility or the like. Each of the dispensers has a counter associated therewith, with the counter producing a count indicative of actual events of a healthcare worker sanitizing his/her hands. Other data is acquired that impacts the number of anticipated hand sanitation events in this particular area of interest. From this data, a number of anticipated hand sanitation events is determined. Finally, a determination is made, from information obtained through actual observation, of the number of opportunities that healthcare workers will have for hand sanitation in the area of interest over a particular period of time.

Abstract: An electronic sensor is configured to be carried by a person and to be used by the person to detect a cleanliness state of the person's hands. A single unit includes the electronic sensor and (a) a device to provide an indication of the cleanliness state of the person's hands and/or (b) a device to identify the person. A circuit that is configured to control how long after a cleanliness state of a person's hands has been determined to be clean, the state is presumed no longer to be clean. A badge that includes indicia identifying a person who carries the badge, a sensor to be used to detect a cleanliness state of the person's hands, and a visible indicator to indicate to other people the cleanliness state of the person's hands can be used in combination.

Abstract: A heat sensor activated detector having a housing, which accommodates a heat sensor, a logic device that compares the heat signal read by the heat sensor to a predetermined level and transmits an enable signal to an audible signal generator where the heat signal is outside of the predetermined level, an audible signal generator, and a power source. The heat sensor may be tuned to the body heat of the user. Also, the predetermined level may be set to a specific distance, such as three meters. Further, the detector may be attached, temporarily or permanently, to an object the user wants to protect against loss or misplacement.

Abstract: Among other things, an entry monitor has circuitry to detect when a person enters a monitored space and an indicator perceptible to other people in the space to indicate a cleanliness state of the hands of the person who has entered the space.

Abstract: A long-range cattle identification system used to monitor a plurality of animals. The system uses a plurality of electronic information tags that are attachable to animals. The electronic information tags transmit and receive electronic information with at least one other electronic information tag. The electronic information tags are spatially disposed so that one electronic information tag can transmit and receive at least one other electronic information tag's individual electronic information to form a mesh network. The system includes a communication device that can communicate with at least one electronic information tag and receive information from that tag. The communication device can also receive the information contained in all the other electronic information tags in the mesh network through the at least one electronic information tag.

Abstract: A method and system for recognizing and/or detecting impairment and/or inattention of a person, especially a driver of a vehicle, and especially caused by drowsiness, distraction and/or workload, is disclosed by detecting and evaluating head movements of the person and/or head movement reactions of the person upon a disturbance exerted onto the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and systems for reading information from a signal-emitting device, such as a wireless identification tag. In one embodiment, the method includes providing an electronic reading device mounted to a body-worn harness adapted to be worn on a body of a user. The method further includes detecting a predefined physical configuration assumed by at least a portion of the body by determining that a pressure value measured via a pressure sensor connected to the body-worn harness is above a threshold pressure value. In response to detecting the predefined physical configuration, the electronic reading device is activated. Upon being activated, the electronic reading device is configured to receive a signal from the signal-emitting device, the signal containing data pertaining to a physical object associated with the signal-emitting device.

Abstract: Home safety and security are provided using a bedside unit to monitor an audible personal security pendant and to send notification signals to the appropriate communication site. Improved reliability is achieved by comparing a stored signal signature to the real time digital pattern representing sounds received using digital acoustic signature recognition technology.

Abstract: Home safety and security are provided using a bedside sound monitoring unit including a microphone, microprocessor, memory and a communications port. The unit utilizes a sound monitoring program for determining when sound received through the microphone of the unit represents a signal from a home security device or a breathing pattern representing an alarm condition. The unit communicates responsive signals to an appropriate site when an alarm condition is determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying an entity comprising placing an internal tag within the entity and placing an external tag proximate the entity wherein the internal tag and external tag are coupled.