Responsive To Intruder Energy Patents (Class 340/565)
  • Patent number: 6479823
    Abstract: A vernier ratchet-type lens adjuster for use with a lens array allows for fine adjustment of the coverage pattern of a sensor. The lens array can have notches, or teeth, that interact with a single tooth, or pawl, of a lens adjuster unit to maintain the position of the lens array. A user can make fine adjustments to the coverage pattern of the sensor by moving the lens array small increments. Alternatively, a rack and pinion type vernier adjuster can be used. One edge of the lens array has notches, forming the teeth of a rack portion. A pinion, or gear, has compatible teeth for mating with the rack portion. The pinion has a knob or screw accessible from a port in the sensor housing. When assembled, the rack, pinion and lens array are mated. A user can adjust the coverage pattern of the lens array by rotating the pinion, which in turn moves the rack, or the lens array, along a predetermined path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Ward E. Strang, Carol A. Howard
  • Publication number: 20020158753
    Abstract: An accessory module for use with a vehicular cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device, may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module houses a microphone and may be positioned adjacent to a headliner of the vehicle generally above an interior rearview mirror which is supported therebelow. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The accessory module may further include a wire cover, which extends to a mounting for the mirror in order to substantially encase a mirror wire harness, thereby retaining the mirror harness and providing a finished appearance to the mirror and accessory module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner
  • Patent number: 6472997
    Abstract: An improved motion detector head that includes a passive motion sensor with “test,” “sensitivity” and “timer” adjustable functions, mounted inside an outer housing with two water-resistant touch-operated membrane switches used to control these settings. Also mounted on the sides of the outer housing and connected to the motion sensor are at least two bright LED lights designed to illuminate in one of three possible colors to visually indicate the current “test”, “sensitivity” or “timer” setting of the motion detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Monte A. Leen
  • Patent number: 6469625
    Abstract: A security sensor 1 having a disturbance detecting capability capable of detecting the presence of an obstacle 8 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, such as a lens defining a detection area B, mounted on the carrier body A, a light projecting element 11 for projecting a disturbance detecting beam L1 from inside of the incident side enclosure 5 towards the incident side enclosure 5, a light receiving element 12 for receiving the disturbance detecting beam L1 reflected from the incident side enclosure 5, and a detecting circuit 15 for detecting a presence or absence of the obstacle 8 on the incident side enclosure 5, based on an amount of light received by the light receiving element 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Optex Co., LTD
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Tomooka
  • Publication number: 20020135476
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound and motion activated controller adapted for turning on or off lights as either functional levers or an appliance controlled by the controller. The controller contains at least one motion sensor capable of detecting movement within a defined range and at least one sound sensor capable of detecting sound above a minimum threshold. The controller may also control the sensitivity of the motion sensor and the sound sensor. Further, the controller can adjust the intensity of the lighting within the room by use of a toggle control device located on the controller. Additionally, a mode control button allows a user to select whether the controller will operate in an automatic mode or a manual mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Edward C. McKinney, Shek Fai Lau, Charles E. Taylor, Richard J. Thalheimer
  • Patent number: 6417769
    Abstract: A burglarproof device is arranged to take advantage of voice as the medium for detecting a burglar. The burglarproof device includes a voice sensing device, such as a microphone, for sensing the burglar's voice and generating a group of analog signals responsive to the burglar's voice, a burglarproof signal generating module for processing the analog signals and, in response thereto, generating alarm signals, and a sound playing device, such as a speaker, for broadcasting the alarm signals to warn the burglar against intruding, and further to prevent the burglar from intrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Te-Chin Jan
  • Patent number: 6388609
    Abstract: A fluid flow device includes an actuator, an RF transmitter, a gated RF receiver, and a processor. The RF transmitter is configured and arranged to produce a plurality of pulses of RF energy spaced apart in time to form a sensor field. The gated RF receiver is configured and arranged to receive RF energy reflected by objects within the sensor field. The processor is coupled to the gated RF receiver for evaluating the reflected RF energy. The processor is also coupled to the actuator and is configured and arranged to activate the actuator in response to the reflected RF energy to control fluid flow. In addition, a new low power radar sensor operates by providing radar pulses that are non-uniformly spaced in time. In operation, a burst of pulses is initiated in the transmitter. Between each burst is a period of rest time in which the transmitter is not transmitting RF energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Kohler Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Paese, Steven M. Tervo, Carter J. Thomas, William R. Burnett, David C. Shafer, Fred Judson Heinzmann
  • Patent number: 6380853
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel dispenser capable of sensing the proximity or location of a customer relative to the fuel dispenser without requiring direct customer contact and controlling the display or aspects of the display accordingly to conserve energy, reduce heat generation or draw the customer's attention to the display once the customer is within a relative proximity to the fuel dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Marconi Commerce Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Long, Paul D. Miller, Dolan F. Blalock
  • Patent number: 6366204
    Abstract: A circuit for detecting presence, includes a receiver having an antenna-forming element. An oscillator receives as input the output signal from the receiver. The oscillator includes a resonant stage and an amplification stage connected to the input of the resonant stage. The oscillator is provided with a gain such the frequency of oscillation of the signal output by the oscillator is modified when an object is in the immediate proximity of the antenna-forming element of the receiver. The circuit also includes a processor for detecting a variation in the frequency of oscillation of the signal output by the oscillator and for generating an information signal representing the detection of a presence when such a frequency variation is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventor: Gian Zannier
  • Patent number: 6359560
    Abstract: A computer system includes a video input device that generates video data representing a field of view in front of the video input device. The computer system further includes a buffer and a video processing module. The buffer is configured to record a video clip of the field of view in front of the video input device. The video processing module is connected to the buffer and the video input device. The video processing module includes a video capture device to encode the video data, and a signal processing module. The signal processing module processes the encoded video data in order to calculate an average value of the video data indicative of motion within the field of view in front of the video input device. The signal processing module generates an alarm if the average value is above a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Smith Micro Software
    Inventors: Daniel C. Budge, Paul Long, Eric Peterson, Mark Armour, David P. Sperling, Robert W. Scheussler
  • Patent number: 6351234
    Abstract: A motion detector of an alarm system has a microwave sensor and a passive infrared sensor, and includes signal processing logic for initiating an anti-masking evaluation upon detection of certain conditions. The detector then samples the sensor signals and compares the signals to a series of possible outcomes. Some of the possible outcomes represent masking conditions, while others represent normal conditions. A match with masking conditions results in an alarm signal being generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventor: Jake Choy
  • Patent number: 6339376
    Abstract: A moving object detecting apparatus, an abnormality alarm apparatus, and a load-carrying compartment opening control apparatus each have an oscillator circuit, an antenna, and a frequency fluctuation detector. If a moving object, such as a human or the like, exists near the antenna when a signal from the oscillator circuit is transmitted from the antenna, the load on the antenna fluctuates due to fluctuations in capacitance involved in the movement of the object. Due to the fluctuations in the antenna load, the oscillating frequency of the oscillator circuit fluctuates. The frequency fluctuations are detected by the frequency fluctuation detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroki Okada
  • Patent number: 6331816
    Abstract: An automatic control system for a security apparatus based on the presence of the user and having a portable transmitter for security based information, a receiver for that information and a control unit. The transmitter provides the receiver and control unit with information on the presence of a person. The receiver and control unit is provided with a detector which detects the opening of a door. A processor uses that presence information and the indication of a door being opened to compile information about whether the user is going out or coming in. The receiver and control unit automatically switches on a burglar monitor placed in a monitored space when the receiver and control unit determine that the user has left the monitored space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: IST International Security Technology Oy
    Inventor: Matti Myllymäki
  • Patent number: 6323773
    Abstract: An alerting device and method to remind personnel of a risk is disclosed. The device has at least two sensors, a logic controller, a power source, and an annunciator that delivers a visual message, with or without an audible alarm, about a risk to a person when the sensors detect the person exiting a predetermined space. In particular, the present invention reminds a person of a security, safety, or health risk upon exiting a predetermined space. More particularly, the present invention reminds a person of an information security risk relating to sensitive, proprietary, confidential, trade secret, classified, or intellectual property information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Larry Runyon, Wayne M. Gunter, Richard M. Pratt
  • Patent number: 6313743
    Abstract: In an autonomous emergency monitoring system, wherein the user need not carry any signaling devices whatsoever, an emergency situation can be reported to an external receiver by voice input via microphones via a communication interface. Further, a monitoring of the person can ensue via sensor systems that can likewise setup an external connection via the communication interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Abraham-Fuchs, Thomas Birkhoelzer, Alexander Herold, Helmut Reichenberger, Volker Schmidt, Henrich Seifert
  • Patent number: 6298282
    Abstract: A method of detecting object scratching during robotic arm movement of the object. The method includes providing a robotic arm for grasping and placing of an object into a cassette and providing a cassette having an entrance for receiving an object therein. A vibration sensor is placed on at least one of the robotic arm or under the cassette control of the robotic arm is provided in response to a malfunction indication at least one of the vibration sensors. There can further be provided an air flow across the entrance of the cassette with placement of a particle counter at the downstream end of the air flow across cassette entrance, wherein the control of said robotic arm is provided in response to a malfunction indication at least one of the vibration sensors and the particle counter. The control can also be provided in response to both of the vibration sensors or one or both of the vibration sensors and the particle counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard L. Guldi, Robin D. Worley, Keith W. Melcher
  • Patent number: 6288642
    Abstract: A security system comprising at least one satellite unit coupled in signal communication to a main unit, the main unit for emitting an alerting stimulus in response to a signal received from the satellite unit indicating the presence of a security threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Lasershield Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Dohrmann
  • Patent number: 6288643
    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: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Traptec Corporation
    Inventors: George H. Lerg, Arthur J. Devine, Donald L. Roberts, Randy E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6281792
    Abstract: The present invention involves a system and method for detecting a firearm shot. The system includes one or more sensors adapted to sense the firearm shot and transmit a signal representative of the firearm shot, and a base unit including electronics adapted to process the signal and determined whether the signal represents a firearm shot, and a communication device coupled to the electronics and adapted to communicate to one or more entities that a firearm shot has been detected. The method includes sonically detecting the firearm shot, and initiating an alarm indicating that the firearm shot took place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventors: George H. Lerg, Arthur J. Devine, Donald L. Roberts, Randy E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6262661
    Abstract: The infrared detector contains an entrance window for infrared radiation, an infrared sensor with an evaluation circuit and an anti-masking device having an optical transmitter and an optical receiver for detecting phenomena or optical changes immediately in front of the detector and/or changes in the optical properties of the entrance window. The signals of the anti-masking device are evaluated in two channels, wherein one channel responds to temporally limited phenomena or changes and the other channel responds to temporally stable phenomena or changes. A combined evaluation of the signals in the two channels takes place. In the combined evaluation, the channel processing the signals of the infrared sensor is preferably also included. As a result, the infrared detector acquires an increased immunity to false alarms and a higher sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies, AG Cerberus Division
    Inventors: HansjĂĽrg Mahler, Stefan Hegnauer
  • Patent number: 6252506
    Abstract: A device for finding a position of a human comprises a micro controller, a pyro-electrical infrared sensing unit, a first motor, a rotating speed feed back unit, an ultrasonic sensing unit and a second motor. The infrared sensing unit is fitted to an edge of a disc coupled to the shaft of the first motor. The rotating speed feed back unit has a rotating disc which is also coupled to the shaft of the first motor. The ultrasonic sensing unit is fitted to an edge of a second disc coupled to the shaft of the second motor such that it can move with rotating of the second disc. The micro controller activates the first motor and the infrared sensing unit to search for a human, and figures out the direction of that human by means of the rotating speed feed back unit. At the same time, the controller activates the second motor for the ultrasonic unit to be directed to the found human; thus, the distance from that human to the device is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventors: Yuan-Tai Hsieh, Kun-Huei Chen, Chien-Min Cheng
  • Patent number: 6246321
    Abstract: A device having an image-providing sensor, hereinafter designated as “image sensor,” operating in the visible and near-infrared range, an thermal image-providing sensor, hereinafter designated as “thermal-image sensor,” operating in the thermal radiation range and having a lower resolution than the image sensor, and an electronic evaluation system. The evaluation system determines whether one or both of the signals generated by the sensors are used for determining whether an alarm condition exists. As a result, the detectability of low-contrast objects is increased, the false alarm rate is reduced, and object classification is made possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies AG
    Inventors: Martin Rechsteiner, HansjĂĽrg Mahler
  • Patent number: 6211783
    Abstract: An action control process of a security alarm system is to render the general security alarm system to contain an auxiliary function of monitoring or detecting human activity within the monitoring area of the security alarm system, by utilizing the plurality of selected security devices selected from the security devices of the security alarm system during both armed or disarmed condition, without scarifying the original alarm protection functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Randall Wang
  • Patent number: 6175309
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a motion sensor for use with a light. The device includes a housing having an outer edge and an interior space in which a plurality of sensors are located. The sensors convert infrared into an electronic signal that is processed to detect motion. A lens located is also used which is located on an outer edge of the housing for directing infrared to the sensors which may be generally arranged in a U-shaped pattern to promote a 270 degree motion detection zone. The ends of the lens are recessed into and held in the interior of the housing a spaced distance from the outer edge of said housing so as to detect motion occurring rearward of the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Regent Lighting Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Drake, Raymond J. Hiller
  • Patent number: 6157136
    Abstract: A frequency sensing control device controls current flow through an electrical load and includes a current control circuit to be connected to the electrical load, a logic signal generator having an input port and an output port connected to a control input of the current control circuit, an oscillator connected to the logic signal generator, and a sensing unit connected to the oscillator for sensing human presence. The current control circuit is operable in a normal mode, where the control input receives a first logic signal generated by the logic signal generator when the input port receives a high-frequency signal so as to enable the current control circuit to maintain an initial current flow through the electrical load, and a dimming mode, where the control input receives a second logic signal generated by the logic signal generator when the input port receives a low-frequency signal so as to enable the current control circuit to vary the current flow through the electrical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Ceramate Technical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jack Wang, Robert Wang
  • Patent number: 6144298
    Abstract: An electronic filament netting including a warp of a first plurality of wires woven together with a weft of a second plurality of wires, wherein a random number of the warp and the weft wires are electrically connected to electronic monitoring apparatus so as to create a random electrical connection which defines an initial electrical parameter, wherein a change in the initial electrical parameter is communicated to the electronic monitoring apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Hi-G-Tek Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosef Haimovich, Yehuda Armoni, Michael Auerbach
  • Patent number: 6137407
    Abstract: A humanoid detector for detecting a humanoid in a surveillance area that substantially reduces false intruder indications by having two types of sensors that provide two types of information of the surveillance area, is disclosed. A first sensor detects light images and determines a size of a moving object within the surveillance area and compares the size of detected moving objects to a threshold size to reduce intruder detection caused by small animals. A second sensor detects infrared radiation from the surveillance area provides a detected infrared radiation signal. A decision circuit receives the sensor signals and provides a decision signal that indicates a human intruder in the surveillance area when, simultaneously, the size of the moving body is greater than that of a small animal and the detected infrared radiation indicates that the moving body is a heat producing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation of Tokyo
    Inventors: Keiichi Akagawa, Hitoshi Nomura
  • Patent number: 6127921
    Abstract: Vehicle alarm devices and methods for activating such devices are disclosed. The alarm device includes a first sensor for detecting the presence of living beings within the vehicle and generating a first signal, a second sensor for detecting the exit of a passenger from a vehicle and generating a second signal, an alarm, a controller for activating the alarm based upon receipt of one of the two signals, and a time delay unit for initiating a first time delay for activation of the alarm after receipt of the second signal from the controller and for initiating a second time delay for activation of the alarm after receipt of the first signal during the first time delay, and thereby extend the first time delay, and for further initiating the second time delay for activation of the alarm after receipt of the first signal during the second time delay to thereby further extend the second time delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventors: Sven-.ANG.ke Gullner, Kjell Olsson
  • Patent number: 6127926
    Abstract: Vertical surface protection in a security installation is achieved by detecting disturbances in a microwave beam sent from a transmitter to a receiver, both installed substantially above the ground and adjacent to the vertical surface. The transmitter and receiver have associated beam aerials of extended horizontal aperture of not less than 0.50 meters (20 inches) to mitigate the effects of surface reflection from metal scaffold, plastic sheeting or netting, wooden boarding and brick or stone facing. The aerials are preferably slotted waveguide arrays and the advantages of using circular polarization are shown. Circularly-polarized slotted waveguide arrays are disclosed having a center feed to minimize frequency-dependent beam-spreading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: David John Dando
  • Patent number: 6118375
    Abstract: A portable intruder detection system for campsites notifies unsuspecting campers of campsite intrusions by two legged or four legged intruders. The system comprises a 360 degree motion sensor and a hardwired or RF remote arm/disarm and notification system. A plurality of infrared motion detection modules are included, each module being provided with a lightweight support, a solar panel battery charging device, and an alarm signal. The alarm signal includes flashing lights and/or an audible signal such as a siren or a simulated natural bird sound. A remote control unit communicates with the modules by either hardwired connections or radio frequency signals. The remote control unit enables the camper to monitor and control the alarm modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: David Duncan
  • Patent number: 6037594
    Abstract: A passive infrared motion detector that creates a detection pattern with non-diverging insensitive zones. The sensing elements are of alternating polarity and each has a width w. An optical collection system directs infrared radiation onto the sensing elements. The sensing elements are separated by a distance equal to an integer multiple of width w, with the integer being at least two. The optical centers of the optical collection system are separated by an integer multiple of width w, with the integer being at least two. The arrangement of the optical centers and the sensing elements results in a detection pattern with non-diverging insensitive zones, with the insensitive zones having a negligible width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Fresnel Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Claytor, Luigi S. Fornari
  • Patent number: 6028515
    Abstract: A motion sensitive control apparatus for turning on and turning off electrical devices. The apparatus turns on light sources or electrical devices in the presence of motion of one or more persons. The apparatus also turns off light sources or electrical devices in the absence of motion from one or more persons for a period of time. The apparatus produces an indication, such as a loud noise or flashing or bright light, to indicate when a light source or electrical device has been activated or deactivated by the apparatus. The apparatus also has backup components to ensure that the apparatus continues to operate in the event that primary components fail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Lee Eisinger
    Inventor: Lee Eisinger
  • Patent number: 6016100
    Abstract: An animal deterrent system for deterring animal intrusion into a specified area using an oscillating ultrasonic tone. The system includes a weatherproof housing containing an infrared detector for detecting the presence of an animal. To identify relevant intrusions, a count of the number of detections is maintained. After the count reaches predetermined number of infrared signals within a predetermined amount of time, an oscillating ultrasonic deterrent signal is generated to distress the animal and deter intrusion into the protected area. A deterrent timer activates the ultrasonic deterrent for a predetermined amount of time. A mounting stake for deploying the system in remote outdoor locations includes an anti-rotation mechanism, to prevent misalignment as a result of incidental contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Randal D. Boyd, Walter J. Frankewich, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5986357
    Abstract: A multiple sensing technology-based occupancy sensor. Ultrasonic and infrared sensors are used to produce first and second occupancy estimator signals that are combined using a fusion based detection algorithm to produce a combined estimator signal. The combined estimator is then used to switch electrical loads when the combined estimator signal is above a predetermined threshold. The result is an occupancy sensor that has a very high probability of occupancy detection and a low probability of false tripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Mytech Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas D. Myron, Vadim A. Konradi, Bruce G. Williams, John J. Fowler, Timothy W. Woytek, Jonathan D. Williams, Gerard L. Cullen
  • Patent number: 5973594
    Abstract: A universal multifunction sensor having multiple optical designs and providing a plurality of parameter sensors in one sensor module which can interface with and control operation of one or more processor control systems in an occupied space networked environment. The universal multifunction sensor comprises a passive infrared occupancy sensor and an ambient light sensor. A common network communications and control processor coupled to a common communication transceiver are shared in common by the occupancy sensor and the ambient light sensor, such that the multifunction sensor can interface with and control operation of one or more processor control systems in an occupied space networked environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: John R. Baldwin, Thomas J. Batko, David F. Ellison
  • Patent number: 5973608
    Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the activation of an electrical appliance. The arrangement utilizes a capacitive sensor to recognize the physical proximity of a user (e.g., a hand) to an internal capacitive sensing means. The capacitive change is applied as an input to an electrical control circuit so as to ultimately provide an electrical control signal to an associated electrical appliance. The arrangement does not require direct physical contact to activate any appliance, and may be used to control various power levels associated with a particular electrical appliance (e.g., light intensity for a "dimmer" switch, sound volume for an audio system, activation and trigger signals to an alarm system). The arrangement may be embedded within the wall of a structure (i.e., not visible) and still provide the capacitively-activated control function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: David S. McMahon
  • Patent number: 5966074
    Abstract: Image data obtained from cameras or the like of a monitored are abstracted into a set of trajectories which may be displayed and used for referencing images or activating alarms based on trajectory location, angle or speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Keith M. Baxter
  • Patent number: 5942976
    Abstract: A passive infrared intrusion detector for the detection of infrared body radiation includes a sabotage detector, in particular for detecting spraying of the entrance window of the intrusion detector. The sabotage detector includes a light source, a corresponding light sensor, and an optical diffraction grating structure on the outside of the entrance window. The light source and the light sensor can be on the same or on opposite sides of the entrance window. By first- or higher-order diffraction, light from the light source is focused onto the sensor, and a resulting electrical signal from the sensor is evaluated by an evaluation circuit. In case of sabotage, the focusing effect of the optical diffraction grating structure vanishes, so that the light intensity at the detector is reduced. The drop in light intensity triggers a sabotage alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Cerberus AG
    Inventors: Dieter Wieser, Kurt Albert Muller, Martin Allemann, Michael Thomas Gale, Thomas Hessler
  • Patent number: 5920259
    Abstract: A motion sensor has a parasitic response to at least one of radio frequency (RF) or electromagnetic (EM) impulse signals. The motion detection circuit for security systems has a dummy RF receiver for generating an RP response signal, the receiver having a response to at least one of radio frequency (RF) or electromagnetic (EM) impulse signals similar to the parasitic response. An alarm output signal is generated in response to intruder motion in the predetermined area while preventing false alarms due to the parasitic response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignees: Shmuel Hershkovitz, Pinhas Shpater
    Inventor: Pinhas Shpater
  • Patent number: 5917409
    Abstract: A process for reducing motion-type false alarm of security alarm system includes the steps of merely activating the local warning system to produce local audio and/or video warning signals when any one of the motion sensors detects a motion everytime within the respective motion detecting area; delaying to activate the control panel as well as the phone dialing system which is built in the control panel for a predetermined period of time, wherein the security alarm system is in a verification condition; activating the control panel to normally respond by activating the local warning system and the built-in phone dialing system to transmit digital signals to a central station for dispatching to a designated police resource when at least one more detecting signal is sent from any one of the pre-designated motion sensors that detects another motion within the respective motion detecting area during within the predetermined period of time; and resetting the security alarm system to the original standby condition
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Randall Wang
  • Patent number: 5914655
    Abstract: A method of operating an intruder detector system comprising deploying plural intruder sensors in or adjacent a region to be protected, transmitting signals from each sensor to a processor, the signals relating to at least one local environmental ambient condition, processing the signals to determine a common ambient condition associated with the intruder sensors, transmitting a control signal to each of the sensors, and automatically adjusting the sensors in response to the control signal to substantially vary detection parameters thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Senstar-Stellar Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Walter Clifton, Douglas Hamilton Taylor
  • Patent number: 5886631
    Abstract: A new barking dog sound alarm system for scaring away intruders using the menacing sounds of a dog. The inventive device includes a microphone for detecting noise, a device to compare the detected noise level to a reference level so as to determine whether the detected noise is a potential intruder, a plurality of sound recordings of different excited dogs, a speaker for broadcasting one of the recordings, and a controller for activating one of the sound recordings when the detected noise is determined to be a potential intruder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Leo N Ralph
  • Patent number: 5886622
    Abstract: An alarm system having a signal evaluator is disclosed. The system includes an alarm controller and at least one sensor that generates a signal that corresponds to the magnitude of a detected event. The signal evaluator is part of the controller and receives the magnitude signal from the sensor. The signal evaluator compares the magnitude signal to an alarm threshold and generates an alarm signal if the magnitude signal exceeds the alarm threshold. If not, the signal evaluator compares the magnitude signal to a warning threshold and generates a warning signal if the magnitude signal exceeds the warning threshold and is less than the alarm threshold. The signal generated by the signal evaluator is coupled to an alarm annunciator which generates an alarm in response to the alarm signal and a warning in response to the warning signal. The warning and alarm may be vocal, a siren, or a chirp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Jon Snyder, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas D. Snyder
  • Patent number: 5877688
    Abstract: A thermal object detecting method and apparatus. According to the method and apparatus, a thermal image of a measuring space is obtained by a two-dimensional thermal image detecting device. Then, position information of an object in the measuring space is obtained by an object distance detecting device, which determines a distance between the apparatus and the object. The output of the two-dimensional thermal image detecting device can be corrected using the distance data from the object distance detecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuya Morinaka, Nobuyuki Yoshiike, Kazuhiko Hashimoto, Tetsuya Kawai
  • Patent number: 5867099
    Abstract: A motion sensing, lighting and alarming system includes a mounting base, a motion sensor and alarm housing pivotally mounted to the mounting base for receiving motion sensor and audible alarm electronics therein, a first swivel assembly for engaging the housing to the mounting base, a pair of light holders pivotally mounted to a mounting base, each for receiving a light therein, and a pair of second swivel assemblies for engaging the light holders to the mounting base and allowing the light holders to swivel with respect the mounting base. The mounting base also establishes electrical and mechanical connections with a source of 120 V.A.C. electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Daniel R. Keeter
  • Patent number: 5831391
    Abstract: An outdoor ground lighting system that includes one or more low voltage lamp units, provided from a step down transformer connectable to a high voltage AC power supply and an on/off timer operative to turn the lamps on for a selected time period during hours of darkness. Added to this known system is a secondary switching system that includes a solenoid operated switch connected to bypass the timer and a detector to detect the presence of a person or the like in the field of view of the detector. The detector provides an output signal in response to detecting the presence of someone and the solenoid switch is actuated by such signal to switch on the lamps when the timer is in the off cycle. The secondary switching system enhances the garden lighting system by providing a security lighting system when the timer is in an off mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Iain N. B. MacKay
  • Patent number: 5828304
    Abstract: A pool monitoring system including a monitoring unit with a detection mechanism adapted to transmit an alarm signal upon the detection of a human falling within the body of water. Further provided is a timer deactivation mechanism having a first mode of operation during which an activation signal is transmitted, wherein the activation signal is transmitted only while the timer deactivation mechanism is maintained in the first mode of operation. The timer deactivation mechanism further has a second mode of operation initiated by the receipt of a timer deactivation signal via free space. The timer deactivation mechanism is further maintained in the second mode of operation during a time period inherent in the timer deactivation signal. Also included is a transmitter mechanism connected to the sound detection mechanism and timer deactivation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Ruth I. Mowday
  • Patent number: 5814902
    Abstract: A system and process for control of energy use in a rented room based on direct occupancy observation. The system is designed to control up to 100% of the power usage. The system includes: a power supply; occupancy sensors; a thermostat responsive to a predetermined signal; electrical outlet receptacles and/or switches that are responsive to a predetermined signal transmitted over the powerline; and a central interface unit for receiving signals from the occupancy sensors and, based on the signals received from the occupancy sensors, controlling power consumption by the thermostat and electrical outlet receptacle and/or switches. The system can be used in a process for improving energy efficiency by direct observation of occupancy of an area in multitennant facilities, such as hotels, that has a plurality of discrete living quarters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Light Minder
    Inventors: Dennis R. Creasy, Paul Kropfeld, Gene Mauk, Dana Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5801625
    Abstract: An auxiliary control device for a security alarm system installed in a commercial facility includes a control circuit for bypassing the electrical connection between the alarm control panel and the security devices of the security alarm system during business hour and automatically setting the security alarm system to a standby condition at the close time of the commercial facility. At that standby condition, the auxiliary control device activates the door lock control to lock the entrance or exit door but the electrical connection between the alarm control panel and some of the security devices still remains bypassing to deactivate the alarm buzzer when any human activity of the customers inside the commercial facility is detected by the motion detectors of the security alarm system. Moreover, when a leaving customer is detected by a door sensor of the exit door, the auxiliary control device will activate the door lock control to unlock the exit door for a predetermined period of time automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Randall Wang
  • Patent number: 5790019
    Abstract: This invention provides a new and improved emergency alarm system comprising a central control unit which is directly or indirectly connected to every other component of the emergency alarm system. The central control unit triggers and stops a visual alarm generator and an audio alarm generator, either simultaneously or separately, upon receiving signals from other components of the emergency alarm system. A portable control element and a signal-generating detection means are used for starting and stopping the central control unit, which in turn triggers a power supply means to cause a change, through the visual alarm generator, in color of a visible outdoor board and to commence, through the audio alarm generator, an alarm. A hidden sensing circuit can serve as the signal-generating detection means. The present invention also presents a method of application of said emergency alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Luke Edwin