Sensing Of Electromagnetic Energy (e.g., Light, Infrared, Or Microwave) Patents (Class 340/545.3)
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Patent number: 7256693Abstract: The present invention relates to a detector device and, more particularly, to a detector device comprising a self-diagnosis means for monitoring the correct performance or otherwise of the device. During testing, the device, which normally operates using the Doppler shift principle, is arranged to influence the phase and/or amplitude of the received signal in response to an applied test signal. The received signal may be a Doppler shifted version of a transmitted signal. Combining the phase and/or amplitude shifted version of the received signal and the signal from the local oscillator produces an IF signal that is indicative of the phase and/or amplitude shift. If the device is operating correctly, that signal should have a predetermined range of characteristics. If the self-diagnosis means determines that the produced signal falls outside of the predetermined range of characteristics, an alarm is raised to alert, for example, maintenance personnel to the problem.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2002Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Microwave Solutions LimitedInventor: Ian Richard Aldred
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Patent number: 7242305Abstract: A device and method for monitoring whether a resident is away from home or inactive within the home. A sensor, which includes a transmitter, a processor, a timer, and a detector, watches for motion to occur within a home. Upon sensing motion, the sensor sends a first signal indicative of the motion if the timer is not currently running and waits for the motion to end. If the timer already is running, the timer is restarted at zero. Upon expiration of a predetermined timing period, the sensor transmits a second signal indicative of inactivity. By comparing the timing of the second signal and the predetermined timing period, with a third signal sent by an exterior door sensor, a determination can be made whether the resident has left the home or is inactive within the home.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Paul Edward Cuddihy, Keith Donald Kuhnly, Paul Glendenning Saldin
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Patent number: 7221271Abstract: A device for controlling lighting, especially inside the passenger compartments of vehicles, including at least one light source and at least one sensor which influences the light source and which detects at least the movement of a body within the active range of the sensor. A control unit, which is used to control the light source according to a sensor signal provided by a sensor, is associated with the light source. Control unit, which are controlled by the control unit, track the light from the at least one light source according to a sensor signal corresponding to the position of the body. The invention also relates to a method for controlling the device.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2003Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Inventor: Gerd Reime
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Patent number: 7221288Abstract: One or more optical signals (wherein at least some of a plurality of optical signals are at different angles of travel with respect to one another and are directed towards an area comprising a movable barrier-controlled point of passage) create reflections when striking passageway boundaries as correspond to a given movable barrier. Obstacles in the pathway also give rise to reflections. By determining a time-of-flight for such reflections, one can detect a likely presence of an obstacle in such a pathway. Pursuant to one approach, such time-of-flight information can further provide information regarding a likely size of such an obstacle.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Robert J. Olmsted
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Patent number: 7218222Abstract: A space safety apparatus monitoring a volume of space encompassing a field of view (FOV) for detecting an intrusion including a gas or vapor, and includes a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) having mirror elements in a mirror array for reflecting infra-red (IR) energy beam collected from the FOV and an IR energy detector for detecting the IR energy reflected by the MEMS array and converting the IR energy to an output signal. A processor adjusts an angle of an element of the MEMS mirror array by varying a control signal, or by switching from one to another focusing element. The method includes detection in a volume of space by positioning a MEMS mirror array to reflect IR signal with respect to active elements of an IR detector; and collecting IR energy from an ith portion of the FOV.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth G. Eskildsen, Robert E. Lee
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Patent number: 7215246Abstract: A system allows binding in a one-way wireless transmission. The system includes a transmitting wireless device having a button and a receiving wireless device having a signaling mechanism. The second wireless device receives a code transmitted from the first wireless device when the button is pressed, determines if the code has been previously received, and accepts the code if not previously received. If the code is accepted, the second wireless device signals acceptance.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corp.Inventors: Paul Beard, Ryan Winfield Woodings
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Patent number: 7183912Abstract: A passive infrared sensor has two detector elements, each of which has a positive part and a negative part, with each detector element generating respective first and second signals. The signals are added together to render a “sum” signal and are also subtracted one from the other to render a “difference” signal, and a moving object is indicated only when the “sum” signal has a frequency different than the frequency of the “difference” signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Suren Systems, Ltd.Inventor: Eric Scott Micko
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Patent number: 7167092Abstract: An information apparatus includes a housing fitted to a support substrate and having a hole portion on a surface opposing the support substrate, a cover part fitted to the housing, and an abnormality detection part disposed inside the housing, including a first movable part urged by first urging force by the cover part in a first direction approaching the substrate support and a second movable part urged in a second direction approaching the cover part by second urging force, and detecting abnormality when either one of the first and second urging forces is released.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seiji Higashiyama, Yuji Nakajima, Ken Ikoma
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Patent number: 7164119Abstract: A security sensor system includes beam projecting and receiving units (1) and (2). The proper range of the received beam level is adjusted with change in time of the received beam level so that in the case that the received beam level departs from the proper range, the amount of beam projected from the beam projecting unit (1) can be adjusted to enable the received beam level to fall within the proper range. The unit (2) includes a received beam level detector (27), a level setting circuit (28) for setting a proper range of the received beam level, a request signal output circuit (30) for outputting a request signal requesting an adjustment of the amount of beam, and a transmitter (33) for transmitting the request signal to the unit (1). The unit (1) includes a beam projecting power adjustor (15) operable in response to the request signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Optex Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masashi Iwasawa
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Patent number: 7154391Abstract: A sensor array that forms part of an intrusion detection system, which is adapted for use on narrow spaced objects that surround a perimeter. The sensor array includes at least two intrusion detection sensor nodes, a plurality of node processors corresponding to each sensor node, and a deformable cable. The plurality of sensor nodes are situated and spaced along the deformable cable. The at least two sensory nodes include one or more discrete volumetric sensors with associated volumetric detection fields extending from each discrete volumetric sensor. Each sensor node has a detection zone extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the deformable cable at the sensor node and defined by the detection fields of its constituent sensors as constructed and arranged in each sensor node. Each sensor node includes a node processor situated thereat for processing a response generated by the sensors when an intruder enters a nodes detection zone.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Inventors: Melvin C. Maki, Pier Bortot
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Patent number: 7155317Abstract: A provided smart switch called Occupant Counter Control Switch, or OCCS, basically comprises of a motion sensor PIR, a photo sensor, an amplifier with band-pass filter, a microprocessor, a digital display, and a relay or triac to drive electrical appliances such as lights. The PIR sensor detects heat from a human body moving across it and generates a distinctive signal that is, unique to each of the two directions, further processed by the microprocessor for counting and thereby controlling the relay. Installed at the entrance of a room replacing the regular switch (see FIG. 1), the OCCS counts up, displaying a digit great than zero, upon detecting a person entering the room and turns on the lights if sensing insufficient ambient light. OCCS constantly energizes the lights during the room is occupied and immediately switches them off upon counting down to zero when detecting the last person exiting the room.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Inventor: Nhan Tran
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Patent number: 7151450Abstract: A door system includes an antenna-based proximity sensor with a releasable electrical connector that enables the sensor to function with a breakaway feature of the door. The sensor includes a signal generator and a door-mounted antenna for sensing a body or an obstruction near the door. The signal generator (or oscillator) can be installed at various locations between a power source and the antenna. In some cases, the wiring between the antenna and the power source includes a rotatable feature to accommodate the rotation of a drum that carries a wrap-up, pliable door panel. The rotatable feature may be a rotatable electrical connector, or it may be a wire having sufficient length and flexibility to twist about itself within the hollow interior of the drum.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2006Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Ryan P. Beggs, Lucas I. Paruch, James C. Boerger
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Patent number: 7145453Abstract: A method for detecting a latent environmental effect (such as a corrosive environment under insulation) or a latent structural change (such as a crack in a concealed structural member) at a known remote concealed location. The method of the instant invention includes three steps. The first step is to use a harmonic electromagnetic transponder at the known remote concealed location of the latent environmental effect or the latent structural change, the harmonic electromagnetic transponder having a reactive portion which reacts to the latent environmental effect or latent structural change to modify the harmonic emission of the transponder. The second step is to remotely interrogate the transponder by directing electromagnetic radiation at the transponder. The third step is to use the harmonic emission of the transponder to remotely determine the latent environmental effect or the latent structural change.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2004Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignees: The Dow Chemical Company, Michigan State UniversityInventors: Theodore E. Miller, Jr., Eugene L. Liening, Malcolm W. Warren, II, Leo C. Kempel, Gregory L. Charvat
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Patent number: 7145455Abstract: A space safety apparatus monitoring a volume of space encompassing a field of view (FOV) for detecting an intrusion including a gas or vapor, and includes a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) having mirror elements in a mirror array for reflecting infra-red (IR) energy beam collected from the FOV and an IR energy detector for detecting the IR energy reflected by the MEMS array and converting the IR energy to an output signal. A processor adjusts an angle of an element of the MEMS mirror array by varying a control signal, or by switching from one to another focusing element. The method includes detection in a volume of space by positioning a MEMS mirror array to reflect IR signal with respect to active elements of an IR detector; and collecting IR energy from an ith portion of the FOV.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2004Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth G. Eskildsen, Robert E. Lee
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Patent number: 7142112Abstract: The application discloses various methods and systems that utilize infrared communication to enhance and manage the security and convenience of occupants and the operation and efficiency of the staff of a multi-unit building.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Inncom International Inc.Inventors: Duane W. Buckingham, Richard N. Quirino, David G. Oliver, Gregory F. Scheurer, Philipp A. Roosli
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Patent number: 7126477Abstract: An area-protection system uses an active-array antenna to generate a high-power millimeter-wave wavefront to deter an intruder within a protected area. One or more reflectors may be positioned within the protected area to help retain energy of the wavefront within the area. The area-protection system may include an intrusion-detection subsystem to detect presence of the intruder within the protected area and to generate a detection signal. The active-array antenna may generate the high-power millimeter-wave wavefront in response to the detection signal. In some embodiments, the intrusion-detection subsystem may detect the presence of a tag worn by the intruder, and may instruct the array antenna to refrain from generating the wavefront when tag is authenticated. In some embodiments, an illuminator may be used detect intruder movement based on return signals. In some embodiments, the array antenna includes semiconductor wafers arranged together on a substantially flat surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: James E. Gallivan, Kenneth W. Brown, Philip D. Starbuck, Andrew K. Brown
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Patent number: 7123144Abstract: An automatic door opening system utilizing wireless links to communicate from hazard or obstruction sensors to a controller to react to such conditions. The present invention allows the use of hazard, fault or obstruction switching devices which themselves utilize internal continuity monitoring in a wireless environment. Compressible hazard switch sensors which utilize internal, continuous conducting elements are continually monitored for breaks in such elements through continuity checks. A signal is generated from the wireless transmitter during door operation to indicate to the system that the link between the wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver is fully functioning at all times. The system can determine if an actual obstruction hazard is detected or if there is a loss of communications between the wireless transmitter and receiver link in the disclosed system while also allowing for wireless continuity checking between sensor switches utilized.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Miller Edge, Inc.Inventors: Michael Anderson, Timothy Castello, Gary Leigh, Bearge Miller
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Patent number: 7084761Abstract: There is provided a device in which surroundings of a building can be monitored using a sensor; when detecting an intruder, an object can be detected even in the case of bad weather; and a predetermined area can be monitored using as few sensors as possible. The device includes a security system which emits a radio wave from a building to a predetermined area outside the building to detect an object, and on the basis of output of the object detecting unit, a judgment is made as to whether or not the object will intrude into the predetermined area.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2002Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shiho Izumi, Hiroshi Kuroda, Satoru Kuragaki, Kazuhiko Sato, Terumi Nakazawa, Kenichi Mitzuishi, Kazuaki Takano, Mitsuhide Sasaki, Hiroshi Kondoh, Mikito Tsubota
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Patent number: 7081817Abstract: A system and method for motion detection, useful, for example, in intrusion detection, access control, and energy management, including an incoherent detector, including at least one sensing element, operative to detect receipt of radiation having a wavelength between 0.05 mm and 10 mm from multiple fields of view, and a motion detector receiving an output of the incoherent detector and providing a motion detection output indicating receipt of radiation from an object moving between the multiple fields of view.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2002Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Visonic Ltd.Inventors: Boris Zhevelev, Mark Moldavsky, Michael Lahat, Yaacov Kotlicki
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Patent number: 7079027Abstract: An apparatus for detecting motion and providing illumination is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one motion detector and a receiver unit that communicate wirelessly. The apparatus is suited for outdoor applications, for example for use by hunters in monitoring a limited area surrounding a hunting stand in a wooded area. The motion detectors can be mounted on trees or other objects surrounding a hunting stand and the receiver can be mounted on the hunting stand. The receiver includes at least one indicator to alert a hunter when motion has been detected by one of the motion detectors. The receiver also includes at least one light source for illuminating the hunting stand and the area surrounding the hunting stand to aid a hunter in locating and safely settling in the stand.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Inventor: Jamie Wojcik
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Patent number: 7075429Abstract: An alarm apparatus for detecting an intrusion or compromise situation upon critical equipment or private areas. The apparatus detects an unauthorized radio transmitter (like a wireless camera), or the covering of a critical piece of equipment. Fiber optics, solar cells and special radio antennas are used to detect intrusion remotely and a delay timer will allow normal activity to occur, while reducing false alarms. This alarm apparatus will notify an existing system of the intrusion or compromise when limits are exceeded. This alarm apparatus also addresses privacy concerns of wireless cameras and recording devices in areas like changing rooms, bathrooms, or boardrooms. The apparatus addresses security issues for critical devices like smoke alarms and ATM machines.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Inventor: Cranbrook Marshall
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Patent number: 7075430Abstract: A security system utilizes danger sensors (3) and a central unit connected wirelessly to the danger sensors (3). The danger sensors (3) have a communication module (8) which has the same dimensions and same shape for all sensor types, and which is intended to attach the danger sensor (3) to a mounting plate (2). In addition to the communication module (8), the danger sensor (3) contains a detection module (9) where the communication module (8) has a mechanical and electrical/electronic interface with the detection module (9).Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies AGInventors: Beckers Rolf, Rene Lange
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Patent number: 7075431Abstract: A system and method of discerning human intrusion from animal presence without compromising sensitivity to human intruders exhibiting low intensity infrared signatures. At least four infrared sensing elements are arranged with at least one horizontal pair and at least one vertical pair, such as within a quad-sensing element device. To generate an intrusion alert in a pet-immune mode, simultaneous changes in infrared energy must be registered in at least two vertically adjacent detection zones spanning two tiers of sensing elements, corresponding to detecting a standing or semi-standing human intruder. Intrusion is generated in a non-pet-immune detection mode in response to registering sufficient infrared activity within any one or more individual detection zones. The focal lengths of the lens elements and position of the lens tiers are configured to produce a vertical separation of detection tiers sufficient to prevent a pet from simultaneously occupying space in two vertically adjacent detection zones.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2003Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Mark C. Buckley, Kevin M. Pelletier, Mark A. Von Striver
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Patent number: 7071459Abstract: A method for detecting interference energy in a sliding door safety system includes the steps of disposing at least one emitter along a first vertical surface, disposing at least one receiver corresponding to the at least one emitter along a second vertical surface, activating the at least one receiver, activating the at least one emitter to emit an energy beam that includes a modulated square wave of a predetermined frequency, sampling an energy intensity received by the activated at least one receiver a predetermined number of times recording each time a received energy intensity to form a plurality of recorded energy intensities, selecting the lowest magnitude one of the plurality of recorded energy intensities to form a lowest recorded energy intensity, comparing the lowest recorded energy intensity to a threshold value and determining a source of the energy intensity to be external when the lowest recorded energy intensity is less than the threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2002Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventor: Richard Pustelniak
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Patent number: 7064666Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2004Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Nabco LimitedInventors: Shigeaki Sasaki, Kenji Nishigaki, Yasutaka Kanda
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Patent number: 7057516Abstract: A device and method for detecting the presence of living organisms in a structure or behind a wall or partition utilizes a microwave or radio-frequency one or more transceivers which generate separate and distinct interrogating signals and receives separate and distinct signals reflected from a structure and living organisms within it. The reflected signals received by each of the transceivers are processed, for instance by a microprocessor, so as to provide output signals that indicate the presence or absence of a living organism in the structure or behind wall or partition. The microprocessor distinguishes and differentiate signals from different living organisms and from false indication of the presence of living organisms, thereby enabling the detection of living organisms despite the existence of motion signals caused by non-living organism motion.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2005Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Inventors: Dimitri Donskoy, Michael Epstein, Jaime A. Siegel
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Patent number: 7045764Abstract: A detection system for detecting a body near a doorway includes two detectors having one or more activation lines that overlap each other. With certain mounting arrangements, the detectors cover areas within and on both sides of the doorway. The detectors are meant to help prevent an already open door from accidentally closing on the body. The door is powered by a drive unit that ignores the detectors when the door is closed.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2002Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Rite-HIte Holding CorporationInventors: Ryan P. Beggs, Lucas I. Paruch, James C. Boerger
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Patent number: 7034682Abstract: A door system includes an antenna-based proximity sensor with a releasable electrical connector that enables the sensor to function with a breakaway feature of the door. The sensor includes a signal generator and a door-mounted antenna for sensing a body or an obstruction near the door. The signal generator (or oscillator) can be installed at various locations between a power source and the antenna. In some cases, the wiring between the antenna and the power source includes a rotatable feature to accommodate the rotation of a drum that carries a wrap-up, pliable door panel. The rotatable feature may be a rotatable electrical connector, or it may be a wire having sufficient length and flexibility to twist about itself within the hollow interior of the drum.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Ryan P. Beggs, Lucas I. Paruch, James C. Boerger
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Patent number: 7012523Abstract: A surveillance system for the entryway of a residence utilizes an existing peephole in a door to install a camera and utilizes the existing telephones in a residence to communicate from within the residence with an individual standing in the entryway.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Inventor: John C. Stuart
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Patent number: 6998982Abstract: To provide an anti-thief security sensor assembly capable of automatically setting a projecting power in such a manner that a received beam amount of the anti-thief security sensor assembly for detecting an infrared beam interrupted to sense an intruder attains a predetermined value during an optical axis adjustment, the anti-thief security sensor assembly includes an infrared beam projecting unit (1) for emitting the infrared beam (IR), and an infrared beam receiving unit (2) for receiving the infrared beam (IR). The infrared beam receiving unit (2) has a received beam amount detector (26) for detecting the received beam amount, and a signal transmitter (28) for transmitting a received beam level display signal (L) indicative of the amount of the received beam detected to the infrared beam projecting unit (1).Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Optex Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masashi Iwasawa
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Patent number: 6992577Abstract: The combined sensor of the present invention is comprised of an MW sensor and a PIR sensor, in which the frequency difference of two microwaves transmitted by the MW sensor is set such that the phase difference between the IF signals received by the MW sensor is approximately 180° when there is an object at the intermediate distance between the maximum detection distance within the target detection area and the maximum detection distance in the event of a deviation of the detection area attributable to mounting error of the infrared sensor 4.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Optex Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masatoshi Tsuji, Michinori Noguchi, Cholmin Seo
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Patent number: 6989745Abstract: A sensor unit for use in a surveillance system is provided. The sensor unit interfaces with a sensor device to receive sensor data from the sensor device. The sensor unit is configured to generate an event record based upon received sensor data. The event record is of a predetermined format and is output to a data unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: Vistascape Security Systems Corp.Inventors: Tomislav F. Milinusic, Demetrios Papacharalampos, Alexander Danileiko
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Patent number: 6970085Abstract: Door sensor(s) may be attached to a door body or bodies of automatic swing doors. The door sensor(s) may be equipped with door position detectors including geomagnetic sensor(s), the sensor(s) being itself or themselves capable of detecting position(s) occupied by the door body or bodies during opening and/or closing thereof. During opening and/or closing of the door body or bodies, determination may be made as to whether detected object(s) are object(s) intended for detection; and in the event that object(s) are object(s) intended for detection, opening and/or closing of the door body or bodies may be stopped, slowed, and/or reversed in correspondence to detected position(s) occupied by the door body or bodies during opening and/or closing thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2003Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: OPTEX Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junichiro Okabe, Toshiyasu Matsuyama
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Patent number: 6950021Abstract: An apparatus for detection of any intruder passing through an electronic wall is disclosed. The electronic wall is formed by a millimeter-wave radar positioned at one end of the wall and a plurality of combinations of plane reflectors and retroreflectors placed along the floor of the wall as well as on structures at both ends. The wall is formed of a plurality of electromagnetic beams with each beam having two segments, one between the radar antenna and a plane reflector and the second segment between the plane reflector and a retroreflector. A sufficient number of beams inhabit the wall volume to make traversing the wall by an intruder without detection essentially impossible, even though the intruder should attempt such detection avoiding methods as crawling under or jumping over the assumed locations of the beams. The primary means of determining that an intruder is traversing the wall is the detection of one or more electromagnetic beams being partially or completely blocked.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2003Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Inventor: Walker Butler
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Patent number: 6927690Abstract: An apparatus for determining when a door connected to a wall has opened. The apparatus includes a mechanism for transmitting an optical signal from a first point to a second point. The apparatus includes a mechanism for interrupting the signal from reaching the second point from the first point when the door is open. The interrupting mechanism contacting the transmitting means. A method for determining when a door has opened. An apparatus for interrupting an optical signal transmitted from a first point to a second point through a first fiber and at least a second fiber when a door is opened.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2003Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Minatronics CorporationInventor: Edwin P. Wilson
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Patent number: 6919804Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided for a vehicle having at least one opening to allow passengers to enter and exit the vehicle. The passenger detection system includes a plurality of passenger detection devices placed on opposed sides of the at least one opening to detect passengers entering and exiting the vehicle through the at least one opening. The passenger detection system also includes a plurality of passenger number devices placed on at least one side of the at least one opening to detect the number of the passengers entering or exiting the vehicle through the at least one opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Vultron IncorporatedInventors: Kenneth J. Cook, Jessie D. Swinea, Jr.
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Patent number: 6914526Abstract: A vehicle intrusion detection system (10) for detecting an intrusion condition of a vehicle (12) having an occupant compartment (14) partially defined by an outer structure (30) of the vehicle, comprises an actuatable illuminator (40) mounted in the vehicle and having a limited field of illumination (52) extending within the vehicle occupant compartment adjacent the vehicle outer structure. A linear imager (60) mounted in the vehicle (12) has a field of view (62) that substantially coincides with the field of illumination (52) of the illuminator (40). A controller (70) compares a first image taken by the imager (60) when the illuminator (40) is actuated and a second image taken by the imager when the illuminator is unactuated to help determine the existence of an intrusion condition of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Jon K. Wallace, Stephen R. W. Cooper, Nicholas M. Zayan, Farid Khairallah
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Patent number: 6903328Abstract: In an auxiliary safety sensor 6 which has a first sensor set composed of a first transmitter 61 and a first receiver 63 located opposite to each other and a second sensor set composed of a second transmitter 62 and a second receiver 64 located opposite to each other, a test operation is performed by emitting a light beam only from the first transmitter 61. The state of misconnection is confirmed when a connection point 73 for the first receiver 61 does not receive predetermined light acceptance data for the amount of received light. To solve the misconnection, the light acceptance data based on the signals from the receivers 63, 64 are exchanged between each other, before they are supplied to the data acquisition means 8.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Optex Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoki Imahori, Yasuhiro Takada
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Patent number: 6879256Abstract: A watertight door seal compression indication apparatus is provided that includes a watertight door in a frame that has a casket disposed in a channel around the periphery of the door. A knife-edge on the doorframe is positioned to compress the gasket upon latching the door shut. Numerous switches are placed between the channel and the gasket and the switches are closed when the knife-edge edge fully compresses the gasket. A display that is responsive to the switches indicates whether the gasket was sufficiently compressed or not by either a green LED or a red LED respectively.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Robert Charles Redfern, Ted Arthur Heinritz
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Patent number: 6865283Abstract: Image data from a capture device may be streamed from the capture device to a processor-based system. A motion detector associated with the capture device may provide a bit that is incorporated into the image data stream in place of image data, in one embodiment of the present invention. This bit may be decoded in a processor-based system to control how the image data stream, received from the capture device, is handled.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Chi M. Cheung
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Patent number: 6833793Abstract: The invention relates to a method of a continuous determination of an instantaneous position of an impeller blade tip (5′) in a rotor turbine machine, particularly in a turbine impeller (6) in a turbojet engine during its operation in a real condition in order to obtain a current information on a technical state of the blade (5). In a selected place of an housing (7) of a rotor turbo machine, in a movement plane of impeller blade tips (5′), it is arranged in a stable manner at least one microwave antenna (3) with an aperture shape (4) which is consistent with an internal surface of an housing (7). The microwave signal (11), which is produced by a microwave homodyne system, is emitted, and then received, through a microwave antenna (3). The output signal (9) from that system, which carries out information on each instantaneous position of an impeller blade tip (5′) in relation to an antenna aperture (4), is converted by an electronic system, and then it is read.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: Instytut Techniczny Wojsk LotniczychInventors: Edward Dzieciol, Ryszard Szczepanik, Andrzej Szczepankowski, Hieronim Karbowiak
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Patent number: 6825752Abstract: The vehicle port control system has a capaciflective sensor, a port, a lock securing the port, and a control unit. The capaciflective sensor senses the presence of objects a predetermined distance from the vehicle port. The sensor communicates its readings to the control unit, which controls the actuation of the lock.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2001Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive CorporationInventors: Pratik Kumar Nahata, Tjarko Leifer, Edwin T. Li, Tejas B. Desai, Susan A. Johnson, Mark Cutkosky
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Patent number: 6819240Abstract: To provide an anti-thief security sensor assembly wherein an optical axis of a beam projecting unit can be accurately aligned with that of a beam receiving unit, the anti-thief security sensor assembly includes a beam projecting unit 1 for projecting an infrared beam IR and a beam receiving unit 8 for receiving the infrared beam IR. The beam projecting unit 1 includes a projector cover 21A detachably mounted on a mounting base 20A for enclosing and protecting a sensor circuit on the mounting base 20A, an opening detecting switch 7 for detecting a physical opening of the projector cover 21A, and a projected beam suppressing circuit 4 operable in response to detection by the opening detecting switch 7 to reduce a quantity of the infrared beam emitted from the beam projecting unit 1 to thereby reproduce the infrared beam of a quantity substantially equal to that having passed through the projector cover 21A.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Optex Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masashi Iwasawa, Tsuyoshi Hatano, Hiroyuki Ikeda
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Patent number: 6812450Abstract: A method for monitoring a protected zone in which a light ray is transmited by an apparatus in the direction of the protected zone, a light ray reflected/remitted by an object disposed in the protected zone is received and the distance between the apparatus and the object is determined. The arrangement is such that at least two light rays are transmitted which include an angle between them; that, with an object present inside the protected zone, a first light ray reflected/remitted by the object is received; that, with an object-free protected zone, a second light ray reflected/remitted from a location disposed outside the protected zone is received; and that the distance from the apparatus of both the object and the second location is determined. Furthermore the present invention relates to a corresponding apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Sick AGInventor: Johann Hipp
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Patent number: 6812837Abstract: An automatic door system capable of distinguishing between a door closing action for when an object leaves a prescribed area, which results from a “signal discontinuation due to the exit of an object”, and a door closing action for when an object remains stationary within the area for a certain period of time, which results from a “forced signal discontinuation in the presence of a stationary object”. Regarding the latter case, the automatic door system protects a person who stops in the area by setting the door to close at a low speed and/or issuing a vocal warning. The door closing action of the automatic door system can thereby reduce the risk of hitting the person with the door.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Optex Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akihiro Ikeuchi
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Patent number: 6791673Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for exercising surveillance over a surface from an observation point above the surface utilizing three-dimensional map data pertaining to the surface. The method comprises the steps (1) intercepting the light rays from a surface in a field of view, (2) separating the intercepted light rays into a plurality of light-ray clusters, a light-ray cluster comprising a plurality of light-ray bundles, a light-ray bundle being the light rays from a point on the surface in the field of view, a light-ray cluster being the light-ray bundles from a region of contiguous points on the surface, (3) determining the map coordinates of each region from which a light-ray cluster comes, (4) obtaining a measure of the radiant power and/or color of each light-ray cluster at predetermined time intervals, and (5) identifying the map coordinates of a surface activity from measurements of the radiant power of the light-ray clusters.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2003Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Inventors: Robert E. Malm, Gregory E. Johnston
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Patent number: 6762686Abstract: The wireless home security detector monitors fire, smoke, and home security to protect the home. The wireless home security detector dials the proper authorities in the event of an emergency. An alarm will come on in seconds after the smoke or fire is detected. When the fire alarm is activated, it will emit a special code that will activate the passive infrared motion detector that will check for any body heat inside the home. If body heat is detected, the infrared motion detector will activate an alarm responsive to detecting the location of a person; and include a human voice response. This alarm will keep sounding if body heat is detected and it will also monitor the body heat location as the person moves from one room to the other. The motion detector will stay on in the occupied room as an indication that a person has been located inside the room, to aid authorities in an emergency.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Inventor: Joseph A. Tabe
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Patent number: 6753776Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Scientific Technologies IncorporatedInventor: John Drinkard
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Publication number: 20040113779Abstract: To provide an anti-thief security sensor assembly capable of automatically setting a projecting power in such a manner that a received beam amount of the anti-thief security sensor assembly for detecting an infrared beam interrupted to sense an intruder attains a predetermined value during an optical axis adjustment, the anti-thief security sensor assembly includes an infrared beam projecting unit (1) for emitting the infrared beam (IR), and an infrared beam receiving unit (2) for receiving the infrared beam (IR). The infrared beam receiving unit (2) has a received beam amount detector (26) for detecting the received beam amount, and a signal transmitter (28) for transmitting a received beam level display signal (L) indicative of the amount of the received beam detected to the infrared beam projecting unit (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2002Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventor: Masashi Iwasawa
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Patent number: 6750441Abstract: In an auxiliary safety sensor 6 which has a first sensor set composed of a first transmitter 61 and a first receiver 63 located opposite to each other and a second sensor set composed of a second transmitter 62 and a second receiver 64 located opposite to each other, a test operation is performed by emitting a light beam only from the first transmitter 61. The state of misconnection is confirmed when a connection point 73 for the first receiver 61 does not receive predetermined light acceptance data for the amount of received light. To solve the misconnection, the light acceptance data based on the signals from the receivers 63, 64 are exchanged between each other, before they are supplied to the data acquisition means 8.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Optex Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoki Imahori, Yasuhiro Takada