Abstract: An automotive occupant position restraint apparatus senses a position of an occupant of a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes an optical energy source emitting a first beam of optical energy. A first optical arrangement is disposed in a path of the first beam of optical energy. The first optical arrangement expands the first beam of optical energy into a plurality of second beams of optical energy spanning across a first angle. A second optical arrangement is disposed in a path of the second beams of optical energy. The second optical arrangement expands the second beams of optical energy into a plurality of third beams of optical energy spanning across a second angle larger than the first angle. An optical energy receiver receives optical energy from the third beams, wherein the received optical energy has been reflected within a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An active light source operating system (10,11) for a vehicle (14) includes a light source (50) that generates an initial illumination beam (54). A selective attenuation filter (27,52) forms an emitted illumination beam (56), with an associated light attenuation matrix (32,33), in response to the initial illumination beam (54). A sensor (31) detects an object and generates an object detection signal. A controller (35) is coupled to the selective attenuation filter (27,52) and said sensor (31). The controller (35) attenuates a pixel (104) in the light attenuation matrix (32,33) in response to the object detection signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fiber optic security system and control method thereof which, in detail, is embodied by plural channels each comprising an optical transmitter module, an optical transmission line, and an optical receiver module. The invention is easy to install on windows, doors or fences which need to be secured and improves the degree of security by means of operating the plural channels at random sequence. The present invention takes the effect that the invention makes it possible to cope flexibly with the actual spot to be installed by connecting plural channels each comprising an optical transmitter module, an optical transmission line, and an optical receiver module in order to cope with the dimension of the actual spot to be installed, and by cutting the plastic optical fibers in order to cope with the length of the actual spot to be installed, to maintain conveniently due to the ability of replacing channels one by one, and to reduce maintenance expenses.

Abstract: An optical multi-axis optoelectronic sensor, in which a phototransmitting sensor head having a plurality of phototransmitters arranged thereon and a photoreceiving sensor head having a plurality of photoreceivers arranged thereon are disposed opposite to each other, comprises: first device for inputting distance data equivalent to a distance between the sensor heads; second device for determining detection sensitivity based on the distance data input by the first device; and third device for setting the detection sensitivity determined by the second device.

Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor, especially a reflection photoelectric barrier and a reflection light sensing device, for detection of an object (2) in a monitored area, with a housing (3) with transmitting and receiving optics (6) and with an evaluation circuit (10). The optoelectronic sensor has an especially simple structure in that there is only one single optoelectronic transmitting and receiving component (14) which sequentially acts as both the opto-transmitter and the opto-receiver in succession in time.

Abstract: A counting system is for counting the number of persons passing a monitor line set in the width direction of a path, and has a laser for irradiating the monitor line with a slit ray, and an image capturing apparatus for photographing an area including the monitor line. In the image capturing apparatus, one-dimensional data indicative of a position in which the slit ray is interrupted on the monitor line is generated from an image obtained by the photographing. On the basis of the one-dimensional data, the number of passing persons is counted. By counting the number of passing persons with the one-dimensional data, a very light computation load for the counting can be achieved.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: One-dimensional line data is produced based upon an evaluation area in image data obtained by imaging the area the slit light beam is irradiated. Each point data value included in the line data is obtained based upon each pixel value in a pixel array arranged in a Y-axis direction having the same X coordinates in the evaluation area. The point data value in the line data depends upon the result of the difference between the pixel values of the adjacent pixels in the pixel array. The affect by the reflected light of the slit light beam from the surface of the moving object is offset between the adjacent pixels, so that it is not reflected on the point data value. The point data value corresponding to the blocked state and the point data value corresponding to the non-blocked state can be made clearly different from each other.

Abstract: A telecommunications optical fiber is secured against intrusion by detecting manipulation of the optical fiber prior to an intrusion event. This can be used in a non-locating system where the detection end is opposite the transmit end or in a locating system which uses Fresnel reflections and Rayleigh backscattering to the transmit end to detect and then locate the motion. The Rayleigh backscattering time sliced data can be stored in a register until an intrusion event is detected. The detection is carried out by a polarization detection system which includes an optical splitter which is manufactured in simplified form for economic construction. This uses a non-calibrated splitter and less than all four of the Stokes parameters. It can use a polarimeter type function limited to linear and circular polarization or two linear polarizers at 90 degrees.

Abstract: A fiber optic based security system is disposed on or in a structure such as a wall, roof, floor, ceiling, container, and/or ground. The security system contains an optical cable having first and second ends and an interface unit connected to both ends of the optical cable. The interface unit generates a specific light signal injected into the first end. The interface unit receives the specific light signal from the second end after the specific light signal propagates through the optical cable. The interface unit then determines if the specific light signal received falls within a given threshold and outputs an alarming signal indicating if the specific light signal received falls outside of the given threshold. An alarm system receives the alarming signal from the interface unit. The alarm system is activated if the interface unit indicates that the specific light signal falls outside of the given threshold.

Abstract: A multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor where a main element holder and an additional element holder are relatively moved in a direction perpendicular to an arrangement direction of optical axes. An engagement projection of the additional element holder is fit into a receiving hole of the main element holder and the hook of the additional element holder engages with the end edge of the main element holder, whereby the main element holder and the additional element holder are mechanically coupled to each other.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for aligning a truck chassis with a required position relative to a crane, in which the truck is scanned by a sensor means. The laser scanner is located on the crane in such a way that it will be able to scan at least one of a plurality of loading/unloading lanes. The truck is scanned when it enters into one of the loading/unloading lanes in order to detect/identify at least one edge of the truck. The distance between the identified edge of the truck and a fixed point on the crane is measured. A signal is generated that enables a truck driver to drive the truck into a required position in the loading/unloading lane for accurately receiving or delivering a container.

Abstract: A touchless, digital electrical switch includes at least one sensor that is oriented or associated with other elements in such a way as to detect substantially vertical sweeping, or switching, motions. When an intended switching motion is sensed by the optical sensors within a predetermined period of time, loads are switched and the status of a switch is communicated to other switches, if any, along the same circuit (i.e., the “position” of the switch is changed). An indication of the “position” of the switch may be provided by way of a visual indicator. An acceptable switching motion may also result in an audible “click” or other signal.

Abstract: A stress inducing device for inducing stress into a fiber optic cable is useful for detecting a person attempting to breach a security fence by climbing over the security fence. A stress inducing device is attached adjacent to a top of each fence post of the security fence. A fiber optic cable runs adjacent to a top of the security fence, and passes through each of the stress inducing devices. Once activated, a pressing member of the stress inducing device will pinch the fiber optic cable therein causing an alarm. The stress inducing device will be activated if a person leans a ladder against the fiber optic cable or the stress inducing device itself, or if a person attempts to open or tamper with the stress inducing device.

Abstract: Light emitted from light-projecting elements constituted by LEDs (light-emitting diodes) or the like is transmitted to a light-projecting optical system of a sensor head portion through an optical fiber cable and projected from the light-projecting optical system onto an object. The light projected onto the object is reflected on the object. The reflected light is made incident on a light-receiving optical system. The light incident on the light-receiving optical system is led to a light-receiving element. The light-receiving element detects the incident light and generates a light-receiving signal based on the quantity of the detected light. The light-receiving signal generated by the light-receiving element is transmitted to a signal processing control portion of a main body portion through a light-receiving circuit and an electric wire cable.

Abstract: A protective device working in a contact-free manner for the securing of a danger zone of a machine or the like comprises an optical evaluation field and a control and evaluation device which allows, in addition to a securing operation, in which a warning or machine stop signal is generated as a result of a respective intrusion into the evaluation field, a cyclical operation in which a release signal is generated as a result of at least one respective intrusion into the evaluation field in order to release a respective machine cycle, with one and the same evaluation field being provided for securing operation and for cyclical operation and with the control and evaluation device being designed such that only a part of the evaluation field is monitored accordingly both for securing operation and cyclical operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of intruder's detection, comprising of using of more than 1 sensor, represented, for example, by video cameras that are arranged with fixed spatial orientation for stereo detector formation at that 2D distributions of light intensity that form stereo images registered by stereo detector are transmitting to blocks of processing, for example, blocks of digital processing at that mentioned blocks of digital processing perform processing of sequence of stereo images with different frequencies (high and low), to determine the presence of intruder, it's position and speed of transference.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety apparatus for a machine such as a press brake. The machine has a first and a second machine part which perform a working movement towards each other. The first machine part has a leading edge in the direction of movement, and the leading edge defines a plane of movement. The safety apparatus has a plurality of first light barriers which run with the first machine part during the working movement, with the light beams of the first light barriers extending parallel to the plane of movement and being distributed in the region of the plane of movement in such a way that they run in advance of the leading edge with an increasing distance as viewed in the direction of the working movement. Furthermore, there is a control unit which stops the working movement in response to the first light barriers. There is also a configuration device, by means of which selected ones from the first light barriers can be deactivated at least for the duration of the working movement.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An optical sensor arrangement includes a transmitter that emits light rays and a receiver that receives light rays reflected from an object. A deflection unit deflects the transmitted light rays to periodically sweep across a monitoring range. An evaluation unit stores parameters of several safety zones that form respectively predetermined areas of the monitoring range. An object detection signal is generated in the evaluation unit in dependence on receiving signals at the receiver output, which object detection signal indicates whether or not an object is located within an activated safety zone. A communication interface is coupled to the evaluation unit and is operative for bi-directional data transmission with an external unit. At least one of the stored safety zones is activated by reading into the evaluation unit activation signals from the external unit via the communication interface.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes an openable window and a detector with a charge-coupled device sensor. The sensor detects the light distribution proximate to a closing line of the window. If an obstruction is present, the light distribution received by the sensor varies. The light distribution received by sensor is compared with a reference distribution to detect if an obstruction is present. If an obstruction is detected, movement of the window is stopped, allowing any obstruction in the path of the window.

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: Arrangement for obtaining information about objects in an environment around a vehicle, e.g., in blind spots of the driver of the vehicle, including one or more light emitting components arranged on the vehicle for emitting infrared light into the environment around the vehicle and receivers arranged on the vehicle for receiving infrared light from the environment around the vehicle. The information about the objects is obtained based on analysis of the received infrared light by a processor, e.g., the distance between the vehicle and the object, the velocity of the object and the identity of the object. Pattern recognition techniques are preferably used to obtain the desired information. Control of the vehicle can be effected based on the detection of particular objects and their position and velocity, e.g., an audio or visual warning device or a steering wheel control device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light grid having a transmitter strip for the transmission of a plurality of light beams and a receiver strip for the reception of these light beams, an evaluation unit for the processing of received signals generated in dependence on the light beams received and a memory for reference values which can be compared with the received signals by means of the evaluation unit, with a position transducer being provided for the determination of the position of an object introduced into the monitored zone of the evaluation unit being able to be supplied with position signals supplied by the position transducer and the comparison of the reference values with the received values being able to be carried out in dependence on the position signals.

Abstract: During a robot is taking workpieces out of a workpiece container 2, a safety fence 2 and a photoelectric sensor 1 are valid and the robot is stopped when the safety fence 2 is opened or a beam from the photoelectric sensor 1 is cut off. A safety fence 1 and a photoelectric sensor 2 are invalid and do not hinder operation of the robot. Operation feasible state indicating lamps of workpiece feeding lamp/switch boxes 1 and 2 are turned on and off, respectively. If an operator replaces a workpiece container 1, he/she actuates an operating area entrance switch or the box 1 into an ON state to make OFF state an operation feasible signal for the robot RB on a side of the workpiece container 1. When the robot is operating on the side of the workpiece container 1, the robot can continue to operate while similarly ensuring safety of the operator.

Abstract: Sensor(s) may be such that light-projecting component(s), at which light is irradiated from one or more light-projecting elements by way of lens group(s); and light-receiving component(s), at which at least a portion of light irradiated from such light-projecting component(s) is incident on one or more light-receiving elements by way of lens group(s) after having been reflected, are arrayed therein. Lens group(s) is/are divided into a plurality of lens sets comprising a plurality of lenses. A plurality of lens sets are arranged so as to be inclined in V-shaped fashion such that a plurality of lenses occupy respectively symmetric locations.

Abstract: System and method for detecting the presence of an object in an aperture in which an electromagnetic pulse is directed from an edge of a frame defining the aperture and electromagnetic waves reflected from an opposite edge of the frame are received at substantially the same location. A time of flight between the emission of the electromagnetic pulse and the reception of the reflected electromagnetic waves is measured. The presence of an obstacle in the aperture causes a variation in the time of flight from a reference time of flight in a situation where an obstacle is not present in the aperture. The system and method can be used in vehicles to determine the presence of obstacles in the path of a closing window, door, trunk lid, convertible top, or sunroof.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor includes: a light projecting section projecting detection medium light to a detection object region; and a light receiving section receiving reflecting light or transmitted light from the detection object region, the sections being in a single piece or in separate pieces. The light projecting section includes: a light source generating the detection medium light; and a light projecting lens for collimating or collecting the detection medium light from the light source to form a beam spot or a light collecting point in the detection object region. The light projecting section further includes: a deflection angle adjusting unit capable of finely adjusting an optical axis deflection angle of the detection medium light projected to the detection object region from the light projecting section.

Abstract: An intrusion detection system for altering the operation of an associated machine when an appropriate intrusion is detected, the system comprising: a first detector to detect the presence of a first distinguishing property and to selectively produce an intrusion signal when the first distinguishing property associated with an object is detected within a danger zone approximate a pinch point of a machine, wherein an area approximate the pinch point of the machine does not exhibit the first distinguishing property; and, a controller, operatively coupled to the intrusion detector and the machine, for controlling the operation of the machine, wherein the controller generates a corrective action signal directed toward the machine when intrusion signals are received from the intrusion detector.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic security system for a perimeter structure that incorporates a fiber optic cable secured to the perimeter structure. Typically the perimeter structure is a fence. A light pulse is transmitted down the fiber optic cable. Mechanical attenuation devices disposed at various locations along the fiber optic cable are responsive to intrusion attempts. The mechanical attenuation devices produce measurable attenuations to the light pulse. Using backscattering light detection technology an intrusion attempt and the location of an intrusion is detected.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system for a vehicle includes a collision avoidance processor, and an active sensor for obtaining successive range measurements to objects along a path transversed by the vehicle. The active sensor includes a near range gate for obtaining a near range measurement to objects located at a range less than a first predetermined range, and a far range gate for obtaining a far range measurement to objects located at a range greater than a second predetermined range. The near and far range measurements are provided to the collision avoidance processor for maneuvering of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a light source generating an illumination beam, a receiver having a pixel array for capturing an image in response to at least a reflected portion of the illumination beam, the image corresponding to a first horizontal field of view (FOV) angle, and a controller coupled to the light source and the receiver. The controller receives a vehicle speed input and, in response, selects a portion of the image as a non-linear function of the vehicle speed to generate a second horizontal FOV angle for displaying to the vehicle operator. The displayed angular FOV decreases, non-linearly, as the vehicle speed increases.

Abstract: Under the present invention, a warning unit having a light source (e.g., a laser) is mounted on an emergency vehicle. The light source first emits a low intensity light beam (e.g., an infrared light beam) to scan an area in front of the emergency vehicle. The scan is used to detect one or more objects having a height to width ratio exceeding a predetermined threshold. Specifically, the scan is used to detect one or more tall, narrow objects such as poles, sign posts, etc., while ignoring other objects such as people, animals, etc. Once any applicable objects are detected, a second, higher intensity light beam is emitted to illuminate the detected objects with a predetermined indicia. The predetermined indicia can be observed by other motorists and indicates to them a direction of origin of the emergency vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for evaluating a useful signal U(t) originating from a proximity sensor. The device comprises a first recognition means (17) which changes the switching state thereof when the value (U1(t)) of a first signal produced from the useful signal exceeds a first limit value that characterizes the proximity of an object. In addition, a second recognition means (34) is provided which changes the switching state thereof from a first to a second state when the value (U(t)) of the useful signal exceeds a second limit value that characterizes the removal of an object.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optoelectronic sensor, in particular a reflection light scanner, at least comprising a transmitter for transmitting transmitted light, a receiver for outputting at least two received signals in dependence on reflected and received transmitted light, and an evaluation device by which, for determining whether an object or no object is disposed in a detection zone of the sensor, a difference of the received signals is comparable with a threshold and a positive or negative article detection signal can be produced in dependence on the result of this comparison, with a plurality of different thresholds being provided to produce a switching hysteresis. The evaluation device is made such that the result of a comparison of a sum of the received signals with a threshold value is provided as an additional criterion for the production of the article detection signal. The invention further relates to a corresponding method.

Abstract: A zone is monitored with an optoelectronic sensor. Light is transmitted in accordance with a structured light pattern in the direction of the monitored zone and is received from the monitored zone. The received light is converted into received signals and the received signals are evaluated with respect to the presence of an object, or with respect to a movement of an object, in the monitored zone. The light is transmitted and/or received in accordance with at least two different light patterns.

Abstract: A perimeter barrier system and method of monitoring a perimeter barrier are disclosed which comprise a perimeter barrier element in the form of a picket or fence panel which is mounted for limited movement by spring loading the barrier element by means of springs. An optical fiber is coupled to the barrier elements so that upon an attempt to breach the perimeter barrier system the barrier element is moved to in turn cause movement of the waveguide. A light source and detector is provided for launching light into the fiber and for detecting light which is passed through the fiber so that when the fiber is moved a parameter of the light is changed and that change in parameter is detected by detector to provide an indication of an attempt to breach the perimeter barrier system.

Abstract: A motion detector circuit arrangement having multiple modes of operation for energizing a light at a nominal full-brightness illumination level in response to motion. Background level circuitry provides a dual-use lighting level signal that indicates the background levels with which the light may be energized in the absence of motion when operating in the various modes. The dual-use level signal is applied to cause the light to be energized at the desired background level and is further applied to set at least one other characteristic of the motion-activated light associated with the selected background level. The dual-use level signal may be applied to activate and establish an intermediate background lighting level to provide accent mode lighting and also be applied to disable a manual override capability. The manual override capability is preserved in security mode so that it will operate when these is no background lighting.

Abstract: A viewing distance safety system, utilizing a viewing distance safety device having two ultrasonic sensor modules at a particular angle to each other to achieve a wide field of view, and includes an adjustable, user selected, distance threshold setting that activates a warning when an object or person enters the region within the threshold distance. The system emits a warning when the threshold distance has been crossed, and, once the distance is cleared, the warning stops and the system resets itself. The system allows a voice message to be recorded for playback when an alarm is activated by crossing into the threshold distance.

Abstract: Overlapping range rings from a pair of non-scanning radar or sonar transducers creates a grid structure within a surveillance area defined by their overlapping beam widths. Using PN coded transmission signals and doppler signal processing, intruder targets are detected, located, and tracked as they move throughout the grid structure. Intruders are identified by comparing their movement pattern to those of known intruders. Three dimensional surveillance areas can be monitored using three or more transducer sites.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for monitoring a spatial area of least one motor-driven wing of a door includes a plurality of primary transmitters emitting beams of radiation toward a spatial area, and a plurality of primary receivers arranged to receive radiation from the primary transmitters which is reflected in the spatial area, the receivers generating a signal to actuate the motor driving the wing. A plurality of auxiliary transmitters are arranged next to respective primary receivers and emit auxiliary beams of radiation toward the spatial area, and a plurality of auxiliary receivers are arranged next to the primary transmitters to receive radiation from the auxiliary transmitters. A transmitter emits radiation and a receiver reacts to a reflection of the beam differing in intensity and produces a signal which controls the actuation of the door.

Abstract: A heat source locator (10) is disclosed having an elongated housing (11) in which is mounted a thermal detector (21), an infrared laser (22), a visible laser (23), and a light bar (25) all coupled directly or indirectly to the outputs of a semi-conductor (27). The thermal detector (21) is mounted within the housing (11) to sense a thermal input within a field of view FV along a central longitudinal axis LA. The infrared laser (22) is mounted within the housing (11) to transmit an infrared laser beam IRB generally parallel to and closely adjacent the longitudinal axis LA. The visible light (23) is mounted within the housing (11) to transmit a visible light laser beam VB generally parallel to and closely adjacent the longitudinal axis LA. With this construction, a target may be generally located by the thermal detector and the location pinpointed through an illumination of the target by one of the lasers.

Abstract: A multiple mode pre-loadable fiber optic pressure and temperature sensor includes a generally cylindrical structure having at least one compression element, a fiber optic having a Bragg grating in contact with one side of the compression element, a diaphragm in contact with the other side of the compression element, and a fluid port in fluid communication with the diaphragm. According to preferred aspects of the, a groove is provided in at least one compression element for receiving the fiber optic. The sensor is pre-loaded by straining the diaphragm over the adjacent compression element when the cover is attached. The compression element in contact with the diaphragm preferably has a contoured surface contacting the diaphragm and the diaphragm is stretched to match that contour. By varying the contour of the compression element and the thickness of the diaphragm, the dynamic range of the sensor can be changed. The preferred diaphragm has a variable thickness and is made as an integral part of the structure.

Abstract: A display monitor is provided for a multi-optical-path photoelectric safety apparatus including a plurality of multi-optical-path photoelectric sensor units. The user can determine whether a special function such as blanking is set for each optical path in a group which comprises a plurality of indicator lamps placed in a row along a longitudinal direction. The user can check the light incidence/light block status for each optical path on an indicator lamp group. The display monitor includes the plurality of indicator lamps placed in a row in the longitudinal direction. First and second switches allow the user to select the unit and the optical path to be shown on the two indicator lamp groups.

Abstract: A fiber optic based security system is disclosed, including a light emitter, a light detector, an optical fiber and a threshold detector. Light is injected at one end of the optical fiber and received at the other end. The optical fiber is looped or secured about an object to be protected. If someone attempts to steal the object by tampering with the optical fiber or cutting it altogether, the light received at the light detector will fall below a predetermined threshold. When this happens, the threshold detector is adapted to trigger an alarm, alerting the proper persons of the theft. Preferably, the system is contained in a portable housing, and the system is preferably useful for protecting objects located outside a building, such as a trailer, bicycle, motorcycle, snowmobile, etc., where conventional security systems would be prohibitive to install.

Abstract: This invention has as an object thereof to provide an overhead-traveling carrying apparatus which is capable of inexpensively incorporating countermeasures for detecting the presence of an obstacle such as a human being or a carelessly placed object during the lowering of an object to be carried onto the load port of a semiconductor manufacturing device prior to the contact of the obstacle with the object to be carried, thereby avoiding such contact. A structure is adopted in which obstacle detecting sensors which scan the raising and lowering path between a carriage and the load port of each semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, and which detect the presence of obstacles, are provided on the carriage with attached hoist.

Abstract: System and method for detecting the presence of an object in an aperture in which for modulated electromagnetic waves are directed from an edge of a frame defining the aperture and electromagnetic waves reflected from an opposite edge of the frame are received at substantially the same location. The phase change between the modulated electromagnetic waves and the reflected electromagnetic waves is measured wherein the presence of an obstacle in the aperture causes a variation in the phase change from a situation where an obstacle is not present. The system and method can be used in vehicles to determine the presence of obstacles in the path of a closing window, door, trunk lid, convertible top, or sunroof.

Abstract: Light curtain comprising two long assemblies defining between them an area to be monitored. Each assembly P1, P2 comprises with regard to the other assembly a striped surface of light 13 and dark areas 12 thus forming a grid. A linear or matrix receiver having a suitable optic picks up the image from the grid and the processing means of the two assemblies process the corresponding image signals to send an intrusion signal. Each assembly should preferably have two receivers RH1, RB1; RH2, RB2 near its ends and the optic associated to each receiver should cover the whole length of the opposite assembly, and the processing means should carry out a redundant processing of the images of the monitored area.

Abstract: A computer uses an optical reflective optical sensor to detect the removal of a cover of the computer housing. The reflective optical sensor includes a light emitter and a light detector, and is mounted adjacent a reflective surface on the inner side of the cover when the cover is in place such that the light emitter is reflected by the reflective surface and received by the light detector. When the cover is removed, the intensity of the reflected light received by the light detector drops. The change in the output of the light detector triggers the operating system of the computer to power down the computer.