Abstract: This invention provides an overload protection device wherein a dangerous situation warning is given to workers in architectural construction when a load value imposed on a temporary column reaches a preset value. The device comprises a load pedestal above and a base pedestal below, a load detecting equipment which detects the load value on the load pedestal after converting the load value into a hydraulic pressure value, a pressure detecting equipment which operates when the pressure reaches the preset value, and a notice equipment which informs workers that the load value imposed on the temporary column has reached the preset value.

Abstract: A vehicular telecommunications system having user detection features. A telephone controller 504 is comprised in a vehicle and adapted to process a plurality of telephone signals. A telephone 37 is configured to receive telephone calls for the user from sources external to the vehicle in which the telephone is installed. A user detector 52 is operably coupled to the telephone controller 504 and configured to provide a signal to the telephone controller 504 indicative of whether the user associated with the telephone is determined to be present in a predetermined location of the vehicle, such that the telephone controller directs a received telephone call for the user to the telephone responsive to the signal. Exemplary user detectors include passive infrared detectors 52c and switching mechanisms 52a, 52b associated with a coupled seatbelt 523 or the user's presence in or near a seat 501.

Abstract: A crime prevention display device is disclosed which includes a casing (21) provided therein with a chuck mechanism (20) for gripping a wire (W) inserted therethrough, a crime prevention alarm circuit (3) connected to the casing and a load detection means (40, 66, 25) for detecting a variation in load applied from an exhibit to the device. The load detection means (40) detects that removal of the exhibit held on the display device causes the device to be unloaded, so that the crime prevention alarm circuit (3) generates an alarm, leading to warning of the abnormality. Also, the crime prevention alarm circuit (3) generates an alarm sound, which is then collected by a sound wave receiver, followed by inputting of the alarm sound to a centralized control equipment (13), so that it may positively exhibit a crime prevention alarm function without causing any malfunction.

Abstract: An electrically conductive housing completely envelops an electronic component so as to screen the electronic component from electromagnetic radiation whilst permitting movement of the electronic component relative to the housing when acted upon by an external force. According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic component is a deflection sensor or taut wire sensor for use in an electrical security fence, such that the sensor is completely shielded from the atmospheric effects and stray radiation.

Abstract: A method and system (10) for controlling the tensioning of a vehicle seat belt utilizes a control processor (20) and a motor (12) to provide initial tensioning of the seat belt. After initial tensioning, the control processor (20) removes substantially all tension on the seat belt while continuously monitoring seat belt pay out via an encoder (18). The system provides out-of-position warnings, and is responsive to vehicle acceleration information from a crash discrimination system (22) and/or an object detecting radar system (26) to control tensioning of the seat belt. The system further provides for earlier seat belt tensioning activation by utilizing a pyrotechnic pretensioner (32) having a replaceable pyrotechnic cartridge (38).

Abstract: An animal training device comprises an elongate body having opposite ends and retaining rings proximate each end to couple the body to a conventional leash. A trigger extends laterally from the body to contact the leash. The trigger is responsive to a force exerted thereon by the leash so that tensioning of the leash activates a sound generator. The sound generator, when activated, emits a sound having a preselected frequency to startle the animal so that it eventually learns to avoid the sound and walk safely at the owner's side.

Abstract: In an intrusion detection system, at least one optical cable is provided, through which light enters at one of its ends and exits at the other end, at which other end a device for detecting changes in the light intensity passing through the cable is also provided. The system is usually part of a fence, but it can be used in structures such as roofs, windows, etc. When an intruder exerts force on the optical cable, its movement actuates a mechanical device so that a member thereof exerts pressure at a certain place on the cable, deforming the optical cable and causing light attenuation which is detected and actuates an alarm. When used as part of a fence, such mechanical sensing devices are provided at certain intervals from each other. Optical cables can be provided at different heights of such a fence, with light intensity attenuation means as described above.

Abstract: A security system, including a cable having a groove formed in the inside thereof to accommodate therein an optical fiber with an excessive length, a plurality of supports having mandrels to support the optical cable so as to provide a fence, a light transmitter to inject light into one end of the optical cable and a light receiver to detect the light projecting out of the other end of the optical cable so that any transmission loss through the optical cable due to an intrusion of the fence may be measured. The cable is formed so that when tension is applied to the optical cable, a transmission loss is detected. The resulting system has a threshold capability which distinguishes valid from false intrusions.

Abstract: The security device receives longitudinal tension from a taut wire of a fence and preferably is placed in-line in the taut wire system away from posts used to support the fence. The security device senses variations in the longitudinal tension in the taut wire and produces a tension signal which is transmitted to a central location when it senses such a tension deviation. The security device may be used in conjunction with a resistance sensing device to provide further protection. The resistance of a conductive loop formed either by the taut wire or by the combination of the taut wire and another conductor is monitored and a resistance signal is produced when it senses either a discontinuity or a variation in the resistance of the loop. The method of the present invention includes steps for receiving the tension in the taut wire and producing a signal when the tension in the taut wire varies more than a triggering amount.

Abstract: A posture improvement device is provided, in which a predetermined amount of tension in a belt around the wearer's waist closes a switch and activates a buzzer, vibration motor, or other indicating means in a belt buckle of said belt. Means are provided to adjust the amount of tension required to achieve said closing of said switch. By maintaining sufficient tautness in his or her abdominal and lower back muscles, the wearer can maintain the tension in the belt below the predetermined threshold level, and correspondingly maintain desired improved posture. Conversely, slouching or relaxation of said muscles closes said switch and signals the wearer to improve his or her posture.

Abstract: An intrusion detection system for a space secured in part by a deflectable physical barrier includes a cable sensor mounted on the barrier in such manner that it stretches and flexes in response to deflection of the barrier, thereby to produce an output signal representing such movement. A signal processor receives the signal from the coaxial cable and provides an output affirmative signal if the amplitude of the cable signal, within a predetermined frequency range lying below about 30 Hz, exceeds a predetermined level for a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: In a method of obtaining a thread tension signal a sensor in the form of a piezofoil is attached to a thread guide or to its mounting and delivers a signal which reflects, amongst other things, the oscillations induced in the thread guide by the thread movement. In order to obtain a signal which corresponds to the thread tension either the frequency of an element which winds up the thread and/or harmonics of this frequency is filtered out of the sensor signal and the level of this frequency or the level of these frequencies is measured.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and means for detecting and giving warning of a predetermined status of cordage through the change of a warning element from one condition to a different condition in response to a change in the status of the cordage.

Abstract: Connector plates are positioned at selected truss joints by representing each wood member of the truss as a corresponding two-dimensional polygon. Each side of the polygon is defined by a corresponding member vector having starting and ending points relative to a predetermined reference point. A particular member vector is selected as a boundary vector for each joint boundary, beyond which the connector plate cannot extend. The connector plate is represented as a rectangle of predetermined dimensions corresponding to the actual plate dimensions. Each side of the rectangle is defined by a corresponding plate vector having starting and ending points relative to the reference point. The rectangle is moved within the prescribed joint boundaries by eliminating the points of intersection between the boundary vectors and the plate vectors.

Abstract: Net section parameters of connector plates at selected truss joints are determined by representing each wood member as a corresponding two-dimensional polygon and the connector plate as a rectangle of predetermined dimensions corresponding to the actual dimensions of the plate. When the plate is positioned at a particular truss joint, the area of intersection between the plate rectangle and the polygon defines an intersection polygon. The intersection polygon is rotated and the Cartesian coordinate system of the intersection polygon is redefined so that a first axis thereof is aligned with a central major axis extending along a geometric center of a major surface of the particular wood member.

Abstract: A device, worn on a part of the human body, which alerts the wearer when that body part deviates a set angular amount from true vertical, comprising a housing containing an attitude responsive switch which controls an electrical circuit. When the switch is positioned or rotated beyond a set angle, the circuit is completed and a battery activates a buzzer. The device is adjustable by rotation of the housing such that the amount of allowable deviation can be increased or decreased.

Abstract: An intrusion detection barrier, comprises a coiled wire fence deployable over the ground or over another fence, a sensor wire tensioned between a pair of wire-supporting posts anchored in the ground, an intrusion detector connected to the sensor wire to sense any change in tension thereof, and coupling members coupling the sensor wire to spaced points of the coiled wire fence. Each of the coupling members permits free movement of the sensor wire with respect to the coiled wire fence in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the sensor wire, but restrains movement of the sensor wire with respect to the coiled wire fence in the direction transversely to the longitudinal axis of the sensor wire.

Abstract: Methods and associated apparatus for adjusting the tension in a bowable member using a gauge having an indicator activated upon the gauge being pressed against a resistance having a threshold force. The gauge includes calibrating apparatus for adjusting the threshold force. The member is held in adjustable tension-applying apparatus. The method comprises the steps of operating the calibrating apparatus so that the threshold force corresponds to a desired level of tension in the member and pressing the tensioning gauge and the member together to cause the member to bow while operating the tensioning apparatus to reduce the tension until the indicating apparatus is not active, and then operating the tensioning to increase the tension until the indicating apparatus is active.

Abstract: A posture improving waist expansion monitoring device which includes a housing which contains an alarm and sensing mechanism, a one-piece belt fastened at one end of the housing and attached to one of the legs of a four-sided round-wire ring at the other end via a flat hook, the length of the belt being adjustable by means of a slide ring. When the wearer's waist is in a contracted position, there is no alarm since the circuit is not completed; however when the waist is expanded and the belt has been preadjusted such that in this enlarged condition the leaf spring completes the electric circuit and consequently actuating the alarm in the housing.

Abstract: A signal conversion circuit converts variations in resistance into an electrical signal. The conversion circuit comprises both a bridge circuit and a single operational amplifier with a capacitor between them to store voltage samples produced by an unbalancing of the bridge. The bridge circuit has a detector element such as a strain gauge for providing a resistance variation. A capacitor is connected through switches to both the bridge circuit and signal operational amplifier. The switches operate in a sequence whereby the operational amplifier is disconnected from the capacitor during the storage of the sample and the bridge is disconnected from the capacitor during intervals while the charged capacitor is connected to the amplifer.

Abstract: Two supporting elements (3) support a section of the driving belt, and a sensor (10) engages the driving belt in the central region between the supporting elements and deflects this belt towards the imaginary connection line between the supporting elements. In order that different thicknesses of driving belts (2) do not falsify the measuring result, the supporting elements (3) are displaceable and are pressed against the driving belt with a force which is larger than the counterforce applied by the sensor (10). Two stationary engagement elements (11) are arranged directly opposite to the supporting elements (3) so that the driving belt (2) is fixed at two places between a supporting element and the associated engagement element.

Abstract: A girth monitoring belt includes a belt (12) and buckle (18) connected in series with a control enclosure (20). The control enclosure (20) includes a pair of springs (28) connected at one of their ends to the control enclosure (20) and connected at their other ends to an arm (34) which extends from within the enclosure (20) to outside the enclosure where it is connected to the belt (12). As a wearer's abdominal muscles expand, the springs (28) expand allowing the arm to slide along the enclosure (20). An electronic control circuit (38, 40) senses movement of the arm (34) past a predetermined set point which actuates an alarm (42, 43) indicating to the wearer of the undersirable condition so that the wearer will contract his muscles and allowing the springs (28) to contract moving the arm (34) within the predetermined set point turning off the alarm (42, 43). The predetermined set point is manually adjustable to vary the overall sensitivity to the amount of movement allowed.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the tension on a thread comprises a frame for retaining the thread; a leaf spring on the frame for bearing against the thread and being displaced thereby as a function of such tension; a generator, such as a permanent magnet on the leaf spring, for generating an electromagnetic field between the frame and the leaf spring which varies as a function of such displacement; a Hall effect sensor which senses such field and generates an output signal indicative of such tension; and an electronic system for receiving said output signal and indicating whether said output signal and thereby said thread tension is within a predetermined desirable range. The indication is made at least at a location in the vicinity of the frame where it can be seen by persons who are responsible for maintaining the correct thread tension, and may comprise a plurality of LEDs for indicating respectively when the thread tension is too high, too low, and at the correct level.

Abstract: An alarm-security system for maintaining surveillance of an individual. When unauthorized departure of an individual from a defined secure area is detected, the alarm-security system generates departure signals which are transmitted to a control center where alarm signals are initiated. In one embodiment of the system an alarm-secure band is carried on the person and cannot be removed from the person without generating alarm signals.

Abstract: Improvements in posture-correcting devices include a switch, wherein the switch has one contact mounted on an elastic length of material connected to a strap and the other contact connected to an inelastic pad. In addition, the improvements include readily detachable electrical circuits so that a circuit incorporating a particular type of signalling device can be selected for use.

Abstract: A fence having security wires fastened to posts via sensors and having an electronic evaluation circuit connected to the sensors, which releases an alarm signal when one of the sensors signals a contact of the security wire which is connected to it. Each sensor has a housing fastened to a post, a holder connected to a security wire and a transformer placed between housing and holder, which produces a signal which is approximately proportional to the position of the holder. An alarm signal is generated when one or only a few security wires move slowly, yet such slow movements are ignored when caused by environmental factors. A highly reliable security fence is thus obtained.

Abstract: A taut wire fence system comprising a plurality of lenghts of taut wire strung in generally parallel orientation and mounted between a pair of anchoring posts and a sensor post, and characterized in that at least two of the plurality of lengths are interconnected whereby a change in tension on one of the lengths causes a change in tension on another one of the lengths interconnected therewith.

Abstract: A picket barrier and intrusion sensing system including a plurality of vertically oriented, hollow, picket elements, connected together by means of a horizontal rail that also serves as a communication conduit. Each picket element has disposed therein a picket deformation sensor which is communicatively coupled to a supervised conductive loop contained within the connecting rail conduit. In the event that one or more of the pickets is deformed more than a predetermined amount, the internally contained sensor causes a signal to be generated, transmitted to the supervised loop and in turn sensed by an associated alarm system.

Abstract: An adapter alarm for boats for theft prevention. A multiple number of spaced brackets attached to the gunnels of the boat, and an automotive alarm plunger switch actuator is secured in each bracket and wired to a key operated alarm unit that is battery operated. Engaged with each plunger switch actuator is a split-edged clamp that is force-fitted to the shaft of the plunger and which is secured by a cord to a hook attached to the boat covering canvas. The circuit is wired to the plungers in the brackets and when the canvas is disturbed the clamps release the plungers which close the circuit to the alarm unit aboard the boat.

Abstract: The invention provides a manually held leash, lead, line or the like for large and strong animals which incorporates a shock absorbing device for diminishing the effect of the force or strain transmitted when the animal suddenly and forcibly pulls, lunges, bolts, jumps, etc. The shock absorber incorporated resilient shock absorbing elements automatically operative to oppose the force exerted by the animal and diminish its effect on the manually held leash. The device is constituted of a pneumatic cylinder the piston of which is connected to the animal and normally is retained in a retracted position by a compressive spring against which the animal pulls. In addition to the restraining force imposed by the spring, compressed air also is utilized to absorb the shock of the animal's pulling force. A command sound, such as a recorded voice, buzzer, or the like, actuated under controlled circumstances and operative to order the animal to halt or obey, may be included.

Abstract: An alarm system is disclosed for warning personnel at a loading dock that a trailer being loaded has crept away from the dock. In a preferred embodiment, the alarm comprises a box-like housing that can be bolted onto the dock; a clamp that is magnetically held against the outside of the housing and which can be removed for quick attachment to a nearby trailer; and, a spring-loaded cord that is spool fed from inside the housing and connected to the clamp. After the clamp has been attached to the trailer, the alarm automatically arms itself through the use of a novel timing mechanism and spring-loaded actuating arm inside the housing. If the trailer then creeps, it tugs the cord, which causes the arm to trigger the alarm. The alarm stays on but can be automatically shut off by simply replacing the clamp back onto the housing.

Abstract: A drive mechanism comprises a support upon which a drive member is mounted for movement relative to a frame. The drive member comprises first and second elements which are relatively movable, the one of which may be mounted on the other. The elements are interconnected by a resilient member which transmits the drive therethrough, a drive input being coupled to a one element, a drive output to the other element. A detector generates a signal output responsive to relative movement of the elements which may serve to control a drive transmitted through the mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the support is a rotatable screwed shaft and the first element a traveller thereon upon which the second element is slidably mounted, the elements being interconnected by helical springs.

Abstract: An automatic locking device for linkages subjected to undesirable mechanical stresses comprises a transducer with transmits an electrical signal as a function of the mechanical stress received, and feeds it to a coil which generates an electromagnetic field causing locking of the linkage.

Abstract: Disclosed is an open-back restraining vest having posterior wings which overlap in back to close the vest. Attached to the end of each posterior wing is a tie-strap, one of which is disposed through a loop on the exterior of the other posterior wing, the other tie-strap being disposed through a slot in the first posterior wing, whereby the application of tension to the tie-straps serves to draw the vest closed. The tie-straps are anchored to the rails of a bed, the amount of slack determining the limits of the patient's range of movement. Additional monitor straps attached to the vest may be connected to an alarm to indicate when the patient is approaching the limit of his permissible range of movement.

Abstract: A security arrangement for a closed door having an elongated member connected between the door and the wall and a tautly mounted string joining the door knob and an electrical switch on the wall, the string passing over the elongated member. When an attempt is made to open the door tension on the string is increased resulting in the switch being moved into its closed position thereby energizing an alarm device.

Abstract: A safety step fire escape is provided and consists of a plurality of steps mounted in a vertical spaced relationship to an outside wall of a building adjacent windows of the building. The last step is elevated high enough from ground level so that a person can only climb down the fire escape. A descent cable extends through the steps to guide the person down the fire escape. A signaling device is operable by movement of the descent cable from its normal position.

Abstract: A fault pre-warning device for use in tufting machines has a switching strip (11) over which the carpet web is guided in such a way that the switching strip (11) is acted on by a defined force in the switching direction. On the occurrence of excessive tension in one or more of the warp threads the switching strip (11) initiates a switching process.

Abstract: Constant or transient forces and displacements between a motion snubber and its associated load are detected and converted to an electrical signal. Electrical signals from the detection devices are transmitted to a receiving device which is electrically connected to a recording means. The signals from a plurality of detecting devices are encoded to identify the snubber having the detected force and displacement.

Abstract: A sensing system senses web movement and web tension of a photosensitive web moving through a processor. The system includes a sensing arm pivotally attached about a pivot to the processor and a transport roller rotatably attached to one end of the sensing arm. The photosensitive web engages the transport roller such that the roller rotates. The other end of the sensing arm, on an opposite side of the pivot point, is biased in a direction opposing the web tension of the photosensitive web. A tension detecting mechanism detects the movement of the sensing arm when the web tension overcomes the biasing force and transmits an alarm signal indicating that the web tension has increased beyond a predetermined value. A web break detecting mechanism is preferably included and detects the rotation of the transport roller and transmits a signal when the transport roller stops rotating indicating that a web break has occurred.

Abstract: An underground taut wire intrusion detection system includes a sensor wire enclosed within a conduit adapted to be buried in the ground, the conduit being sufficiently rigid so as to be collapse-resistant when buried in the ground, but being sufficiently flexible in its length such that when disturbed by an attempted intruder the disturbance is transferred to the sensor wire to cause it to actuate a detector.

Abstract: This invention relates to a security alarm arrangement which embodies a substantially helically extending deterrent wire generally of a coiled configuration. At least one longitudinally extending electrically conductive wire passes through the helical wire configuration in the general direction of the axis thereof. The helical wire configuration and the longitudinally extending wire are both connected to an alarm system which will trigger should the two wires be brought into contact.

Abstract: A taut wire intrusion detection system for a fence includes a testing device adapted to be actuated from a central station to apply a mechanical force to the fence wire in order to cause it to simulate an intrusion. The system further includes a testing circuit at the central station for actuating the testing device, and an indicator at the central station which receives the signal from the detector, and thereby indicates the actual response of the detector to the mechanical force.

Abstract: A fish detecting system including a radio transmitter in a float attached to a fishing line and a receiver at a point remote from the line. The float includes a power source and a normally open switch between the power source and transmitter. A switch actuator is magnetically held in a switch open position and moved by fish activity to magnetically move the switch to a closed position energizing the transmitter to send a signal to the receiver.

Abstract: A mid-way recovery system having an aircraft with a winch and cable system for recovering parachute descending objects wherein a telemetry load link system monitors the strain placed upon a cable by having a telemetry load link assembly connected into the cable so strain data is transmitted to a radio receiver on board the aircraft for monitoring the strain placed upon the cable.

Abstract: A combined alarm and belt buckle is provided in which the legs of a first U-shaped member are slidable through spaced apertures in a hollow buckle housing. The cross-bar of the first U-shaped member serves to be engaged by a clip on the free end of a belt. Springs are disposed about each leg of the first U-shaped member. The springs are held in place by a second U-shaped member within the housing. The legs of the second U-shaped member are secured to the legs of the first U-shaped member at the ends thereof. An electrical contact is secured to the housing and is in registry with a second contact on the second U-shaped member. The contacts are coupled through a switch and battery to an alarm. When pressure is exerted upon the first U-shaped member, the bar moves outwardly, the contacts join, and an alarm sounds. Alternatively, the wearer may close the switch, turning off the alarm.

Abstract: A signal device associated with a fishing rod and fishing line mounted thereon to automatically indicate to a fisherman that a fish has taken the bait by providing both a visual signal and audible signal. The fishing rod bite signal includes a light and buzzer connected to a battery or batteries through a switch mechanism having an actuator engaged with the fishing line. The switch actuator includes a resilient body having a longitudinal recess therein for frictional engagement with the fishing line so that the fishing line can be engaged with the switch actuator at any point along its length and the switch actuator will release the line when the fishing line reel is actuated to reel in the line and also release the line in the event of outward tension being exerted on the line beyond a predetermined tension so that the fish which has taken the bait can, in some instances, pull the line outwardly and unreel it from the fishing reel.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for monitoring the administering of an intravenous fluid to a patient from a flexible wall container (e.g., a plastic bag) and for generating a signal upon the level of the fluid in the I.V. bag reaching a predetermined level. The walls of the bag are flexible and are spaced apart when the bag is full and move toward one another as the fluid is discharged from the bag and as the level of the fluid in the bag drops. The apparatus includes a frame which may be removably secured on the exterior of the bag at any predetermined location (level) on the bag. The apparatus includes a signal generator (e.g., an alarm) which is movable with the frame as the fluid level drops within the bag and as the bag sidwalls move toward one another from an open position in which the signal generator is de-energized to a closed position in which a signal is generated to sound an alarm or to otherwise indicate that the level of the fluid remaining in the bag has been reduced to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A taut wire type intrusion detection system includes an actuator common to a group of the tensioned wires, which actuator is adapted to actuate a detector upon a change in tension in any of the wires. In some described embodiments, the common actuator includes an actuator wire coupling the plurality of wires to the detector; and in other described embodiments, the common actuator includes an actuator bar coupling the plurality of wires to the detector. Also described is a detector in the form of a ceramic piezoelectric force transducer which outputs an electrical signal proportional to the force applied by the actuator.

Abstract: A photographic film processor including a film dryer through which photographic film is transported under tension and dried, has a film break detection system for detecting photographic film breaks within the dryer. Upper and lower substantially horizontal shafts are positioned in the dryer in a spaced relationship. Each shaft has a plurality of spools, and the photographic film is transported back and forth over the spools and between the shafts in a serpentine fashion. The lower shaft is spatially movable with respect to the upper shaft and is biased in a direction opposite to the force on the lower shaft due to film tension. A film break within the dryer causes a loss of film tension, which in turn causes a change in the spatial position of the lower shaft. A sensor senses this change in the spatial position of the lower shaft, activates an alarm, and shuts off the dryer drive system.

Abstract: An improved, internally calibrated, accurate drag setting device for fishing reels is provided which allows the user to quickly and easily set reel drag and receive a visual or audible signal when this has been accomplished. The device includes a shiftable switch and an adjacent, reciprocal, spring-biased drag rod having a hook-receiving eye and a laterally projecting, switch-engaging foot thereon. A light is operatively coupled to the switch to indicate operation thereof, and an exterior setting knob is connected through a rack and pinion gear drive to the switch. In use, the switch is set by the knob a distance from the drag rod foot corresponding to the poundage rating of the line being used, and the reel line is secured to the rod eye; the drag rod is thereupon pulled upwardly through the line against the bias of the rod spring until the projecting foot thereof engages the spring to actuate the latter and illuminate the indicating light.