US6359582B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Concealed weapons detection system
Assignee: Peacock Law Pc
•
Filing: 1997-09-16
•
Granted: 2002-03-19
•
Expires: 2017-09-16
Abstract
Abstract A weapons detector ( 12 ) and method utilizing radar. The system comprises a transmitter ( 27 ) for producing an output ( 14 ) of frequencies of a set of self-resonant frequencies of weaponry; an antenna ( 28 ) directing the transmitter output toward locations potentially having weaponry and collecting backscattered signals ( 15 ); a receiver ( 29 ) receiving the backscattered signals ( 15 ) and operating over a range of the self-resonant frequencies; and a signal processor ( 30 ) for detecting the presence of a plurality of the self-resonant frequencies in the backscattered signals ( 15 ). Accuracies of greater than 98% can be obtained at distances, preferably between 4-15 yards. The weapons detector ( 12 ) is capable of detecting metal and non-metal weapons ( 16 ) on a human body ( 13 ) in purses, briefcases and under clothing; and discerning weapons ( 16 ) from objects such as belt buckles, coins, keys, calculators, cellular phones.
Inventors
- 👤 Gregory B. MacAleese
- 👤 Jerry Hausner
- 👤 Paul J. Menicucci
- 👤 Robert H. Gorman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 08:58
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S7/00; G01S7/02; G01S7/28; G01S7/285; G01S7/292; G01S13/00; G01S13/88; G01S13/887; G01S13/02; G01S13/04; G01S7/40; G01S7/4004; G01S7/4008; G01S7/4017; G01S7/4021; G01S7/41; G01S7/417; G01V; G01V3/00; G01V3/12; G01S7/48; G01S7/497; G01S7/52; G01S7/52004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 52
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
An object detector comprising: an electrical circuit for producing electromagnetic radiation; at least one antenna to transmit the produced radiation toward an object of interest and to collect radiation that is reflected from the object; an electrical circuit to process the collected reflected radiation and convert the collected radiation to at least one waveform; a system to automatically compare waveform phase and amplitude information from the at least one waveform to pre-determined information; and an automatic affirmative signal if an approximate match is made between the information from the at least one waveform and the pre-determined information; wherein no image of the object of interest is displayed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
107 words
An object detector comprising: an electrical circuit for producing electromagnetic radiation; at least one antenna to transmit the produced radiation toward an object of interest and to collect radiation that is reflected from the object; an electrical circuit to process the collected reflected radiation and convert the collected radiation to at least one waveform; a system to automatically compare waveform phase and amplitude information from the at least one waveform to pre-determined information; and an automatic affirmative signal if an approximate match is made between the information from the at least one waveform and the pre-determined information; wherein no image of the object of interest is displayed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The detector of claim 1 further comprising a range finder for determining an approximate distance between the detector and the object of interest.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The detector of claim 2 wherein said range finder is in communication with said electrical circuit for producing electromagnetic radiation such that the distance between the detector and the object of interest influences the gain of said electrical circuit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The detector of claim 1 wherein said electrical circuit for producing electromagnetic radiation produces electromagnetic radiation with frequencies in the microwave region.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The detector of claim 4 wherein said electrical circuit for producing electromagnetic radiation produces electromagnetic radiation with frequencies between approximately 1 GHz and approximately 10 GHz.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The detector of claim 4 wherein said electrical circuit for producing electromagnetic radiation produces a pulse of broad band frequencies in the microwave region.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The detector of claim 4 wherein said electrical circuit for producing electromagnetic radiation scans across a frequency range in the microwave region.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The detector of claim 6 wherein said electrical circuit for producing electromagnetic radiation produces an approximate 10 nanosecond pulse of broad band frequencies.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The detector of claim 1 wherein said electrical circuit to process the collected reflected radiation and convert further comprises an automatic gain control.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The detector of claim 1 wherein said electrical circuit to process the collected reflected radiation and convert converts the collected radiation to at least one waveform comprising a Fourier transform.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The detector of claim 1 wherein said affirmative signal comprises an LED.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The detector of claim 1 wherein the detector is a self-contained, hand-held detector.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The detector of claim 1 wherein the detector can detect an object of interest at ranges of up to approximately 20 yards.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
40 words
The detector of claim 1 wherein said system to compare the information processes the reflected radiation and generates a signal if an approximate match is made within approximately one second of transmitting the electromagnetic radiation toward the object of interest.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
The detector of claim 1 wherein said affirmative signal comprises at least one signal selected from the group consisting of audible signals, silent signals, tactile signals, visual signals, mechanical signals, and displayed messages.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
The detector of claim 1 further comprising a barrier device to preclude the entry of an individual into a specified area upon detecting an object of interest on the individual.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The detector of claim 1 further comprising a camera system upon detection of an object of interest.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
26 words
The detector of claim 1 wherein the detector detects at least one object selected from the group consisting of handguns, rifles, shotguns, knives, and pipe bombs.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
47 words
The detector of claim 1 wherein the detector distinguishes at least one object of potential threat from non-threatening objects selected from the group consisting of belt buckles, bracelets, wristwatches, tape recorders, soft drink cans, coins, calculators, lipstick holders, calculators, campaign buttons, cellular telephones, key rings, and keys.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
31 words
The detector of claim 1 wherein the detector detects objects of potential threat in or under clothing/accessories selected from the group consisting of purses, belts, holsters, pants, briefcases, coats and shirts.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
The detector of claim 1 wherein said system to compare information comprises a computer.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
The detector of claim 1 wherein said at least one antenna to transmit radiation and collect radiation comprises a single antenna.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
31 words
The detector of claim 1 additionally comprising an automatic negative signal if an approximate match is not made between the information from the at least one waveform and the pre-determined information.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
39 words
The detector of claim 1 additionally comprising an automatic equivocal signal if a predetermined level of uncertainty exists as to whether an approximate match is made between the information from the at least one waveform and the pre-determined information.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
99 words
A method of detecting an object of interest, the method comprising the steps of: a) transmitting electromagnetic radiation toward an object of interest; b) collecting electromagnetic radiation that is reflected from the object of interest; c) converting the collected electromagnetic radiation into at least one waveform; d) automatically comparing waveform phase and amplitude information from the at least one waveform to pre-determined information; and e) automatically generating an affirmative signal if an approximate match is made between the information from the at least one waveform and the pre-determined information; wherein no image of the object of interest is displayed.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
99 words
A method of detecting an object of interest, the method comprising the steps of: a) transmitting electromagnetic radiation toward an object of interest; b) collecting electromagnetic radiation that is reflected from the object of interest; c) converting the collected electromagnetic radiation into at least one waveform; d) automatically comparing waveform phase and amplitude information from the at least one waveform to pre-determined information; and e) automatically generating an affirmative signal if an approximate match is made between the information from the at least one waveform and the pre-determined information; wherein no image of the object of interest is displayed.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 25 additionally comprising the step of determining the approximate distance between the detector and the object of interest.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 26 wherein the step of transmitting comprises setting transmitter gain according to the approximated distance between the detector and the object of interest.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of transmitting comprises transmitting electromagnetic radiation with frequencies in the microwave region.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 28 wherein the step of transmitting comprises transmitting electromagnetic radiation with frequencies between approximately 1 GHz and approximately 10 GHz.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 28 wherein the step of transmitting comprises transmitting a pulse of broad band frequencies in the microwave region.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 28 wherein the step of transmitting comprises scanning across a frequency range in the microwave region.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 30 wherein the step of transmitting comprises transmitting an approximate 10 nanosecond pulse of broad band frequencies.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of converting the collected electromagnetic radiation comprises converting with a receiver circuit with automatic gain control.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of converting the collected electromagnetic radiation comprises converting to at least one waveform comprising a Fourier transform.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of generating an affirmative signal if an approximate match is made comprises generating a signal with an LED.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the steps of transmitting, collecting, converting, comparing, and generating all take place in a self-contained, hand-held detector.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of transmitting and collecting radiation comprises transmitting radiation to and collecting radiation reflected from an object of interest at a distance of up to approximately 20 yards.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the steps of collecting, converting, comparing, and generating are all performed within approximately one second of transmitting the electromagnetic radiation toward the object of interest.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of generating an affirmative signal comprises generating at least one signal selected from the group consisting of audible signals, silent signals, tactile signals, visual signals, mechanical signals, and displayed messages.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of generating a signal comprises providing a barrier device to preclude the entry of an individual into a specified area upon detecting an object of interest on the individual.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of generating a signal comprises activating a camera system upon detection of an object of interest.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of generating comprises generating a signal when objects selected from the group consisting of handguns, rifles, shotguns, knives, and pipe bombs are detected.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of comparing distinguishes objects of potential threat from objects selected from the group consisting of belt buckles, bracelets, wristwatches, tape recorders, soft drink cans, coins, calculators, lipstick holders, calculators, campaign buttons, cellular telephones, key rings, and keys.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of collecting comprises collecting reflected radiation from objects of potential threat in or under clothing/accessories selected from the group consisting of purses, belts, holsters, pants, briefcases, coats and shirts.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
36 words
The detector of claim 1 wherein said electrical circuit to process the collected reflected radiation and convert to at least one waveform, converts to at least one waveform according to phase characteristics of the collected radiation.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
43 words
The detector of claim 45 wherein said system to compare the waveforms selects those of the at least one waveforms with a characteristic phase and then compares the amplitudes of the selected waveforms to each other as well as to a pre-determined value.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of converting the collected electromagnetic radiation into at least one waveform comprises converting the radiation into at least one waveform according to phase characteristics of the collected radiation.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 47 wherein the step of comparing comprises selecting those waveforms with a characteristic phase from the at least one waveforms and then comparing the amplitudes of the selected waveforms to each other as well as to a pre-determined value.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 25 additionally comprising the step of automatically generating a negative signal if an approximate match is not made between the information from the at least one waveform and the pre-determined information.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 25 additionally comprising the step of automatically generating an equivocal signal if a predetermined level of uncertainty exists as to whether an approximate match is made between the information from the at least one waveform and the pre-determined information.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3500395A
Cited
US3599211A
Cited
US3669038A
Cited
US3911435A
Cited
US3713156A
Cited
US3707672A
Cited
US4064458A
Cited
US3924546A
Cited
US4122783A
Cited
US4341165A
Cited
US4586441A
Cited
US4481887A
Cited
US4461221A
Cited
US4706031A
Cited
US4656954A
Cited
US4675677A
Cited
US4905008A
Cited
US5081456A
Cited
US5227800A
Cited
US5039981A
Cited
US5408414A
Cited
US5222155A
Cited
US5381153A
Cited
US5455590A
Cited
US5557283A
Cited
US5195448A
Cited
US5774357A
Cited
US5334981A
Cited
US5576972A
Cited
US5517429A
Cited
US5311166A
Cited
US5692446A
Cited
US5457394A
Cited
US5519400A
Cited
US5512834A
Cited
US5365237A
Cited
US5345240A
Cited
US5337053A
Cited
US5552766A
Cited
US5446461A
Cited
US5694867A
Cited
US5706402A
Cited
WO1996019737A1
Cited
US5598152A
Cited
US5552705A
Cited
WO1997001771A1
Cited
US5644314A
Cited
JPH09304517A
Cited
US5673050A
Cited
US5694498A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-03-18 | 2005-09-17 | 2006-03-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-03-18 | 2009-09-17 | 2010-03-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-03-18 | 2013-09-17 | 2014-03-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |