(12) United States Patent
`Script et al.
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,542,078 B2
`Apr. 1, 2003
`
`US006542078B2
`
`PORTABLE MOTION DETECTOR AND
`ALARM SYSTEM AND METHOD
`
`Inventors: Henry J. Script, 887 W. Ferry St.,
`Buffalo, NY (US); Michael H. Script,
`85 Fordham Dr., Buffalo, NY (US)
`14216
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 101 days.
`
`Appl. No.:
`Filed:
`
`09/785,702
`
`Feb. 16, 2001
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2001/0010493 A1 Aug. 2, 2001
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Continuation—in—part of application No. 09/271,511, filcd on
`Mar. 18, 1999, now Pat. No. 6,215 396, which is a continu-
`ation—in—part of application No. 08/865,886, filed on May 30,
`1997, now abandoned.
`Provisional application No. 60/018,829, filed on May 30,
`1996.
`
`Int. Cl.7 .............................................. .. G08B 13/08
`U.S. Cl.
`.................. .. 340/545.1; 340/546; 340/547;
`340/548; 340/539; 348/155
`Field of Search ............................ .. 340/545.1, 546,
`340/547, 548, 539, 531, 533; 348/143,
`152, 153, 154, 155, 159, 169; 379/37, 38,
`39, 44
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,696,359
`3,696,380
`3,781,836
`3,833,895
`
`* 10/1972 Ross et al. ............ .. 340/547 x
`*>15
`10/1972 Murphy .................... .. 340/546
`>k
`12/1973 Kruper et al.
`............ .. 340/539
`9/1974 Fecteau ............. .. 340/545.1 X
`
`4,148,019
`4,149,156
`4.271,405
`4,446,454
`4,511,886
`4,737,770
`4,888,580
`5,317,303
`5,319,698
`5,489,890
`5,850,180
`6,052,052
`6,163,257
`6.215,396
`
`_U_=t>3>>>>>>>>CI>>>CI>
`
`4/1979
`4/1979
`6/1981
`5/1984
`4/1985
`4/1988
`12/1989
`5/1994
`6/1994
`2/1996
`12/1998
`4/2000
`12/2000
`4/2001
`
`Durkee .............. .. 340/545.1 X
`Blasucci
`. 340/545.2
`Kittcrman ..
`340/512
`Pyle ........ ..
`. 340/538
`Rodiiquez .
`. 340/534
`Bunius et al.
`340/539
`Distel
`...... ..
`. 340/573.1
`340/539
`.......... .. 379/39
`Glidewell et al.
`Moser ...................... .. 340/546
`. 340/541
`. 340/539
`Delmonaco
`Tracy ....................... .. 340/506
`Script
`.................... .. 340/545.1
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner—Thomas Mullen
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Waltcr W. Duft
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Aportable security alarm system which can be installed on
`a temporary basis and removed from an object whose
`movement is to be detected including a motion detecting and
`radio signal transmitting member for mounting proximate
`the object whose movement is to be detected, a member for
`selectively coupling and decoupling the motion detecting
`and radio signal transmitting member relative to the object
`Whose movement is to be detected, a combined radio signal
`receiving and alarm generating member for receiving a
`signal from thc combined motion detecting and radio signal
`transmitting member and producing an alarm, a remote
`control for actuating and deactuating the radio signal receiv-
`ing and alarm generating member, an information gathering
`device adapted to receive the predetermined signal, to gather
`information relating to the movement, and to transmit the
`information, and a remote notification device adapted to
`receive the information from the information gathering
`device, to establish data communication with a remote host,
`and to provide the information to the remote host.
`
`20 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`Page 1 of 17
`
`SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1001
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`r._PA
`
`30021,
`
`Sheet 1 of 9
`
`US 6,542,078 B2
`
`Page 2 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 1, 2003
`
`Sheet 2 of 9
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`US 6,542,078 B2
`
`Page 3 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`r._PA
`
`30021,
`
`Sheet 3 of 9
`
`US 6,542,078 B2
`
`Page 4 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`r..PA
`
`30021,
`
`Sheet 4 of 9
`
`US 6,542,078 B2
`
`mm>_mumm
`
`2.2
`
`momzmm
`
`<zzm:z<
`
`Page 5 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 1, 2003
`
`Sheet 5 of 9
`
`US 6,542,078 B2
`
`I gljgjlj : !__
`
`Page 6 of 17
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`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 1, 2003
`
`Sheet 6 of 9
`
`US 6,542,078 B2
`
`100
`
`102
`
`104
`
`105
`
`POWER
`
`SUPPLY
`
`CAMERA
`
`RF
`
`TRANSMIT
`
`RF
`
`Page 7 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 1, 2003
`
`Sheet 7 of 9
`
`US 6,542,078 B2
`
`POWER
`SUPPLY
`
`IMAGE
`OUTPUT
`
`RF
`RECHVE
`
`COMPUTER
`
`POWER
`SUPPLY
`
`MEMORY
`
`RF
`RECEIVE
`
`NETWORK
`INTERFACE
`
`Page 8 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 1, 2003
`
`Sheet 8 of 9
`
`US 6,542,078 B2
`
`MEMORY
`
`RF
`RECBVE
`
`NETWORK
`INTERFACE
`
`BASE INTERFACE
`
`FIG. 14C
`
`Page 9 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 1, 2003
`
`Sheet 9 of 9
`
`US 6,542,078 B2
`
`INFORMATION GATHERING DEVICE NOTIFIED
`OF MOVEMENT BY MOVEMENT DETECTING
`SYSTEM AND SIGNAL TRANSMITTING MEANS
`
`INFORMATION GATHERING DEVICE
`ACTIVATES CAMERA TO BEGIN
`ACQUIRING IMAGES
`
`RF TRANSMITTER SENDS IMAGE INFORMATION
`TO REMOTE NOTIFICATION DEVICE
`
`REMOTE NOTIFICATION DEVICE
`RECEIVES INFORMATION FROM
`INFORMATION GATHERING DEVICE
`
`REMOTE NOTIFICATION DEVICE
`FORWARDS RECEIVED
`INFORMATION TO COMPUTER
`
`REMOTE NOTIFICATION DEVICE
`BUFFERS RECEIVED
`INFORMATION
`
`COMPUTER FORWARDS
`INFORMATION TO NETWORK
`HOST
`
`REMOTE NOTIFICATION DEVICE
`FORWARDS INFORMATION TO
`NETWORK HOST
`
`Page 10 of 17
`
`

`
`US 6,542,078 B2
`
`1
`PORTABLE MOTION DETECTOR AND
`ALARM SYSTEM AND METHOD
`
`CROSS—REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation-in-part of application
`Ser. No. 09/271,511, filed Mar. 18, 1999, 11ow U.S. Pat. No.
`6,215,396, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.
`No. 08/865,886, filed May 30, 1997, now abandoned, which
`is based on U.S. provisional application serial No. 60/018,
`829, filed May 30, 1996.
`
`STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY
`SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
`
`Not Applicable
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`The invention relates generally to an improved motion
`detector and alarm system for actuating an alarm device in
`response to movement of an object, and more particularly to
`a portable motion detector and alarm system wl1icl1 is easy
`to install and operate and is capable of detecting motion
`relative to a variety of predetermined positions.
`2. Prior Art
`
`The problem of protecting homes, businesses and other
`premises against unauthorized intrusions is becoming
`increasingly important due to the increase in vandalism,
`theft and even physical attacks upon the inhabitants. Various
`prior art systems have been developed to address the prob-
`lem and numerous examples exist of alarm or warning
`devices. One commonly used protective system involves
`wiring doors and windows in such a manner that an unau-
`thorized opening of the door or window activates an electric
`circuit which in turn produces an alarm.
`For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,271,405 to Kitterman dis-
`closes an alarm control system for protecting a premises
`including a four conductor bus line leading from a master
`control station and extending about the interior perimeter of
`the premises. Sensors positioned near each port of entry to
`be monitored are connected in parallel relationship to the
`bus line. Each sensor carries a biased reel carrying line
`secured to a window, door, screen or the like. Disturbance of
`a sensor causes a magnetically responsive switch therein to
`generate a pulse triggering circuitry within the control
`station to activate the desired alarm device.
`
`While effective, this system requires extensive wiring of
`the premises as a bus line must be routed about the interior
`perimeter of the premises between a master control station
`and the ports of entry at which the motion sensors are to be
`located. Ilence, this system is time consuming and compli-
`cated to install, and installation may require expertise
`beyond that of the average home or business owner. Once
`installed, the sensors of this system are not easily relocated.
`Further, the system may be defeated by cutting the wires
`extending between the sensors and the master control sta-
`tion.
`
`U.S. Pat. No. 3,781,836 to Kruper et al discloses an alarm
`system including a magnetic pulse generator for producing
`an output pulse in response to a change in magnetic flux in
`response to an intrusion of a designated area. A radio
`transmitter circuit responds to the pulse from the magnetic
`pulse generator by transmitting a signal to a remote receiver
`circuit which in turn generates a pulse for actuating an
`intrusion alarm circuit. The system requires a complex
`
`2
`linkage assembly to translate motion of the object to motion
`of a magnet. In addition a relatively bulky pick-up coil
`assembly is necessary to generate the pulse to be applied to
`the transmitter circuit.
`U.S. Pat. No. 3,696,380 to Murphy discloses a portable
`alarm device with a battery or low voltage operated sound
`signal triggered by a magnetic reed switch which is closed
`to complete the circuit by a magnet attached to a movably
`mounted arm,
`the poles of the magnet being positioned
`0 perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the Contact
`strips of the reed switch to cause the reed switch to close
`when the magnet is in either of two positions relative to the
`switch.
`
`1
`
`A need remains for a motion detection and signal gener-
`ating system which is small in size, easily transport-able,
`easy to install and which can sense motion relative to any
`desired initial position of an object. An additional desirable
`capability of the foregoing system would be to provide
`information about the detected motion to a remote location,
`such as a law enforcement or other security agency.
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
`provide a system for detecting the movement of an object
`comprising: an object whose movement is to be detected,
`movable magnet means coupled to the object such that
`movement of the object results in movement of said mov-
`able magnet means, and means for detecting movement of
`the movable magnet means and providing an indication of
`the movement. The means for detecting is in communication
`with the movable magnet means.
`The system further includes radiating means for wire-
`lessly transmitting a predetermined signal in response to the
`indication of movement, the radiating means being coupled
`to the means for detecting. The object whose movement is
`to be detected may be coupled to the movable magnet means
`by a wire means which can also serve as the radiating means.
`The system further includes means for receiving the
`predetermined signal, the means for receiving being separate
`from and located at a distance from the radiating means. The
`system preferably includes means for generating an alarm
`signal when the predetermined signal is received by the
`means for receiving. The alarm signal thus generated may be
`audible, visual or electronic and may include speakers,
`warning horns, lamps and the like.
`It is a further object of the invention to provide a method
`of detecting movement of one or more objects comprising
`the steps of: a) coupling each object whose movement is to
`be detected to a corresponding movable magnet such that
`movement of any object results in movement of the corre-
`sponding magnet; b) detecting the motion of the correspond-
`ing magnet; c)
`transmitting a predetermined signal
`in
`response to the detected motion, and, d)
`receiving the
`predetermined signal at a distance from the object, or
`objects, whose motion is to be detected.
`The method may include the further step of providing an
`alarm signal when the predetermined signal is received by
`the receiver means. The alarm signal may be audible,
`visible, or may be an electronic alarm signal which is
`transmitted to a remote alarm center via a telecommunica-
`tions means such as a telephone line.
`It is a further object of the invention to provide a move-
`ment detection and alarm system which may be affixed to a
`wide variety of objects including inside doors, outside gates,
`garage doors, children’s barriers such as “baby gates”,
`valuable wall hangings and paintings, and countless other
`objects.
`
`Page 11 of 17
`
`

`
`US 6,542,078 B2
`
`3
`It is a further object of the invention to provide a n1ove-
`ment detection and alarm system which is portable and is
`easily packed in a suitcase and transported with a traveler to
`be later installed on motel or hotel room doors and windows
`whenever additional protection is desired by the traveler.
`It is a further object of the invention to provide movement
`information to a remote location, such as a law enforcement
`or security agency.
`The present invention relates to a portable security alarm
`system which can be installed on a temporary basis and
`removed from an object whose movement is to be detected
`comprising a motion detecting and radio signal transmitting
`member, means for selectively coupling and decoupling said
`motion detecting and radio signal
`transmitting member
`relative to said object whose movement is to be detected,
`and a combined radio signal receiving and alarm generating
`member for receiving a signal from said combined motion
`detecting and radio signal transmitting member and produc-
`ing an alarm. The alarm system also preferably includes a
`remote control member for selectively actuating and deac-
`tuating said combined radio signal receiving and alarm
`generating member. The alarm system also preferably
`includes an information gathering device for gathering
`movement information and a remote notification device for
`providing the movement information to a remote location.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL
`VIEWS OF TIIE DRAWING
`
`The foregoing and other objects and features of the
`present invention will become more fully apparent from the
`following description and appended claims, taken in con-
`junction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding
`that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the
`invention and are, therefore not to be considered limiting of
`its scope, the invention will be described with additional
`specificity and detail
`through use of the accompanying
`drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 is a pictorial diagram showing the components of
`the system according to the present invention as they appear
`in use.
`
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the motion sensing and
`transmitting means of the present invention.
`FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the motion sensing and
`transmitting means of the present invention taken along lines
`3—3 of FIG. 2.
`
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the interior of the motion
`sensing and transmitting means of the present invention.
`FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the sensing means.
`FIG. 6 is a close—up view of the movable magnet means.
`FIG. 7 is an exploded top perspective view of the motion
`sensing and transmitting means of the present invention.
`FIG. 8 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the
`motion sensing and transmitting means of the present inven-
`tion.
`
`FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a
`transmitting means according to the present invention.
`FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a
`receiver means according to the present invention.
`FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the structure for aflixing
`the outer end of the retractable wire to the object whose
`movement is to be detected.
`
`FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the system
`of the invention including a remote notification device and
`an information gathering device.
`
`4
`FIG. 13 is a detailed fiinctional block diagram showing
`details of the information gathering device of FIG. 12.
`FIG. 14A is a detailed functional block diagram showing
`details of a first embodiment of the remote notification
`device of FIG. 12.
`
`FIG. 14B is a detailed functional block diagram showing
`details of a second embodiment of the remote notification
`device of FIG. 12.
`
`FIG. 14C is a detailed functional block diagram showing
`details of a third embodiment of the remote notification
`device of FIG. 12.
`
`FIG. 15 is a flow diagram showing operational steps
`performed by the information gathering and remote notifi-
`cation devices of FIG. 12.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`The following detailed description of the embodiments of
`the present invention, as represented in FIGS. 1—15, is not
`intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but
`is merely representative of the presently preferred embodi-
`ments of the invention. The presently preferred embodi-
`ments of the invention will be best understood by reference
`to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like
`numerals throughout.
`FIG. 1 shows, in pictorial block diagram form, the major
`components of the movement detecting device and alarm
`system 10 of the present invention. The system is comprised
`of at least one movement detecting and signal transmitting
`means 20, including a retractable wire means 22, a receiver
`means 30 and a remote control means 40.
`
`More than one movement detecting and signal transmit-
`ting means 20 may be utilized in implementing the system
`of the present invention. One movement detecting and signal
`transmitting means 20 may be placed on each object whose
`movement it is desired to detect. For example, in a room
`with four windows 25 and two doors 24, six movement
`detecting and signal transmitting means 20 may be utilized,
`one on each window and one on each door. However, only
`one receiver means 30 is necessary regardless of the number
`of movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20
`used. There is no limit to the number of movement detecting
`and signal transmitting means 20 which may be used with
`one receiver.
`
`Each movement detecting and signal transmitting means
`20 is coupled to one object, such as a door 24, or window 25,
`whose movement
`is to be detected.
`In a preferred
`embodiment,
`the coupling means is a retractable wire 22
`which extends from movement detecting and signal trans-
`mitting means 20 to the object, 25 or 24, whose movement
`is to be detected. One end of retractable wire 22 is aflixed to
`the object and the other is coupled to movable magnets (best
`illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6) located inside casing 31 of
`movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20. Typi-
`cal means of aflixing the end of retractable wire 22 to an
`object include VELCRO tabs, glue, removable tape, and the
`like.
`
`Receiver means 30 is configured to receive a predeter-
`mined signal which is wirelessly transmitted by movement
`detecting and signal transmitting means 20 whenever the
`object whose movement is to be detected, is displaced from
`a predetermined position. The object whose movement is to
`be detected need not be in any particular position when the
`end of retractable wire 22 is aflixed thereto. If the object is
`a window, such as depicted at 25, the window may be closed,
`
`Page 12 of 17
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`

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`US 6,542,078 B2
`
`5
`or it may be partially or fully open, when retractable wire 22
`is affixed. Any displacement from its position when retract-
`able wire 22 is affixed will be detected and alarmed.
`
`Accordingly, a window may be left in a partially open
`position, as for example, to provide fresh air to a room, while
`the occupant attends to other matters, or sleeps. Any dis-
`placement from the partially open position will cause the
`alarm signal to be generated. Even in a situation wherein an
`intruder reached into the window and removed movement
`detecting and signal
`transmitting means 20 from the
`window, the predetermined signal would be transmitted and
`the alarm signal generated, thus warning the occupant of an
`intrusion.
`
`Receiver 30 can be any receiver known in the art capable
`of receiving the signal transmitted through retractable wire
`22. In response to the transmitted signal, receiver 30 initiates
`a local alarm which can be audible or visual. In addition,
`receiver 30 may initiate contact with police, medical, rescue
`or other emergency facilities or agencies. Receiver 30 can be
`AC powered and may be equipped with an on/off switch.
`Receiver 30 need not be co-located with movement detec-
`tion and signal transmitting means 20 and can be positioned
`anywhere within reception distance of the transmitted sig-
`nal. Receiver means 30 may be positioned anywhere about
`the room or the area to be protected and may be placed up
`to a distance of I50 ft. to 200 ft. or greater from movement
`detecting and signal transmitting means 20.
`In a preferred embodiment receiver means 30 is powered
`by alternating current (AC). Therefore, it must be located
`such that a power cord, or an extension thereof, can be
`extended to the nearest AC outlet. Alternate embodiments of
`receiver means 30 may be powered by battery, or may
`include battery backup means to supply power to receiver 30
`in the event of a power failure.
`In a preferred embodiment receiver means 30 is a com-
`mercially available BLACK WIDOW receiver unit, or sirni—
`lar units, which may be purchased off—the—shelf from various
`electronics supply companies such as Whitney Electronics
`or Holsfelt Electronics. An AC adapter such as that depicted
`at 26 in FIG. 1 may be used to provide the correct operating
`voltage for receiver means 30. In a preferred embodiment of
`the present invention a BLACK WIDOW RF receiver Model
`#2.CL manufactured by LCD Co. of California was used as
`a receiver. FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram, of a type
`well understood by those of ordinary skill in the electronics
`arts, of a receiver unit suitable for use in the present
`invention.
`
`Returning to FIG. 1, the system of the present invention
`may also include a remote control unit 40 which may be
`purchased from the same source as receiver means 30.
`Remote control means 40 controls the operating state of
`receiver means 30. That is, remote control means 40 may be
`used to electronically enable or disable receiver means 30
`such that the response of receiver 30 to the signal transmitted
`by retractable wire 22 can be controlled. Remote control
`means 40 preferably includes a panic button which, when
`depressed or otherwise enabled, transmits a signal which
`instantly activates the alarm function of receiver means 30.
`The means for activating can be a switch 27 which may be
`operated by hand to cause remote control unit 40 to activate
`the alarm signal, or to discontinue the alarm signal after it
`has been activated by either the predetermined signal or the
`remove control unit 40 itself.
`
`This feature serves as a “panic” button, i.e., a means of
`triggering the alarm within receiver 30 to attract attention or
`call for aid in the presence of other emergencies. When it is
`
`6
`desired to discontinue the alarm signal, switch 27 may be set
`to a position which causes the previously activated alarm
`signal to stop. Such remote control units and receivers are
`well known in the electronic arts and are commonly used in
`other electronics applications. Accordingly, remote control
`unit 40 is also readily available from commercial sources
`and may be purchased and utilized in the system of the
`present invention “off—the—shelf.” The transmitter circuit of
`remote control unit 40 may be used as a model for trans-
`mitter 4 (FIG. 9) of the movement detector and signal
`transmitting means 20 of the present invention such that
`both transmit the proper signal for receiver means 30.
`This feature may also serve as a means of testing the
`system 10 to determine its operational status, i.e., ready to
`operate (or armed), or malfunctioning.
`If switch 27 is
`manually set by the operator to a position designed to
`activate the alarm signal within receiver 30, and no alarm
`signal is produced, a malfunction condition is present. If the
`alarm signal within receiver 30 is produced, the system 10
`may be considered “armed” or ready to operate.
`Once system 10 is configured as desired, i.e., each move-
`ment detecting and signal transmitting means 20 is posi-
`tioned on a corresponding object whose motion is to be
`detected, and receiver 30 is armed, any movement of win-
`dow 25 or door 24 will cause a predetermined signal to be
`radiated from movement detecting and signal transmitting
`means 20 and wirelessly transmitted to receiver 30. Receiver
`30 will receive the transmitted predetermined signal and
`provide an alarm signal in response. In the embodiment
`shown the alarm signal is an audio signal provided through
`one or more speakers located within receiver 30.
`Turning now to FIG. 2 there is shown a perspective view
`of movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20,
`including casing 31, switch 33, retractable wire aflixing
`means 28 and retractable wire 22. Casing 31 may include an
`opening 35 for allowing visible light, as from a lamp or an
`LED 32, to be seen by the naked eye. The illumination of
`such a lamp, or light emitting means, gives an operator a
`visible indication of the operational status of movement
`detecting and signal transmitting means 20.
`Casing 32 further includes a slotted opening 41 through
`which retractable wire 22 and retractable wire aflixing
`means 28 may be disposed. This allows flexibility in posi-
`tioning retractable wire 22 on an object relative to the
`position of movement detecting and signal
`transmitting
`means 20.
`FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional View of the movement
`detecting and signal transmitting means depicted in FIG. 2,
`taken along lines 3—3 of FIG. 2. Casing 31 surrounds the
`internal components. The major internal components of
`movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20 are:
`an electronic circuit board 52, a rotatable frame 62 for
`supporting magnet means 54, a supporting-base means 34
`and a rear panel 66. Rotatable frame 62 includes a channel
`means 64, wherein retractable wire means 22 may be
`disposed, and wrapped around rotatable frame 62. Also
`shown is spring means 58 (best illustrated in FIG. 8) for
`maintaining constant tension on wire means 22 as wire
`means 22 is pulled closer, or further from casing 31. The
`foregoing components are coupled together by pin means 60
`(best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8).
`As shown in FIG. 4 retractable wire means 22 is in
`communication at one end with rotatable frame 62. Rotat-
`able frame 62 includes one or more movable magnets 54,
`preferably opposite pole magnets which are spaced from
`each other and disposed within rotatable frame 62. The
`
`Page 13 of 17
`
`

`
`US 6,542,078 B2
`
`7
`preferred embodiment includes 8 such magnet means 54
`spaced equidistantly from each other around rotatable frame
`62. Magnet means 54 may be of a type commonly available
`commercially from sources such as Radio Shack. One such
`magnet means suitable for use in a preferred embodiment of
`the present invention is a common 1/3" diameter earth magnet
`available from Radio Shack, part number 64-1895.
`Rotatable frame 62 is preferably a circular supporting
`frame which is provided with a central opening 70 about
`which rotatable frame 62 rotates. Rotatable frame 62 is
`adapted to include a channel 64 for receiving retractable
`wire 22. Channel 64 extends about the circumference of
`rotatable frame 62 and allows retractable wire 22 to be
`wrapped about rotatable frame 62 in a manner similar to that
`of a string wrapped around a yo yo. The end of retractable
`wire 22 is in contact with rotatable frame 62 may be affixed
`to rotatable frame 62 by traditional means such by knotting
`the end of retractable wire 22 and inserting it into a notch
`within channel 64, or by wrapping and tying one end of
`retractable wire 22 securely around channel 64. Retractable
`wire 22 must be secured such that slippage of retractable
`wire 22 within channel 64 is avoided. Other means of
`securing one end of retractable wire 22 witl1ir1 channel 64
`will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
`Magnet means 54 may be inserted into openings (not
`shown) in rotatable frame 62 and held in place by means of
`glue, or other suitable aflixing means. The openings into
`which magnet means 54 are inserted should provide a snug
`fit for magnet means 54 such that movable magnet means 54
`will remain securely in place throughout the life of system
`10.
`
`FIGS. 7 and 8 show exploded views from the top and
`bottom, respectively, of movement detecting and signal
`transmitting means 20. As shown in the figures, case 31 and
`rear panel 66 enclose the components of movement detect-
`ing and signal transmitting means 20. On/off switch 33
`provides a means for connecting and disconnecting power
`from battery 44 from the components residing on electronic
`circuit board 52. Battery 44 may be a common 9V battery of
`a size suitable for disposition within case 31. Other battery
`means, such as miniature batteries, may be utilized to
`construct smaller embodiments of the present invention.
`Such means will be readily apparent to those sldlled in the
`art.
`Electronic circuit board 52 includes means 56 for detect-
`ing movement of movable magnet means 54. Means 56 for
`detecting movement of movable magnet means 54 may be a
`magnetic field sensor such as a KMZ10B available from
`Phillips Semiconductors. A schematic diagram of a type
`readily understood by those skilled in the electronics arts
`illustrating a preferred circuit connection for means 56 for
`detecting movement, is provided in FIG. 9.
`The circuit depicted in FIG. 9 operates generally as
`follows. When the object whose movement is to be detected
`moves in any direction, retractable wire 22 either extends or
`retracts (as best depicted in FIG. 1). When the object moves
`toward movement detecting and signal transmitting means
`20, retractable wire 22 recofls toward movement detecting
`and signal transmitting means 20, and vice versa.
`As retractable wire 22 moves, movable magnets 54 rotate.
`When movable magnet means 54 are displaced from their
`resting position, a change in the magnetic field surrounding
`movable magnet means 54, with respect to magnetic field
`sensor 56 occurs. FIG. 6 shows two rotatable magnet means
`54 in one possible resting position with respect to magnetic
`field sensor 56. FIG. 5 shows movable magnet means 54 as
`
`8
`they move in direction 45, as shown by the arrow, past
`magnetic field sensor 56. It is the change of the position of
`movable magnets relative to magnetic field sensor 56 which
`is detected by magnetic field sensor 56.
`Returning to FIG. 9, magnetic field sensor 56 senses the
`change in the magnetic field Wand provides a signal repre-
`senting the change, to comparator 1, in this case a common
`I.M 741. The output of comparator I causes relay 2 to
`energize closing contact 3 and enabling battery power to
`operate radiating means, i.e., transmitter 4. The circuitry of
`transmitter 4 can be any available transmitter configuration
`known in the art which is capable of transmitting a signal
`through retractable wire 22 and which can be configured to
`fit on transmitter circuit board 52.
`
`Transmitter 4 generates a predetermined signal which is in
`turn radiated and wirelessly transmitted to receiver 30. In a
`preferred embodiment, the output of transmitter 4 is coupled
`to wire means 22, which serves as a transmit antenna.
`Retractable wire 22 can be a suitable length of wire, cable,
`or any other electrically conductive material.
`As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art,
`electronic circuit board 52, as embodied in the circuit
`diagram circuit of FIG. 9 has many equivalents. It is not
`intended that the invention be limited to the particular circuit
`depicted in FIG. 9.
`Returning now to FIGS. 7 and 8 electronic circuit board
`52 may also include a lamp 32 which illustrates when switch
`33 is turned to the “on” position and power from battery 44
`is applied to the electronic components residing on circuit
`board 52. Electronic circuit board 52 is adapted to include
`openings 47 through which fastening means 43, which may
`be conventional screws, are passed as shown.
`Rotatable frame 62, including retractable wire channel 64
`and magnet means 54 is located beneath electronic circuit
`board 52. Rotatable frame 62 includes a central opening 70
`through which central fastening means 60 is passed. Beneath
`rotatable frame 62 lies supporting base means 34 which is
`adapted to include a central threaded opening 72 for receiv-
`ing the threaded end of central fastening means 60. Threaded
`nuts 42 receive fastening means 43, and act as spacers to
`hold rotatable frame 62 sufficiently distant from supporting
`base means 34 to allow rotatable frame 62 to rotate. In this
`manner circuit board 52, rotatable frame 62, and supporting
`base means 34 are coupled together such that rotatable frame
`62 may rotate freely about central fastening means 60.
`FIG. 8 shows spring means 58 as it appears coiled around
`the interior of rotatable frame 62. Spring means 58 is
`secured at one end to supporting base means 34 by means of
`pin 48. Spring means 58 is thereby positioned to maintain
`tension on retractable wire means 22, as rotatable frame 62
`rotates. Thus spring means 58 provides the retraction mecha-
`nism for retractable wire means 22.
`
`In accordance with the portability aspect of the present
`invention, the above-described structure has been modified
`as follows. First of all, rear panel 66 of casing 31 (FIGS. 3
`and 8) has pressure-sensitive adhesive strips 70 thereon
`which can be pressed into firm engagement with a window-
`sill or door jamb (FIG. 1) and which will leave no marks
`when removed. Strips 70 are marketed under the trademark
`COMMAND of the 3M Company. The 3M COMMAND
`strips 70 have pressure-sensitive adhesive on both surfaces.