公开(公告)号：US07893812B2

公开(公告)日：2011-02-22

申请号：US12182086

申请日：2008-07-29

Applicant: Lawrence Kates

Inventor： Lawrence Kates

IPC: G08B19/00

CPC classification number: H04W52/0225 ,  G06F1/3209 ,  G08B1/08 ,  G08B13/04 ,  G08B17/00 ,  G08B17/10 ,  G08B21/14 ,  G08B21/182 ,  G08B25/001 ,  G08B25/007 ,  G08B25/009 ,  G08B25/10 ,  H04Q9/00 ,  H04Q9/02 ,  H04W84/18 ,  Y02B70/30 ,  Y02D70/00 ,  Y02D70/144 ,  Y02D70/26

Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.

Abstract translation: 描述了一种低成本，强大的无线传感器，可在无需维护的情况下提供长时间的可操作性。 无线传感器被配置为与基本单元或中继器通信。 当传感器单元检测到异常环境条件（例如，烟雾，火灾，水等）时，传感器与基本单元通信并提供关于异常状况的数据。 传感器单元接收改变操作参数和/或控制外部设备的指令。

公开(公告)号：US20100289641A1

公开(公告)日：2010-11-18

申请号：US12780852

申请日：2010-05-14

Applicant: Lawrence Kates

Inventor： Lawrence Kates

IPC: G08B13/00

CPC classification number: G08B13/184 ,  G08B13/183 ,  G08B13/19697 ,  G08B13/2454 ,  G08B25/008

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting presence and movement of intruders. Various embodiments of an intruder detection system can be based on, for example, a beam-interrupt detector or a thermal imaging device. The beam-interrupt detection based system can provide functionalities such as counting of intruders crossing a given beam. A plurality of such beams at different heights can also allow distinguishing different-sized intruders. The thermal imaging based detection system can provide functionalities such as tracking movement of intruders. A recording can be triggered by detection of intruder movement, thereby improving the efficiency of recording and reviewing information indicative of presence and movement of intruders in a monitored area. In one embodiment, non-intruders can be distinguished from intruders by querying an RFID tag carried by non-intruders. In one embodiment, non-intruders can be distinguished from intruders by facial recognition.

Abstract translation: 用于检测入侵者的存在和移动的系统和方法。 入侵者检测系统的各种实施例可以基于例如光束中断检测器或热成像装置。 基于射束中断检测的系统可以提供诸如计算穿过给定波束的入侵者的功能。 在不同高度的多个这样的梁也可以允许区分不同大小的入侵者。 基于热成像的检测系统可以提供跟踪入侵者的运动等功能。 可以通过检测入侵者运动来触发记录，从而提高记录和查看指示入侵者在监视区域中的存在和移动的信息的效率。 在一个实施例中，非入侵者可以通过查询非入侵者携带的RFID标签来区分入侵者。 在一个实施例中，非入侵者可以通过面部识别来区分入侵者。

公开(公告)号：US20100206039A1

公开(公告)日：2010-08-19

申请号：US12684715

申请日：2010-01-08

Applicant: Lawrence Kates

Inventor： Lawrence Kates

IPC: G01D18/00

CPC classification number: G08B25/10 ,  G08B21/0236 ,  G08B21/0484 ,  G08B25/007 ,  G08B25/009 ,  G08B25/016 ,  G08B29/24 ,  G08B29/26

Abstract: A sensor system that provides an adjustable threshold level for the sensed quantity is described. The adjustable threshold allows the sensor to adjust to ambient conditions, aging of components, and other operational variations while still providing a relatively sensitive detection capability for hazardous conditions. The adjustable threshold sensor can operate for extended periods without maintenance or recalibration. In one embodiment, the sensor is self-calibrating and runs through a calibration sequence at startup or at periodic intervals. In one embodiment, the adjustable threshold sensor is used in an intelligent sensor system that includes one or more intelligent sensor units and a base unit that can communicate with the sensor units. When one or more of the sensor units detects an anomalous condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor unit communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The base unit can contact a supervisor or other responsible person by a plurality of techniques, such as, telephone, pager, cellular telephone, Internet (and/or local area network), etc. In one embodiment, one or more wireless repeaters are used between the sensor units and the base unit to extend the range of the system and to allow the base unit to communicate with a larger number of sensors.

Abstract translation: 描述了为感测量提供可调阈值水平的传感器系统。 可调阈值允许传感器调整到环境条件，组件老化和其他操作变化，同时仍然为危险条件提供相对敏感的检测能力。 可调阈值传感器可以长时间运行，无需维护或重新校准。 在一个实施例中，传感器是自校准的，并且在启动时或以周期性间隔运行校准序列。 在一个实施例中，可调阈值传感器用于包括一个或多个智能传感器单元和可与传感器单元通信的基本单元的智能传感器系统中。 当一个或多个传感器单元检测到异常状况（例如，烟，火，水等）时，传感器单元与基本单元通信并提供关于异常状况的数据。 基本单元可以通过诸如电话，寻呼机，蜂窝电话，因特网（和/或局域网）等的多种技术与主管或其他负责人联系。在一个实施例中，使用一个或多个无线中继器 在传感器单元和基座单元之间以扩展系统的范围并允许基座单元与更多数量的传感器通信。

公开(公告)号：US07669461B2

公开(公告)日：2010-03-02

申请号：US12193641

申请日：2008-08-18

Applicant: Lawrence Kates

Inventor： Lawrence Kates

IPC: G01M3/02

CPC classification number: G01M3/2807 ,  G01M3/2815

Abstract: The system and method for detecting water and/or gas leaks by monitoring usage patterns is described. In one embodiment, the existence of a leak is detected by looking for usage patterns wherein water or gas is always being used, at least at a low rate. A leak is indicated if usage does not drop to zero, at least for a period of time, during a given time interval (e.g., during a 24-hour period). The severity of the leak is indicated by the minimum amount of usage during the given time period. In one embodiment, the leak detection system is provided in connection with an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system.

Abstract translation: 描述了通过监视使用模式来检测水和/或气体泄漏的系统和方法。 在一个实施例中，通过寻找至少以低速率始终使用水或气体的使用模式来检测泄漏的存在。 如果使用量在给定的时间间隔（例如，在24小时内）期间至少在一段时间内没有下降到零，则会指示泄漏。 泄漏的严重程度由给定时间段内的最小使用量表示。 在一个实施例中，泄漏检测系统结合自动计读取（AMR）系统提供。

公开(公告)号：US07658336B2

公开(公告)日：2010-02-09

申请号：US12051375

申请日：2008-03-19

Applicant: Lawrence Kates

Inventor： Lawrence Kates

IPC: B05B12/12 ,  B05B12/08 ,  B05B17/04 ,  B05B3/02 ,  B05B3/00 ,  A01G25/00 ,  A01G27/00 ,  G05B11/00

CPC classification number: A01G25/167 ,  Y02A40/237 ,  Y10S239/01 ,  Y10S239/15 ,  Y10T137/189

Abstract: An irrigation system comprises sprinkler heads with an electrically configurable spray pattern, moisture sensors, and a controller. Based upon input signals from the moisture sensors, the controller dynamically configures the spray pattern of the sprinkler head to allow more water to fall on areas that need to be watered and less water to fall on areas that do not require additional water. The irrigation system can additionally comprise fire sensors. Based upon input from the fire sensors, the controller activates the sprinklers.

Abstract translation: 灌溉系统包括具有电配置喷雾图案的喷头，湿度传感器和控制器。 基于来自湿度传感器的输入信号，控制器动态地配置喷洒头的喷雾模式，以允许更多的水落在需要浇水的区域上，并且较少的水落在不需要额外水的区域上。 灌溉系统还可以包括火灾传感器。 根据火灾传感器的输入，控制器启动喷头。

公开(公告)号：US07634975B2

公开(公告)日：2009-12-22

申请号：US12204528

申请日：2008-09-04

Applicant: Lawrence Kates

Inventor： Lawrence Kates

IPC: A01K15/02

CPC classification number: A01K15/02 ,  A01K15/021 ,  Y10S119/908

Abstract: A computer-aided training and management system that uses a computer or other processor in wireless communication with an instrumented dog collar and/or optionally, one or more dog interaction devices, such as, for example, video monitors, loudspeakers, video cameras, training toys (e.g., ball, bone, moving toy, etc.), an animatronics “trainer,” a treat dispenser, a food dispensing and monitoring device, a water dispensing and monitoring device, tracking devices, a dog door, dog-monitoring doghouse, a dog-monitoring dog toilet, is described. In one embodiment, the instrumented dog collar is in two-way communication with a central computer system.

Abstract translation: 一种计算机辅助的训练和管理系统，其使用计算机或其他处理器与被检测的狗颈圈和/或可选的一个或多个狗交互设备（例如视频监视器，扬声器，摄像机，训练）进行无线通信 玩具（例如球，骨骼，移动玩具等），动漫电子“培训师”，治疗分配器，食物分配和监测装置，水分配和监测装置，跟踪装置，狗门，狗监测狗屋 描述了狗监护狗厕所。 在一个实施例中，被检测的狗衣领与中央计算机系统进行双向通信。

公开(公告)号：US20090308543A1

公开(公告)日：2009-12-17

申请号：US12139419

申请日：2008-06-13

Applicant: Lawrence Kates

Inventor： Lawrence Kates

IPC: E06B9/68 ,  E05F15/20

CPC classification number: E06B9/44 ,  E05F15/71 ,  E05Y2400/40 ,  E05Y2400/42 ,  E05Y2800/21 ,  E05Y2900/00 ,  E05Y2900/106 ,  E06B9/50 ,  E06B9/72 ,  E06B2009/6818

Abstract: An electronically-controlled roll-up window shade that can easily be installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The motorized shade includes an internal power source, a motor, and a communication system to allow for remote control of the motorized shade. One or more motorized shades can be controlled singly or as a group. In one embodiment, the motorized shades are used in connection with a zoned or non-zoned HVAC system to reduce energy usage. In one embodiment, the motorized shade is configured to have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled motorized shade. In one embodiment, a group controller is configured to provide thermostat information to the motorized shade. In one embodiment, the group controller communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of one or more motorized shades. In one embodiment, the internal power source of the motorized shade is recharged by a solar cell.

Abstract translation: 公开了可以容易地由房主或一般杂工安装的电子控制的卷帘窗帘。 电动遮阳罩包括内部电源，电机和通信系统，以允许遥控电动遮阳帘。 一个或多个电动遮光罩可以单独或组合控制。 在一个实施例中，电动阴影与分区或未划分的HVAC系统结合使用以减少能量消耗。 在一个实施例中，电动遮光罩被配置成具有符合标准手动控制的电动遮光罩的尺寸和形状。 在一个实施例中，组控制器被配置为向机动灯罩提供恒温器信息。 在一个实施例中，组控制器与协调一个或多个电动遮光器的操作的中央监控系统进行通信。 在一个实施例中，电动遮光罩的内部电源由太阳能电池再充电。

公开(公告)号：US07528711B2

公开(公告)日：2009-05-05

申请号：US11314807

申请日：2005-12-19

Applicant: Lawrence Kates

Inventor： Lawrence Kates

IPC: G08B29/00

CPC classification number: G08B25/14 ,  G01N33/0075 ,  G08B25/005 ,  G08B25/009 ,  H04Q9/00 ,  H04Q2209/86

Abstract: A sensor system that provides an adjustable threshold level for the sensed quantity is described. The adjustable threshold allows the sensor to adjust to ambient conditions, aging of components, and other operational variations while still providing a relatively sensitive detection capability for hazardous conditions. The adjustable threshold sensor can operate for extended periods without maintenance or recalibration. A portable monitoring unit working in communication with the sensor system provides immediate communication of conditions detected by the sensors. The portable monitoring unit allows building or complex management to be in communication with a sensor system at all times without requiring someone to be physically present at a monitoring site. The portable monitoring unit can be equipped with an auditory device for alerting management or a screen for displaying pertinent information regarding an occurring situation so that management can quickly identify and resolve the problem. In addition, the portable monitoring unit can also be equipped with function keys that allow the portable monitoring unit to send instructions back to the sensor system. In one embodiment, the portable monitoring unit also includes a second transceiver for communications over a short wave radio frequency, or with a cellular phone system.

Abstract translation: 描述了为感测量提供可调阈值水平的传感器系统。 可调阈值允许传感器调整到环境条件，组件老化和其他操作变化，同时仍然为危险条件提供相对敏感的检测能力。 可调阈值传感器可以长时间运行，无需维护或重新校准。 工作在与传感器系统通信的便携式监视单元提供了由传感器检测到的条件的即时通信。 便携式监视单元允许建筑物或复杂的管理始终与传感器系统通信，而不需要有人物理地存在于监测地点。 便携式监视单元可以配备用于警报管理的听觉装置或用于显示关于发生情况的相关信息的屏幕，使得管理可以快速识别和解决问题。 此外，便携式监视单元还可以配备有使便携式监视单元能够将指令发送回传感器系统的功能键。 在一个实施例中，便携式监视单元还包括用于通过短波无线电频率或与蜂窝电话系统进行通信的第二收发器。

公开(公告)号：US20090037142A1

公开(公告)日：2009-02-05

申请号：US11830729

申请日：2007-07-30

Applicant: Lawrence Kates

Inventor： Lawrence Kates

IPC: G06F15/00 ,  F25B49/02 ,  G01K13/00 ,  G06F11/00

CPC classification number: F25B49/005 ,  F24F11/30 ,  F24F11/52 ,  F24F2110/10 ,  F24F2110/30 ,  F24F2140/50 ,  F24F2140/60 ,  G05B23/0221 ,  G06F17/10

Abstract: A portable monitoring system that monitors various aspects of the operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor that measures power provided to the refrigerant-cycle system and gathers data from one or more sensors and uses the sensor data to calculate a figure of merit related to the efficiency of the system. In one embodiment, the measurements performed by the monitoring system include one or more of: an evaporator input air temperature, an evaporator output air temperature, evaporator air flow, evaporator air humidity, condenser air input temperature, condenser air output temperature sensor, electrical power. In one embodiment, the portable monitoring system receives information about the refrigerant-cycle system from either the system itself or from a computer network.

Abstract translation: 描述了监视制冷剂循环系统的操作的各个方面的便携式监视系统。 在一个实施例中，该系统包括处理器，其测量提供给制冷剂循环系统的功率并从一个或多个传感器收集数据，并使用传感器数据来计算与系统效率相关的品质因数。 在一个实施例中，由监视系统执行的测量包括以下中的一个或多个：蒸发器输入空气温度，蒸发器输出空气温度，蒸发器空气流量，蒸发器空气湿度，冷凝器空气输入温度，冷凝器空气输出温度传感器，电力 。 在一个实施例中，便携式监视系统从系统本身或从计算机网络接收关于制冷剂循环系统的信息。

公开(公告)号：US07469546B2

公开(公告)日：2008-12-30

申请号：US11417701

申请日：2006-05-03

Applicant: Lawrence Kates

Inventor： Lawrence Kates

IPC: G01K13/00 ,  F25B41/00 ,  B60H1/00

CPC classification number: F25B49/005 ,  F24F11/30 ,  F24F11/47 ,  F25B2500/18 ,  F25B2500/19 ,  F25B2700/151

Abstract: A real-time monitoring system that monitors various aspects of the operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor that measures power provided to the refrigerant-cycle system and that gathers data from one or more sensors and uses the sensor data to calculate a figure of merit related to the efficiency of the system. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of the following sensors: a suction line temperature sensor, a suction line pressure sensor, a suction line flow sensor, a hot gas line temperature sensor, a hot gas line pressure sensor, a hot gas line flow sensor, a liquid line temperature sensor, a liquid line pressure sensor, a liquid line flow sensor. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of an evaporator air temperature input sensor, an evaporator air temperature output sensor, an evaporator air flow sensor, an evaporator air humidity sensor, and a differential pressure sensor. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of a condenser air temperature input sensor, a condenser air temperature output sensor, and a condenser air flow sensor, an evaporator air humidity sensor. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of an ambient air sensor and an ambient humidity sensor.

Abstract translation: 描述了监测制冷剂循环系统的操作的各个方面的实时监控系统。 在一个实施例中，系统包括处理器，其测量提供给制冷剂循环系统的功率，并从一个或多个传感器收集数据，并使用传感器数据来计算与系统效率相关的品质因数。 在一个实施例中，传感器包括以下传感器中的一个或多个：吸入管线温度传感器，吸入管线压力传感器，吸入管线流量传感器，热气体管线温度传感器，热气体管线压力传感器，热气体 线路流量传感器，液体线路温度传感器，液体线路压力传感器，液体线路流量传感器。 在一个实施例中，传感器包括蒸发器空气温度输入传感器，蒸发器空气温度输出传感器，蒸发器空气流量传感器，蒸发器空气湿度传感器和差压传感器中的一个或多个。 在一个实施例中，传感器包括冷凝器空气温度输入传感器，冷凝器空气温度输出传感器和冷凝器空气流量传感器，蒸发器空气湿度传感器中的一个或多个。 在一个实施例中，传感器包括一个或多个环境空气传感器和环境湿度传感器。