Portable Patents (Class 340/586)
  • Patent number: 5132668
    Abstract: An ashtray provided with a heat sensing element, an IC plate and an amplifier for emitting an alarm sound when a cigarette supported on the ashtray has burned down close to the edge of the ashtray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: Tekung Lee
  • Patent number: 5063984
    Abstract: A solar heating device which indicates the proper window covering status for maximum energy conservation. A support structure (18) rests on window sill (16) and suspends two thermistors (22 and 24). One thermistor (22) is supported on the room side of drapery (12) and the other thermistor (24) is supported between drapery (12) and a window (14). When the net heat flow is inward from outside the room, thermistor (24) near window (14) will be warmer than room side thermistor (22). When this occurs, the temperature dependent resistances of thermistors (22 and 24), voltage divider resistances (30 and 32), and a comparator (36) turn on a light emitting diode (28). This indicates that drapery (12) should be opened to let solar radiation in to heat the room. Otherwise, drapery (12) should be closed to conserve the existing heat in the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Inventor: Albert G. Cherveny
  • Patent number: 5015994
    Abstract: A novel illumination device is provided which is small, inexpensive, and conveniently plugs into a standard power outlet, thereby allowing easy installation and deinstallation by nontechnical consumers, and thereby allowing the security light to be easily moved to any wall outlet as security needs change. This illumination device includes a motion detector so that the illumination is provided only in the presence of one or more persons who would find the illumination beneficial. A photoelectric device is provided such that the security light is illuminated in response to motion only when there is an insufficient amount of ambient light available from other sources. In one embodiment, a vision restrictor is provided such that motion is detected only from a desired detection area. In one embodiment, a vision extender is utilized in order to optimize the field of view for the motion detector, making the device more useful in narrow hallways and other unique installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: GRH Electronics
    Inventors: Kenneth Hoberman, Kim Kirwan, Gary Gordon
  • Patent number: 5000581
    Abstract: A nursing bottle bottle is provided with a detachable case mounted to the bottom of the bottle. The bottom of the bottle is provided with a dent. Elastic means suporting a thermosensor is disposed within the case wherein when the detachable case is mounted to the bottom of the bottle, the elastic means pushes the thermosensor upward into close contact with the dent for measuring the temperature of a liquid within the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Inventors: Akio Yata, Kuniko Aida
  • Patent number: 4994792
    Abstract: A fluid temperature monitoring system is characterized by an adjustable variable voltage divider for selecting a desired temperature range, a temperature detector for detecting whether the fluid temperature is above, below, or at the desired range, and a temperature indicator for emitting three different temperature indicating signals in accordance with temperatures above, below, or at the desired temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: Eldon W. Ziegler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4970496
    Abstract: In refrigerator tractor/trailer vehicles, a data acquisition module is connected with one or more temperature sensors adapted for measurement of the temperatures within the trailer and may be connected with one or more distance sensors and "door open" sensors located in the trailer. Such a data acquisition module preferably comprises a microprocessor and random access memory connected with a plurality of sensors and adapted to acquire stored data on temperatures within the trailer and further connected with clock means to provide time data associated with the temperature data. In such systems, a control and display module, which comprises a separate portable control and display unit, can provide temperature data and distance data to the vehicle operator, warnings to the vehicle operator if the temperature of the trailer approaches unacceptable limits, warnings during backing of the trailer of impending collision with an object and warnings if the trailer doors are opened without authority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Lee Mechanical, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 4930902
    Abstract: A nursing bottle is provided with a detachable case mounted to the bottom of the bottle. A temperature sensor is mounted in the case for measuring the temperature of a liquid in the bottle and for providing a temperature signal which is processed by an electronic circuit which is also located in the case. The electronic circuit provides an alarm signal responsive to a predetermined temperature which activates an alarm means. The temperature sensor is suitably mounted by an elastic body which resiliently forces the temperature sensor into contact with the bottom of the nursing bottle. The electronic circuit suitably includes a one chip microprocessor for processing the temperature signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventors: Akio Yata, Kuniko Aida
  • Patent number: 4916436
    Abstract: A warning apparatus alerts a home owner to unsafe temperatures in the stove pipe of a wood- or coal-burning stove by signaling an alarm if the pipe gets too hot, thereby providing a warning against a potential fire hazard that can be caused by creosote build-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Consumer Products International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Silliman, Kevin Miles, Edward Reynolds
  • Patent number: 4914422
    Abstract: A personal alert safety system (PASS) of the type carried by firefighters, rescuers, and the like. The unit attaches to the firefighters shoulder harness and is characterized by its ability to indicate audibly temperature changes in 100.degree. F. increments within the hazardous environment, as well as lack of motion by the firefighter. The activating circuit includes a horn alarm signalling both temperature changes and lack of motion, such that both the firefighter, as well as his colleagues, may be audibly apprised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Inventors: Daniel Rosenfield, Michael Rosenfield
  • Patent number: 4910501
    Abstract: An alarm system for warning of a creosote chimney fire hazard, having both means to produce a visible alarm when the creosote temperature is nearing the creosote flash point, and means to produce an audible alarm when light from actual ignition of a creosote fire is detected. The invention also provides means to discriminate against detection of wood fire light, to minimize false alarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Inventor: Ray A. Montoya
  • Patent number: 4812827
    Abstract: The detector assembly combines an electrically powered detector and alarm and an electrical light into a single unit which is removably attachable to a conventional electrical receptacle. The unit includes a closed housing containing a detector and alarm system, and recessed within the housing is a light bulb socket for reception of a light bulb into a face of the housing. Protruding from an opposite face of the housing is an electrical connector capable of removable attachment to a standard electrical receptacle. A sound transmitter in the housing may transmit audible alarm signals to a remote receiver, which may be mounted in another detector assembly at a remote location to cause this detector assembly to emit alarm signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Inventor: Keith A. Scripps
  • Patent number: 4801922
    Abstract: An alarm device has a housing provided with visual and audio alarm indicators which give a warning when the temperature of a particular location is at a predetermined relatively low temperature to prevent freezing and wherein a modification is provided which has a switch that activates an enhanced audio alarm responsive to a predetermined temperature lower than the first referred to temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Inventors: Darhl R. Worrell, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4800371
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting pipes subjected to freezing temperatures. An electric circuit is provided with a switch that senses the ambient air temperature in the vicinity of a pipe to be tested. The switch is set to activate an alarm when the water in the pipe reaches about 4.degree. C. to about 5.degree. C. The electric circuit is contained within a housing that is perforated to permit the sensing of the ambient air temperature. The housing may be provided with velcro straps to secure the housing to a pipe to be tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Inventor: Joseph N. Arsi
  • Patent number: 4763112
    Abstract: An electronic clinical thermometer is mounted under the armpit by utilizing a lower fastening belt which can be put through under the armpit to connect with the upper fastening belt by using Velcro tape so that the clinical thermometer won't be dropped from the measuring position. We also can set an alarm temperature to monitor the temperature change of the patient at any time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Inventor: Fung Hsing Hsieh
  • Patent number: 4763115
    Abstract: A fire or smoke detection and alarm system (10) that is enclosed in an elongated enclosure (36) and installed alongside an exit door (52). The enclosure (36) includes a first circuit (12) having integral smoke and fire detectors (14a), (16a) and a redundant second circuit (20) having an integral sound activated switching circuit (22) that is energized by a pre-existing remote audio alarm (24a). The two circuits (12), (20) may be selected either manually by a toggle switch (28) or automatically by an automatic switching circuit (30). When either of the two circuits are energized by smoke or fire, a stroboscopic flashing lamp (34a) and an audio alarm (34b) that are located near the bottom of the enclosure (36), are turned-on. When a fire occurs and smoke fills a room or corridor, panic and disorientation are common. By having the lamp (34a) and audio alarm (34b) near the floor, a person can crouch and be guided by the beam of the light and sound toward the exit door and out to ultimate safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Donald L. Trigg
    Inventor: Albert O. Cota
  • Patent number: 4717910
    Abstract: The detector and light assembly combines an electrically powered detector and alarm and an electrical light into a single unit which is removably attachable to a conventional light socket. The unit includes a closed housing containing a detector and alarm system and a control circuit. Also recessed flush within the housing is a light bulb socket for reception of a light bulb into a face of the housing, and protruding from an opposite face of the housing is an electrical connector capable of screw-in attachment to a standard socket. The control circuit operates in response to activation of the alarm system to cause a light bulb in the light bulb socket to flash off and on. Otherwise, illumination of the bulb is controlled by a manual switch installed within the housing such that the switch is operable from outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Inventors: Keith A. Scripps, Thomas C. Driggers
  • Patent number: 4695829
    Abstract: A device for indicating that a sensed temperature has reached a certain selected level and method of making the same are provided, the device comprising a housing carrying an electrical switch unit for operating an indicator to one condition thereof when the switch unit is closed and to another condition thereof when the switch unit is open. The switch unit comprises a first movable contact unit and a second movable contact unit which when in contact with each other close the switch unit and when out of contact with each other open the switch unit. The first contact unit is moved relative to the second contact unit in relation to the sensed temperature. A selector unit is rotatably carried by the housing for selecting the certain level and has a setting portion operatively interconnected to the second contact unit to position the same relative to the first contact unit in relation to the selected level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Charles J. Everett, Rolf H. Ochsner
  • Patent number: 4694285
    Abstract: The combination is described of an electrical smoke, heat detector and electrical light in a single unit which is removably attachable to an electrical fixture. The combination includes a closed housing containing smoke heat sensing alarms. Also recessed flush within the housing is a light bulb socket for reception of a light bulb into a face of the housing. Protruding from an opposite face of the housing is an electrical connector, capable of screw-in attachment to a standard electrical outlet fixture. A switching device to turn the light on or off, forms of which include: push button, toggle switch, or pull chain, is installed within the closed housing such that the switch is operable externally of the housing. A second switching device, also operable externally of the housing activates and de-activates a self-contained battery power source to operate the smoke and heat sensor functions of the combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Inventor: Keith A. Scripps
  • Patent number: 4567474
    Abstract: A device simply and effectively senses undesirably high temperatures in a refrigerated volume with an accuracy of about 3 percent, and activates an indicator in response to the sensing. A temperature probe is disposed in a freezer, refrigerator, or cooler volume, the probe including a negative temperature coefficient thermistor forming part of a voltage measurement bridge. The resistors of the voltage measurement bridge are all accurate to one percent, and are connected up to a voltage comparator of an integrated circuit. A 9 volt battery powers the device. The device also includes a low battery voltage sensor for activating the indicator when the battery voltage drops below about 8.2 volts, and a sensor for detecting when the probe is damaged or disconnected. The probe detection circuit includes a Darlington transistor, and resistor, the Darlington transistor being connected through a diode to the indicator. The indicator may include a piezo electric horn driven by a horn oscillator circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Assignee: Temco Products Corporation
    Inventor: Dale Wolin
  • Patent number: 4540980
    Abstract: A portable room security alarm features a smoke detector alarm, a motion sensing intrusion alarm, a temperature sensing alarm, and a digital display alarm clock. The security alarm includes a deployable thermally conducting mounting clip for mounting the alarm at the top of a door with the clip extended to pass around the upper edge of the door. A deployable temperature sensor probe may be attached to the clip to give early warning of a fire outside the door. The temperature probe may alternatively be attached to other metallic structures passing through the door frame, e.g. door knobs, hinges, etc. Large ventilating apertures in an extensible telescoping housing allow access of smoke to the smoke sensor, and with the housing closed the sensor is sealed off against long term contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Inventor: Daniel Porco
  • Patent number: 4484181
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for use by a traveler whereby the traveler is able to protect himself from unauthorized entry through a preselected door and simultaneously protect himself from a fire occuring in the room where the portable apparatus is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Assignee: Cable Electric Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic W. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 4438428
    Abstract: A multiple function alarm (10) for the security of an individual within a preselected area, the alarm (10) having substantially all its electrical components mounted to a board (12), includes a switch (14) for selecting the function the alarm is to perform; a smoke detector (16) for optically detecting the presence of smoke including a light source (72) for generating light and a light sensor (73) both mounted on the board (12); intrusion detector (15) for detecting an unauthorized intrusion into the selected area, a visual alarm (18) and audio alarm (19) for communicating to the individual the presence of a potential security threat; and a plate assembly (13) for housing switch (14), the intrusion detector (15) and the alarms (18, 19) in operative association with the electrical components mounted to the board (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Assignee: Omnitronics Research Corporation
    Inventors: John W. Ober, John M. Ferry
  • Patent number: 4419658
    Abstract: A portable protection device is shown for use in sounding a warning in the event of smoke or power failure and to supply a portable high intensity lamp when needed. The unit is enclosed in a small, light weight portable housing and includes a smoke alarm, a high intensity lamp and a power failure alarm all operable from an AC line source or from a self contained DC battery source. The device is useful for travelers at hotels, students at dormitories, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: T. J. Company
    Inventors: Anthony M. Jarosz, Randy R. Stevens
  • Patent number: 4385289
    Abstract: An alarm system for sensing temperature in a refrigerated truck trailer and for providing warning when trailer temperature exceeds one of a plurality of selectable monitor temperatures. The system includes a sensor bank adapted to be positioned within the refrigerated compartment being monitored. A control module, preferably positioned within the truck cab in proximity to the owner or driver, is electrically interconnected therewith. The control module is adapted to be switched between test, off and alarm modes. In the test mode a visual and audio indicator provides a test warning. In the alarm mode the circuit will warn the driver when the temperature within the refrigerated compartment exceeds the target temperature selected by a temperature select switch. To initiate operation of the alarm system, a set indicator provides a constant warning until the remote sensor units cool below their trigger point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1983
    Inventor: Billy J. McMillan
  • Patent number: 4365237
    Abstract: A conventional lamp having a tubular yoke around the bulb that supports a lamp shade is converted into a security system by a simple physical electrical and mechanical coupling of two modules, eliminating wiring and installation tools. The first module, referred to as the bulb module, is screwed into the bulb socket and contains line voltage components and supports the light bulb; the second module, the probe module, contains low voltage circuitry, an audio alarm, a pigtail power connector, a light switch, and an extendable sensor probe. Upon sensing an abnormal condition, such as smoke, the bulb flashes on and off and a warning sound is provided by the audio alarm, giving both visual and audio alarm in one self-contained unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1982
    Inventor: Webster B. Knight
  • Patent number: 4358760
    Abstract: There is disclosed a portable fire alarm apparatus which comprises a foldable housing consisting of a base assembly having a surface for resting upon a horizontal plane. A central section is pivotally mounted to the base assembly to extend in the vertical plane. Pivotally mounted to the top of the central section is a top planar section which is pivotally mounted and adapted to be positioned in the horizontal plane where it is above and parallel to the base assembly and held in position by means of lockable hinges. The top section contains a smoke or heat detector with the central section containing a speaker or an alarm, with the base section containing electrical circuitry and a power source for alarm operation. The central section has an internal surface which is concave to act as a sounding surface for the audio signal indicative of an alarm condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1982
    Inventor: James Palmer
  • Patent number: 4178592
    Abstract: A smoke and fire sensitive alarm system designed for portable operation all electronics, power supply and alarm in a single, compact unit which may be placed on any surface. The sensing portion of the alarm circuit is mounted remotely by virtue of a telescopic or folding arm in order to raise the sensing unit well above the floor level so that signs of a fire such as smoke or heat may be easily detected. The telescopic arm is connected to the main unit so that the entire unit may be easily transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1979
    Inventor: Maureen K. McKee