Abstract: Electronic Tags are mounted on swimmers to reduce their risk of drowning by identifying when their heads are underwater for periods of time which may indicate a dangerous submersion situation, and for triggering corresponding alerts and alarms. In this method, each monitored person is equipped with a lightweight electronic Tag worn on the body that communicates with monitors that issue the alerts and alarms, including audible and visible distress signals. The monitors, in turn, communicate the alarms to receivers used by supervisory personnel, such as lifeguards or parents. The invention may be used in aquatic environments, such as public recreation facilities, pools, waterfronts, and water parks, as well as in more private settings, such as homes, apartment buildings or hotels.

Abstract: A pool guard alarm apparatus includes an alarm body, a triggering device and a relative triggering element. The alarm body accommodates a circuit board and a battery for providing a power source. The circuit board is provided with several buttons and a sound member. The buttons enable an authorized person to bypass the alarm mode. The triggering device located at the entrance to the pool has a movable part which is elastic to be against the relative triggering element. The moveable part will produce a triggering signal to the circuit board when the entrance is opened. The circuit board activates the sound member to produce an alarm sound after a predetermined time. The alarm sound is repeated after a period of time while in the alarm mode. When the entrance is then closed, the user must reset a pass code to activate the said alarm mode.

Abstract: Signalling and localisation device for an individual in the sea, including an ultrasonic wave transmitter constituting an individual alarm unit carried by the individual in the sea designed to transmit carrier waves of primary signals; a surface surveillance means arranged on the surface of the sea and provided with: a submersed antenna capable of picking up the primary signals transmitted by individual alarm unit; means of transmitting secondary ultrasonic signals, these transmission means: means capable of calculating the position of individual alarm unit as a function of the ultrasonic signals received in response to secondary ultrasonic signals and of converting this information into the coordinates of a global positioning system; a unit for transmitting radio waves capable of sending signals representing these coordinates to a mobile or fixed alarm processing centre equipped with a radio receiver.

Abstract: Electronic Tags are mounted on swimmers to reduce their risk of drowning by identifying when their heads are underwater for periods of time which may indicate a dangerous submersion situation, and for triggering corresponding alerts and alarms. In this method, each monitored person is equipped with a lightweight electronic Tag worn on the body that communicates with monitors that issue the alerts and alarms, including audible and visible distress signals. The monitors, in turn, communicate the alarms to receivers used by supervisory personnel, such as lifeguards or parents. The invention may be used in aquatic environments, such as public recreation facilities, pools, waterfronts, and water parks, as well as in more private settings, such as homes, apartment buildings or hotels.

Abstract: A life saving device, system and method arranged for detecting drowning conditions and pre-conditions in a swimmer within a body of water. The device comprises at least one movement sensor, an optical sensor and a pulse sensor wherein all sensors being in direct communication with the swimmer's body and further coupled to a processing unit which is coupled in turn to a wireless data transference unit. The movement sensors are arranged for identifying bodily movements patterns and orientation, the optical sensor is arranged for sensing oxygen level in the blood of the swimmer, the pulse sensor is arranged for sensing the heartbeat rate of the swimmer and the processing unit is arranged to process data from all sensors and determine drowning conditions and pre-conditions according to predefined parameters wherein the parameters are swimmer specific and exhibit a learning process.

Abstract: An above-water system provides automatic alerting for possible drowning victims in swimming pools or the like. One or more electro-optical sensors are placed above the pool surface. Sequences of images are digitized and analyzed electronically to determine whether there are humans within the image, and whether such humans are moving in a manner that would suggest drowning. Effects due to glint, refraction, and variations in light, are offset automatically by the system. If a potential drowning incident is detected, the system produces an alarm sound, and/or a warning display, so that an operator can determine whether action must be taken.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the early detection of a subject in a drowning or in a near-drowning situation in a body of water, such as a swimming pool, are disclosed. When the drowning or near-drowning situation is identified the apparatus issues an alarm signal that, in order to promote early rescue, attracts the relative, guest, friend or any other person. Following the identification of the alarm signal the potential rescuer is capable of initiating an immediate rescue operation and consequently requisite emergency medical procedures.

Abstract: Method and system for detecting danger of drowning for a person in water. The method may comprise: determining whether the person is located in the water, measuring the pulse of the person, determining the position of the person, monitoring the capacity of an energy source on the person, transferring data from the person to a receiver on exceeding a boundary value of a pre-determined parameter, a gas chamber on the person is filled with gas and thereby buoyancy is generated, as well as optionally activating an alarm in the receiver. The method may further comprise measuring breathing frequency of the person, measuring pressure at the water depth of the person, measuring body position of the person, and comparing boundary value data and generated data to each other in an evaluation/signal unit as well as when the gas chamber is filled with gas and/or the alarm is activated.

Abstract: A drowning alarm and position marking system is described herein. The Aqua Alert is a system for detecting the drowning of an individual and subsequent generation of an alarm to alert a parent, lifeguard or by-standers. The system consists of two different units, a portable unit worn by the swimmer and a base station which is worn by a parent/supervisor or located on the beach, pool or boat. The buoyant portable unit transmits a signal which may be ultra-sonic, sub-sonic, audio or optic, but preferably radio frequency in nature. This signal is transmitted semi continuously until the portable unit is submerged in water in which case the signal is cut off from the base station due to the attenuating effects of being submerged in water. The base station will generate an alarm such as a siren or visual means or both if the signal from the portable unit is not received for a period of approximately 10 seconds, thus operating in a fail-safe condition.

Abstract: A water alarm device for releaseable attachment to a user in a body of water includes a buoyant alarm unit having a water sensor. The water sensor is configured to sense if a sensing portion of the alarm unit is in contact with water. A timer is in communication with the water sensor and is configured to determine a duration of water contact with the sensing portion of the alarm unit. The alarm unit is configured to travel to a surface of the body of water and activate an alarm when the duration of water contact is greater than a predetermined time.

Abstract: A person-overboard monitoring and alarm system, includes an RFID tag worn by a user; an array of directional antennas for mounting around a perimeter of a boat hull, below and substantially parallel with a gunnel of the boat so as to be arrayed substantially above a water line of the boat and so as to provide a corresponding array of substantially distinct and independent detection zones which are substantially only directed outwardly of the boat, a transceiver cooperating with said array of antennas for detecting the presence of a tag in any one of said detection zones, a processor cooperating with said transceiver for receiving signals from said transceiver upon detection of said tag in said any one of said detection zones and determining which of said detection zones contain said tag, and wherein said processor is adapted to output an alarm trigger signal to an alarm upon said detection, whereby said antenna and said transceiver substantially only detects said tag when located over-board from the boat.

Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor system that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The system includes one or more intelligent sensor units and a base unit that can communicate with a large number of sensors. When one or more of the sensors detects an anomalous condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The base unit can contact a supervisor or other responsible person by a plurality of techniques, such as, telephone, pager, cellular telephone, Internet, etc. In one embodiment, one or more wireless repeaters are used between the sensors and the base unit to extend the range of the system and to allow the base unit to communicate with a larger number of sensors.

Abstract: A fueling environment is equipped with leak detection probes and liquid level probes. Each of the probes is associated with a wireless transceiver. The wireless transceivers send probe data to a site communicator wireless transceiver. To ensure that the site communicator receives the probe data, repeaters are used within the fueling environment. The repeaters receive the probe data, and some period of time after the sensor transceivers stop transmitting, the repeaters retransmit the probe data to the site communicator. The site communicator discards duplicative information and processes the probe data as needed.

Abstract: A water alarm device for releaseable attachment to a user in a body of water includes a buoyant alarm unit having a water sensor. The water sensor is configured to sense if a sensing portion of the alarm unit is in contact with water. A release unit is configured to releasably attach the alarm unit to the user. A timer is in communication with the water sensor and is configured to determine a duration of water contact with the sensing portion of the alarm unit. The release unit is configured to release the alarm unit from the user when the duration of water contact is greater than a predetermined time, and the alarm unit is configured to travel to a surface of the body of water and activate an alarm when the alarm unit is released from the user.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an external sensor attached to an undergarment worn by a patient that detects voiding information. The sensor stores the voiding information in a voiding log and transmits the voiding log to an external device. The external device includes a user interface that displays the voiding log to the patient for review. The patient may correct any incorrect voiding information that was logged in error or due to a non-voiding event. A user, such as a clinician or the patient, may use the voiding information to diagnose a condition of the patient. In addition, the voiding information of the voiding log may be used by the user to adjust a stimulation therapy or the external device to automatically adjust stimulation therapy. The undergarment may be disposable or washable after patient use.

Abstract: Swimmers are detected in a given body of water by dispersing sensors throughout the water column. The sensors adhere to the swimmer and reflect acoustic energy. Acoustic energy is broadcast in the water and the swimmer is detected by the characteristic motion of the sensors clinging to the swimmer as detected by acoustic monitors. The sensors may also fluoresce and be detectible by optical monitors when a portion of the swimmer is above the water.

Abstract: Electronic Tags are mounted on swimmers to reduce their risk of drowning by identifying when their heads are underwater for periods of time which may indicate a dangerous submersion situation, and for triggering corresponding alerts and alarms. In this method, each monitored person is equipped with a lightweight electronic Tag worn on the body that communicates with monitors that issue the alerts and alarms, including audible and visible distress signals. The monitors, in turn, communicate the alarms to receivers used by supervisory personnel, such as lifeguards or parents. The invention may be used in aquatic environments, such as public recreation facilities, pools, waterfronts, and water parks, as well as in more private settings, such as homes, apartment buildings or hotels.

Abstract: A rescue and safety device for swimming-pools and amusement parks, consisting of a wristband containing a cardiac-arrest detector, a panic button, a location device and, optionally, a water detector, triggered by immersion syncope, cardiac arrest or an accident; a rescue device, especially if an inflatable grid has been installed on the bottom of the pool, that can uplift any person in difficulties from the bottom of the pool.

Abstract: A system and method for continuously monitoring the intake of a fresh water system to detect pathogens, chemicals, and other biological contaminants. The apparatus consists of a number of monitoring and containment facilities which are inserted into a fresh water intake pipe at various locations. The monitoring and containment facilities detect a hazard in the incoming water, send a signal to shut down the main intake pump, and collect samples of water immediately adjacent the monitoring and containment facility that detected the hazard. A signal may also be sent to a regulatory agency and to the Department of Homeland Security. The method consists of conducting a qualitative and quantitative analysis of water in a fresh water intake pipe; testing for hazards, and shutting down the main intake pump if a sufficient level of hazard is detected. The method also consists of collecting water samples for later analysis and of notifying the appropriate agencies.

Abstract: An automated passenger identification, passenger onboard counter and passenger inventory monitoring systems for maintaining a roster of passengers onboard a conveyance such as a school bus, train, or ship. The system comprises one or more transponders, each transponder embedded within identification means and each identification means assigned to and carried by one passenger. Each transponder has a unique identity code such that when a passenger is assigned an identity means there is created one to one relationship between the unique identity codes and passenger. The transponder in the identification means has an antenna embedded in the card for reception of an identity request via a transmitted radio frequency signal. In response to the identity query signal, the transponder transmits a response radio signal containing the unique identity code of the transponder thereby identifying the passenger.

Abstract: A drowning alert system including a transmission device and a base station is provided. The transmission device is supported by a user and suitable for use within water. The transmission device includes a radio frequency transmitter configured to broadcast a radio frequency signal. The base station includes a radio frequency receiver configured to receive the radio frequency signal. The base station is configured to activate an indicator in response to the radio frequency transmitter being submerged in the water. The base station is also configured to activate an alarm in response to the radio frequency transmitter being submerged in the water for a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A drowning or asphyxiation prevention system and methods are set forth, for facilitating drowning prevention of swimmers in bodies of water, such as pools, lakes or the like. The drowning prevention safety system comprises a wearable article worn by a swimmer, an alarm indicator for transmitting an alarm condition. The system may further include an alarm receiving system for receiving the alarm signal from the alarm transmitting device. The invention also relates to a heart rate monitoring system comprising a patch type portion to be adhesively applied to the skin of a user to monitor the electrical activity of the heart and generate heart rate information that is communicated to a separate wearable device, such as a wrist worn device.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes a plurality of network clients (150) including a positioning controller (504) and a communications controller (502); and a positioning server (152) including a coordinating controller (161) for maintaining a database of network clients to be tracked and provide updates of position-related information to a presence server (104); wherein an associated network client is configured to transmit position information received via said positioning controller (504) to said positioning server (152) via said communications controller (502) when said associated network client is determined to be outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device enabling an alarm to be triggered in the event of a fall into a swimming pool, and preventing false alarms caused by disturbing elements such as the wind. Said device consists of a probe (1) which is submerged in the liquid used to retransmit the aquatic waves varying in pressure in the compression chamber (8), a piezoelectric-type sensor (2) which is located inside said chamber and used to convert the pressure variations into electrical voltage, another identical sensor (3) located in the housing (7) and enabling the electronic card (4) to substract the two sets of information enabling the vibrations, in addition to the noise caused by the wind on the housing, to be eliminated, and an electronic card (4) which is used to control a siren for alerting the parents. The inventive device can optionally pilot a radio emitter (5) for controlling a deported siren.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting a falling of a body into the water of a pool, comprising a probe (1), which is immersed in the pool (20) and designed for transmitting aquatic waves that propagate in the pool. The probe is connected to a compression chamber (8) designed for measuring variations in pressure caused by these aquatic waves. An electronic unit (4) is designed for receiving and interpreting electrical signals representative of variations in pressure that are measured in the compression chamber. This electronic unit is designed for storing the signals generated by the pool and for alternating the operating mode of the device between a calm mode, a disturbed mode, and an agitated mode according to the value of the amplitude and to the value of the frequency of the electrical signals generated by the pool.

Abstract: A water level controller for a pool has a water level sensor immersed in the pool. A processor detects if the sensor senses low water. A transmitter sends a radio frequency signal to a receiver if the processor detects the low water. The receiver turns on a valve to add water to the pool. The transmitter and processor are contained in a waterproof housing. A main power switch is located internally in the housing, and moves between on and off positions by inverting the housing. A wave filter timer within the processor turns on for a selected interval when the processor detects low water. The receiver has an overfill counter that turns on for a selected interval when the receiver receives the low water signal. The receiver resets the overfill counter prior to reaching the selected count each time that the receiver receives a low water signal.

Abstract: A dive computer with a free dive mode and/or wireless data transmission capabilities. In one embodiment the invention relates to a diving apparatus including a dive computer having a free dive mode, where the dive computer is configured to calculate a nitrogen loading in the free dive mode using a default value which is the fraction of oxygen in air, and where the free dive mode is used when a diver makes a dive without a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. Another embodiment includes a method of operating a dive computer including recording two or more first identifiers, receiving pressure information from two or more pressure transmitters, the pressure information comprising second identifiers and pressure measurements, determining whether the pressure information contains one of the two or more first identifiers, and displaying a message indicative of the pressure information that contains one of the two or more first identifiers.

Abstract: A water alarm device for releaseable attachment to a user in a body of water includes a buoyant alarm unit having a water sensor. The water sensor is configured to sense if a sensing portion of the alarm unit is in contact with water. A release unit is configured to releasably attach the alarm unit to the user. A timer is in communication with the water sensor and is configured to determine a duration of water contact with the sensing portion of the alarm unit. The release unit is configured to release the alarm unit from the user when the duration of water contact is greater than a predetermined time, and the alarm unit is configured to travel to a surface of the body of water and activate an alarm when the alarm unit is released from the user.

Abstract: A sub-surface laser scanning device is disclosed. The device employs laser pulses to scan an entire area of a swimming pool and uses that scan to constantly compare to current conditions in the pool in order to determine if a person has actually submerged below the surface of the pool. Entry of an object or person in the pool disrupts the laser pulses and triggers an alarm. The device may be set up to detect pool equipment and other common pool items, in order to avoid triggering false alarms.

Abstract: Personal safety of one or more users may be enhanced through the use of RFID tags carried by the users. RFID detectors placed proximate to hazards may detect the approach of users by reading data stored on the RFID tags. Based on data including the skill levels of the users, one or more responses may be specified. User skill levels may be ascertained by identifying a user based on data from one or more RFID tags and consulting stored skill level data associated with the user; alternatively, one or more RFID tags carried by the user may include data specifying the skill level of the user. Responses can be based on multiple conditions, including data from other sensors.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence of an insult in an absorbent article is disclosed. The amount of time that elapses between the activation of an alarm and the determination of the presence of a subsequent insult is determined. This elapsed time is compared to a time threshold value and either an insult alarm or a saturation alarm is activated as a function of the comparison. After activation of the alarm for an alarm period, the electrical property of the article is determined at a second time occurring at least a preset period after the end of the alarm period to allow the electrical property to stabilize before determining the electrical property.

Abstract: Low-cost, reliable, easy to use device and method identifies potential drowning or near-drowning events (i.e. a submerged inert human) in a timely manner, provides the precise location of the event, and issues an alert that such an event is in progress. Device is optionally networked to remote monitoring station.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring one or more depth associated parameters of an object submerged in water. A first set of alarm devices are mounted in the system's housing such that they are accessible from the exterior thereof. The first set of alarm devices, defined by an audio generator, a tactile generator, and a light, are initiated in accordance with a predetermined initiation scheme when at least one of the monitored parameters does not satisfy predetermined threshold criteria associated therewith. A second set of alarm devices are tethered to the system's housing for remote positioning with respect thereto. The second set of alarm devices utilize the same types of alarm devices as the first set of alarm devices and are also initiated in accordance with the predetermined initiation scheme.

Abstract: A personal safety device includes a buoyant component and a tracking device coupled to the buoyant component. The tracking device includes a location determining device and a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device is configured to communicate with a terrestrial communication network such as a cell phone network. The wireless communication device is effective in coastal and inland waters, and the reduced size as compared with satellite telephones makes the device practical use during recreational water activities. Various buoyant components including personal floatation devices, waterproof containers, and gas trapping encapsualtions are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system and a method of monitoring live beings, which combines zone and water alarms, including an alarm unit to be arranged on a being's body and a portable alarm centre handled by a person that monitors the being, wherein the alarm unit includes a sender for continuous wireless transfer of intermittent signals on a first channel and transfer of an arbitrary type of signal on a second channel, and wherein the alarm centre receives signals sent from both channels for status monitoring of the alarm unit. Activation of an alarm is achieved in the alarm centre when the intermittent signal differs from a predetermined intermittent signal state. The arbitrary type of signal is sent on the second channel or channel 2 when a water sensor, included in the alarm unit, detects contact with a predetermined quantity of water. Signaling on the first channel is turned off by a switch in the alarm unit when the arbitrary type of signal is sent to the alarm center.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing fluid distribution. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a fluid detection network is used to assess the fluid distribution of a fluid collection article having a plurality of tested regions. Each tested region of the fluid collection article is serviced by the fluid detection network. The fluid detection network is configured to indicate a fluid distribution of the fluid collection article. According to another aspect of the disclosure, a monitoring subsystem assesses a fluid distribution of a test area serviced by a fluid detection network, wherein the fluid detection network has a net characteristic indicative of the fluid distribution of the test area.

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.

Abstract: A system for detecting water leaks is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of sensors, selected from a moisture sensor, a water level sensor, and/or a water temperature sensor. A processor collects moisture readings from the sensors. In one embodiment, the processor reports a possible water leak when a moisture sensor detects moisture above a moisture threshold value. In one embodiment, the processor report a water leak when the water level reading exceeds a water threshold value and/or when the temperature reading exceeds a temperature threshold value.

Abstract: An aquatic garment carries a safety light and circuit attached to the garment so that it may not be detached without damage. The circuit times an interval in response to change of state of an acceleration switch. The circuit causes the light to light at least once during said interval.

Abstract: Device to deliver an alarm signal upon detection of a gravitational wave generated by a body falling into a swimming pool, using a differential detector that includes a comparison device for comparing a sensitivity threshold value to the value of the electrical signal received, and to deliver an alarm signal when the received electrical signal exceeds the sensitivity threshold value. The electrical signal resulting from the detected waves is delivered to a comparator and allows a programmed microprocessor to deliver variable-width pulses to the input of the comparator so as to reduce the sensitivity of the device when the device detects an atmospheric disturbance. The microprocessor triggers the alarm when the width of the output pulses from the comparator is larger than a predetermined critical reference and when the frequency F of the analogue electrical signal lies between two predetermined values F1 and F2.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing fluid distribution. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a fluid detection network is used to assess the fluid distribution of a fluid collection article having a plurality of tested regions. Each tested region of the fluid collection article is serviced by the fluid detection network. The fluid detection network is configured to indicate a fluid distribution of the fluid collection article. According to another aspect of the disclosure, a monitoring subsystem assesses a fluid distribution of a test area serviced by a fluid detection network, wherein the fluid detection network has a net characteristic indicative of the fluid distribution of the test area.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring a working status of a swimming pool cover assembly. The system comprises a pool cover assembly operably connected to an alarm apparatus; both may be operably connected to a plurality of sensors capable of detecting a working status of the pool cover assembly and sending a signal to the alarm apparatus. The alarm apparatus continually produces at least one humanly perceptible indication corresponding to a working status of the pool cover assembly. The alarm apparatus includes at least one alarm-producing device, such as an audio or visual device, or combination of the two, a receiver operably connected to the plurality of sensors for receiving the signals, a processor operably coupled with the receiver for processing and recognizing the received signals, and software operably coupled with the processor enabling the alarm-producing device to produce the humanly perceptible indication corresponding to the recognized signal.

Abstract: A liquid sensor device, system and method depends on the structural deformation of a trigger material in contact with a liquid, such as water, to convert potential energy of a resilient material to kinetic energy that triggers a mechanical response in an activated state. A transfer arm is biased toward the activated state and may be retained in a deactivated state, against urging of a spring, by a trigger material that may be structurally rigid while substantially dry. Upon contact with a liquid, such as water, the trigger material may relinquish structural rigidity and be substantially deformed. Upon substantial deformation of the trigger material, the transfer arm may be urged into the activated state by activating a locking mechanism or electronically, such as by activating a switch such as a micro switch. In the activated state, the triggered mechanical response may activate an alarm, and may trigger an electrical response to close a valve, such as a natural gas valve on a gas-heated hot water tank.

Abstract: A water skier tow bar assembly includes a tow bar handle and control actuators that can be actuated by a user and indicative of a desired skier condition. A housing is connected to the tow bar and includes a wireless radio transmitter operatively connected to the control actuators for generating wireless radio signals of desired skier conditions or generating wireless radio signals indicative of a skier down condition. In one aspect of the invention, a wireless radio transmitter is contained in a housing formed as a float assembly and has an aperture through which a tow rope passes to permit the housing to be carried by a tow rope. When a skier falls, a water actuated switch initiates transmission of a wireless radio signal indicative of a skier down condition.

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.

Abstract: A portable automated biomonitoring system for monitoring water quality includes an exposure chamber for housing an aquatic organism and a water inlet for directing water to the exposure chamber. The aquatic organism has ventilatory behavior and body movement sensitive to water quality. Electrodes sense electrical signals produced by the organism during its ventilatory behavior and body movement, and a controller responsive to signals from the electrodes determines a plurality of ventilatory parameters based on the signals. The ventilatory parameters are compared with corresponding thresholds to determine when the water to which the organism is exposed has caused physiological stress to the organism. The water being evaluated may be recirculated through the system for further analysis.

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.

Abstract: An automatic rising flag assembly includes a bracket connected to a water vessel and an elongated flagpole. The assembly further includes a mechanism connected to the water vessel and the bracket so that the flagpole can be pivoted and maintained between up and down positions. Such a mechanism includes a plurality of electrical contacts disposed at a ski handle and which send a signal to the mechanism while a skier has a grip around the electrical contacts. When a skier lets go of their grip, the signal is cancelled and causes the mechanism to release the flagpole upwardly for notifying others of the downed skier.

Abstract: One or more items of apparel have a plurality of sensors (10, 11, and 12) disposed therein (either permanently or temporarily). These sensors sense physical states of the individual wearing the items of apparel and/or of the local environment. In one embodiment, multiple sensors sense, in alternative ways, a parameter that corresponds to a physical state of interest. Information from these alternative sensing approaches is co-processed to yield a resultant parameter value that can be used in various ways. In one embodiment, the parameter value is locally or remotely displayed. In one embodiment, the parameter value is used in comparison against risk thresholds to ascertain a degree of risk to the individual.

Abstract: A garment is provided for deterring a physical assault on a wearer and creating evidence of the assault, comprising a vest having visual indicia affixed thereto, such as the word “Evidence”, displaying that the vest may be used as evidence in a criminal investigation. A dye release system containing a permanent and luminescent dye is affixed to the vest, which can be activated by the wearer prior to or during an assault. The dye is caused to be forcefully ejected from the dye release system, thereby contaminating the vest, the wearer, the assailant and the place where the assault took place. Preferably, the vest includes an electronic locating device, such as a sonic transmitter or GPS transmitter. Also, the vest preferably includes an audible alarm, a canine-detectable scent, and fingerprint susceptible surfaces thereon.