A radio object detection, communication, and alarm system for aiding in maneuvering a truck for the delivery of goods at an unloading platform and for protecting the open truck from unauthorized entry during unloading includes portable radio communication means for inhibiting alarm operation when authorized personnel are present in a protected zone.
A security system uses a base unit and a portable transceiver which cooperate to provide automatic monitoring of a secure perimeter. An intrusion sensor is employed to activate a transmitter for emitting a selected frequency wave energy challenge transmission upon the detection of an intruder either outside the perimeter or entering the perimeter. If the intruder has the portable transceiver present to receive the challenge transmission, it automatically emits a responsive wave energy signal as an acknowledgment. A base unit receiver detects the acknowledgment signal and prohibits alarm action. If no acknowledgment signal is received, then either a warning or an alarm is triggered at the base unit. The system does not require manual control. The several distinct wave energy signals can be chosen from among various available radio frequency electromagnetic, and audible or ultrasonic acoustic, waves. An advantage of making one of the communication links by acoustic transmission is that the system disarms itself automatically only when the portable transceiver is within a precisely defined distance of the base unit.
An improved safety method and apparatus for sensing individuals adjacent a vehicle utilizes a balanced bridge circuit. The method and apparatus provides for rebalancing the bridge circuit at a first rate during vehicle motion to compensate for topography and environmental changes as the vehicle proceeds and for varying the rate to a second relatively lower rate, and, alternatively inhibiting rebalancing of the bridge circuit when the vehicle is stationary during proximity detection of individuals adjacent the vehicle. A delay in restoring the rebalancing rate to the first rate is provided as the vehicle prepares to proceed. An improved electrode, detection assembly employed in the method and apparatus is described.
A vehicle having a particular area in proximity thereto which is dangerous to personnel when the vehicle is performing a particular function is combined with a personnel detection means mounted on the vehicle and having characteristics for providing an electrical output signal in response to the presence of a person in the particular area. Apparatus associated with the particular function is mounted on the vehicle and responsive to the output signal of the personnel detection means to inhibit the particular function and reduce the danger to the person in the particular area.
The present invention discloses an antitheft apparatus mounted on a vehicle for protecting the vehicle from theft. The vehicle has a remote control device that controls a vehicle component of the vehicle in accordance with a control signal transmitted from a terminal. The antitheft apparatus includes an intruder detection part for detecting intrusion of an intruder, and an intrusion detection control part for controlling the detecting function of the intruder detection part during a period when the vehicle component is being controlled by the remote control device.
A dispensing apparatus is provided for use from an open window of a stationary vehicle. The position of the open window is optically or acoustically sensed and a data input and dispensing component is moved by a carriage mechanism in response to the sensed signals to a position adjacent to the open window. Input of data can also cause the component to be moved between this window position and an at rest position at which material may be collected and/or dispensed.
