Abstract: To provide an anti-thief security sensor assembly wherein an optical axis adjustment of a beam projector can be accurately achieved merely by physically opening a cover of a beam projecting unit while a cover of a beam receiving unit is not opened physically, the anti-thief security sensor assembly includes a beam projecting unit (1) for emitting an infrared beam IR and having a projector cover (21A) mounted on a projector base (20A) so as to cover and protect a sensor circuit. This beam projecting unit (1) includes an opening detecting switch (7) for detecting the physical opening of the projector cover (21A) and a transmission request generating circuit (8) operable in response to the detection by the opening detecting switch (7) to output a received beam level transmission request signal B to the beam receiving unit (2).

Abstract: An electrical safety monitor (20) includes a housing (50) with a display face (70) and a securing section (54) that connects with an electrical panel (62). Electrical circuitry (30) is contained in the housing (50). The electrical circuitry (30) communicates with electrical lines (L1, L2, L3, GND) of the panel (62), and defines high impedance electrical paths between pairs of electrical lines (L1, L2, L3, GND). Each high impedance path includes a positive light emitting diode (D1, D2, D3, D4) arranged to draw current from a line carrying a positive electrical energy potential and a negative light emitting diode (D5, D6, D7, D8) arranged to draw current from a line carrying a negative electrical energy potential relative to the positive electrical energy potential. The positive and negative light emitting diodes are disposed on the display face (70) of the housing (50). Each light emitting diode produces light responsive to current flow in a high impedance path that includes the light emitting diode.

Abstract: The present invention is a device designed to sound an alarm when it is removed from an electrical outlet. The device is plugged into an electrical outlet using a set of prongs like those used in the electrical plugs of typical household appliances. When the device is in its activated state, its being removed from the outlet will cause an alarm to sound, thereby alerting persons in the area. The apparatus is battery-powered, and does not form a circuit with the outlet into which it is inserted.

Abstract: A device for transmitting signals between an automation system and field device comprises a supporting plate and modules which are attachable to said supporting plate. The modules are provided with terminals especially for field devices. The supporting plate has arranged thereon data lines of a local bus and voltage-supply lines. The modules have at least local bus interfaces. The device additionally comprises at least one bus coupling module which is attachable to the supporting plate and which is provided with a local bus interface and a field bus interface for communication with said modules and said automation system.

Abstract: A security device including a power supply and a pair of conductors connecting the power supply with a source of alternating current. A switch, associated with the first conductors, selectively breaks the connection between the power supply and current source. An outlet is connected by a pair of second conductors to the first conductors such that the switch also breaks the connection between the outlet and current source. A power cutoff relay is connected to the power supply so as to be energized by direct current from it. A normally open contact set is closed by the power cutoff relay to connect the alternating current source with the outlet through the second conductors. An alarm emits an audible signal when energized by direct current from the power supply. A current sensor senses the flow of alternating current from the outlet and operates a switch to permit the flow of direct current to the alarm when alternating current flow is sensed.

Abstract: An anti-thief security sensor assembly wherein the alignment of the respective optical axes of the beam projecting unit and receiving unit with each other can be performed continuously over a required length of time is provided which includes a beam projecting unit (1) for emitting an infrared beam (IR), and a beam receiving unit (2) for receiving the infrared beam (IR) emitted from the beam projecting unit (1). The beam projecting unit (1) includes a first switch (16) adapted to be activated when a cover (10) protecting the beam projecting unit (1) is removed and for outputting a discriminative signal (B) descriptive of removal of such cover, and a transmitting circuit (17) for transmitting the discriminative signal (B) from the beam projecting unit (1) to the beam receiving unit (2), and a recognizing circuit (28) for receiving the discriminative signal (B) and outputting a notifying signal necessary to generate an alarm indicative of the removal of the cover (10).

Abstract: A system and method for delivering parking information is disclosed. Embodiments of the present claimed invention utilize video imaging to analyze the availability of parking spaces. More specifically, a computer is used to process video images of a parking location to determine if a parking space is available.

Abstract: The invention provides a remotely controllable bicycle lock and alarm system and a remote control device enabled to facilitate communication between the a remote control device and the lock and alarm system. Also provided in the lock and alarm system is an audible alarm for notification of the bicycle operator.

Abstract: The security system as presented is used preferredly to monitor paintings and other work of art. Essential component of the security system are suspending elements, for mounting e.g. paintings. The suspending elements also serve to transmit signals (data) or electrical power, for illumination purposes. It is preferred to implement a two wire bus system with the suspending elements. In case an alarm is triggered, the system according to the invention is able to immediately identify and display the time and the place of the objects to be guarded. Several levels of monitoring capabilities are provided, which work in cooperation with hardware consisting of different sensors or transponders. The security system in accordance with one embodiment is connectable to a network.

Abstract: A safety device for water dispenser includes a magnetic tube, and a float. The tube sticks up on bottom of a water container. A first, and a second magnet switches are disposed in the tube, and connected in series. The float is movably fitted around the tube, and has a magnet ring, which can, when moved close to the first switch, make the first switch become conductible if there is sufficient water in the container. A weighted magnet ring is movably fitted around the tube. The weighted ring is normally close to the second switch due to gravity to make the same become conductible. Therefore, heating device of the dispenser can be activated when there is sufficient water. When the container are made to fall over, the weighted ring moves away from the corresponding switch to leave the same not-conductible, preventing the heating device from being activated.

Abstract: A method of detecting the improper mounting of a sensor on a motor vehicle includes monitoring the output signals of the sensor, determining the noise levels in the output signals, and comparing the noise levels from the output signals to a threshold noise value to determine if the sensor is properly mounted. Preferably, the method monitors the output signals of a first sensor and a second sensor, determines the noise levels in the output signals being emitted by each of the sensors, and compares the noise levels of the first sensor to the noise levels of the second sensor to determine if the sensors are properly mounted.

Abstract: A pod for transporting a cassette of semiconductor wafers that is equipped with a cover latch indicator is described. The pod is constructed by a base, a cover, a latch means and an indicator means. The base is used to support the cassette positioned thereon, while the cover removably carries on the base for protectively covering the cassette to prevent contamination of the wafers. The latch means is carried on the base for latching the cover onto the base. The latch means may be actuatable from a latched position in which the cover is latched onto the base to a released position allowing removal of the cover from the base. The indicator means is coupled with the latch means for providing a visual indication of the condition of the latch means.

Abstract: A security system for electronic circuits (e.g. electronic circuits contained within a secure POS terminal) is provided that is both more tamper resistant, and tamper responsive and less expensive than the prior art epoxy potting. This is achieved by inserting an electrical connector between a first and a second circuit board contained within a case of the POS terminal. The first and the second circuit boards are any type of circuit board known in the art, including both not limited to, rigid circuit boards, flexible circuit boards, printed circuit boards, etc. If the case is opened the connector no longer provides an electrical connection between the first and the second circuit boards, triggering a tamper detection circuit. In some embodiments of the invention, a flexible conductive film is wrapped around the circuit boards and the connector.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the location of individuals, such as parolees, includes a wearable device worn by the individual and a portable device operatively coupled to the wearable device. The portable device is operatively coupled to a monitoring system through a wireless telephone network. The portable device transmits periodically encrypted location information as well as status information across the wireless network to the monitoring system. The monitoring system tracks the location of the individual and alerts the appropriate authorities when the individual violates a rule, such as a condition for parole. The portable device increases the time between transmissions when the individual is within a specified home location and reduces the time between transmissions when outside the specified location.

Abstract: A vibration sensor device includes a hollow casing having a plurality of protrusions extending from an inner periphery of the casing. A ball is received in the casing and located in contact with at least three of the protrusions. The ball freely rolls when the casing senses vibration and the ball contacts different protrusions when it rolls so as to activate a cooperated warning device.

Abstract: A combined sensor and heating element comprising a sensor mat with several pressure-sensitive areas which are interconnected by means of flexible connection strips, in addition to an electrical heat conductor. According to the invention, the heat conductor is placed directly on the flexible connection strips of the sensor mat.

Abstract: The present invention provides an on-board DSRC apparatus for communicating with the associated one of on-road communication machines, in which the on-board DSRC apparatus is capable of coping readily with the repurchase of a vehicle, and with the change of the preference of a user while maintaining a communication area fixed before and after having changed the type of, the on-board DSRC apparatus, and has high degree of freedom of installation of the body of the on-board DSRC apparatus. A body of an on-board DSRC apparatus which is connected to an antenna unit includes a transmission unit and a reception unit which are associated with the antenna unit.

Abstract: As the application range of solar power generation systems widens, a number of relatively compact and lightweight inverters must be installed outdoors. However, an inverter has no burglarproof function at all. A burglarproof device which switches the state of the burglarproof function upon receiving a burglarproof function state change signal, and outputs an alarm signal when the output signal output in the alarm state from a connection detection section indicates that the power supply or load is disconnected is added to the inverter.

Abstract: An apparatus and circuit for monitoring the closed position of a fuel cap relative to a tank connection pipe . The fuel cap has a ratchet torque limiter for controlling the tightening of the fuel cap to the tank connection pipe. A magnet is connected to the fuel cap and a magnetic switch, such as a reed switch, is connected to the tank connection pipe or proximal thereto. The movement of the magnet relative to the magnetic switch, indicating a locked fuel cap condition, is sensed by an abrupt change in magnetic field strength of the magnet. When releasing members snap over the cams therein, a current pulse is induced in a pickup coil . This current pulse is sensed and a logic level high voltage is produced corresponding to a tightened fuel cap condition. A dashboard lamp is then extinguished indicated that the fuel cap is safely and securely tightened.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for providing a tamper alarm for a computer system. The method includes detecting tampering of the computer system, and transmitting electromagnetic field signals from a device concerning the tampering. In the preferred embodiment, the electromagnetic field signals are transmitted through patterns on a monitor or a video card which transmits a computer system identity information. The electromagnetic field signal of the present invention functions as a tamper alarm. When a receiver hears the alarm, the administrator of the computer system may act accordingly. The tamper evidence alarm may be transmitted in a manner which does not require the disabling of the computer system, thus increasing the ease of its use over conventional methods. Because the computer system is not disabled, a password is not required in order to regain access to the computer system.

Abstract: A portable infant protective bed for protecting an infant especially when sleeping in close proximity to a sleeping adult is disclosed. The bed is sized to accommodate an infant and is provided with a resilient bumper member around the perimeter of the bed. The resilient bumper is provided with spring-loaded switch activation members as part of an alarm assembly that is so configured to sense if an adult rolls on to the bumper member, the alarm either sounds a loud alarm or vigorously vibrates the bumper member, or both, if desired.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a motion activated switch comprising a plurality of rollable or slideable means enclosed in a containment space, two contacts formed in a support floor of the containment space whereby the plurality of rollable or slideable means means forms a reduced resistance electrical connection between the contacts by rolling or sliding into an appropriate location of the containment space. A plurality of the switches may share the same containment space and one or more of the contacts.

Abstract: A switch arrangement includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a locating mechanism, the transmitter and the receiver having a respective power circuit and a respective power on/off switch controlling the respective power circuit, the transmitter being controlled to transmit a radio signal, the receiver receiving the radio signal from the transmitter and running subject to the radio signal received, the locating mechanism being used to hold the transmitter and the receiver together, the power on/off switches of the receiver and the transmitter being forced to switch off the respective power circuits when the transmitter and the receiver are fastened together, the power on/off switches of the receiver and the transmitter automatically switching on the respective power circuits when the transmitter and the receiver are separated from each other.

Abstract: A device for signaling the position of an elevator car in the case of passenger evacuation includes a measurement circuit connected to a landing door safety chain of the elevator installation. The measurement circuit has at least one LED that indicates to a rescuer person the presence of the elevator car at a floor.

Abstract: A child seat alarm including a car seat portion adapted for being positioned within a motor vehicle. The car seat portion includes child engagement straps. The child engagement straps include a male buckle and a corresponding female receptacle. The male buckle is lockably received within the female receptacle in a locked orientation. An alarm is disposed within the car seat portion. The alarm includes a pair of speakers for broadcasting an audible alarm. The alarm is in an activated orientation when the male buckle is lockably received within the female receptacle. The alarm is in a deactivated orientation when the male buckle is removed from the female receptacle. The alarm is in communication with an electrical system of the vehicle whereby a shut down of the motor vehicle's engine or an opening of a driver's door will sound the alarm when the alarm is in the activated orientation.

Abstract: An electrical tell tale system for trailers that consists of a unique tell tale monitor which is light weight which houses different colored light emitting diodes which define each individual trailer circuit. The tell tale monitor has an attached modular cable and modular plug which is connected by a modular socket to the main control unit. The main control unit has two protruding leads which are connected in series with the vehicles trailer wiring harness by connectors. The system works by scanning the trailer signals passing through the main control unit and specially set, wound resistive current sensing coils, which close a reed switch at the correct current which in turn sends a low voltage signal through the modular connection and through the modular cable to the tell tale monitor which will illuminate a certain light emitting diode to notify if the trailer circuit is operational.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for theft protection of electronic apparatuses connected to a bus system. The method is particularly suitable for use in a digital home network based on an IEEE 1394 standard. In the method, at least one of the apparatuses in the network is equipped with a monitoring unit which can be switched between an activated and a de-activated state. In the activated state, the monitoring unit monitors the occurrence of a bus reset which is generated particularly when removing an apparatus from the network. After the occurrence of such a reset, the monitoring unit compares the list of all apparatuses on the bus with a list generated and stored before the reset. When determining differences, an alarm is triggered which can be reproduced particularly by means of the apparatuses which are present, such as, for example, televisions and hi-fi equipment.

Abstract: A signaling cap device comprises an audible message reproducing means, a switch, a power supply, and a former of an audible message number, whereas the audible message reproducing means is operative upon removal of the cap to reproduce one of N audible messages recorded therein depending on the message number.

Abstract: A pod for transporting a cassette of semiconductor wafers that is equipped with a cover latch indicator is described. The pod is constructed by a base, a cover, a latch means and an indicator means. The base is used to support the cassette positioned thereon, while the cover removably carries on the base for protectively covering the cassette to prevent contamination of the wafers. The latch means is carried on the base for latching the cover onto the base. The latch means may be actuatable from a latched position in which the cover is latched onto the base to a released position allowing removal of the cover from the base. The indicator means is coupled with the latch means for providing a visual indication of the condition of the latch means.

Abstract: A self-validating output module in a control system includes a current detector and an operating component having at least two states. When the operating component is in the first state, current is directed away from a current detector and toward a load. When it is in its second state, current is directed toward the current detector and away from the load. The presence or absence of current on the current detector is thus a status signal indicative of whether or not current is being supplied to the load. This status signal is then made available to a controller.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for alerting power line workers of the failure to properly connect a grounding wire to a neutral wire. The grounding buzzer automatically provides an audible and/or visual output when disconnected from a storage location and continues to provide the alarm until it is properly installed. An alarm is optionally installed on both the connecting hook and the vehicle to alert as many individuals as possible to the failure to properly connect the grounding wire.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle engagement detector of the invention includes a by-pass or direct circuit for supplying electricity from a battery to one end of a seat belt warning lamp through a current limiting resistance. With this by-pass circuit, even if an ignition switch is turned off, in case a buckle switch is turned on, a signal of a ground potential is inputted to a seat belt system. In case the buckle switch is turned off, a signal of a potential corresponding to a voltage of the battery is inputted to the seat belt system. Thus, the seat belt system can carry out a desired process even under a condition where the ignition switch is turned off.

Abstract: With a security device according to the present invention, contact positions of a printed board and those of a casing are electrically connected, and a state in which the contact positions are separated is electrically detected, so that the moment at which the electronic equipment is disassembled can be detected, and with this feature, security for electronic equipment can be insured with simple configuration.

Abstract: A sensor detects skewed adjacent movable component. The sensor may be used to detect harmful skews of aircraft control surfaces, such as slats or flaps on aircraft wings, which may be caused by an actuator disconnection from the surface it drives. Harmful skew, which is a relative asymmetrical motion of control surfaces beyond a predetermined limit, is detected by the sensor, but the relatively smaller harmless skew caused by normal flight is ignored. The sensor comprises first and second arms connected to a common base that may be attached to a first control surface. A constraining means such as a mechanical fuse holds the arms together while a separating means such as a spring exerts a separating force on the arms when the fuse breaks. A switching means is integral to the two arms. A striker pin on a second control surface strikes the first or second sensor arm when the relative motion between the control surfaces exceeds a certain predetermined limit.

Abstract: An entertainment device is provided. The entertainment device includes a main processing station which provides an output signal. The main processing station includes a control interface. A front panel is removably connected to the control interface. The front panel includes a memory for storing multimedia content. The front panel provides control parameters to the main processing station. The content of the memory is provided to the main audio processing station for output. In addition, the front panel processes and presents the stored multimedia content as a portable device. Both control parameters and multimedia (e.g. audio or video) information may be exchanged between the front panel and the main processing station. The front panel also includes a telecommunications device and an alarm transponder.

Abstract: An electromechanical sensor for use with an alarm system, comprises a housing containing upper and lower conductive components, for example flanged washers. The upper and lower conductive components are elastically separated and are compressibly displaceable from a first closed circuit position to a second open circuit position by the installation and tightening of a bolt through the sensor. The upper and lower conductive components are electrically isolated from the housing by at least one non-conducting sleeve when the conductive components are compressed into the second open circuit position by the bolt tightening. At least one of the upper and lower conductive components comes into conductive contact with the housing when the bolt is withdrawn, compression reduced and the conductive components are allowed to expand into the first closed circuit position.

Abstract: An anti-theft alarm cable, wherein the circuit between a sound generator (1) and a battery (2) is made when an attempt is made to remove a power cable from its permanent location between an electrical appliance and the main supply, characterized in that the sound generator (1) and battery (2) are encapsulated in the rear part of the connector. There is a diaphragm and sound holes in the connector which let sound from the sound unit pass out of the connector. There is a locking device in the front pan of the connector wherein a metal piece presses out of the connector and into the wall of the input terminal to ensure that the connector remains in the input terminal. A transformer can be built into the plug and conduct DC to PCB 2 through two extra conductors in the power cable.

Abstract: A sensor system is provided for use in detecting movement of an item, e.g. a picture 16, suspended from a wall or other substantially vertical structure, or for detecting movement of an item displayed or stored on a horizontal or inclined surface, the sensor system including a piezoceramic element (22) which is mounted on a metallic disc (23) which, in use, is located between the item (16) and the structure or surface, and means for detecting the generation of an output by the piezoceramic element (22) as a result of deflection of the disc (23) in either of two opposite directions as a result of movement of the item (16).

Abstract: This invention relates generally to patient 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 pressure sensitive mat which has been completely sealed around its exterior edges. The interior of the mat is kept in communication with the atmosphere by way of a section of flexible tubing which encloses the attached electrical line. One end of the tubing is sealed inside of the mat and the other end is open to the atmosphere, thereby providing a passageway for air to reach the interior of the mat. This arrangement, however, protects the interior of the mat from exposure to fluids near the perimeter of the mat and allows the mat-portion of the invention to be completely submersed without adverse effect, if that should become necessary.

Abstract: A wallet protection system for protecting credit cards is disclosed. The system comprises a selectively openable casing having a thickness. The casing includes a sensor means disposed within the thickness of the casing. The sensor means senses a predetermined pressure applied to the casing. Electronic circuitry is operatively connected to the sensor means for transmitting an electrical charge. Holding means are disposed in the casing. A wireless communication device is operatively associated with the sensor means for sending a wireless disabling signal to a predetermined location for deactivating the cards when the predetermined pressure is sensed by the sensor means. The communication device includes a transmitter operatively connected to an antenna for transmitting the disabling signal to the predetermined location. A power source is operatively connected to the wireless communication device and sensor means for powering the sensor means and the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A system for discouraging the unauthorized removal of an electronic device from a designated area is provided. The electronic device includes at least one functional feature (such as a display, speaker, power enabler, controller, etc.) for performing at least one desired function and an enabler, operatively coupled to the functional feature, for enabling the functional feature to perform the at least one desired function. The system further includes a security device that generates a signal, such as an electromagnetic field, so as to cause the enabler to enable the functional feature to perform the at least one desired function. The enabler may comprise a breakable link, such as a fuse. When the electronic device is placed in proximity to the electromagnetic field, the link is broken and the functional feature is enabled. In another preferred embodiment, the electronic device may include a controller operatively coupled to the functional feature for controlling the operability of the functional feature.

Abstract: A circuit is described for monitoring the faultless state and/or for detecting the faulty state of a cable railway or chairlift system, with a plurality of monitoring and detection devices (1) and with at least one control and evaluation unit (2), the monitoring and detection devices (1) being series-connected to one another and to the control and evaluation unit (2) and having the potential to be interrogated with respect to their state, especially with respect to their operating state. To be able to meet safety requirements which are as high as possible and at the same time to require only a small installation space, each monitoring and detection device (1) has several different influence areas (3) and several signal outputs.

Abstract: A shoplift alarming device comprising: (1) one or more article-attachment portions each including a casing having an article-attachment surface, and a switch having a contact and a movable piece; (2) one or more cords each having a main lead line pair, i.e.

Abstract: A seat belt usage indicating device for indicating that a male portion of a seat belt is engaging a female portion of a seat belt buckle. The seat belt usage indicating device includes a housing. The housing has a front wall, a back wall, and a peripheral wall extending therebetween. The peripheral wall has a slot therein for releasably engaging a male portion of a seat belt buckle. A plate extends away from and is integrally coupled to the peripheral wall. The plate is adapted for removably extending into and releasably engages the female portion of a seat belt buckle. Control circuitry is adapted for sending a signal to a speaker. The control circuitry is securely mounted in the housing. A sensing means for sensing the male portion is positioned in the housing such that male portion may engage the sensing means. The sensing means is electrically coupled to the control circuitry. A speaker for emitting a sound is securably mounted in the housing and extends outwardly from the front wall.

Abstract: A pod for transporting a cassette containing semiconductor wafers includes a base and a cover removably carried on the base for protectively enclosing the cassette. A latching mechanism for latching the cover on the base is provided with an electrical sensor that senses when the cover is properly latched on the base and controls an electrical light on the base to provide a visual indication of latch status.

Abstract: A self contained, buckle attachable and actuated alarm device apparatus is provided having an actuation bracket having a blade receiving slot designed to receive and be supported by a seat belt buckle insertion tab. The seat belt buckle insertion tab is impinged between a retention orifice and a stop flange. An alarm device is attached to to an underside of a “U” shaped buckle housing. The actuation bracket including a vertical actuation surface designed to align with and impinge against a plunger type insertion switch.

Abstract: Alarm cable II, wherein a siren is triggered when there is a loss of mains voltage, characterized in that a switch function (SW) in the connector (3) also registers that the alarm is not disconnected from the appliance that is to be secured. In the connector (3) there is also a fastening device (14, 15) which is connected to a circuit (8) which registers whether the fastener is released, and then triggers the alarm. In the plug (2) to the mains supply there is a microswitch (SW) which makes it possible to distinguish between attempted theft and regular power failure. A varistor and a gas discharger connected in parallel relation across the mains phase protect against lightning or surge voltage. There may be input terminals for telephone lines which allow pager or mobile phone signalling.

Abstract: Loading bay dock control apparatus 28 includes a co-ordinator circuit 30 and activators 32 for each of the functions of the loading bay dock. Individual manual controls 38 can operate individual functions. In addition, a master control 40 operates to cause the co-ordinator 30 to instruct activators 32 to operate in accordance with a pre-arranged sequence in order to open or close the dock in a safe manner.

Abstract: A device for signaling the position of an elevator car in the case of passenger evacuation includes a measurement circuit connected to a landing door safety chain of the elevator installation. The measurement circuit has at least one LED that indicates to a rescuer person the presence of the elevator car at a floor.

Abstract: The invention provides a display device for vehicles capable of quickly and reliably displaying high-priority and high-emergency information, while maintaining sufficient display space for other information. The vehicles may be of the type including a trunk provided with a cover. The display device has a display section in which display patterns are used. The display device includes an open position detecting device which detects that the cover of the trunk is open. A warning design pattern producing device generates a warning design pattern which visually expresses a warning when the cover is open. A warning display priority device displays the warning design pattern, prior to other information, on the display section when the cover is detected to be open.