DHS inventors earn remote alarm patent

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) said two inventors within the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) have received remote alarm patents.

Electronics engineer Norman Chiu and physicist Paul Goldhagen were granted U.S. Patent 11,140,476 B1 for their invention of the Remote Audible Alarm Accessory for Detection Instruments with Audio Outputs.

“This is an incredible achievement that was made possible by Norman and Paul’s dedication to the first responder mission,” NUSTL Deputy Director Steve Vargas said. “I commend their innovation and intellect in creating and building their invention, and their perseverance and patience in seeing through the patent application process.”

The Chiubox provides an alarm that is louder than standard personal radiation detectors (PRDs) and other devices. It does not require batteries, external power and can be stored indefinitely without maintenance. The device would address the circumstances hazmat personnel endure that reduce the audibility of alarm sounds from the PRD.

“It is my pleasure to work with all of you on this, and I’m grateful to have been able to contribute to the efforts of the first responders,” Chiu said.

Chiu and Goldhagen have joined fellow NUSTL physicist Gladys Klemic and mechanical engineer Celia Murtagh as patent holders, the latter of which invented a very thin, wearable radiation dosimeter designed for emergency responders.