Abstract: A warning module for use with a motor vehicle having multiple sensor inputs and multiple sensor outputs. The inputs are coupled to sensing circuits for monitoring a condition such as engine temperature. The outputs are coupled to one or more light bulbs or other visual indicators which are activated at a lamp flash frequency. A variable frequency oscillator activates an audible output device, preferably a piezo-electric buzzer. The light output levels are diminished for nighttime use. A plastic housing supports a piezo-electric transducer and reverberation plate and achieves a high sound output.

Abstract: The musical wireless alerting system includes several detectors (12) which transmit rf signals to a common receiver (14). The detectors (12) include manual switches thereon to allow manual selection of a song or melody. The selection is coded in the form of an audio code which is transmitted to the receiver (14). The receiver (14) detects any rf transmissions and verifies that the received transmissions are identifiable with the receiver (14). Upon verification, the receiver reads the audio code and compares same to a plurality of stored songs or tones within memory for transmission to a speaker which plays the tone or song. Each of the detectors (14) may sense different predefined conditions and indicate different audible indications to be played. The detectors may sense conditions such as opening of the door or depression of a door bell.

Abstract: An electronic audible warning device (10), which includes a power source (18), a motion detector (401), a pleasant tone generator (100, Q1, Q3), a loud piercing tone generator (100, Q1, Q2) and a remote push button activation switch (19) is disclosed. Signaling device (10) provides two distinct features, each responsive to remote activation switch (19). A single depression on push button switch (19) will sound an unobtrusive, pleasant sounding two second pulsating warning tone. Two consecutive pushes on push button (19) will sound an attention-getting pulsating signal, similar to the backup beeper on commercial trucks, which will continue to sound until button (19) is pressed again. An additional feature is provided which is responsive to a motion detector (401). Here, a loud, piercing tone is sounded whenever a bicycle (1) or similarly attached article is moved. The alarm is activated and deactivated via an electrical key switch (402) which is installed directly in main housing (11).

Abstract: A personal alarm device having programmable deactivating, apparatus. The device includes a keypad by which a personal numerical code can be entered. This code is the only manner by which the alarm of the device can be shut off once activated. The code can be changed only by a user knowing the previously-entered deactivation code.

Abstract: A self-contained and portable door answering and intruder alert apparatus having a magnetic tape recording device comprised of a highly sensitive microphone receiving circuit for capturing noise generated by a person located at the door of a structure and including a tape cassette operated in a timed sequential manner by an appropriate electronic circuit for transmitting to the person one of a plurality of messages prerecorded on the cassette prior to the unauthorized entry of the structure by the person, the timed sequence being synchronized and the apparatus being switched in order to permit each message to play in its entirety for preventing loss of continuity of each message.

Abstract: An ashtray has a hollow housing in the interior of which is mounted a smoke detector and an audio playback unit for providing an anti-smoking message upon the detection of smoke. A digital counter counts the number of activations of the smoke detector. The ashtray has a concave ash receiving depression on a top surface of the hollow housing. A centrally disposed smoke passage in the concave depression allows smoke to be drawn into the smoke detector through a smoke tunnel by a small fan. The device is battery powered and is provided with an on/off switch for selectively disconnecting the battery power supply.

Abstract: The system includes a plurality of sensor devices each arranged to monitor a respective physical or operating magnitude of apparatus, a device or a member of the vehicle, and to provide corresponding electrical signals. An acoustic signal generator provides a plurality of acoustic characterizing signals, indicative of corresponding predetermined operating conditions, and a plurality of acoustic level signals indicative of corresponding predetermined levels of importance attributable to the operating conditions. A processing unit detects on the basis of signals provided by the sensor devices the operating conditions of the vehicle and attaches in a predetermined manner, a level of importance to each operating condition identified, and supplies to the acoustic signal generator electrical control signals for causing the output of an acoustic signal comprising, in succession, the level signal and the characterizing signal associated with the operating condition detected.

Abstract: Garbage disposal apparatus of the type used in fast food restaurants for receiving refuse from food trays has a garbage-receiving cabinet with a vertically slidable door panel operated by a pedal-actuated mechanism, permitting two-handed handling of the food trays. The door panel is retracted by pedal action, leaving an unobstructed access opening available for assured, non-spilling sanitary dumping, as long as the pedal is depressed. The mechanism is supported protectedly and visibly in the space provided between two parallel vertical panels which together form the receiving cabinet front, the foremost of the two panels being transparent. Also positioned in the space between the two front panels is a sound-generating system, activated by the movement of either the door panel or the mechanism moving it.

Abstract: A knob for attachment to a removable lid of a container, the knob containing a selectively actuatable music module. The knob serves both a utilitarian function, as a means for removing a lid from a container, and an entertainment or advertising function, by playing a preprogrammed message. Either function may be utilized separately or in combination as the user selects.

Abstract: A message transmitting ashtray is provided and consists of an ashtray disposed in a base containing a message transmitting mechanism which is responsive to a cigarette coacting with an activation mechanism in the ash tray.

Abstract: A plug-in type warning device to be substituting for the normal initially installed seat belt warning buzzer, or the like, in automobiles, the plug-in type warning device having a pleasant signal in the form of a musical signal, voice signal, or the like in lieu of the normal harsh buzzer sound.

Abstract: An annunciator or signal which can be mounted adjacent a door and actuated by a pet to signal its desire to be let in or out includes a housing with an opening in the lower front thereof and with a lever projecting outwardly through the opening. When a pet presses the lever, switch within the housing is closed to actuate a chime or the like.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for protecting an unoccupied building. The apparatus includes a noise detector for detecting noises generated by attempts to enter the building. Any noise detected is converted to an electronic signal and conveyed to an activator. The activator turns on a tape player which plays a tape recording of noise such as a barking dog. The noise is played through speakers within the building to give the impression the building is occupied or guarded by a watchdog.

Abstract: Improved ringer signal circuitry in a telephone handset modifies the leading edge of the ringer signal envelope causing ringer volume to gradually increase, over a period of time, to its maximum value.

Abstract: A timing apparatus for holding a door open for a controlled period of time before releasing it for closure. The timing apparatus includes a switch operable to produce a switching signal. A first energizing control is coupled to the switch and is responsive to the switching signal for producing a first signal. An electromagnetic device is coupled to the first energizing control and is energizable in response to the first signal. A first timing circuit is coupled to the first energizing control and is responsive to the first signal to generate a first timing signal of predetermined duration and corresponding to the switching signal. The first energizing control is further responsive to the first timing signal thereby to remain in the state of providing the first signal for such predetermined duration. A second timing circuit is coupled to the first timing circuit and is responsive to the termination of the first timing signal to produce a second timing signal of second predetermined duration.

Abstract: A doorbell for pets consisting of a pair of scratch plates adapted to be hung movably respectively on the inner and outer surfaces of a door of a house or other building for yieldable movement toward said door under the impetus of a pet's scratching thereagainst, and an electrical system including an audible signalling device operable by switches mounted in the door and actuated by said scratch plates. Provision is made for maintaining operation of the signalling devices for any desired length of time despite merely momentary movements of the scratch plates, and for adjusting the force required to actuate the signals, both to prevent accidental operation by blowing wind, and to accommodate the device to pets of different sizes and strengths. The signals may be audibly distinguishable, to indicate whether the animal desires ingress or egress.

Abstract: An aircraft safety alarm system for sounding an alarm that the aircraft engine may be started including outside mounted speaker alarm means and a switch activated by a user that couples a timer device to an alarm circuit for sounding an alarm outside the aircraft for a predetermined time period. The switch may be operated upon opening the aircraft door, operating the aircraft ignition switch or by fastening seat belts.

Abstract: A traffic signal system for blind people which can be combined with an existing traffic signal device the device having a sound signal generator electrically connected to a blue light of the pedestrian traffic signal device for generating a signal representative of imitation sound synchronous with lighting of said blue light, a noise detector, a volume controller for controlling the output of the signal generator in accordance with the detected noise signal of the noise detector, a control gate for preventing the noise signal of said noise detector from being supplied to the volume controller when the generator is on, and a speaker for emitting imitation sound having a volume corresponding to the level of the surrounding noise.

Abstract: A signalling device for use in a public transportation vehicle. The signalling device includes a cord, or other device by which a passenger on the vehicle can signal the driver, and a device for generating a signal, normally a buzzer. A control circuit senses the actuation of the passenger's device and controls the energization of the signal generating device. The pattern of the signals may take any of several forms.

Abstract: A warning system for a printing press to warn the operator upon the exceeding, or departure from, a desired set of running conditions which includes a plurality of remote condition transducers which, in the simplest form of the invention, are in the form of switches. Coupled to the transducers are respective signal generators each of which generates an acoustic signal which has a distinctive quality as compared to all of the other acoustic signals. A loudspeaker common to all of the signal generators is audible at the control station. The distinctiveness of the signal serves to promptly inform the operator which of the running conditions has been exceeded so that corrective action may be taken. In a second embodiment of the invention the transducers produce output control signals which vary in magnitude with the condition, and the corresponding acoustic signal generator produces a signal having a distinctive first quality when the control signal exceeds a threshold level.

Abstract: My invention teaches a vehicular signal apparatus, in particular a motor vehicle horn system, which has two successive loudness levels of operation. The first loudness level is a moderate level used as a brief "toot" to give a quick alert, as in pedestrian traffic or the like. The second loudness level is a commanding level used as a blast, as for example, in an emergency maneuver in heavy traffic. Operation is automatic, in the sense that a brief operator activation of the horn signal switch will result only in the activation of the moderate level horn, whereas operation of the blast horn is delayed such that continuous operator activation of the horn signal switch will cause the blast horn to blow within about a second after horn switch contact is made.

Abstract: A railroad safety and warning arrangement characterized by a single foot pedal which initiates the consecutive operation of a locomotive bell and both the locomotive bell and a locomotive whistle. The operation of the preceding alarms are discontinued by means of a release mechanism which selectively disengages a notched control arm from a side edge of the foot pedal.

Abstract: A communication appliance is located to present predetermined information and is automatically turned on and off. A pair of switches are arranged to be actuated in sequence by a person approaching the communication appliance, and a control device responds to the proper sequence of operation of the switches to actuate the appliance to present the information to the person. The appliance can present an advertising message in a sales region or reminder messages to a person leaving a building. In one embodiment, there is a third switch, and a deenergizing tone is generated from a prerecorded tape.

Abstract: A timed alarm system having an audio signal source coupled to a sound reproducing system by means of a field effect transistor which yields increasing output as its control electrode is biased by a capacitive network thus producing an alarm signal of gradually increasing amplitude. Apparatus for delayed alarm and drowse capabilities is also described.