Abstract: A security system responds to a notification sent via wireless link to notify the subscriber and also to take some protective action, such as interrupting electric power or shutting off a gas supply. The system is particularly applicable to protecting subscriber premises in the event of an earthquake.

Abstract: A method for predicting seismic events wherein measurable and calculable parameters relating to alterations in the shape of the geoid, such as centripetal and tidal gravitational effects, and gravitational anomalies related to a buildup of energy at any given point in the earth are incorporated with observations from at least two previous, subsequent seismic events, to calculate the energy buildup required to result in a future seismic event.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for human presence detection in vehicles where a vehicle vibration sensor is provided to sense vehicle vibration. This vibration signal is processed to obtain a measure of vehicle vibration independent of vehicle damping. Also, a seismic sensor senses ground vibrations in the area of the vehicle simultaneously with the sensing of vehicle vibration, and if the ground vibration exceeds a first threshold, the measure of vehicle vibration is discarded. Similarly, an infrasonic sensor may be used to sense infrasonic wind vibrations adjacent to the vehicle simultaneously with the sensing of vehicle vibration. When the infrasonic vibration within a desired frequency range exceeds a second threshold value, the measure of vehicle vibration is discarded.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for detecting impending earthquakes includes at least one sensor, and preferably multiple sensors, for mounting on a building or other like structure, and include a transducer for converting vibration signals to electronic impulses. The signals are transmitted to a solid state detection circuit, which distinguishes between extraneous signals and signals indicative of the P-waves which signal an impending earthquake. Discrimination between relevant and non-relevant may be achieved by selecting a minimum amplitude and duration of signals within a selected frequency range, and triggering an alarm when the selected minimums are exceeded. Where multiple sensors are deployed, temporal overlap between selected signals can be assessed for further discrimination.

Abstract: A method for predicting seismic events wherein measurable and calculable parameters relating to alterations in the shape of the geoid, such as centripetal and tidal gravitational effects, and gravitational anomalies related to a buildup of energy at any given point in the earth are incorporated with observations from at least two previous, subsequent seismic events, to calculate the energy buildup required to result in a future seismic event.

Abstract: An earthquake alarm device mainly includes a housing, vertical vibration detecting system, a horizontal vibration system, a battery and an alarm set. There is a spring with a specific spring coefficient k and the spring is connected to a weight. Once the earthquake happens, it will activate one of both of the vertical and the horizontal vibration detecting system so that a warning voice or voices are created. It can be activated by other magnetic or electrical method. In addition, the sensitivity of the vertical and/or the horizontal vibration detecting can be adjusted. After the earthquake is gone, it will return to its original state automatically. It will not be affected by the location. So, it is very convenient and precise in use.

Abstract: A system monitors and controls external utilities interacting with a site to mitigate hazards during disaster or other emergency situations. Upon the occurrence of a disaster or other emergency event, the system disconnects the external utilities from the site to drive the site into a simplified safe state. With the site thus stabilized, the system then carefully attempts to reconnect any utility that does not threaten the site.

Abstract: An earthquake alarm device mainly includes a housing, vertical vibration detecting system, a horizontal vibration system, a battery and an alarm set. There is a spring with a specific spring coefficient k and the spring is connected to a weight. Once the earthquake happens, it will activate one of both of the vertical and the horizontal vibration detecting system so that a warning voice or voices are created. It can be activated by other magnetic or electrical method. In addition, the sensitivity of the vertical and/or the horizontal vibration detecting can be adjusted. After the earthquake is gone, it will return to its original state automatically. It will not be affected by the location. So, it is very convenient and precise in use.

Abstract: A method of detecting precursor seismic electromagnetic waveforms and predicting future seismic activity in the form of an earthquake by placing a detector including a dielectric material in contact with the earth. The detector receives at the dielectric material precursor seismic electromagnetic waveforms traveling within the earth emanating from a region of seismic activity. A sensor responsive to the dielectric material senses a series of individual discrete signals imposed by the waveforms at the dielectric material wherein each of the signals has the characteristic of a rise time that is shorter than its fall time. Alternatively, the discrete signals may be a single discrete signal characterized by a plurality of overlapping waveforms. Then predicting based on the series of the signals the occurrence of the earthquake.

Abstract: A pager receiver based system provides a method and an apparatus for receiving and detecting a tornado alert or other severe weather alert from the National Weather Service, determining the region or grid block to which the alert applies, and broadcasting an alert signal to a plurality of pager receivers, all programmed with the same sub-address, within that region or grid block.

Abstract: A motor vehicle diagnostic system including a main housing constructed of a durable material that will protect its content. The main housing has a hollow interior. Sensing and diagnosing means are freely disposed within the hollow interior of the main housing. The sensing and diagnosing means includes an activation button. A suspension mechanism couples the sensing and diagnosing means to the main housing. An activation mechanism is disposed within the hollow interior of the main housing. The activation mechanism is positioned whereby upward movement of the sensing and diagnosing means will cause the activation mechanism to abut the activation button for activation of the sensing and diagnosing means.

Abstract: A novel earthquake sensing device is disclosed. The earthquake sensing device comprises a vertical vibrating wave sensing module, a horizontal wave sensing module and a determination module to determine the existence of an earthquake, based on, in combination, the vertical waves and the horizontal waves of an earthquake. In determining the existence of an earthquake, both the vertical waves and the horizontal waves of the earthquake are taken for consideration. Errors in the determination of earthquakes may thus be avoided.

Abstract: A system monitors and controls external utilities interacting with a site to mitigate hazards during disaster or other emergency situations. Upon the occurrence of a disaster or other emergency event, the system disconnects the external utilities from the site to drive the site into a simplified safe state. With the site thus stabilized, the system then carefully attempts to reconnect any utility that does not threaten the site.

Abstract: An early warning system for all natural and manmade disasters to collect and analyze data in real time as disasters occur, and when necessary, transmit early warnings to cause mitigation responses to lessen the disaster impact on lives and property. The system detects disasters in real time and determines the type, magnitude, speed, direction, and the expected geographic area to be impacted. Early warnings are transmitted to a wide variety of microprocessor receiver/controllers embedded in commonly used consumer and commercial devices to create a universal standard for receiving warnings and allow both human and automated responses during disasters to greatly increase the effectiveness of the warnings to users. The system determines precise real time position and location coordinates as well as other types of current geographic information data for all mobile and stationary devices capable of receiving early warning signals.

Abstract: An earthquake detector including a sensor, a lamp, an audio alarm, a switch, a power source and an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit connects these components in a manner to allow operation of the earthquake detector in an "activated" mode where the lamp and the audio alarm is operated upon detecting movement of the surface by the sensor or in a "light" mode where only the lamp is operated. The electrical circuit may also connect these components in a manner to allow operation of the earthquake detector in a "distress signal" mode where only the audio alarm is operated. The earthquake detector may also include an adjustable mounting bracket for removability and mounting the earthquake detector on a vertical surface. The sensor may include an electrically conductive conical section and a weighted pendulum attached to an upper surface of the detector by an electrically conductive spring to allow lateral and vertical movement of the weighted pendulum within the conical section.

Abstract: An improved safety related compact hand-portable apparatus for home or office use, EQ-Alert.TM. is ceiling or shelf mountable, activating upon sensing a minimum-threshold earthquake preferably of about 3.25/Rictor-scale intensity, instantly emitting a series of approximate 110-decibel level siren-alarms;--preferably along with activation of a safety-lamp to illuminate an immediate floor-area in event of community power-outage. A preferably dry-cell powered dc/electronic IC-chip timer-circuit, limits duration of the audible-alarm, triggered by sufficient movement of an internal omni-directional mercury n.o./jiggle-switch. Upon completion of the timed audible-alarm and optional voice-chip announcement, the timer-circuit sequences a conventional integral superheterodyne-AM/radio user has preset to a local Conelrad/news-station, for ongoing notification of any earthquake rescue procedures.

Abstract: An improved safety related compact hand-portable apparatus for home or office use, EQ-Alert.TM. is ceiling or shelf mountable, activating upon sensing a minimum-threshold earthquake preferably of about 3.25/Rictor-scale intensity, instantly emitting a series of approximate 110-decibel level siren-alarms; preferably along with activation of a safety-lamp to illuminate an immediate floor-area in event of community power-outage. A preferably dry-cell powered dc/electronic IC-chip timer-circuit, limits duration of the audible-alarm, triggered by sufficient movement of an internal omni-directional mercury n.o./jiggle-switch. Upon completion of the timed audible-alarm and optional voice-chip announcement, the timer-circuit sequences a conventional integral superheterodyne-AM/radio user has preset to a local Conelrad/news-station, for ongoing notification of any earthquake rescue procedures.

Abstract: A method of detecting precursor seismic electromagnetic waveforms and predicting future seismic activity in the form of an earthquake by placing a detector including a dielectric material in contact with the earth. The detector receives at the dielectric material precursor seismic electromagnetic waveforms traveling within the earth emanating from a region of seismic activity. A sensor responsive to the dielectric material senses a series of individual discrete signals imposed by the waveforms at the dielectric material wherein each of the signals has the characteristic of a rise time that is shorter than its fall time. Alternatively, the discrete signals may be a single discrete signal characterized by a plurality of overlapping waveforms. Then predicting based on the series of the signals the occurrence of the earthquake.

Abstract: A tornado detector comprising a sensor (30) for sensing the presence of sound having a frequency of about one hertz and for providing a sound sense signal in response thereto, a filter (50) to attenuate said sound sense signal wave components having frequencies greater than those which correspond to sound having a frequency of about one hertz, and an alarm (101) for generating an alarm signal in response to said filtered sound sense signal.

Abstract: The distress call emitting device comprises an earthquake sensor for detecting an earthquake of a prescribed intensity or greater and/or a receiver for receiving a radio signal from a remote transmitter. Therefore, even when the user is unable to call for a help, the distress call emitting device of the present invention produces a distress call in his behalf by sound and/or light. The distress call can be initiated either by detecting the intensity of the earthquake or by operating a remote transmitter which may be carried by the user. If the device is linked to a telephone line, the distress call can be made also through a telephone line. Thus, even when the user is too weak to call for a help by his own effort, the device is either automatically activated by an earthquake or remotely activated by pressing a switch on a portable transmitter.

Abstract: A tornado alarm that monitors humidity, static charge in the air and the barometric pressure. Nothing happens until the level of static electricity increases to a set amount over a stored base level and the humidity reaches 100 percent. At this point the first stage alarm is activated. The device sends out an initial blast followed by a report every 60 seconds during this mode of operation. At this point, the user is awakened by the alert. The user then can turn on news reports to verify danger. Once awake, if danger exists, the user can prepare for a tornado and be ready. When the barometric pressure reaches 28 millibars, the third condition is reached. Under most circumstances, a tornado is then immanent. This sets the device into the second stage alert mode. In this mode, a continuous alarm sounds.

Abstract: A multi-cell battery power pack for use in a battery-powered appliance such as a lantern or the like supports a plurality of conventional battery cells together with a seismically activated switch to provide a seismically activated apparatus. The seismic switch includes a spring rod and an elongated cylindrical rod suspending a contact weight within a contact ring such that the contact ring encircles a portion of the contact weight. A silicon controlled rectifier is operatively coupled to the contact weight and the contact ring as well as the batteries of the power pack to provide silicon controlled rectifier activation in response to sufficient seismic activity. In an alternate embodiment, a cylindrical housing is configured to correspond to a conventional battery cell and supports a positive and negative terminal at its opposed ends.

Abstract: A diastrophism detection method and an apparatus therefor are provided which is capable of predicting a position of occurrence of diastrophism such as an earthquake or the like, a scale thereof, time thereof and the like with increased accuracy without being affected by various artificial and natural noises and being effectively put to practice utilizing a simple and objective judgment procedure and by means of equipments simplified in structure and reduced in cost. A VHF radio wave beyond a line-of-sight distance through a plasma density distribution abnormality zone temporarily formed in the ionosphere during diastrophism such as an earthquake or the like is detected in the form of abnormal propagation, resulting in a position of diastrophism below the plasma density distribution abnormality zone, a scale thereof, time thereof and the like being judged.

Abstract: A system for synchronizing a seismic system having multiple subsystems. A control system transmits a message to selected subsystems and an internal subsystem counter is zeroed to a selected epoch. Depending on the message or on an internal instruction code, each subsystem initiates an event or sequence of events synchronized to the selected epoch. The system is based on the relative occurrence of cyclic events and does not depend on the transmission of an absolute time signal. The system is self rectifying, reduces systemic errors, and reduces the data transmission required for system control and operation. The system permits autonomous, asynchronous operation by a subsystem without continuous control by a central controller as a function of time, and can interactively respond to events without intervention from the central controller.

Abstract: The present invention is an earthquake detector and alarm system designed to detect even very low seismic vibration activity and warn the user. The present invention's detector sensor is selective to certain frequencies that are most probable in seismic activity and resistant to frequencies not typical in seismic activity, thus providing a high level of seismic activity detection and a low level of false triggers from non-seismic sources. It's purpose is to notify dwelling occupants that an earthquake is underway thus removing doubt that emergency action should be immediately taken. The clear, unmistakable warning provided by the present invention is valuable for sleeping occupants who might otherwise sleep through the initial activity in a seismic event, loosing valuable time to take emergency actions.

Abstract: A system that provides an area warning to a specific general population of an earthquake prior to the arrival of the hazardous ground motion typically associated with earthquakes, and of approaching natural disasters that could impact an area. This area advanced warning thereby provides time for users to seek shelter and through automated means to reduce property damage as well as injuries and lives lost. A preferred embodiment of the invention described herein utilizes a plurality of Local Station Detector Sites, equipped with earthquake seismic motion detectors and microprocessors designed to almost instantaneously provide a profile of existing ground motion to a Central Processing Site in conjunction with further analysis of similar signals from multiple sites.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the vertical component of the gradient of the electrical field of the soil surface includes two electrodes. Each electrode includes a capacitor with a semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A tornado warning system having means for monitoring seismic waves of a predetermined frequency range including long-period seismic waves and short-period seismic waves. The seismic waves are associated with and produced in the ground as a result of an approaching tornado. The warning system comprises means for detecting the seismic waves including the long-period seismic waves and the short-period seismic waves and for providing an electrical output indicative thereof. Circuit means are provided for processing the electrical output to provide an output signal indicative of the long-period seismic waves and the short-period seismic waves. Alarm means are provided for receiving the output signal from the circuit means to generate an alarm to warn of the presence of a tornado.

Abstract: An earthquake escape light system having several different triggering systems. In one system vibrations are sensed as several steel balls move between two plates with the upper plate being connected to an upright member. At the lower end of this upright member is a steel ball normally electrically insulated from a lower conducting surface. Vibrations will cause the steel lower ball to contact the lower conducting surface and complete an electrical path to a light source. Alternately, the upper plate may have an arm with a hook end attached to it. This end restrains a pivotally mounted tube with mercury within from completing an electric circuit to a light source. When vibrations occur the hook comes off to complete the circuit. In another embodiment two magnets normally equally attract the free end of a electrically connected spring. When this end is subject to vibrations one of the magnets attracts it to complete a circuit to a light source.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for predicting an earthquake are disclosed. The apparatus employs a set of two electrodes for measuring the vertical component of the gradient of the electrical field due to the capillary movement and the surface evaporation of the ground water, a humidity sensor for measuring the humidity of the soil surface, and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the soil surface. The correlation coefficient between the changes in the electrical field gradient due to changes in the surface temperature related to the water evaporation from the soil surface is calculated. The correlation coefficient changes its sign at the time of appearance of the earthquake precursor.

Abstract: A high speed microseismic event detector constructed in accordance with the present invention uses a point derivative comb to quickly and accurately detect microseismic events. Compressional and shear waves impinging upon microseismic receiver stations disposed to collect waves are converted into digital data and analyzed using a point derivative comb including assurance of quiet periods prior to declaration of microseismic events. If a sufficient number of quiet periods have passed, the square of a two point derivative of the incoming digital signal is compared to a trip level threshold exceeding the determined noise level to declare a valid trial event. The squaring of the derivative emphasizes the differences between noise and signal, and the valid event is preferably declared when the trip threshold has been exceeded over a temporal comb width to realize a comb over a given time period.

Abstract: An earthquake alarm that does not require batteries or other external power supply that supplies an audio alert with sound waves that can be detected by a human being, particularly useful in a bedroom to awaken a human being to notify them of an earthquake, comprising a plurality of sound-generating members, mechanically disposed extremely close together (at least within one-half inch of each other) and tethered from a frame that is supported from the ceiling so that upon vibration of the ceiling, the sound-generating members will be vibrated and bump into each other, causing a large amount of sound, which can readily wake someone up. In order to prevent inadvertent alarm signals because of wind currents, a wind deflector or shield is placed around the device to prevent wind from striking the device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for discriminating between conventional earth tremors and those which are precursors to an earthquake are provided. The method involves detecting vibration signals indicative of an earthquake. The method provides a structural vibration detecting means for detecting vibration signals in a structure responsive to vibration of a substrate upon which the structure is mounted. The detecting means is mounted to a structure. The vibration signal of the structure, e.g. the vibrations received by the wall, is determined. Any extraneous vibration signal different from the vibration signal of the structure are compared. If the extraneous signal is within a predetermined alarm signal level, the apparatus is actuated to indicate that an earthquake is imminent. The apparatus involves the use of a detector, an amplifier for amplifying the received signal, and a comparator for determining whether a received amplified signal is an earthquake signal.

Abstract: A switch including a mass suspended above a base by a flat horizontal spring has electric contacts that close in response to the initial shocks of major earthquakes and activates safety devices before the onset of destructive ground motions. The vertical unidirectional seismic switch can be manufactured by micromechanical photolithography and is integrated with electromechanical safety devices to latch cabinets closed, secure movable objects, shut off gas, water, and electric utilities, activate alarms, early warning networks, and related automated response systems. The device is fully self contained, consumes no power until activated, is inexpensive to produce, and impervious to nonearthquake noise in that it is designed to respond specifically to the vertical acceleration and displacement characteristic of the initial shock waves of a major earthquake.

Abstract: A method of detecting precursor seismic electromagnetic waveforms and predicting future seismic activity in the form of an earthquake by placing a detector including a dielectric material in contact with the earth. The detector receives at the dielectric material precursor seismic electromagnetic waveforms traveling within the earth emanating from a region of seismic activity. A sensor responsive to the dielectric material senses a series of individual discrete signals imposed by the waveforms at the dielectric material wherein each of the signals has the characteristic of a rise time that is shorter than its fall time. Alternatively, the discrete signals may be a single discrete signal characterized by a plurality of overlapping waveforms. Then predicting based on the series of the signals the occurrence of the earthquake.

Abstract: An earthquake detection device with an innovative mechanism capable of sensing vibrations. The device is an open electrical circuit that, when triggered by sufficient vibration, becomes a closed circuit, thus enabling a variety of electrical appliances. The inner mechanism of the present invention works much like a conventional pulley. A weighted object, when agitated by sufficient vibration, causes a balance beam to fall out of a delicate equilibrium, thereby causing a hammer to fall on two receptacles which carry the electrical circuit, thus closing the circuit and enabling the electrical appliances.

Abstract: A set of first and second detecting units detects an emergency. First and second pseudo-emergency generating units generate a pseudo-emergency for the first and second detecting units. A driving unit alternately drives the first and second pseudo-emergency generating units. An abnormality detecting unit detects operation of the first and second detecting units detecting the pseudo-emergency from the first and second pseudo-emergency generating units, the abnormality detecting units performing a predetermined indication when thus-detected operation is abnormal. An emergency detection outputting unit, in an emergency, outputs an emergency detection signal in response to reception of emergency detection signals from both the first and second detecting units.

Abstract: A seismic electromagnetic field signal is detected at each of observation stations installed at at least two places, and civil noise and atmospheric discharge noise are eliminated from the signal to obtain a low-frequency seismic electromagnetic field signal O.sub.s. A local characteristic signal C.sub.e and a refined local characteristic signal C.sub.f are obtained by processing the signal O.sub.s. The signals O.sub.s, C.sub.e and C.sub.f are transmitted to a central station. At the central station, a delay time T and a half-width H are obtained from the cross-correlation function between the observation stations, and further a regional characteristic signal C.sub.r is obtained from the seismic electromagnetic field signal O.sub.s. An earthquake source region distribution, an earthquake magnitude, and earthquake occurrence time are estimated on the basis of the signals obtained at the central station and the local characteristic signal C.sub.e and refined local characteristic signal C.sub.

Abstract: Apparatus comprises a probe for measuring snow pack movement, comprising a mobile element adapted to contact and be displaced by the snow pack, a static element linked to the mobile element by linkage means and adapted to remain stationary relative to the ground, and measuring means to measure relative movement of the two elements. The mobile element comprises a wand (16; 166) adapted to be placed in contact with a snowpack and having tilt means (20(a); 20(b); 168) that permit the wand to tilt away from the vertical in response to lateral movement of the surrounding snow pack. The measuring means comprises a movement sensor (50; 170) connected to the wand that measures the resulting movement of the wand. Data relay means transmits electronic signals generated by the movement sensor to a remote data collection and storage means.

Abstract: A structure movement monitoring and emergency alarm system is disclosed utilizing a convention surveyor's laser transit. The transit is leveled and positioned to "shoot" across a structure that requires emergency monitoring, such as a building wall. The vertical reference position being established by the light beam, a video camera system is utilized to maintain a real-time image of the monitored area through the telescope of the transit. Using a computer for comparing, monitoring, and alarming, this visual image is digitized and referenced with a comparison grid. At regular intervals, a new visual image is compared to the reference grid to determine the location of the structure, as well as any relative movement from the reference position. Audio and visual alarms can then be activated immediately upon the determination that the position of the monitored structure has changed past acceptable limits.

Abstract: A seismoscopic detector has a front casing, a rear casing, a positioning plate, a cup and a flashlight. An upper opening, a window, a positioning hole and a plurality of threaded holes are on the front casing. The rear casing has four side plates to support a positioning plate. The inner surface of the side plates has lobes with threaded holes. A cell chamber and a buzzer are disposed in the rear casing. The positioning plate has through holes. A slot and an elastic plate are formed on the positioning plate. The slot is covered by a cell cover. An upper clamp plate and a lower clamp plate are at the lower portions of the positioning plate perpendicularly. A recess and two opposite clipping blocks are formed on the upper clamp plate. A spring is disposed between two clipping blocks. A cup is disposed between two clamp plates. An inner flange is on the cup to receive a sound sensor. A steel ball is placed in the cup. A flashlight is disposed on the spring.

Abstract: An earthquake detector including a platform fixedly coupleable to a recipient surface for receiving vibrations generated as a result of an earthquake; a spring-loaded frame secured to the platform; an alarm mechanism coupled to the spring-loaded frame for providing an alarm when the platform and frame are shaken; and a counterweight coupled to the frame for damping its vibration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing one or more physical parameters, including acoustic waves having frequencies from approximately 0 Hz to 15 Hz, electromagnetic waves having frequencies from approximately 0 Hz through 35 Hz and seismic waves having frequencies from approximately 0 Hz through 15 Hz, and detecting precursor seismic activity indicated therein. Acoustic waves are sensed using an infrasonic transducer that produces an electrical signal representative of such waves. Electromagnetic waves are sensed using a suitable antenna, the antenna preferably comprising AC power lines. The antenna produces an electrical signal representative of such waves. Seismic waves are sensed using an accelerometer that produces an electrical signal representative of such waves.

Abstract: A ground condition monitor includes a housing for disposal underground, a power source disposed in the housing, and a controller disposed in the housing and in communication with the power source and with a plurality of sensors. The sensors are adapted to receive signals from the controller and in response thereto to send electromagnetic excitation signals into surrounding earth, receive reflective electromagnetic signals from the surrounding earth, and feed the reflective signals to the controller, which is adapted to convert the reflective signals to data indicative of electromagnetic properties of the surrounding earth, and to transmit the data.

Abstract: A roll or tilt responsive switch includes a housing formed from an electrically conductive material and having an inclined face formed on the bottom to gradually rise concentrically outwardly substantially from the center of the bottom, and a header fixed to the housing to close its open end and having a through-aperture in which a terminal pin is fixed in an insulated relation. A contact is fixed to an end of the terminal pin located inside the housing and has a plurality of feather portions each having a predetermined elasticity and disposed concentrically with the terminal pin. An inertia ball is enclosed in the housing to be located substantially at the center in the housing in a normal position of the switch in a stationary state.

Abstract: A method of supervising the operation of an intrusion detector having a housing, the method including periodically generating in the housing at least one sound wave signal, sensing an acoustic image formed in the housing in response to the at least one sound wave signal, constructing a sensed signal envelope responsive to the sensed acoustic image, periodically comparing the sensed signal envelope with a reference signal envelope to determine whether a predetermined criterion of similarity between the sensed signal envelope and the reference signal envelope is met and, if the similarity criterion is not met, providing a predetermined, sensible, indication.

Abstract: A housing supports a seismically responsive switch mechanism having an annular contact ring defining a center aperture within which a contact weight is resiliently supported by a flexible spring rod. A silicon-controlled rectifier is operatively coupled to a DC power input and power output coupling to provide electrical power coupling therebetween when the silicon-controlled rectifier is triggered. The trigger voltage for the silicon-controlled rectifier is provided by a circuit path which includes the annular ring and contact weight. The contact weight defines a frusto-conical outer surface and a ring positioning apparatus supports the ring at different positions with respect to the contact weight to provide different distances between the contact weight and the ring. In one embodiment, the ring positioning apparatus includes a rotatable shaft and a gear coupling which drives a threaded support to raise or lower the contact ring with respect to the contact weight.

Abstract: A shock detector for measuring intermittent shock events comprises a mechanical delay line to supply delayed output motion in response to input motion along an input axis. A transducer converts the delayed output motion to an electrical signal representative of the delayed output motion. The transducer is generally in a respective inactive state to reduce the power consumption of the shock detector. A relatively low power motion sensor, such as low power accelerometer or tilt actuated switch, is employed for switching the transducer to a respective active state in response to the input motion thereby allowing the shock detector to measure any intermittent shock event regardless of the generally inactive state of the transducer.

Abstract: An apparatus attachable to a shoe for deploying a rescue signal includes a base attachable to a rear section of a conventional shoe. The base comprises strips coupled to a lower extent thereof and extended horizontally therefrom. The strips each have a plurality of buttons coupled thereto. The base also comprises a slot formed on an top surface thereof. Also included is a restraining unit adapted to secure about an upper extent of the shoe. The restraining unit comprises an annular band adapted to slidably insert within the slot of the base. The restraining unit further includes a pair of generally triangular members attached to the band and extended downwardly therefrom. The triangular members each have a plurality of buttonholes coupleable to the buttons disposed on the strips of the base. A metal rod is adapted to insert within a lateral bore formed in a heel of the shoe and further within a pair of apertures formed in the strips.

Abstract: A seismic alarm device for vehicles which is capable of detecting an earthquake while the vehicle is moving and gives the alarm upon occurrence of the earthquake in order to provide the safety such as by stopping the motor vehicle, wherein a plurality of acceleration detectors are mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle or on the left and right sides of the vehicle, output signals generated from these acceleration detectors are fed to a determination circuit, which determination circuit is arranged to measure an amplitude and period of the output signals and to compare phases of the output signals, then to output an alarm signal if the amplitude of the output signals is larger than a predetermined value while their periods are within a predetermined range and no phase difference exists between the output signals of the acceleration detectors, and an alarm circuit gives the alarm when the determination circuit outputs the alarm signal.