Abstract: A restroom maintenance alert system and method for signaling when a restroom needs service includes a signaling device, an actuator located in a public restroom and configured to communicate with a signaling device to activate the signaling device, and instructions located on at least one of or on or near the actuator and directed to a restroom patron to actuate the actuator if the restroom needs service. The signaling device is located outside the public restroom. The method for signaling the restroom needs service includes providing the actuator in a restroom, instructing a restroom patron to activate the actuator if the restroom needs service, and activating a signaling device when the activator is activated.

Abstract: A speaker system such as a public address system and a method of operation is provided. The system includes a controller and a speaker with a unique identifying address. The system may provide diagnostic information regarding a specific speaker to the controller. The method of operation of the system includes assigning a unique address to a speaker, providing communication between the speaker and a controller via an audio loop, providing communication between the speaker and the controller via a communication loop.

Abstract: A restroom maintenance alert system and method for signaling when a restroom needs service includes a signaling device, an actuator located in a public restroom and configured to communicate with a signaling device to activate the signaling device, and instructions located on at least one of or on or near the actuator and directed to a restroom patron to actuate the actuator if the restroom needs service. The signaling device is located outside the public restroom. The method for signaling the restroom needs service includes providing the actuator in a restroom, instructing a restroom patron to activate the actuator if the restroom needs service, and activating a signaling device when the activator is activated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus displays homeland security advisory system information. The apparatus includes a beacon having an illuminous display configured to illuminate a color, and a controller configured to cause the display to selectively illuminate a red, orange, yellow, blue and green color. The controller is configured to receive and respond to a signal to illuminate one of the colors. The method includes providing a security alert beacon, selecting a color for the security alert beacon to display, and manipulating the beacon to display the selected color. The color selected is green when the security alert level is in a first condition, blue when the security alert level in the second condition, yellow when the security alert level is in a third condition, orange when the security alert level is in a fourth condition, and red when the security alert level is in a fifth condition.