Responsive To Intruder Energy Patents (Class 340/565)
  • Patent number: 6952168
    Abstract: A safety device, comprising at least one sensor for sensing the presence of an object and a warning system that emits at least one precreated verbal warning message after the sensor senses an object. The warning system includes a control system that allows a user to select at least one of a plurality of precreated verbal warning messages for emission. In another embodiment, a safety device comprises a safety cone, a sensor disposed on the safety cone and that senses an object, and a warning system disposed at the top of the safety cone and that emits at least one warning signal after the sensor senses an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Commercial Products LLC
    Inventors: Paul J. Recko, Jr., Craig K. Rogers, Shannon C. Dulaney, Robert W. Lauer
  • Patent number: 6950022
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for obtaining and conveying information about occupancy of a passenger compartment of a vehicle including at least one sensor for obtaining data from the passenger compartment. Information about the occupancy is generated based on the data and transmitted, e.g., through a cellular phone system, to emergency response personnel to enable them to respond accordingly. The information about the occupancy may be generated by a processor applying pattern recognition techniques so that any occupants of the seat may be classified and such classification transmitted to the emergency response personnel. The data may also be used to determine the number of occupants in the vehicle and/or whether the occupants are moving after a crash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Automotive Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Breed
  • Patent number: 6943687
    Abstract: A small-sized hidden motion detector that can be incorporated in a decorative manner into a decorative lantern. The motion detector can be incorporated into lighting fixture designs not previously amenable to a hidden motion detector in the body of the lighting fixture. A small decorative motion detector housing is provided defining a compact interior region with a PIR sensor mounted inside and providing a sufficient optical pathway for a practical motion detector of wide angular field of view that can nevertheless fit inside commonly found small-sized decorative lantern elements. In one embodiment the motion detector is hidden in a small generally cylindrical decorative element of the sort that is found in a number of traditional decorative lantern designs and that has not previously been amenable to a hidden motion detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: EML Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Wade Lee, Donald R. Sandell
  • Patent number: 6940400
    Abstract: A machine to turn on the occupancy sensor(s) of a motor vehicle using a temperature sensing element. The temperature element senses a dangerously high temperature in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and energizes the occupancy sensors. The occupancy sensors energize for a time period sufficient to determine the presence or absence of an occupant. If no occupant is detected, the occupancy sensors de-energize after a set period of time. If an occupant is detected, an audible alarm is enabled to draw attention to the motor vehicle. Once the alarm is active, a key must be used to reset it. If no occupant is detected each operation of a door switch will cause an additional sensing provided the temperature remains dangerously high. This logic is only energized or enabled when a passenger compartment is dangerously high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Mark S. Pelletier
  • Patent number: 6919804
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Vultron Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Cook, Jessie D. Swinea, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6909370
    Abstract: An intruder detection device provides first and second detection areas which are covered by first and second PIR sensors. When intrusion of an object is detected in these areas, the detection signals are amplified by amplifiers, and then processed in a control unit such that orders for generating alarms are output from alarm output units to a monitoring station. While these processed detection signals are output to the alarm output units, the control unit sends other processed signals to LED display units, so that the LED display units turn on alarm lights. The intruder detection device also has a device for separating the object detection areas of the first and second PIR sensors such that their detection areas do not overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Optex Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Nakamura, Shingo Okawa, Yoshiharu Okumura
  • Patent number: 6903654
    Abstract: The invention is directed to improved automatic dispenser apparatus for dispensing sheet material and the like without contact between a user and the dispenser. Proximity detection apparatus is provided to detect the presence of a user in a detection zone generated outside the dispenser. Control apparatus controls actuation of the dispenser in response to the detected user. Preferred forms of the proximity detector include a sensor and a signal detection circuit operatively connected to the sensor. The sensor includes conductors configured to have a capacitance and positioned such that the capacitance is changed by the presence of a user within the detection zone. The signal detection circuit detects the change in capacitance and is provided with an oscillator having a frequency which is affected by the sensor capacitance and a differential frequency discriminator which detects changes in the oscillator frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Alwin Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Hansen, Thomas Michael Leiterman, Larry Allen Schotz, William G. Haen, Alan P. Paal, Abtin Spantman, Patrick Gerald McCutcheon
  • Patent number: 6900729
    Abstract: A system for processing thermal signature data is provided. The system provides a thermal signature data processor that analyzes one or more pixels to determine whether an aspect of an alarm-worthy event has occurred. In one example, the system additionally analyzes visual data in relation to the thermal signature data to determine whether an alarm-worthy event (e.g., intrusion) has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventors: John Matthew Paximadis, Richard Pettegrew
  • Patent number: 6885303
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product are presented for detecting motion within an amorphous sensor node array. The operations performed include detecting an object at a node in the array, with a node that detects an object termed a “detecting node”. Another operation includes sensitizing nodes about the detecting node to the possibility that the object will move toward the sensitized nodes. Still another operation includes, when the object moves toward a sensitized node, detecting the object at the sensitized node and propagating a warning signal to a distance from the sensitized node in the direction of the motion of the object. In another aspect, nodes are differentiated into a pattern comprising pattern elements, where each pattern element comprises at least one node, wherein the pattern is used to determine which nodes are sensitized about a detecting node and to determine a propagation direction for the warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: David W. Payton, Regina I. Estkowski
  • Patent number: 6870466
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the movement of an object traversing a circuit and outputting data with respect thereto. Lap events are recorded and used to calculate a total lap count, split time, and elapsed time for an event that includes the repetitive traversing of a circuit. Physiologic data is monitored in the case where the object is a person. A transponder or transmitter is affixed to a user and a signal having limited range is coupled to a communications and display device when the user comes into range of the device. Each such coupling is accumulated as lap event data. Calculations are made to display the lap count and timing information as well as physiologic data. In one embodiment, the device is implemented in a watertight housing and placed at the bottom of a swimming pool. The displayed information is visible to a swimmer wearing the transponder or transmitter. In another embodiment, the display is incorporated into eyewear worn by the person traversing a repetitive circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert A. Rust, Barry J Oldfield
  • Patent number: 6856248
    Abstract: A digital verification control, which is incorporated with an alarm system, includes a first timer device for presetting a single zone verification time in the control panel and second timer device for presetting a multiple zone verification time in the control panel. The single zone verification time is a single sensor time delay and arranged when one of the sensors detects at least two triggered signals in the respective detecting area within the single zone verification time, the local warning system is activated for producing a local warning signal. The multiple zone verification time, which is longer than the single zone verification time, is a multiple sensor time delay and arranged when the two sensors detect two triggered signals in the detecting areas respectively within the multiple zone verification time, the local warning system is activated for producing the local warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Randall Wang
  • Patent number: 6853300
    Abstract: A saw cover safety sensing device comprises a protecting cover; a sensing controller at one side of the protecting cover; a control circuit within the sensing controller; the control circuit serving for receiving electric static signals from a human body and emitting control signals; the sensing controller further comprising a power switch, at least one batteries, a plurality of LED lights and a transparent cover; at least one signal sensing wire connected to the sensing controller; each signal sensing wire having a metal foil sheet; one surface of the metal foil sheet being coated with glue so that the metal foil sheets and the signal sensing wires are adhered to the protecting cover; the signal sensing wire and metal foil sheets serving for detecting electric static signals emitted from a human body; and a buzzer connected to the sensing controller; the buzzer buzzes in response to electric static signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Kuo Lung Kuan
  • Patent number: 6844538
    Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus is capable of detecting and locating events, such as a fire or the appearance of an intruder, in a scene under surveillance. The apparatus comprises an array of detector elements, e.g. infrared detectors. The apparatus has two fields of view, namely a first field of view defined by a lens providing a single focussed image of a distant scene on the array and a second field of view defined by a reflector arranged between a plane of the array and a plane of the lens whereby to reflect onto the detector array radiation entering the lens from outside the first field of view. One or more processors are provided to distinguish events in the second field of view from those in the first field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Infrared Integrated Systems Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Hollock, Bryan Lorrain Humphreys Wilson, Stephen George Porter
  • Publication number: 20040246132
    Abstract: A saw cover safety sensing device comprises a protecting cover; a sensing controller at one side of the protecting cover; a control circuit within the sensing controller; the control circuit serving for receiving electric static signals from a human body and emitting control signals; the sensing controller further comprising a power switch, at least one batteries, a plurality of LED lights and a transparent cover; at least one signal sensing wire connected to the sensing controller; each signal sensing wire having a metal foil sheet; one surface of the metal foil sheet being coated with glue so that the metal foil sheets and the signal sensing wires are adhered to the protecting cover; the signal sensing wire and metal foil sheets serving for detecting electric static signals emitted from a human body; and a buzzer connected to the sensing controller; the buzzer buzzes in response to electric static signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Kuo Lung Kuan
  • Patent number: 6825768
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic correction system and technique for a pet containment system in which the correction levels of the electrical stimulus and/or audio or visual warning are adaptively adjusted in accordance with the behavior of a particular dog or other animal. In one mode of operation, the system is set to a baseline correction level at which a predetermined warning such as an audible beep is provided when the animal enters a first detection zone, and a predetermined electrical stimulus is provided when the animal enters a second detection zone. The correction levels are automatically adjusted in response to one or more parameters of the animal's behavior. One example of animal behavior to be corrected is repeated challenge by the animal to the system by repeated entry into the first or second detection zone within a defined period of time. Another example of behavior to be corrected is the animal remaining in a detection zone beyond a specified time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Dogwatch, Inc.
    Inventors: Norval Stapelfeld, Frederic Peterson
  • Patent number: 6816086
    Abstract: A driveway signaling device for detecting motion in a street immediately in front of a driveway and alerting a driver about to exit the driveway of such movement. The device has a pole, a motion detecting assembly mounted on the pole, and an anchor for anchoring the pole into the ground. The motion detecting assembly is mounted near the pole top, including a pair of motion detectors that extend outward from the sides of the pole in opposite directions for detecting motion in either direction in the street. The assembly has, a “red” light, a “green” light, a power source, and a logic device connecting the motion detectors to the pair of lights and the power source. Upon detection of movement, the “red” light is illuminated, signaling to the driver that it is hot safe to exit from the driveway. When no movement is detected for a predetermined time period, the “green” light is illuminated, signaling to the driver that it is safe to proceed out of the driveway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey Kieffer, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6812835
    Abstract: An intruding object monitoring method using an intruding object monitoring system having a first intruding object monitoring apparatus for monitoring a monitor area by inputting images of the area and at least one second intruding object monitoring apparatus for performing a following of an intruding object. By this method, first intruding object monitoring apparatus acquires detection information of an object intruding into the monitor area, the second intruding object monitoring apparatus captures the intruding object in accordance with the detection information supplied from the first intruding object monitoring apparatus. After the intruding object is captured, the second intruding object monitoring apparatus performs the following of the captured intruding object independently of the first intruding object monitoring apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.
    Inventors: Wataru Ito, Hirotada Ueda
  • Patent number: 6798342
    Abstract: A method and device for providing status of a security system to a user by a remote indication device in response an external stimulus. A status request trigger signal is generated as a result of the stimulus, and status data is then retrieved from an externally located central control unit in response to the status request trigger signal. The status data is then presented via the remote indication device to the user, either by providing a visual display or sounding an audible representation of the status data. The external stimulus may be the motion of a user within proximity of the remote indication device, and the generating of a status request trigger signal may includes the detecting of the motion of the user by a motion detector such as a PIR or a microwave detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Addy
  • Patent number: 6798344
    Abstract: A security alarm system that provides secure, realtime video of a secured location to one or more emergency response agencies over a high-speed communications link, such as an Internet link. Realtime video information is therefore placed directly into the hands of those who are called upon and trained to respond to a potential emergency. As such, the emergency response agencies and their personnel are better informed. This, in turn, allows the personnel to be better prepared in their response to the potential emergency, saving manpower, money, lives and reducing the number of false alarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventors: James Otis Faulkner, Richard Matyel Blake
  • Patent number: 6798341
    Abstract: A multifunction sensor device (10) provides various transducer functions for performing temperature sensing, humidity sensing, ambient light sensing, motion detection, thermostat functions, switching functions, load switching and dimming functions, displaying actual and set temperature values, displaying time of day values apparatus for putting the device in an on/off or auto mode. Key elements include mounting the diverse sensors or transducers within the same housing (14) that can be mounted to a wall in a flush manner, eliminating the requirement of an air flow channel in the device (10), thus minimizing any adverse effects on the motion detecting element or sensor. The device can transmit and receive real time data, relative data and actual discrete data in addition to switching and controlling loads locally or remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Eckel, Gaetano Bonasia, James A. Porter
  • Patent number: 6778085
    Abstract: A security alarm system that provides secure, realtime video and/or other realtime imagery of a secured location to one or more emergency response agencies over a high-speed communications link, such as an Internet link. Realtime video and/or realtime imagery, along with other useful information is therefore placed directly into the hands of those who are called upon and trained to respond to a potential emergency. As such, the emergency response agencies and their personnel are better informed. This, in turn, allows the personnel to be better prepared in their response to potential emergencies or acts of terrorism, saving manpower, money, lives and reducing the number of false alarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventors: James Otis Faulkner, Richard Marvel Blake
  • Patent number: 6771173
    Abstract: A system, device, and method for monitoring and signaling personnel presence uses a personnel presence sensor capable of detecting physical presence and proximity of a person within a space. Personnel presence monitoring/signaling logic determines any of a number of personnel presence conditions based upon personnel presence information obtained from one or more such sensors, and may signal any of a number of personnel presence conditions. The personnel presence monitoring/signaling logic may be coupled to a communication network for remote monitoring and control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Diane J. Clayton, Stephen S. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20040135688
    Abstract: An improved 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: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Boris Zhevelev, Mark Moldavsky, Michael Lahat, Yaacov Kotlicki
  • Patent number: 6762686
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph A. Tabe
  • Patent number: 6759957
    Abstract: A home security system which includes sensors 11 to 18 that detect an alarming situation in different locations inside a facility, cameras 21 to 26 that capture images of different locations inside a facility, and a controller 30 that memorizes the associations between sensors 11 to 18 and cameras 21 to 26, and when any of the sensors 11 to 18 detects an alarming situation, has cameras that are associated with the sensors that have detected an alarming situation capture images based on the associations, and also updates the memorized associations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Murakami, Yasuyuki Shintani, Kazuhiro Aizu
  • Publication number: 20040075561
    Abstract: The present invention involves a system and method for detecting a graffiti-making act such as the spray of a spray paint can, the writing with a felt-marker pen on a surface, and the scratching with an abrasive instrument on a surface. The system includes one or more sensors adapted to sense the graffiti-making act and transmit a signal representative of the graffiti-making act, and a base unit including electronics adapted to process the signal and determined whether the signal represents a graffiti-making act, and a communication device coupled to the electronics and adapted to communicate to one or more entities that a graffiti-making act has been detected. The method includes sonically detecting the graffiti-making act, and initiating an alarm indicating that the graffiti-making act took place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Traptec Corporation
    Inventors: George H. Lerg, Arthur J. Devine, Donald L. Roberts, Randy E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6717514
    Abstract: An alarm system and method is provided for preventing injuries as may occur within a manufacturing plant using lathes, milling equipment, metal shears and other machinery. The alarm system is so positioned to allow safe operation of the machinery while tracking the operator's movement. A transmitter attached to the operator's hand allows monitoring of the operator and prevents unsafe actuation of the machinery. The alarm system can also be programmed to prevent operation by unauthorized personnel and includes a trio of X, Y and Z spatially positioned receivers which are connected to a programmed system controller to activate alarms or to terminate power to the machinery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventors: Richard M. Stein, Lynwood F. Hampshire
  • Patent number: 6703932
    Abstract: A warning system comprises a piezo-electric ceramic capable of resonating with an ultrasonic wave having a frequency within a predetermined frequency band and thus outputting an electric signal, a resonator capable of detecting only a signal component having a specific frequency from the electric signal output from the piezo-electric ceramic. When the resonator has detected a signal component having a specific frequency, an alarm signal is continuously generated for a predetermined time set by a timer, so that a warning notice is produced by an alarm device in accordance with the alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Iwata Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Matsuzawa
  • Patent number: 6696971
    Abstract: An adapter (10) for a light fixture (F) has a socket (16) into which the base of the light bulb (L) is screwed. The adapter has a base (12) sized to be inserted in a socket of the light fixture for attaching the adapter to the light fixture. The adapter further includes a housing (14) in which is installed an audio alarm (20) for a security system. The audio alarm is electrically operated and connected in parallel with the light bulb. Electrical current routed to the adapter through the light fixture simultaneously illuminates the light bulb screwed into the socket of the light holder and the audio alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Gess Tukin
  • Patent number: 6693527
    Abstract: A warning system (10) arranged in a house (200) having a controller (11) which is designed to operate a first buzzer (17) in response to the activity sensor (20) detecting a person (204) in the vicinity of the house (200) and operate a floodlight (19) and a second buzzer (18) only when the activity sensor (20) activates while a light sensor (20) is in an activated state. The first buzzer (17) operates for the duration of a first pre-set time period, and the floodlight (19), which is delayed from operating for the duration of a second pre-set time period, operates for the duration of a third pre-set time period which is extendible upon further activation of the activity sensor (20). The warning system (10) may be easily configured to operate as an alarm system, or as a warning system which warns a user that the person (204) has been detected in a discrete manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Julian Lionel Bone
  • Patent number: 6661343
    Abstract: An object that can be sensed by a motion detector is equipped with a small, battery powered transponder. A motion detector has (either internally or externally) a transceiver adapted to provide a query signal. If the object is within range of the query signal, the transponder responds with a transponder signal. The transceiver is responsive to receipt of the transponder signal to prevent the detection of motion from causing an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Steven J. Rocci
  • Patent number: 6657323
    Abstract: Electronic proximity switch with a member (1) generating an alternating electromagnetic field, which is excited by an oscillator (2), an influencing of the alternating field, induced by approach of a trigger, being evaluated by an electronic signal-evaluation stag (8), including an amplifier stage (5), for emission of an output signal. The signal to be evaluated, which is obtained by a member (3, 4) influenced by the electromagnetic field, is mixed with the oscillator frequency before its evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Werner Turck GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jens Müller
  • Patent number: 6653938
    Abstract: An automatic security enhancement system can automatically increase the security of the system when necessary. The system has at least two different states with each state has different security level. The state with low security could be changed into a state with higher security automatically when the system detects someone try to break the system. The state with low security could also be instructed to change into a state with higher security. However, a state with higher security will be changed into a state with lower security only when the system is commanded to do so.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: George L. Yang
  • Publication number: 20030214405
    Abstract: A method of sonically detecting a sonic act such as a graffiti-making act or firearm shot includes providing a sonic act detection system to sonically detect a sonic act and a camera to take an image of a perpetrator of the sonic act; locating the sonic act detection system and the camera near a location where the sonic act is prone to occur; sonically detecting with said sonic act detection system a sonic act; obtaining one or more images of the perpetrator of the sonic act with the camera; communicating to one or more entities that sonic act has been detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: Traptec Corporation
    Inventors: George H. Lerg, Arthur J. Devine, Donald L. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6650239
    Abstract: An outdoor intrusion detection system that includes a portable housing (1), a plurality of adjustable fasteners (21) and (22), an augmented switch (5), and a sensor line (3) for sensing human and/or animal intrusions into a predetermined perimeter or boundary configuration, which can be variable in conformity with terrain and flora. A battery-powered high decibel piezo siren (7) activates when any intrusion occurs. The sensor line is released, retrieved, and stored on a reel that is an integral part of the housing, completing a lightweight alarm system that fits in a coat pocket or backpack pouch of a camper, hiker, or soldier. The system can also be used for protecting gardens and fruit trees, automobile and airplane displays, and comparable things.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas George Hron
  • Patent number: 6642847
    Abstract: A pool alarm device for detecting when a person enters a pool. The pool alarm device includes a detector means for detecting motion. A saddle for holding the detector means removably receives the detector means. A fastening means removably fastens the saddle to the wall of the pool. A transmitter for transmitting a signal is operationally coupled to the detector means. The transmitter transmits a radio signal when the detector means detects motion. A housing holds a control means. A receiver receives a signal transmitted by the transmitter. The receiver is mounted in the housing and is operationally coupled to the control means. A speaker for producing an audible sound is operationally coupled to the control means. The speaker is mounted in the housing. The control means sends an audio signal to the speaker when the receiver receives a transmitted signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Donald R. Sison
  • Patent number: 6614348
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring behavior patterns which effectively distinguishes between alarming and non-alarming behavior patterns, includes at least one sensor for detecting behavior patterns, a memory device coupled to the sensor, for storing standard behavior patterns, and a processor, coupled to the memory device, for comparing standard behavior patterns with detected behavior patterns, and causing a response to be activated when standard behavior patterns and detected behavior patterns have a predetermined relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur C. Ciccolo, Phillip Hobbs, John D. Mackay, Howard E. Sachar
  • Patent number: 6614354
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Harvey Haines, Robert B. Francini
  • Publication number: 20030156031
    Abstract: The invention concerns an alarm device including an acoustic pressure sensor (10) delivering an analog signal to first amplifying means (12) and to second amplifying means (14), a first comparator (34) whereof the + input is connected to the output of the second amplifying means and whereof the output delivers a warning signal to alarm means (26, 28) when there is a break-in or an attempt at breaking in, and self-adjusting means consisting of a microprocessor (26) programmed to deliver a digital signal at the −input of said first comparator whereof the pulses have a variable width which increases in accordance with the duration and the importance of said atmospheric disturbance so as to automatically increase the alarm device triggering threshold and hence reduce its sensitivity when the acoustic sensor detects an atmospheric disturbance such as wind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Francois Philippe
  • Patent number: 6598245
    Abstract: An automatic water feed mechanism and method is provided by equipping a lavatory with a two dimensional sensor array such as a camera unit for monitoring a target area that a user may enter. An infrared emitter and an infrared detector can also be activated at low light levels. A two dimensional image signal can be processed and compared with a stored reference signal for activating the release of water. At a low ambient light, the infrared emitter unit can be activated to emit infrared rays which can then be detected when reflected by a user by the infrared detector. Such a detection can provide an alternative release of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: San-Ei Faucet Mfg. Co., LTD
    Inventor: Akira Nishioka
  • Patent number: 6600417
    Abstract: The present invention involves a system and method for detecting a graffiti-making act such as the spray of a spray paint can, the writing with a felt-marker pen on a surface, and the scratching with an abrasive instrument on a surface. The system includes one or more sensors adapted to sense the graffiti-making act and transmit a signal representative of the graffiti-making act, and a base unit including electronics adapted to process the signal and determined whether the signal represents a graffiti-making act, and a communication device coupled to the electronics and adapted to communicate to one or more entities that a graffiti-making act has been detected. The method includes sonically detecting the graffiti-making act, and initiating an alarm indicating that the graffiti-making act took place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Traptec Corporation
    Inventors: George H. Lerg, Arthur J. Devine, Donald L. Roberts, Randy E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6597287
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Steinel GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heinrich Wolfgang Steinel
  • Patent number: 6587047
    Abstract: An intrusion detector having a transmitter, receiver, detector, signal processor, and control unit is disclosed. The transmitter is able to transmit waves into a defined space and has a variable output power. The receiver is able to receive those waves after reflection. The detector is connected to the receiver and able to detect a signal based on a change in the waves after reflection, where the detected signal is representative of any motion in the defined space. The signal processor is able to process the detected signal in order to determine if an intrusion has occurred. The control unit is able to determine any change in the detected signal, and to increase the output power of the transmitter in response to such change. A method for performing such intrusion detection is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stefan Nilsson, Göran Svedoff
  • Patent number: 6583724
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Raul Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 6577236
    Abstract: A FM CW cable guided radar for the detection and location of outdoor perimeter intruders. Helically wound outer conductors on coaxial transmit and receive transmission lines provide a slow wave structure to support the propagation of external electromagnetic fields. The two leaky coaxial lines are enclosed in an extruded plastic jacket with the outer conductors in continuous electrical contact along the length of the cable. A chirp frequency modulation provides a continuous target response having a baseband frequency that is proportional to the distance along the length of the cable. After location determination, the amplitude of the response is compared to a location specific threshold to determine if an intruder is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Keith Harman
  • Publication number: 20030090377
    Abstract: The invention is a method for monitoring an environment by evaluating an infrasonic signal obtained from said environment. The method includes averaging said infrasonic signal (Vinfra) to provide an averaged infrasonic signal (Vav), mapping said averaged infrasonic signal (Vav) according to a function to provide an infrasonic noise signal (Vnoise); averaging said infrasonic noise signal (Vnoise) to provide an averaged infrasonic noise signal (Vav noise); offsetting said averaged infrasonic noise signal (Vav noise) with an offset value to provide an infrasonic level signal (Vlimit); comparing said infrasonic level signal (Vlimit) with said averaged infrasonic signal (Vav); and generating a trigger signal (30) if said averaged infrasonic signal (Vav) is greater than said infrasonic level signal (Vlimit).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Norbert Pieper
  • Patent number: 6549142
    Abstract: Audio alerts are provided in an environment, such as a house, concerning categorized events to be reported. Examples of the events are receipt of e-mails and voice mails. The presence of a person entering or leaving a space of the environment is detected and a processing system determines reportable event categories that have occurred. Each possible event category has a corresponding audio signature. The event categories signatures that have occurred are played either simultaneously or sequentially, within the hearing of the person detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Andrew Thomas, Stephen John Hinde, Martin Sadler
  • Patent number: 6542072
    Abstract: An AGH interactive burglar-proof safety system is disclosed, This system is a bidirectioanl transmission mode and includes a mobile module (GSM), a hand free module, a communication interface and a burglar-proof control mainframe. By this system, as the burglars enter into a car, it may inform the car owner immediately. Therefore, the car owner may execute necessary actions for this condition to prevent the action of the burglars so as to provide an interactive burglar-proof function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Whetron Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wu-Cnung Yang
  • Patent number: 6529129
    Abstract: A security sensor 1 having a disturbance detecting capability capable of detecting the presence of an obstacle purposefully applied to the sensor 1 in an attempt to fool or tamper the sensor 1 includes a carrier body A having an infrared sensor element 4, an incident side enclosure 5 mounted on the carrier body A, a light projecting element 11 for projecting a disturbance detecting beam L1, a light receiving element 12 for receiving disturbance detecting beam L1, first and second light guide members 8, 9 operatively associated with the light projecting element 11 and the light receiving element 12, respectively, said first and second light guide members 8, 9 being cooperative with each other to define an optical path L along and adjacent an outer surface of the incident side enclosure 5 or an outer surface of the carrier body A adjacent the incident side enclosure 5, a detecting circuit 15 for detecting a presence or absence of an obstacle, applied to at least one of the first and second light guide members 8
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Optex Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Tomooka
  • Patent number: 6525663
    Abstract: Briefly, an alarm system monitors the entry and exit of a fitting room. Various devices, including cameras for imaging, are used to scan customers as they enter and leave. Using image analysis, analysis of the audio signature of footfalls, and other criteria, the system attempts to match the images of customers leaving with stored images of customers entering. If no match can be found, an alarm signal is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Antonio Colmenarez, Srinivas Gutta, Miroslav Trajkovic