Abstract: A system for verifying the detection of a fire event by a fire detection device utilizing multiple air condition sensors includes a programmable logic circuit that evaluates whether input data supplied thereto by the sensors satisfies predetermined threshold parameters. If the input data matches one particular parameter, the other threshold parameters are decreased and evaluation frequency is increased. The circuit energizes an alarm if input data from the sensors satisfies the particular parameter and at least one of the decreased parameters or if the input data satisfies at least two non-decreased parameters. Therefore, a fire event sensed by one sensor is verified by another sensor before causing an alarm. At power-up, the circuit compares initial input data with the predetermined parameters and modifies the parameters if the input data is within respective predetermined ranges. This also decreases false alarms.

Abstract: A safety sensing and/or release system for opening a closed compartment of a vehicle comprises a sensing element for sensing the presence of an occupant within the closed compartment of the vehicle, a control responsive to the sensing element, and a release system. The control is operable to provide an output signal in response to a detection of an occupant by the sensing element. The control may be selectably locked to limit providing an unintentional output signal. The release system is operable to open the closed compartment in response to the output signal of the control. The control may be selectably locked in response to an input signal indicative of at least one of the vehicle ignition being on and the vehicle moving, in order to prevent the compartment from unexpectedly opening while the vehicle is moving.

Abstract: A video surveillance system is integrated with an RFID tracking system. The calibration of the RFID tracking system is enhanced by using information provided by the video surveillance system. Optionally, the calibration of the video surveillance system may be enhanced by using information provided by the RFID tracking system. Calibration of the RFID tracking system is facilitated by placing RFID tags at visually apparent locations in a surveillance area and using the location information determined from the video surveillance system to determine appropriate correction factors for use in subsequent RFID location determinations. Dynamic performance is also calibrated by placing RFID tags on visually apparent moving targets and using the location information determined from the video surveillance system to determine the parameters used to qualify subsequent RFID location estimates of moving targets.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting, monitoring, and identifying objects within an area having at least one surveillance system and one position locating system for independently detecting and monitoring objects located within an area. The surveillance system information and the position locating system information is provided to the system, and the system compares the information to determine if they are the same object and if the object is authorized to be in the area. The system also notifies the system operator if the object is not authorized to be in the area or if the object is not being detected by all the surveillance and position locating systems.

Abstract: A radio-wave transmitter-receiver section (12) forms a radio-wave detection zone (16) for detecting an object at a location way from a door (4). A light emitter-receiver section (20) forms an optical detection zone (42) for detecting an object at a location along and closer to the door (4). The light emitter-receiver section (20) includes mirrors (28, 36) which are used to increase or decrease the depth dimension of the optical detection zone (42) in the direction perpendicular to the door (4).

Abstract: A method for monitoring the security state of an aircraft cabin. The method includes surveiling the main cabin of an aircraft, monitoring radio frequencies predesignated for handheld radio devices for signals, recording the generated images and monitored sounds on non-volatile media, and generating an alert in response to a threat perceived while surveiling and monitoring.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus that has a sensor unit located so as to monitor physical parameters of a stove top and a control unit that is positioned to turn off the stove top heating elements in response to the sensor unit. The sensor unit has an array of sensors such as ultraviolet, infrared, temperature, smoke, and combustion byproduct sensors. The sensor unit also has a microcontroller in the form of a neural network that is able to distinguish between a hazardous fire condition and a non-hazardous fire condition on the stove top. The neural network is trained by exposing the sensor unit to a variety of hazardous conditions and non-hazardous conditions and identifying to the neural network whether these conditions are hazardous or non-hazardous. Once the neural network has been trained, the sensor unit monitors the stove top and if it detects a hazardous condition, it signals the control unit, which turns the heat off on the stove top.

Abstract: Portable and wearable chemical detector devices, such as badges, that are analyte-general, rather than analyte-specific, and which provide an optimal way to notify and protect personnel against known and unknown airborne chemical hazards. The devices of the present invention are advantageously low-cost, have low-power requirements, may be wearable and are designed to detect and alarm to a general chemical threat. A sensor device of the present invention in one embodiment includes two or more sensor devices, a processing module coupled to each of the sensor devices and configured to process signals received from each of the two or more sensor devices to determine an environmental state; and a communication module that communicates information about the environmental state to a user.

Abstract: A security device includes an impact sensing unit for sensing an impact, a sound pressure sensing unit for sensing a sound pressure, an abnormal degree determination unit for determining an abnormal degree based on a level of an impact sensing signal sensed by the impact sensing unit and a level of a sound pressure sensing signal sensed by the sound pressure sensing unit, and an alerting process unit for performing a predetermined alerting process based on a determination result of the abnormal degree by the abnormal degree determination unit.

Abstract: A sensor assembly adapted for remotely monitoring spaces such as residences or businesses, with enhanced privacy. In one exemplary embodiment, the sensor assembly is configured to look like a convention passive infrared device (PIR), and includes a CMOS camera and associated data processing. The data processing selectively alters the image data obtained by the camera so as to allow a remote operator to view only certain features of the data, thereby maintaining privacy while still allowing for visual monitoring (such as during alarm conditions to verify “false alarm” status). Alternate system configurations with local and/or remote data processing and hardwired or wireless interfaces are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for detecting of an intruder has a plurality of groups of sensors connected in parallel with one another, the sensors being selected from the group consisting of seismic sensors, acoustic sensors and both, a plurality of individual processing units each connected with a respective one of the groups of sensors, the individual processing units being connected in parallel with one another, a central processing unit connected with all the parallel-connected processing units so that each of the individual processing units can obtain information about a presence of an intruder near any of the groups of sensors, and means for obtaining a visual image of the intruder near any of the groups of sensors and transmitting the image to the central processing unit.

Abstract: A multiple dimension vector-based occupancy sensor. One or more sensors (for example, ultrasonic and/or infrared sensors) are used to produce one or more occupancy estimator vectors. The individual dimensions of the one or more occupancy estimator vectors are combined using a fusion based detection algorithm to produce a combined estimator signal. The combined estimator is then used to switch electrical loads when the combined estimator signal is above a predetermined threshold. The result is an occupancy sensor that has a very high probability of occupancy detection and a low probability of false tripping.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating an object. In one embodiment, the occurrence of a plurality of transitions between a first light level and a second light level is detected. If a time period between at least some of the transitions is determined to be less than a predetermined value, an alert signal is emitted. In another embodiment, the alert signal is emitted if an ambient light level is detected to be below a predetermined threshold and the object is detected to not be in a predetermined axial orientation.

Abstract: A system and methodology for determining the alertness of a driver of a motor vehicle including sensing at least one first movement characteristic of at least a first part of a motor vehicle, sensing at least one second movement characteristic of at least a second part of the motor vehicle, employing at least one time relationship between the at least one first movement characteristic and the at least one second movement characteristic in order to sense and to distinguish between driver initiated movements and non-driver initiated movements and determining the alertness of the driver of the motor vehicle based on at least one relationship between the driver initiated movements and the non-driver initiated movements.

Abstract: A learning mode 40 permits a device 11 to register a plurality of transmitters (as part of authorizing such transmitters to act as remote control devices for use with a movable barrier operator 12) without necessitating intervening user tactile inputs (as through a user interface keypad 33) and without unnecessarily creating a security risk with respect to the duration of the learning mode. In one embodiment, duration of the learning mode is extended in response to detecting indicia that the learning mode continues to be used.

Abstract: A presence sensing system provides one or more visible indicators useful for indicating a relative location of objects sensed within the scanning field of view. For example, the system may have an indicator array or an integrated display assembly in which individual indicators or indicator positions correspond to defined portions of the system's field of view. In this manner, the presence sensing system can indicate where one or more sensed objects lie within its field of view. The system may monitor or otherwise scan an angular field of view and may have an indicator array comprising a plurality of individual indicators, each one corresponding to a portion of the monitored area. With this configuration, the system selectively illuminates or otherwise activates those indicators in the array corresponding to the relative angles of detected objects within its field of view.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided to determine if a passenger is present or not because the weight value corresponding to when the seat is empty has shifted. The passenger detection system detects when the door has changed from the closed state to the open state based on a signal from a door switch. The passenger detection system then senses the decrease in weight that occurs thereafter and stores the weight value obtained after the decrease as the empty seat value.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for collecting sensor data in a pressure regulator system including a controller and a plurality of sensors. The controller and each of the individual sensors are activated as required to collect sensor data during a sampling period thereby reducing the amount of power consumed by the pressure regulator system. Further power conservation measures are implemented by using a battery sensor to monitor the capacity of the pressure regulator battery and placing the pressure regulator in reduced power consumption operating modes as the capacity of the battery is reduced.

Abstract: A method for recognizing potential faults of one or more remote body detectors of a door can be applied to a wide variety of conventional detectors that may not necessarily have a self-monitoring feature themselves. The method may be counter-based, timer-based or a combination of the two. In some embodiments, the method involves comparing the behavior of a detector to that of another detector at the door or to the activity of another door-related event, such as the door opening or closing. In some cases, the activity of a single detector is compared to a predetermined acceptable range of activity over a given period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for monitoring the surroundings of a vehicle (10), having sensors (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34) for detecting characteristics of the surroundings and means (36) for processing the detected information. The sensors (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34) are optical sensors, at least two sensors (14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24) are provided, the sensors (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34) operate in the wide-angle range, and the means (36) for processing the detected information deliver spatial information. The present invention also relates to a method of monitoring the surroundings of a vehicle.

Abstract: Implementations are disclosed for operating a multi-sensor system. A plurality of sensors each output data, via a common interface, to a resolver that is also communicating with the interface. The resolver groups the output data with respect to a particular object, and aggregates the output data according to rules and information stored about the object in a database. In this way, the multi-sensor system may obtain information about the object, such as its identity, status, or location. The multi-sensor system is extremely accurate and reliable, since it can infer accuracy from a plurality of independent sensors, and is operable even when one or more sensors fails or malfunctions. Moreover, the multi-sensor system is flexible, and can activate, de-activate, or adjust any one of the sensors depending on, for example, a need for or cost of the sensor. Additional sensors can easily be added on an as-needed basis, due to the common interface and the flexible nature of the resolver and the database.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method of monitoring a safe comprising the steps of providing (402) an electronic lock for the safe; receiving (404) information from a security device in an area proximate to the safe; and making (406) security information from the security device during a transaction with the electronic lock. According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for monitoring a safe comprises an electronic lock (144) incorporated in a safe; a control unit (142) coupled to the electronic lock; and a security system (148) coupled to the control unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cupboard monitoring device, for fitting in a cupboard (20), comprising a rack or a rack-like folded structure and for monitoring and control of functions affecting the cupboard itself, including a temperature monitoring and a temperature regulation, by means of a monitoring unit, arranged within a housing, comprising a housing upper piece (1.1) and housing lower piece (1.2), with connected sensors (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 4, 5.1, 5.2, 6). An advantageous equipping of a cupboard with the cupboard monitoring device can be achieved whereby the housing is embodied as a roof unit (1), with fixing holes arranged in the boundary region thereof for connection to the rack or the rack-like folded structure, whereby at least one part of the sensors (3.1, 3.2 ,3.3, 3.4, 4., 5.1, 5.2, 6) are arranged on the underside of the housing lower piece (1.2), facing the cupboard interior.

Abstract: A method of detecting a combustion chemical in a region and setting an alarm based on concentration levels of the combustion chemical comprises the steps of: monitoring the region for a combustion chemical with a sensor having a measurable parameter which changes in value proportional to concentration levels of the monitored combustion chemical, the measurable parameter being ambient temperature dependent; generating an ambient temperature measurement of the sensor; reading the measurable parameter and ambient temperature measurement; processing the measurable parameter and ambient temperature measurement readings to generate a temperature compensated concentration level of the monitored combustion chemical; and setting an alarm based on the generated temperature compensated concentration level. A fire detector unit for implementing the foregoing described method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a card holder for credit cards or the like. The security system of the card holder prevents misuse of the credit cards that are lost by or stolen from the owner. A security system in the card holder initiates invalidation of the card, if the card is removed from the card holder without authorization.

Abstract: A fire detector having a sensor group containing at least one fire detection sensor and having a control and evaluation unit, which is connected to a sensor group that is set up to evaluate signals supplied by the at least one fire detection sensor, and if necessary, that is also set up to output at least one control signal for the at least one fire detection sensor. The sensor group includes one of a chemosensor and a chemosensor array, which is connected to the control and evaluation unit for evaluating a detection signal of the one of the chemosensor and the chemosensor array, and which is set up based on a chemical sensor-operation principle to detect gas emissions and/or smoke emissions associated with a fire. The additional chemosensor may be an optoelectronic gas sensor functioning on an optode basis or an optoelectronic gas sensor array functioning on an optode basis.

Abstract: A site or vehicle which includes a plurality of electromagnetic radiators monitors the radiation by the use of a plurality of broadband sensors spaced about the potential radiation site or vehicle. Each of the sensors produces signals indicative of the sensed power, and process the signals for transmission over a data network. The system also includes a processing system which receives the signals indicative of the sensed power from all of the sensors, and processes the signals to determine whether radiation levels are within the established values. The signals may be processed either at the sensors or at the processing system to form average or peak power determinations. The power levels are continuously compared with threshold levels. When the threshold is exceeded, warnings may be given, or automatic shutdown of the radiator may be instituted (136).

Abstract: An intrusion detector for detecting an intrusion into a protected space overlying a predetermined surface is provided. In one embodiment, the intrusion detector includes a housing to be mounted over the surface and including an infrared radiation sensor for sensing moving infrared radiation sources, and a transparent window thereover, a plurality of lens elements formed in the transparent window each oriented to receive infrared radiation from a moving infrared radiation source within a predetermined viewing zone of the protected space and to transmit infrared radiation from said source to the sensor; an alarm; and a control system for receiving the electrical output of the sensor and for outputting an alarm signal to the alarm when an infrared radiation source is detected simultaneously within at least two of the predetermined viewing zones.

Abstract: A sensor system for generating information useful for determining the environment surrounding a vehicle includes multiple sensing zones, with each zone using sensors operating in different electromagnetic bands. The outputs of the sensors are fused to provide more useful information than that obtainable from either sensor, taken alone.

Abstract: A system for verifying the detection of a fire event by a fire detection device utilizing multiple air condition sensors includes a programmable logic circuit that evaluates whether input data supplied thereto by the sensors satisfies predetermined threshold parameters. If the input data matches one particular parameter, the other threshold parameters are decreased and evaluation frequency is increased. The circuit energizes an alarm if input data from the sensors satisfies the particular parameter and at least one of the decreased parameters or if the input data satisfies at least two non-decreased parameters. Therefore, a fire event sensed by one sensor is verified by another sensor before causing an alarm. At power-up, the circuit compares initial input data with the predetermined parameters and modifies the parameters if the input data is within respective predetermined ranges. This also decreases false alarms.

Abstract: A method for monitoring an in-ground pipeline by detecting an occurrence of a contact with an in-ground pipeline via an acoustic sensor employing a first selected detection parameter and a second sensor employing a second selected detection parameter, which is different from the first selected detection parameter. The locations of the acoustic sensor and the second sensor are known and the input signals from the sensors arrive at a processor at different times and at known respective speeds such as to permit a determination of the point of contact with the in-ground pipeline.

Abstract: Briefly, an alarm system monitors conditions of an independent person, yet one requiring some supervision, such as an elderly person living alone at home. The system monitors a variety of independent signals and combines them to recognize subtle cues that may indicate there will be a need for intervention by a supervisor.

Abstract: A sensor device, comprising a pyroelectric sensor which is set to operate in daylight, especially an infrared-based motion sensor, and an electronic evaluator. The electronic evaluator is connected downstream of the sensor and is configured to produce a control signal in response to a detector signal from the sensor in relation to a threshold value. The electronic evaluator also has a sensing device for measuring a daylight ambient brightness and a compensating device which is configured to respond to a considerable change in the daylight ambient brightness by modifying the threshold value and/or the detector signal to compensate.

Abstract: An improved fire alarm system capable of reliably detecting the presence of fire caused by different sources. The fire alarm system detects a smoke density (S) as well as a temperature difference (&Dgr;T) within a predetermined time interval, and has primary criteria of (i) whether the smoke density (S) exceeds a smoke threshold [e.g., S>5%/m]; (ii) whether the temperature difference (&Dgr;T) exceeds a temperature difference threshold [e.g., &Dgr;T≧18 C]; and (iii) whether a combination of S and &Dgr;T satisfies an inequality [e.g. 2S+&Dgr;T≧12] which is based upon a decreasing function of &Dgr;T with an increase of S. The detected smoke density and the temperature difference are examined with reference to the primary criteria so as to provide a fire warning signal indicating a possible fire presence when anyone of the above primary criteria is satisfied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for responding to an emergency at a facility by analyzing a plurality of threat conditions to determine possible responses to an emergency and selecting a response to the emergency for minimizing human casualties within the facility. The present invention may be characterized in one embodiment as a method for generating an automated response to an emergency that includes the steps of (a) receiving as input threat condition data for a facility; (b) analyzing the threat condition data to determine a matrix of possible responses to an emergency; and (c) selecting a response from the matrix of possible responses to minimize human casualties.

Abstract: An engine oil contamination sensor includes a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode. A sensing area is established between the electrodes. The sensor is oriented in an oil pan such that the sensing are is completely submerged in engine oil. A microprocessor is connected to the sensing electrodes and includes a program for determining whether antifreeze is dispersed in the engine oil.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for using passive infrared technology to analyze the thermal energy in a given space, to determine whether a person is present, and if so, whether he or she is experiencing an emergency or a normal physical state. A detector mounted on the wall or ceiling collects the thermal data. A microprocessor in a desk top control module or a personal computer determines occupant status from the data and instructs a wall-mounted indicator to activate occupant status signals. The preferred signals are: an intermittent red light and tone for emergencies, a green light for normal states, and an amber light for absences. Occupant status signals and silent alerts may be transmitted to and from other locations via a communications network. The invention also warns of possible fire danger. Additionally, it may be used to control lights and office machines and integrated with building security systems.

Abstract: A pool alarm system for alerting when an object such as a child has entered a pool filled with water. The pool alarm system includes, a sensor assembly for detecting when an object has entered the water in a pool. The sensor assembly includes a housing that is mountable on a side wall of the pool. A first sensor is mounted on the housing for detecting movement of the surface of the water. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first sensor is designed to detect surface movement of the water in the pool caused by an object entering and disturbing the surface of the water. A warning assembly is provided for warning an individual in a vicinity of the pool that the sensor has been activated. The warning assembly preferably includes a speaker that is mounted on the housing for emitting sound to audibly warn an individual in a vicinity of the pool that the sensor has been activated.

Abstract: An aural warning system for buses is provided which comprises a logic controller circuit board in electrical communication with an audible alarm. The logic controller circuit board actuates the audible alarm in a preprogrammed response to input data. The input data is provided by one or more loading lights which sending an on/off signal to the logic controller circuit board, a speed sensor which provides information as to the speed of the bus to the logic controller circuit board, and an open/closed switch providing information regarding the open/closed status of one or more doors of the bus. The preprogrammed response actuates the audible alarm when the one or more loading lights are on, the speed sensor when the speed of the bus is less than a threshold speed and the one or more doors are closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the detection and enunciation of hazardous conditions within an environment comprises at least two detection circuits positioned to sense ambient conditions within a home or business environment. One of the detection circuits senses the presence of smoke, and the other detection circuit senses the presence of carbon monoxide. The apparatus also comprises an alarm circuit which is responsive to each of the detection circuits for generating at least one alarm pattern, and preferably a separate alarm pattern for each different sensed condition. A voice synthesizer circuit is also included, and is responsive to each of the detection circuits for generating at least one voice message. As with the alarm patterns, the voice synthesizer preferably generates separate voice messages for each separate detected condition. The apparatus advantageously also contains an interleaving control circuit.

Abstract: An integrated security system includes a plurality of security devices each issuing an alarm signal. A plurality of control units are associated to control the security devices via a communication line. Each security device comprises an alarm storing section for storing alarm signals received from individual security devices as alarm information. An alarm transmitting section transmits the alarm information to all of the control units via the communication line. The alarm information stored in the alarm storing section during a predetermined storage time are transmitted at a time as an alarm notification command to the control units.

Abstract: An anti-thief security sensor assembly wherein the alignment of the respective optical axes of the beam projecting unit and receiving unit with each other can be performed continuously over a required length of time is provided which includes a beam projecting unit (1) for emitting an infrared beam (IR), and a beam receiving unit (2) for receiving the infrared beam (IR) emitted from the beam projecting unit (1). The beam projecting unit (1) includes a first switch (16) adapted to be activated when a cover (10) protecting the beam projecting unit (1) is removed and for outputting a discriminative signal (B) descriptive of removal of such cover, and a transmitting circuit (17) for transmitting the discriminative signal (B) from the beam projecting unit (1) to the beam receiving unit (2), and a recognizing circuit (28) for receiving the discriminative signal (B) and outputting a notifying signal necessary to generate an alarm indicative of the removal of the cover (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for event detection utilizing data from a multiplicity of sensors is provided. In a first step, actual detections from a plurality of sensors identified with predetermined sensor sequences, each indicative of an event, are compared with the predetermined sensor sequence to determine whether the times between the actual detections match the times allocated between detections for any predetermined sensor sequence. If a match occurs, the event indicated by the matching predetermined sensor sequence is provided. If no match occurs, a second step is initiated wherein the actual detections are compared to a predetermined script file which defines criteria for a plurality of events. If this criteria is matched, the event for which the criteria is provided is indicated.

Abstract: An occupant detection system comprises a weight sensor and an electric field sensor, each operatively coupled to a seat. The electric field sensor generates an electric field from at least one electrode in the seat bottom of the seat, provides for generating a response to an influence of the occupant thereupon, and is adapted to provide for discriminating from the response a seated infant or child seating condition from another seating condition. If a measure of weight from the weight sensor is less than a threshold, or if a seated child seating condition is detected by the electric field sensor, then a signal processor provides for disabling an associated restraint actuator. The electric field sensor may comprise a plurality of electrodes over separate first and second regions of differing proximity to a seated infant or child, or at least one electrode in cooperation with a shield or void over at least one of the regions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus to detect and reliably record the physical history of a product including effects due to one or more of the following: 1) product use 2) handling 3) tampering and 4) environment of the product (as changes in the environment, such as excessive temperatures, humidity, or shocks, can result in degradation to a product). The apparatus includes a “smart card”, or, more generally, “smart token”, in combination with one or more sensors which record the external influences on the product and/or the environment and records those changes in an encrypted form. This information can then be verified by any individual who is equipped with a (possibly public) decryption key, but capability to modify this information, depending on the application, is restricted to those with access to the encrypting key.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking and transmitting picture includes a picture-taking device for taking pictures and for transforming the pictures into data and a data-transmitting device for transmitting the data transformed by means of the picture-taking device. The picture taking and transmitting devices may be used in a security system. The security system includes a controller and a sensing device. On sensing an external force, the sensor notifies the controller that in turn actuates the picture-taking device and the data-transmitting device. The picture taking and transmitting apparatus may be used in traffic security system. The traffic security system includes a controller and a sensing device. On sensing a vehicle running faster than a speed limit or across a stop line, the sensor notifies the controller that in turn actuates the picture-taking device and the data-transmitting device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for responding to a fire emergency at a facility by analyzing a plurality of fire threat conditions to determine possible responses to a fire emergency and selecting a response to the fire emergency for minimizing human casualties within the facility. The present invention may be characterized in one embodiment as a method for generating an automated response to an emergency that includes the steps of (a) receiving as input fire threat condition data for a facility; (b) analyzing the fire threat condition data to determine a matrix of possible responses to a fire emergency; and (c) selecting a response from the matrix of possible responses to minimize human casualties.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a system for monitoring an enclosure for a set of parameters and for opening the enclosure upon detecting the set of parameters is provided. The system comprises a sensing device disposed in the enclosure for detecting a plurality of events in the enclosure, a comparator connected to the sensing device for comparing the plurality of events to the set of parameters, a timer connected to the comparator for determining a time elapse of the plurality of events, a signal device connected to the timer for transmitting a signal when the plurality of events reaches or exceeds the set of parameters, and a controller connected to the signal device for receiving the signal and for opening the enclosure. In a preferred embodiment the enclosure comprises a trunk of a vehicle and the parameters include a maximum carbon dioxide gas concentration, a maximum air temperature, and motion.

Abstract: An improved fire alarm system capable of reliably detecting the presence of fire caused by different sources.

Abstract: A security system incorporating a reasoning system and security rules and processes. Transponders may be triggered and sensed from a distance to identify both items and individuals. These sensed identifiers are processed by the reasoning system to determine whether each identified item is authorized to be removed from or brought into a secured location by the identified individual. The system modifies and optimizes its rules and processes based on assessments of security events. The security system enforces these security rules and receives feedback from authorized security personnel. A learning system is configured to modify existing rules or create new rules in conformance with the feedback from the authorized security personnel.