Asset protection system and method
First Claim
1. A protection system for detecting and announcing the presence of an asset that encroaches upon a hazardous space, said protection system comprising a transponder affixed to said asset, at least one detection apparatus, and at least one annunciator, wherein:
- said at least one detection apparatus generates a first signal designated for reception by said transponder, said transponder reacting to said first signal by transmitting a second signal, said second signal being received by said at least one detection apparatus; and
said at least one detection apparatus is configured to detect said second signal when said transponder encroaches upon said hazardous space, said at least one detection apparatus consequently activating said at least one annunciator; and
said at least one detection apparatus and said transponder are wirelessly communicatively connected,whereby the detection apparatus provides a detecting of the asset, being affixed with the transponder, as the asset enters the hazardous space.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Described is a system and method for protecting against the accidental placing of precious or delicate assets within a hazardous device or area that could cause damage to the asset. A transponder tag is affixed to any precious asset that a user fears might enter a hazardous area. A detection apparatus, installed near the hazardous area, emits an alarm upon detecting that a transponder tag (and consequently the asset affixed to it) has neared the hazardous area. As a consequence, an item such as a cell phone, PDA, pager, portable media player, hearing aid, and any similar precious or delicate item that may accidentally be placed in an area hazardous to the item, such as a washing machine, swimming area, or area of radiation, will be detected by the invention, and the invention will respond with a warning alarm, notifying the user.
39 Citations
37 Claims
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1. A protection system for detecting and announcing the presence of an asset that encroaches upon a hazardous space, said protection system comprising a transponder affixed to said asset, at least one detection apparatus, and at least one annunciator, wherein:
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said at least one detection apparatus generates a first signal designated for reception by said transponder, said transponder reacting to said first signal by transmitting a second signal, said second signal being received by said at least one detection apparatus; and said at least one detection apparatus is configured to detect said second signal when said transponder encroaches upon said hazardous space, said at least one detection apparatus consequently activating said at least one annunciator; and said at least one detection apparatus and said transponder are wirelessly communicatively connected, whereby the detection apparatus provides a detecting of the asset, being affixed with the transponder, as the asset enters the hazardous space. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31)
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27. A detection apparatus for use in a system announcing the presence of an asset which encroaches upon a space hazardous to said asset, comprising:
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a detector for generating a first signal in the presence of a transponder affixed to said asset, said transponder responding to said detector in a manner detectable by said detector; circuitry for generating an alarm signal if said asset encroaches upon said hazardous space; an annunciator responsive to said alarm signal. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34)
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28. A detection apparatus for use in a system announcing an asset having a predetermined material therein encroaching upon a space hazardous to said asset, comprising:
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a detector for detecting the presence of said predetermined material in said asset; circuitry for generating an alarm signal if said asset encroaches upon said hazardous space; an annunciator responsive to said alarm signal. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37)
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Specification