US5963130A — Self-locating remote monitoring systems

Claim 1

Independent Claim 124 words

A man-over-board alarm system, comprising: a remote unit including a navigational receiver for receiving navigational information defining a location of the remote unit, and a radio transmitter for transmitting the remote unit location; a base station including a radio receiver for receiving the remote unit location; the remote unit and the base station defining a separation distance between the remote unit and the base station; the base station including measuring means for determining whether the separation distance exceeds a predetermined limit, and means responsive to the measuring means for giving an alarm and a display for displaying the remote unit location, whereby, a separation distance exceeding the predetermined limit causes a man-over-board alarm and the base station displays the location of the remote unit.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 124 words

A man-over-board alarm system, comprising: a remote unit including a navigational receiver for receiving navigational information defining a location of the remote unit, and a radio transmitter for transmitting the remote unit location; a base station including a radio receiver for receiving the remote unit location; the remote unit and the base station defining a separation distance between the remote unit and the base station; the base station including measuring means for determining whether the separation distance exceeds a predetermined limit, and means responsive to the measuring means for giving an alarm and a display for displaying the remote unit location, whereby, a separation distance exceeding the predetermined limit causes a man-over-board alarm and the base station displays the location of the remote unit.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 103 words

The man-over-board alarm system as set forth in claim 1, where the remote unit further includes a sensor having an output signal, the sensor defining a sensor status, and the radio transmitter connected to the output signal for transmitting the sensor status, and the base station includes a display for displaying the sensor status, the navigational receiver further includes a low power standby mode and a normal operating mode, and the alarm system further includes means responsive to the sensor output signal for causing the navigational receiver to switch from the standby mode to the normal operating mode when a hazard is detected.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 72 words

The man-over-board alarm system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the remote unit further includes a sensor having an output signal, the sensor defining a sensor status, and the radio transmitter connected to the output signal for transmitting the sensor status, and the base station includes a display for displaying the sensor status, the remote unit further includes a beacon activated by the sensor output signal when a hazard is detected.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 65 words

The man-over-board alarm system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the remote unit further includes a sensor having an output signal, the sensor defining a sensor status, and the radio transmitter connected to the output signal for transmitting the sensor status, and the base station includes a display for displaying the sensor status, and means responsive to the sensor status for giving an alarm.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 82 words

The man-over-board alarm system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the remote unit further includes a sensor having an output signal, the sensor defining a sensor status, and the radio transmitter connected to the output signal for transmitting the sensor status, and the base station includes a display for displaying the sensor status, the sensor output signal is provided by a remote unit manually operated switch, defining a panic button, and the system includes a beacon activated by the panic button.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 23 words

The man-over-board alarm system as set forth in claim 1, including a one-way voice channel linking the remote unit with the base station.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 50 words

The man-over-board system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the base station includes a radio transmitter and the remote unit includes a radio receiver defining two-way radio communication between the remote unit and the base station, including a two-way voice channel linking the remote unit and the base station.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 152 words

An invisible fence system for monitoring a movable subject, comprising: a remote unit including, a navigational receiver providing a remote unit location, means for providing time-of-day, and a radio transmitter; a base station including, receiving means defining a one-way communication link with the remote unit, and an alarm; the remote unit further including, a first memory for storing information defining a geographic region, a second memory storing information defining a predetermined positional status and a predetermined time interval, and further defining a curfew, and a circuit for comparing the remote unit location, the defined geographic zone, the predetermined positional status, the time-of-day and the curfew, and defining a positional and time status, and the circuit connected to the transmitter for communicating the positional and time status; the base station being responsive to the communicated positional and time status and defining a curfew violation, and the alarm being responsive to the curfew violation.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 152 words

An invisible fence system for monitoring a movable subject, comprising: a remote unit including, a navigational receiver providing a remote unit location, means for providing time-of-day, and a radio transmitter; a base station including, receiving means defining a one-way communication link with the remote unit, and an alarm; the remote unit further including, a first memory for storing information defining a geographic region, a second memory storing information defining a predetermined positional status and a predetermined time interval, and further defining a curfew, and a circuit for comparing the remote unit location, the defined geographic zone, the predetermined positional status, the time-of-day and the curfew, and defining a positional and time status, and the circuit connected to the transmitter for communicating the positional and time status; the base station being responsive to the communicated positional and time status and defining a curfew violation, and the alarm being responsive to the curfew violation.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 38 words

The invisible fence system as set forth in claim 8, wherein the remote unit transmits the remote unit location and the time-of-day, and the base station further includes means for displaying the remote unit location and the time-of-day.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 43 words

The invisible fence system as set forth in claim 8, wherein the communications link between the remote unit and the base station receiving means includes a modem for connection to a communications network, the network providing a portion of the completed communications link.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 151 words

An invisible fence system, comprising: a remote unit including, a navigational receiver providing a remote unit location and a time-of-day, a radio transmitter connected for transmitting the remote unit location and the time-of-day; a radio receiver, alarm and enforcement means responsive to the radio receiver; a base station including, means for receiving the remote unit location and the time-of-day, a first memory storing information defining a geographical region, a second memory storing information defining a predetermined positional status and a time curfew, a circuit for comparing the remote unit location, the defined geographical region and the predetermined positional status, and the time-of-day and the time curfew and for providing a positional and curfew status, a control circuit responsive to the positional and curfew status and defining an enforcement command, and means for transmitting the enforcement command; and the remote unit alarm and enforcement means being responsive to the transmitted enforcement command.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 151 words

An invisible fence system, comprising: a remote unit including, a navigational receiver providing a remote unit location and a time-of-day, a radio transmitter connected for transmitting the remote unit location and the time-of-day; a radio receiver, alarm and enforcement means responsive to the radio receiver; a base station including, means for receiving the remote unit location and the time-of-day, a first memory storing information defining a geographical region, a second memory storing information defining a predetermined positional status and a time curfew, a circuit for comparing the remote unit location, the defined geographical region and the predetermined positional status, and the time-of-day and the time curfew and for providing a positional and curfew status, a control circuit responsive to the positional and curfew status and defining an enforcement command, and means for transmitting the enforcement command; and the remote unit alarm and enforcement means being responsive to the transmitted enforcement command.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 34 words

The invisible fence system as set forth in claim 11, wherein the base station further includes means for displaying the remote unit location and the time-of-day, and an alarm responsive to an enforcement command.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 180 words

A personal alarm system, comprising: a remote unit including a navigational receiver for receiving navigational information, a demodulator for demodulating the receiver navigational information, timing circuits for providing precise time-of-day information, a manually operated switch, defining a panic button and having an output signal defining a switch status, operation of the panic button producing a change in the switch status, and a radio transmitter for transmitting the demodulated navigational information, the precise time-of-day information, and the switch status; a base station including a radio receiver for receiving the demodulated navigational information, the precise time-of-day information, and the switch status; the base station also including computational means connected for combining the received demodulated navigational information and the precise time-of-day information to determine a location of the remote unit, and a display for displaying the location of the remote unit; and the base station also including means for displaying the switch status and means responsive to a change in the switch status for giving an alarm, whereby, the remote unit location is displayed, and the alarm is responsive to the panic button.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 180 words

A personal alarm system, comprising: a remote unit including a navigational receiver for receiving navigational information, a demodulator for demodulating the receiver navigational information, timing circuits for providing precise time-of-day information, a manually operated switch, defining a panic button and having an output signal defining a switch status, operation of the panic button producing a change in the switch status, and a radio transmitter for transmitting the demodulated navigational information, the precise time-of-day information, and the switch status; a base station including a radio receiver for receiving the demodulated navigational information, the precise time-of-day information, and the switch status; the base station also including computational means connected for combining the received demodulated navigational information and the precise time-of-day information to determine a location of the remote unit, and a display for displaying the location of the remote unit; and the base station also including means for displaying the switch status and means responsive to a change in the switch status for giving an alarm, whereby, the remote unit location is displayed, and the alarm is responsive to the panic button.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 136 words

A personal alarm system, comprising: a remote unit including a navigational receiver for receiving navigational information defining a location of the remote unit, a manually operated switch defining a panic button and having an output signal defining a switch status, operation of the panic button producing a change in the switch status, and a radio transmitter for transmitting the remote unit location and the switch status; a base station including a radio receiver for receiving the remote unit location and the switch status; the base station also including a display for displaying the remote unit location and the switch status; and the base station also including means responsive to a change in the switch status for giving an alarm, whereby, the remote unit location is displayed and a change in the switch status produces an alarm.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 136 words

A personal alarm system, comprising: a remote unit including a navigational receiver for receiving navigational information defining a location of the remote unit, a manually operated switch defining a panic button and having an output signal defining a switch status, operation of the panic button producing a change in the switch status, and a radio transmitter for transmitting the remote unit location and the switch status; a base station including a radio receiver for receiving the remote unit location and the switch status; the base station also including a display for displaying the remote unit location and the switch status; and the base station also including means responsive to a change in the switch status for giving an alarm, whereby, the remote unit location is displayed and a change in the switch status produces an alarm.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 172 words

A personal alarm system, comprising: a remote unit including a navigational receiver for receiving navigational information defining a location of the remote unit, the navigational receiver having a low power standby mode and a normal operating mode, the remote unit also including a sensor for detecting a personal hazard, the sensor having an output signal and defining a sensor status, means responsive to the sensor output signal for causing the navigational receiver to switch from the standby mode to the normal operating mode when a hazard is detected, and a radio transmitter for transmitting the remote unit location and the sensor status; a base station including a radio receiver for receiving the remote unit location and the sensor status; the base station also including a display for displaying the remote unit location and the sensor status; and the base station also including means responsive to a change in the sensor status for giving an alarm, whereby, the remote unit location is displayed and a change in the sensor status produces an alarm.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 172 words

A personal alarm system, comprising: a remote unit including a navigational receiver for receiving navigational information defining a location of the remote unit, the navigational receiver having a low power standby mode and a normal operating mode, the remote unit also including a sensor for detecting a personal hazard, the sensor having an output signal and defining a sensor status, means responsive to the sensor output signal for causing the navigational receiver to switch from the standby mode to the normal operating mode when a hazard is detected, and a radio transmitter for transmitting the remote unit location and the sensor status; a base station including a radio receiver for receiving the remote unit location and the sensor status; the base station also including a display for displaying the remote unit location and the sensor status; and the base station also including means responsive to a change in the sensor status for giving an alarm, whereby, the remote unit location is displayed and a change in the sensor status produces an alarm.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 173 words

A personal alarm system, comprising: a remote unit including radio transmitting means, radio receiving means, at least one sensor means for detecting a personal hazard, the remote unit transmitting means responsive for communicating a detected hazard; the remote unit transmitting means being able to transmit at more than one power level and defining a higher power level, and the remote unit including means for enabling transmission at the higher power level when a personal hazard is detected; a base station including radio transmitting means and radio receiving means; the remote unit and the base station defining a two-way radio communication link, and also defining a separation distance between the remote unit and the base station; measuring means for determining whether the separation distance exceeds a predetermined limit; means responsive to the measuring means for causing the remote unit to transmit at the higher power level when the separation distance exceeds the limit; and alarm means for indicating when the separation distance exceeds the limit, and for indicating when a personal hazard is detected.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 173 words

A personal alarm system, comprising: a remote unit including radio transmitting means, radio receiving means, at least one sensor means for detecting a personal hazard, the remote unit transmitting means responsive for communicating a detected hazard; the remote unit transmitting means being able to transmit at more than one power level and defining a higher power level, and the remote unit including means for enabling transmission at the higher power level when a personal hazard is detected; a base station including radio transmitting means and radio receiving means; the remote unit and the base station defining a two-way radio communication link, and also defining a separation distance between the remote unit and the base station; measuring means for determining whether the separation distance exceeds a predetermined limit; means responsive to the measuring means for causing the remote unit to transmit at the higher power level when the separation distance exceeds the limit; and alarm means for indicating when the separation distance exceeds the limit, and for indicating when a personal hazard is detected.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 164 words

A personal alarm system, comprising: a remote unit including radio transmitting means and radio receiving means; the remote unit transmitting means being able to transmit at more than one power level and defining a plurality of transmitting power levels; a base station including radio transmitting means and radio receiving means. the remote unit and the base station defining a two-way radio communication link, and the remote unit radio receiving means defining a received signal strength; the remote unit including control means responsive to the received signal strength for causing the remote unit to transmit at a power level selected by a predetermined power-level function of the received signal strength; the remote unit including at least one sensor means for detecting a personal hazard, and means for communicating the detected hazard to the base station; and the remote unit including means for communicating an alarm function of the received signal strength, and the base station including means responsive to the communicating for giving an alarm.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 164 words

A personal alarm system, comprising: a remote unit including radio transmitting means and radio receiving means; the remote unit transmitting means being able to transmit at more than one power level and defining a plurality of transmitting power levels; a base station including radio transmitting means and radio receiving means. the remote unit and the base station defining a two-way radio communication link, and the remote unit radio receiving means defining a received signal strength; the remote unit including control means responsive to the received signal strength for causing the remote unit to transmit at a power level selected by a predetermined power-level function of the received signal strength; the remote unit including at least one sensor means for detecting a personal hazard, and means for communicating the detected hazard to the base station; and the remote unit including means for communicating an alarm function of the received signal strength, and the base station including means responsive to the communicating for giving an alarm.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 82 words

The personal alarm system as set forth in claim 17, wherein the received signal strength is further defined by a voltage level on a signal line and the control means includes an analog-to-digital converter connected to receive the signal line and to provide digital output signals connected to address input lines of a read-only memory, the memory containing information defining the power-level function, the memory having digital output lines connected for controlling the power level in response to the received signal strength.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 97 words

The personal alarm system as set forth in claim 17, wherein the received signal strength is further defined by a voltage level on a signal line and the control means includes an analog-to-digital converter connected to receive the signal line and to provide digital output signals connected to address input lines of a read-only memory, the memory containing information defining the power-level function, the memory having digital output lines connected to the inputs of a digital-to-analog converter, the digital-to-analog converter having an analog output line providing a control voltage for selecting the remote unit transmission power level.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 139 words

A personal alarm system, comprising: a remote unit including a transmitter and a receiver, the remote unit transmitter being capable of transmitting at more than one power level and defining a plurality of power levels, a base station including a transmitter and a receiver, and defining a two-way communications link with the remote unit, the base station receiver defining a received signal strength, the base station transmitting a command responsive to the received signal strength, the remote unit including a control circuit responsive to a received command for selecting the transmission power level, the remote unit including a sensor for detecting a hazard, the sensor defining a sensor status, and the remote unit transmitter connected for communicating the status, the base station including an alarm responsive to the communicated status for giving an alarm when a hazard is detected.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 139 words

A personal alarm system, comprising: a remote unit including a transmitter and a receiver, the remote unit transmitter being capable of transmitting at more than one power level and defining a plurality of power levels, a base station including a transmitter and a receiver, and defining a two-way communications link with the remote unit, the base station receiver defining a received signal strength, the base station transmitting a command responsive to the received signal strength, the remote unit including a control circuit responsive to a received command for selecting the transmission power level, the remote unit including a sensor for detecting a hazard, the sensor defining a sensor status, and the remote unit transmitter connected for communicating the status, the base station including an alarm responsive to the communicated status for giving an alarm when a hazard is detected.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 78 words

The personal alarm system as set forth in claim 20, wherein the received signal strength is further defined by a voltage level on a signal line and the control circuit includes an analog-to-digital converter connected to receive the signal line and to provide digital output signals connected to address input lines of a read-only memory, the memory containing information defining a power-level function, the memory having digital output lines defining the command for selecting the transmission power level.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 139 words

A weather alarm system, comprising: a remote unit including, a navigational receiver providing a remote unit location, a weather surveillance radar receiver providing weather parameters within a predetermined weather region, and identifying the weather region, a first memory storing information defining a geographical zone relative to the remote unit location, a circuit combining the remote unit location and the geographical zone to define a local weather zone, a second memory storing information defining at least one weather parameter threshold, means for determining that the local weather zone is within the identified weather region, and that a received weather parameter exceeds the at least one weather parameter threshold, a transmitter connected to communicate the result of the determination; and a base station including means responsive to the communication for giving an alarm and for displaying the result of the determination.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 139 words

A weather alarm system, comprising: a remote unit including, a navigational receiver providing a remote unit location, a weather surveillance radar receiver providing weather parameters within a predetermined weather region, and identifying the weather region, a first memory storing information defining a geographical zone relative to the remote unit location, a circuit combining the remote unit location and the geographical zone to define a local weather zone, a second memory storing information defining at least one weather parameter threshold, means for determining that the local weather zone is within the identified weather region, and that a received weather parameter exceeds the at least one weather parameter threshold, a transmitter connected to communicate the result of the determination; and a base station including means responsive to the communication for giving an alarm and for displaying the result of the determination.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 31 words

The weather alarm system as set forth in claim 22, wherein the navigational receiver also provides a time-of-day, and the transmitter also communicates the time-of-day for display by the base station.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 23 words

The weather alarm system as set forth in claim 22, wherein the transmitter also communicates weather parameters for display by the base station.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 23 words

The weather alarm system as set forth in claim 22, wherein the base station means responsive to the communication includes a radio receiver.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 22 words

The weather alarm system as set forth in claim 22, wherein the base station means responsive to the communication includes a modem.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 41 words

The weather alarm system as set forth in claim 22, wherein the navigational receiver includes a low-power standby mode and a normal operating mode and is responsive to the determination for switching from the standby mode to the normal operating mode.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 85 words

A personal alarm system remote unit, comprising: a radio transmitter and radio receiver for providing a two-way radio communication link; a navigational receiver for providing a location of the remote unit; a manually operated switch defining a pair of electrical contacts for providing an output signal; the radio transmitter connected for transmitting the remote unit location and the switch output signal; and a microphone and speaker connected with the radio transmitter and receiver for providing a two-way voice channel via the two-way radio communication link.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 85 words

A personal alarm system remote unit, comprising: a radio transmitter and radio receiver for providing a two-way radio communication link; a navigational receiver for providing a location of the remote unit; a manually operated switch defining a pair of electrical contacts for providing an output signal; the radio transmitter connected for transmitting the remote unit location and the switch output signal; and a microphone and speaker connected with the radio transmitter and receiver for providing a two-way voice channel via the two-way radio communication link.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 29 words

The personal alarm system remote unit as set forth in claim 28, wherein the radio transmitter and receiver comprise a wireless telephone for use with a wireless telephone network.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 36 words

The personal alarm system remote unit as set forth in claim 29, further including means connected to the manually operated switch for initiating a wireless telephone call to the 911 dedicated public safety help telephone number.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 27 words

The personal alarm system remote unit as set forth in claim 29, wherein the wireless telephone is a cellular telephone for operation with a cellular telephone network.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 31 words

The personal alarm system remote unit as set forth in claim 29, wherein the wireless telephone is a personal communications services telephone for operation with a personal communications services telephone network.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 27 words

The personal alarm system remote unit as set forth in claim 29, wherein the wireless telephone is a radio telephone for operation with a radio telephone network.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 36 words

The personal alarm system remote unit as set forth in claim 29, further including a plurality of manually operated switches connected for selectively initiating telephone calls to any one of a plurality of predetermined telephone numbers.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 28 words

The personal alarm system remote unit as set forth in claim 34, wherein one of the predetermined telephone numbers is the 911 dedicated public safety help telephone number.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 26 words

The personal alarm system remote unit as set forth in claim 34, further including means for manually programming at least some of the predetermined telephone numbers.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 80 words

A remote unit, comprising: a communications transmitter a circuit for providing a first variable having a value; a circuit for determining whether a predetermined change in the value of the first variable has occurred; a circuit for providing a second variable having a value; and the communications transmitter connected for transmitting the value of the second variable and the value of a function of the first variable when the predetermined change in the value of the first variable has occurred.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 80 words

A remote unit, comprising: a communications transmitter a circuit for providing a first variable having a value; a circuit for determining whether a predetermined change in the value of the first variable has occurred; a circuit for providing a second variable having a value; and the communications transmitter connected for transmitting the value of the second variable and the value of a function of the first variable when the predetermined change in the value of the first variable has occurred.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 56 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 37, wherein the circuit for providing the first variable is a sensor having an output signal and the value of the first variable is an electrical parameter of the output signal and defines a sensor status, and the transmitted function of the first variable is the sensor status.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 90 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 38, wherein the circuit for providing the first variable includes a plurality of sensors, each having a sensor output signal having a value defined by an electrical parameter of the sensor output signal, and wherein the plurality of sensor output signals defines a sensor status vector, and the communications transmitter is connected for transmitting the sensor status vector, and wherein the circuit for determining whether a predetermined change has occurred determines whether a predetermined change has occurred within the defined status vector.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 62 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 37, wherein the circuit for providing the first variable is a pair of electrical contacts defining a manually operated switch, and wherein the value of the first variable is one of a closed circuit and an open circuit defining a switch status, and the transmitted function of the first variable is the switch status.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 18 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 40, wherein the manually operated switch defines a panic button.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 65 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 40, wherein the circuit for providing the first variable is a plurality of switches, and wherein the value of the first variable defines a vector of values, each value being one of a contact closure and an open circuit, defining a switch status vector, and the transmitted function of the first variable is the switch status vector.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 21 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 42, wherein the plurality of switches defines a manually operated numeric input device.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 21 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 42, wherein the plurality of switches defines a manually operated alphanumeric input device.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 35 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 37, wherein the circuit for providing the second variable is a means for storing a number, and the value of the second variable is the stored number.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 70 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 45, further including means for providing a patient identification code for storage as the value of the second variable, and wherein the circuit for providing the first variable includes at least one sensor for monitoring a physiological/environmental parameter and defining a sensor status, the transmitted function of the first variable being the sensor status, and the remote unit defining a patient monitor.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 75 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 45, further including means for connecting an input device for providing the location of the remote unit for storage as the value of the second variable, and wherein the circuit for providing the first variable includes a sensor for monitoring an environmental parameter and defining a sensor status, the transmitted function of the first variable being the sensor status, and the remote unit defining an environmental monitor.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 26 words

The environmental monitor as set forth in claim 47 in combination with a plurality of manually operated switches for providing the location of the remote unit.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 25 words

The environmental monitor as set forth in claim 47 in combination with a dynamic location determining device for providing the location of the remote unit.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 19 words

The environmental monitor as set forth in claim 49, wherein the dynamic location determining device is a navigational receiver.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 19 words

The environmental monitor as set forth in claim 50, wherein the navigational receiver operates with a satellite navigational system.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 116 words

A method for remotely monitoring an environmental parameter, comprising the steps of: providing an environmental monitor as set forth in claim 47; providing an input device for supplying a number representing a location; connecting the input device to the environmental monitor via the connecting means; determining the location of the environmental monitor; using the input device to provide a number corresponding to the location of the environmental monitor; storing the number in the number storing means; disconnecting the input device from the connecting means; monitoring an environmental parameter; activating the communications transmitter when a predetermined change in the value of the monitored parameter occurs; transmitting the sensor status and the stored location of the environmental monitor.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 53 words

The method as set forth in claim 52, wherein the input device is a plurality of manually operated switches and wherein the location of the environmental monitor is determined using a GPS receiver, and the number representing the location for storage in the number storing means is entered using the manually operated switches.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 49 words

The method as set forth in claim 52, wherein the input device is a GPS receiver having means for connecting to the environmental monitor, the receiver being operated to determine the environmental monitor location and to provide a number representing the location for storage in the number storing means.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 37 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 37, wherein the circuit for providing the second variable is a dynamic location determining means, and the value of the second variable is the location of the remote unit.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 19 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 55, wherein the dynamic location determining means is a navigational receiver.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 17 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 56, wherein the navigational receiver is a LORAN receiver.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 19 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 56, wherein the navigational receiver is a satellite navigational system receiver.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 18 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 58, wherein the satellite navigational receiver is a GPS receiver.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 47 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 56, wherein the circuit providing the first variable is a water immersion sensor and wherein immersion of the remote unit in water activates the communications transmitter for transmitting the remote unit location, the remote unit defining a man-over-board monitor.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 20 words

The man-over-board monitor as defined in claim 60, further including a beacon activated when the monitor is immersed in water.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 16 words

The man-over-board monitor as set forth in claim 61, wherein the beacon is a visual beacon.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 16 words

The man-over-board monitor as set forth in claim 61, wherein the beacon is an audible beacon.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 22 words

The man-over-board monitor as set forth in claim 60, adapted for operation from a battery and enclosed in a waterproof floatation device.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 18 words

The man-over-board monitor as set forth in claim 64, wherein the waterproof floatation device is a life vest.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 163 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 56, wherein the circuit for providing the first variable includes: a weather surveillance radar receiver providing weather parameters within a predetermined weather region, and identifying the weather region, a first memory storing information defining a geographical zone relative to the remote unit location, a circuit combining the remote unit location and the geographical zone to define a local weather zone, a second memory storing information defining at least one weather parameter threshold, means for determining that the local weather zone is within the identified weather region, and that a received weather parameter exceeds the at least one weather parameter threshold, and the communications transmitter connected to communicate the result of the determination and defining a remote weather alarm, whereby a geographical zone is specified and weather parameters within the zone are monitored and compared with parameter thresholds and the result of the comparison is transmitted, permitting remote monitoring of weather conditions within a predefined region.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 25 words

The remote weather alarm as defined in claim 66, further including the navigational receiver providing time-of-day and the communications transmitter connected to communicate the time-of-day.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 20 words

The remote weather alarm as defined in claim 66, further including the communications transmitter connected for communicating received weather parameters.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 21 words

The remote weather alarm as defined in claim 66, further including the first and second memories combined into a single memory.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 113 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 56, wherein the circuit for providing the first variable includes: means for providing time-of-day, a first memory for storing information defining a geographic region, a second memory storing information defining a predetermined positional status and a predetermined time interval, and further defining a curfew, and a circuit for comparing the remote unit location, the defined geographic zone, the predetermined positional status, the time-of-day and the curfew, and defining a positional and time status, the positional and time status defining the value of the first variable, the remote unit defining an invisible fence monitor, and the communications transmitter connected for communicating the positional and time status.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 32 words

The invisible fence monitor as defined in claim 70, wherein the positional and time status define a curfew violation and the monitor includes alarm and enforcement means responsive to the curfew violation.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 42 words

The invisible fence monitor as defined in claim 70, wherein the first and second memories are combined to form a single memory, so that the information defining a geographic region and the information defining a curfew are stored in the single memory.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 23 words

The invisible fence monitor as defined in claim 70, wherein the communications transmitter is connected to transmit the monitor location and the time-of-day.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 24 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 37, further including a microphone connected to the communications transmitter for providing a one-way voice channel.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 14 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 37, further including a communications receiver.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 26 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 75, wherein the communications transmitter and the communications receiver are adapted for operation with a radio relay system.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 25 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 75, wherein the communications transmitter and the communications receiver are adapted for operation with a radiotelephone system.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 26 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 75, wherein the communications transmitter and the communications receiver are adapted for operation with a cellular telephone system.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 26 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 75, wherein the communications transmitter and the communications receiver are adapted for operation with a personal communicator system.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 26 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 75, wherein the communications transmitter and the communications receiver are adapted for operation with a wireless communications system.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 32 words

The remote unit as set forth in claim 75, further including a microphone connected to the communications transmitter and a speaker connected to the communications receiver for providing a two-way voice link.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 63 words

A remote unit, comprising: a communications transmitter; a circuit for providing a first variable having a value; a circuit for determining whether a predetermined change in the value of the first variable has occurred; the communications transmitter connected for transmitting the value of the first variable when the predetermined change in the value of the first variable has occurred; and a communications receiver.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 63 words

A remote unit, comprising: a communications transmitter; a circuit for providing a first variable having a value; a circuit for determining whether a predetermined change in the value of the first variable has occurred; the communications transmitter connected for transmitting the value of the first variable when the predetermined change in the value of the first variable has occurred; and a communications receiver.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 106 words

A remote monitoring system, comprising: a remote unit including, a communications transmitter, a circuit for providing a first variable having a value, a circuit for determining whether a predetermined change in the value of the first variable has occurred, the communications transmitter connected for transmitting the value of the first variable when the predetermined change in the value of the first variable has occurred, and a communications receiver; and a base station including, a communications transmitter, a communications receiver defining a two-way communications link with the remote unit, and the base station including alarm and display means responsive to a received value of the first variable.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 106 words

A remote monitoring system, comprising: a remote unit including, a communications transmitter, a circuit for providing a first variable having a value, a circuit for determining whether a predetermined change in the value of the first variable has occurred, the communications transmitter connected for transmitting the value of the first variable when the predetermined change in the value of the first variable has occurred, and a communications receiver; and a base station including, a communications transmitter, a communications receiver defining a two-way communications link with the remote unit, and the base station including alarm and display means responsive to a received value of the first variable.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2002-10-04	2003-04-05	2003-10-05	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2006-10-04	2007-04-05	2007-10-05	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2010-10-04	2011-04-05	2011-10-05	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Self-locating remote monitoring systems

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