Portable emergency alert system

• US 5,025,247 A
• Filed: 04/09/1990
• Issued: 06/18/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 04/09/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: James C. Banks
• Original Assignee: James C. Banks
• Inventors: Banks, James C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Swann III, Glen R.
• Application Number:
  US07/506,293
• Time in Patent Office: 435 Days
• Field of Search: 340/574, 340/573, 340/539, 340/604
• US Class Current: 340/574
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0288 Attachment of child unit to child/article
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/088 by monitoring a device worn by the person, e.g. a bracelet attached to the swimmer

Abstract

An emergency alarm system includes a portable digital pulse transmitter having a failsafe mode of activation by the user thereof. A coded pulse signal is transmitted to a decoding device in a digital receiver. The receiver has a latch relay which is connected in circuit with a power source and an alarm device. The alarm system may have a water sensor for setting off the alarm in the event the user falls in the water and may have remotely activated transmitters for locating the user with a receiver and directional antenna.

Claims

1. A portable emergency alarm system comprising:

a power source;

a digital receiver having a latch relay connected in circuit with said power source;

at least one of a sound alarm and light means connected in circuit with said latch relay;

a portable digital transmitter having a failsafe activating means for triggering said receiver means latch relay and thereby energizing said sound alarm and light means; and

a water sensor attached to said portable digital transmitter to energize an alarm system whenever the transmitter is immersed in a body of water, said water sensor having a pair of dissimilar metal electrodes spaced by an insulator for generating a galvanic current for actuating said transmitter.

2. A system in accordance with claim 1 which said water sensor is connected to a latching relay for actuating said transmitter.

3. A system in accordance with claim 2 including a receiver switch for turning on said transmitter whereby said person wearing said transmitter can be located with a remote directional receiver.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein said fail safe activating means comprises a pair of oppositely disposed activating buttons.

5. A system according to claim 4, wherein said transmitter is contained in a pendent housing having a necklace means for being worn by an operator thereof.