Electromagnetic Energy Patents (Class 340/567)
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Patent number: 9119263Abstract: The present invention relates to a light controller (102) configured to control a lighting system (100) for emitting light, comprising an image sensor (202) configured to capture an image of an activity area, and a control unit (200) configured to received the image, to detecting movement within the activity area, and to provide an activation signal for switching on a light source (104, 106, 108, 110) of the lighting system (100), wherein the control unit (200) is further configured to provide a deactivation signal for switching off the light source (104, 106, 108, 110) after a computed time period if no movement is detected within the activity area, the computed time period being based on a computed distance between a predetermined position within the activity area and a position of the latest detected movement within the activity area. The present invention provides advantages in relation to e.g.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2012Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Dmitry Nikolayevich Znamenskiy, Anteneh Alemu Abbo
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Patent number: 9108782Abstract: A dispensing system includes a dispenser, at least one sensor, and a shroud including at least one aperture. A virtual shield is provided between the sensor and the shroud to reduce background noise.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2012Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: Tai P. Luc, Claudia V. Gamboa, Mark E. Johnson, Daniel J. Hanak
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Patent number: 9024760Abstract: An ultrasonic occupancy sensor for detecting presence or absence of an occupant in a space includes an ultrasonic receiving circuit having a synchronous rectifier that allows the circuit to detect small-magnitude ultrasonic waves having a Doppler shift. The sensor comprises an ultrasonic transmitter for transmitting ultrasonic waves at an ultrasonic operating frequency, and a controller that drives the transmitting circuit with complementary drive signals to control the ultrasonic operating frequency. The synchronous rectifier receives the drive signals from the controller and rectifies an amplified input signal to generate a rectified signal, which is filtered by a filter to generate a filtered signal. The controller receives the filtered signal and determines that the space is occupied if the magnitude of the filtered signal exceeds a threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2013Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventor: James P. Steiner
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Patent number: 8947000Abstract: A microcontroller-based multifunctional electronic switch using a detection circuit design to convert external motion signals into message carrying sensing signals readable to the microcontroller. Based on the time length of sensing signals and the format of the sensing signals received in a preset instant period of time the microcontroller through the operation of its software program codes written in the OTPROM is able to recognize the working modes chosen by the external signal generating user and thereby selecting the appropriate loops of subroutine for execution. The system and method of the present invention may simultaneously be applicable to detection circuit design using infrared ray sensor, electrostatic induction sensor, conduction based touch sensor or push button sensor for performing multifunction such as controlling the on/off switch performance, the dimming or speed control and the delay timer management within the capacity of a single lighting device or an electrical appliance.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2013Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Inventor: Chia-Teh Chen
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Patent number: 8830060Abstract: A theft prevention system includes an RFID reader configured to read an RFID tag to authenticate access to a predefined area, a laser scanner configured to scan the predefined area and detect an object in the predefined area, and a security component configured to initiate a security action when the detected object is at least one of an unauthenticated object and an unauthorized object.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Comtrol CorporationInventors: Mark Pikkarainen, Bradford Beale
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Patent number: 8796610Abstract: An occupancy sensor with a separable override unit can selectively override the operation of the occupancy sensor at designated times and for selected time intervals. The occupancy sensor includes a light sensor to actuate the occupancy sensor and a light assembly when the ambient light is below a predetermined level and to deactivate the occupancy sensor when the ambient light is above a threshold level. The override unit is provided with a light source, such as an LED, to emit light to actuate the light sensor of the occupancy sensor, thereby controlling the occupancy sensor, such as by preventing the occupancy sensor from being actuated. The occupancy sensor includes a cavity for receiving the override unit with the LED aligned with the light sensor: A control unit is operatively connected to one or more override units for selectively controlling the normal operation of the occupancy sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2013Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventors: Jonathan D. Williams, Thomas J. Hartnagel, Robert A. Martin, R. Kurt Bender
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Patent number: 8772702Abstract: A detector contains a housing with at least one window for allowing radiation to enter, at least one outlook sensor for sensing entered radiation, a unit for processing outlook sensor signals, and outlook mirrors that are shaped and mounted in the housing for reflecting onto the outlook sensor radiation from outside detection zones better than radiation from elsewhere. At least some of the outlook mirrors face the window and in operative orientation neighbor each other vertically. The detector further contains one or more window sensors for sensing radiation indicative of the window being masked or having been damaged and a unit for processing window sensor signals. A gap between at least two of the outlook mirrors allows radiation to travel between the window and at least one window sensor or accordant window sender or both.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Siemens ABInventors: Thomas Bachels, Andreas Erni, Simon Daniel Fischer, Peter Gruber
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Patent number: 8760293Abstract: A sensing device transmits wireless signals when an error between at least one sampled parameter value and at least one predicted parameter value is too great, such that the sensing device transmits wireless signals to a load control device using a variable transmission rate that is dependent upon the amount of change in a value of the parameter. The sensing device uses the one or more estimators to determine the predicted parameter value, and may transmit the estimators to the load control device if the error is too great. The load control device uses the estimators to determine at least one estimated parameter value and controls the electrical load in response to the estimated parameter value. The sensing device may comprise, for example, a daylight sensor for measuring a total light intensity in the space around the sensor or a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature around the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventor: James P. Steiner
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Patent number: 8723447Abstract: A wireless battery-powered daylight sensor for measuring a total light intensity in a space is operable to transmit wireless signals using a variable transmission rate that is dependent upon the total light intensity in the space. The sensor comprises a photosensitive circuit, a wireless transmitter for transmitting the wireless signals, a controller coupled to the photosensitive circuit and the wireless transmitter, and a battery for powering the photosensitive circuit, the wireless transmitter, and the controller. The photosensitive circuit is operable to generate a light intensity control signal in response to the total light intensity in the space. The controller transmits the wireless signals in response to the light intensity control signal using the variable transmission rate that is dependent upon the total light intensity in the space. The variable transmission rate may be dependent upon an amount of change of the total light intensity in the space.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2013Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventor: James P. Steiner
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Patent number: 8718828Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an area environment load calculation module, a user environment load calculation module, a user improvement environment load calculation module, a comparison module and an output module. The area environment load calculation module calculates an environment load in an area in a room. The user environment load calculation module calculates an environment load of each user staying in the area based on the environment load calculated by the area environment load calculation module. The user improvement environment load calculation module calculates, based on a policy set in advance, an environment load of each user when the policy is adopted. The comparison module compares the environment load calculated by the user environment load calculation module with the environment load calculated by the user improvement environment load calculation module. The output module outputs the policy based on the number of users.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Taguchi, Takayuki Kishimoto, Shinji Kawamoto
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Patent number: 8710979Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus for attaching elements of a magnetic field safety system to headwear worn by a worker. In various embodiments, the headwear includes a combination of a sounder device, light assembly, personal alarm device and power source.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2009Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Strata Proximity Systems, LLCInventor: Larry D. Frederick
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Patent number: 8665084Abstract: A security control apparatus, system and method are provided. The security control apparatus includes a wireless communication element that supports a plurality of wireless communication protocols. The wireless communication element is configured to provide wireless communications with a user interface device and at least one premise-based device. A remote communication element is configured to provide remote communications with a monitoring center. A processor is in communication with the local wireless communication element and the remote communication element. The processor is configured to use the wireless communication element to communicate with the user interface device to receive local control and configuration data. The processor is also configured to use the remote communication element to communicate data associated with at least one of a life safety feature and life style feature with the monitoring center.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: ADT US Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Steven Shapiro, Raymond North, Timothy Albert Rader, Jorge Perdomo, Anne-Marie Rouse, James Timothy Black
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Patent number: 8593279Abstract: System (10) for detecting the position of a mobile or immobile entity (20) in a defined space (30), characterized in that it includes: means (40) of detecting the presence of said entity in at least two partially overlapping observation areas (Z1, Z2) of said space, said means being adapted for collecting at least one piece of immobile presence information (Ip) and one piece of movement information (Im) of said entity in each of said observation areas, processing means (50) which are adapted for carrying out logic operations on at least a portion of said information collected for each of said observation areas, decision means (60), which are connected to the processing means and adapted for controlling an action on the basis of a logic signal generated by the processing means.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignees: Office National d'Etudes et de Recherches Aerospatiales (ONERA), ISITEKInventors: Philippe Dreuillet, Gérard Bobillot, Luc Vignaud, François Tardivel, Florin Paun
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Patent number: 8514075Abstract: An ultrasonic occupancy sensor for detecting presence or absence of an occupant in a space includes an ultrasonic receiving circuit having a synchronous rectifier that allows the circuit to detect small-magnitude ultrasonic waves having a Doppler shift. The sensor comprises an ultrasonic transmitter for transmitting ultrasonic waves at an ultrasonic operating frequency, and a controller that drives the transmitting circuit with complementary drive signals to control the ultrasonic operating frequency. The synchronous rectifier receives the drive signals from the controller and rectifies an amplified input signal to generate a rectified signal, which is filtered by a filter to generate a filtered signal. The controller receives the filtered signal and determines that the space is occupied if the magnitude of the filtered signal exceeds a threshold.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventor: James P. Steiner
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Patent number: 8493212Abstract: An automatic fire suppression system used to provide protection of window glass and other structural elements in aircraft terminals which are exposed to exterior fires caused by natural, accidental, or intentional events comprises a directional passive microwave receiver, a central processor for processing received microwave signals over time and comparing the received signals over time with thermal event signatures stored in memory to selectively actuate a sprinkler system for protecting the window glass in the vicinity of an identified fire event. The memory may further store a model of the aircraft terminal, and the processor utilizes a fire dynamics simulator to simulate a thermal event at the terminal.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Icore and Associates, LLCInventors: David J. Icove, Carl T. Lyster, David M. Banwarth
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Patent number: 8461510Abstract: An occupancy sensor is provided with a separable override unit which can selectively override the operation of the occupancy sensor at designated times and for selected time intervals. The occupancy sensor includes a light sensor for actuating the occupancy sensor and a light assembly when the ambient light is below a predetermined level and to deactivate the occupancy sensor when the ambient light is above a threshold level to prevent the light assembly from being actuated when the light level is sufficient to avoid the need for actuating the light assembly. The override unit is removably attached to the occupancy sensor and is provided with a light source, such as an LED. The override unit is coupled to the occupancy sensor to emit light to actuate the light sensor of the occupancy sensor, thereby controlling the operation of the occupancy sensor, such as by preventing the occupancy sensor from being actuated regardless of the light level in the surrounding areas.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventors: Jonathan D. Williams, Thomas J. Hartnagel, Robert A. Martin, R. Kurt Bender
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Patent number: 8451116Abstract: A wireless battery-powered daylight sensor for measuring a total light intensity in a space is operable to transmit wireless signals using a variable transmission rate that is dependent upon the total light intensity in the space. The sensor comprises a photosensitive circuit, a wireless transmitter for transmitting the wireless signals, a controller coupled to the photosensitive circuit and the wireless transmitter, and a battery for powering the photosensitive circuit, the wireless transmitter, and the controller. The photosensitive circuit is operable to generate a light intensity control signal in response to the total light intensity in the space. The controller transmits the wireless signals in response to the light intensity control signal using the variable transmission rate that is dependent upon the total light intensity in the space. The variable transmission rate may be dependent upon an amount of change of the total light intensity in the space.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: James P. Steiner, Greg Edward Sloan
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Patent number: 8451135Abstract: An anti-masking system and method for a motion detector includes a plurality of anti-masking components such as a spreading lens, at least one reflector located outside a housing of the motion detector, and a retroreflector located on the housing proximate to a lens. The system and method uses the plurality of anti-masking components to determine whether the lens of the motion detector has been masked by an object.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Robert H Carl, Jr.
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Patent number: 8416095Abstract: In a television viewing safety system and method, a detection zone of a sensor is set. The sensor is turned on to detect whether a person moves into the detection zone. If the person is detected moving into the detection zone, the television is controlled to display under a safe display mode. If the person is not detected moving into the detection zone, the television is controlled to display under a normal display mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: De-Hua Dang
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Patent number: 8373561Abstract: An infrared detector comprising a plurality of bolometer detectors, bias circuitry for applying a bias to the bolometer detectors, and connectors for connecting the bolometer detectors together to form a network, wherein the bolometer detectors are arranged in an environment at substantially atmospheric pressure. A method for increasing the sensitivity of an infrared detector, having a plurality of bolometer detectors arranged in an environment at substantially atmospheric pressure so as to at least partly compensate for a reduction in the sensitivity of the infrared detector due to conduction of thermal energy from the bolometer detectors through the environment, the method comprising at least one of the steps of connecting the bolometer detectors together in at least one of series and parallel, and operating the bolometer detectors at a DC bias current.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2005Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Qinetiq LimitedInventor: Paul A Manning
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Patent number: 8368535Abstract: An intrusion detector comprising a passive sensor for detecting a person entering a space to be monitored, said intrusion detector comprising a housing provided with a window for said passive sensor, optical means for directing electromagnetic radiation from said person onto the passive sensor, alarm means connected to said passive sensor for generating an alarm in case the electromagnetic radiation from said person being detected by the passive sensor corresponds to a signal value that exceeds a maximum level or falls below a minimum level, a special feature being the fact that the optical means are provided with a mirror curved in two directions for forming at least one protective curtain extending in a vertical plane in the space to be monitored, wherein the passive sensor is disposed on the optical axis at the focus of the mirror, and wherein the mirror directs a beam of electromagnetic radiation from the person, rotated through at least 45°, preferably through at least substantially 90°, onto the passiveType: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: UTC Fire & Security Americas Corporation, Inc.Inventor: Math Pantus
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Patent number: 8354925Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting change in an environment are provided. In one aspect, a system for detecting change in an environment includes an RF noise source configured to transmit an RF noise signal into the environment and to vary a parameter of the RF noise signal, and an interrogator configured to communicate with a plurality of communication devices distributed in the environment over a plurality of communication channels. The system also includes a detection system configured to receive information related to performances of the plurality of communication channels from the interrogator, to generate a fingerprint of the environment for each of the plurality of communication channels based on the performance of the communication channel at different values of the parameter of the RF noise signal, and to detect a change in the environment when one or more of the fingerprints deviates from a respective baseline fingerprint by a certain amount.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Vibeke Libby, John S. Camp
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Patent number: 8325040Abstract: Upon detecting (101) (via an animate object detector (506)) an animate object, these teachings provide for automatically and responsively transmitting (102) a remote light control signal and also selectively controlling (103) local lighting (505). This can comprise temporarily switching the local lighting to a higher power mode of operation (such as a fully-on mode of operation) from a lower power mode of operation (such as a fully-off mode of operation). These teachings will further accommodate determining (301) a relatively closeness of the animate object to the remote control. When the detected animate object is more than predetermined distance from the remote control, the local lighting can remain in the lower power mode of operation. When the detected animate object, however, is within that predetermined distance from the remote control, then the aforementioned step of switching the local lighting to the higher power mode of operation can be undertaken as described.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2008Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventor: Shary Nassimi
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Patent number: 8294576Abstract: An infrared sensor switch of the invention comprises an infrared sensor with a detection range, and a controller that uses the sensor to try to detect whether or not a person is present in the detection range and controls an ON or OFF state of a corresponding load unit based on each detection result obtained from the sensor. The switch further comprises a sensor block comprising the sensor, and a housing that is mounted in a wall and retains the block so that the center axis of the detection range can be rotated about a horizontal axis and as well as rotated up to at least 40 degrees downward from a forward direction of 0 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2007Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.Inventors: Makiko Matsuoka, Tomohiro Ieki, Koji Yokota, Hajime Yabu, Susumu Nakano, Kei Miura
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Patent number: 8258949Abstract: A combined night light and alarm device preferably includes a portable housing, a light emitting section located inside the housing, an alarm section located inside the housing, and a plug attached to the housing and adapted to be removably connected to an existing electrical outlet. An audible alarm is included for notifying residents/occupants when the device senses motion of unauthorized persons. Such a plug may be electrically coupled to the light emitting section and the alarm section respectively. A logic gate may be located inside the housing. Such a logic gate may be electrically coupled to the light emitting section and the alarm section respectively. In this manner, the logic gate cooperates with the light emitting section and the alarm section in such a manner that light and sound are automatically emitted upon simultaneously detecting first and second triggering events around the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Inventor: Ronald Jaynes
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Patent number: 8248003Abstract: A vibration frequency adjusting system and method measures energy of a vibration generated by a vibrator of an electronic device, and converts the vibration energy to a level of electric charge. The system and method further compares the level of electric charge with preset electric charge thresholds, and adjusts the level of electric charge to a preset level of electric charge according to the comparison. Then, the system and method converts the adjusted preset level of electric charge to a voltage, and outputs the voltage to vibrator, so as to adjust the frequency of the vibration according to the voltage.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.Inventor: Ying Zhou
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Patent number: 8212671Abstract: A passive microwave receiver array, operating in the one meter to sub-millimeter wavelengths range and including an internationally protected range of frequencies of varying bandwidth, may be used for fire and intrusion detection. One or more receiver array can be used to provide a plurality of frequency ranges that can be detected. In an interior installation, one or more receiver array can be placed inside a wall. In other embodiments, the receiver and array can be in the form of a hand-held or wearable device. This method and apparatus achieves high performance by exploiting conventional low noise amplification block conversion circuits and provides the detection of thermal signals through clear, smoky, misty, or environmentally untenable conditions as well as the detection of fire and intrusion events through a non-metallic wall.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Icove and Associates, LLCInventors: David J. Icove, Carl T. Lyster
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Patent number: 8193919Abstract: A peripheral load driver that utilizes the power, wiring, and primary load of a conventional doorbell system to drive a doorbell system peripheral load at a higher current without risk of inadvertently energizing the primary load of the conventional doorbell system. The peripheral load driver comprising a power converting means for converting power extracted from the conventional doorbell system from a higher-voltage-at-a-lower-current to a lower-voltage-at-a-higher current wherein the higher-voltage-at-a-lower-current is insufficient to energize the primary load of the conventional doorbell system and the lower-voltage-at-a-higher-current is compatible with the doorbell system peripheral load.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2010Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Inventors: Peter Langer, Douglas C. Cinzori
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Patent number: 8190286Abstract: A machine tool monitoring device of a machine tool for machining a work piece, includes a signal unit (24) provided for an ultra-broad-band operation. The signal unit (24) processes a signal (32, 34), which has a sequence (46) of pulses (48) and includes an arithmetic-logic unit (40) for associating a detected signal (34) with a use situation (52, 58) by means of a fuzzy logic-based and/or neural logic-based signal processing. The signal unit (24) preferably has a programmable data base (44) in which a use situation (52, 58) in a machining process is associated with a procedure (56, 60) for changing the machining process.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Reiner Krapf, Michael Mahler
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Patent number: 8144010Abstract: An intrusion detector for a security system that detects the breaking of a glass in a window or a door and motion within a protected area is provided. The intrusion detector includes a single sensing section, a first filter, a second filter, a microprocessor, and an alarm generating. The microprocessor includes a motion detection section, an activation section for activating the motion detection section for a preset period of time only when a detected acoustic signal is consistent with that required to break glass, and a timing section for timing the preset period. The sensing section is capable of sensing motion induced signals during both activation and non-activation of the motion detection section, but the motion detection section ignores motion-induced signals during non-activation of the motion detection section.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Smith, Tom R. Petek
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Patent number: 8143567Abstract: An occupancy sensor is provided with a separable override unit which can selectively override the operation of the occupancy sensor at designated times and for selected time intervals. The occupancy sensor includes a light sensor for actuating the occupancy sensor and a light assembly when the ambient light is below a predetermined level and to deactivate the occupancy sensor when the ambient light is above a threshold level to prevent the light assembly from being actuated when the light level is sufficient to avoid the need for actuating the light assembly. The override unit is removably attached to the occupancy sensor and is provided with a light source, such as an LED. The override unit is coupled to the occupancy sensor to emit light to actuate the light sensor of the occupancy sensor, thereby controlling the operation of the occupancy sensor, such as by preventing the occupancy sensor from being actuated regardless of the light level in the surrounding areas.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventors: Jonathan D. Williams, Thomas J. Hartnagel, Robert A. Martin, R. Kurt Bender
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Patent number: 8130099Abstract: Sensor light having a light unit which can be activated in response to a sensor output signal from a motion sensor unit (16), and is provided on a support unit (10, 12) for installing the sensor light inside or outside, wherein that the motion sensor unit is modular, can be removed from the support unit when the latter is installed and has at least one actuating element (28) which can be manually operated and can be operated when the motion sensor unit has been removed.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Steinel GmbHInventors: Heinrich Wolfgang Steinel, Martin Meggle, Christof Herbst, Thomas Möller
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Patent number: 8125338Abstract: An acousto-magnetic (AM) anti-theft alarming unit is designed for specific use in a hard tag anti-theft clamp which uses a magnetic detacher. The alarming unit includes a resonator housing defining a cavity in which is placed at least one resonator and a bias piece covered by a housing cover affixed to the resonator housing. The resonators are placed into the housing cavity in a vertically layered configuration. The bias piece is placed along the side of the resonators, as opposed to being beneath the resonators, as is conventional in the art. The bias piece is preferably made of a sintered rare-earth permanent magnet and has a high coercivity. Accordingly, this alarming unit has a strong resistance to demagnetization and a resistance to being shielded by metal. The bias piece has a strong anti-destruction ability, a simple structure and is easy to manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Ningbo Signatronic Technologies, Ltd.Inventor: Lin Li
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Patent number: 8081216Abstract: A lighting control system for controlling the lighting of a predetermined area is provided. According to one embodiment, the lighting control system comprises one or more light sources positioned in the predetermined area, the light source configured to include adjustable light intensity; a camera positioned and configured to capture an image of the predetermined area; and a controller in operable communication with the one or more light sources and the camera, the controller configured to control the one or more light sources and adjust the light intensity of the light source. The controller is configured to operate in a closed control loop to automatically adjust the lighting conditions of a predetermined area or environment. A false alarm checking process checks for temporary or localized events to prevent unnecessary lighting adjustments.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2009Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Hong Kong Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chi Hang Cheung, Shan Mei Wan, Kai Chiu Wu, Ming Lu
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Patent number: 8049620Abstract: A passive microwave receiver array, operating in the one meter to sub-millimeter wavelengths range and including an internationally protected range of frequencies of varying bandwidth, may be used for fire and intrusion detection. One or more receiver arrays can be used to provide a plurality of frequency ranges that can be detected. In an interior installation, one or more receiver arrays can be placed inside a wall made of non-metallic substance and capable of passively receiving frequencies at less than 3 GHz. In other embodiments, the receiver and array can be in the form of a hand-held or wearable device.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Icove and Associates, LLCInventors: David J. Icove, Carl T. Lyster
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Patent number: 8044798Abstract: A passive microwave receiver, receiving a WARC protected frequency of 1420 MHz may be used for fire, temperature speed detection and intrusion detection. One or more receiver arrays can be used to provide a plurality of frequency ranges that can be detected. In an interior installation, one or more receiver arrays can be placed inside a wall made of non-metallic substance and capable of passively receiving frequencies at less than 3 GHz. In other embodiments, the receiver and array can be in the form of a hand-held or wearable device. This method and apparatus achieves high performance by exploiting conventional low noise amplification block conversion circuits and provides the detection of thermal signals through clear, smoky, misty, or environmentally untenable conditions as well as the detection of automobiles and intruders via black box emission.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Icove and Associates, LLCInventors: David J. Icove, Carl T. Lyster
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Patent number: 8035515Abstract: A security system using a laser range finder that can precisely determine an existence and a location of an intruder, and a method of detecting the intruder using the laser range finder are provided. The security system using a laser range finder, the security system includes: the laser range finder emitting laser beam, receiving the reflected laser beam, measuring a distance between the laser range finder and a target object, and detecting an existence and a location of an intruder; and at least one reflective means reflecting the emitted laser beam toward the laser beam finder, wherein at least one reflective means is spaced by a predetermined distance of the laser range finder and is installed a predetermined distance from the laser range finder.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Gwangju Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Jae-Hyung Jang, Hyuk Lim
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Patent number: 8018338Abstract: Disclosed is a detection process performed in the detector, which is switchable between an active detection mode, where the detector actively monitors the surrounding area, and a passive detection mode. The data obtained by operation in the active detection mode for the first time are temporarily stored to serve as an initial environmental parameter. Subsequently, the detector operates primarily in the passive detection mode to determine whether or not a downstream device is to be activated, while switching intermittently from the passive detection mode to the active detection mode to thereby determine the activation or deactivation of the downstream device based on the result of comparing the detected value with the initial environmental parameter.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Everspring Industry Co. Ltd.Inventor: Cheng-Hung Huang
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Patent number: 7978091Abstract: A method (400) and device (100) for touchless control of an headset or earpiece is provided. The device can include a sensing unit (202) for determining (402) a presence of a finger within a proximity of the earpiece, tracking (404) a touchless movement of the finger in air within the proximity, selecting (410) the control in accordance with a movement of the finger, and adjusting (414) the control in accordance with the tracking. A circular movement of the finger can be tracked for scrolling through a list. Menu options in the list can be audibly played during the scrolling.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: NaviSenseInventor: Marc Boillot
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Patent number: 7952474Abstract: An alarm filter (22) for use in a security system (14) to reduce the occurrence of nuisance alarms receives sensor signals (S1-Sn, Sv) from a plurality of sensors (18, 20) included in the security system (14). The alarm filter (22) produces an opinion output as a function of the sensor signals and selectively modifies the sensor signals as a function of the opinion output to produce verified sensor signals (S1?-Sn?).Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Chubb Protection CorporationInventors: Pengju Kang, Alan M. Finn, Robert N. Tomastik, Thomas M. Gillis, Ziyou Xiong, Lin Lin, Pei-Yuan Peng
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Patent number: 7948378Abstract: A non-defeatable magnetically actuatable switch device is shown and described for restricting access to industrial controls. The non-contact switch device employs one or more non-contact access switches, and an access key removably disposed in close proximity to each access switch. Removal or installation of an access key alters the electrical state of a corresponding access switch. A connected control unit determines a mode of operation, or grants permissions, based on the combination of access keys that are present or absent from the device. A lockable or sealable cover is provided over the access keys to limit unauthorized access. A tamper detection switch is also provided for the sole purpose of identifying foreign magnetic sources in the vicinity of the access switches to ensure that the device is non-defeatable.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Toptech Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael Magargee, Robert Denney, William Porthouse, Thornton Caraway
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Patent number: 7924155Abstract: A method of sensing motion in a predetermined area is provided. The method may include using a digital output motion sensor to produce a digital output signal indicative of the presence of motion in the predetermined area. The method may further include transmitting the digital output signal along a signal path independent of analog amplification and filtering. The method may also include using a microprocessor coupled to the signal path to receive the digital output signal and to process the digital output signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Paul Soccoli, Michael Ostrovsky, Al Lombardi
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Patent number: 7884717Abstract: A passive microwave receiver array, operating in the one meter to sub-millimeter wavelengths range and including an internationally protected range of frequencies of varying bandwidth, may be used for fire and intrusion detection. One or more receiver array can be used to provide a plurality of frequency ranges that can be detected. In an interior installation, one or more receiver array can be placed inside a wall. In other embodiments, the receiver and array can be in the form of a hand-held or wearable device. This method and apparatus achieves high performance by exploiting conventional low noise amplification block conversion circuits and provides the detection of thermal signals through clear, smoky, misty, or environmentally untenable conditions as well as the detection of fire and intrusion events through a non-metallic wall.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Icove & Associates, LLCInventors: David J. Icove, Carl T. Lyster
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Patent number: 7876204Abstract: An object detection system is provided for detecting a thermal emitting object in a blind zone proximate to a host vehicle. The system includes a thermal radiation detector located on a host vehicle and configured to sense temperature of multiple coverage zones proximate to the host vehicle. A processor processes temperature sensed by an infrared detector. The processor determines a change in thermal temperature sensed by the infrared detector and determines the presence of an object in the coverage zone based on the change in the sensed temperature. An output provides a signal indicative of an object sensed in the coverage zone based on the determined change in temperature.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Ronald M. Taylor
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Patent number: 7852209Abstract: An identification system combines RF identification tags with ambient condition detectors of a monitoring system. The tags could be carried by individuals in the region(s) being monitored to provide occupancy feedback to first responders in the event of an alarm condition.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey W. Shrode
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Patent number: 7796034Abstract: A method and system for controlling lighting in a space reduces energy consumption of the light sources by changing at least one of the color rendering index (CRI) and the correlated color temperature (CCT) while maintaining illumination levels. Preferably, the method and system sense movement of people in the space relative to light sources that light the space, and automatically and individually adjust plural solid state lighting devices that form each of the respective light sources to a first lighting condition when people are in a first position, wherein the lamps respectively emit light of a first illumination level and a first CRI at a first electrical power level, and to a second lighting condition when people are in a second position, wherein the light sources respectively emit light of the first illumination level and a smaller CRI than the first CRI and at a lower electrical power level than the first electrical power level.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.Inventors: Joseph Laski, Makarand H. Chipalkatti
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Patent number: 7791477Abstract: A security system comprises a surveillance unit comprising a visible light camera detecting video data from within a first field of view (FOV) and an infrared (IR) imager detecting IR data within the first FOV. An IR detection module determines whether at least a portion of the IR data is one of within a predetermined IR range, above a predetermined IR threshold, and below a predetermined IR threshold. A processor identifies a region of interest (ROI) within the video data to be further analyzed based on an output of the IR detection module.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2006Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Tyco Safety Products Canada Ltd.Inventor: Raman Kumar Sharma
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Patent number: 7733226Abstract: The invention relates to an infrared intrusion detection device. It comprises a housing 1, a window 2, which is arranged at a front side of the housing and which is transparent for at least infrared radiation emitted by an intruder, an infrared sensor arranged inside the housing for detecting the infrared radiation emitted by the intruder. Further it comprises a light guide 7, which is arranged inside the housing, which has at least one light entrance facet and which has a plurality of light exit facets 3 being arranged at the front side of the housing. A light emitter 6 is arranged inside the housing for injecting light into the at least one light entrance facet of the light guide. A light detector is provided for detecting light reflected back into the housing by an obstacle in the vicinity of the window. A signal processing unit is arranged for triggering an alarm, when an absolute difference of the intensity of back-reflected light to a predetermined value exceeds a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Matthieu Richard
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Patent number: 7724134Abstract: A passive microwave receiver array, operating in the one meter to sub-millimeter wavelengths range and including an internationally protected range of frequencies of varying bandwidth, may be used for fire and intrusion detection. One or more receiver array can be used to provide a plurality of frequency ranges that can be detected. In an interior installation, one or more receiver array can be placed inside a wall. In other embodiments, the receiver and array can be in the form of a hand-held or wearable device. This method and apparatus achieves high performance by exploiting conventional low noise amplification block conversion circuits and provides the detection of thermal signals through clear, smoky, misty, or environmentally untenable conditions as well as the detection of fire and intrusion events through a non-metallic wall.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Icove and Associates, LLCInventors: David J. Icove, Carl T. Lyster
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Patent number: 7714719Abstract: A system, device, and method for monitoring an uncontrolled area around a mobile object uses a distributed antenna, which can be a leaky coaxial cable, enclosing its perimeter. A field disturbance sensor, such as a microwave sensor, detects an intruder entering a protected area defined by field of the antenna. An alarm signal is sent to a wireless transceiver for transmission of an alarm event to a remote station. A biometric sensor, such as a passive infrared heat detector, can be used in conjunction with the field disturbance sensor to reduce possible false alarms. Identification of a legitimate alarm may alternatively be verified with video images obtained near an area of interest in proximity to the mobile object, which may be forwarded by the wireless transceiver to a remote station for analysis.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventor: David Delos Duff