Alarmcard

• US 4,908,608 A
• Filed: 08/01/1988
• Issued: 03/13/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 08/01/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dana J. Reinke, D'Arcy A. J. Dawe
• Original Assignee: Dana J. Reinke, D'Arcy A. J. Dawe
• Inventors: Dawe, D'Arcy A. J., Reinke, Dana J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Swann, III, Glen R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MULLEN, THOMAS J
• Application Number:
  US07/226,787
• Time in Patent Office: 589 Days
• Field of Search: 340/568, 340/571, 340/825.31, 340/426, 340/542-543, 340/825.32, 340/533, 340/531, 340/506, 340/514, 340/636, 361/172, 235/380, 235/382
• US Class Current: 340/571
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1409 for removal detection of electrical appliances by detecting their physical disconnection from an electrical system, e.g. using a switch incorporated in the plug connector

Abstract

A security device for use with equipment having a microprocessor that produces a warning from a warning device such as an alarm if the equipment is changed from a predetermined condition. The change from the predetermined condition can be caused by loss of power to the equipment, physical movement of the equipment, or both. The security device includes an interface means to allow information such as passwords, battery checks, alarm tests, and alarm arming sequences to be passed between the equipment (via its microprocessor) and the security device. The warning device includes a latching mechanism for continuously producing the warning signal until some reset action is undertaken. A password can be used to arm the warning device. If the equipment is powered by a standard AC power outlet common in walls, the security device can include a reset that involves reconnecting the AC power supply. If the equipment is portable and is powered by a DC power supply as is common in most batteries, the security device can include a reset that involves entrance of a password.

Claims

1. A security device for use with equipment having a microprocessor comprising:

a warning means responsive to a change in the equipment from a predetermined condition of the equipment;

a driving means for driving said warning means;

a sensing means for sensing said change from said predetermined condition, said sensing means capable of sending a signal to said driving means in response to said change from said predetermined condition;

an interface means for connecting the equipment to said security device, said interface means capable of inputting information from the microprocessor of the equipment through said security device; and

,

program means for controlling the warning means, driving means, and sensing means, said program means capable of transmitting information to the microprocessor of the equipment.

2. A security device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said warning means comprises an alarm capable of emitting a sound when the equipment is changed from said predetermined condition.

3. A security device as claimed in claim 2, wherein, said alarm comprises a latching means for latching the alarm in a sounding position, said alarm further comprising reset means for unlatching the latching means.

4. A security device as claimed in claim 2, wherein, said alarm comprises an alarm testing means for allowing said alarm to be sounded while said predetermined condition exists.

5. A security device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said interface means is capable of outputting information from said security device to the equipment.

6. A security device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said security device further comprises an independent power supply separate from the equipment.

7. A security device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, said independent power supply comprises a DC battery.

8. A security device as claimed in claim 7, wherein, said interface means is capable of outputting information from said security device to the equipment, and said security device comprises a battery testing means which is capable of outputting information on the strength of the battery to the equipment via said interface means.

9. A security device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said sensing means comprises a vibration sensing means for detecting physical movement of the equipment.

10. A security device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said sensing means comprises a power sensing means for detecting a loss of power to the equipment.

11. A security device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said sensing means comprises a vibration sensing means for detecting physical movement of the equipment, and said sensing means comprises a power sensing means for detecting a loss of power to the equipment.

12. A security device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said sensing means is capable of existing in an activated position for sensing a change from said predetermined condition and a deactivated position where said sensing means cannot detect a change from said predetermined condition, said security device further comprising an arming means for moving the sensing means between said activated and deactivated positions.

13. A security device as claimed in claim 12, wherein, said predetermined condition is a stationary position of the equipment and said arming means includes means for allowing the predetermined condition to be stationary in a vertical or horizontal position relative to some level datum.

14. A security device as claimed in claim 12, wherein said security device further comprising a first password means for allowing said arming means to be inoperative unless a correct first password is input from the equipment to said security device.

15. A security device as claimed in claim 14, wherein, said warning means comprises an alarm capable of emitting a sound when the equipment is changed from said predetermined condition, said alarm comprises a latching means for latching the alarm in a sounding position, said alarm further comprising reset means for unlatching the latching means, and said reset means responsive to the input of said first password from the equipment to said security device.

16. A security device as claimed in claim 14, wherein, said first password means includes a means for changing said first password, said security device further comprising a second password means for rendering said changing means inoperative unless a correct second password is input from the equipment to said security device.

17. A security device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising, storage means for statically storing said program means, said storage means allowing said program means to be changed.

18. A security device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said program means further comprises means for prompting a user of the equipment to provide said input information for controlling said warning means, driving means, and sensing means.

19. A security device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said interface means is capable of inputting information in text form.

20. A kit for providing a security device to microprocessor controlled equipment, comprising:

a warning means responsive to a change in the equipment from a predetermined condition of the equipment;

a driving means for driving said warning means;

a sensing means for sensing said change from said predetermined condition, said sensing means capable of sending a signal to said driving means in response to said change from said predetermined condition;

interface means for interpreting input information received from the microprocessor of the equipment;

a mounting bracket for attachment to the interior of the equipment, said mounting bracket providing a base for mounting said warning means, said driving means, said sensing means and said interface means;

means to connect said interface means to the microprocessor of the equipment; and

means to control said security device, said control means located separately from said mounting bracket.

21. A kit as claimed in claim 20, further comprising,

program means within said control means for controlling the warning means, driving means, sensing means, and interface means;

said program means capable of transmitting information to the microprocessor of the equipment; and

means for storing said program means, said storage means located separate from said mounting bracket.