Radiant Energy Patents (Class 340/600)
  • Patent number: 5275489
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting the bonding between a cell structure having a multiplicity of cells which are open at one end and bonded at an opposite end to a substrate are disclosed. The apparatus includes a heater and nozzle arrangement for directing a fluid, such as heated air, having a selected temperature, substantially different from ambient, into the open ends of the cell structure to cause a change in the temperature of the cell structure and radiance therefrom. A sensor is provided for sensing the temperature of the cell structure along the extent thereof or a detector may be provided for detecting the radiance along the cell structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Karl L. Borneman, Douglas A. Jaeger, George P. Egan
  • Patent number: 5266807
    Abstract: The present invention teaches an improved passive infrared detection system for use in controlling electrical wiring devices and systems in residential, commercial and industrial environments. Interior or exterior lighting, by way of example only, and the power or current feeding same, is controlled such that the presence of a body entering a predetermined zone, such as a room, will be detected in an improved manner and will trigger a series of events resulting in the switching of the lights on or off, as desired. The detecting portion of the combination comprising the present invention is capable of receiving presence signals 360 degrees about a reference line, thereby greatly increasing the ability of the system of this invention to detect body presence within any interior area, for example. This qualifies the present system to function as an improved security system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin B. Neiger
  • Patent number: 5256960
    Abstract: The invention discloses a magnetic field radiation monitor which comprises at least one sense coil adapted to sense magnetic flux from the electromagnetic field to be measured for both ELF and VLF type of fields. The sense coil is coupled to a detection circuit wherein an EMF generated in the sense coil will be amplified and frequency compensated in the circuit to give an extremely flat frequency response allowing accurate detection of complex magnetic fields. The circuit consists of an ELF and VLF stage, both selectively coupled to the sense coil and incorporated into the circuit by a user activated switch. The output of either the ELF or VLF stages is further processed and the output is provided to a display to indicate the magnetic field strength measured. The magnetic field radiation monitor may be calibrated to yield a true RMS measuring platform using a RMS detector circuit which will give an accurate indication of magnetic energy content for complex waveforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventor: Amir R. Novini
  • Patent number: 5241300
    Abstract: A transilluminated optical fiber is placed adjacent to an infant's respiratory moving parts using an elastic fabric. Use is made of the effect that moving the fiber causes a modulation of the intensity of the transmitted light to monitor the infant's breathing pattern to avoid S(udden) I(nfant) D(eath) S(yndrome).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Johannes Buschmann
  • Patent number: 5231288
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring ionizing radiation comprising radiation detectors in electrical connection with an isotopic analyzer and a device for producing chords to which each isotope is mapped so that the device produces a unique chord for each isotope. Preferably the chords are pleasing to the ear, except for chords representing unexpected isotopes, and are louder or softer depending on the level of radioactivity produced by each isotope, and musical instrument voices may be simulated in producing the chords as an aid to distinguishing similar-sounding chords. Because of the representation by chords, information regarding the level and composition of the radiation in an area can be conveyed to workers in that area more effectively and yet without distracting them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Inventor: Daniel M. C. Odell
  • Patent number: 5194847
    Abstract: Apparatus for sensing intrusion into a predefined perimeter comprises means for producing a coherent pulsed light, which is injected into an optical sensing fiber having a first predetermined length and positioned along the predefined perimeter. A backscattered light in response to receiving the coherent light pulses is produced and coupled into an optical receiving fiber. The backscattered light is detected by a photodetector and a signal indicative of the backscattered light is produced. An intrusion is detectable from the produced signal as indicated by a change in the backscattered light. To increase the sensitivity of the apparatus, a reference fiber and an interferometer may also be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Texas A & M University System
    Inventors: Henry F. Taylor, Chung E. Lee
  • Patent number: 5179569
    Abstract: A data entry and retrieval system utilizing a plurality of remote units in radio communication with a plurality of base units in electronic communication with a central processing computer. The base units establish links with transmitting remote units by the remote units choosing the base units with the best signal. The linked remote unit and base unit transmit using frequency hopping spread spectrum modulation, using a predetermined frequency hopping sequence and at a point in the sequence unique to the particular base unit. The system may be configured with a plurality of NODES, each of which has a unique predetermined frequency hopping sequence and assigned base units and remote units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Clinicom, Incorporated
    Inventor: Jonathan Sawyer
  • Patent number: 5168265
    Abstract: A personal electromagnetic radiation monitor includes an electromagnetic radiation sensor, a conductive shield spaced apart from the sensor and a backing of graduated lossy material. The electromagnetic radiation sensor includes thin film resistive thermocouples. The backing of graduated lossy material is interposed between the radiation sensor and the conductive shield. The layer is progressively more conductive through its thickness from the side which faces the sensor to the side which faces the conductive shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Narda Microwave Corp.
    Inventor: Edward E. Aslan
  • Patent number: 5151095
    Abstract: A flexible laser shield for use during procedures in which lasers are utilized, which has an insulating layer positioned under a metallic layer and covered by an exterior opaque layer to inhibit the reflecting of ambient room light during use. A second metallic layer, also optionally covered by a flexible, opaque material may be added to provide additional protection and make the shield reversible. The exterior opaque, metallic and insulating layer are attached together at their adjacent surfaces or at their peripheries. The laser shield may also utilize visual, audible, vaporous and/or electrical warning or alarm systems, and may embody the use of a variety of insulating materials to protect personnel and equipment from damage caused by laser radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Inventor: Edward Teeple, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5150057
    Abstract: The monitoring system of the conduction of a low voltage A.C. mains system comprises at least one measuring module creating a D.C. current component between two mains system conductors. The measuring module computes a value representative of the line resistance of the mains system which is proportional to the ratio between the measurement of the D.C. component of the voltage at its terminals and the measurement of the D.C. component of a voltage at the terminals of a resistor through which the D.C. current flows. An increase in this measured value indicates a loss of conduction and, therefore, such an increase is detected and indicated as soon as it exceeds a preset thereshold. A servo module delimits, may also be provided for delimiting the portion of the mains system to be monitored enabling looping of the D.C. current component and regulating the D.C. component of the voltage at its terminals to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Merlin Gerin
    Inventors: Eric Suptitz, Joseph Diaferia
  • Patent number: 5150051
    Abstract: A meter (10) for measuring extremely-low-frequency radiation includes a coil circuit (22) whose output is filtered by a sharp-cut-off high-pass filter (24) to pass standard house-current frequencies but suppress the frequency components that would predominate as a result of movement of the meter with respect to the earth's magnetic field. An integrator (26) compensates for the frequency response of the coil circuit (22), an RMS circuit (35) converts the signal to its root-mean-square value, and a display circuit (28) provides a display determined by the resultant signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Memtec Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Friedman, Owen Harrington, David Dunn
  • Patent number: 5128654
    Abstract: A junction box mounted infrared motion detector is set forth. It incorporates push button controls mounted on a box which has a Fresnel lens looking into the immediate vicinity and which encloses an infrared detector to sense an intruder. An ambient light photocell responsive to visible light is also included to enable the device to be switched off in the daytime and on at nighttime. The circuit controls a remotely powered lamp or other alarm device. The electrical current to the lamp is adjustable by means of a slide control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Lightolier Incorporated
    Inventors: Raymond T. Griffin, Steven R. Carson
  • Patent number: 5109227
    Abstract: A plurality of fixed gamma ray detectors is deployed along a corridor or other path to be taken by a targeted nuclear source. Each fixed gamma ray detector and its associated electronics splits the spectrum of any gamma rays detected into two energy groups, one on either side of a predetermined and variable discrimination line along the energy base line. A plurality of paired single channel analyzers (dual channel analyzer), each pair collocated and electronically connected with a gamma ray detector, records the count of each portion of the detected gamma ray spectrum. A host computer computes the ratio between the radiation counts of the two energy groups on a recurring basis and compares the ratio taken on one reading of the detectors with the ratio taken on a previous reading of the detectors. An audible or visual alarm, connected to the computer, is produces when the ratio between the two energy groups has changed or has not met an expected value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Inventor: Wesley L. Godfrey
  • Patent number: 5097252
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of sensors are placed over the joints of a hand. Each motion sensor comprises an optical fiber disposed between a light source and a light sensor. An upper portion of the fiber is treated so that transmission loss of light being communicated through the optical fiber is increased only when the fiber bends in one direction. In another embodiment of the invention, a flexible tube is disposed in close proximity to a finger joint and bends in response to bending of the finger. A light source and light sensor are provided on opposite ends of the tube for continuously indicating the extent of bending of the tube. A wedge is disposed between the tube and the finger for setting the tube straight when the finger is hyperextended for eliminating the symmetry of the output signal which ordinarily would result from bending of the tube on opposite sides of the axis of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: VPL Research Inc.
    Inventors: Young L. Harvill, Thomas G. Zimmerman, Jean-Jacques G. Grimaud
  • Patent number: 5060890
    Abstract: Overheated railroad journal bearings, wheels, and other wheel components on a moving or stationary railroad train are detected by amplifying the current signal from an infrared radiation sensor comprising a pyroelectric cell. A reference temperature is sensed by chopping the incident infrared radiation with an asynchronous shutter that momentarily closes at successive time spacings of shorter duration than the scanning period of the sensor. The amplified signal is converted to a digital signal and processed by a microcontroller and associated hardware and software. The detector automatically and periodically calibrates itself and compensates the temperature signals for any temperature difference between the ambient external temperature and the temperature inside the detector housing. The output signal may be digital or analog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Harmon Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Utterback, Randall S. Mecca
  • Patent number: 5057820
    Abstract: A lightning and strobe light detector and warning system capable of distinguishing strobe light and lightning flashes and indicating to an operator of the existence of a flash even under high illumination background conditions. The device may comprise a plurality of detectors and therefore not only distinguish between the strobe and lighting flashes but also indicate the direction of a flash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Airborne Research Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph J. Markson, Johan A. Govaert
  • Patent number: 5036311
    Abstract: A UV exposure mointoring system for measuring UV radiation impinging on an object, the system comprising apparatus for measuring incident solar UV radiation in a weighted manner corresponding to the erythemal action spectrum of human skin, whereby the accuracy of the measurements is substantially unaffected by the amgle of incidence of incoming radiation over a wide range of angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Inventors: Dan Moran, Yonatan Gerlitz
  • Patent number: 5017794
    Abstract: A system and method for transmitting an identification signal include a triggering device for periodically generating an enabling pulse signal at random times, whereby the periodic generation of the enabling pulse signal varies in each period in proportion to light incident on the triggering device and a transmitter for transmitting an identification signal in response to the enabling pulse signal. It is preferred that the triggering device include a timer for generating the enabling pulse signal in a defined time cycle in response to a control signal and a signal generator for variably generating the control signal within the defined cycle, wherein the signal generator includes a light sensitive component for varying in time the generation of the control signal in proportion to light incident on the light sensitive component for a portion of said defined cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: United Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Linwood, Wayne Duncan
  • Patent number: 5010321
    Abstract: An arrangement for protecting selected devices of an electronic equipment from radiation, e.g. resulting from a nuclear event, including a timing circuit (13) responsive to the output of a radiation sensing device (11) first to operate a first switch (35a) to isolate a power supply rail for the devices from the power supply to the equipment when the radiation level exceeds a predetermined level, and then to operate a second switch (35b) to ground the supply rail, thereby shunting to ground residual stored energy in devices connected to the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Gec-Marconi Limited
    Inventors: David J. Larner, Clive D. Goodchild
  • Patent number: 5006712
    Abstract: A radiation detector comprising a first pair of flat reflective surfces parallel to one another and connected by a second pair of flat rectangular reflective surfaces converging toward one another so as to form a reflective chamber having a relatively wide opening for the entrance of radiation and a relatively narrow opening defining a region for receiving radiaiton, there being a radiation sensor positioned in the receiving region for detecting fluctuations in levels of radiation received from a plurality of detection zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Eltec Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans J. Keller
  • Patent number: 5005004
    Abstract: An audible warning tone and a flashing optical signal are generated by a personal portable signalling apparatus when it detects the approach of a lighted moving vehicle. The flashing optical signal also alerts the operator of the moving vehicle of the presence of the user of the personal portable signalling apparatus. A housing is provided to optically isolate the receiving and transmitting portions of the optical apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventor: Michael P. Udofot
  • Patent number: 4999614
    Abstract: Temperature data of each picture element output from a infrared camera looking at a scene to be watched is compared with the same data of a previous frame. Temperature data which has changed from the previous frame is input to a histogram operator having a region defined by the temperature change and quantity of the picture elements. When the quantity of picture elements in the defined region exceeds a threshold level, it is recognized that a certain object having considerable temperature change and size has been detected. Thus, a signal is output to trigger an alarm system, or to sustain circulating frame memories which have recorded the previous scenes so that the scenes of visible light as well as the temperatue patterns for frames before, on, and after the trigger signal can be reproduced as visual images of a display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Ryuichi Ueda, Masaaki Nakamura, Toshio Iwasaki, Kanji Hirota, Tetsuya Nakamura
  • Patent number: 4975584
    Abstract: A system for public display of ultraviolet radiation levels wherein said radiation is collected and measured by one or several optical collectors or sensor assemblies at remote sensing stations. Optical fibers receive and then convey the radiation of the sun through a filter and onto a photovoltaic sensor, measuring the intensity of the ultraviolet radiation. An electrical signal proportional to the ultraviolet radiation is produced with the signal being amplified and either used directly as analog data or converted to a digital signal for the modulation of a radio transceiver. The signal is transmitted to a transceiver of a central data processing station, where it is processed. The processed signal is retransmitted to a receiver in which the processed signal carrier is demodulated and the signal fed to a display station providing the level of exposure to the public.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Mountain Ocean, Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Benjamin, Jean J. Robillard
  • Patent number: 4962910
    Abstract: In a device for use to prevent skin from sunburns according to the present invention, critical values concerning sunburns corresponding to a plurality of Sun Protection Factor values are displayed upon inputting of a user's skin-type data. Accumulative ultraviolet-radiation doses as measured over predetermined time intervals are compared with the critical values concerning sunburns corresponding to the above mentioned Sun Protection Factor values. Alarm sounds are activated calling the user's attention to prevent his or her skin from sunburns, every time each of the critical values coincides with the measured radiation doses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsuko Shimizu
  • Patent number: 4955180
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for feeding and tightening a band wherein a touch roller is brought into compressive contact with a reverse rotation driving roller for a predetermined time when a signal for detecting a decrease in the speed of rotation including the stopping of a forward rotation touch roller is developed prior to the development of a signal for detecting the approach of the front end of the fed band to a mechanism for grasping the band front end; whereby the band is restored and the compressive contact of the reverse rotation touch roller is released after passage of the predetermined time so as to restore the band; the band is then restored by means of a tension roller which is rotated at a lower speed and driven at a higher torque as compared with the reverse rotation roller and a touch roller which is brought into compressive contact with and capable of separating from the tension roller; and the band is finally tightened by starting the reverse rotation of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Strapack Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Sakaki, Tsutomu Tagomori
  • Patent number: 4956644
    Abstract: A signal detector for receiving a wide band (W) of frequency-hopped signals which channelizes the incoming signals, via filter banks into a plurality (L) of channels. Magnitude squaring circuits in each channel generate a "power" estimate which is compared to a preset threshold value by threshold-quantizer units that produce a positive voltage (=1) if the threshold is exceeded. After summation of all the channels, the direct sequence (DS) signal component and noise component are processed so that a DC voltage is produced if a frequency-hop signal (FH) is present which is greater in value than when the signal is not present. Thus the DC signal indicates whether the FH signal is present or absent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald S. Leahy, Patrick J. Smith, Scott R. Bullock
  • Patent number: 4947152
    Abstract: A patient monitoring system for altering a nurse if a hospital patient gets out of bed at night. The system has a detecting means such as an infrared motion detector for installation on a wall of a hospital room, an activating means responsive to an alert signal from the detecting means to activate a nurse call system, and a signal carrying means to carry the alert signal from the detecting means to the activating means. The signal carrying means comprises a radio transmitter disposed adjacent the detecting means to transmit the alert signal and a receiver to receive the transmitted signal and apply it to the activating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Mesa Vista Hospital
    Inventor: Harry A. Hodges
  • Patent number: 4934829
    Abstract: A food container for use in a microwave oven is disclosed. The container contains a plurality of food substances, and employs a metal shield to shield at least one of the food substances from microwave radiation. Arcing and other problems associated with the use of metal shielding are avoided by proper selection of the geometry of the metal shield. The metal shield is preferably looped in a manner which provides some electrical inductance, and the ends of the metal shield are overlapped and separated by a dielectric material to provide some electrical capacitance. The geometry of the shield is selected so that the inductance and the capacitance in effect form a "tuned circuit" which minimizes problems associated with resonance and which eliminates arcing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: The Pillsbury Company
    Inventor: Dan J. Wendt
  • Patent number: 4931646
    Abstract: A multichannel coincidence nuclear detector system for spectral charactertion of nuclear radiation sources at a remote location. The system is designed to detect and classify the radiation source in unfriendly territory and to provide a radio link back to a friendly receiver user station. The sensing elements are comprised of a plurality of plastic scintillator fiber sensors which may be several meters long and with each fiber having a different spectral sensitivity to gamma and neutron sources. Each of the scintillator fibers is connected to a transmitting optical fiber which may be 1 kilometer or more in length. The plurality of optical fibers transmit the optical signal generated by the radiation from a nuclear source impinging on the scintillator fibers to an electronic system. The electronic system is a sealed self contained battery operated device which is comprised of a photomuliplier detector and microprocessor based signal processing and data storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Walter Koechner, Deborah R. Van Wyck, Garry B. Spector, Tom McCollum
  • Patent number: 4928910
    Abstract: Overheated railroad journal bearings, wheels, and wheel components on a moving or stationary railroad train are detected by amplifying the current signal from an infrared radiation sensor comprising a pyroelectric cell. A reference temperature is sensed by chopping the incident infrared radiation with an asynchronous shutter that momentarily closes at successive time spacings of shorter duration than the scanning period of the sensor. The amplified signal is converted to a digital signal and processed by a microcontroller and associated hardware and software. The software comprises a free-running loop Main Program which is subject to several interrupts. The output signal may be digital or analog and is transmitted to remote signal processing equipment for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Harmon Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery J. Utterback, Randall S. Mecca
  • Patent number: 4906853
    Abstract: A system has individual infrared radiation transmitter assemblies which issue characteristics and coded identifying signals in infrared radiation, so that transmission and identification of a plurality of distinctively characteristic signals is accomplished by varying the timing of various periodic transmissions so as to avoid interference among the plurality of transmissions. A receiver assembly receives and decodes binary numbered codes sent from a plurality of the individual pocket-size transmitters for keeping track of the location of the transmitters within an area monitored by the receiver assembly. Each transmitter assembly has a timer which periodically variably issues electrical pulses within a predetermined time cycle. The timer actuates a clock oscillator to cause a code stored memory to be read out as coded electrical signals representing binary information and a light emitting diode converts the coded electrical signals into infrared radiation pulses representing the same binary information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: United Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Linwood, Wayne Duncan
  • Patent number: 4862143
    Abstract: A counterfeit detecting method and apparatus are provided for detecting the authenticity of an article having a label containing an isotope of a chemical element. The apparatus comprises a housing, a source of gamma radiation positioned in the housing, and a gamma radiation detector positioned in the housing for detecting the radiation from the source. The gamma radiation source is selected to emit radiation which can stimulate a selected nuclear transition in the label material. A calculating device, such as a microprocessor is coupled to a detector for calculating the ratio of the number of gamma rays counted by the detector during a predetermined period of time when the article is not in position near the receiving member (N.sub.O) to the number of the gamma rays counted by the detector during a period of time equal to the predetermined period when the article is positioned near the receiving means (N.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Isomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay L. Hirshfield, Israel Nowik
  • Patent number: 4851686
    Abstract: A dosimeter monitors the ultraviolet radiation exposure of a body and provides an alarm when the cumulative radiation exposure attains a threshold level which is variable depending on the accumulated exposures of the body. A detector generates a sensing signal proportional to the intensity of ultraviolet radiation impinging the body. A first function of the sensing signal is integrated with respect to time to generate an active signal representative of the accumulated dose of radiation received by the body having regard to the intrinsic tolerance of the body. A second function of the sensing signal is integrated with respect to time to generate a reference signal representative of the optimal dose of accumulated radiation which is desired. An alarm is generated when the active signal magnitude attain the reference signal magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Inventor: Anthony P. Pearson
  • Patent number: 4851817
    Abstract: A system for automatic and real time detection of water and icing on surfaces by monitoring variations in light energy transmitted through an optical fiber having a specially processed sensitive area probe. The sensitive probe area is positioned on, about or within the surface on which icing is to be detected. Because of differences in optical indices of refraction and energy absorption characteristics of air, water and ice, the presence of each of these at the processed sensitive area will cause a proportional and characteristic attenuation of the light energy passing through the optical fiber. Changes in light energy transmission can be interpreted automatically to provide an indication of icing. A reference optical circuit may be used to provide compensation for variations in input energy levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Inventors: Charles E. Brossia, Samuel C. Wu
  • Patent number: 4841283
    Abstract: A hinge construction having radiative emitter and detector concealed within the body of the hinge's knuckles so as to be in communication with each other when the hinge leaves, and therefore the door, are in a closed position. This communication is permitted through an opening in a notched collar which is juxtaposed between the emitter and detector elements, the notch being aligned with the emitter and detector when the hinge is closed. The opening of the hinge leaves rotates the collar to misalign the collar notch with the emitter and detector elements, thereby causing an electronics circuit module to form a change of state signal which may then be reported to an external monitoring or alarm system. Closing the hinge leaves to realign the notch with the emitter and detector elements will result in the sensing means being reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Southern Steel Company
    Inventor: Leszek Bubliewicz
  • Patent number: 4818997
    Abstract: A remote indicator for use with an existing radar detector wherein a remote unit is located near the existing radar detector for sensing output indications from the radar detector and for providing output signals in response to and indicative of the radar detector output indications, and a console remotely located from the existing radar detector for receiving the remote unit output signals and for providing output indications indicative thereof and in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Inventor: Steven C. Holmes
  • Patent number: 4818884
    Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous monitoring of levels of ionizing radiation in premises for human occupation is provided, including an enclosure for location in premises to be monitored, an ionizing radiation transducer within the enclosure and producing counts in response to radiation incidents, a power supply continuously providing an an operating potential to said radiation transducer, a time base defining monitoring intervals of at least about 5 seconds, a counter for accumulating counts during successive monitoring intervals, and alarm means responsive to the accumulated count during a monitoring interval exceeding a predetermined threshold representing a level of ionizing radiation which if continued over an extended period would expose a human being to a cumulative dosage exceeding a level deemed acceptable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Inventor: Malcolm C. Saubolle
  • Patent number: 4812810
    Abstract: A fiber optic door ajar sensor for a domestic appliance such as a refrigerator/freezer having refrigerator compartment and freezer compartment doors includes a light transmitter and a light receiver. In one embodiment, a U-shaped loop of fiber optic cable is positioned relative to the transmitter and the receiver so that changes in the amount of light transmitted from the transmitter via the fiber optic cable to the receiver enables the receiver to determine whether one of the doors is open or slightly ajar. Another embodiment of the door ajar sensor includes a fiber optic cable having one end adjacent to one of the doors and a distal or transmitting end adjacent to a light receiver. When the door is opened or left ajar, ambient light is transmitted via the fiber optic cable to the receiver. The receiver responds to a preselected amount of light received via the fiber optic cable by providing a door open indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel S. Query, Linda A. Zummer
  • Patent number: 4803421
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a map-like display of weather phenomena such as lightning discharges, in which the distance from an observation location to the source of the discharge is determined from the ratio of the integrated intensity of two different components of lightning produced signals, the intensity of the first component varying as the inverse of the distance and the intensity of the second component varying as the inverse of the square of the distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Ostrander
  • Patent number: 4801938
    Abstract: A remote output indicator for use with a radar detector providing a perceivable output indication to detect signals from an operating radar within an automobile having a rear window and a rear deck disposed near the rear window. The remote indicator includes a rear brake light housing and a mounting means for connecting the rear brake light housing to the automobile generally near the rear window. The radar detector is mountable within a housing space within the rear brake light indicator housing. A remote unit is disposed near the rear brake light indicator housing for sensing the radar detector perceivable output indications and providing an output signal in response thereto. A console receives the output signal from the remote unit and provides output indications which are perceivable by the driver of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Inventor: Steven C. Holmes
  • Patent number: 4769775
    Abstract: A fire sensor can perform a sophisticated analysis of the outputs of radiant energy detectors, while minimizing size, weight, and cost, by employing a microprocessor to analyze the detector outputs. In a preferred embodiment, an Intel 2920 Signal Processor is utilized as the microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Santa Barbara Research Center
    Inventors: Mark T. Kern, Robert J. Cinzori
  • Patent number: 4755674
    Abstract: An infrared detector has at least one infrared-sensitive detector element and at least one infrared source disposed in a common housing with the detector, with the infrared radiation from the source being directed onto the detector element. A pulse generator is connected to the infrared source for pulsing the infrared radiation therefrom. A recognition circuit is connected to the detector element for identifying the pulse sequence of the detector output so as to continuously check the functioning of the detector. A number of such detector elements can be arranged in the housing, with each detector element having a respective infrared source associated therewith. The infrared source may be a heated wire, a chip resistor, or a light emitting diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: Heimann GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Schaaf
  • Patent number: 4742340
    Abstract: A counterfeit detecting method and apparatus are provided for detecting the authenticity of an article having a label containing an isotope of a chemical element enriched to a predetermined amount. The apparatus comprises a housing, a source of gamma radiation positioned in the housing, and a gamma radiation detector positioned in the housing for detecting the radiation from the source. The gamma radiation source is selected to emit radiation which can stimulate a selected nuclear transition in the label material. A calculating device, such as a microprocessor, is coupled to a detector for calculating the ratio of the number of gamma rays counted by the detector during a predetermined period of time when the article is not in position near the receiving member (N.sub.O) to the number of the gamma rays counted by the detector during a period of time equal to the predetermined period when the article is positioned near the receiving member (N.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: Isomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Israel Nowik, Jay L. Hirshfield
  • Patent number: 4728861
    Abstract: A light control apparatus for a vehicle is integrated with headlamp driving relays, a light sensor, a lighting switch which selects a manual mode or an automatic mode, and a control unit which controls the relays in accordance with the light sensor output when the lighting switch selects the automatic mode and turns on or off the headlamps. Two power source systems and two headlamp driving systems are provided. The signal level of a given terminal of the control unit is detected and is input to the microcomputer of the control unit. The microcomputer judges whether or not trouble has occurred by detecting a level difference. An alarm indication is given by a lamp or a buzzer if trouble is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norimitsu Kurihara, Yoshikazu Tsuchiya, Akira Kikuchi, Kunio Okazaki, Toru Tanabe
  • Patent number: 4712097
    Abstract: Pulse sounds from a measuring device (1) for measuring a radioactive concentration or the like are counted by a preset counter (2). When a count of the preset counter (2) exceeds a predetermined value, the automatic dial device (5-1, 5-2, 5-3) is started to call an owner or the like of a measuring/alarm apparatus. When the owner answers the telephone, an alarm sound is sent from an alarm sound generator (7) onto the telephone line. Output pulse sounds from the measuring device (1) are recorded in a recording device (11) for every predetermined time interval after the alarm sound is sent onto the telephone line. The recorded pulse sounds can be sent to a remote location in response to a remote control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Inventor: Kazuo Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 4704614
    Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the near-field radiation of an antenna such that its far-field radiation characteristics can be determined. The invention utilizes the principle of the Foucault pendulum. It uses a bob attached to a long pendulum arm that is free to rotate. Rotation of the earth causes an apparent rotation of the swing plane of the pendulum with a period of T=24/sin (latitude). By attaching a field sensing probe to the pendulum bob and mounting the antenna under the Foucault pendulum, the entire antenna aperture can be scanned without moving the antenna. The motion of the probe covers part of an external sphere centered at the pivot point of the pendulum and having a radius equal to the length of the pendulum. Appropriate transformation of the measured near-field data gives the far-field radiation pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: J. Leon Poirier, Arthur D. Yaghjian
  • Patent number: 4694290
    Abstract: Readiness for operation of laser medical instruments or of flash generators for ophthalmological instruments is indicated in such a way that the readiness signal is perceptible only to the physician and not to the patient being operated upon. There is a mini-earphone to be worn in an ear of the physician. The conventional readiness signal, if of the optical kind, is converted to an audible signal delivered to the earphone of the physician. A photodiode responsive to the optical signal is part of the conversion system, which also includes an audiogenerator and an amplifier. If the conventional readiness signal is of the audible kind, the loudspeaker is rendered inoperative and a sound signal is produced in the earphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung
    Inventor: Jurgen Schwarz
  • Patent number: 4679156
    Abstract: A fire sensor that can perform a sophisticated analysis of the outputs of radiant energy detectors, while minimizing size, weight, and cost, by employing a microprocessor to analyze the detector outputs. In one embodiment, an Intel 2920 Signal Processor is utilized as the microprocessor. An alternative embodiment incorporates an RCA 1802 microprocessor to achieve fire sensing while discriminating against false signal radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: Santa Barbara Research Center
    Inventors: Mark T. Kern, Robert J. Cinzori
  • Patent number: 4672230
    Abstract: An electronic switch of the type having two external lines, one of which is connected to one pole of an operating voltage source in series with a load and the other of which is connected with the load. The switch comprises a sensor, e.g. an oscillator, responsive to proximity of an object thereto and has an output transistor operated by the sensor with blocking and conductive states selectively controlled by the transistor in response to the oscillator. A MOS-FET power transistor is in series with the output transistor and, to reduce the voltage drop in a conducting state of the electronic switch, a self-conducting MOS-FET is used as the MOS-FET power transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: IFM Electronic GmbH
    Inventor: Hans P. Spahn
  • Patent number: H801
    Abstract: A nuclear radiation detection system for remote monitoring of movement of nuclear material over a road or highway. Nuclear fiber sensors, which may be several meters long, are covertly positioned in at least two monitoring points, such as buried shallowly under the roadway or hung from a tunnel wall, along the path which a nuclear source may be clandestinely moved. These fiber sensors are individually connected, by an epoxy glue, to individual transmitting optical fibers. Movement of a nuclear radiation source in close proximity to the fiber sensors at the two or more monitoring points produces an optical signal which exceeds a preestablished threshold. These optical signals travel through the transmitting optical fibers, which may be about 1 kilometers long, to a electronic system comprised of a microprocessor controlled signal detecting, signal processing and even data storage means. The optical fibers and electronic system are also selectively hidden from view for security reasons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventors: Walter Koechner, Deborah R. Van Wyck, Gary P. Stevenson, William Krug, Tom McCollum, Garry B. Spector