US6889135B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Security and tracking system
Assignee: C2 Global Technologies Inc USA
•
Filing: 2003-01-20
•
Granted: 2005-05-03
•
Expires: 2023-01-20
Abstract
Abstract A security and tracking apparatus includes at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit in communicating proximity with the first signaling unit, each signaling unit having a receiver for identifying the location of the signaling unit; and, a transmitter for transmitting the location of the signaling unit when the first and second signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance. A method to locate a person, animal, or object, includes providing in contact with or at least in close proximity to the person, the animal, or the object, at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, the second signaling unit in communicating proximity with said first signaling unit, each signaling unit having a receiver for identifying the location of the signaling unit and a transmitter for transmitting the location of the signaling unit when the first and second signaling units are separated more than a preselected distance; and activating the signaling units to transmit the location of the signaling units.
Inventors
- 👤 Benedict S. Curatolo
- 👤 Thomas E. Cornelius
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 09:34
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B21/00; G08B21/02; G08B21/0202; G08B21/0205; G08B21/0211; G01; G01S; G01S5/00; G01S5/0009; G01S5/0018; G01S5/0036; G08B21/0213; G08B21/0227; G08B21/023; G08B21/028; G08B21/0283; G08B25/00; G08B25/01; G08B25/016; H; H04; H04W; H04W4/00; H04W4/02; H04W4/029
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 76
Claim 1
Independent Claim
75 words
A security and tracking apparatus comprising at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, wherein the second signaling unit is in communicating proximity with the first signaling unit, each respective said signaling unit having a receiver for identifying the location of said respective signaling unit; and, a transmitter for transmitting the location of said respective signaling unit when the first and second signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
75 words
A security and tracking apparatus comprising at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, wherein the second signaling unit is in communicating proximity with the first signaling unit, each respective said signaling unit having a receiver for identifying the location of said respective signaling unit; and, a transmitter for transmitting the location of said respective signaling unit when the first and second signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said transmitter is automatically activated when the first and second signaling units are separated by more than the preselected distance.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 1 , including a receiver for receiving an initiating signal for activating the transmission of information identifying the location of the signaling units.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 1 , including a microcontroller for initiating the transmission of information identifying the location of the signaling units by at least one of the signaling units.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the signaling units is adapted to be hidden.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the receiver for identifying the location of the signaling units includes an antenna for communicating with the global positioning satellite (GPS) system or with low earth orbit satellites.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the transmitter for identifying the location of the signaling units includes a transceiver for communicating with a cellular network.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the signaling units is in a passive mode when said signaling units are in communicating proximity.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one said signaling unit is small enough to be able to be hidden in a wearable article.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
50 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 9 , wherein at least one said signaling unit is incorporated into at least one of an article of clothing, a shoe, a watch, a wristband, a bracelet, an identification card, an article of jewelry, a hair accessory, eyeglasses, and an animal collar.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one said signaling unit is incorporated into at least one of a molded article, an extruded article, and a sewn article.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
103 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one signaling unit is incorporated into at least one of a credit card, a wallet, a checkbook, a purse, a cellular phone, a pager, a motor vehicle, a boat, an aircraft, a television, a radio, a stereo, a tape player, a compact disc player, a DVD player, an MP3 player, a VCR, a camera, a movie camera, a computer, a printer, a laptop or notebook computer, a PDA or PocketPC, a briefcase, a suitcase, a backpack, a weapon, an article of clothing, an article of jewelry, and an article of artwork.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
42 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one said signaling unit is capable of secondary operations, optionally including at least one of receiving or transmitting video signals or audio signals, disabling a firearm, or disabling a motor vehicle.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
90 words
A security and tracking system comprising at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, wherein the second signaling unit is in communicating proximity with the first signaling unit, each respective said signaling unit having a receiver for identifying the location of said respective signaling unit; and, a transmitter for transmitting the location of said respective signaling unit when the first and second signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance; and a monitoring station capable of receiving information identifying the location of said signaling units.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
90 words
A security and tracking system comprising at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, wherein the second signaling unit is in communicating proximity with the first signaling unit, each respective said signaling unit having a receiver for identifying the location of said respective signaling unit; and, a transmitter for transmitting the location of said respective signaling unit when the first and second signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance; and a monitoring station capable of receiving information identifying the location of said signaling units.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
The security and tracking system of claim 14 wherein the monitoring station comprises a computer.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
34 words
The security and tracking system of claim 14 , wherein said monitoring station includes a transmitter for transmitting information identifying the location of the signaling units from the monitoring station to a remote receiver.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
34 words
The security and tracking system of claim 16 , wherein the transmitter is adapted for communication selected from the group consisting of at least one of radio, wireless, cellular, Internet, telephonic, television, or satellite.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
37 words
The security and tracking system of claim 16 , wherein the location of the remote receiver is one of a law enforcement agency facility, a law enforcement vehicle, an emergency response vehicle, and an emergency care facility.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
The security and tracking system of claim 14 wherein the monitoring station comprises a cellular phone, a PDA or PocketPC, a computer, or a combination thereof.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
32 words
The security and tracking system of claim 14 , wherein the receiver for identifying the location of the signaling units includes an antenna for communicating with the global positioning satellite (GPS) system.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
29 words
The security and tracking system of claim 14 , wherein the transmitter for identifying the location of the signaling units includes a transceiver for communicating with a cellular network.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
111 words
A method to locate a person, animal, or object, comprising: (a) providing in contact with or at least in close proximity to the person, the animal, or the object, at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, wherein said second signaling unit is in communicating proximity with said first signaling unit, each said respective signaling unit having a receiver for identifying the location of said respective signaling unit and a transmitter for transmitting the location of said respective signaling unit when the first and second signaling units are separated more than a preselected distance; and (b) activating the signaling units to transmit the location of the signaling units.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
111 words
A method to locate a person, animal, or object, comprising: (a) providing in contact with or at least in close proximity to the person, the animal, or the object, at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, wherein said second signaling unit is in communicating proximity with said first signaling unit, each said respective signaling unit having a receiver for identifying the location of said respective signaling unit and a transmitter for transmitting the location of said respective signaling unit when the first and second signaling units are separated more than a preselected distance; and (b) activating the signaling units to transmit the location of the signaling units.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 22 , including automatically activating the transmission of the location of the signaling units when said signaling units are separated by more than the preselected distance.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 22 , including initiating the transmission of information identifying the location of the signaling units upon receiving instructions from a remote source.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 22 , including signaling the units from a monitoring station to initiate the transmission of information identifying the location of the signaling units.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 22 , including activating at least one of the signaling units to initiate the transmission of information identifying the location of the signaling unit.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 22 , including receiving the location of the signaling units from the global positioning satellite (GPS) system.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 22 , including operating at least one of the signaling units in a passive mode when said signaling units are in communicating proximity.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 22 , including continuously transmitting the information identifying the location of at least one of the signaling units.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 22 , including intermittently transmitting the information identifying the location of at least one of the signaling units.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 22 , including transmitting in an encrypted form the information identifying the location of the signaling units.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 22 , including transmitting the information identifying the location of the signaling units to a monitoring station.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 32 , including transmitting the information identifying the location of the signaling units from the monitoring station to a remote receiver.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 33 , including transmitting additional information from the monitoring station to a remote receiver.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 34 , including transmitting the description of the person, the animal, or the object from the monitoring station to a remote receiver.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 33 , including transmitting the information identifying the location of the signaling units from the monitoring station to a remote receiver using communication selected from the group consisting of radio, the internet, a telephone network, a cellular network, television, and satellite.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 22 , wherein at least one signaling unit is small, and wherein providing said signaling unit includes hiding said small unit in a wearable article.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of locating a person, animal or object comprising: a) providing an apparatus adapted to be in contact or at least in close proximity to the person, the animal or the object, the apparatus comprising at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, wherein the second signaling unit is in communicating proximity with the first signaling unit, each said respective signaling unit having a receiver for identifying the location of said respective signaling unit; and, a transmitter for transmitting the location of said respective signaling unit when the first and second signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance; b) communicating between each said respective signaling unit to determine whether said signaling units are separated by more than the preselected distance; and c) upon determining that said signaling units are separated by more than the preselected distance, transmitting the location of the signaling units to a monitoring station, optionally activating said signaling unit that may be in a passive mode to transmit its location to the monitoring station.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of locating a person, animal or object comprising: a) providing an apparatus adapted to be in contact or at least in close proximity to the person, the animal or the object, the apparatus comprising at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, wherein the second signaling unit is in communicating proximity with the first signaling unit, each said respective signaling unit having a receiver for identifying the location of said respective signaling unit; and, a transmitter for transmitting the location of said respective signaling unit when the first and second signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance; b) communicating between each said respective signaling unit to determine whether said signaling units are separated by more than the preselected distance; and c) upon determining that said signaling units are separated by more than the preselected distance, transmitting the location of the signaling units to a monitoring station, optionally activating said signaling unit that may be in a passive mode to transmit its location to the monitoring station.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 38 including transmitting the location of the signaling units, and optionally, additional information, to a remote receiver.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 38 including communicating between each signaling unit at least periodically.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 38 including communicating between each signaling unit continuously.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 38 including communicating between each signaling unit upon demand from the monitoring station.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 38 including transmitting the location of the signaling units upon demand from the person.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 38 including logging the location of the signaling units in a database associated with the identification and optionally other information associated with the person, the animal or the object.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 38 including identifying the location of said respective signaling unit using a GPS receiver.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 38 including transmitting the location of said signaling units using a cellular transceiver.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 38 including monitoring a physical function for transmitting a signal associated with an emergency condition.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 38 including transmitting the location of said signaling unit to respective the monitoring station upon loss of communication with the other signaling unit.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
167 words
A method of locating a person, animal or object comprising: a) providing an apparatus adapted to be in contact or at least in close proximity to the person, the animal or the object, the apparatus comprising at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, wherein the second signaling unit in proximity with the first signaling unit, each respective said signaling unit having a receiver for identifying the location of said respective signaling unit; and, a transmitter for transmitting respective the location of said signaling unit; b) transmitting the location of each of the signaling units to a monitoring station; c) calculating whether said signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance; and d) upon calculating that said signaling units are separated by more than the preselected distance, initiating at least frequent or continuous transmission of location from each of said signaling units, optionally activating said signaling unit that may be in a passive mode to transmit its location to the monitoring station.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
167 words
A method of locating a person, animal or object comprising: a) providing an apparatus adapted to be in contact or at least in close proximity to the person, the animal or the object, the apparatus comprising at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, wherein the second signaling unit in proximity with the first signaling unit, each respective said signaling unit having a receiver for identifying the location of said respective signaling unit; and, a transmitter for transmitting respective the location of said signaling unit; b) transmitting the location of each of the signaling units to a monitoring station; c) calculating whether said signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance; and d) upon calculating that said signaling units are separated by more than the preselected distance, initiating at least frequent or continuous transmission of location from each of said signaling units, optionally activating said signaling unit that may be in a passive mode to transmit its location to the monitoring station.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 49 including transmitting the location of the signaling units, and optionally, additional information, to a remote receiver.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 49 including transmitting the location of each of the signaling units to the monitoring station upon demand from the monitoring station.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 49 including transmitting the location of the signaling units upon demand from the person.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 49 including transmitting the location of at least one said signaling unit to the monitoring station upon demand from the monitoring station upon loss of transmission from the other signaling unit.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 49 including logging the location of the signaling units in a database associated with the identification and optionally other information associated with the person, the animal or the object.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 49 including identifying the location of said signaling units using a GPS receiver.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 49 including transmitting the location of said signaling units using a cellular transceiver.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 49 including monitoring a physical function for transmitting a signal associated with an emergency condition.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 49 wherein said calculating is processed by at least one said signaling unit.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 49 wherein said calculating is processed by the monitoring station.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
103 words
A security and tracking apparatus for a person, an animal or an object comprising at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit adapted to be hidden in contact or in close proximity to the person, the animal or the object, wherein the second signaling unit is in communicating proximity with the first signaling unit, each respective said signaling unit having a GPS receiver for identifying the location of said respective signaling unit; and, a cellular transceiver for transmitting the location of said respective signaling unit when the first and second signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
103 words
A security and tracking apparatus for a person, an animal or an object comprising at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit adapted to be hidden in contact or in close proximity to the person, the animal or the object, wherein the second signaling unit is in communicating proximity with the first signaling unit, each respective said signaling unit having a GPS receiver for identifying the location of said respective signaling unit; and, a cellular transceiver for transmitting the location of said respective signaling unit when the first and second signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
108 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 60 wherein each respective said signaling unit is adapted to activate its cellular transceiver to transmit the location of said respective signaling unit to a monitoring station under at least one of the following conditions: a) automatically when the first and second signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance, b) upon demand from the monitoring station, c) upon demand from the person, d) upon loss or absence of communication from the other signaling unit, or e) upon preselected intervals; wherein the monitoring station optionally comprises a cellular phone, a PDA or PocketPC, a computer, or a combination thereof.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
28 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 60 , wherein each respective said signaling unit has a low power RF transceiver for communication with the other signaling unit.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
50 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 60 , wherein at least one said signaling unit is incorporated into at least one of an article of clothing, a shoe, a watch, a wristband, a bracelet, an identification card, an article of jewelry, a hair accessory, eyeglasses, and an animal collar.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
103 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 60 , wherein at least one signaling unit is incorporated into at least one of a credit card, a wallet, a checkbook, a purse, a cellular phone, a pager, a motor vehicle, a boat, an aircraft, a television, a radio, a stereo, a tape player, a compact disc player, a DVD player, an MP3 player, a VCR, a camera, a movie camera, a computer, a printer, a laptop or notebook computer, a PDA or PocketPC, a briefcase, a suitcase, a backpack, a weapon, an article of clothing, an article of jewelry, and an article of artwork.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
20 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 60 , wherein at least one signaling unit is incorporated into a watch.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
21 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 60 , wherein at least one signaling unit is incorporated into a cellular phone.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
20 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 60 , wherein at least one signaling unit is incorporated into a pager.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
42 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 60 , wherein at least one signaling unit additionally comprises a monitoring station adapted to generate a signal to notify the person of the other signaling unit being separated by more than a preselected distance.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
30 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 60 , wherein at least one signaling unit additionally is adapted to monitor and report at least one physical condition of the person.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
37 words
The security and tracking apparatus of claim 60 , wherein said signaling units are powered by a power source selected from the group consisting of rechargeable battery, replaceable battery, solar cell, kinetic power device, or combinations thereof.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2008-05-02 | 2008-11-01 | 2009-05-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-05-02 | 2012-11-01 | 2013-05-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-05-02 | 2016-11-01 | 2017-05-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |