U.S. patent number 3,921,074 [Application Number 05/379,171] was granted by the patent office on 1975-11-18 for safeguard sentry.
Invention is credited to William C. Baird.
United States Patent |
3,921,074 |
Baird |
November 18, 1975 |
Safeguard sentry
Abstract
A safeguard sentry for attachment to a radio or television
receiving set comprises a receiver independent of the receiving set
and responsive to a single predetermined emergency frequency. In
one embodiment of the invention, the safeguard sentry is connected
between the cut-off switch and the speaker of the receiving set, so
that the safeguard sentry is energized when the receiving set is
de-energized, and vice versa. In another embodiment of the
invention, the safeguard sentry includes a switch which functions
in one mode to couple speaker to the safeguard sentry, and in
another mode to connect operating power to the receiving set, to
couple the speaker of the receiving set to the safeguard sentry,
and to activate a visual signaling device. In still another
embodiment of the invention, the receipt of an emergency signal by
the safeguard sentry activates circuitry which mutes the audio
output of the receiving set and simultaneously connects the
safeguard sentry to the speaker of the receiving set. Receipt of
the emergency signal may also be used to actuate an internal
emergency tone signal generator and/or a visual emergency signal
apparatus. In all instances in which an audible signal is
generated, the safeguard sentry of the present invention produces
an output having at least a predetermined volume.
Inventors: |
Baird; William C. (Meridian,
TX) |
Family
ID: |
26689840 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/379,171 |
Filed: |
July 13, 1973 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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17418 |
Mar 9, 1970 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/133; 455/221;
455/227; 455/229; 340/901; 455/228; 455/308 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08B
27/008 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G08B
27/00 (20060101); H04B 007/08 () |
Field of
Search: |
;325/302,303,390,392,393,395,466,305 ;343/225,228,205 ;340/224 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Safourek; Benedict V.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Richards, Harris & Medlock
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending
application Ser. No. 17,418, filed Mar. 9, 1970, for SAFEGUARD
SENTRY SIGNAL DEVICE.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Safeguard sentry circuitry which is continually energized to
receive transmitted emergency information, comprising:
a tunable receiving set having a speaker connected thereto for
producing an audible output, said tunable receiving set being
tunable to any desired carrier frequency within its tuning range
for providing ordinary programming audio output at said
speaker;
an emergency signal receiver means independent of said tunable
receiving set and being pretuned to a single predetermined
emergency carrier frequency, said emergency signal receiver having
radio-frequency and audio-frequency stages entirely distinct from
those of said tunable receiving set for converting a received
modulated emergency transmission at said predetermined carrier
frequency into a corresponding audio-frequency output; and
means for coupling said speaker of said tunable receiving set to
the output of said emergency signal receiver means, said coupling
means being operative to couple said speaker to the output of said
emergency signal receiver means during the reception of any such
audio frequency output irrespective of the frequency of the
modulation of such emergency transmission signal and the
corresponding frequency of such audio output of said emergency
signal receiver.
2. The safeguard sentry circuitry of claim 1, further comprising
manual switching means for alternatively energizing said emergency
signal receiver means and said tunable receiving set such that said
emergency signal receiver is energized whenever said tunable
receiving set is deenergized and vice versa.
3. The safeguard sentry circuitry of claim 1, further comprising
manual switching means associated with said emergency signal
receiver means for selectively energizing said tunable set while
simultaneously continuously providing energy to said emergency
signal receiver such that said emergency signal receiver is
energized independent of said tunable receiving set.
4. The safeguard sentry circuitry of claim 1, further comprising
means for automatically muting the audio output of said tunable
receiving set upon the reception of a modualted emergency
transmission by said emergency signal receiver.
5. Safeguard sentry circuitry for producing an audible alarm signal
upon receipt of a predetermined emergency frequency signal,
comprising:
a tunable receiving set having a speaker connected thereto for
producing an audible output, said tunable receiving set being
tunable to any desired carrier frequency within its tuning range
for providing ordinary programming audio output at said
speaker;
an emergency signal receiver means independent of said receiving
set and being pretuned to a single predetermined emergency carrier
frequency, said emergency signal receiver having radio-frequency
and audio-frequency stages entirely distinct from those of said
tunable receiving set for converting a received modulated emergency
transmission at said predetermined carrier frequency into a
corresponding audio-frequency output of at least a predetermined
amplitude; and
means for coupling said speaker of said tunable receiving set to
the output of said emergency signal receiver means to produce an
audible alarm signal of at least a predetermined volume, said
coupling means being operative to couple said speaker to the output
of said emergency signal receiver means during the reception of any
such audio frequency output irrespective of the frequency of
modulation of such emergency transmission signal and the
corresponding frequency of such audio output of said emergency
signal receiver.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an improved safeguard sentry, and more
particularly to radio receiving apparatus adapted for attachment to
a conventional radio or television receiving set to facilitate
emergency communications.
The improved safeguard sentry of the present invention is for the
purpose of obtaining immediate emergency communication with the
populace of the United States. The invention is therefore useful in
warning of tornadoes, hurricanes, or other capriciousness of
elements of nature; in warning of threat of or actual attack by
foreign enemies; to advise of threats from public enemies; in
deterrence of crime; and especially in the practicing of Civil
Defense exercises.
In practice, the safeguard sentry would be placed on all newly
manufactured radio and television sets as a normal process during
their manufacture. Apparatus incorporating the same operating
principles will be available for installation on existing radio and
television receivers.
The improved safeguard sentry is an electronic device consisting
entirely of transistorized and compact circuitry. It is a
transistorized radio receiver responsive to a predetermined
emergency frequency, and will receive only this signal as broadcast
or transmitted. When the emergency signal is received it is as an
electronic tone, beep, squeal, voice, or other signal that is
received and amplified, and emitted from the speaker of the radio
or television set to which it is applied, said signal having at
least a predetermined volume.
In one embodiment the safeguard sentry is "power on" at all times
when the radio or television is switched to the "off" position,
thus requiring no conscious act to place it in operation. When the
power switch of the radio or television is turned to "off"
position, the safeguard sentry is alert and at work, thus assuring
an available audience 24 hours a day. When the power switch of the
radio or television is turned to "on" position, this cuts off the
power to the safeguard sentry.
As an example, the proper authority may broadcast the emergency
signal above-described, and the safeguard sentry immediately begins
to emit the signal, which may be a "squeal". The owner of the radio
or television set then turns the set "on" to receive the broadcast
instructions from the authority, and through this act
simultaneously turns off the squeal or signal. If no one is in "ear
shot" of the signal it simply continues until the emergency signal
ceases, and stops, neither disturbing nor advising anyone, and
damaging or harming nothing.
The service which may be rendered by the safeguard sentry of the
invention should be appreciated and in demand in the event of any
form of enemy attack, such as the approach or imminence of assault
by plane or missile, to serve in keeping an evenly informed public,
to rally forces, and above all to help forestall panic, one of the
most grave threats to be faced by "at home America".
In another embodiment the safeguard sentry includes a switch having
two operating modes. In one mode the switch connects the safeguard
sentry to a speaker which may comprise an internal speaker. In the
other operating mode, the switch of the safeguard sentry connects
operating power to the receiving set. In this mode the switch also
connects the output of the safeguard sentry to the speaker of the
receiving set and enables a visual signaling apparatus. The visual
signaling apparatus is actuated in response to the receipt of an
emergency signal by the safeguard sentry, and functions to warn
both deaf persons and persons in a high background noise
environment. Regardless of the operating mode, the safeguard sentry
includes a volume control which prevents the audible output of the
apparatus from being reduced below a predetermined level.
In still another embodiment the safeguard sentry includes circuitry
responsive to the receipt of an emergency signal by the safeguard
sentry to mute the speaker of the receiving set. This embodiment
may further include apparatus for generating an internal tone
signal and/or a visual output in response to receipt of the
emergency signal by the safeguard sentry. Regardless of whether the
emergency signal is reproduced or an internal tone signal is
generated, the audible portion of the warning signal provided by
the third embodiment of the invention has at least a predetermined
volume.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A more complete understanding of the invention may be had by
referring to the following Detailed Description when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying Drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic illustration of a safeguard
sentry incorporating a first embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a safeguard sentry
incorporating a second embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 2;
FIGS. 4a and 4b are illustrations of a switch utilized in the
embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3; and
FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a safeguard sentry
incorporating a third embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the Drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1 thereof,
there is shown a safeguard sentry 10 incorporating a first
embodiment of the invention. The safeguard sentry 10 comprises a
radio receiver 12 responsive to a predetermined emergency frequency
to emit a tone, beep, squeal or other signal and is utilized in
conjunction with a conventional radio or television receiving set
14 having the usual cut-off switch 16 and speaker 18. The safeguard
sentry 10 comprising the first embodiment of the invention may be
constructed similarly to radio paging devices presently in
commercial use, and preferably comprises a transistorized radio
receiver tuned to a predetermined frequency and characterized by
extremely low current requirements. In accordance with the first
embodiment, the safeguard sentry operates from the same power
source as the receiving set which may comprise 115 volt, 60 hz line
current, for example.
In accordance with the first embodiment of the invention, the
safeguard sentry 10 is operatively connected to the cut-off switch
16 and the speaker 18 of the receiving set 14, it being understood
that these two components are common both to the receiving set and
to the safeguard sentry. The cut-off switch is operable as a
selector or transfer switch, whereby either the receiving set 14 or
the receiver 12 is continuously in operation depending on the
position of the switch. Stated another way, the safeguard sentry is
turned "on" at all times when the receiving set is turned "off",
and the safeguard sentry is turned "off", at all times when the
receiving set is turned "on". It will thus be understood that in
accordance with the first embodiment of the invention the safeguard
sentry operates "out of phase" with the radio or television
receiving set. By this means whenever the receiving set is "off"
the safeguard sentry is available to receive an emergency signal
and to generate an audible reproduction thereof. This in turn
advises persons in the vicinity of the receiving set to turn the
receiving set "on", whereby emergency broadcast information is
received by means of conventional broadcast communications. The
safeguard sentry is turned "off" whenever the receiving set is "on"
to prevent interference from the emergency signal with the
emergency broadcast information, and to conserve power.
An important feature of the safeguard sentry 10 comprises the fact
that whereas the receiver 12 may be provided with a suitable volume
control, such control does not permit the output voltage produced
by the receiver 12 in response to receipt of a signal at the
emergency frequency to be reduced below a predetermined magnitude.
This assures that the speaker 18 of the receiving set 14 will be
actuated to produce an audible warning having at least a
predetermined volume.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a safeguard sentry 20 comprising a
second embodiment of the invention is shown. The safeguard sentry
20 includes a cabinet 22 which is preferably formed from metal or
one of the tough plastic materials so as to prevent access to the
component parts of the safeguard sentry 20 by unauthorized persons.
The cabinet 22 may be provided with conventional brackets 24 and/or
conventional attachment holes 26, whereby the safeguard sentry 20
is secured to the cabinet of a radio or television receiving set,
or in any other convenient location.
Referring particularly to FIG. 3, operating power for the safeguard
sentry is supplied by means of a power cord 28 and a plug 30 which
engages a conventional convenience outlet 32. The safeguard sentry
20 in turn supplies operating power to the receiving set by means
of a cord 34. The cord 34 is connected to the cabinet 22 of the
safeguard sentry by means of a special connector 36 which prevents
disengagement of the cord 34 from the cabinet 22. The safeguard
sentry 20 further includes output jacks 38 for connection to the
speaker of the receiving set and output jacks 40 for connection to
the visual signaling apparatus.
Referring again to FIG. 2, the safeguard sentry 20 may be provided
with an internal speaker 42. Regardless of whether the speaker 42
is used, a volume control 44 is provided in the safeguard sentry
20. The volume control 44 permits any desired increase in volume up
to a predetermined maximum, but prevents reduction in volume below
a predetermined minimum, thereby preventing disabling of the
safeguard sentry 20 by means of the volume control 44. The
safeguard sentry 20 further includes a control switch 46.
The control switch 46 of the safeguard sentry 20 has two operating
modes which are illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b, respectively. In
one operating mode the switch 46 connects the output of the
safeguard sentry 20 to the internal speaker 42. In this operating
mode, an emergency signal received by the safeguard sentry 20 is
reproduced directly thereby.
In the other operating mode, the switch 46 connects operating power
from the safeguard sentry 20 to a radio or television receiving set
48. In this mode the switch 46 also connects the output of the
safeguard sentry 20 to a speaker 50 mounted within the receiving
set 48 and to a visual signaling apparatus 52. The visual signaling
apparatus 52 preferably comprises a light emitting diode (LED) or
similar electronic component having an extended operating life, and
functions to provide an emergency warning signal to deaf persons
and/or persons who may be situated in a high background noise
environment.
It will thus be understood that the safeguard sentry 20 differs
from the safeguard sentry 10 in that the safeguard sentry 20 is
continuously in the "on" condition. When the control switch 46 of
the safeguard sentry 20 is in one operating mode, the safeguard
sentry 20 reproduces an emergency signal through the internal
speaker 42. When the switch 46 is in the other operating mode,
operating power is directed to the associated receiving set and the
emergency signal is generated through the speaker of the receiving
set. The safeguard sentry 20 is further adapted to provide a visual
emergency signal.
A safeguard sentry 60 comprising a third embodiment of the
invention is illustrated in FIG. 5. Operating power for the
safeguard sentry 60 is received from a conventional convenience
outlet through a plug 62 and a cord 64. The cord 64 extends to a
conventional power supply circuit 66 which functions to supply
operating power for the remaining components of the apparatus.
Operating power is also supplied from the safeguard sentry 60 to a
radio or television receiving set 68. The receiving set 68 is
connected to the safeguard sentry 60 by means of a plug 70 and a
cord 72. The plug 70 is secured by a threaded fitting 74 which is
so constructed that it cannot be disassembled without destroying
the plug 70. By this means disengagement of the electrical
connection from the receiving set 68 to the safeguard sentry 60 by
unauthorized persons is prevented.
The safeguard sentry 60 includes an antenna 76 and a single
conversion heterodyne circuit 78 for receiving an emergency signal.
The output of the circuit 78 actuates an audio amplifier circuit 80
and a tone generator and/or flasher actuator circuit 82, thereby
assuring operation of the safeguard sentry 60 in response to
receipt of the emergency signal. The radio or television receiving
set 68 includes conventional circuitry 86 for generating an audible
output through a speaker 88. This circuitry is normally connected
to the speaker 88 through normally closed contact pairs 90 and 92
located within the safeguard sentry 60. Upon receipt of an
emergency signal, the safeguard sentry 60, by means of a squelch
circuit 84, energizes a relay 94 which functions to open the
contact pairs 90 and 92 and to close two normally open contact
pairs 96 and 98. By this means the audible output from the
receiving set 68 is immediately muted, and the speaker 88 of the
receiving set is coupled to the audio amplifier circuitry 80 of the
safeguard sentry. The emergency signal received by the safeguard
sentry 60 is thereupon reproduced through the speaker 88 of the
receiving set 68.
It will be understood that in addition to reproducing the emergency
signal through the speaker 88, the receipt of the emergency signal
by the safeguard 60 may be utilized to actuate the tone generator
and/or flasher actuator circuit 82 to produce an internally
generated audible alarm signal. The circuit 82 may also actuate
apparatus 100 for producing a visual emergency signal. As has been
explained previously, the apparatus 100 preferably comprises a
light emitting diode (LED) or similar electronic component designed
to provide an extended service life.
The use of the safeguard sentry 60 produces a visual emergency
signal which is primarily for the purpose of emergency
communications with deaf persons and/or persons situated in a high
background noise environment. To this end, the visual signal
generating apparatus 100 may be located at a convenient point on
the receiving set 68, or at any other location whereupon it will be
readily visible to persons in the vicinity of the safeguard sentry
60. It is assumed that upon receiving the emergency signal by means
of the apparatus 100, such persons would turn to the receiving set
68 or other apparatus to ascertain the precise nature of the
emergency condition.
The safeguard sentry 60 also produces an audible emergency signal,
either by reproducing the received emergency signal through the
speaker 88 of the receiving set 68, or by means of the circuit 82,
or both. Regardless of the mode used to produce the audible signal,
the safeguard sentry 60 is preferably so designed that the volume
of the audible signal cannot be reduced below a predetermined
level. In the case of the circuit 82, a predetermined fixed volume
can be used, if desired. In the case of the audio amplifier circuit
80, it is so constructed that the voltage output produced thereby
has at least a predetermined magnitude, thereby assuring actuation
of the speaker of the receiving set to produce an audible warning
signal having at least a predetermined volume.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that whereas
three distinct embodiments of the safeguard sentry have been
illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described herein, the
three embodiments incorporate various features in common, all of
which are very important to the present invention. Perhaps most
importantly, all of the embodiments contemplate the use of
transistorized receiver circuitry responsive to a single,
predetermined emergency frequency and entirely independent of the
circuitry of the associated receiving set. This is important
because it facilitates both optimization of the design of the
emergency frequency receiving circuitry and optimization of the
design of the circuitry of the broadcast receiving set. Moreover,
the use of entirely separate circuitry for the receiving set and
the emergency frequency receiver does not increase the overall
costs involved in the use of the invention due to the fact that by
means of modern MOS and similar technologies, a single, uniform
design emergency frequency receiver can be manufactured at
considerably less cost than would be incurred in incorporating
emergency frequency receiver circuitry into the design of each new
receiving set.
It will be further appreciated that various modifications can be
made to the various specific embodiments of the safeguard sentry
which have been illustrated in the Drawings. For example, the
safeguard sentry 60 illustrated in FIG. 5 is readily adapted for
use in automobiles or other vehicles. In such instances the
safeguard sentry is modified for actuation by the electrical system
of the vehicle, and for use in conjunction with the speaker of the
radio receiver of the vehicle. Moreover, the safeguard sentry is
connected in series with the ignition switch of the vehicle so that
the safeguard sentry is "on" whenever the vehicle is in use, and is
"off" whenever the vehicle is out of service. By this means the
safeguard sentry is constantly available to provide emergency
communications whenever an operator is situated in or around the
vehicle, but does not drain power from the battery of the vehicle
when the vehicle is out of service. Similar modifications can be
made in the safeguard sentry to permit utilization of the invention
in conjunction with portable radios, and the like.
From the foregoing it will be understood that the present invention
relates to a safeguard sentry adapted to provide emergency
communications with the citizenry of the United States. The use of
the invention is highly advantageous in that the safeguard sentry
comprises a transistorized radio receiver responsive to a
particular emergency frequency and having very low power
requirements. It will thus be understood that the safeguard sentry
comprises a highly reliable, economical and thoroughly dependable
emergency communication system. Moreover, the safeguard sentry of
the present invention is adapted not only for incorporation into
newly manufactured radio and television receiving sets, but also as
an attachment to existing receiving sets.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been
illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the
foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the
invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is
capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and
substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the
spirit of the invention.
* * * * *