Breaking Of Circuit Continuity Patents (Class 340/652)
  • Patent number: 6307476
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to monitoring systems and more particularly concerns devices and systems used to monitor bed patients in hospital or other care-giving environments. In accordance with a first aspect of the instant invention, there is provided a binary switch-type device (e.g., a “mat”) for use in patient monitoring situations which contains, in addition to a conventional patient detection circuit, identification circuitry that can be sensed by an attached electronic monitor. The identification circuitry can be sensed by the electronic monitor and is designed to be configured to serve many different purposes, including, by way of example only, identification of the type of mat attached thereto, detection of connectivity problems, tracking mat usage time, and identifying mats that are nearing the end of their useful lives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Bed-Check Corporation
    Inventors: Toby E. Smith, Patrick W. Lovely
  • Patent number: 6304185
    Abstract: The invention encompasses a device for sensing living organisms. Such device comprises a loop of conductive material extending over a substrate, and an insulative protective material over the loop of conductive material. The device further comprises a circuit which includes the conductive material as a first circuit component and which further includes a transponder as a second circuit component. The transponder is configured to emit a first signal if the loop of conductive material is continuous, and a second signal if the loop of conductive material is broken. The invention also encompasses a device for sensing termites. Such device comprises at least two wooden blocks separated by a gap, and a loop of conductive material within the gap. The device further comprises an insulative protective material over the loop of conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Tuttle, Rickie C. Lake
  • Patent number: 6285292
    Abstract: The electronic trip device comprises a processing unit comprising protection means, and an initialization device of said processing unit. The initialization device comprises means for initialization after an interruption comprising at least one storage register connected to the protection means to store a value of at least one quantity of a protection function and to supply a value of said at least one quantity when initialization of the processing unit is performed. A back-up power supply circuit supplies the storage register, and means for monitoring the back-up power supply circuit delete the register values when a voltage of the back-up power supply circuit drops below a preset threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Eric Suptitz, Pierre Blanchard
  • Patent number: 6255959
    Abstract: The invention encompasses an electrical apparatus. Such apparatus includes RFID circuitry on a first substrate, and sensor circuitry on a second substrate. A receiving structure is associated with one of the RFID circuitry and the sensor circuitry, and at least one connecting structure is associated with the other of the RFID circuitry and the sensor circuitry. The at least one connecting structure is removable received within the receiving structure. The invention also encompasses a method of forming an electrical apparatus. A first substrate and a second substrate are provided. The first substrate has RFID circuitry thereon, and the second substrate has sensing circuitry thereon. A receptacle is joined with one of the RFID circuitry and the sensor circuitry, and has at least one orifice extending therein. At least one prong is joined with the other of the RFID circuitry and the sensor circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rickie C. Lake, Mark E. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 6246225
    Abstract: A self-contained unit intended primarily for tracing the circuit connection between an electrical outlet or lighting receptacle and its corresponding circuit-breaker. The preferred embodiment includes a housing, a male two prong electrical plug, and a sound-producing means. A second embodiment includes a male three prong electrical plug. A third embodiment incorporates a momentary switch which permits testing of a ground fault interrupt across either a hot wire and a neutral, or across a hot wire and the ground. Adapters are used to temporarily adapt bare wires or a lighting receptacle to a female plug so that the device may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: John S. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6243014
    Abstract: The invention encompasses an electrical apparatus. Such apparatus comprises a first substrate having first circuitry thereon. The first circuitry has a terminal extending therefrom, and the terminal defines a first electrical node. The apparatus further comprises a first dielectric material covering a predominate portion of the first circuitry and not covering the first electrical node. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a second substrate having second circuitry thereon. The second circuitry has a terminal extending therefrom, and such terminal defines a second electrical node. A second dielectric material covers a predominate portion of the second circuitry, but does not cover the second electrical node. The second substrate comprises a different material than the first substrate. A portion of the second substrate is over a portion of the first substrate to define an overlap between the first and second substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rickie C. Lake, Mark E. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 6229450
    Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring interruptions in utility power that includes a utility power plug for connection to a utility wall socket to provide a signal indicative of loss of utility power. A counter is responsive to such signal for counting and displaying the number of power interruptions, and a timer is responsive to such signal for measuring and displaying time duration of power interruptions. An operator switch is coupled to the timer for selectively measuring and displaying either duration of the latest power interruption or total duration of all power interruptions. The counter and timer may be reset at the option of an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: The Detroit Edison Company
    Inventor: David A. Malmsten
  • Patent number: 6201675
    Abstract: For use in a power distribution system having first and second output power feeds having corresponding first and second circuit protection devices associated therewith, a monitoring system and a method of monitoring a utilization of the power distribution system. In one embodiment, the monitoring system includes: (1) first and second status sensors that sense statuses of the first and second circuit protection devices, respectively and (2) a controller, coupled to the first and second status sensors, that employs the statuses to determine a loading of the first and second output power feeds and calculates a utilization of the power distribution system based on the loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen D. Ballinger
  • Patent number: 6191697
    Abstract: In many technical applications, situations often arise where it is desirable to know, in real time, if a circuit is functioning. That is, it is desirable to know if, for example, a heater element is operational or blown (open). By sensing the current flowing to the circuit, it is easy to determine if the circuit is operational. However, this only provides information while the circuit is in the process of operating. There must be some real-time connection with the request or demand for power to know if in fact the device is non-operational, or if there is simply no controller request for power. A system (and method) according to the invention includes a real-time, simultaneous current and voltage sensing and arbitration device which provides a single, point of use implementation, and allows for detection and signaling of a fault condition. A circuit breaker may be constructed to incorporate such a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Hansen, Robert Paul Katz
  • Patent number: 6166618
    Abstract: An electrical safety receptacle (10) including a dielectric housing (12), first electrical contacts (14) in the housing for electrical connection to one side of an electrical power line, second electrical contacts (16) in the housing for electrical connection to the other side of the electrical power line, and power-interruption members (48) provided as part of the second electrical contacts to interrupt the electrical power when an operating and/or environmental temperature exceeds the thermal rating thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Robertson, Harry M. Capper, Deborah Laun, Kurt Werner, David Middleton, Howard S. Ryan
  • Patent number: 6166641
    Abstract: A termite sensor and intrusion detection system for detecting the intrusion of termites into wooden buildings. Conductive particles fill a container which termites can eat. A pair of electrodes are disposed opposite each other inside the container. A pair of terminals are connected to the electrodes and extend outside the container. Termites are detected by a change of conductivity between the electrodes, when termites are detected a warning device generates a warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignees: Toshiba Chemical Corporation, Ikari Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiko Oguchi, Fumio Nakaya, Masao Shimada
  • Patent number: 6157308
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting silent faults in feeding diodes of redundant DC power supplies. The voltages on both sides of the feeding diodes are measured. Arrangements are then made to ensure that if corresponding feeding diodes are both operative, that current flows through a particular one of these diodes. The measurements of voltage under the various conditions will reveal any open or shorted feeding diodes. The voltage across a diode can be altered by heating the diode through the process of heating a power resistor that is in thermal contact with that diode. Alternatively, a controllable rectifier of a power source can be controlled to reduce the voltage of that power source, and thereby drive current through the diode connected to the other power source. Advantageously, this arrangement allows silent faults in these diodes to be detected without substantial risk of causing the failure in the powered system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Calvin Byers
  • Patent number: 6147617
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide an apparatus for detecting errors due to cutoff of a unit pixel and short between the unit pixel and the ground voltage level in a lighting-off state, and also a method for checking in a real time whether information data outputted from a remote host computer is normally represented on a display and detecting all the errors due to cutoff of a unit pixel, short between a unit pixel and the ground voltage level, and short between unit pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Bong Oh Electronics Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chul Yong Kim
  • Patent number: 6114856
    Abstract: An open circuit sensor is connected to a monitoring circuit via a pin type connector. The monitoring circuit detects any change in continuity, caused by a change in the sensor. Also, a resistive device is located across the pins in the connector. The resistive device is located in a flexible medium, which medium is easily inserted over the pins in the connector. The monitoring circuit provides a leakage current through the resistive device and detects any change in that current in order to monitor the circuit for faults, such as a broken or degraded wire. The monitoring circuit can having plural pin type connectors, with each connector having a resistive device in a flexible medium located therein. The location of an open circuit fault can then be detected relative to the adjacent connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Benz Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Bitts
  • Patent number: 6111513
    Abstract: The present invention provides open-circuit detection for detecting an open circuit in parallel-connected thermo modules. Plural rows 10a of plural series-connected thermo modules 11a, . . . 11n are connected in parallel. A detection circuit 12 is provided for each row 10a of modules to detect a change in voltage between a power terminal 17a and an intermediate terminal 18 caused by an open circuit. Switching circuits 20 in the detection circuits 12 are connected in series to an alarm circuit 14, so that if any detection circuit 12 detects an open circuit to preclude the corresponding switching element 20 from conducting, the alarm circuit 14 is activated to cause an alarm 32 to issue an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Goto, Hiroyuki Sakama
  • Patent number: 6111504
    Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus and method for an electronic equipment security and recovery system in which the disconnection of electrical power and subsequent movement of the equipment automatically renders the equipment inoperative. Upon obtaining the equipment from the manufacturer, and connecting it to a source of power, the owner inputs a security code into a microprocessor incorporated in the equipment, and enrolls in a security system maintained by a database provider, giving at that time the serial number designation of the equipment, the security code, and appropriate owner identification information. If the equipment were to be stolen--or simply sold or given away--, the removal of the equipment from the power source is sensed, and the equipment rendered inoperative. If the security code is not re-inputted, the then possessor of the equipment usually brings it to a servicing repair facility where, with manufacturer instructions, the serial number designation can be retrieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Packard, Donald B. Packard
  • Patent number: 6069563
    Abstract: The seal system is comprised of a custom integrated circuit utilizing a special CMOS gate-array technology that can be utilized to build inexpensive tamper-resistant electronic seals. The electronic circuit includes a special analog as well as digital, single-chip circuitry that senses the state of the seal, and when interrogated, transmits that state via a 35-bit data word to a seal reader device, allowing remote monitoring and control of containers and expensive goods. Any attempt to tamper with the seal will be recorded in the circuit for later transmittal to the hand-held seal reader/verifier. Each seal has a unique 20-bit identification number, combined with a 6-bit random seal code and a 6-bit resistance value. The seal electronics may be utilized in a way to provide several types of seals, namely, a shipping container seal, an event triggering seal, and event logging seal, and a tamper-proof seal as well as combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventors: Steven P. Kadner, William M. Resnik, Micha Auerbach
  • Patent number: 6061373
    Abstract: A safety interlocking arrangement for use with a doped fiber amplifier and its associated pump source(s). A pair of metallized jumper cables are used to interconnect the amplifier and pump source, where the physically connections to the housings are electrically isolated. Within the pump source, an isolated power supply, in series with a control switch (such as an optical coupler) is connected between the isolated fiber coupling ports. Within the doped fiber amplifier, a diode is connected between the isolated amplifier fiber coupling ports. When the metallized jumper fiber cables are properly connected between the pump source and the amplifier, the electrical circuit is completed and a low level current will flow. The current activates the control switch within the pump source, where the control switch functions to turn "on" the pump source lasers. If either metallized jumper fiber is misconnected, broken or missing, no current will flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Tyco Submarine Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert C. Brockman, Paul Eisler, Ralph B. Jander
  • Patent number: 6057770
    Abstract: A device for detecting water leakage and preventing flooding from a water-utilizing appliance connected to water supply lines with water hoses, comprising a main electric unit which attaches to a power line. The main electric unit includes outlets, into which the power cords of the water-utilizing appliance are plugged, and a plurality of water sensor strips extending from the main electric unit for detecting the presence of water. The water leakage detection and flood prevention device further comprises solenoid-actuated cut-off valves connected between the water supply lines and the water hoses of the water-utilizing appliance. When a water leak is detected by the water sensor strips, a circuit breaker within the main electric unit shuts off, cutting power to the outlets and the solenoid-actuated cut-off valve, thereby disconnecting the water supply and electric power to the water-utilizing appliance in order to prevent a flood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Edward Justesen
  • Patent number: 6052066
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to materials and methods useful for monitoring and management of certain pests well as others biotic and abiotic factors. The invention is particularly well suited for the control of social insect pests, and particularly, termites. The invention concerns methods and apparatuses for monitoring pest activity and presenting a toxicant. The invention is useful as part of an Integrated Pest Management Program and can significantly enhance the efficacy, efficiency and convenience of the management program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Nan-Yao Su
  • Patent number: 6028510
    Abstract: A verification and monitoring system for signal and status indicators and voice and metering features which is particularly suited for a taxi cab is disclosed. The operational status of the indicators are initially verified each time the ignition system of an associated taxi cab is energized. The verification circuit detects the failure of individual indicators even though a plurality of indicators may serve as a single visual display. The voice and metering features are continuously verified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Metrometer Shop, Inc.
    Inventors: Amos Tamam, Leonard Zuckerman
  • Patent number: 6002338
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting faults with a self-exciting sensor includes a monitor circuit coupled to the self-exciting sensor for monitoring a signal associated with the sensor and generating a failure signal. A voltage limiting circuit is coupled to a receiver circuit associated with the self-exciting sensor for generating a first output signal within a valid range of operation in the absence of the failure signal. The voltage limiting circuit also generates a second output signal outside the valid range of operation in response to the failure signal so as to eliminate the necessity of an additional input to control logic associated with the self-exciting sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Jerome Pavlov, Michael James Fodera
  • Patent number: 5995003
    Abstract: An electronic pin fastener (29) for use in a security system for garments, merchandise, and the like mounted for sale or display on a display fixture, rack, or bin causes an alarm to be produced upon removal of the pin fastener (29). The pin fastener (29) has an enclosed housing (60) having top (68) and bottom (63) walls, a hole centrally disposed in the bottom wall (63), a pin (61) having a head and a stem, the stem extending through the hole in the bottom wall (63), and bias means effective to bias the head of the pin (61) towards a predetermined position such as to cause an alarm. The stem of the pin (61) is retained in a depressed position such as to not produce an alarm by an EAS tag or locking device after the pin (61) is inserted through a garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Robert Rogers
  • Patent number: 5969626
    Abstract: A device and method for monitoring the integrity of a ground connection between an electrostatic apparatus and earth ground. The device and method provide for continuous monitoring of the connection. The device includes an audible and visual alarm if there is a fault in the grounding connection. It also provides an audible and visual alarm if a DC power supply falls below a specified value. A switch is provided for testing the circuit manually to ensure its proper operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventor: Joe Maciel
  • Patent number: 5953057
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the properly terminated connection between video components transmitting a video signal from one video component to the other. The video and/or data signal is input to a resistance element. A first comparison input device is connected to the input side of the resistance element and a second comparison input device is connected to the output side of the resistance element. A comparison unit is provided for comparing the voltages from the first comparison input device and the second comparison input device to determine whether there is a voltage drop across the resistance element thereby determining whether the video component is properly terminated. A data processing element connected to the output of the comparison unit receives data from the comparison unit which is detected across the resistance element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Edwin S. Thompson, Lawrence R. Mills, James R. Paolantonio
  • Patent number: 5942982
    Abstract: A system for detecting open circuits is presented. The system comprises first and second digital-to-analog converters (DACs). The DACs, in combination with a microprocessor, generate a tri-state voltage which is fed through the system. This tri-state voltage is then attenuated via an amplifier. A probe carries an external attenuation signal via a measurement line through the system to be summed with the attenuated tri-state voltage to create V.sub.wts. An analog-to-digital converter then compares V.sub.wts with a known signal to determine whether the circuit under test is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Robert H. Noble, Robert B. Smith
  • Patent number: 5936525
    Abstract: A sensor has a substrate with a first surface having a substantial area, a conductive trace defining a conductive path on the substrate between first and second locations, and an adhesive on the first surface for adhering the sensor to an object to be monitored in an operative state. A weakening is provided in the substrate to cause separation/tearing of the substrate in a predetermined fashion as an incident of a force being applied to the substrate with the sensor in the operative state tending to peel the sensor off of the object to be monitored. The conductive trace is arranged on the substrate so that as the substrate separates/tears in the predetermined fashion, the conductive path defined by the conductor trace is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Se-Kure Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger J. Leyden, Michael A. Parent
  • Patent number: 5926092
    Abstract: A theftproof device for a computer according to the present invention is provided. The theftproof device includes a PCB installed in a predetermined portion of the inside of a computer, an external connector portion provided on one side of the PCB for connecting to external cables, a vibration sensor installed on the PCB for sensing vibrations of the main frame of the computer, an alarm installed on the PCB for sounding an alarm when the main frame of the computer vibrates, a circuit provided on the PCB for receiving a signal input through the external connector portion and a signal from the vibration sensor, controlling the alarm, and performing communications with the computer system, and dip switches for setting the communication state between the circuit and the computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Kyungki System Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-chan Kim
  • Patent number: 5909181
    Abstract: A ground and bond detection device for ensuring that a conductive material, such at a metal container, is properly grounded to prevent electrostatic charge buildup. The device indicates whether a ground connection between the conductive material and ground exists, and whether the ground connection has been interrupted. The device is battery-powered, portable, and can be used on conductive material which is coated with nonconductive material such as paint, dirt, or rust. The ground and bond detection device provides low-cost, reliable, portable, and safe monitoring of ground connections for, e.g., metal containers used to store flammable materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Rexam Graphics Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Golzmane
  • Patent number: 5883573
    Abstract: Circuits for supervising message generators and audio output cables include memory for binary storage of messages previously recorded in a message generator. As the generator is cycled to produce an audio output, that analog output is sampled and compared to the previously stored binary representation. A match indicates a successful generation of the message. The cables can be supervised by applying a DC bias thereto and detecting the voltage present on the respective cable. Line integrity is indicated where the cable DC voltage falls in an expected range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Pittway Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Mazeiko, Jr., Michael A. Troiano, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5877929
    Abstract: A break display apparatus for an intelligent power IC incorporating an overcurrent/overheating protection function. The break display apparatus includes a plurality of intelligent power ICs each incorporating an overcurrent/overheating protection function of detecting overcurrent/overheating for a load to break it, a pulse generating unit connected to the plurality of intelligent power ICs for generating a pulse signal having the number of pulses corresponding to a broken intelligent power IC as a signal for specifying the broken intelligent power IC on the basis of a break signal from the broken intelligent power IC, and a warning lamp for indicating the visual information of the broken intelligent power IC in response to the pulse signal generated by the pulse generating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Hideaki Masui
  • Patent number: 5856782
    Abstract: A portable anti-theft monitor comprises a case; a detection conductive wire led out of said case, having a loop portion; an engaging member provided in said case so as to freely get it in and out, for engaging by catching the loop portion of said detection conductive wire in a state in which it has been pressed in said case; and a locking member for locking said engaging member in the state in which said engaging member has been pressed into said case, and for being attracted by a magnet to be moved in the unlocking direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Sasagawa, Shin Kinouchi, Seishi Namioka, Nobuyuki Ichimiya, Toshitaka Toyomi, Hideki Arimoto, Hideki Miyake
  • Patent number: 5831531
    Abstract: A simple trip-wire or magnetic circuit associated with a shipping container provides continuity, which is detected electrically. Simply, if continuity is disabled by a forced entry of the container, electrical detection means, such as a radio-frequency-identification (RFID) tag, will alert the owner or monitoring station. The trip-wire concept would require the replacing of a broken trip wire (resulting from forced entry), while the magnetic circuit concept can be reused repetitively. In a second embodiment a magnetic circuit and the detection device (RFID tag) are embedded into the shipping article during manufacturing. The preferred detection device, an RFID tag, could also be a battery backed transceiver type on which a replaceable or rechargeable battery could be mounted on the inside of the shipping container during manufacturing. The RFID tag would communicate with an interrogator unit, which could be connected to a host computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Micron Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 5821868
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a monitoring device for computers with connected peripherals such as monitors, printers or the like, wherein all peripherals are respectively connected with the computer by at least one ground line. At that, each ground line includes a sensor device looped in between the peripheral and the computer for monitoring a continuous ground connection, and an alarm device actuated by the sensor device, when a deviation is recorded, for signaling an interrupted ground connection. Thereby, a simple and operationally reliable monitoring of one or more computers with connected peripherals is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Bernd Kuhling
  • Patent number: 5815090
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to materials and methods useful for monitoring and management of certain pests well as other biotic and abiotic factors. The invention is particularly well suited for the control of social insect pests, and particularly, termites. The invention concerns methods and apparatuses for monitoring pest activity and presenting a toxicant. The invention is useful as part of an Integrated Pest Management Program and can significantly enhance the efficacy, efficiency and convenience of the management program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Nan-Yao Su
  • Patent number: 5801635
    Abstract: A power interruption detector including a housing, a power input cord, a multi-volt transformer having a 120-208-240 primary winding and a 24 volt secondary winding, a power contactor with an actuating coil, a power plug receptacle, a delay timer, a counting circuit, an alarm circuit, a thumb-wheel switch, a digital trip counter display driver, a display output device, an audible alarm enunciator, and a battery. The power input cord couples line power to the primary winding of the multi-volt transformer and to one side of the power contactor. The other side of the power contactor is wired to the terminals of the power plug receptacle. The power contactor has contacts that close to complete the circuit between the power input cord and the power plug receptacle when the actuating coil is energized. The secondary winding is coupled to the delay timer. The delay timer has a delay timer output coupled to the actuating coil of the contactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Glenn L. Price
  • Patent number: 5768343
    Abstract: A security system add-on device is disclosed that provides a false phone line apparatus for tricking an intruder into believing that they have cut the building phone line. The apparatus includes a close loop wire pair that acts as a false phone line and is coupled to a false line cut detector. When the false line is cut, the cut detector signals the security system that a breach of security has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventors: Richard J. Dame, Kenneth A. Immeke
  • Patent number: 5754114
    Abstract: Ground detection apparatus that automatically detects continuity of a safety ground of a piece of equipment. The ground detection apparatus includes test relay circuitry for determining if a ground connection is open. Comparison logic circuitry is used to generate a fault signal if the ground connection is open and to prevent the electrical equipment from being energized. Delay circuitry is used to stabilize input voltage measurements, and to test the lines for a desired time period. Latching circuitry is used to latch the fault condition, and to ensure that all delays have elapsed and no fault condition exists before the electrical equipment is energized. Optionally, the latching circuitry may be used to prevent latching in a "brownout" condition. If the equipment safety ground is not present, power is not supplied to the equipment. This prevents possible shock to a user caused by ungrounded equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis L. Gnadt
  • Patent number: 5748217
    Abstract: A power module including an RC circuit is uniquely associated with each of a plurality of electrodes of an electrostatic print head to individually control the rate of charge decay of a voltage disposed thereon. The resistor of the RC circuit is a potentiometer that may be manually adjusted to obtain an optimal decay rate. A paper supply roller and take-up roller accurately position dielectric material, such as a paper web, adjacent to the electrodes of the print head, which is located between the rollers. The electrodes are typically a plurality of wires. The print head moves across the width of paper web to dispose thereon a plurality of charge areas corresponding to a strip of a latent image. Control circuitry synchronizes the movement of the print head and the web to produce a plurality of abutting strips of charge areas, producing a complete latent image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Phoenix Precision Graphics, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur E. Bliss
  • Patent number: 5744965
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the integrity of electrical connections includes a transformer with its primary coupled across a dual split contact arrangement and the secondary coupled to both an energy source and a monitoring circuit. When the contact condition is made the secondary impedance reaches a given value which results in a low output indicated by the monitoring circuit. The energy source is preferably a radio frequency oscillator driving the transformer secondary, which is also connected to a monitoring circuit. Preferably, the output from a current reference circuit, coupled to the secondary of the transformer, is coupled to the energy source circuit and the monitoring circuit so as to produce a given output in the monitoring circuit when the contact condition is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Lorimer Miller, Eric Richard Wagner
  • Patent number: 5729208
    Abstract: The open condition detection circuit (10) detects breakage in an external write magnetic coil (16, 18) in a hard disk drive. The magnetic coil (16, 18) receives write head signals H.sub.X and H.sub.Y generated by a write driver (12, 14) in response to write data D.sub.X and D.sub.Y. The circuit (10) includes a comparator (26, 28) coupled to the write driver (12, 14) for comparing both the write head signals H.sub.X and H.sub.Y with a predetermined reference voltage level and generating first and second differential comparison output signals. A first latch (40, 150) is coupled to the comparator (26, 28) and uses the write data D.sub.X and D.sub.Y as clock signals for latching the first differential comparison output signal just prior to a predetermined polarity change in the write head signal H.sub.X. A second latch (42, 154) is also coupled to the comparator (26, 28) and is clocked by the write data D.sub.X and D.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Hisao Ogiwara
  • Patent number: 5708548
    Abstract: A protection device for a spa pack has a sensor and associated controller responsive to failure of the electrical circuits in the spa pack and a warning device responsive to operation of the controller to provide a warning of failure of the power supply for the spa pack. An automatic dialling system responsive to the controller provides automatic placement of a warning signal on a telephone line connected alarm system. The controller is connected within a circuit protected by a ground fault interrupter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Cascade Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Teunis Greeve, Bruce Miller
  • Patent number: 5703575
    Abstract: A temperature transmitter in a process control system includes a temperature sensor which senses temperature and provides a sensor output related to sensed temperature. An analog-to-digital converter coupled to the sensor output provides a digitized output related to the sensor output. A microprocessor receives the digitized output, compensates the digitized output and provides a temperature output. Comparison circuitry compares the sensor output to a first threshold and provides an inhibit signal to the microprocessor if the sensor is outside of the first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 5689237
    Abstract: An antitheft security tag is used in combination with an article surveillance security system. The antitheft security tag comprises a tagging part to be tagged to an article, formed by looping a two-core cable having two insulated copper wires or the like, a connecting part formed out of a cable, to be connected to the article surveillance security system, a joining part for joining the tagging part to the connecting part, and a resistor contained in the joining part and connected in series to the wires of the two-core cable forming the tagging loop. One end of the connecting part to be connected to the article surveillance security system is provided with a connector to be connected to the article surveillance security system. The article surveillance security system monitors the resistance of the antitheft security tag for article surveillance and detects unauthorized tampering with the antitheft security tag through the detection of a change in the resistance of the antitheft security tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Sasagawa, Seishi Namioka, Nobuyuki Ichimiya, Shin Kinouchi
  • Patent number: 5689242
    Abstract: A tag associated with a device and that identifies the device with respect to other devices is connected to a communication link with the same connector used to connect the device to a source of power. The device connector includes an element for receiving electrical power and a data contact connected to the tag. An electrical power connector (which serves as the power source) has an element for engaging the element of the device connector and applying electrical power thereto, and another data contact connected to the communication link. When the device connector is engaged with the electrical power source connector, the data contacts engage one another and establish a data path between the communication link and the tag. The connection to the communication link allows information to be exchanged between the communication link and the tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignees: The General Hospital Corporation, Aquila Technologies Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel M. Sims, Steven P. Kadner, Kevin Ferguson, Chris Martinez, Robert Rajala
  • Patent number: 5686909
    Abstract: An alarm system for boat covers is shown which deters the removal or the slicing of said cover. A perimeter circuit embedded into the hem of the cover is used in conjunction with specially adapted snap receptacles for cover removal protection. When snapped, the specially adapted snap receptacles act as closed switches in the perimeter circuit, and when unsnapped they act as open switches in the perimeter circuit. The cover is protected from slicing by circuitry affixed thereto. In the preferred embodiment a conduction grid made of a high-resistance material is affixed to the cover. A microprocessor constantly monitors the resistance and trips the alarm when the resistance substantially changes. The microprocessor is also capable of detecting resistance changes in the perimeter circuit if high-resistance wire is used for that circuit. In an alternative embodiment, wire electrical circuits are affixed to the surface of the boat cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: Louis P. Steinhauser
  • Patent number: 5686897
    Abstract: A self-testing electronic personnel grounding device (wrist strap) for the purpose of dissipating static electricity from an individual. It uses a built-in electronic circuitry to detect a break in the electrical continuity in the wrist strap and alerts the wearer when there is a break in electrical continuity owing to broken connections along the dual wire coil cord or at the adjustable elastic wrist band, when it is improperly worn, or when the wearer's body resistance is too high. This device operates on a watch (Nickel-Cadmium, NiCd) type battery to provide the energy source to light an LED (Light emitting Diode) to indicate that there is a break in electrical continuity. The electronic circuitry is designed such that if the wrist band is improperly worn, causing ineffective contact between the human skin and the conductive side of the wrist band, the LED indicator will come on signaling a break in electrical continuity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: Meow Yew (Philip) Loh
  • Patent number: 5677850
    Abstract: In a monitoring sensor for protecting computers and peripheral computer equipment by means of theft protection systems, wherein the sensor has a housing and a sensor element and the housing comprises a coupling member, with which the sensor can be attached to standard connections of the computers and peripheral computer equipment, it is suggested in order to make the monitoring sensor universally usable for standard connections of computers that the sensor element comprise a sensor means and an elastically deformable bending member as position transducer, wherein the sensor means registers the elastic deformation of the bending member and wherein the bending member is arranged adjacent to the coupling member such that it first of all abuts against parts of the standard connection when the sensor is attached to the standard connection and can subsequently be elastically deformed by these parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Reinhold Ott
  • Patent number: 5675319
    Abstract: A tamper detection device can determine whether a housing containing a device has been tampered with either by having the housing penetrated or by an attempt to remove a cover from the housing. The tamper detection device may be a capacitor which is placed across a portion of the housing and whose capacitance changes if it is penetrated. The temper detection device may also be a flexible circuit having conductive strips thereon forming a circuit with means to cause an open circuit if the housing is penetrated or the cover removed from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: David Sarnoff Research Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Christopher Rivenberg, Aaron William Levine, Nitin Vithalbhai Desai
  • Patent number: 5656996
    Abstract: An electronic bonding device provides a seal for containers and equipment and allows the status of the seal to be remotely monitored. The device has a seal body housing sensing means and communication means, and sealing means for affixing the device to an item to be bonded. The sealing means comprises a line providing, between terminal end portions, a circuit having a detectible characteristic. In one embodiment, the circuit is an optical fiber light transmission circuit. Alternatively, the circuit may be an electrical circuit. A change in the circuit characteristic, e.g., a break in the continuity (optical or electrical), is sensed by the sensor and transmitted to a remote location by a transmitter, to indicate that tampering with the item has occurred. The line is provided with a protective sheath. In one embodiment, the sheath is a relatively flexible adhesive tape strip. In other embodiments, the sheath is a relatively rigid or flexible shackle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Global Associates, Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Bennett Houser