Abstract: A method and apparatus for notifying a user of an incoming cellular telephone call are provided. The apparatus includes a cellular telephone body having at least a back surface, a first transducer positioned within said cellular telephone body perpendicular to the back surface and adapted to generate a first acoustic field, and a second transducer positioned coaxially to the first transducer and adapted to generate a second acoustic field. A first frequency generator is coupled with the first transducer to drive the first transducer to generate the first acoustic field and a second frequency generator is coupled with the second transducer to drive the second transducer to generate the second acoustic field in response to an indication that an incoming cellular telephone call has been received. The first and second acoustic fields overlap. The overlapping fields generate a vibrational sensation from a difference of frequency from unequal frequencies generated by the first and second transducers.

Abstract: A message announcement system for broadcasting announcements at predetermined locations has an autonomous announcement computer at each predetermined location, wherein a plurality of event announcements and associated event identifiers are stored therein and, upon receipt of an event announcement command, the announcement computer broadcasts a particular event announcement at the location. A master computer is in communication with each announcement computer for adding, deleting or editing event announcements. This arrangement permits a modular system, whereby autonomous announcement computers, along with their associated public address systems and sign systems, may be added or removed as stations are added or removed. The system is also capable of broadcasting live announcements at each location.

Abstract: An automation system for programming appliances having programmable controllers, programmable devices and trigger devices that communicate over a communication link. The user programs the programmable devices by placing the programmable controller in its training mode, activating the trigger device to generate a trigger signed and places select programmable devices in their programmed state. After all of the desired programmable devices have been put in then programmed states, the user takes the programmable controller out of its training mode. When the programmable controller is out of its training mode, it monitors the communication link for the trigger event. Upon detecting the trigger event, the programmable controller sends messages to the selected programmable devices instructing them to go to their programmed state.

Abstract: In a building fire alarm system, the light strobes of a network of strobes are synchronized to flash simultaneously. Each strobe has a charging circuit to charge a capacitor which discharges through a flash tube. Once a capacitor is charged, the charging circuit is disabled. A synchronization pulse is applied through common power lines to trigger discharge of each strobe capacitor through the flash tube followed by recharging of the capacitor.

Abstract: A house intercom security system includes a main unit connected between the exchange line of a telecommunication office and a telephone set, an indoor intercom and an outdoor intercom respectively connected to the main unit, and an alarm connected to the main unit. The main unit is driven to dial a pre-set telephone number when a visitor presses on the outdoor intercom, as the host of the house in which the house intercom security system is installed is absent. The indoor intercom is driven to trigger the alarm and to dial a pre-set telephone number for help when the user presses on an alarm button of the indoor intercom.

Abstract: An automation system for programming appliances having programmable controllers, programmable devices and trigger devices that communicate over a communication link. The user programs the programmable devices by placing the programmable controller in its training mode, activating the trigger device to generate a trigger signed and places select programmable devices in their programmed state. After all of the desired programmable devices have been put in then programmed states, the user takes the programmable controller out of its training mode. When the programmable controller is out of its training mode, it monitors the communication link for the trigger event. Upon detecting the trigger event, the programmable controller sends messages to the selected programmable devices instructing them to go to their programmed state.

Abstract: A pet training device designed to alert a pet owner that his/her pet would like to enter or exit the home.

Abstract: A portable handheld computing device has a notification system that alerts a user of an event regardless of whether the device is on or off. The notification system has a notification mechanism that is activated upon occurrence of the event and remains active until the user acknowledges the activated mechanism. In one implementation, the notification mechanism is a light emitting diode (LED) mounted externally on the handheld computing device. The LED is visible to the user when the lid is closed onto the base (i.e., the device is off) or when the lid is open (i.e., the device is on). The notification mechanism also has a deactivation button mounted externally of the handheld computing device. The user depresses the deactivation button to deactivate the LED. The LED and deactivation button may be integrated as a single component.

Abstract: A delivery indicator system for assisting delivery personnel in locating a delivery location. The delivery indicator system includes a housing, a display for illustrating messages, a control unit electrically connected to the display, and an attaching member secured to the rear of the housing for attaching to a surface of an object. The display may be comprised of an illuminated semi-transparent sheet, LED or LCD devices for illustrating messages and/or images. The control unit may be in communication via the Internet or an Intranet for allowing remote control of the control unit. After an order for goods such as but not limited to pizza, the consumer then activates the display which illustrates a message for the delivery person to easily locate.

Abstract: An automation system for programming appliances having programmable controllers, programmable devices and trigger devices that communicate over a communication link. The user programs the programmable devices by placing the programmable controller in its training mode, activating the trigger device to generate a trigger signed and places select programmable devices in their programmed state. After all of the desired programmable devices have been put in then programmed states, the user takes the programmable controller out of its training mode. When the programmable controller is out of its training mode, it monitors the communication link for the trigger event. Upon detecting the trigger event, the programmable controller sends messages to the selected programmable devices instructing them to go to their programmed state.