Abstract: A water skier tow bar and float assembly includes a tow bar handle, control buttons on the tow bar handle and a float assembly connected to the tow bar handle. A wireless radio transmitter is mounted within the float assembly for generating wireless signals indicative of desired water skier conditions based on water skier actuation of the control buttons.

Abstract: A survival device for use in an emergency situation includes a battery, a lamp, and a detection circuit for detecting an occurrence of the emergency situation and for switching the lamp to be powered by the battery when such an occurrence is detected. In one form, the detection circuit detects a presence of water along a surface of the device, with safety tools for escaping from an submerged vehicle being provided. In another form, the detection circuit detects a failure of electrical service within a building, with safety tools for escaping a fire being provided.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a sea rescue informing apparatus and a life boat comprising the sea rescue informing apparatus. The sea rescue informing apparatus can securely inform a rescuer about the current position of a sufferer by continuously operating a rescue informing device with no fear of electric power consumption.

Abstract: A drowning alarm is described. It is a device which activates an alarm when a person drowns, in order to alert bystanders to the drowning, so that they can save the drowning person. The device consists of two kinds of units: a portable unit, which is worn by each swimmer, and a base station, located on the pool deck or on the beach. The portable unit produces an alarm signal when the swimmer activates a manual alarm push button on the portable unit, or when a sensor on the portable unit detects that the unit is submerged in water for longer than a certain number of seconds. The alarm signal produced by the portable unit is ultrasound or audible sound, and it propagates in water to the base station. The base station activates an alarm such as a siren. The portable unit has a light emitting diode (LED), which is switched on when the portable unit activates an alarm. This identifies the portable unit which caused the alarm, so it helps deter intentional false alarms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting an object approaching a vessel at rest on a water surface include a laser light curtain comprising at least one pulsed laser light beam extending radially from the ship toward a perimeter thereabout, the laser light curtain positioned spaced apart from and approximately parallel to an approach surface for detecting an object interrupting the light curtain; at least one pulsed laser rangefinder connected to the ship and positioned outboard therefrom to generate the laser light curtain; a power source connected to the pulsed laser rangefinder to supply power thereto; a processor connected to the pulsed laser rangefinder to process data therefrom; and at least one display connected to the processor to display information obtained from the processed data.

Abstract: A pool guard alarm provides constant security at one or more entrances to a pool area. The alarm utilizes a delay timer to provide an authorized entrant the ability to enter the pool area and reset the alarm before an audible alarm is sounded. The alarm further guards against pool entrances being left inadvertently open by sounding an audible alarm if a pool access point is not closed within a specified time period after being opened.

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 perimeter security system for providing a security alarm for people leaving or entering a predetermined area. The perimeter security system includes a main sensor unit, wearable by a user, which provides an alarm if the wearer breaks a boundary of the predefined area; a perimeter defining assembly for providing an indication of the boundary of the predefined area; and a remote unit for receiving a signal from the main sensor unit that the boundary of the predefined area has been broken, which provides an alarm for a caretaker.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting an object in a zone located proximate to an interface between two liquid and/or gaseous media having different refractive indices, for example of the air/water type. The method and system produce at least a video image of the interface and the zone and produces electric signals representing each video image. Then, the electric signals are digitized and the data is processed by discriminating the data corresponding to the video image of the real object from those corresponding to the apparent video image generated by the interface.

Abstract: A pool guard alarm provides constant security at one or more entrances to a pool area. The alarm utilizes a delay timer to provide an authorized entrant the ability to enter the pool area and reset the alarm before an audible alarm is sounded. The alarm further guards against pool entrances being left inadvertently open by sounding an audible alarm if a pool access point is not closed within a specified time period after being opened.

Abstract: a pool alarm system in combination with a swimming pool comprising: a detection mechanism for detecting intrusion into the pool and generating a detection output signal; a first alarm receiving the detection output signal and sounding the first alarm; a timer circuit triggered by the first alarm and generating a timer exceeded output signal after a predetermined time has lapsed; a second alarm receiving the timer exceeded output signal and sounding the second alarm; and a stop mechanism to shut off the first alarm and the second alarm; wherein the first alarm is a local alarm to be heard by people inside or around the pool and the second alarm is a general alarm to be heard by surrounding neighbors.

Abstract: An anti-terrorist ship control system includes satellites that automatically take control of a waterborne vessel when the vessel's position or speed deviate from planned tracks or when the vessel transmits a distress signal or when the vessel stops reporting its status to the satellites.

Abstract: A pool alarm device for detecting when a person enters a pool. The pool alarm device includes a detector means for detecting motion. A saddle for holding the detector means removably receives the detector means. A fastening means removably fastens the saddle to the wall of the pool. A transmitter for transmitting a signal is operationally coupled to the detector means. The transmitter transmits a radio signal when the detector means detects motion. A housing holds a control means. A receiver receives a signal transmitted by the transmitter. The receiver is mounted in the housing and is operationally coupled to the control means. A speaker for producing an audible sound is operationally coupled to the control means. The speaker is mounted in the housing. The control means sends an audio signal to the speaker when the receiver receives a transmitted signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for floating an automobile and communication in an emergency. The invention comprises sensing means to detect submergence of an automobile, a control means for generating output signals, air bags, driving units for the air bags, and means for generating and broadcasting an emergency signal. The device according to the present invention further comprises an emergency switch driven by sensing that the automobile is not started by the key switch but forcibly started. According to the present invention, submergence of an automobile can be prevented and the human life can be protected, and also by the generation of an emergency signal in case of abnormal manipulation of a key due to a car theft and the like, the property can be protected.

Abstract: A water skier tow bar and float assembly includes a tow bar handle, control buttons on the tow bar handle and a float assembly connected to the tow bar handle. A wireless radio transmitter is mounted within the float assembly for generating wireless signals indicative of desired water skier conditions based on water skier actuation of the control buttons.

Abstract: A water skier alert system is used with a boat towing a water skier via a rope and tow bar handle secured thereto. A radio receiver is adapted to be positioned on the boat towing the water skier for receiving wireless radio signals transmitted from the tow bar handle in response to a skier down condition or water skier actuation of a desired water skier condition. A display is operative with the receiver and has indicia on the display that are actuated by the wireless transmitter signals and indicative of the skier down condition and each of desired water skier conditions. The tow bar handle includes at least one battery and a pressure sensor positioned at the grip portion and sensitive to hand and/or finger pressure exerted by a water skier. Control actuators are positioned along the grip portion and indicate a desired water skier condition.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device signalling the fall of a person into a water expense comprising a sealed hollow floatable housing (1), wherein is provided a motion sensor (2) adapted to produce a trigger signal when a movement is detected and an alarm signal transmitter (6) associated with the motion sensor (2) and capable of receiving from the latter the trigger signal and transmitting the alarm signal in response. The motion sensor (2) comprises a balance weight (2a) arranged elastically suspended in a tubular guide (2b) fixed to the housing (1), said balance weight (2a) mobile in said tubular guide (2b), in the lower part, being provided with at least a switch element (3) designed to be urged in contact with the balance weight (2a) by an ascending movement of the housing (1) and deliver through said contact the trigger signal.

Abstract: A pool alarm system for alerting when an object such as a child has entered a pool filled with water. The pool alarm system includes, a sensor assembly for detecting when an object has entered the water in a pool. The sensor assembly includes a housing that is mountable on a side wall of the pool. A first sensor is mounted on the housing for detecting movement of the surface of the water. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first sensor is designed to detect surface movement of the water in the pool caused by an object entering and disturbing the surface of the water. A warning assembly is provided for warning an individual in a vicinity of the pool that the sensor has been activated. The warning assembly preferably includes a speaker that is mounted on the housing for emitting sound to audibly warn an individual in a vicinity of the pool that the sensor has been activated.

Abstract: An emergency signal device for use by those with medical conditions having means to detect the occurrence of a change in attitude in conjunction with a shock and an alarm means including audible messages alerting bystanders to the wearer's medical problems. The emergency signal device may also include means to activate the alarm means in the event the wearer exits a pre-specified geographic area, or at pre-specified time intervals. The emergency signal device may also include cellular and global positioning satellite means to automatically determine and transmit the location of the emergency signal device to a cellular base station upon activation of the alarm. The emergency signal device may further include means for activating existing emergency telephone notification systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically reporting an event includes an actuator having a sensor for sensing the event and providing an actuation signal, a controller having a signal generator for formatting data corresponding to the event to form a report signal, and a transmitter for transmitting the report signal. The actuator may include a water-activated switch to sense the event or a motion detector to sense the event. The actuator may sense a signal corresponding to a change in a monitored physiological parameter of a person coupled to the apparatus. The apparatus may also include a global positioning system receiver. The report signal may be formed according to standard digital selective calling. A process of automatically reporting an event includes sensing the event, providing an actuation signal in response to the sensed event, formatting data corresponding to the event in response to the actuation signal, to form a report signal, and transmitting the report signal.

Abstract: A rescue device with a GPS receiver, a computer, and vibration sensors. The device detects and distinguishes vibrations and sends a radio message to a Low Earth Orbit satellite that relays messages to a monitoring facility indicating the type of vibration detected. The geographic location of the device is included in the message. The entire device is constructed to resist vandalism and to permit it to be dropped from an aircraft for installation.

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.

Abstract: A dwelling permitting extended self reliance for compromised individuals is equipped with monitors for the position of the individual, sensors for the state of domestic equipment, the external environment television cameras, a controller, personal alarm, telephone, access to a remote (Internet) site where a remote user monitors the condition of occupants and the dwelling state and issue instructions to the dwelling, to be picked up and obeyed by the dwelling on next dwelling access. The dwelling can switch off/on equipment including electric stoves, electric fires and electric lights; telephone for help if a personal alarm is used; audibly address the occupant; open and close curtains, windows and doors; and advise the occupant of omitted acts. Various electric main supply sockets withhold electrical supply from the socket until plug insertion. The remote user can monitor the activity and state of any monitored and/or controlled item within the dwelling.

Abstract: A motion sensor having an outer tubular member closed at both ends thereof and an inner tubular member, concentrically disposed within the outer tubular member, forming therein an inner chamber and with the outer tubular member forming an outer chamber surrounding the inner chamber, the inner tubular member being provided with one or more apertures in walls thereof allowing fluid flow between the inner and outer chambers. A liquid at least partially fills the inner and outer chambers providing a liquid interface therein. Operatively connected to at least one of the tubular members are devices for determining the position of the liquid interface of the liquid.

Abstract: A apparatus and method for an operator to monitor the whereabouts of a subject, the apparatus comprising a portable remote unit connected to the subject, the remote unit including a remote unit power supply, a radio transmitter for sending a substantially constant remote unit radio signal, a radio receiver for receiving a base unit radio signal, a remote unit alarm, and a dye pack for releasing dye substantially responsive to submersion of the remote unit in water.

Abstract: An alarm arrangement for swimming pools includes an electronic transmitter unit (16) and an electronic receiver unit (18). The transmitter unit (16) has a housing (20) containing electronic circuitry. Water activated electrical contacts (24, 26) are provided outside the housing (20) for causing energization of the electronic circuitry when coming into contact with water for emitting an ultrasonic operative signal when a person wearing the transmitter unit (16) enters into water in a pool. The receiver unit (18) has a housing (36) containing electronic circuitry, water activated electrical contact (54, 56) outside its housing (36) for causing energization of the electronic circuitry when coming into contact with water, for detecting any preselected operative signal from the transmitter unit (16) when the transmitter unit (16) comes into contact with water in a pool so as to emit a suitable alarm signal.

Abstract: A water skier alert system is used with a boat towing a water skier via a rope and tow bar handle secured thereto. A radio receiver is adapted to be positioned on the boat towing the water skier for receiving wireless radio signals transmitted from the tow bar handle in response to a skier down condition or water skier actuation of a desired water skier condition. A display is operative with the receiver and has indicia on the display that are actuated by the wireless transmitter signals and indicative of the skier down condition and each of desired water skier conditions. The tow bar handle includes at least one battery and a pressure sensor positioned at the grip portion and sensitive to hand and/or finger pressure exerted by a water skier. Control actuators are positioned along the grip portion and indicate a desired water skier condition.

Abstract: A pool safety lighting system is designed for use in diving swimming pools, in particular, which have a shallow portion connected to a deep portion by an intermediate sloping wall. To reduce the risk of injury for persons diving into the pool, either using a diving board or diving from the edge, colored warning lights are placed in the bottom of the pool, typically with a green light in the deepest portion and a red light at the transition from an intermediate portion to the shallowest portion, with a yellow light located on the intermediate rising portion between the deep part of the pool and the shallowest part. The light delivery system ideally is a fiber optic cable system supplying light to fiber optic cables terminating in the bottom of the pool and supplied with light from a source remote from the pool.

Abstract: A safety system for an automatic swimming pool cover having a cover and a cover drive for extending and retracting the cover, the safety system having at least one sensor for detecting the presence of a heat generating body in the pool and for generating a signal in response thereto; and a controller receiving said signal and activating a safety protocol in response to the at least one sensor detecting the presence of a heat generating body.

Abstract: A system provides a mobile transmitter and a plurality of boundary tags for receiving communication from the mobile transmitter. Preferably the mobile transmitter is coupled to a mobile unit, which can be an inanimate object capable of moving or being moved, or a living being. The boundary tags mark the boundaries of an area within which the mobile unit is allowed to move. The mobile transmitter transmits a signal to a boundary tag. The system determines if the mobile transmitter has come into proximity of a boundary tag by receiving a reflected modulated signal from the boundary tag. If the mobile transmitter has come into proximity of a boundary tag a response is generated. The response can be a stimulus or an alert, or both. The response can be generated at a central control station, or at a mobile transceiver that includes the mobile transmitter and a mobile receiver. In one embodiment, the boundary tag modulates a reflection of the signal transmitted by the mobile transmitter.

Abstract: A self-locating remote monitoring system (750) includes a supervising base station (754) and one or more remote monitoring units (752). A remote unit (752) includes a navigational receiver (756) operating with an existing navigational system for providing a remote unit location (759) and includes a transmitter (758) for communicating the location (759) to the base station (754) for display (772). The remote unit (752) includes one or more physiological/environmental sensors (760) for monitoring at the remote location. In a specific embodiment a change in sensor status (761) results in the status and the location being transmitted to the base station (754). The base station (754) includes alarms (776) and displays (772) responsive to the change in status. One embodiment defines a man-over-board system (300) which combines water immersion (308) and distance (334) from the base station (318) to trigger an alarm (332) and begin location tracking (324).

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an object in a pool of liquid has at least one transmitting transducer for generating one of a sonic, ultrasonic and electromagnetic signal into the pool of liquid from a side of the pool of liquid and such that the signal is conveyed through the entire volume of the pool of liquid; at least one receiving transducer for receiving an echo of the signal transmitted by the transmitting transducer; and a circuit coupled to the transmitting and receiving transducers for providing an electrical signal to the transmitting transducer to generate the signal and for receiving an electrical signal from the receiving transducer indicative of the echo, the circuit including a processor for processing the signal indicative of the echo to determine if an object is present in the pool of liquid.

Abstract: A water entry alarm system has at least one harness to be worn about the body of an individual to be protected and carrying a transmitter for transmitting a predetermined signal and a water sensor for turning off the transmitter on detection of water. The harness has a strap for extending about the individual's waist, a first fastener unit at one end of the strap containing a power supply and a second fastener unit at the other end of the strap for releasable connection to the first fastener unit. The transmitter and water sensor are mounted in the second fastener unit, and are connected to the power supply when the first and second fastener units are connected, so that the signal from the transmitter is automatically turned off if the first fastener unit is disconnected from the second fastener unit.

Abstract: A fail safe marine locator system (10) for vessels (40) equipped with a marine radio (30) having a dial arrangement (32) for selecting an emergency broadcast frequency upon which a verbal distress call can be transmitted through a radio microphone (34) having a transmit button (33) and including an interface unit (11) having a microprocessor (20) that is coupled to a GPS interface terminal board (23) that will download data from a GPS satellite (60) via a GPS receiver 61. The downloaded data will be processed by the microprocessor circuit board (22) to transmit a digital data signal representative of the vessels location onto a verbal distress call when the microprocessor determines that the dial arrangement (32) is set on an emergency broadcast frequency and the transmit button (33) on the microphone (34) has been depressed.

Abstract: A laser intrusion system for detecting motion in a swimming pool for detecting a person entering a swimming pool. The laser intrusion system for detecting motion in a swimming pool includes a swimming pool. The swimming pool has a peripheral wall. The peripheral wall has a top edge. A motion detection apparatus is mounted in the peripheral wall of the pool such that emitted light travels over water in the pool. The motion detection apparatus is operationally coupled to a power source and an alarm device. The alarm device is adapted to produce a sound.

Abstract: A swimmer's safety device including a housing having a source of battery power, a water pressure sensitive switch, a timer and a solenoid valve electronically connected with a circuit board within the housing, arranged to allow a mix of water reactive chemical once the housing is submerged to a depth predetermined aforehand, and for a time interval set in accordance with the skill of the swimmer as well. The housing, in accordance with the invention, could be incorporated as part of a swimsuit construction, can be temporarily secured to the swimsuit of a wearer, or could be worn as a swimsuit accessory such as a wristband, armband, headband or necklace, to, in each instance, permit the water reactive chemical to open a valve in a chamber to release a dye into the surrounding water as a visual alarm alert of a swimmer in need of help.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining and communicating a need for water heater clean out based on scale deposit buildup is disclosed in which a sensed increase in average reheat time is employed as a measure of deposit buildup and to initiate a clean out alert.

Abstract: A personal alarm system remote unit (602) includes a navigational receiver (606) for receiving navigational information, a demodulator (608) for demodulating the received navigational information, timing circuits (610) for providing precise time-of-day information, a manually operated switch defining a panic button and having an output signal defining a switch status wherein operation of the panic button produces a change in the switch status, and a radio transmitter (614) for transmitting the demodulated navigational information, the precise time-of-day information, and the switch status. Additional embodiments define remote units for a man-over-board system, an invisible fence system, and a weather alarm system.