Patent US5402104A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5402104A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Scanning excessive separation alarm
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1993-06-09
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Granted: 1995-03-28
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Expires: 2013-06-09
Abstract
Abstract An asset protection transponder, which may be attached to a set of keys, a car, a brief case, or even a person, transmits a response signal when queried by a transponder-pager worn by the user. The transponder-pager transmits a query signal automatically at appropriate intervals. Each asset protection transponder is on a different frequency and tone encoder setting. The transponder-pager provides both an audible and visible alarm that tells the user which asset is out of range. A test circuit lets the user poll each of the asset protection transducers to make certain that it is still within range.
Inventors
- 👤 Lazaro LaRosa
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 14:05
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B21/00; G08B21/02; G08B21/0202; G08B21/0294; G08B13/00; G08B13/02; G08B13/14; G08B13/1427; G08B21/0227; G08B21/0241; G08B21/0247
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
216 words
An asset protection alarm comprising; one or more miniature asset protection transponders that are attached to assets that are to be protected; and a transponder-pager that is in radio communication with said miniature asset protection transponders such that if the distance between any of said asset protection transponders and said transponder-pager exceeds some preset limit, said pager causes an alarm to sound, said transponder-pager comprising; a transmitter; a receiver; an antenna; a transmit/receive switch; a transponder logic circuit; and a scanning logic circuit and alarm means; such that when said transponder-pager initiates a query of all assets, said transmitter outputs a signal whose frequency is determined by said scanning logic circuit, wherein said transmitter output signal is conducted to said antenna via said transmit/receive switch, and wherein if a response signal from an asset protection transponder is received, said signal incident upon said antenna is directed by said transmit/receive switch to said receiver by instructions generated by said transponder logic circuit, wherein the frequency of said receiver is always the same as the frequency of said transmitter, such that if one asset protection transponder is assigned to each of said frequencies, then said receiver will receive a distinguishable signal from each of said asset protection transponders (if each of said asset protection transponders is within range).
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
216 words
An asset protection alarm comprising; one or more miniature asset protection transponders that are attached to assets that are to be protected; and a transponder-pager that is in radio communication with said miniature asset protection transponders such that if the distance between any of said asset protection transponders and said transponder-pager exceeds some preset limit, said pager causes an alarm to sound, said transponder-pager comprising; a transmitter; a receiver; an antenna; a transmit/receive switch; a transponder logic circuit; and a scanning logic circuit and alarm means; such that when said transponder-pager initiates a query of all assets, said transmitter outputs a signal whose frequency is determined by said scanning logic circuit, wherein said transmitter output signal is conducted to said antenna via said transmit/receive switch, and wherein if a response signal from an asset protection transponder is received, said signal incident upon said antenna is directed by said transmit/receive switch to said receiver by instructions generated by said transponder logic circuit, wherein the frequency of said receiver is always the same as the frequency of said transmitter, such that if one asset protection transponder is assigned to each of said frequencies, then said receiver will receive a distinguishable signal from each of said asset protection transponders (if each of said asset protection transponders is within range).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
An asset protection alarm, as recited in claim 1, further comprising an encoder/decoder that causes said receiver to only respond to a particular encoded incoming signal, and also causes said transmitter to output an encoded signal, thereby allowing said asset protection transponder to only communicate with a similarly encoded transponder-pager.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
An asset protection alarm, as recited in claim 2, wherein said alarm means comprise a threshold logic circuit, a sensitivity control, and electronic notification means, wherein said threshold logic circuit allows said receiver's sensitivity to be set by means of said sensitivity control.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
An asset protection alarm, as recited in claim 3, wherein said electronic notification means is a video display comprising display logic and an electronic alphanumeric display.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
An asset protection alarm, as recited in claim 3, wherein said electronic notification means is a speech synthesizer and a speaker.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
83 words
An asset protection alarm, as recited in claim 2, wherein the communication between said asset protection transponders and said transponder-pager may be verified by means of a test circuit comprising a frequency selection switch and a test button, whereby said frequency selector switch may be manually set to a frequency corresponding to one of said asset protection transponders and then said test button may be depressed causing the transmitter of said transponder-pager to initiate a transponder sequence with a selected asset protection transponder.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4549169A
Cited
US4675656A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-03-27 | 1998-09-26 | 1999-03-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-03-27 | 2002-09-26 | 2003-03-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-03-27 | 2006-09-26 | 2007-03-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |