Audible Signals (e.g., Bell Rings Softly First And Then Loudly) Patents (Class 340/328)
  • Publication number: 20120172095
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for locating devices comprises a two-way locator comprising a first locator removably coupled to a first item and a second locator coupled to a second item. The first locator is configured to transmit a first trigger signal, the second locator is configured to receive the first trigger signal, and the second locator is configured to generate at least one location indicator signal in response to the first trigger signal. The second locator is configured to transmit a second trigger signal, the first locator is configured to receive the second trigger signal, and the first locator is configured to generate at least one location indicator signal in response to the second trigger signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Landon McDaniel
  • Patent number: 8193919
    Abstract: A peripheral load driver that utilizes the power, wiring, and primary load of a conventional doorbell system to drive a doorbell system peripheral load at a higher current without risk of inadvertently energizing the primary load of the conventional doorbell system. The peripheral load driver comprising a power converting means for converting power extracted from the conventional doorbell system from a higher-voltage-at-a-lower-current to a lower-voltage-at-a-higher current wherein the higher-voltage-at-a-lower-current is insufficient to energize the primary load of the conventional doorbell system and the lower-voltage-at-a-higher-current is compatible with the doorbell system peripheral load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventors: Peter Langer, Douglas C. Cinzori
  • Patent number: 8086088
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a digital video recording method, and in particular, when a recording mode is audio detection, according to an audio signal transmitted from a mike mounted on a camera or a mike mounted separately, this method records the video taken by said camera during the time period for which a recording speed and video resolution is already set as super-high speed and high video resolution. After the elapse of an already set time period, when the audio signal is sensed, this method records the video by varying the recording speed and video resolution from super-high speed and high video resolution into low-speed and low video resolution at a time interval which is already set. Therefore, it becomes possible to obtain the specific information about the video data which is important in an unmanned security system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Sam Myung Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-Jae Park
  • Patent number: 8077018
    Abstract: To enable an air velocity of sampling air to be precisely measured, a smoke detector (S) includes: a smoke detection part (22) connected to a sampling pipe (11); a fan (12) that sucks sampling air (SA) into the sampling pipe; and an air velocity sensor (15) that measures an air velocity of the sampling air within the sampling pipe. The air velocity sensor (15) is disposed at a primary side of the fan (12), and a straightening vane (25) is disposed between the air velocity sensor (15) and a suction port (12a) of the fan (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Nohmi Bosai Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Yokota
  • Patent number: 8077017
    Abstract: A fire evacuation guidance system includes a pair of dissimilarly colored laser beams generated by at least one laser emitting device. The dissimilarly colored laser beams are generated substantially parallel to hallways of a (5) structure and subsequently reflected, where required, to direct occupants to a shortest exit route in the event of a fire emergency. That is, a first laser beam of one color is generated substantially parallel to one side of a hallway while a second laser beam of a second color different from the first color is generated substantially parallel to the opposite side of the hallway. So long as an occupant (10) of the structure positions himself or herself between the two laser beams and keeps the laser beam of the first color on his or her right hand side, the occupant will be directed to the closest exit in the event of a fire emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8073402
    Abstract: A wireless intercommunicative alarm doorbell comprising an outdoor bell and an indoor bell; the outdoor bell comprises an outdoor bell casing, an outdoor bell power supply, an outdoor bell loudspeaker, an outdoor bell microphone, an outdoor bell talk button, an outdoor bell antenna, an outdoor bell wireless transmitting and receiving integrated circuit, a door ring button and a door ring integrated circuit; the indoor bell comprises an indoor bell casing, an indoor bell power supply, an indoor bell loudspeaker, an indoor bell microphone, an indoor bell talk button, an indoor bell antenna, an indoor bell wireless transmitting and receiving integrated circuit and a door ring integrated circuit; the indoor bell further comprises an alarm button. The present invention provides an alarm which is easy for the person indoor to operate and can effectively call for attention on the basis of a wireless intercommunicative doorbell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: World Enterprise Sino Ltd
    Inventor: Bing Hung Law
  • Patent number: 8058976
    Abstract: A security system includes a warning notification module adapted to recognize at least one of a wireless or audible signal. A door bell ringer or emergency transmission signal from a wireless transmitter can provide a recognition signal to a microprocessor in the security system via the warning notification module. The microprocessor retrieves dog barking sounds stored in memory and provides them to at least one of an amplifier or radio frequency transmitter after the microprocessor receives the recognition signal from the warning notification module. Dog barking sounds can be broadcasted using the wireless transmitter. Processing can be with a time delay after first receipt of the recognition signal. A random module can enable random retrieval of various dog barking sounds from memory for processing. A time out module can disable operation of the microprocessor at a set time after recognition signal receipt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventors: Melisendro T. Ortiz, Luis M. Ortiz
  • Patent number: 7969301
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using an energy emanating device to find a person (17a,b) or an object based on preselected attributes (33) stored in the energy emanating device (10) are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Social Fabric Corporation
    Inventor: Edward F. Tuck
  • Patent number: 7940174
    Abstract: An Enhanced Relationship Prediction System for providing a relationship prediction based on the correlation of personal characteristics and the analysis of genetic characteristics is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first person supplies descriptions of their own personal characteristics, as well as descriptions of the personal characteristics of their ideal match, to a website. The first person also furnishes an odor, tissue or fluid sample to a test facility, where genetic characteristics are analyzed and determined. A relationship match is then generated based on both a combination of both a positive correlation of the personal characteristics of the first person and second person, and a measured dissimilarity between the sequence of genetic characteristics of the first person and second person. In an alternative embodiment, the hormonal birth control status of the participants is used in the matching process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Social Fabric Corporation
    Inventor: Edward F. Tuck
  • Patent number: 7904119
    Abstract: A method and device for detecting alert events and responsively playing out audio-clips. The audio-clips may comprise data representing a sound recording. Playing out the audio-clips occurs in an order defined by a sequence. The audio-clips and the sequence are maintained in data storage. A processor executes program logic to detect a first alert event and responsively play out at least a first audio-clip of the sequence, and to detect a next alert event and responsively play out at least a next alert event of the sequence. After playing out all audio-clips in the sequence, play out of the audio-clips may then continue with the first audio-clip of the sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Devon L. Biere, Michael A. Gailloux
  • Patent number: 7848826
    Abstract: There is described a method for enabling the operation of automation components of a technical system via a mobile control and monitoring device. In a first step, the control and monitoring device receives a first identification from a first transponder device, with the first transponder device being attached to the technical system, with the first transponder device having been activated by the automation components and with the first identification having been transmitted via a wireless communication connection from the automation components to the mobile control and monitoring device. In a further step the communication connection between the control and monitoring device and the automation components is deactivated. The mobile control and monitoring device sends a carrier signal and following that receives the carrier signal modulated by the first transponder device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Janos Gila, Wolfgang Konrad, Gottfried Rieger, Ulrich Sinn
  • Patent number: 7746223
    Abstract: A system and method for displaying security content to a cell phone. An indication is received that a doorbell has been activated. A signal is sent to the cell phone indicating that the doorbell has been activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Embarq Holdings Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jamie C. Howarter, Charles M. Lesher
  • Publication number: 20100112963
    Abstract: A wireless intercommunicative alarm doorbell comprising an outdoor bell and an indoor bell; the outdoor bell comprises an outdoor bell casing, an outdoor bell power supply, an outdoor bell loudspeaker, an outdoor bell microphone, an outdoor bell talk button, an outdoor bell antenna, an outdoor bell wireless transmitting and receiving integrated circuit, a door ring button and a door ring integrated circuit; the indoor bell comprises an indoor bell casing, an indoor bell power supply, an indoor bell loudspeaker, an indoor bell microphone, an indoor bell talk button, an indoor bell antenna, an indoor bell wireless transmitting and receiving integrated circuit and a door ring integrated circuit; the indoor bell further comprises an alarm button. The present invention provides an alarm which is easy for the person indoor to operate and can effectively call for attention on the basis of a wireless intercommunicative doorbell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: World Enterpise Sino Ltd
    Inventor: Law Bing Hung
  • Patent number: 7683800
    Abstract: A door bell notification and personal protection system includes a warning notification module adapted to recognize at least one of a door bell notification from a door bell ringer or emergency transmission signal from a wireless transmitter and thereafter provide a recognition signal to a microprocessor. The microprocessor is adapted to retrieve dog barking sounds stored in a memory and provide the dog barking sounds to at least one of an amplifier or radio frequency transmitter after the microprocessor receives the recognition signal from the warning notification module. Dog barking sounds can be broadcasted using the wireless transmitter. A delay module can enable processing with a delay time after first receipt of the recognition signal. A random module can enable random retrieval of various dog barking sounds from memory for processing. A time out module can disable operation of the microprocessor at a set time after recognition signal receipt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventors: Melisendro T. Ortiz, Luis M. Ortiz
  • Publication number: 20100066558
    Abstract: A security device with a locator module and an identifier module sends an alert signal to warn others of an emergency situation. The security device uses a wireless transceiver to transmit the alert signal and a monitoring center. Location information updates and an audio signal are sent to the monitoring station. The security device may be located within an outer casing that conceals its functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Michele McCauley
  • Patent number: 7668556
    Abstract: A communication system including a communication terminal apparatus and a wireless key apparatus in wireless communication is provided. The communication terminal apparatus includes a first communication unit operable to receive a first wireless signal, and a first control unit operable to determine a distance between the communication terminal apparatus and the wireless key apparatus based on the received first wireless signal, wherein the first control unit limits a predetermined function of the communication terminal apparatus based on determining the distance. The wireless key apparatus includes a second communication unit operable to receive a second wireless signal, and a second control unit operable to determine the distance between the communication terminal apparatus and the wireless key apparatus based on the received second wireless signal, whereby the second control unit decreases transmission power associated with the second communication unit based on the determined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Japan, Inc.
    Inventors: Minoru Yokoshi, Mitsuyoshi Yasuda, Katsutoshi Itoh, Makoto Natori, Osamu Yoshimura, Takeshi Itagaki
  • Patent number: 7653418
    Abstract: A method and device for detecting alert events and responsively playing out audio-clips. The audio-clips may comprise data representing a sound recording. Playing out the audio-clips occurs in an order defined by a sequence. The audio-clips and the sequence are maintained in data storage. A processor executes program logic to detect a first alert event and responsively play out at least a first audio-clip of the sequence, and to detect a next alert event and responsively play out at least a next alert event of the sequence. After playing out all audio-clips in the sequence, play out of the audio-clips may then continue with the first audio-clip of the sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Devon L. Biere, Michael A. Gailloux
  • Patent number: 7623024
    Abstract: The present invention is a door chime. The door chime has a decorative cover connected to a sound module including sound controls. The decorative cover is shiftable relative to the sound module from a first position in which the decorative chime will be displayed during normal use, to a second position to allow access to the sound controls in the second position. The connection between the sound module and the decorative cover allows for either a sliding connection or a rotating connection depending on the desired configuration. The power module for the door chime is interchangeable between a battery powered and hard wired module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: IQ Group SDN BHD
    Inventors: Wen-Chin Chen, Chun Teng Tan
  • Patent number: 7619538
    Abstract: This invention pertains to evacuation systems, more particularly, it pertains to single or networked guiding devices that utilizing pre-programming and/or virtual programming, sensing and detecting means, illumination and alarming means, symbols and text messages to direct traffic to safety. The networked guiding devices of the system are configured to systematically and progressively direct traffic from one device to the next, directing traffic to safety. The system is configured to be controlled locally or remotely, on-demand. The evacuation system is applicable to people's traffic, vehicular traffic and/or other transportation modes. The evacuation system may be used in emergency or non-emergency situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Sanrose, LLC
    Inventor: James R. Zarian
  • Publication number: 20090243816
    Abstract: A monitor with reminder sounds is disclosed. The device includes at least a monitor, at least a touch button and an audio player. The touch button is disposed on the monitor for adjusting status of the monitor. The audio player is also arranged on the monitor and is connected with the touch button. When pressing the touch button, the audio player receives a signal and makes a sound. The monitor further includes a detection module that is used to check output image signals of the monitor. When detecting errors of output image signals of the monitor, the detection module sends a detection signal to the audio player so as to make the audio player generate a sound. Thus the user is reminded that whether the touch button is pressed precisely. Furthermore, the device also informs the user that the monitor is in abnormal status. Therefore, the present invention provides users more convenience of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Yueh-Huah Lee, Yaw-Huei Chiou
  • Patent number: 7592910
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for finding a match between or among persons (17a, 17b), characteristics and/or objects are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, an electronic device (10a, 10b), such as a handheld radio, is used to find a person who meets criteria specified by a user. In another embodiment, this electronic device (10a, 10b) is programmed with information regarding the genetic attributes (33) of individuals. These individuals are matched by computing a correlation of the genetic attributes of two individuals (33a, 33b). The information regarding these genetic attributes are determined by testing a tissue or fluid sample. In yet another embodiment of the invention, once biological or genetic attributes (33) are determined, a perfume (544) may be manufactured which is based on a unique set of genetic attributes, and which may either fortify the sexual self-confidence and broadcast the attributes of the person who wears the perfume, or may be used to enhance the attractiveness of another person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Social Fabric Corporation
    Inventors: Edward F. Tuck, Martie G. Haselton, Mark A. Sturza, Rebecca B. Weeks, Robert G. Quinn
  • Patent number: 7570154
    Abstract: A wireless door chime system has an activation unit. A receiving unit is in wireless communication with the activation unit. The receiving unit has a plurality of sound files loaded therein. A user can view the plurality of sound files and select a sound file to play when the activation unit sends a signal to the receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: O-Zone Management Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph M. Bartorelli, Kevin J. Wall
  • Patent number: 7557728
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the performance of an application comprises a computer system having one or more speakers and means for running an application, the computer system being configured to perform the steps of determining an output of an application that requires monitoring, assigning an audible sound to the output, running the application and allowing the application to reach a state of equilibrium, determining a baseline for the output when the application is in the state of equilibrium, monitoring the output to detect a change relative to the baseline, emitting the audible sound assigned to the output through at least one of the one or more speakers when the detected change varies from the baseline by a predetermined amount, and adjusting configurable parameters of the audible sound to indicate the existence of the detected change, the magnitude of the detected change relative to the baseline, and the degree of deviation from the baseline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard M. Bicheno, Tim Dunn, Ian P. Hurworth, Xiaoming Zhang
  • Publication number: 20090137207
    Abstract: The invention provides a wireless bell device and an operating method thereof. The wireless bell device comprises a controlling module and a transmitting module. The controlling module has a button. When the button is pressed, a controlling signal is transmitted by the controlling module. The transmitting module is electrically connected to the controlling module. When the controlling signal is received by the transmitting module, the transmitting module transmits a wireless signal to a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device receives the wireless signal and rings a bell according to the wireless signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Yao-Meng Peng
  • Patent number: 7498927
    Abstract: A security alarm system for a vehicle having an alert device, the alert device including an audible alert device, and the security alarm system comprising an intrusion detector for detecting an intrusion event on the vehicle; and an alert controller for controlling the alert device, wherein the alert controller generates an activate instruction to activate the alert device responsive to the intrusion event detected by the intrusion detector and generates a deactivate instruction to deactivate at least the audible alert device after a first predetermined time interval from the generation of the activate instruction, and wherein the alert controller further prevents a generation of an activate instruction of at least the audible alert device during at least a second predetermined time interval after the generation of the deactivate instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Kaji, Tatsuya Michishige
  • Patent number: 7486196
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the performance of an application comprises determining an output of an application that requires monitoring, assigning an audible sound to the output, running the application and allowing the application to reach a state of equilibrium, determining a baseline for the output when the application is in the state of equilibrium, monitoring the output to detect a change relative to the baseline, emitting the audible sound assigned to the output when the detected change varies from the baseline by a predetermined amount, and adjusting configurable parameters of the audible sound to indicate the existence of the detected change, the magnitude of the detected change relative to the baseline, and the degree of deviation from the baseline. The amplitude of the audible sound may be adjusted to indicate the magnitude of the detected change from the baseline, and the pitch of the audible sound may be adjusted to indicate a positive change or a negative change from the baseline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard M. Bicheno, Tim Dunn, Ian P. Hurworth, Xiaoming Zhang
  • Patent number: 7477134
    Abstract: A peripheral load driver that utilizes the power, wiring, and primary load of a conventional doorbell system to drive a doorbell system peripheral load at a higher current without risk of inadvertently energizing the primary load of the conventional doorbell system. The peripheral load driver comprising a power converting means for converting power extracted from the conventional doorbell system from a higher-voltage-at-a-lower-current to a lower-voltage-at-a-higher current wherein the higher-voltage-at-a-lower-current is insufficient to energize the primary load of the conventional doorbell system and the lower-voltage-at-a-higher-current is compatible with the doorbell system peripheral load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventors: Peter Langer, Douglas Carl Cinzori
  • Patent number: 7388474
    Abstract: When either a front-side sensor or a rear-side sensor of a subject vehicle detects an obstacle entering a certain distance range of multiple distance ranges within a detection zone close to the subject vehicle, a micro-computer causes a warning unit to warn with a buzzer in a primary warning pattern that is prepared for each distance range. In contrast, when both detect obstacles, the warning unit is caused to warn in the following patterns. In a first case that at least one of two sensors detects an obstacle entering a shortest distance range, the warning unit warns in a different warning pattern differentiated from the primary warning pattern. In a second case except the first case, the warning unit warns in the primary warning pattern corresponding to the distance range that is entered by the obstacle that is closer to the vehicle, of the obstacles detected by the two sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yagyu, Kenichiro Horikawa, Hideyuki Ide, Kenichi Ohue
  • Patent number: 7365637
    Abstract: A doorbell detection and playback circuit for a doorbell pushbutton connected to an alternating current power source comprises at least one bridge rectifier circuit coupled to the power source through a diode placed in parallel with the pushbutton. The bridge rectifier circuit generates a signal at a first frequency when the pushbutton is not depressed, and generates a signal at a second frequency when the pushbutton is depressed. A frequency detection circuit is included and is coupled to the signal from the bridge rectifier. The frequency detection circuit further comprises an output responsive to the presence of a signal at the second frequency coupled to a sound generator for playing a ring tone or series thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Heathco LLC
    Inventor: Jimmy D. Claiborne
  • Patent number: 7335885
    Abstract: A fire detector and method for generating an alarm signal in response to a fire uses an NDIR sensor to generate a detector signal based upon one or more absorption bands selected from the 15.1? absorption band of CO2, the 6.27? absorption band of H2O and the 4.67? absorption band for CO and generates an alarm signal when a signal processor receives the detector signal and a preselected criterion is met that is indicative of the onset of a fire based upon an analysis of the detector signal using a detection algorithm that relies upon a trending pattern of the detector signal such as recognizing a substantial drop in the detector signal strength. The fire detector has a waveguide sample chamber (which can be of a re-entrant design) with at least one opening covered by a thin filtering membrane and a heat exchanger thermally connected to the sample chamber with at least one opening covered by another thin filtering membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Airwave, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Y. Wong
  • Patent number: 7327219
    Abstract: A monitoring system for use in a building, such as a hospital provides an audible and/or visual alarm. The monitoring system includes a control unit, with a plurality of medical condition monitoring units, such as ventilators, connected thereto. A plurality of speakers and/or light sources are connected to the control unit, and are located at various different spaced-apart areas within the building. An abnormal condition, sensed at one of the plurality of medical condition monitoring units, is reported to the control unit, which in turn causes the plurality of speakers and/or light sources to issue an audible/visual alarm. An adaptor can connect a medical condition monitoring unit to the control unit. The adapter may include circuitry to render an alarm output of the medical condition monitoring unit compatible with the control unit, and to suppress an alarm output for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Charles Henry Lederer, IV
  • Publication number: 20070279198
    Abstract: The present invention is a door chime. The door chime has a decorative cover connected to a sound module including sound controls. The decorative cover is shiftable relative to the sound module from a first position in which the decorative chime will be displayed during normal use, to a second position to allow access to the sound controls in the second position. The connection between the sound module and the decorative cover allows for either a sliding connection or a rotating connection depending on the desired configuration. The power module for the door chime is interchangeable between a battery powered and hard wired module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Wen-Chin Chen, Chun Teng Tan
  • Patent number: 7242292
    Abstract: A wireless communications capability enables field personnel to communicate with a remote control console of a distributed system. A hand held communications unit generates console related messages that are coupled, via local devices, to the remote console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew G. Berezowski, Mark C. Bohanon, Daniel C. Hawkinson, Dominick A. Testa
  • Patent number: 7186979
    Abstract: A fire detector with a passive CO2 sensor generates a detector signal based upon a 15? absorption band of CO2 and a signal processor generates an alarm signal when a preselected criterion is met. The passive CO2 sensor has a passive infrared source with a source temperature, a waveguide sample chamber with a gas medium temperature (which is less than the source temperature), a heat exchanger (that reduces the temperature of CO2 gas as it passes into the waveguide sample chamber and may be thermally coupled to the sample chamber) and an infrared detector assembly with a detector temperature (which is less than the source temperature). An exterior surface of the passive infrared source has a high emissivity while the detector assembly and the sample chamber (which can be thermally coupled to each other but not the passive infrared source) have a low emissivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Airware, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Y. Wong
  • Patent number: 7176460
    Abstract: A fire detector and method for detecting fires uses a passive NDIR sensor that generates a detector signal based upon either a 15? absorption band of CO2 or a 6.27? absorption band of H2O and a signal processor which receives the detector signal and generates an alarm signal when a preselected criterion is met. The NDIR sensor relies upon a passive infrared source (such as a very thin film of black plastic material) with a high emissivity (e.g., approximately 1.0), a sample chamber with a low emissivity (e.g., approximately 0.03) thermally decoupled from the passive infrared source and an infrared detector located in a detector assembly thermally coupled to the sample chamber while a heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the sample chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Airware, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Y. Wong
  • Patent number: 7173534
    Abstract: A computer based bird control system is provided. The bird control system utilizes an impactor that is attachable to a structure, such as an I-beam or other similarly sized and dimensioned metal object, to create an acoustic impact noise similar to a whacking of the structure. The impactor is preferably actuated at a random or a semi-random impact rate such as around once every ten seconds. The acoustic impact noise may be provided in addition to the playing of bird predator or other deterrent sounds maintained in audio files on the computer. The system also provides audio and/or physical bird presence detection within a monitored area. Detection of the presence of a bird may be used as a trigger for the actuation of the impactor and/or predator/deterrent sounds. Actuation of the impactor and/or sound files may be accomplished via a schedule through the use of timer files in addition to or in place of animal presence detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Robert W. Markham, Patrick W. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7126455
    Abstract: Protection against abusive ringing of doorbells is provided by a ring limiting circuit including ring counter and ring timer circuits. Protection can also be implemented in software executed by a digital processor such as a smart home central controller in a wireless doorbell installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventors: Ari Epstein, Natan Epstein
  • Patent number: 7053757
    Abstract: A system in operable communication with a doorbell chime for audio annunciation of a visitor to an occupant of a room in a multiple room building, the system configured to indicate a status of the room to the visitor or occupant, the system comprising: a switch assembly configured to convey a message outside of the room; the switch assembly operable from inside the room; an indicating assembly in operable communication with the switch assembly, the indicating assembly configured to indicate the message when the message is selected, the message viewable from inside and outside of the room; and a doorbell button in operable communication with the doorbell chime, the doorbell button operably connected with the indicating assembly and operable from outside of the room by the visitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Inncom International, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane W. Buckingham, Richard N. Quirino, David G. Oliver
  • Patent number: 7049956
    Abstract: A portable kit for use at a polling place to ease access of a disabled person to voting facilities. The portable kit includes a case containing a base, a collapsible post for mounting on the base and an activation switch mountable on the post and having a radio transmitter for emitting a radio signal when operated by a disabled person. A sign is also provided on the post to alert the disabled person of the presence of the assistance. A radio receiver and loudspeaker is provided inside the polling place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Inclusion Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick H. Hughes, Jr., H. Hollister Rundy, IV
  • Patent number: 7038586
    Abstract: A horn actuation mechanism senses a deliberate movement of a driver's hand on a side of a steering plane distant from the driver, the steering wheel plane lying crossswise a rotational axis of the steering wheel and approximating a plane bisecting a peripheral gripping region of the steering wheel. The vehicle horn is energized in response to the sensing of such movement. A hand-operational portion of the horn actuation mechanism is advantageously disposed in a position in which a hand grasping a peripheral gripping portion of the wheel can simultaneously actuate the mechanism without removal of the hand from controlled contact with the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Lawrence I. Wechsler
  • Patent number: 7034664
    Abstract: A general short-range remote control alerting system consists of at least one transmitter or encoder device in communication with at least one receiver or decoder device. Each transmitter or encoder device has a factory pre-set unique identification (ID) code. The receiver or decoder device utilizes a memory device, the memory of which will not change due to power supply interruption and can be read or written or re-written to store ID codes from the various transmitters or encoder devices. The transmitter or encoder device transmits ID code to the receiver or decoder device, and upon matching, the receiver or decoder device causes pre-defined functions to be performed, such as a musical tune to be played or a light to be activated or de-activated. A communication protocol realizing the above system is also disclosed. The present invention can be applied to doorbells, security lights, home controls and security alarm systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: IQ Group SDN BHD
    Inventors: Wen Chin Chen, Kun Li Chen
  • Patent number: 6975213
    Abstract: A whistle has a whistle member having a mouthpiece at a front thereof, a chamber therein, a passage communicated with the chamber, and an outlet at a sidewall of the chamber, and a light emitting device provided on the whistle member, which has a lamp, a battery and a switch device, wherein the lamp is conducted with the battery and the switch is provided at between the lamp and the battery to turn the lamp on or off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Lo-Pin Wang
  • Patent number: 6879848
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Edward A. Lygas
  • Publication number: 20040178889
    Abstract: The application discloses various methods and systems that utilize infrared communication to enhance and manage the security and convenience of occupants and the operation and efficiency of the staff of a multi-unit building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Duane W. Buckingham, Richard N. Quirino, David G. Oliver, Gregory F. Scheurer, Philipp A. Roosli
  • Patent number: 6606030
    Abstract: A pet training device designed to alert a pet owner that his/her pet would like to enter or exit the home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony Vena
  • Patent number: 6559767
    Abstract: A vibration-sensing alarm device has a receiving circuit for receiving radio signals transmitted from a transmitter. A decoder decodes the signals transmitted from the receiving circuit. A control switch is controlled by the decoder to be turned on or off. An alarm circuit is activated to drive an alarm module to generate an alarm when the control switch is turned on and is disabled when the control switch is turned off. A power supply and timing control is provided to supply power and timing signals to the receiving circuit, the decoder, the control switch, and the alarm circuit. A motion sensor is provided for turning on the power supply and timing control when sensing a vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis Huang
  • Publication number: 20030080855
    Abstract: A doorbell system includes first and second pushbuttons and an RF transmitter activatable by the first and second pushbuttons. An RF receiver is configured to receive RF signals from the RF transmitter. The doorbell system further includes a microphone. A first storage device of the doorbell system stores a first sound. A second storage device is configured to record a second sound through the microphone. A playback device is operatively associated with the RF receiver and the storage devices to enable a user to select one of the sounds by pressing the first pushbutton and to play the selected one of the sounds by pressing the second pushbutton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: John A. Koneff, Wei Gene Kenneth Shen, Kam Wong Wong
  • Patent number: 6545595
    Abstract: A doorbell system having a sound memory for storing and playing a CD quality doorbell sound is disclosed. Said doorbell system includes a receiver unit for receiving an indication of a doorbell button being pressed, a code detector for commanding the sound memory to output stored sound signals and sound producing means for outputting a CD quality sound. Also disclosed is a method for storing a CD quality sound into a doorbell system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Xydis
  • Patent number: 6529121
    Abstract: A hand worn warning or signaling system comprises a hand-wear article such as a glove or a band to be worn around the wrist or fingers, having a sound generating and light generating element. According to a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a pair of gloves, one having a sound generating element and the other having a light generating element, allowing the user to select between generating a sound or light alert or both. The warning system may also have a finger or thumb accessible activation button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Irving Bush
  • Patent number: 6445302
    Abstract: A pet training device designed to alert a pet owner that his/her pet would like to enter or exit the home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Anthony Vena