Door latching recognition apparatus and process
AssigneeSavannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
InventorRobert F. Eakle, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An acoustic door latch detector is provided in which a sound recognition sensor is integrated into a door or door lock mechanism. The programmable sound recognition sensor can be trained to recognize the acoustic signature of the door and door lock mechanism being properly engaged and secured. The acoustic sensor will signal a first indicator indicating that proper closure was detected or sound an alarm condition if the proper acoustic signature is not detected within a predetermined time interval.
Claims10
An apparatus for detecting closure of a door comprising:
- an acoustic sensor in operative engagement with at least one of a door, a door frame, a door lock, or a door handle;
- a programmable sound recognition sensor in communication with said acoustic sensor, said sound recognition sensor recognizing the acoustic signal associated with the normal and locking patterns of a door;
- a first indicator signal responsive to said sound recognition sensor when a recognized sequence of a door closure has occurred within a predetermined time interval;
- and,
- a second indicator signal responsive to said sound recognition sensor, said second indicator signal being activated when said recognized sequence is not detected within a predetermined time interval.
A process of monitoring closure of a door comprising:
- providing an acoustic sensor positioned upon at least one of a door, a door frame, a door molding, a door lock, or a door handle;
- providing a sound recognition sensor in communication with said acoustic sensor, said sound recognition sensor being programmable and recognizing the acoustic signature associated with the desired closing and locking pattern of a door;
- activating said sound recognition sensor when a door is opened;
- providing a detection interval for which said sound recognition sensor may recognize said acoustic signature;
- and,
- signaling following said time interval either a first indicator that an acoustic signal was detected or a second indicator that an acoustic signal was not detected, thereby alerting individuals in proximity to said door a status of the door and lock engagement condition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.