Communications: electrical – Condition responsive indicating system – Specific condition
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-17
2001-07-10
Wu, Daniel J. (Department: 2632)
Communications: electrical
Condition responsive indicating system
Specific condition
C340S541000, C340S545300, C340S556000, C367S118000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06259365
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a laser security fence apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a laser security fence apparatus for providing a warning signal in response to an intrusion by an intruder of a restricted area.
2. Background Information
Each year many fatal accidents occur due to children drowning after entering unattended into pool areas. Although several fence arrangements have been proposed for restricting access to a pool area, there is always a possibility that a gate may be left unlocked so that a child or toddler can enter the pool area and fall into the pool without the parents being aware of the situation.
Furthermore, traditional fences and gates usually detract from the aesthetics of the pool and surrounding pool area. The present invention provides a laser fence apparatus that immediately alerts the pool owner that someone has entered the restricted area. In this way, if a toddler or baby crawls past the laser fence, the parents are immediately alerted about the potential danger before the child is able to reach the actual pool.
Therefore, it is a primary feature of the present invention to provide a laser security fence apparatus that overcomes the problems associated with the prior art fence arrangements and which provides a significant contribution to the art of pool safety.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a laser security fence for surrounding any restricted area such as a camp ground or the like.
Other features and advantages of the laser security fence apparatus according to the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detailed description contained herein of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a laser security fence apparatus for providing a warning signal in response to an intrusion by an intruder of a restricted area. The apparatus includes a laser generator for generating a laser beam and a first mirror aligned with the laser beam for reflecting the beam. A second mirror is aligned with the first mirror for reflecting the beam reflected by the first mirror and a collector is aligned with the second mirror for collecting the beam reflected by the second mirror. A microprocessor is associated with the collector and the generator for sensing when the beam is broken by the intruder, that is when the beam is not received by the collector. An alarm is connected to the microprocessor for actuation by the microprocessor when the microprocessor senses that the beam is broken so that the alarm provides the warning signal.
In a more specific embodiment of the present invention, the laser generator includes a 9 volt D.C. source of electrical energy and the laser generator is a laser diode light.
The laser generator also includes a focal lens for focusing the laser beam, the focal lens including a capacitor for adjusting a sensitivity and intensity of the beam. More particularly, the capacitor is a variable capacitor.
Moreover, the first mirror is a plane mirror, the first mirror being set angularly relative to the beam. The second mirror is also a plane mirror which is disposed angularly relative to the first mirror. The first and second mirrors are spaced relative to each other so that the beam travelling between the mirrors can travel a distance of over 100 yards.
Also, the collector includes a collecting lens for collecting the beam and an electronic circuit for generating an electrical signal in response to the beam received by the collecting lens. A transmitter is used for transmitting the electrical signal from the microprocessor. The transmitter is a radio transmitter for transmitting a R.F. wave from the microprocessor, the microprocessor being disposed in the vicinity of the collector. The R.F. waves are received by a device located inside the house for providing an audible warning that the laser beam has been broken.
Preferably, the apparatus is a security fence placed around a swimming pool to provide a warning if a child enters a pool area which would present a potentially life threatening situation for the child if the child were to enter into the pool.
Many variations and modifications of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a careful consideration of the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention contained herein in conjunction with the annexed drawings. However, such modifications and variations fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Included in such modifications would be the provision of means for switching on a lighting system when the alarm signal is given so that for example, in the use of the laser fence around a pool area, when the potential danger of an intruder is sensed, the lights are switched on thus facilitating a rescue from the pool in the event of a child having fallen into the pool.
Also, the present invention envisages not only a waning speaker disposed adjacent to the collector for providing a warning in the pool area itself but also means for transmitting to a remote receiver so that a person disposed remote from the pool is alerted to the potential problem of an intruder.
Additionally, the apparatus according to the present invention is able to be energized from a D.C. source or from the mains supply via a voltage drop A C./D.C. transformer or the like.
Furthermore, the apparatus may include a timer device for allowing the laser fence to be reset automatically after the warning alarm has been activated. More specifically, the alarm can be set to sound for 30-60 seconds thus not allowing the battery power on the laser unit to be drained for an extended period of time. The delay device could include two buttons. The first button would control the wireless delay switch. When activated by depressing the first button, a signal is sent to the laser unit thus allowing the owner to pass without setting off the alarm. Subsequently, the unit would be automatically re-set to turn itself back on.
A second button is an on/off button on the portable remote receiver alarm. The second button would control the on/off switch remotely without having to leave the house or car to physically go to the laser unit to turn the unit on.
The present invention can also be used to secure a hunting camp, a car port, a fence line, an interior or exterior of a home, for securing a store, child care facility or an R.V. The present invention could also be used to warn of the intrusion of a cat within a babies crib or to warn a parent about a sleep walker.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3623057 (1971-11-01), Hedin
patent: 3688298 (1972-08-01), Miller et al.
patent: 3704461 (1972-11-01), Rose et al.
patent: 3711846 (1973-01-01), Schlisser et al.
patent: 4910498 (1990-03-01), Feher
patent: 5063288 (1991-11-01), Hsu et al.
patent: 5195060 (1993-03-01), Roll
patent: 5223817 (1993-06-01), Hoyle
Prevent TM Laser Perimeter Pool Alarm.
Hagar James
Kirchner Richard A.
Archer David J.
Nguyen Phung
Wu Daniel J.
LandOfFree
Laser security fence apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Laser security fence apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Laser security fence apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2456301