Detection Of Surveilance Patents (Class 342/20)
  • Patent number: 5146227
    Abstract: A radar detector including a local oscillator capable of sweeping over a frequency range of sufficient bandwidth to provide a fundamental frequency and, when injected into a multiplier/mixer, harmonics of that fundamental frequency suitable for heterodyning with rf-signals received by an antenna. The heterodyning of the received rf-signals and the local oscillator signal produce an intermediate frequency signal of constant frequency. A sweep controller causes the local oscillator to sweep only through those local oscillator frequencies suitable for heterodyning with those received rf-signals having radio-frequencies which are of interest. The sweep controller causes the sweeping local oscillator not to sweep through those local oscillator frequencies which would heterodyne with received rf-signals that are not of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Whistler Corporation
    Inventor: Costas Papadopoulos
  • Patent number: 5146226
    Abstract: A police radar signal detector detects and monitors radar signals from up to nine (9) radar sources until a detected radar signal has not been redetected for a given number of detector operations, or spectrum sweeps, or until a detected signal has been displaced by a higher priority radar signal. In the police radar signal detector of the present invention, a user of the detector is advised not only of the presence of detected radar signals, the frequency band of detected radar signals and the relative field strength of the signals but also of the number of different radar signal sources which are transmitting signals toward the user's motor vehicle. The information provided to the user for the frequency band of detected radar signals and the relative field strength of the signals is for the highest priority radar signal detected if more than one signal has been detected and is being monitored by the detector of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Valentine Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Valentine, Stephen R. Scholl, Clarence R. Groth
  • Patent number: 5134406
    Abstract: A police radar warning receiver includes a DSP circuit having a correlator, multiple array averager and a peak detector to provide after each sweep of a swept local oscillator respective dynamic thresholds associated with each averager array and against which information from that sweep is evaluated to determine whether to generate an alarm enable indicative of receipt of a police radar signal. The multiple averager arrays allow for different averaging or weighting ratios to maximize sensitivity of the receiver on the one hand and enhance response time on the other rather than trading off one for the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Cincinnati Microwave, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven K. Orr
  • Patent number: 5122732
    Abstract: Parallel architectures preprocesses large matrices from sampled coherent time apertures receiving signals from distant sources to produce lower order matrices, derived from pseudo coherent time apertures, which are computationally less burdensome. The large matrices are processed by frequency shifting, low pass filtering with an FIR filter, and executing front-end decimation to create the pseudo coherent time apertures, each corresponding to different subbands of the temporal frequency spectrum. The signals representing the pseudo coherent time apertures are processed using matrix based superresolution spectral estimation algorithms such as the Tufts-Kumaresan (T-K) reduced rank modified covariance algorithm and the Linear Minimum Free Energy algorithms to produce an image of the sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William E. Engeler, Seth D. Silverstein
  • Patent number: 5122802
    Abstract: An autonomous radar transmitting system transmits radar signals which simulate the presence of a police- manned radar station. A system controller runs pseudo- randomizing programs to select signal parameters such as the pulse width and pulse separation as well as the signal power of generated radar signals. The radar output of the system is therefore sufficiently random to prevent a detecting circuit from identifying it in the time it takes for a motorist with a radar detector to reach the radar source. This system is battery powered and a photovoltaic panel is provided to recharge the battery, thus giving the system a long lifespan. The controller detects the battery power level and modifies the parameters of the generated signals in response to low battery levels. A radiation detector is also provided through which radiation signals may be input from a remote control. The input radiation signals may be used to suspend system operation or modify the signal parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventor: Jonathan Marin
  • Patent number: 5122801
    Abstract: An aircraft threat monitoring system has several sensors responsive to a potential threat external to the aircraft such as a radar warning receiver, a radar sensor, a missile approach warning receiver, a forward-looking infrared detector and an electro-optic sensor. Each sensor has a respective inference processor the outputs of which are supplied to a groundspace map manager and an airspace map manager. The map managers collate the processor outputs to derive a threat output signal which is supplied to a planner programmed with tactical route information. The map managers also control operation of the sensors such as by modifying their sensitivity, scan or frequency in accordance with the output from other sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Smiths Industries Public Limited Co.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Hughes
  • Patent number: 5111207
    Abstract: A bracket and assembly for remotely mounting a radar detector includes a bracket that secures a license plate to a first end of the vehicle, with the radar detector supported therebetween and a receiving end of the radar detector facing a bottom edge portion of the bracket. The bottom edge portion includes a horizontally disposed lip that supports a reflector at an angle. The bottom edge portion also has a vertically disposed lip which hides the reflector from view, but is transparent to radar signals. The reflector intercepts police radar signals directed toward the first end of the vehicle and reflects the signals upwardly into the receiving end of the radar detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Cincinnati Microwave, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul M. Allen
  • Patent number: 5099194
    Abstract: This proposed approach to extending the frequency range uses non-uniform sampling to gain the advantages of a high sampling rate with only a modest increase in the number of samples. The basic idea is to use two sets of uniform samples with slightly different sampling frequency. Each set of samples is Fourier transformed independently and the frequency of the lowest aliases determined. It is shown that knowledge of these two alias frequencies permits unambiguous determination of the signal frequency over a range far exceeding the Nyquist frequency, except at a discrete set of points. It is further shown that one additional set of samples is sufficient to resolve all these discrete degeneracies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Richard B. Sanderson, James B. Y. Tsui
  • Patent number: 5099243
    Abstract: This is a technique for extending the frequency range which employs in-phase and quadrature components of the signal coupled with non-uniform sampling to gain the advantages of a high sampling rate with only a small increase in the number of samples. By shifting the phase of the local oscillator by 90 degrees, a quadrature IF signal can be generated. Both in-phase and quadrature components are sampled and the samples are combined to form a complex signal. When this signal is transformed, only one alias is obtained per periodic repetition and the effective Nyquist frequency is doubled. Two sets of complex samples are then used with the slightly different sampling frequency. Each set is independently Fourier transformed and the frequency of the lowest aliases permits unambiguous determination of the signal frequency over a range far exceeding the Nyquist frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: James B. Y. Tsui, Richard B. Sanderson
  • Patent number: 5086300
    Abstract: The apparatus of the invention detects, characterizes and evaluates electromagnetic radiation, primarily in the radio frequency range, which is emitted by the fusing portion of the explosive train found in certain destructive devices. The apparatus includes a chamber for containing items to be tested, such as airline luggage, in a sealed or confined environment shielded from outside radiation and subjecting any fusing devices, which may be located in such items, to the condition or conditions under which such devices are activated. The invention further includes equipment for receiving, detecting, and evaluating any electrical signals emitted by such fusing devices. The invention is primarily for use in determining the presence of hazards in aircraft cargo but can easily be adapted for other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Inventor: George A. Ashmore
  • Patent number: 5083129
    Abstract: A police radar detector detects both the presence of radar signals incident upon a motor vehicle using the detector and also determines the direction of origin of the source of detected radar signals and signals the operator of the motor vehicle of the presence and source direction of the radar signals. Preferably, the radar detector includes two antennas with shared circuitry in a single housing. One of the antennas is directed generally toward the front of the motor vehicle and the other antenna is directed generally to the rear of the motor vehicle. As the police speed radar frequency bands are scanned or swept, each potential radar signal which is detected is processed to determine the direction of origin of the signals. To determine the direction of origin of incident radar signals, the signals are detected in both antennas with the signal strengths in the two antennas being compared to determine the direction of origin of the signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Valentine Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Valentine, Clarence R. Groth, Stephen R. Scholl, Marwan E. Nusair
  • Patent number: 5079553
    Abstract: A police radar warning receiver is disclosed including a DSP circuit having a correlator and a peak detector to provide after each sweep of a swept local oscillator a dynamic threshold for that sweep as affected by all prior sweeps and against which information from that sweep is evaluated to determine whether to generate an alarm enable indicative of receipt of a police radar signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Cincinnati Microwave, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven K. Orr
  • Patent number: 5068663
    Abstract: A radar detector for use in a motor vehicle employs amplitude detection to sense the presence of radar signals commonly used to monitor the speed of such motor vehicles. Amplitude signals are generated by down-converting received signals using a series of mixers, one of which is swept to insure signal detection, and compared to a threshold which is controlled such that noise is detected by the comparison on average a selected period of time. Detected amplitude signals must persist for a given period of time before they are considered to be potentially valid radar signals. After passing the first test of persistence, the signals are verified by means of frequency modulating the first of the series of mixers, detecting the frequency modulation and correlating the detected frequency modulation to determine whether the signal is valid and if so, to which radar frequency band the signal belongs. A first embodiment of the radar detector monitors the X band (10.475-10.575 Ghz), the Ku band (13.400-13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Valentine Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Valentine, Stephen R. Scholl, Marwan E. Nusair
  • Patent number: 5063385
    Abstract: A memory system for histogramming the pulse descriptor word output of a radar warning receiver for initial processing of the received data for quickly determining the numbers and types of emitters in the system's environment. The disclosed apparatus histograms the number of pulses received in a given time interval versus scaled values of frequency and time differences of arrival plus it assigns available memory locations only when confirmed data is received. A typical histogram size of 1,024 (radio frequency) by 8,192 (time difference of arrival), or 8,388,608 pixels is disclosed along with comparisons and contrasts with less efficient conventional histogramming arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Joseph Caschera
  • Patent number: 5049884
    Abstract: In a police radar warning receiver with a self-contained battery source of supply, battery life may be prolonged by duty cycling the RF front end circuitry of the receiver and, especially, the swept oscillator thereof at a duty cycle rate not greater than 25% with the circuitry being energized not more than once every approximately one-half second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Cincinnati Microwave, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Jaeger, Michael A. Biggs
  • Patent number: 5049885
    Abstract: A police radar warning receiver includes a DSP circuit having a correlator and a peak detector to provide after each sweep of a swept local oscillator a dynamic threshold for that sweep as affected by all prior sweeps and against which information from that sweep is evaluated to determine whether to generate an alarm enable indicative of receipt of a police radar signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Cincinnati Microwave, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven K. Orr
  • Patent number: 5034747
    Abstract: A detachable radar unit for a motorcycle unit is presented. An outer shell is permanently attached to the side of a motorcycle helmet. A radar sensing unit may be inserted into the shell, making electrical contact with a microphone and light panel attached to the helmet. The radar sensing unit may also be detached from the helmet and attached to a car or boat by using separate shells permanently mounted on the car or boat. A special quick disconnect plug in the unit's power supply cord is provided which quickly and easily disconnects the helment from the motorcycle should the need arise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventor: Christopher A. Donahue
  • Patent number: 5010341
    Abstract: A ten db coupler receives an RF input signal and transmits an attenuated signal through a wideband/narrow band select switch to an RF amplifier. The signal is next processed through an RF amplitude detector. A comparator then receives the signal and generates a pulse in response to signals exceeding a predetermined threshold. A pulse stretcher then eliminates excessive pulses due to noise or other signal oscillations that exceeded the comparator's threshold. A circuit comprising a retriggerable monostable and an OR gate determine if the pulses received exceed a pulse repetition frequency threshold. A ripple counter than eliminates unwanted signals by resetting if a predetermined number is not reached in a specified time. A unique audio signal is then generated if the desired signal is detected. The output signal is audible even though the input signal is of a frequency above the normal hearing threshold. Also a visual signal is provided by a light emitting diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: William P. Huntley, David J. Swanick
  • Patent number: 5001777
    Abstract: A radar detector system and method. The system includes a front-facing antenna and receiver and a rear-facing antenna and receiver. The two receivers are electrically connected to a single control head that includes separate light and sound indicators for each of the front-facing and the rear-facing receivers. A tone generator is included in the module to identify audibly the front-facing receiver and the rear-facing receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Inventor: James P. Liautaud
  • Patent number: 4961074
    Abstract: The invention concerns radar detectors which are capable of monitoring at least two frequency bands. A broad band antenna is provided, together with a mixer comprising an anti-parallel pair of diodes, and at least one local oscillator. The local oscillator frequency is mixed with radar frequency from the antenna to produce an intermediate signal which is amplified further down converted detected and fed to signal processing circuitry to actuate an alarm when radar frequency of interest is detected. The most effective mixing with the RF input takes place at twice the local oscillator frequency. By application of direct current bias to the mixer, the most effective mixing with the RF input is changed to occur at the local oscillator frequency. The local oscillator is used to monitor two different radar frequencies by application and non-application of DC bias to the mixer. For multiband detectors, more than one local oscillator may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Assignee: B.E.L-Tronics Limited
    Inventor: Glen Martinson
  • Patent number: 4956644
    Abstract: A signal detector for receiving a wide band (W) of frequency-hopped signals which channelizes the incoming signals, via filter banks into a plurality (L) of channels. Magnitude squaring circuits in each channel generate a "power" estimate which is compared to a preset threshold value by threshold-quantizer units that produce a positive voltage (=1) if the threshold is exceeded. After summation of all the channels, the direct sequence (DS) signal component and noise component are processed so that a DC voltage is produced if a frequency-hop signal (FH) is present which is greater in value than when the signal is not present. Thus the DC signal indicates whether the FH signal is present or absent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald S. Leahy, Patrick J. Smith, Scott R. Bullock
  • Patent number: 4954828
    Abstract: A police radar warning receiver is disclosed including a DSP circuit having a correlator and a peak detector to provide after each sweep of a swept local oscillator a dynamic threshold for that sweep as affected by all prior sweeps and against which information from that sweep is evaluated to determine whether to generate an alarm enable indicative of receipt of a police radar signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Cincinnati Microwave, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven K. Orr
  • Patent number: 4952937
    Abstract: A remotely mounted radar detector is mounted vertically behind a license plate with a reflector attached to the horn at an angle such that the reflector extends beyond one edge of the license plate to reflect incoming, horizontal radar signals into a vertically oriented plane and to the horn antenna. Preferably, a bracket snugly secures the license plate to the one end of the vehicle, with the radar detector sandwiched therebetween and facing downardly. The bottom portion of the bracket has a horizontal lip spaced from the bottom edge of the license plate so as not to obstruct incoming radar signals that pass therebetween enroute to the reflector. The bottom portion also has a vertical lip with a window, thereby to substantially hide the reflector from view and at the same time to permit passage therethrough of radar signals to the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Cincinnati Microwave, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul M. Allen
  • Patent number: 4952936
    Abstract: The invention concerns radar detection devices sensitive to signals from various different frequency bands. A broad band antenna is provided, together with a mixer and a plurality of local oscillators. Signals from the local oscillators are mixed one at a time with signals from the antenna, there being one local oscillator signal for each radar frequency or pair of frequencies of interest which may be received by the antenna. Each local oscillator signal is chosen so that when it is mixed with the respective radar frequency signal, an intermediate signal is produced which is the same for all mixtures. This intermediate signal is further down converted and fed to signal processing circuitry to produce an alarm when radar frequencies of interest are detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: B.E.L-Tronics Limited
    Inventor: Glen Martinson
  • Patent number: 4949088
    Abstract: A system includes units for identifying the location and range of a radar signal source relative to a user's vehicle. The system also includes an alarm unit for signalling if the radar source is within a prescribed distance from the vehicle. A readout and display unit displays selected information from the various units of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventors: Thomas M. Ryan, Karen Ryan
  • Patent number: 4939521
    Abstract: The invention concerns a radar detection device--particularly a radar detection for police radar--which is improved with regard to undesirable microwave emissions therefrom. For the X-band and the K-band, for example, two horn antennae are provided, each associated with a local oscillator. A mixer is provided to mix signals from each horn antenna and from its respective local oscillator. Each antenna is made specific to radar signals within its respective band, and precautions are taken to avoid emission of K-band radiation from the larger X-band horn. For example, a bandpass filter for X-band radiation may be used in a feed line branch to the mixer from the X-band horn. The K-band radiation may be fed through in a feed line branch approaching the mixer from an opposed direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: B.E.L-Tronics Limited
    Inventor: Marian M. Burin
  • Patent number: 4906999
    Abstract: A portable detection system, including a receiver tuned to the frequency of signals transmitted by an aircraft transponder, will detect the presence of an aircraft in proximity to the system. The system has signal processing circuitry to transform the received signals to indicate the altitude of the detected aircraft. A display or alarm may alert the user to the presence of an aircraft. The system is useful to determine whether an aircraft may be engaged in a speed detection and ticketing operation or the closeness of other aircraft. The aircraft detection system may be used in conjunction with a radar detection system to provide a means by which various methods of traffic control can be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Inventors: David G. Harrah, David J. Kollar
  • Patent number: 4891648
    Abstract: In an aircraft on-board radar arrangement including a search radar and a radar warning receiving system, an additional receiving branch is provided to which are fed foreign radar signals received by the sharply focused transmit/receive antenna of the search radar, with the output of the additional receiving branch being connected to the radar warning receiver. This results in a greater angular resolution and a considerable increase in range, which again leads to a more detailed and early detected of threatening situations. By using already available components and because of the simple configuration of the additional receiving branch, additional costs remain low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Licentia Patent-Verwaltungs-GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Jehle, Roland Drescher
  • Patent number: 4887086
    Abstract: A radio receiver for use in a vehicle combines a radar receiver, a receiver for the citizen band, and a scanning receiver for public service bands which are controlled in operation and function by a microprocessor. The public service scanning receiver covers a range of public service bands from 37 MHz to 470 MHz. The receiver for the citizen band covers frequencies from 26 to 28 MHz. The radar receiver covers frequencies of traffic radars located in the X and K bands, from 8 to 24 GHz. In the preferred embodiment, a radar detector responds to radar signals in either the X or K band under control of the microprocessor, and is in a standby mode whether or not the operator is listening to reception on the citizen band or a public service band. A synthesizer either selects a desired channel in the citizen band or else scans a preselected group of public service frequencies that correspond to those assigned to a particular state, country or city.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Trycomm Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby Unser, Stephen T. Crum
  • Patent number: 4862175
    Abstract: A radar warning receiver is provided having a police radar signal band discrimination circuit which generates evaluation signals, the state of which indicates the voltage level relative a threshold voltage of a discriminator output as the local oscillator is swept through the radar bands. The times during which the evaluation signals are in one state or the other are utilized to identify in which band the received signal is operating (e.g., X-band or K-band).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Microwave, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Biggs, James L. Jaeger
  • Patent number: 4860013
    Abstract: An RF multiplexer divides an incoming signal from an RF antenna into disce frequency bands. Each frequency band has its own separate circuit on separate lines to operate on the frequency band and determine if a radar signal is present or if only noise is present on the line. This is done by comparing the incoming signal for magnitude with a DC signal that is generated within the circuit and is proportional to the noise within the frequency band. An indication that any of the signals within the discrete frequency bands exceed the DC signal generated within the same band results in an alarm indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: William P. Huntley
  • Patent number: 4851854
    Abstract: An image sorting system such as an airborne defense system for receiving and classifying enemy radar signals according to frequency, azimuth angle of arrival, etc. It employs a RAM that is addressed by the frequency and azimuth values of each received signal. If the addressed storage location in the RAM is empty, a number is assigned and stored there to represent the radar that is producing the received signals. The RAM represents a map of the aircraft's environment. Hash addressing, chaining of overlapping radar signals, pipelining to facilitate the blocking of superfluous pulse Doppler signals, etc. enable rapid reliable sorting and identification of hundreds of radar or other signals in the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Edwin M. Drogin, deceased
  • Patent number: 4841302
    Abstract: Detection apparatus for alerting an operator of a moving vehicle to the proximity of a radio transmitter of known frequency and power, typically in a police vehicle. The detection apparatus includes a scanner radio having a selected channel set to the know frequency so that it provides a channel active signal during the time that the police vehicle transmitter is on. The detection apparatus further includes a timing circuit for generating a delay interval representative of the maximum time for the moving vehicle to pass the police vehicle and circuitry for generating a visual and/or audible operator alarm during the channel active signal and during the delay interval. The scanner radio is also utilized to monitor voice transmissions between the dispatcher and the police vehicle, thereby providing the vehicle operator with additional information regarding nearby police vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Gray Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Henry
  • Patent number: 4818997
    Abstract: A remote indicator for use with an existing radar detector wherein a remote unit is located near the existing radar detector for sensing output indications from the radar detector and for providing output signals in response to and indicative of the radar detector output indications, and a console remotely located from the existing radar detector for receiving the remote unit output signals and for providing output indications indicative thereof and in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Inventor: Steven C. Holmes
  • Patent number: 4805231
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a covert audio transmitter in which a microphone which picks up audio frequencies in the room and a radio receiver tuned to an unidentified audio signal are compared to determine if a "bug" is in the room being searched. An innocuous type of noise is introduced into the area to be searched by having persons converse or by turning on a radio, and these audio frequency signals are picked up directly by a microphone associated with the bug. The signal received by the bug causes the bug's RF carrier to be modulated, and this is picked up by the bug detector's radio receiver. The received signal is demodulated and is compared with the audio signal picked up by the bug detector's microphone to determine if the demodulated radio signal corresponds to the sounds in the room. If the demodulated signal from the detector's radio receiver matches the audio information picked up by the detector's microphone, an indicator light is lit to inform the operator that a bug is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Inventor: Glenn H. Whidden
  • Patent number: 4801938
    Abstract: A remote output indicator for use with a radar detector providing a perceivable output indication to detect signals from an operating radar within an automobile having a rear window and a rear deck disposed near the rear window. The remote indicator includes a rear brake light housing and a mounting means for connecting the rear brake light housing to the automobile generally near the rear window. The radar detector is mountable within a housing space within the rear brake light indicator housing. A remote unit is disposed near the rear brake light indicator housing for sensing the radar detector perceivable output indications and providing an output signal in response thereto. A console receives the output signal from the remote unit and provides output indications which are perceivable by the driver of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Inventor: Steven C. Holmes
  • Patent number: 4791420
    Abstract: A radar detector/security device for cars in which the antenna structure of a radar wave detection circuit that drives a warning means when a radar wave is detected is utilized to radiate a local oscillation signal and receive a signal reflected from a dielectric body. The Doppler shift produced by the movement of the dielectric body is detected as a beat component of the local oscillation signal. This beat component causes an incorporated security function to activate a security circuit. The radar detection circuit or the security circuit can be selectively utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: The Weston Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Baba
  • Patent number: 4760497
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for a radar detecting unit comprised of a fixed or angularly adjustable V-shaped mount defined by two leg units, the first leg being secured to the radar detecting unit and the second leg having secured thereto at least one male electrical connector, this male connector and second leg being adapted to be inserted into a female receptacle mounted on the windshield of the vehicle, the female receptacle being in electrical communication with the power source for operation of the radar detecting unit, the V-shaped mount permitting the slidable engagement of the radar detecting unit and mount into frictional engagement and electrical contact with the female receptacle mounted on the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Inventor: Stewart A. Roston
  • Patent number: 4750215
    Abstract: A radar warning receiver is provided having a police radar signal detection circuit which generates evaluation signals, the state of which indicates the voltage level relative a threshold voltage of a discriminator output as the local oscillator is swept through the radar band. The times during which the evaluation signals are in one state or the other are utilized to identify whether the received signal is from a fixed frequency (e.g., police radar) source or a variable frequency source (e.g., spurious signals).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Cincinnati Microwave, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Biggs
  • Patent number: 4725840
    Abstract: A superheterodyne radar detector includes a compact watertight and durable housing to which a variety of clips and fastening means may be attached. Batteries are provided for powering the radar sensing circuitry, as well as means for recharging and/or replacing batteries. Two antenna horns are mounted within the housing directed perpendicularly with respect to one another and a shield is provided for mounting over one of the two antenna horns. A sensed radar signal is indicated by an earphone and/or an indicator light and/or a speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Inventor: Vincent A. Orazietti
  • Patent number: 4719462
    Abstract: According with the present disclosure to provide a suitable protective headgear for the sports vehicle operator/motorcyclist that incorporates internal radar detection electronics capable of detecting X and K band radar signals as well as any future bands that may be used. To provide both audio and visual alarm signals that will allow the operator to adjust speed accordingly to avoid violations. To provide the light panel display in the vision proximity of wearer so that the operator never has to look away from their immediate trajectory. To provide ventilation for both the wearer and the electronics inclosed therewith that would compensate for any additional heat caused by the electronic circuitry. Helmets would be sized to fit different size heads with a comfortable snug fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Inventor: David E. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 4709407
    Abstract: A band determining method in which radar signals of first and second frequency bands are received in the upper- and lower-heterodyne reception modes, using a local oscillation signal modulated with a low frequency signal, thus causing the phase relationship between the detected signal and the modulating signal to indicate which band signals are received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Uniden Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Baba
  • Patent number: 4700191
    Abstract: A radar warning receiver for detecting and analyzing radar signals comprises a plurality of RF heads each tuned to a predetermined frequency band and connected to an antenna covering a preselected sector of reception of radar signals. Each of the heads includes a frequency converter converting the received signals to a common frequency base-band and producing an output signal in the base-band corresponding to the signal received by its antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Inventor: Dan Manor
  • Patent number: 4668952
    Abstract: A radar detecting system comprises an antenna for receiving radar signals, a sweep generator for producing a sweep signal over a predetermined range of frequencies and at a predetermined rate and a mixer for mixing the sweep signal with the received radar signal for producing intermediate frequency (IF) signals. A bandpass filter passes only those IF signals within a predetermined frequency band and a detector responds to the IF signals passed by the bandpass filter by producing corresponding output pulses. A control circuit is responsive to a pair of output pulses being produced for each of three successive cycles of the sweep signal and to both the first pulse and the second pulse of each pair of pulses occurring at the same time intervals respectively relative to the corresponding cycle of the sweep signal for producing a warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: General Research of Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Imazeki, Seizi Koyama
  • Patent number: 4633521
    Abstract: A remote radar detector head has a front control unit portion and a rear mounting surface portion which is thinner than the front head portion. The mounting surface portion extends rearwardly of the front head portion and extends downwardly or upwardly at an angle relative to the front head portion depending upon whether the detector head is in a first or inverted second mounting position. At a front panel of the front head portion, first and second escutcheons are provided with indicia inscribed thereon. In the first mounting position the first escutcheon is utilized while in the second or inverse mounting position the second escutcheon is employed with the indicia in reverse location thereon. The radar detector control unit can be conveniently mounted in a variety of locations within an automobile to insure ease of monitoring and control by the driver of the automobile who desires to sense incoming radar pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Inventor: James P. Liautaud
  • Patent number: 4631542
    Abstract: A radar warning receiver is provided having an alarm indicator responsive to an electronic switch, the switch being activated and energizing the alarm in response to an alarm signal indicating the presence of a police radar signal, the switch being deactivated and de-energizing the alarm in response to a mute signal occurring during the occurrence of the alarm signal, the switch remaining deactivated until the alarm condition signal terminates and subsequently reoccurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Assignee: Cincinnati Microwave, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Grimsley
  • Patent number: 4630054
    Abstract: Radar detection and signal processing circuits are provided where, following a front end having an RF and local oscillator mixer to an I.F., which is then further mixed against a signal from a swept frequency oscillator, in the presence of a microwave frequency signal, the output of a band pass filter goes to a detector for frequency modulated intermediate frequency signals, and that detector has at least a first output signal that is fed to two pairs of complementary paired comparators, the outputs of which are set to low and high threshold levels. The first pair of complementary comparators has a low threshold level output which is examined by a microprocessor for the incidence of detected low threshold signal in a number of spaced cells--as determined by a clock which divides the detector output into time cells of the sweep period of the swept oscillator. Signal processing is provided so that the incidence of signals in a pair of spaced cells over a given number of consecutive sweeps causes an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: B.E.L.-Tronics Limited
    Inventor: Glen D. Martinson
  • Patent number: 4626857
    Abstract: A dual frequency band radar detector responds to radar signals occurring within either of a first or a second range of frequencies. The detector comprises one or more antennas for receiving radar signals including radar signals occurring within the first and second ranges of frequencies. At least one pilot signal at a predetermined frequency is produced for modulating the received radar signals. The modulated signals produced in response to received signals in either of said first range of frequencies or said second range of frequencies are isolated. A detector is coupled in circuit for detecting the one pilot signal in these isolated and modulated signals and a control output signal is produced responsive to the detected pilot signal. Accordingly, the presence of a control output signal indicates the reception of radar signals occurring within at least one of the first and second ranges of frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: General Research of Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Imazeki
  • Patent number: 4625210
    Abstract: A radar detector assembly is provided for portable installation in an automotive vehicle--that is, for detachable attachment within the vehicle--where a substantial portion of the front face of the body of the radar detector is covered with a mirror, and the back face is provided with fastening means to detachably attach the radar detector to the mirror which is permanently installed in the vehicle. Within the body of the radar detector is a microstrip antenna for reception of microwave frequency radar signals, and the microstrip antenna is located within the body of the radar detector at a place where the front face of the body is not covered by the mirror, and the back face of the body is not proximate to the vehicle mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Assignee: B.E.L-Tronics Limited
    Inventor: Rudolf J. C. Sagl