US4853692A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Infant security system
Assignee: R F TECHNOLOGIES Inc
•
Filing: 1987-12-07
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Granted: 1989-08-01
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Expires: 2007-12-07
Abstract
Abstract An infant security system is disclosed which includes a transmitting device that generates at least two uniquely coded signals and is disposed around the leg or ankle of infants in a hospital maternity ward, children's ward or the like. An activated magnetic strip is also attached to the transmitting device. An associated receiver is placed, for example, on the cart containing the infants' crib or bassinet which will typically be close enough to the infant so that it is well enough within the range of the transmitter. Every few seconds the RF transmitter transmits a coded RF pulse. If an infant with an attached RF transmitter is removed by some predetermined minimum distance from its associated RF receiver or if the RF transmitter becomes inoperative or is shielded, then the RF receiver will not receive the transmitted coded signal which will trigger an alarm. If a kidnapper attempts to detach the RF transmitter from the infant, a switch is opened which in turn causes the RF transmitter to emit a second coded signal. Upon detection of the second coded signal, an alarm in the RF receiver will be triggered. An alarm is also triggered if an activated magnetic strip on the RF transmitter is transported through a maternity ward exit point.
Inventors
- 👤 Barry M. Wolk
- 👤 Edward H. Newman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 21:28
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B21/00; G08B21/02; G08B21/0202; G08B21/0227; G08B13/00; G08B13/02; G08B13/14; G08B21/0286
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 63
Claim 1
Independent Claim
209 words
An infant security system for thwarting the kidnapping of infants from a children's ward or maternity ward of a hospital or the like having at least one exit through which an infant may be transported, said infant security system comprising: at least one transmitting means for transmitting infant security indicating signals, said at least one transmitting means being securably attached to an infant to be monitored, and including tamper signal generator means for generating at least a first unique coded tamper signal indicative of tampering with said at least one transmitting means, and including means for periodically generating a second unique coded signal; at least one receiving means associated with said at least one transmitting means for detecting said unique signals and for generating alarm condition signals in response to the detection of the first unique signal and the failure to detect the second unique signal; said means for periodically generating including maintenance signal generator means for periodically generating said second unique coded signal indicative of the infant being within a predetermined distance of said at least one said receiving means and not being shielded from said at least one receiving means; and alarm means, responsive to said alarm condition signals, for providing an indication of said alarm condition.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
209 words
An infant security system for thwarting the kidnapping of infants from a children's ward or maternity ward of a hospital or the like having at least one exit through which an infant may be transported, said infant security system comprising: at least one transmitting means for transmitting infant security indicating signals, said at least one transmitting means being securably attached to an infant to be monitored, and including tamper signal generator means for generating at least a first unique coded tamper signal indicative of tampering with said at least one transmitting means, and including means for periodically generating a second unique coded signal; at least one receiving means associated with said at least one transmitting means for detecting said unique signals and for generating alarm condition signals in response to the detection of the first unique signal and the failure to detect the second unique signal; said means for periodically generating including maintenance signal generator means for periodically generating said second unique coded signal indicative of the infant being within a predetermined distance of said at least one said receiving means and not being shielded from said at least one receiving means; and alarm means, responsive to said alarm condition signals, for providing an indication of said alarm condition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
An infant security system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one transmitting means includes antenna means coupled to said means for generating for transmitting signals input thereto.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
An infant security system according to claim 2, wherein said transmitting means is a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and wherein said antenna means emits a substantially omni-directional radiation pattern.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
An infant security system according to claim 1, further including switch means, coupled to said tamper signal generator means, for initiating the generation of said coded tamper signal upon detecting a tampering indicating condition.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
71 words
An infant security system according to claim 4, wherein said switch means coupled to said tamper signal generator means includes first switch means for normally preventing energizing signals from initiating the operation of said tamper signal generator means, and second means operatively coupled to said first switch means for controlling said first switch means to pass energizing signals to said tamper signal generating means upon detection of a tampering indicating condition.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
63 words
An infant security system according to claim 5, wherein said first switch means and said second means coact such that when said second means is in a closed circuit condition said first switch means is in an open circuit condition, and when said second means is in an open circuit condition, the first switch means is in a short circuit, signal passing condition.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
64 words
An infant security system according to claim 5, wherein said second means includes two terminals, a voltage source connected to one of said terminals and a coil operatively coupled to said first switch means, and wherein one end of a metallic wire is connected to each of said terminals to place a short circuit across said terminals to permit current flow through said coil.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
50 words
An infant security system according to claim 4, wherein said switch means includes first switch means for normally preventing said tamper signal generator means from being energized, and tamper loop means for detecting a tampering condition and for controlling said first switch means to energize said tamper signal generator means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
45 words
An infant security system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one transmitting means further includes energizable means for generating a signal which may be detected when said at least one transmitting means is disposed within a predetermined distance from an associated detector means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
50 words
An infant security system according to claim 9, further including at least one detector means disposed at said at least one exit for detecting signals generated by said energizable means, and exit alarm means associated with said at least one detector means for providing an indication of an alarm condition.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
120 words
An infant security system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one receiving means includes first channel means for detecting the presence of a first of said at least two unique signals and for generating an alarm triggering signal in response to detecting said first of said at least two unique signals, and second channel means for detecting a second of said at least two unique signals and for generating an alarm triggering signal in response to detecting the absence of said second one of said at least two unique signals for a predetermined period of time; said at least one receiving means including means responsive to said alarm triggering signals for providing an indication of an alarm condition.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
39 words
An infant security system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one receiving means is mounted on or adjacent to the crib of the infant attached to the transmitting means associated with said at least one receiving means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
An infant security system according to claim 1, wherein said at least two unique signals are coded with binary frequency modulated coding.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
An infant security system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one transmitting means is encapsulated in rugged plastic and is attached to the infant by a plastic leg strap.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
An infant security system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one receiving means includes means for retransmitting said detected unique signals.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
50 words
An infant security system according to claim 15, further including a plurality of auxiliary receiving means for receiving said retransmitted unique signals; a central control panel for receiving signals transmitted from said at least one receiving means; and means for coupling said auxiliary receiving means to said central control panel.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
162 words
A valuable object security system for thwarting the kidnapping or unauthorized taking of said object from a predetermined area having at least one exit, said valuable object security system comprising: transmitting means securably attached to said valuable object for transmitting security indicating signals; said transmitting means including: tamper signal generating means for generating a unique coded tamper signal indicative of unauthorized tampering with said transmitting means, maintenance signal generating means for periodically generating a unique coded maintenance signal indicative of the valuable object being within said predetermined area; receiving means associated with said transmitting means and including first channel means for detecting said tamper signal and for generating an alarm triggering signal in response thereto, second channel means for detecting said periodically generated maintenance signal and for generating an alarm triggering signal in response to detecting the absence of a maintenance signal for a predetermined period of time; and alarm means responsive to said alarm triggering signals for providing an indication thereof.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
162 words
A valuable object security system for thwarting the kidnapping or unauthorized taking of said object from a predetermined area having at least one exit, said valuable object security system comprising: transmitting means securably attached to said valuable object for transmitting security indicating signals; said transmitting means including: tamper signal generating means for generating a unique coded tamper signal indicative of unauthorized tampering with said transmitting means, maintenance signal generating means for periodically generating a unique coded maintenance signal indicative of the valuable object being within said predetermined area; receiving means associated with said transmitting means and including first channel means for detecting said tamper signal and for generating an alarm triggering signal in response thereto, second channel means for detecting said periodically generated maintenance signal and for generating an alarm triggering signal in response to detecting the absence of a maintenance signal for a predetermined period of time; and alarm means responsive to said alarm triggering signals for providing an indication thereof.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
30 words
A valuable object security system according to claim 17, wherein said valuable object is an infant and said predetermined area is a maternity ward or children's ward in a hospital.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
43 words
A valuable object security system according to claim 17, wherein said transmitting means further includes energizable means for generating a signal which may be detected when said at least one transmitting means is disposed within a predetermined distance from an associated detector means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
48 words
A valuable object security system according to claim 19, further including at least one detector means disposed at said at least one exit for detecting signals generated by said energizable means, and exit alarm means associated with said detector means for providing an indicating of an alarm condition.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
37 words
A valuable object security system according to claim 17, wherein said transmitting means includes antenna means coupled to receive signals from said tamper signal generating means and said maintenance signal generating means for transmitting signals input thereto.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
A valuable object security system according to claim 21, wherein said transmitting means is a radio frequency (RF) transmitted and wherein said antenna means emits a substantially omni-directional radiation pattern.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
35 words
A valuable object security system according to claim 17, further including switch means, coupled to said tamper signal generator means, for initiating the generation of said coded tamper signal upon detecting a tampering indicating condition.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
72 words
A valuable object security system according to claim 23, wherein said switch means coupled to said tamper signal generating means includes first switch means for normally preventing energizing signals from initiating the operation of said tamper signal generating means, and second means operatively coupled to said first switch means for controlling said first switch means to pass energizing signals to said tamper signal generating means upon detection of a tampering indicating condition.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
61 words
A valuable object security system according to claim 24, wherein said first switch means and second means coact such that when said second means is in a closed circuit condition, said first means is in an open circuit condition and when said second means in an open circuit condition, the first switch means is in a short circuit, signal passing condition.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
49 words
A valuable object security system according to claim 24, wherein said second means includes two terminals and wherein one end of a metallic wire is connected to each terminal to place a short circuit across said terminals to thereby maintain said first switch means in an open circuit condition.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
52 words
A valuable object security system according to claim 23, wherein said switch means includes a first switch means for normally preventing said tamper signal generating means from being energized and tamper loop means for detecting a tampering condition and for controlling said first switch means to energize said tamper signal generating means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
A valuable object security system according to claim 17, wherein said receiving means includes means for retransmitting said detected unique coded signals.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
49 words
A valuable object security system according to claim 28, further including a plurality of auxiliary receiving means for receiving said retransmitted unique coded signals; a central control panel for receiving signals transmitted from said receiving means; and means for coupling said auxiliary receiving means to said central control panel.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
122 words
For use in a valuable object security system for thwarting the kidnapping or unauthorized taking of said valuable object from a predetermined area having at least one exit, a security signal transmitting device to be securably attached to said valuable object comprising; tamper signal generating means for generating a unique coded tamper signal indicative of unauthorized tampering with said transmitting means; and maintenance signal generating means for periodically generating coded maintenance signals indicative of the valuable object being within said predetermined area, whereby the reception of the tamper signal by an associated receiving device indicates an unauthorized tampering with the transmitting means and the failure to detect the maintenance signal by said associated receiving device indicates the breach of a security condition.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
122 words
For use in a valuable object security system for thwarting the kidnapping or unauthorized taking of said valuable object from a predetermined area having at least one exit, a security signal transmitting device to be securably attached to said valuable object comprising; tamper signal generating means for generating a unique coded tamper signal indicative of unauthorized tampering with said transmitting means; and maintenance signal generating means for periodically generating coded maintenance signals indicative of the valuable object being within said predetermined area, whereby the reception of the tamper signal by an associated receiving device indicates an unauthorized tampering with the transmitting means and the failure to detect the maintenance signal by said associated receiving device indicates the breach of a security condition.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
33 words
A transmitting device according to claim 30, further including switch means, coupled to said tamper signal generating means, for initiating the generation of said coded tamper signal upon detecting a tampering indicating condition.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
70 words
A transmitting device according to claim 31, wherein said switch means coupled to said tamper signal generating means includes first switch means for normally preventing energizing signals from initiating the operation of said tamper signal generating means, and second means operatively coupled to said first switch means for controlling said first switch means to pass energizing signals to said tamper signal generating means upon detection of a tampering indicating condition.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
59 words
A transmitting device according to claim 32, wherein said first and second means coact such that when said second means is in a closed circuit condition, said first switch means is in an open circuit condition and when said second means is in an open circuit condition the first switch means is in a short circuit, signal passing condition.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
47 words
A transmitting device according to claim 32. wherein said second means includes two terminals and wherein one end of a metallic wire is connected to each terminal to place a short circuit across said terminals to thereby maintain said first switch means in an open circuit condition.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
48 words
A transmitting device according to claim 31, wherein said switch means includes first switch means for normally preventing said tamper signal generating means from being energized and tamper loop means for detecting a tampering condition and for controlling said first switch means to energize said tamper signal generator.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
50 words
A transmitting device according to claim 34, wherein said first switch means comprises relay means for preventing when energized said tamper signal generating means from generating a coded tamper signal, said second means including a voltage source for energizing said relay means as long as said short circuit remains intact.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
37 words
A transmitting device according to claim 30, further including energizable means for generating a signal which may be detected when said at least one transmitting means is disposed within a predetermined distance from an associated detector means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
26 words
A transmitting device according to claim 30, further including antenna means coupled to said tamper signal and maintenance signal generating means for transmitting signals input thereto.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
28 words
A transmitting device according to claim 38, wherein said transmitting device is a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and wherein said antenna means emits a substantially omni-directional radiation pattern.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
21 words
A transmitting device according to claim 30, wherein said at least two unique signals are coded with binary frequency modulated coding.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
34 words
A transmitting device according to claim 30, wherein said transmitting device is encapsulated in a rugged plastic and includes plastic leg strap means for attaching said transmitting device to the leg of an infant.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
134 words
For use in a valuable object security system for thwarting the kidnapping or unauthorized taking of said valuable object from a predetermined area having at least one exit, said security system having at least one transmitting means for transmitting coded security signals, a security signal receiving device comprising: first channel means for detecting a uniquely coded tamper signal indicative of unauthorized tampering with said transmitting means for generating an alarm triggering signal in response thereto; second channel means for detecting a periodically generated maintenance signal indicative of the valuable object being within said predetermined area and for generating an alarm triggering signal in response to the absence of a detected maintenance signal for a predetermined period of time; and alarm means responsive to said alarm triggering signals for providing an alarm condition indicating signal.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
134 words
For use in a valuable object security system for thwarting the kidnapping or unauthorized taking of said valuable object from a predetermined area having at least one exit, said security system having at least one transmitting means for transmitting coded security signals, a security signal receiving device comprising: first channel means for detecting a uniquely coded tamper signal indicative of unauthorized tampering with said transmitting means for generating an alarm triggering signal in response thereto; second channel means for detecting a periodically generated maintenance signal indicative of the valuable object being within said predetermined area and for generating an alarm triggering signal in response to the absence of a detected maintenance signal for a predetermined period of time; and alarm means responsive to said alarm triggering signals for providing an alarm condition indicating signal.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
26 words
A receiving device according to claim 42, wherein said first channel means and said second channel means includes means for detecting binary coded frequency modulated signals.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
40 words
A receiving device according to claim 42. wherein the valuable object is an infant and wherein said receiving device is mounted on or adjacent to the crib of an infant attached to a transmitting means associated with said receiving device.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
26 words
A receiving device according to claim 42, including means for retransmitting said detected unique signals, whereby said signals may be transmitted to a central control panel.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of thwarting the kidnapping of infants from the maternity ward of a hospital or the like having at least one exit through which an infant may be transported, said method comprising the steps of: securably attaching a transmitting means to each of a plurality of infants; generating and transmitting coded signals from each transmitting means indicative of predetermined infant security conditions; detecting with a receiver means associated with said transmitting means said transmitted coded signals; said step of generating and transmitting coded signals including the step of periodically generating coded signals from each of said transmitting means indicative of the infant being within a predetermined distance of an associated receiver means and not being shielded form said associated receiver means; and selectively energizing an alarm upon the detection of an infant security condition which may be indicative of the abduction of an infant.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of thwarting the kidnapping of infants from the maternity ward of a hospital or the like having at least one exit through which an infant may be transported, said method comprising the steps of: securably attaching a transmitting means to each of a plurality of infants; generating and transmitting coded signals from each transmitting means indicative of predetermined infant security conditions; detecting with a receiver means associated with said transmitting means said transmitted coded signals; said step of generating and transmitting coded signals including the step of periodically generating coded signals from each of said transmitting means indicative of the infant being within a predetermined distance of an associated receiver means and not being shielded form said associated receiver means; and selectively energizing an alarm upon the detection of an infant security condition which may be indicative of the abduction of an infant.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 46, including the step of generating a uniquely coded tamper signal indicative of tampering with said transmitting means.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method according to claim 46, further including the steps of generating a signal by an energizable means in each of said transmitting means which may be detected when any one of said transmitted means is disposed within a predetermined distance from an associated detector detector means.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method according to claim 48, further including the step of disposing at least one detector means at predetermined exit areas for detecting signals generated by said energizable means, and providing an indication of an alarm condition in response to detecting signals from said energizable means.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method according to claim 46, further including the step of mounting said receiving means on or adjacent to the crib of the infant wearing the transmitting means associated with said receiving means.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 46, including retransmitting said detected unique signals to a central control station.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 51, further including receiving said retransmitted unique coded signals by a plurality of auxiliary receiving means and coupling said signals received by said auxiliary receiving means to said central control station.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
159 words
A method for thwarting the kidnapping of infants from the maternity ward of a hospital or the like having at least one exit through which an infant may be transported, said method comprising the steps of: securably attaching a transmitting means to each of a plurality of infants in the maternity ward; periodically generating and transmitting a first uniquely coded "I'm Okay" signal from each of said transmitting means; generating and transmitting from a transmitting means a second uniquely coded tamper signal if said transmitting means is tampered with; detecting with a receiver means associated with said transmitting means a tamper signal and generating an alarm triggering signal in response thereto; detecting with said receiver means associated with said transmitting means said "I'm Okay" signal and generating an alarm triggering signal in response to the absence of detecting said I'm Okay signal for a predetermined period of time; and providing an alarm in response to said alarm triggering signals.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
159 words
A method for thwarting the kidnapping of infants from the maternity ward of a hospital or the like having at least one exit through which an infant may be transported, said method comprising the steps of: securably attaching a transmitting means to each of a plurality of infants in the maternity ward; periodically generating and transmitting a first uniquely coded "I'm Okay" signal from each of said transmitting means; generating and transmitting from a transmitting means a second uniquely coded tamper signal if said transmitting means is tampered with; detecting with a receiver means associated with said transmitting means a tamper signal and generating an alarm triggering signal in response thereto; detecting with said receiver means associated with said transmitting means said "I'm Okay" signal and generating an alarm triggering signal in response to the absence of detecting said I'm Okay signal for a predetermined period of time; and providing an alarm in response to said alarm triggering signals.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method according to claim 53, further including the step of disposing an energizable means on each of said transmitting means for generating a signal which may be detected when one of said transmitting means is disposed within a predetermined distance of from an associated detector mounted at an exit.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method according to claim 52, further including the step of mounting said receiver means on or adjacent to the crib of the infant wearing the transmitting means associated with said receiving means.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 53, including retransmitting said detected unique signals to a central control station.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 56, further including receiving said retransmitted unique coded signals by a plurality of auxiliary receiving means and coupling said signals received by said auxiliary receiving means to said central control station.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-07-31 | 1997-01-30 | 1997-08-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-07-31 | 2001-01-30 | 2001-08-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |