Personal Monitoring (e.g., For The Ill Or Infirm) Patents (Class 379/38)
  • Patent number: 6167130
    Abstract: A conditional autodialer coupled to a telephone line is adapted to selectively automatically dial a predetermined telephone number, after a predetermined delay period following the appearance of an on-hook to off-hook transition on the telephone line. The autodialer includes an off-hook detector, a touch tone detector, a memory for storing the predetermined number, a dialer and a controller (such as a microprocessor) coupled to receive signals from the off-hook detector and touch tone detector, to communicate with the memory and to provide command signals to the dialer. In operation, the controller responds to an off-hook condition by starting the delay period. If the delay period successfully times out, the controller reads the predetermined number from memory and enables the dialer to dial the number onto the telephone line. However, if, during the delay period, the presence of a DTMF digit or an incoming call is sensed, dialing the predetermined number onto the line is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Howard B. Rosen
  • Patent number: 6163249
    Abstract: A device for assisting relocation of a handicapped individual, which device has a frame that is disposed between an individual and a surface underlying the individual to assist movement of the individual across the underlying surface. The frame has a first orientation in which the frame resides with the frame being used by the individual to engage the underlying surface and assist movement of the individual across the underlying surface. The device further includes an alarm system for causing a detectable signal to be produced as an incident of the frame being repositioned from the first orientation into a second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Orley O. Betcher, III
  • Patent number: 6160481
    Abstract: A monitoring system provides for monitoring of a person and taking an action to dissuade the person from a course of action. The system has a device attached to the person which includes mechanisms to provide for an intervention to dissuade the person from the course of action. The intervention may be in the form of delivery of either a medication or an electrical shock to the person. The system may further include monitoring of a bodily function of the person or positional tracking of the person. Various scenarios are described to provide for activation of the intervention. The system may include a second device in possession of a restrictor person with positional tracking of this person and comparison relative to the positional location of a restrictee person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: John E Taylor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6104783
    Abstract: A security system for a building uses the telephone system. Telephone receivers are located in various rooms in the building and linked through a telephone exchange. Persons that live or work in the building are provided with wireless alarm transmitters. Wireless receivers are located in the building, each coupled to one of the telephone receivers. Each wireless receiver, when receiving an alarm signal from one of the transmitters, initiates a call to the telephone exchange in response. The wireless receiver message will identify the individual associated with the particular transmitter and provide the location of the receiver that received the alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Instant Alert Security, LLC
    Inventor: John M. DeFino
  • Patent number: 6100806
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of monitoring mobile objects or persons utilizes the Global Positioning System satellites and cellular telephone communications. The apparatus may include first and second remote units adapted to be worn on the monitored person or object. These remote units would comprise the position and data sensors as well as the transmitter device to transmit the information back to a central tracking station. The remote units may be operative to monitor many data items such as system integrity, motion, temperature, audio, and the like in addition to position. This data would then be transmitted back to a central monitoring station operative to process and display the information. The system is also adapted to monitor persons in hazardous environments such as radioactivity or poisonous gases or even to monitor inanimate objects such as automobiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Business Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Gaukel
  • Patent number: 6097106
    Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a local area pager and additional anti-drive away protection. The remote transmitter of the system preferably includes a housing that is separated into two portions. A first portion is retained by the vehicle owner while a second portion is provided to a parking attendant with the vehicle. The vehicle owner can use the first portion to generate a signal that is received by the second portion and provides an indication to the parking attendant that the vehicle owner desires the attendant to retrieve the vehicle. Additionally, the system allows the vehicle owner to place the vehicle into a limited operation mode when the vehicle is left with the parking attendant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy S. Roddy, LeeAnn Marougi, Lloyd Doigan, James D. Dowd
  • Patent number: 6094140
    Abstract: A portable alarm system for alerting a central station of an emergency. The portable alarm system includes a central unit for monitoring a desired area and a remote control unit for activating and signaling the central unit. The central unit includes a detector for detecting an emergency situation and generating a signal in response thereto, a processor for receiving the detection signal and generating an alarm signal in response thereto, a receiver for receiving an emergency signal and providing the emergency signal to the processor and an alarm for alerting the central station upon receipt of one of the alarm signal and emergency signal. The remote control unit includes a device for generating the emergency signal upon receipt of a user generated command and a transmitter for transmitting the emergency signal to the receiver of the central unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas G Parente
  • Patent number: 6090056
    Abstract: A resuscitation device for automatic compression of victim's chest using a compression belt which exerts force evenly over the entire thoracic cavity. The belt is constricted and relaxed through a motorized spool assembly which repeatedly tightens the belt and relaxes the belt to provide repeated and rapid chest compression. An assembly includes various resuscitation devices including chest compression devices, defibrillation devices, and airway management devices, along with communications devices and senses with initiate communications with emergency medical personnel automatically upon use of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Emergency Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Bystrom, Darren R. Sherman, Kenneth H. Mollenauer
  • Patent number: 6072396
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of monitoring mobile objects or persons using the utilizes the Global Positioning System satellites and cellular telephone communications. The apparatus may include first and second remote units adapted to be worn on the monitored person or object. These remote units would comprise the position and data sensors as well as the transmitter device to transmit the information back to a central tracking station. The remote units may be operative to monitor many data items such as system integrity, motion temperature, audio, and the like in addition to position. This data would then be transmitted back to a central monitoring station operative to process and display the information. The system is also adapted to monitor persons in hazardous environments such as radioactivity or poisonous gases or even to monitor inanimate objects such as automobiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Business Sciences
    Inventor: John J. Gaukel
  • Patent number: 6060994
    Abstract: A control method for united home security system includes steps of defining a set of signal codes which are transmitted between a client-side monitor/control server and a remote administrant through a public telecom-network by using multiple frequency signals. When the server sends signals to the remote administrant, a data string which is assembled by following a predefined format is received and checked by the remote administrant. An event handling process will be performed if the data string is correct. The remote administrant performs a predetermined handling process which is corresponding to the incident code sent by the server. The remote administrant start performing a rescue process when receiving an emergency/rescue handling signal from the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Tempa Communication Inc.
    Inventor: Scanner Chen
  • Patent number: 6054928
    Abstract: A system and method for tracking, monitoring and learning prisoner or parolee behavior involves obtaining prisoner or parolee data and monitoring data for at least one individual prisoner or parolee, storing the prisoner or parolee data and monitored data into a database, learning prisoner or parolee behavior from the prisoner or parolee data and the monitored data in the database, and updating the prisoner or parolee data and the monitored data in the database. Expert system (i.e. including but not limited to fuzzy logic, reinforcement learning, neural networks, artificial intelligence, etc.) algorithms are executed for determining and analyzing deviated behavior by the prisoner or parolee. A parole level is assigned to the prisoner or parolee and it is determined whether the prisoner or parolee is to be moved up or down a parole level depending on whether the prisoner or parolee behavior does not constitute or does constitute prisoner or parolee violations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventors: Jerome H. Lemelson, deceased, by Dorothy Lemelson, executrix, Robert D. Pedersen, John H. Hiett
  • Patent number: 6049272
    Abstract: An automated data transmission system for communicating warning signals and other information directly to law enforcement or security personnel in order to reduce response times. In the disclosed embodiment of the invention, sensing circuitry is added to a standard security system installed at an industrial or residential site. The sensing circuitry detects activation of the security system by sensing an outgoing warning call. Following activation of the security system, an automatic dialer or other automated transmitter circuitry is used to initiate a call to a processing computer at a predetermined phone number. The processing computer utilizes Caller ID.TM. information to determine the phone number assigned to the automatic dialer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Boyd B. Moore et al.
    Inventors: Christopher Y. Lee, Todd R. Montefusco, Boyd B. Moore, Kevin M. Radabaugh, John C. Risley, Michael D. Smith
  • Patent number: 6034605
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for storing an individual's personal information and for broadcast thereof at a time of emergency. A sealed package contains a medium storing personal information associated with an individual. The sealed package is stored at a facility until an emergency occurs. At a time of emergency, a missing person report concerning the individual generated by a law enforcement agency is processed. The personal information in the individual's sealed package is accessed in response to the missing person report and then broadcast on an electronic bulletin board accessible via the internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Anthony W. March
  • Patent number: 6028514
    Abstract: A comprehensive system and method for monitoring a geographic person location, periodically warning a person of emergency situations in the geographic location, and transmitting requests for assistance in emergency situations. The system comprises a warning unit 12 that is carried by the person or that is located in mobile units 20 or in buildings or houses 19. The warning unit 12 includes a geographic satellite receiver 38, a receiver circuit that receives broadcast warning signals defining dangerous situations and geographic locations of the situations, a computer controller including a processor 42 and a memory 44, an alarm indicator 64 or 66 that indicates when the person is in danger, and a transmission circuit that generates and transmits signals requesting assistance and signals warning of the dangerous situations in a vicinity of the person carrying the portable warning unit 12 along with the current geographic location of the person. The system further comprises a command center 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventors: Jerome H. Lemelson, deceased, Robert D. Pedersen, by Dorothy Lemelson, executrix
  • Patent number: 5995589
    Abstract: A telephony device is disclosed having a base station connectable to a switched network. At least two mobile units are connectable to the switched network through the base station to receive incoming calls in a normal mode. The first mobile unit is operable in a monitor mode, where ringing thereof is prevented when incoming calls are received in the monitor mode. A microphone of the monitoring unit has a higher gain in the monitor mode than in the normal mode. In the monitor mode, transmission of sound signals to monitoring unit is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Gerard Cronin, Christophe Lorieau, Remy De Crouy-Chanel
  • Patent number: 5987379
    Abstract: A system for monitoring operation and location of a movable entity, such as a person, vehicle, movable equipment item or movable structure, at an activity site, such as a construction or mining site, that carries a location determination (LD) signal module to determine the entity's present location. When a restricted or hazardous activity occurs without warning (emergency) or is scheduled to occur at a selected location (fixed or moving) and selected time interval on the site, a buffer zone surrounding the restricted activity location is determined, and any movable entity that is within or will come within the buffer zone is advised to move or be moved elsewhere during the time the restricted activity occurs, unless the movable entity has an associated priority that is greater than an associated priority for the restricted activity. The buffer zone may vary with time in size, location and other characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Steve Smith
  • Patent number: 5982281
    Abstract: A redundant system is provided for simultaneously notifying a victim about the approach of an offender when a message is sent to a central data base. The system includes multiple communication paths and assured message delivery. The offender's portable tracking apparatus is equipped with a memory card that sends and receives data and instruction to/from a central data base. The offender's position, determined by a Global Position System, is communicated simultaneously to a victim's portable tracking apparatus, to the central data base, law enforcement and the offender's supervisory authority. A connectionless oriented analog or digital wireless or circuit switched connection oriented digital or analog wireless signal is employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Pro Tech Monitoring, Inc.
    Inventor: Hoyt M. Layson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5974334
    Abstract: A personal digital assistant (PDA) having a multi-positional handset is disclosed. A PDA has a base with a recessed handset cradle and a handset with a shape complementary to the configuration of the cradle. A power storage device is included within the handset and a power supply device is included within the base. For on-the-road use, the handset is configured to be removably secured within the cradle in a substantially flush configuration with the base. For office use, the handset is configured to be removably secured to the base in a substantially non-flush configuration that is easy for a user to grasp. The power storage device can receive power from the power supply device when the handset is in either a flush or non-flush configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Jones, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5963136
    Abstract: An interactive prescription compliance, and life safety system provides remote and on site verification of procedures related to the health status of a person, including taking of medicines, responsiveness to queries, and attendance of health care and service providers in the home by providing for signals to and from a person's location, with alarm activation when a deviation from a preprogrammed procedure occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Charles Terrence O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5955952
    Abstract: The present invention defines a method and system for identifying and locating a lost person or lost personal property. The invention makes use of a subscription service wherein individuals desiring the locating service may pre-register the individual or property. At registration, the subscribing individual provides personal information relevant to the individual or property to be tracked which is stored in a database. The subscribing individual is provided a photo identification card, unique to the individual, which includes a toll-free telephone number and unique Personal Identification Number (PIN) imprinted thereon. If the individual or property to be tracked becomes lost or misplaced, the lost individual or members of his family, or the subscribing individual who has lost his property, may call the toll-free number to report the individual or property as lost or misplaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Sunset Advertising Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Derrick Bergman, James Harwood
  • Patent number: 5949856
    Abstract: A computer-based system is provided for collecting data from callers, including a customer's database corresponding to a customer's Dialed Number Identification Service (DNIS) and in which system the caller has an identification code. When a call is received, the DNIS is detected and is compared with the customer's database to determine the data to collect during the call. If a caller identification code is required, then the caller identification code is obtained and the caller identification code is compared, via the computer, with a check digit algorithm without referencing a caller identification code database. After the call is terminated, a call record is created for the received call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventors: Gary Stoller, Bert E. Broadsky
  • Patent number: 5942986
    Abstract: A critical event notification system continuously monitors patient statistics and lab data to detect critical events, and automatically pages a responsible physician or physicians, each having an alphanumeric pager. In particular, a computer is used to continually access real-time data and multiple hospital databases which are periodically updated. These databases include patient chart databases, databases corresponding to patient history and databases maintained by various labs. The computer, preferably a clinical information system, is automatically provided with certain data, or periodically extracts it from other, relational databases. The computer automatically reviews this data, makes the critical event determination, and formulates an alphanumeric message that is informative as to the patient's condition and the reasons why a critical event was detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
    Inventors: Myron M. Shabot, Mark Lobue
  • Patent number: 5929761
    Abstract: There is described an alarm system (1) comprising: a carrier unit (10; a base unit (30) having an in-output (31) for coupling to a communication network (P); an alarm monitoring station (100) coupled to that communication network (P); wherein the carrier unit (10) comprises a transmitter (20) and an alarm switch (13) coupled to an alarm input (23) of the transmitter (20). By operating the alarm switch (13), the base unit (30) is wirelessly activated by the carrier unit (10). Accordingly, the base unit (30) makes connection with the communication network (P) and selects the access number of the alarm monitoring station (100). In accordance with the invention, the transmitter (20) comprises a microphone input (24) coupled to a microphone (14). Speech signals from the user are wirelessly transmitted by the transmitter (20) to the base unit (30), which transmits these speech signals via the communication network (P) to the alarm monitoring station (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Nederland N.V.
    Inventors: Robert Lambertus Van der Laan, Aart Hendrik Van der Leer
  • Patent number: 5900817
    Abstract: A monitoring system for indicating to a supervisory individual, such as an adult, when a monitored individual, such as a child, has moved beyond a safe predefined maximum distance limit. The monitoring system includes a first electronic module suitably fixed to the monitored individual and arranged to exchange signals that are useful to determine the relative distance and direction the first electronic module is from a suitable second electronic module. The second electronic module, which is in the possession of the supervisory individual, is arranged to exchange signal information with the first electronic module and indicate to the supervisory individual information including when the distance between, and the direction of, the monitored individual. Should the distance between the monitored and supervisory individuals increase beyond the maximum distance limit, an alarm situation may be annunciated by an audio annunciator (or other suitable annunciation device).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Vahe Olmassakian
  • Patent number: 5894591
    Abstract: Personal emergency response communication apparatus is a new and useful improvement for pager to access 911 system to call for help (Police, Fire Department and Paramedic). Equipped with a preprogrammed switch to 911 system, a micro computer chip for memory, mini speaker, microphone and an antenna. Upon triggering the emergency 911 switch, an internal preprogrammed system transmits an encoded message to 911 Emergency Response Center in the immediate area. The personal emergency response communication includes at least one communication system, remote communication device, and at least one MSC and PSTN System. In response to a paging message from a paging party, the communications system transmits audible messages corresponding to the paging messages via a communications link. Once connection is completed the "911" number characters will show on the display window of the pager. User can talk on the microphone and listen on the speaker for the emergency operator's response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: Elizabeth L. Tamayo
  • Patent number: 5892454
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring present location of a person ("confinee") who is to be confined to a designated site, which site can have a diameter as small as a few meters or as large as several kilometers. The present location of the confinee is checked at selected time intervals with time periods ranging from one second to thousands of seconds, as desired. The confinee wears a location-determining ("LD") unit that receives electromagnetic signals that contain information allowing determination of the present location of the LD unit, and thus of the confinee, from three or more non-collinear outdoor LD signal sources and from three or more non-collinear indoor LD signal sources. The indoor LD signal sources may be radiowave transmitters. The outdoor LD signal sources may be transmitters for a Loran, Omega, Decca, Tacan, JTIDS Relnav or PLRS or similar ground-based system, or transmitters for a satellite positioning system, such as GPS or GLONASS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Ltd.
    Inventors: John F. Schipper, James M. Janky
  • Patent number: 5889474
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of transmitting subject status information, such as the status and location of a parolee or individual under house arrest, to a central monitoring station (CMS) operated by, for example, a parole staff or correctional facility. The subject status information is transmitted by a band or collar attached to, for example, the leg or wrist of the subject. A cellular radio communicator receives, encodes and transmits the subject status information over the control channel of a cellular radio communications network as control signals, bypassing the voice channels, to a mobile switching center (MSC) of the cellular radio communications network. The MSC decodes and forwards the subject status information over the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to the CMS. Optionally, the CMS may send a command to the communicator over the same data paths, i.e., the PSTN to the MSC, then over the control channel, formatted as a control signal, to the cellular radio communications network communicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Aeris Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Christoph K. LaDue
  • Patent number: 5880672
    Abstract: An emergency indicator system which comprises a telephone located within a building and a visual display unit. A facility electrically connected to the telephone is for activating the visual display unit, when a person dials 911 on the telephone during an emergency, so that the building can be quickly located, such as by an emergency rescue vehicle, the police, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Edward Weaver
  • Patent number: 5873031
    Abstract: A switch arrangement that employs features which already exist in the switch to otherwise realize capabilities for wired terminals employing the same features to realize capabilities for wireless terminals. In particular, one capability that is necessary for wireless operations is the ability to track the terminals as they roam anywhere within the permissible area. This capability is achieved herein through the "registration" feature of the switch that is designed to handle wired terminals. Tracking is achieved with this feature by causing all wired terminals to send a similar information string, at regular intervals. As the wireless terminal roams, it is acquired by different base stations that are connected to different line ports of the switch and the base stations, effectively, inform the switch of the wireless terminal's wherabouts. Tracking across different switches is also achieved through the registration feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Len Griffith, Michael Lee Nienaber, Norman Wesley Petty
  • Patent number: 5870453
    Abstract: Electronic circuitry is provided that is operative to detect telephone usage or doorbell activation, whereupon the circuitry causes a command signal, such as a muting signal recognizable by an audio or sound producing device, to be emitted and deactivate or mute the device. With respect to muting in response to a phone call, a manual operator input or detection of a telephone on-hook condition causes the device to be restored. Following doorbell activation induced muting, timing features of the circuitry cause a restoration signal to be sent to the device automatically after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. The muting circuitry is particularly suited as an enhancement to a personal emergency response system, as well as for a remotely monitored alarm system that incorporates a listening device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: L. Dennis Shapiro
  • Patent number: 5870029
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the location and/or presence of an object/person within a desired area includes a mobile base station, a central control center, a mobile signaling device carried by the monitored object/person, and a geolocating means. The mobile base station may be transported to an arbitrary site and retains the monitored object/person within a desired area. The central control center determines the acceptability of the location of the monitored object/person and may raise an alarm condition when the monitored object/person is not within the desired area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Otto, Brian P. Holt, Arthur L. Stewart
  • Patent number: 5867103
    Abstract: A portable monitoring device is provided for each monitored person which secures to a respective monitored person and which has tamper detection means contained therein. The portable monitoring device receives a signal from a detached sending unit and transmits a signal for transfer to a central location. A position reference is arrived at following a mathematical computation. Storage of the position reference may occur within a locational tracking database along with associated occurrence references which identify when the portable monitoring device was at a specific positional location. The locational tracking database will be used as a law enforcement tool. Excluded sites may be designated within the system, which the monitored person may not enter. A dual tracking monitoring enables a restrictor person to be protected from a restrictee person by determining when the restrictee person comes within a predetermined distance measurement from the restrictor person and generating a notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: John E. Taylor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5861810
    Abstract: A system and method for communicating information concerning the status of inmates to callers and automatically notify victims registered with the system at a registered electronic address when the status of a specified inmate has changed. The notifications to the electronic address of the registered victim will continue at spaced predetermined intervals until either the registered victim responds with a registered personal identification number or a predetermined time period measured from the initial time notification elapses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Yung T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 5852408
    Abstract: A system includes a medication dispensing device that is adapted for dispensing a medication to a patient at a predetermined time interval and includes a method for the detection of the timely removal of the medication from the device. When the medication is not timely removed from the device a signal of non-compliance is generated and is received by an alarm system that is adapted to summon help. According to a first embodiment the alarm system places a telephone call to a care-giver or, if the care-giver is unresponsive, to an alternate care-giver who in turn makes contact with the patient. According to a second embodiment the alarm system places a telephone call to a central monitoring station which attempts to make contact with the patient by use of a two-way speaker phone that is included in the alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventors: Steven Aagard Christiansen, Steven John Colling, George Henry Weiser
  • Patent number: 5838771
    Abstract: A novelty device for identifying the physical location of a 911 telephone-reported emergency thereby reducing the time required for the emergency professionals to arrive on the scene and to begin administering a potentially life saving service. Dialing 911 automatically activates the invention's flashing light and audible warning device at the address where the call originates. This enables an Emergency Response Team to identify the location of an emergency from a distance and thus mitigates the need for a house to house search. Another important feature of this device is one of transmitting a telephone key activated prerecorded message by a caller who for some reason is unable to speak. The invention also enhances Neighborhood Watch Programs by alerting other residents of said emergency. The unit can be remotely reset by dialing a known numerical telephone sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: John Daniel Moeller
  • Patent number: 5835575
    Abstract: A computer-based system is provided for collecting data from callers, including a customer's database corresponding to a customer's Dialed Number Identification Service (DNIS) and in which system the caller has an identification code. When a call is received, the DNIS is detected and is compared with the customer's database to determine the data to collect during the call. If a caller identification code is required, then the caller identification code is obtained and the caller identification code is compared, via the computer, with a check digit algorithm without referencing a caller identification code database. After the call is terminated, a call record is created for the received call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventors: Gary Stoller, Bert E. Broadsky
  • Patent number: 5831535
    Abstract: An electronic monitoring device to be attached to a subject for monitoring, at a remote location, movement and/or other activities of the subject, includes a closure member incorporating an identification tag having a unique identification number stored therein. The monitoring device further includes an electronic data processor programmed to read and store the identification number of the electronic tag when the closure member is applied, and periodically thereafter, to make a determination of whether a closure member is currently attached to the subject having an identification number matching the stored identification number, and to transmit to the remote location an identification signal corresponding to such determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Elmo-Tech Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoav Reisman, Guy Greitser, Gil Gemer, Tzahi Itzhak Pilli
  • Patent number: 5812054
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to be connected to any standard alarm control panel for the verification of the actuated alarm. This device includes one or two printed circuit board(s), preferably one, which is located within a house or integrated within the alarm control panel. On this board, which is referred to as an "Interface Module", are located an alarm panel interface for receiving the alarm signal from the alarm control panel, a specially programmed microcontroller, a non-volatile memory, an audio selecting matrix connected to at least one remote microphone unit, and a public switch telephone network (PSTN) interface, which is connected to a telephone line, through which the Interface Module communicates with the control station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Audiogard International Ltd.
    Inventor: Moshe Cohen
  • Patent number: 5787429
    Abstract: A potential hazard and risk-assessment data communication network for collecting, maintaining and utilizing such data efficiently, particularly for providing such data to emergency service providers via emergency service provider dispatcher, the network and data typically maintained by a custodian, the data communication network comprising, in combination a pre-existing database and a pre-existing information communication system, a potential user report means, the report means sufficient to efficiently report any and all potential hazard and risk-assessment data to the custodian of the network, an enhanced database, the enhanced database having a predetermined structure, the enhanced database comprising all potential hazard and risk-assessment data of potential utility to an emergency service provider, and an emergency service provider dispatch means, the dispatch means having a direct link to the enhanced database and a direct link to a emergency service provider, wherein upon placing a distress call via th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Michael A. Nikolin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5760704
    Abstract: An electronic patient tracking system for use in a hospital, particularly a hospital emergency room facility. A plurality of patient tracking modules are provided, each of which includes a multi-character display for indicating patient name and patient complaint as well as an indicator of attending physician and nurse. Illuminated color coded switches are used to indicate the placement of orders for work to be done. The system provides automatic timeouts if the order is not completed, as evidenced by subsequent operation of the switch, within a predetermined period of time and changes the lamp status to an alarm condition, such as flashing with a particular cadence. The system allows local entry of data and setting of order indicators as well as the control of these elements from a host computer system of the hospital in which the device is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Expeditor Systems
    Inventors: Giles L. Barton, D. Phillip Pope
  • Patent number: 5754111
    Abstract: Medical alerting systems and procedures are provided which can communicate a message representative of a healthcare condition to one or more target recipients. The system includes a receiver which accepts data or indicia of the healthcare condition, and a processor, which assigns a preselected output to the data or indicia and which maps the output to a particular primary target recipient. A transmitter then signals the preselected output to a target. The system can be set up to record a confirmation that the message has indeed been delivered to the target and can be programmed to escalate to a secondary target in the event the primary target does not acknowledge receipt within a preset time limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Alfredo Garcia
  • Patent number: 5742233
    Abstract: A signaling system comprises a portable signaling unit, a remote alarm switch device, a central dispatch station, and a wireless communication system such as a cellular or telephone system, etc., and a GPS or alike system. The portable signaling unit and the remote alarm switch may be adapted to be worn at different locations on the person's body. The remote alarm switch may be concealed in the form of a wristband or in the form of any other object such as a broach, pendant, or keychain. When the person in distress activates the remote alarm switch or when the remote alarm switch is removed from the individual by a forceful or unauthorized action or when the signaling unit is removed from the proximity of the remote alarm switch, the portable signaling unit sends a data transmission which includes its location to the central dispatch station. The portable signaling unit also has manual alarm trigger capabilities so it can be used without the remote alarm switch unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Hoffman Resources, LLC
    Inventors: Mark S. Hoffman, Judd A. Hoffman, Ann Hoffman, David G. Doe
  • Patent number: 5731757
    Abstract: A portable locator or tracking apparatus is provided for continuous location determination of subjects which communicates with a body-worn, non-removable, tamper resistant transceiver and a central data-base system. The portable tracking apparatus has a Global Position System (GPS) receiver and inertial sensors for determining location, microprocessors for logic and mathematical algorithm processing, memory for programs and data, a wireless transceiver for communications with the body-worn device, a wireless transceiver for communicating with the central data-base system, an alpha-numeric display for displaying text messages sent to the subject acoustic speaker and microphone for voice and tone messages with subjects, electronic tamper sensors, motion sensors, attitude position sensor, batteries and external connectors for power, recharge, communications and auxiliary antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Pro Tech Monitoring, Inc.
    Inventor: Hoyt M. Layson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5717379
    Abstract: A remote monitoring system for monitoring properties of persons to be protected includes at least one video pickup device (C) positioned at the property (1) to be protected. The video pickup device can either be continuously operable or activated via a datalink by a central station. The person to be protected who is approaching the property (1) is informed about conditions at the property via a mobile telephone (MT) before arriving at the property being protected based on surveillance data provided to the central station by the video pickup device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Alcatel N.V.
    Inventor: Wolfgang Peters
  • Patent number: 5712619
    Abstract: A new Global Positioning System Personal Alarm for providing a personal alarm system in the event of an assault, medical emergency, or any other intrusive wrong-doing whereby utilizing global positioning system technology and cellular phone technology to transmit the user's longitudinal and latitudinal position to a monitoring station which relays the user's position to the proper authorities. The device includes a housing structure, an alarm activating apparatus secured to the housing structure, an alarm means, a global positioning system positioned within the housing structure, a power source electronically connected to the global positioning system, and a cellular phone system electronically connected to the global positioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventor: Alan C. Simkin
  • Patent number: 5696487
    Abstract: The audible alarm apparatuses include fire sensing portion, location setting portion for setting a location of the fire sensing portion, system controller for providing information about the location of the fire outbreak and controlling interface devices, DTMF generator, DTMF receiver, voice data storage portion responsive to the information outputted from the system controller for providing a voice data, parallel to serial converter, digital to analog converter, and amplifier, etc. The apparatuses give and take the information about the location of the fire outbreak directly with each other via a telephone line without a host computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Pyeong-Hwa Electronic Co.
    Inventor: Hong-Seok Choi
  • Patent number: 5694452
    Abstract: An emergency telecommunications device comprising a telecommunications control circuit having an automatic dialing circuit preprogrammed to dial 911; a digital-to-analog voice circuit to transmit one of three predetermined messages to an emergency operator when the control circuit is activated by one of three activation buttons: a medical emergency activation control button, a fire activation control button, and a police activation control button; and a touch tone decoding circuit that allows an emergency operator to play first and second user programmable messages and to control various functions of the telecommunications device. The fire, medical emergency and police control activation buttons are normally covered by a pivoting lid member. Closure of the lid member actuates a device activation control switch. When the lid member is in a fully closed position the telecommunications device is in the OFF state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Eric E. Bertolet
  • Patent number: 5692215
    Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring a user in a user living area. The system includes a system controller and an activity detection subsystem. The activity detection subsystem monitors a daily living activity of the user and provides information representative of the daily living activity to the system controller. The system controller includes a control circuit which generates a control signal in response to the daily living activity information obtained by the activity detection subsystem. Control information from the system controller is applied by way of a control information communication channel both to the activity detection subsystem and to a remote monitoring site. The activity detection subsystem may be a system for determining the movement of the user around the home, medication compliance by the user, problems with usage of stoves or other potentially dangerous appliances, and selected auxiliary appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Gerotech, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Kutzik, Anthony P. Glascock, Douglas L. Chute, Thomas T. Hewett, Barbara G. Hornum
  • Patent number: 5689229
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a patient care and communication system which utilizes a central processing system and a plurality of remote stations electrically connected to the central processing system to facilitate visual and data communications. Each remote station includes telephone circuitry which is connected to a private branch exchange for telephone communications between stations. In addition, the private branch exchange is connected to a telephone exchange and a plurality of telephones for facilitating telephone communication therebetween. The central processing system facilitates the visual and data communications between the plurality of remote stations, and includes a system for determining which of the plurality of remote stations are transmitting the visual and data communications and which of the plurality of remote stations are to receive the visual and data communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Executone Information Systems Inc.
    Inventors: John Chaco, Israel Hersh, Dmitry Orlovsky, Joe Vincens, Yaron Ram
  • Patent number: 5673304
    Abstract: A programmable emergency communication system for dialing an emergency number, such as a number for a central station, a 911 exchange, or third parties, permits voice-to-voice communication between a home system and the called number. The home system automatically dials one of the stored telephone numbers in response to a signal from a hand held medallion, a signal from a sip/puff switch, a signal from a paddle switch, a signal from a smoke detector, or a signal from a front panel of the home system. The home system reports emergency signals and also reports non-emergency signals, such as a low battery condition, to the central station. The home system has many options which may be programmed to suit the particular desires of the user. The home system may be programmed by any telephone which has access to the telephone line to which the home system is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: AC Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Connor, Tracy McKeithan, David Lubin, Thomas Seuberling