Vibration Patents (Class 340/566)
  • Patent number: 7573384
    Abstract: Described are embodiments that detect attempts at malicious action against an installation under surveillance based on signals detected by a plurality of sensors distributed near an installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventors: Giorgio Tonelli, Aldo Tonelli
  • Patent number: 7567175
    Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for a housing includes: an opening/closing section provided to the housing; a detection section provided to the housing, having a wireless IC chip in which alarm information is pre-stored, and an antenna driving the wireless IC chip with a driving electric power induced by receiving a predetermined radio wave and wirelessly transmitting the alarm information outputted from the wireless IC chip; a reader provided independently outside the housing, and outputting the predetermined radio wave and receiving the alarm information transmitted from the detection section; and a restriction section restricting a transmission of the alarm information when the opening/closing section is in a closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Laurel Precision Machines Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7535355
    Abstract: A security system for use in connection with cargo containers and other enclosed spaces. The system monitors vibrations associated with a container and detects signals representative events indicating that an unauthorized access has been made to the container. The system may be programmed with a library of event signatures, allowing different types of events to be detected. The system may be provided with a library of signatures representing a heart beating with a beat pattern and the system may be used to detect a human or other animal within the container. Alternatively, the system may be provided with a library of signatures representing piercing the container. The system may be used to monitor containers in transit. Indications of events may be stored while the container is in transit and then communicated at a security check point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard A. Barone
  • Patent number: 7535345
    Abstract: In a vehicular anti-theft security system which includes a theft detection sensor that detects an abnormality of the vehicle associated with vehicle theft, and performs a theft preventing operation when the theft detection sensor detects the abnormality, an altitude measuring device is provided for measuring the altitude of the vehicle, and a controller restricts the theft preventing operation in the case where the altitude measuring device observes a specified change in the altitude of the vehicle within a specified period of time when the theft detection sensor detects the abnormality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Tanaka, Takeo Endo
  • Patent number: 7522035
    Abstract: Home safety and security are provided using a bedside unit to monitor audible safety and security alarms and send notification signals to the appropriate communication site. A home security system additionally comprises a waking device activated by the bedside unit. A memory device of the unit includes means for determining when the sound received by a microphone of the unit is a security alarm sound or a breathing pattern representing an alarm condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: InnovAlarm Corporation
    Inventor: David E. Albert
  • Patent number: 7508304
    Abstract: A vibration detection and/or classification system includes a waveguide in operative contact with a boundary, at least one sensor for sensing vibrations operatively connected to the waveguide and providing a signal, and a control circuit operatively connected to the at least one sensor and adapted for filtering the signal into a plurality of frequency bands and detecting and classifying vibrations. The control circuit may be further adapted for detecting and classifying vibrations to determine if the boundary has been crossed by an intruder. The control circuit may include a transceiver for sending signals to a central computer for processing, such as via a radio modem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventor: David C. Swanson
  • Patent number: 7506373
    Abstract: A method of automatically classifying alerts issued by intrusion detection sensors (11a, 11b, 11c) of an information security system (1) for producing collated alerts, each alert being defined by a plurality of qualitative attributes (a1, . . . , an) belonging to a plurality of attribute domains (A1, . . . , An). Attributes belonging to each attribute domain are organized into a hierarchical structure. For each alert issued by the intrusion detection sensors (11a, 11b, 11c), a trellis specific to that alert is constructed by generalizing each alert in accordance with each of its attributes and at all the levels of the hierarchical structure. Each specific trellis is iteratively merged into a general trellis. Collated alerts in the general trellis are identified by selecting the alerts that are simultaneously the most pertinent and the most general. The collated alerts are supplied to an output unit (23) of an alert management system (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: France Telecom
    Inventors: Benjamin Morin, Hervé Debar, Elvis Tombini
  • Patent number: 7479878
    Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive security sensor cable, a method for manufacturing of same and an overall security system for using that sensor cable. The sensor cable consists of a central conductor, an air separator, a polyethylene dielectric tube, an outer conductor and an outer protective jacket. The central conductor is loosely centered in the coaxial cable and thus freely movable relative to the dielectric tube. The sensor cable has application either in a passive sensing system or in an active ranging sensing system to determine the location of an intrusion along the cable. For the passive sensing function, when the center conductor moves, it contacts a suitable dielectric material from the triboelectric series, such as polyethylene, which can be processed to produce a charge transfer by triboelectric effect that is measurable as a terminal voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Senstar-Stellar Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin C. Maki, Robert Keith Harman
  • Patent number: 7443289
    Abstract: The present invention automatically detects the sabotage of an audio transducer such as a microphone in a security system device. An audio transducer generates an electrical signal, which is analyzed to determine if the electrical signal exhibits a predetermined sabotage characteristic. If the electrical signal does exhibit a predetermined sabotage characteristic, then an alarm device trouble signal is transmitted to an alarm control panel for further processing. If, however, the electrical signal does not exhibit a predetermined sabotage characteristic, then the electrical signal is analyzed to determine if the electrical signal exhibits a predetermined alarm characteristic. If the electrical signal does exhibit a predetermined alarm characteristic, then an alarm signal is transmitted to the alarm control panel for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A Smith
  • Patent number: 7432823
    Abstract: Tamper detection apparatus for an electric meter (M) installed at a facility supplied power through an electrical distribution system, the meter being connected to the facility using a receptacle (K) and monitoring electricity usage at the facility for electricity delivered to the facility flowing through the meter. A sensor (RR) senses movement of the meter more than a predetermined amount with respect to the receptacle, whether or not electricity is flowing through the meter, and produces a tampering signal when this occurs. A second and optional sensor (Z) senses the proximity of the meter to its receptacle with removal of meter from its receptacle producing a tampering signal representative thereof. Generation of a tampering signal results in a tamper alert signal being transmitted to the system through a two-way communications path established between the facility and the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Distribution Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Devendra K. Soni
  • Publication number: 20080238671
    Abstract: An integrated system is disclosed that provides robust and uninterrupted security over a broad range of applications that features a security assembly having multiple sensory functionality for detection, identification, and analysis of a potential intruder seeking to gain unauthorized access to a secure facility. In one embodiment, the security system integrates multiple sensor systems for the detection and identification subterranean as well as terrestrial breach.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Calvin H. Woosnam
  • Patent number: 7429928
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of subterranean termites, involving use of a thermal imaging camera to scan the structure before installation of an acoustic sensor in order to quickly locate potential areas of subterranean termite infestation, and an acoustic sensor in the form of an accelerometer or the disclosed innovative acoustic sensors having a bandwidth of at least 100 Hz to 15 kHz to detect noises made by the subterranean termites. Information collected by the acoustic sensor may be transmitted to a portable mini-computer (pocket PC) for confirmation and to a central operations center for inclusion in a comprehensive database of termite data and information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: University of Mississippi
    Inventor: Peng Lee
  • Publication number: 20080191871
    Abstract: A dual-modality sensor for detecting a presence of a human intruder within a secure setting includes a seismic sensor for acquiring a seismic signature of a disturbance, and includes an active acoustic sensor to acquire an acoustic signature of the disturbance. A system processor is electrically connected to the seismic and active acoustic sensors to receive and process the seismic and acoustic signatures, and generate an alarm signal when the disturbance is determined to come from a human intruder. Also included is an antenna and/or hard-wire connection arranged for communicating the alarm signal. The dual-modality sensor is arranged in a sensor housing constructed to contact a surface of the secure setting. The sensor may include a battery or other means for providing electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan T. Horak, Richard A. Burne
  • Patent number: 7388487
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the breaking of a contact-sensitive surface includes an acoustic, shock, and vibration transducer, a detector circuit responsive to the transducer for detecting an acoustic wave resulting from a contact force applied to the surface and generating a signal, a support for the transducer, and the means for disqualifying a contact force to the support as a breakage event that relies on differentiation of the speed with which a shock wave travels through a solid material versus the speed with which an acoustic wave travels through air. The transducer may include a front electret condenser microphone and in some preferred embodiments the microphone does not have a preamplifier associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A Smith
  • Patent number: 7385483
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of subterranean termites, involving use of a thermal imaging camera to scan the structure before installation of an acoustic sensor in order to quickly locate potential areas of subterranean termite infestation, and an acoustic sensor in the form of an accelerometer or the disclosed innovative acoustic sensors having a bandwidth of at least 100 Hz to 15 kHz to detect noises made by the subterranean termites. Information collected by the acoustic sensor may be transmitted to a portable mini-computer (pocket PC) for confirmation and to a central operations center for inclusion in a comprehensive database of termite data and information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: The University of Mississippi
    Inventor: Peng Lee
  • Patent number: 7362226
    Abstract: The present invention provides a control system including: plural wireless measuring units, each of which, when receiving a radio signal, uses the signal as an energy source to measure a physical quantity, and generates and sends a radio signal having an attribute reflecting the measured physical quantity; a transmitter; a receiver; a storage unit which stores position data of the wireless measuring units in accordance with their identification data; a calculation unit which calculates physical quantities based on the received radio signals; a recognition unit which recognizes a distribution of the calculated physical quantities with reference to position data stored in accordance with identification data specified by the received radio signals; an identifying unit which identifies a state of an object on the surface based on the distribution of the recognized physical quantities; and a control unit which performs a control depending on the state of the identified object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Koshimizu, Masao Watanabe, Hiroyuki Funo, Kiyoshi Iida, Ryota Mizutani, Yasunori Saito, Tsutomu Ishii, Hiroyuki Hotta, Naoki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7339473
    Abstract: A device for securing a gated enclosure includes a latch including a power lock motor and a bolt. The power lock motor is operable to engage the bolt with a catch portion of a pin protruding from the gate when the gate is closed, thereby preventing extraction of the pin from the device. The device includes a switch operated by a key to activate the latch. The device can include an electric horn, a light, a battery, and circuitry powered by the battery, the circuitry operable to send a signal to one or more of the horn and the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Donald L. Lucas
  • Patent number: 7327254
    Abstract: A bulb adapted with an infrared sensor includes a LED and a power switch, the switch being turned on to light the LED in the bulb when the sensor detects the heat emitted from a human body and turned off to kill the light when failing to detect the heat for practical use and energy saving purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Kai-Po Chen
  • Patent number: 7319392
    Abstract: A glass breakage detector (100) having an acoustic transducer (102) for sensing first acoustic waves (130) and for providing a first analog signal (110) representative of the received first acoustic waves (130), an analog to digital converter circuit (104) adapted to convert the first analog signal (110) to a digital signal (112), processing circuitry (106) adapted to process the digital signal (112) to determine if the received first acoustic waves (130) are a result of glass breakage and generate an alarm signal (116) when it is determined that the received first acoustic waves (130) are a result of glass breakage, and a memory circuit (108), wherein the processing circuitry (106) is adapted to cause the memory circuit (108) to store the digital signal (112) for subsequent retrieval and analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S Babich, Kevin G Piel, Richard A Smith, Thomas R Petek
  • Publication number: 20070285234
    Abstract: A method for adapting a characteristic of an audible signal produced by a portable communication device includes obtaining a measure of the normal conditions in the environment surrounding the device. The method also includes obtaining at least one measure from a sensor on the portable communication device as a response to an audible event, where the measure corresponds to the current condition in the environment surrounding the device. The method further includes adapting a characteristic of the audible signal based on the relationship between the current condition and the normal condition and presenting the audible signal to a user of the portable communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventors: Claes HOVMALM, Per Olof HISELIUS, Magnus HANSSON
  • Patent number: 7298246
    Abstract: A vehicle security monitoring device monitors sound or movement within a vehicle to determine an abnormal condition such as intrusion of a thief. Upon determination, the device transmits sound picked up within the vehicle to a portable monitor unit carried by the owner of the vehicle using a dedicated link without using any communications network. The transmitted sound allows the owner to distinguish between an actual intrusion and false alarm. Upon verification of an actual intrusion, the portable monitor unit allows the owner to send various instructions to prevent theft of any valuables in the vehicle or theft of the vehicle itself. The instructions may include playing of warning messages, activation of a siren and disabling of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: William J. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7286059
    Abstract: A talking tool holder provides an audio message in response to a user selection that indicates the size of the tool the user has selected. The talking tool holder includes a housing with multiple uniquely-sized tool-receiving locations, with a corresponding sensor for each tool-receiving location. The unique size of each tool-receiving location aids a user in putting the corresponding tools back in their proper locations. When a user needs a tool, the user actuates with a finger a sensor in proximity to a tool-receiving location. In response, an audio mechanism plays an audio message corresponding to the tool-receiving location selected by the user, such as an indication of size or type of tool for the selected tool-receiving location. In this manner, a user may receive audio messages for selected tools in the tool holder that indicate size or type of the tool corresponding to the tool-receiving location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Earl Clifton Drake
  • Patent number: 7271706
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of subterranean termites, involving use of a thermal imaging camera to scan the structure before installation of an acoustic sensor in order to quickly locate potential areas of subterranean termite infestation, and an acoustic sensor in the form of an accelerometer or the disclosed innovative acoustic sensors having a bandwidth of at least 100 Hz to 15 kHz to detect noises made by the subterranean termites. Information collected by the acoustic sensor may be transmitted to a portable mini-computer (pocket PC) for confirmation and to a central operations center for inclusion in a comprehensive database of termite data and information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: The University of Mississippi
    Inventor: Peng Lee
  • Patent number: 7256694
    Abstract: A lid opening and closing system for a waste container having an opening and a lid for covering the opening, the system including a proximity sensor, which may be a capacitive proximity sensor, for sensing the presence of a user's hand or body near the waste container and for sending a control signal. A drive system is connected to the lid for causing the lid to move from a closed position, where the lid covers the opening, to an open position, where the waste container is positioned to accept waste, and then back to the closed position in response to the control signal. The proximity sensor being more sensitive to the user's hand or body approaching from the top of the waste container rather than from the front, sides or back of the waste container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Biochem Environmental Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Joanne Papari, Chris Rusu, Leonardo Stefan
  • Patent number: 7245559
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus determine if an underwater intruder passes under a protective boundary. A sonar sensor system comprises a plurality of sonar sensor modules that are spaced on a protective boundary. A sonar sensor module comprises a sonar transducer (sonar array) that is characterized by an omni-directional radiation pattern that may overlap an omni-directional radiation pattern of an adjacent sonar sensor module transducer. The sonar sensor module collects sonar data such as range information of the target in relation to time. A central processor obtains the sonar data from each sonar module through a telemetry link. The central processor processes the sonar data from the plurality of sonar sensor modules in order to determine an estimated path of the target and may determine if the target should be considered as a threatening underwater intruder from a calculated threat level estimate based on this data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Science Applications Incorporated Corporation
    Inventors: Larry R. McDonald, Gary W. Hicks
  • Patent number: 7242298
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is invented that provides unambiguously detection of the charge and proximity to an object. The method and apparatus are passive and function by using the background electric fields from electrical power wiring and equipment. The invention is useful for detecting plastic and other charged objects concealed by nonconductive covering materials. Applications of this lead to plastic detectors to scan people and cargo for dangerous dielectric items similar to metal detectors. It is also useful to warn of hazards due to static electricity buildup on objects or individuals. The technology also offers touchless control capability of computers, apparatus, and games, with plastic objects such as pointers, styluses, swords, sticks, and wands. The sensors are able to detect motion while discerning between proximity to bodies with dielectric or plastic objects. It is also useful for providing people, robots, and machines with obstacle avoidance, and vision capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas G. Cehelnik
  • Patent number: 7227464
    Abstract: There is described a method for waking up an optical sensing device from a sleep mode to a motion detection mode, the optical motion sensing device comprising a light source, a photodetector device, a motion sensing unit and a control unit, the motion detection mode being defined as a mode during which motion is detected between the optical motion sensing device and a portion of a surface illuminated by the light source at a defined flash rate being set between minimum and maximum flash rate values, the motion sensing unit sending motion reports to the control unit, the sleep mode being defined as a mode during which the flash rate is set to a low flash rate value being lower than the minimum flash rate value and no motion report being reported from the sensing unit to the control unit, wherein the method comprises during the sleep mode the steps of (i) illuminating said surface portion with radiation by means of the light source at the low flash rate value; (ii) detecting a radiation pattern reflected from t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: EM Microelectronic-Marin SA
    Inventor: Gil Afriat
  • Patent number: 7221260
    Abstract: An ambient condition detector incorporates an audio transducer for discrimination between alarm and non-alarm conditions. The transducer can provide occupancy information. In addition, a monitoring system can graphically present information as to the location of individuals, such as fire fighters, in the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew G. Berezowski, Anthony E. Faltesek, Lee Tice
  • Patent number: 7218235
    Abstract: A motion responsive swimming pool safety device that has a control panel. A perimeter laser electrically is connected to the control panel. The perimeter laser is located peripheral to the swimming pool and generates a perimeter laser beam. A perimeter sensor is electrically connected to the control panel. The perimeter sensor is located peripherally to the swimming pool and is capable of sensing the perimeter laser beam. A perimeter alert is electrically connected to the control panel. The perimeter alert is capable of alarming upon interruption of the perimeter laser beam to the perimeter sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Rainey
  • Patent number: 7202797
    Abstract: A system and a method for detecting, locating and identifying incidents of approaching a linear installation (e.g.—buried pipe line, railway, fence etc.), that includes plurality of sensing units positions in an array along the length of the linear installation, at a distance one from each other, wherein each unit includes at least one sensor for sensing seismic or acoustic interference or noise/s (in accordance with the configuration of the system, namely either as buried system or as an above the ground one), and the issuance of a suiting indicating signal; a signal processor for analyzing the signal and comparing it to a cache (data bank) of seismic or acoustic interference or noise signatures that is embedded in the sensor unit; and a communications device for transferring data from the sensor unit to a distant command and control center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Magal Security Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Ron Zhavi
  • Patent number: 7176794
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a television system having an internal microphone for implementing a voice-messaging system. Using the microphone, the television system detects a message spoken by a user of the television system, and records the message to a memory. Some embodiments of the invention may also record metadata about the message. Embodiments of the invention alert an intended recipient of the message using the audio output or video output of the television system, and subsequently reproduce the message using the audio output of the television system. Other embodiments of the invention are described in the specification and the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon A. Fairhurst, Henry Y. Fang, Bryan S. Hallberg, Mark G. Hanley, Vishnu Kumar Shivaj Rao, Jeffrey B. Sampsell
  • Patent number: 7173537
    Abstract: The device according to the invention has a sensor (5) for generating and detecting an electromagnetic field situated in the vicinity of a moving part (1) that should not be touched. The device according to the invention also has an evaluation unit (8) that is connected to the sensor (5) in order to evaluate sensor signals that can be generated by the sensor (5), wherein the evaluation unit (8) can generate an evaluation signal. Finally, a control unit (9) connected to the evaluation unit (8) is provided, which is designed and can be operated so as to control the movement of the part (1) as a function of the evaluation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Voigtlaender
  • Patent number: 7113091
    Abstract: A portable security alarm system including a movement detecting and signal transmitting member for mounting on or proximate to the object whose movement is to be detected, a signal receiving and alarm generating member for receiving a signal from the movement detecting and signal transmitting member and producing a security response, a remote control for actuating and deactuating the signal receiving and alarm generating member, an environmental monitoring member for sensing an environmental condition and providing a signal to the signal receiving and alarm generating member, a visual information gathering member for gathering visual information and providing a signal to the signal receiving and alarm generating member, an audio output member for receiving a signal from the signal receiving and alarm generating member and generating an audio output, and components for delivering a security notification to remote recipients. A security network that includes the alarm system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventors: Michael H. Script, Henry J. Script
  • Patent number: 7084762
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a motion sensitive power switching integrated circuit, which, in turn, includes a power switch connected between an input and an output, and a MEMS inertial sensing switch movable from a first position to a second position based upon motion thereof. The motion sensitive power switching integrated circuit also includes a detector operating the power switch to supply power to the output from the input based upon the MEMS inertial sensing switch moving from the first position to the second position. The first and second positions may be, respectively, a normally open position and a closed position. The device may be unpowered until the MEMS inertial sensing switch moves from the open to the closed position. The detector may generate a power on reset (POR) signal based upon the MEMS inertial sensing switch moving from the open to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Giorgio Pedrazzini, Ernesto Lasalandra, Bendetto Vigna
  • Patent number: 7064664
    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 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Traptec Corporation
    Inventors: George H. Lerg, Arthur J. Devine, Donald L. Roberts, Randy E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7034716
    Abstract: A system is provided for determining the type of vehicle which has never been sensed before that is transiting between a cluster of acoustic and seismic sensors by graphing an acoustic source level against a seismic source level for the vehicle, with light vehicles such as pick-up trucks being distinguished from heavy tracked vehicles such as tanks by where on the graph the plotted point for a vehicle lies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: George P. Succi, Michael S. Richman, Douglas S. Deadrick
  • Patent number: 7034665
    Abstract: A structure is provided for installing in a motorcycle an anti-theft device capable of reporting its position by wirelessly transmitting at least identifying information utilizing the GPS or PHS positioning system. The structure includes a receptacle and an openable cover that can be locked to secure the receptacle, and the anti-theft device is installed in the receptacle. The receptacle can be a helmet box formed in the motorcycle and a cover that can be an openable and lockable motorcycle seat. The structure conceals the anti-theft device, protects it from vibration and invasion of rainwater, and can include a case with enhanced waterproofing capability in which the anti-theft device is accommodated so that an indicator thereof is visible through a transparent window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Honda Access Corp.
    Inventors: Ken Kojika, Akihiko Yamashita, Seiichi Yamashita, Atushi Hatayama, Motoharu Okumura
  • Patent number: 7030758
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a folding door brace to prevent unwanted entry of an intruder. The present invention is a folding, portable door brace that may be easily installed and removed on a wide variety of door types. The door brace also has a motion sensor and an alarm to alert any occupants of the room to any attempts to open the door. A number of interchangeable foot pads are provided to allow the door brace to be used with a variety of different floor surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Blockit & Lockit Systems
    Inventors: Harvey K. Markegard, Joseph M. Higgins
  • Patent number: 7023326
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vibration apparatus for generating vibration in a mobile terminal. The apparatus includes a vibrator for generating vibration; a frequency generator for generating a driving signal having a frequency within a predetermined frequency range in a predetermined time period; a driver for driving the vibrator using the driving signal provided from the frequency generator; and a frequency controller for periodically varying a frequency of the driving signal within the frequency range. Further, the vibration apparatus includes a vibration measurer for measuring vibration generated by the vibrator and providing the measured vibration values to the frequency controller. The frequency controller updates a frequency of the driving signal for driving the vibrator at a frequency indicating a maximum vibration value according to the measured vibration values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seon-Woong Hwang
  • Patent number: 7023329
    Abstract: An air pressure induction type vehicle anti-thief device includes an on-vehicle main unit installed in a motor vehicle adapted to detect variation of air pressure in the inside chamber of the motor vehicle through an air pressure sensor and to drive an alarm to output an alarm signal when the amount of variation of transient variation of air pressure surpassed a predetermined safety air pressure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Tung Thih Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin-Chung Chen
  • Patent number: 7019649
    Abstract: A pool monitoring system includes a hydrophone configured to generate an electrical signal in response to receiving a pressure wave in the liquid of a pool, and a processor configured to receive the electrical signal and generate a trigger signal, when the electrical signal includes a characteristic signature over a time period within a predetermined range of time periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: AquaSonus, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Hoenig
  • Patent number: 6981420
    Abstract: A microphone is enclosed in a semi-sound insulated housing with a jingle bell type device that generates sound in response to a very slight movement and/or vibration of the housing and/or a structure to which the housing is attached. The sensor's sound insulated housing in cooperation with the microphone's adjustable sound sensitivity circuitry is designed for making the microphone responsive exclusively to the internally generated sound of a jingle bell sound generating type device in response to a movement/vibration of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Arlen J. Lowrance
  • Patent number: 6982650
    Abstract: In a method, system and apparatus of measuring electrical power to consumers (16a–d) in a power distribution network (12), an electromagnetic field is sensed around at least one electrical conductor (12) in a power meter (30a–d) located at a consumer. The current flowing through the conductor is then derived from the sensed electromagnetic field. Instantaneous current values are stored in an electronic memory powered by the electromagnetic field. These instantaneous values or values derived from the instantaneous values are transmitted as digital information on the network to a receiver (20) provided at a distance from the power meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Iprobe AB
    Inventor: Johan E. C. Asplund
  • Patent number: 6980109
    Abstract: A pool monitoring system includes a hydrophone configured to generate an electrical signal in response to receiving a pressure wave in the liquid of a pool, and a processor configured to receive the electrical signal and generate a trigger signal, when the electrical signal includes a characteristic signature over a time period within a predetermined range of time periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: AquaSonus, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Hoenig
  • Patent number: 6970095
    Abstract: A theft detection system includes an accelerometer attachable to an object, the accelerometer providing an acceleration signal in response to movement of the object; an alarm mechanism for providing a signal in response to movement of the object; and for preventing false alarms, a filter programmed to determine the frequency of the acceleration signal and to provide an output to activate the alarm mechanism only when the frequency of the acceleration signal meets a predetermined criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Caveo Technology, LLC
    Inventors: W. David Lee, Martin Wells, Christopher Verplaetse, Christopher Turner
  • Patent number: 6967584
    Abstract: An intrusion detection system provides the function of an “active” ranging sensor cable system utilized for identification of the location of the intruder, with that of a “passive” cable detection system, in an integrated cable configuration. This dual function is provided with a single conventional sensing cable optimized for both “active” and “passive” sensing, or in combination with other parallel sensing cables for a “passive” cable component. The “active” cable component includes a coaxial sensor cable having a loosely disposed conductor. A signal is injected into the sensor cable such that a reflection is altered when an intrusion disturbs the cable. Based on the timing of the reflection, a processor, or a reflectometer, identifies the location of the disturbance. The “passive” cable component can be sensitized to detect intrusion via some other sensing phenomenology, such as the triboelectric effect, for triboelectric effect sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Senstar-Stellar Corporation
    Inventor: Melvin C. Maki
  • Patent number: 6956473
    Abstract: An alarm system having the capability to self-adjust or self-calibrate itself 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 alarm controller and receives the magnitude signal from the sensor. The signal evaluator compares the magnitude signal to a user-defined or preset alarm sensor sensitivity threshold and generates an alarm signal if the magnitude signal exceeds the alarm signal sensitivity threshold. If repeated alarm signals are generated, an alarm threshold adjuster will adjust the sensor sensitivity threshold to a point where repeated magnitude signals will be ignored. The system will reset itself to the original user-defined or preset sensor sensitivity threshold levels after a predetermined time of no alarm signal generation. The alarm signals generated will activate an alarm annunciator, which generates an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: JBS Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Scott T. Hanood
  • Patent number: 6954146
    Abstract: In a method for determining the state of a road during driving of a motor vehicle, the sound which is generated when a vehicle tire rolls on an underlying surface is sensed. A frequency signal is determined by means of a sound level signal which describes the sound, and is divided into at least two sub-zones by means of at least one limiting frequency. The sub-zones are each assigned to an associated frequency band, and an intensity value is determined for each of at least two frequency bands from the assigned sub-zone of the frequency signal. The intensity value is characteristic of the sound intensity which is present in a frequency band. An intensity ratio is formed from two intensity values by dividing the first intensity value of the first frequency band by the second intensity value of the second frequency band, and is used to determine the state of a road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Seshu Bhagavathula, Shanmukh Katragadda, Ravindra Peravali, Juergen Trost
  • Patent number: 6885876
    Abstract: A telecommunications network includes a mobile phone with an audio-modulated vibrotactile module that responds to a telecommunications signal containing information about incoming speech from a called/calling party, for providing an audio-modulated vibrotactile module force containing information about the incoming speech from the called/calling party to vibrate a user's fingers, facial skin, wrist, cheek or other suitable location. The audio-modulated vibrotactile module has an audio-to-vibrotactile converter that responds to the telecommunications signal, for providing an audio-to-vibrotactile converter signal containing information about a vibration modulation of the incoming speech from the called/calling party. The audio-modulated vibrotactile module also has a vibrotactile actuator that responds to the audio-to-vibrotactile converter signal, for providing the audio-modulated vibrotactile module force in the form of a vibrotactile actuator force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd.
    Inventors: Olli Aaltonen, Satu Jääskeläinen, Seppo Karjalainen, Heikki Lang, Heikki Hämäläinen, Stina Ojala, Terho Kaikuranta
  • Patent number: 6882279
    Abstract: A system for automated monitoring of pest insects in stored products to help identify insect species and improve reliability across adverse external conditions, including environmental, biological and aging. The system includes sensor units having a microcontroller which collects, analyzes, and stores data from at least one signal pulse created by an insect falling through the sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Dennis Shuman, R. David Crompton