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Claims  |
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We claim:
1. A security system for a plurality of individual vehicles congregated
together in a given security area, said security system comprises:
a plurality of individual vehicle security systems and a central unit;
wherein each of said individual vehicle security systems is associated with
a respective one of said individual vehicles;
wherein each of said individual vehicle security systems comprises:
(a) a plurality of sensor means, each sensor means being operatively
mounted at the respective individual vehicle and structured to be actuated
by the occurrence of a respective predetermined event associated with the
respective individual vehicle, each sensor means including means for
producing an encoded sensor signal upon the occurrence of the
predetermined event for that sensor means such that the encoded sensor
signal identifies the respective sensor means producing the encoded sensor
signal and the respective individual vehicle with which the respective
sensor means is associated, each sensor means including a transmitter for
transmitting the thus produced encoded sensor signal through the
atmosphere;
(b) a receiving means located at the respective individual vehicle, each
receiving means including means for receiving the transmitted encoded
sensor signals from the plurality of sensor means of the respective
individual vehicle security system as well as from sensor means of
individual vehicle security systems for other individual vehicles in the
given security area, each receiving means including means for recognizing
an encoded sensor signal transmitted by a sensor means of the respective
individual vehicle security system and for producing an output signal only
upon receipt and recognition of an encoded sensor signal transmitted by a
sensor means of the respective individual vehicle security system;
(b) a slave transmitter means operatively coupled to the receiving means
for the respective individual vehicle security system to receive an output
signal from the receiving means of the respective individual vehicle
security system, the slave transmitter means including means for producing
an encoded vehicle signal upon the receipt of an output signal from the
receiving means of the respective individual vehicle security system such
that the encoded vehicle signal identifies the respective sensor means
producing the encoded sensor signal and the respective individual vehicle
with which the respective sensor means is associated, each salve
transmitter means including a transmitter for transmitting the thus
produced encoded vehicle signal through the atmosphere;
and
wherein said central unit comprises:
(a) a central receiver means positioned to receive an encoded vehicle
signal transmitted by the slave transmitter means of any of said
individual vehicle security systems, to decode the thus received encoded
vehicle signal and provide a control signal in response thereto;
(b) a master control unit to receive a control signal from said central
receiver means and provide output functions in response to the receipt of
a control signal from said central receiver means.
2. A security system in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said
individual vehicle security systems further comprises:
a keypad and display means located at the respective individual vehicle and
operatively coupled to the receiving means of the respective individual
vehicle security system to exchange coded signals with that receiving
means for selectively activating individual sensor means in the plurality
of sensor means of the respective individual vehicle security system; and
an alarm unit located at the respective individual vehicle and connected to
the keypad and display means of the respective individual vehicle security
system to receive a signal from that keypad and display unit upon the
occurrence of the actuation of a sensor means of the respective individual
vehicle security system.
3. A security system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said plurality of
individual vehicles in a given security area comprises a plurality of
boats in a marine.
4. A security system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said plurality of
individual vehicles in a given security area comprises a plurality of
recreational vehicles in a storage area.
5. A security system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said central unit
further comprises:
a central processing means operatively coupled to said central receiver
means to receive a control signal outputted by said central receiver
means;
a display unit operatively coupled to said central processing means; and
a message unit and an auto dialer operatively connected in parallel between
said central processing means and a connector for connecting to a
telephone line.
6. A security system in accordance with claim 5 wherein said plurality of
individual vehicles in a given security area comprises a plurality of
boats in a marine, with each individual vehicle being a boat in a slip in
the marina.
7. A security system in accordance with claim 5 wherein said plurality of
individual vehicles in a given security area comprises a plurality of
boats in a marina, with each individual vehicle being a boat in a dry
stack in the marina.
8. A security system in accordance with claim 5 wherein said plurality of
individual vehicles in a given security area comprises a plurality of
vehicles in a storage area.
9. A security system in accordance with claim 5 wherein at lest one of the
sensor means in each individual vehicle security system includes a
magnetic switch.
10. A security system in accordance with claim 5 wherein at least one of
the sensor means in each individual vehicle security system includes an
infrared sensor.
11. A security system in accordance with claim 5 wherein the plurality of
sensor means in each individual vehicle security system comprise at lest
two sensors selected from the group consisting of a sensor to detect
smoke, a sensor to detect the presence of carbon monoxide, a sensor to
detect the presence of LP gas, a sensor to detect the presence of water, a
sensor to detect glass breakage, a sensor to detect an opened window, a
sensor to detect an opened door, and a sensor to detect motion.
12. A security system in accordance with claim 5 wherein the plurality of
sensor means in each individual vehicle security system comprise a sensor
to detect smoke, a sensor to detect the presence of motion, and a sensor
to detect the presence of water.
13. A security system in accordance with claim 5 wherein said means for
producing a encoded sensor signal includes switches to set the encoding.
14. A security system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said central unit
further comprises:
a central processing means operatively coupled to said central receiver
means to receive a control signal outputted by said central receiver
means;
a display unit operatively coupled to said central processing means; and
a message unit and an auto dialer operatively connected in parallel between
said central processing means and a connector for connecting to a
telephone line.
15. A security system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said plurality of
individual vehicles in a given security area comprises a plurality of
boats in a marina, with each individual vehicle being a boat in a slip in
the marina.
16. A security system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said plurality of
individual vehicles in a given security area comprises a plurality of
boats in a marina, with each individual vehicle being a boat in a dry
stack in the marina.
17. A security system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said plurality of
individual vehicles in a given security area comprises a plurality of
vehicles in a storage area, with each individual vehicle being a boat.
18. A security system in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one of
the sensor means in each individual vehicle security system includes a
magnetic switch.
19. A security system in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one of
the sensor means in each individual vehicle security system includes an
infrared sensor.
20. A security system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the plurality of
sensor means in each individual vehicle security system comprise at least
two sensors selected from the group consisting of a sensor to detect
smoke, a sensor to detect the presence of carbon monoxide, a sensor to
detect the presence of LP gas, a sensor to detect the presence of water, a
sensor to detect glass breakage, a sensor to detect an opened window, a
sensor to detect an opened door, and a sensor to detect motion.
21. A security system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the plurality of
sensor means in each individual vehicle security system comprise a sensor
to detect smoke, a sensor to detect the presence of motion, and a sensor
to detect the presence of water.
22. A security system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for
producing a encoded sensor signal includes switches to set the encoding.
23. A method of monitoring a plurality of individual vehicles which are
congregated together in a given security area, which method comprises:
providing an individual vehicle security system for each individual
vehicle, each individual vehicle security system comprising:
(a) a plurality of sensor means, each sensor means being operatively
mounted at the respective individual vehicle and structured to be actuated
by the occurrence of a respective predetermined event associated with the
respective individual vehicle;
(b) a receiving means located at the respective individual vehicle; and
(c) a slave transmitter means operatively coupled to the receiving means
for the respective individual vehicle security system to receive an output
signal from the receiving means of the respective individual vehicle
security system;
producing a encoded sensor signal upon the occurrence of the predetermined
event for a respective sensor means such that the encoded sensor signal
identifies the respective sensor means producing the encoded sensor signal
and the respective individual vehicle with which the respective sensor
means is associated;
transmitting the thus produced encoded sensor signal through the atmosphere
to the receiving means of each of the plurality of individual vehicle
security systems;
causing the receiving means for the respective individual vehicle security
system to receive the transmitted encoded sensor signals from the
plurality of sensor means of the respective individual vehicle security
system as well as from sensor means of individual vehicle security systems
for other individual vehicles in the given security area,
causing the receiving means for the respective individual vehicle security
system to recognize only encoded sensor signals transmitted by sensor
means of the respective individual vehicle security systems;
causing the receiving means for the respective individual security system
to produce an output signal only upon receipt and recognition of an
encoded sensor signal transmitted by a sensor means of the respective
individual vehicle security system;
causing the slave transmitter means of the respective individual vehicle
security system to produce an encoded vehicle signal upon the receipt of
an output signal from the receiving means of the respective individual
vehicle security system such that the encoded vehicle signal identifies
the respective sensor means producing the encoded sensor signal and the
respective individual vehicle with which the respective sensor means is
associated;
transmitting the thus produced encoded vehicle signal through the
atmosphere;
receiving the thus transmitted encoded vehicle signal at a central unit;
decoding the thus received encoded vehicle signal and providing a control
signal in response thereto;
actuating an alarm at the central unit in response to said control signal;
recording the date, the time, an identification of the individual vehicle
at which an encoded sensor signal was produced, and the type of sensor
means which produced the encoded sensor signal; and
if the thus actuated alarm is not deactivated within a predetermined period
of time, dialing at least one preset telephone number and providing a
recorded message when the first one of said at least one preset telephone
number is answered, and if an acknowledgment of the recorded message is
received, recording the time the recorded message was acknowledged.
24. A method in accordance with claim 23, further comprising the step of
storing in the central unit instructions to shut down the central unit
after a set period of time unless the central unit receives activation
instructions.
25. A method in accordance with claim 24, further comprising the step of
transmitting activation instructions to the central unit during the set
period of time to activate the security system for an additional time
period. |
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Claims  |
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Description  |
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TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to security systems. More particularly,
but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to a security system
for detecting unauthorized intrusion into an individual unit as well as
the detecting of a hazardous condition existing in that individual unit
and providing notification of such unauthorized intrusion or hazardous
condition.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In recent times the theft of individual units such as boats, recreational
vehicles, trailers, automobiles, etc. as well as items from boats,
recreational vehicles, trailers, automobiles, apartments, etc. has grown
to alarming proportions.
Several approaches have been adopted in an attempt to combat theft of items
from individual units but most if not all approaches have required the
owner to be in the area to monitor the system of his own individual unit.
When the boat owner docks his boat in the boat slip at the marina and goes
home, he is not in the area to monitor his own system on his individual
unit or boat. This is also true when (1) the boat owner stores his boat in
the dry stacks at the marina in the off season, (2) when the owner of the
recreational vehicle or trailer stores his recreational vehicle or trailer
in a trailer storage area in the off season, (3) when the owner of an
automobile delivers his car to the storage lot of a car mover for a move
across country, (4) when the renter of an apartment is gone from his
apartment, (5) when the renter of a storage area stores items in storage
areas such as individual mini-warehouses, etc. In fact, this is true
whenever individual unite are congregated together in a designated or
given area.
This invention deals with these as well as related problems and provides a
security alarm system which detects and signals the occurrence of a
predetermined event with regard to the individual unit, such as
unauthorized entry, glass breakage, fire, smoke, unauthorized movement,
low battery, high water level in the bilge of a boat, activation of a
panic button, via digitally coded messages to a central station which
monitors all the individual units in the designated or given area.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides a security system for an individual or
predetermined unit as well as for a plurality of individual or
predetermined units in a given security area and in one aspect comprises a
plurality of sensors operatively associated with an individual unit, each
sensor being structured to be actuated by the occurrence of a
predetermined event, each sensor includes means for encoding and
transmitting coded signals through the atmosphere which identifies each
sensor and the individual unit with which it is associated; a receiving
means associated with the individual unit, each receiving means including
means for receiving and recognizing the transmitted coded signals from the
sensor associated with the same individual unit as that of the receiving
means and including means for providing a plurality of output signals upon
receipt and recognition of a transmitted coded signal; a keypad and
display unit operatively coupled to exchange predetermined coded signals
with the receiving means, an alarm unit to receive an output signal from
the keypad and display unit upon the occurrence of a predetermined event;
a slave transmitter means associated with each individual unit and
operatively coupled to receive an output signal from the receiving means
upon the occurrence of a predetermined event, the slave transmitter means
includes means for further encoding and transmitting coded signals through
the atmosphere which identifies the individual unit and the sensor which
has been actuated.
In another aspect, this invention provides a security system for a
plurality of individual units in a given security area and comprises a
plurality of sensors operatively associated with each of the plurality of
individual units, each sensor being structured to be actuated by the
occurrence of a predetermined event, each sensor including means for
encoding and transmitting coded signals through the atmosphere which
identifies each sensor and the individual unit with which it is
associated; a plurality of receiving means having a predetermined
receiving means associated with each of the plurality of individual units,
each predetermined receiving means including means for receiving and
recognizing the transmitted coded signals from the plurality of sensors
associated with the same individual unit as that of the predetermined
receiving means and including means for providing a plurality of output
signals upon receipt and recognition of a transmitted coded signal; a
plurality of keypad and display units having a keypad and display unit
associated with each of the plurality of receiving means and operatively
coupled to exchange predetermined coded signals with the associated
receiving means, a plurality of alarm units having an alarm unit
associated with each of the plurality of keypad and display units and
operatively coupled to receive an output signal from the keypad and
display unit upon the occurrence of a predetermined event; a plurality of
slave transmitter means having a predetermined slave transmitter means
associated with each of the plurality of individual units and operatively
coupled to receive the output signal from the predetermined receiving
means associated with the same individual unit as that of the
predetermined slave transmitter means, the predetermined slave transmitter
means includes means for further encoding and transmitting coded signals
through the atmosphere which identifies the sensor means which has been
actuated and the individual unit with which the identified sensor is
associated; a central receiver to receive the transmitted coded signals
from the predetermined slave transmitter, to decode the transmitted coded
signals and provide an output signal in a predetermined format; and a
master control unit to receive the output signal from the central receiver
means and provide predetermined output functions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent
with reference to the following detailed description of a presently
preferred embodiment thereof in connection with the accompanying drawings,
wherein like reference numerals have been applied to like elements, in
which:
FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram showing the security system in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram showing the security system in
accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram showing the local security station of
the present invention; and
FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram showing the master control unit of the
local security station of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the drawing and FIG. 1 in particular, shown therein and
generally designated by the reference character 10 is a security system in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the
security system 10 comprises the individual unit system 12 installed in or
on the individual or predetermined unit 14 which is to be monitored for
security and hazard purposes. The individual or predetermined unit 14
would comprise a boat, recreational vehicle, trailer, automobile,
apartment, mini-warehouse, etc. The individual unit system 12 comprises a
plurality of sensor means 16, a receiver means 18 and a slave transmitter
20. Each sensor means 16 includes a detector 22, a digital encoder 24, a
transmitter 26 and a radiating unit or antenna 28. Sensor means 16 are
structured and positioned in the individual or predetermined units 14 to
detect and signal abnormal or emergency conditions, such as unauthorized
intrusion; the presence of fire, smoke, gas, carbon monoxide; glass
breakage; opening of doors or windows; unauthorized moving of the unit;
removal of structure from the outside of the unit; low battery voltage;
high water level in the bilge and other well known type of detectors. For
instance, the opening of doors or windows and the removal of structure
could be detected by the use of magnetic switches. The digital encoder 24
provides for the setting of a digital code for each sensor means 16 which
allows identification of each individual unit 14 and each sensor means 16
associated with that individual unit 14. In the preferred embodiment, the
digital code comprises eight bits to identify the individual unit 14 and
four bits to identify the individual sensor means 16, e.g., magnetic
switch, pressure mat, glass breakage, fire, smoke, motion, current, high
water, etc. In the preferred embodiment, the selection of the code
function is provided by DIP switches. The transmitter 26 would be (1) the
rf type in the frequency range and power as approved by the FCC, (2)
infrared type, (3) ultrasonic type, etc. which would transmit the coded
signal through the atmosphere rather than over cable or land line.
Each receiver means 18 comprises a receiver 30 and digital encoder means
32. The digital encoder means 32 provides for the setting of an eight bit
digital code to identify the individual or predetermined unit 14 with
which the receiver means 18 is associated and only allows reception of the
coded signals from the sensor means 16 for the associated individual or
predetermined unit. The eight bit digital code of the receiver means 18
must match the eight bit digital code of each of the sensor means 16 for
the associated-individual or predetermined unit. In the preferred
embodiment, the selection of the eight bit digital code is provided by DIP
switches.
A key pad 34, which is part of the key pad and display unit 35, is
operatively coupled to each receiver means 18. Key pad 34 allows the owner
or operator of the security system 10 to configure the system to his
particular wants or needs. Security system 10 has delay times built into
the system which allows the owner or operator a set amount of time to
leave the unit 14 before the security system 10 is activated or armed and
a set time to enter the unit 14 and deactivate or disarm the security
system 10 before it is triggered by his intrusion. The sensor means 16 are
grouped into groups 30 which can be controlled, to a degree, from the key
pad 34. The groupings are (1) the security sensors, e.g. pressure mat,
glass breakage, the opening of windows or doors, motion detector, etc.,
(2) the hazard sensors, e.g. LP gas, fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, low
battery, high water in bilge, etc. and (3) the infrared motion detector.
Groups (1) and (3) can be activated and/or deactivated together as one
group from the key pad 34. Group (2) can be activated and/or deactivated
as a separate group. After groups (1) and (3) have been activated, group
(3) can be deactivated, leaving group (1) activated. So, basically, key
pad 34 allows the operator to control and configure the system.
An alarm device 36 is operatively connected to receiver means 18 to receive
an activating signal when receiver means 18 receives a proper and
recognized transmitted coded signal from a sensor means 16 associated with
the individual or predetermined unit 14 with which the receiver means 18
is associated as part of the security system 10.
Detector 38 is operatively connected to the housing of receiver means 18 to
activate the security system 10 if an intruder attempts to obtain access
to the receiver means 18 and deactivate the security system 10 before it
is activated by the intruder's entry into the individual or predetermined
unit 14. In the preferred embodiment, detector 38 comprises a magnetic
switch.
Panic switch 40 is a wireless transmitter similar to transmitter 26 which
transmits a coded signal through the atmosphere to receiver means 18 when
activated. The panic switch 40 is portable and is activated to trigger the
security system 10 if the owner or occupant of the unit desires to trigger
the alarm to signal for help if they are ill, have fallen, hear someone
attempting to break into the individual or predetermined unit 14.
A display unit 42, which is part of the key pad and display unit 35, is
operatively coupled to receiver means 18 to display a code designating
which sensor has been activated.
A coded signal output is sent to the slave transmitter 20 via cable 44 and
activates the slave transmitter 20 to transmit a coded signal through the
atmosphere. The slave transmitter 20 includes encoder means 46 for setting
a twelve bit digital code which identifies the particular individual or
predetermined unit where the slave transmitter 20 is located. In the
preferred embodiment, the selection of the twelve bit digital code is
provided by DIP switches. In the operation of the individual unit system
12 when a sensor means 16 is activated or triggered, sensor means 16
transmits the twelve bit coded signal through the atmosphere to receiver
means 18. Receiver means 18 checks the eight bits of the coded signal to
determine if the received signal is from a sensor means associated with
the same individual or predetermined unit 14 with which the receiver means
18 is associated. If the received signal is from a sensor means 16 which
is on the same individual unit 14 as the receiver means 18, receiver means
18 will check to determine if the individual unit system 12 is activated
or not. If the individual unit system 12 is activated then receiver means
18 will cause the code, for the particular sensor means 16 which has been
triggered, to appear on display unit 42. Receiver means 18 then sends the
four bits of data, which designates the type of sensor means 16 which has
been activated, on to the slave transmitter 20. If the individual unit
system 12 is not activated, nothing additional happens. Slave transmitter
20 adds twelve digital bits, which designates the particular individual
unit 14 where the individual unit system 12, which has triggered, is
located and transmits the sixteen bit coded signal through the atmosphere.
With further reference to the drawing and to FIG. 2 in particular, shown
therein and generally designated by the reference character 50 is a
security system in accordance with an additional embodiment of this
invention. As illustrated, the security system 50 is directed to a
security system for a given or designated security area 52 which includes
a plurality of individual or predetermined units 14. Security system 50
comprises a plurality of individual unit systems 12 installed in and
around each individual or predetermined unit 14 and a local security
station 54. It will be appreciated that the local security station 54 may
be within or outside the given or designated security area 52.
With reference to FIG. 3, the local security station 54 is shown and
comprises a station receiver 56 whose output is provided to interface
circuitry 58 whose output is provided to the master control unit 60.
Master control unit 60 provides an output to printer 62, an output to
alarm 64 and an output and input line 66 which is connected to the
telephone line jack of the telephone line to the telephone company or to a
cellular telephone. A touch-tone telephone 68 provides an input to the
master Control unit 60 and receives an input from the speech synthesizer
78 in the master control unit 60.
With reference to FIG. 4, the master control unit 60 is shown and comprises
a CPU 70 operatively connected to memory 72 and providing an output to
display 74. DTMF signal detector 76, speech synthesizer 78 and auto dialer
80 are connected in parallel between CPU 70 and DAA 82. DAA 82 is
connected to the telephone line from the telephone company. Memory 72
includes the program instructions for CPU 70 to perform the various tasks
required as well as the messages to be transmitted by the speech
synthesizer 78 and the telephone numbers to be dialed by auto dialer 80.
In the operation of the security system 50, the individual unit systems 12
operate as previously discussed. When a slave transmitter 20 transmits the
sixteen bit coded signal through the atmosphere, it is received by antenna
28 and output to station receiver 56 whose output is provided through
interface circuitry 58 to the master control unit 160. The master control
unit 60 checks to make certain it is on and if it is on the master control
unit 60 will provide an activating signal to the alarm 64 located at the
local security station 54 and sound alarm 64. If there is personnel in the
local security station 54, they have a predetermined time, e.g. three
minutes, in which to pick up the touch-tone telephone 68 and dial a
predetermined intercept code which goes to the CPU 70 and cancels the
alarm sequence. If there is not any personnel in the local security
station 54, the master control unit 60 will start the sequence of dialing
three telephone numbers, which have been placed in memory in the master
control unit 60. At the same time, the CPU 70 will output information to
the display unit 74 and the printer 62 which will include (1) the time,
(2) the date, (3) the individual unit identification where the alarm
occurred and (4) the type of alarm. The three telephone numbers could
include the police, an independent security business, the owner of the
designated security area, a beeper number, the home of an individual, etc.
The three telephone numbers will be sequentially dialed until someone
answers one of the dialed phones. When one of the dialed phones is
answered, the person who answers the phone must dial in a predetermined
sequence of numbers. The master control unit 60 then knows that someone
has acknowledged the receipt of the alarm notification and the speech
synthesizer outputs a message informing the individual on the phone of the
details regarding the alarm. These details will include (1) the time of
the alarm, (2) the date of the alarm, (3) the individual unit
identification where the alarm occurred and (4) the type of alarm. When
one of the three dialed phones has been answered, the printer will print
out an acknowledgment message which will include (1) the time the alarm
was acknowledged, (2) the date the alarm was acknowledged and (3) the
party who acknowledged the notification of the alarm by the sequence of
numbers dialed by the party.
Another feature of the security system 50 is that the master control unit
60 is programmable from any touch-tone phone. Normally the individual unit
systems 12, with the exception of the slave transmitter 20, are sold to be
installed in the individual or predetermined units 14. The company which
manufactures the security system 50 leases the slave transmitter 20 to the
owner of the designated security area 52 where the individual or
predetermined units 14 are stored or housed, who in turn sub-leases the
slave transmitter 20 to the owners of the individual or predetermined
units 14. Each month the company is to collect a set amount for each slave
transmitter 20 leased to the owner of the designated security area 52. If
for any month, the company does not receive a check from the owner of the
designated security area 52, the security system 50 goes into a programmed
ten day grace period in which it will continue to operate. After the ten
day grace period, the master control unit 60 of the security system 50
will shut down in accordance with a predetermined program placed in memory
72. When a check is received, a predetermined code will be sent over the
telephone to the master control unit 60 which will update the master
control unit 60 and allow it to operate for another month.
Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with this
invention, a security system for monitoring a plurality of individual
units from a centralized location.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to a
presently preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that various modifications, alternatives, variations, etc., may be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined in the appended claims.
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Description  |
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