Radiant Energy Patents (Class 340/600)
  • Patent number: 4279254
    Abstract: A system designed for more safely administering natural or induced light radiation to the skin of a subject, and having a control system adapted to monitor the instantaneous intensity of the ultraviolet light received by a subject being treated, wherein the instantaneous intensity is integrated and converted to a digital pulse output. The pulse rate is proportional to the instantaneous intensity. The pulses are counted to accumulate the total ultraviolet energy per unit area received by the subject. The apparatus is so controlled that when the total energy received by the subject reaches a predetermined preset value, the subject or doctor is alerted or notified either audibly or visually, e.g., when an ultraviolet lamp source is employed the lamp or lamps may automatically be turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1981
    Assignee: Paul B. Elder Company
    Inventors: Armando Boschetti, David J. Snoek
  • Patent number: 4272765
    Abstract: This invention relates to a microwave leakage detector of the kind suitable for use in a domestic environment for testing leakage from appliances such as microwave ovens by moving the detector along joins or seals of the appliance. The circuitry of the detector is generally known per se. In order to facilitate testing of the detector in the domestic environment the circuitry and associated dipoles are fully encased in a solid block of material in a container having a head portion for accommodating the circuitry and a handle for convenience in use. The container is a clear plastics material enabling a visual warning device associated with said circuitry to be viewed externally and the container has a specific gravity greater than that of water whereby said device is adapted to sink when placed in water. Thus testing of the detector may be readily effected by placing it in a container of water within an oven such that the warning device may be viewed externally of the oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Inventor: Geoffrey T. White
  • Patent number: 4262286
    Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring fire and effecting indication and control operations comprises a matrix monitoring signal line network comprising vertical lines and horizontal lines. A plurality of sensing blocks are connected between vertical lines and horizontal lines of the network. Each of the sensing blocks comprises a sensor connected to a power supply. A monitoring circuit having a switch controlled by the sensor and a diode of forward direction in series with the switch is connected between the respective vertical line and horizontal line of the network. An operating circuit connected in parallel with the monitoring circuit comprises a relay connected in series with a second diode of reverse direction. The horizontal lines and vertical lines of the network are sequentially scanned by a circuit including a counter and demultiplexer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1981
    Assignee: Hochiki Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Tanigawa
  • Patent number: 4255745
    Abstract: A portable, miniaturized, self-contained audible alerting device is disclosed. The device is housed in a small case adapted to be positioned in a darkened enclosure, such as a medicine cabinet, for receiving light when the enclosure is opened, producing an audible signal after a predetermined time delay for altering a person some distance from the enclosure that the latter has been opened, e.g., by a child. Within the case is a photodetector positioned with respect to an aperture of the case which receives light upon opening of the enclosure. Also within the case is a time delay circuit responsive to the photodetector, a first oscillator controlled by the time delay circuit, an amplifier circuit and a transducer, for providing the audible alerting signal only after the time delay. A frequency control circuit, comprising a lower frequency oscillator, causes an output signal of the first oscillator to change repeatedly between upper and lower frequency limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Inventors: Joseph J. Rohan, Gregory W. Kuehl
  • Patent number: 4253092
    Abstract: A microwave leakage detector which can be attached onto a microwave oven, or similar device, and will detect leakage of microwave signal of a predetermined frequency. The leakage detector can be removed from the oven and periodically utilized as a hand held unit for scanning around the oven door, window, and other parts. An alarm will sound when the microwave signal received is above a preset minimum amount. The preset amount can be varied as desired in order to meet safety standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1981
    Inventor: John F. Connah, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4242669
    Abstract: Radiation detection apparatus is disclosed including a first detector (6) for detecting radiation at a wavelength which is preferably in the infra-red region, and a device for sensing the presence of an obturating element (11), which element acts to prevent operation of the first detector. The sensing means includes a transmitter (14) which transmits a signal at a second wavelength, and a second detector (15) responsive to and arranged to receive the signal in the presence of the obturating element, preferably by reflection of the signal from the element. An alarm (10) may be activated in response to detection of radiation or of the transmitted signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1980
    Assignee: B. A. Security Systems Limited
    Inventor: David W. Crick
  • Patent number: 4242670
    Abstract: A photosensitive alarm system is provided which produces an alarm signal upon exposure to ambient light for protection of cash drawers, file cabinets, and shipping or storage containers from unauthorized intrusion. The alarm system includes photosensitive arming and trigger circuits which allow the system to become armed when placed in darkness and to be subsequently triggered when exposed to the ambient light. The arming and trigger circuits include separate photocells which are arranged to draw a minimal current to allow a DC battery to be used as a power source for an extended period of time without need for recharging or replacement. Preferably, the alarm system includes a warning circuit capable of producing different output signals in response to multiple exposures of the trigger circuit to the ambient light to indicate the number of intrusions and a clock circuit for indicating the time and date of the initial intrusion into the protected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1980
    Inventor: William V. Smith
  • Patent number: 4233596
    Abstract: A flare monitoring apparatus for detecting the generation of black smoke in a flare, the excessiveness of a flare and extinguishment of a flare based on the ratio and/or difference between an emissive power of infrared radiation emitted from a flare at a wave length at which a peak of the emissive power due to a resonance infrared radiation of a specified gas contained in a flue gas exists and an emissive power of infrared radiation emitted from the flare at another wave length at which a peak of the emissive power due to a resonance radiation does not exist. The apparatus produces an alarm and automatically controls the state of the flare upon the detection of the abnormality of the flare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1980
    Assignee: Showa Yuka Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroo Okamoto, Shunsaku Nakauchi
  • Patent number: 4229733
    Abstract: An exposure detecting device comprising a radiation detector means providing an output signal responsive to the intensity of received ultraviolet radiation, a storage means receiving the output signal of said detector means and providing an output signal which increases as a function of the signal received and its duration, and decreases in the absence of a received signal as a predetermined function of time. A sensitivity control means provides a reference signal, and comparing means receives the output signal of said storage means and the reference signal of said sensitivity control means and delivers an output signal when the storage means output signal exceeds a predetermined value with respect to the reference signal. Alarm means is activated upon receiving an output signal from said comparing means providing an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Assignee: Thomas N. Tulenko
    Inventors: Thomas N. Tulenko, Carmen A. Di Camillo
  • Patent number: 4224608
    Abstract: A single terminal detection system of the beam variety is provided with polarizing filters to sense "near-field" problems. One filter polarizes radiation reflected back to the transceiver component and a second filter, positioned within the transceiver, polarizes radiation before it is incident upon one of two radiation detectors. Circuitry, operatively coupled to the detectors, actuates an alarm in the event either an alarm condition or a near-field problem exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Assignee: Detection Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Lederer
  • Patent number: 4219804
    Abstract: An electronic sensor is disclosed, having circuits for identifying electromagnetic radiation signals caused by nuclear detonations. Circuits also are provided for discriminating against false indications due to electromagnetic radiation caused by lightning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1967
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Richard C. Weischedel
  • Patent number: 4219777
    Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the presence of one or more of a multiplicity of radio waves of distinct frequencies, using a single horn and one or more radiation-receiving apertures with associated circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1980
    Inventor: David Richardson
  • Patent number: 4207561
    Abstract: An intelligence modulated optical beam is injected into an optical waveguide through a beam splitter. At the output end of the optical waveguide the optical beam has a portion thereof transmitter through a partial reflector to a detector or receiver with a portion of the optical beam at the output of the waveguide being reflected back into the waveguide with the reflected beam being reflected by the beam splitter to a correlator. A replica of the intelligence of the injected optical beam delayed an amount equal to the round trip transit time of the optical beam is supplied as the other input of the correlator. The delayed replica of the intelligence of the optical beam and reflected optical beam are correlated to produce an output from the correlator proportional to the attenuation or intensity of the reflected beam. When the output of the correlator falls below a given value, an alarm is actuated indicating that an intruder has intercepted intelligence of the optical beam transmitted through the waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1980
    Assignee: International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation
    Inventor: Peter D. Steensma
  • Patent number: 4206454
    Abstract: A flame detector which is capable of discriminating between hydrocarbon fires and background radiation produced by the sun, artificial light or black body radiation. Two radiation sensors are provided, each being responsive to separate known radiation peaks produced by a hydrocarbon fire. Logic circuitry is provided which produces an alarm signal only when the radiation received by each sensor is above a predetermined value, and when the radiation received by one specified sensor is greater than the radiation received by the other sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1980
    Assignee: Chloride Incorporated
    Inventors: Sergiu Schapira, Howard L. Tufts
  • Patent number: 4199716
    Abstract: A microwave hazard alarm that indicates the presence of microwave radiation from microwave ovens or other transmitting sources by means of a light indicator. The alarm comprises a handheld microwave receiver including an antenna, a detector, a battery powered amplifier, a light emitting diode and a unique circuit connecting the components on a small printed circuit board. The indicating light emitting diode (LED) blinks on and off periodically when the detected microwave power level is safe and below a predetermined power level. At greater power levels the LED stops blinking and glows continuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1980
    Inventor: John Reindel
  • Patent number: 4198141
    Abstract: An indicating system for indicating a diaphragm aperture suitable for scene brightness and set exposure factors, includes a pair of out-of-range indicating means for making an indication when the suitable diaphragm aperture is outside an available diaphragm range on either side of a full open and minimum aperture. The system further includes an interruption means for disabling indication of the diaphragm aperture when either of the pair of out-of-range indicating means is in operation or when the diaphragm aperture setting member is not set to the minimum diaphragm position. When an interchangeable lens, which is not adapted for the diaphragm aperture indication, is associated with the indicating system, the interruption means may also disable the diaphragm aperture indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1980
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Tominaga, Hiroshi Ueda
  • Patent number: 4197461
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a miniaturized radiation chirper for use with a small battery supplying on the order of 5 volts. A poor quality CdTe crystal which is not necessarily suitable for high resolution gamma ray spectroscopy is incorporated with appropriate electronics so that the chirper emits an audible noise at a rate that is proportional to radiation exposure level. The chirper is intended to serve as a personnel radiation warning device that utilizes new and novel electronics with a novel detector, a CdTe crystal. The resultant device is much smaller and has much longer battery life than existing chirpers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1980
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: C. John Umbarger, Michael A. Wolf
  • Patent number: 4196393
    Abstract: Disclosed is a microwave detector for giving an indication of the presence of microwave energy at either X-band or K-band frequencies. It utilizes a common horn and waveguide resonator with four diodes. A divider separates the waveguides into two compartments and the pairs of modulator and detector diodes are in respective compartments. The diode pairs extend at right angles to each other across the short dimension of the respective compartments and the horn and antenna are oriented so that the diode pairs both extend substantially at a 45.degree. angle to the vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1980
    Assignee: Glar Ban Company
    Inventor: Harold P. Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 4196425
    Abstract: In order to monitor the movements of a patient who is confined to a bed and to alert supervisory personnel in the event that the patient attempts an unauthorized departure therefrom, an array of radiant energy emitters and a corresponding array of radiant energy detectors are installed in the headboard and in the footboard of the bed. In one embodiment, emitters supply infrared energy to the detectors so as to cover the bed with a blanket of invisible light. When the transmission of infrared energy is interrupted for a predetermined time by an overactive patient, both local and remote warning signals are generated to immediately alert the supervisory personnel to the possibility of impending patient injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1980
    Assignee: by said David S. Weekly said Clyde E. Williams
    Inventors: Clyde E. Williams, Jr., David S. Weekly
  • Patent number: 4195291
    Abstract: An electronic sensor for detecting motion and the rate of motion, particularly rotative movement, utilizes digital control apparatus wherein pulses are transmitted to a digital counter at a rate proportional to the rate of rotation of the member being sensed, and the pulses are compared with a time reference signal to produce a control sequence for comparing the pulses to predetermined set point values wherein an alarm or control signal is produced if the rate of rotation of the member sensed deviates between predetermined set points. The pulses being sensed are produced by an infrared light passing through a light shutter mounted upon the rotating member being sensed wherein the rate of pulsation of the light passing through the shutter is directly related to the rate of shutter rotation, and the pulses are sensed by electronic means producing a control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1980
    Assignee: Ward Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth N. Burks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4155077
    Abstract: A portable, miniaturized, self-contained audible alerting device is disclosed. The device is housed in a small case adapted to be positioned in a darkened enclosure, such as a medicine cabinet, for receiving light when the enclosure is opened, producing an audible signal after a predetermined time delay for alerting a person some distance from the enclosure that the latter has been opened, e.g., by a child. Within the case is a photodetector positioned with respect to an aperture of the case which receives light upon opening of the enclosure. Also within the case is a time delay circuit responsive to the photodetector, an amplifier circuit and audible signalling circuitry, including a transducer, for providing the audible alerting signal only after the time delay. The time delay prevents the alerting signal from being given if the enclosure is opened and then closed quickly enough by a person knowing of the device, e.g., the parent of the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1979
    Inventors: Joseph J. Rohan, Gregory W. Kuehl
  • Patent number: 4119949
    Abstract: An optical fire detector has a radiation-emitting means which emits a beam of radiation which, after passing through an intermediate air-medium is received by a radiation detecting means for providing an alarm upon an obscuration of the beam or radiation. The radiation-detecting means has first means for individually measuring the intensity in a first and a second wave-length band of the beam of radiation and second means for comparing the invididually measured intensities to provide the alarm upon a predetermined difference between such intensities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1978
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson
    Inventor: Erik Gustaf Lindgren
  • Patent number: 4119843
    Abstract: An article detection system utilizing optical transducers in a transducer housing designed to minimize detection errors and including additional circuitry for minimizing errors in the processing of the signal. The system produces an output for each article detected which is utilized in control circuitry for controlling external machine operations in response to various detected conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1978
    Assignee: National Can Corporation
    Inventor: James J. Hinds