Abstract: A switch assembly actuated by passive infrared radiation for operating a ceiling light in a room, the switch assembly including first and second optical independent systems which senses infrared radiation over a 360.degree. range in horizontal plane including two separate vertical fields of view, a shallow cone-shaped "look-out" and a more vertical cone-shaped "look-down" sensing field of view for directing to a common sensing element passive infrared radiation produced by a person moving within the sensing field of the switch assembly, the sensing element connected to a control circuit which responsively turns on the light, maintains the light on while the person remains in the room, and turns the light off automatically when the person leaves the room. The switch assembly includes a one-piece optical shell enclosed within a housing which is adapted for installation in a conventional light bulb socket and including a socket for receiving the light bulb to be controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for an improved mounting cup for sealing with a container of an aerosol device. The container includes an annular bead extending about an opening in the container with the annular bead defining an internal surface contour having a generally partially circular cross-section. A mounting cup comprising a peripheral rim is formed for sealing with the annular bead of the container. The peripheral rim has an inner region contour substantially different in shape from the inner surface contour of the annular bead of the container. The inner region contour of the peripheral rim engages with the inner surface contour of the annular bead to allow only a portion of the peripheral rim of the mounting cup to contact the annular bead of the container when the mounting cup is disposed on the container.

Abstract: A self-contained rechargeable device, such as a flashlight, utilizing a rechargeable source of electrical energy, such as rechargeable batteries, and including a pivotally mounted connector for connecting the battery and any recharging circuit connected thereto to a source of recharging energy when positioned in a recharging position and, alternatively, having a standby position internally of the device in which the connector enables a circuit between the source of energy and a load to be operated thereby. The circuit is completed by operation of a manually-operated switch connected between the energy source and the load. The load is totally disconnected from the battery during recharging.

Abstract: A liquid applicator device and the method of making the applicator device is disclosed for applying a liquid such as a paint, a perfume, a chemical, a coating or the like to a surface by writing, marking or painting. The liquid applicator device includes a container for the liquid and an applicator dispensing mechanism. The applicator dispensing mechanism includes an inner subassembly having a valve and an outer subassembly having the surface applicator. The valve regulates the flow of the liquid from the container to the surface applicator. The valve of the applicator device may be opened to allow the liquid to flow from the container to the surface applicator upon depression of the surface applicator or upon depression of a valve actuator. The liquid applicator device incorporates an improved sealing member for sealing with the sides of the surface applicator for reducing the flow of the applicator liquid along the side of the surface applicator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for an improved mounting cup for sealing with a container of an aerosol device. The container includes an annular bead extending about an opening in the container with the annular bead defining an internal surface contour having a generally partially circular cross-section. A mounting cup comprising a peripheral rim is formed for sealing with the annular bead of the container. The peripheral rim has an inner region contour substantially different in shape from the inner surface contour of the annular bead of the container. The inner region contour of the peripheral rim engages with the inner surface contour of the annular bead to allow only a portion of the peripheral rim of the mounting cup to contact the annular bead of the container when the mounting cup is disposed on the container.

Abstract: A water-flow detector with an electronic time delay. There is a light-emitting diode and photo-transistor detector pair, a timer comprising an oscillator and a counter, and an alarm relay. The output of the photo-transistor is applied to the reset input of the counter, and the counter output is applied to the relay. The electronic assembly is positioned over the actuator arm of a paddle-type flow sensor assembly in such a way that movement of the arm by water-flow blocks the light path between the emitter and detector, which causes the photo-transistor output to go low, which releases the reset on the counter. The counter counts a predetermined time delay sufficient to avoid nuisance alarms due to temporary surges in the water conduit, and then activates the relay.

Abstract: A safety release pin for locking the operating mechanism of a fire extinguisher includes a shank having a blunt nose portion at one end thereof and having a portion of reduced diameter rearward of the nose portion defining parallel flat surfaces, and a pair of elongated locking members are pivotally mounted to the shank, each overlying a different one of the flat surfaces, and each defining a cam surface which coacts with surfaces of the operating mechanisms as the pin is inserted to pivot the locking members towards the flat surfaces to facilitate insertion, rearward movement being limited by projections on the undersurface of the locking members, maintaining interference betwen the locking members and the apparatus. When the pin is withdrawn, detent surfaces of the locking members coact with surfaces of the operating mechanism to rotate the locking members forwardly, severing the locking members from the shank.

Abstract: A cylindrical shuttle having a cone-shaped cam surface on one end which slides freely on a timer shaft between a first stop and a second stop which are attached to the shaft. A vane arm driven by a water vane engages the side of the first stop opposite the shuttle. In the normal (no-flow) condition, the vane return spring presses the vane arm against the first stop, which in turn forces the shuttle cam surface against the plungers of two microswitches on either side of the timer shaft, causing the plungers to ride up the cam surface to rest on the shuttle. When water flows, the vane arm releases the first stop and the timer shaft begins to move. After the shaft moves the free distance between the second stop and the shuttle, the second stop engages the shuttle and forces it out from under the plungers. When the plungers reach the cam surface, the shuttle cams out from under the plungers allowing them to release freely and rapidly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evaluating installation of components of a wireless type of alarm system or the like that includes a plurality of satellite stations, each of which includes a sensor and associated transmitter circuitry responsive to the sensor for transmitting an alarm signal and a central station for receiving the alarm signal and operating an output device in response to the received signal. The system includes alarm signal processing circuitry that has a first (normal) mode for processing the received signal and second (installation) mode in which a characteristic of the received alarm signal is impaired so that a received signal of greater quality than in normal mode is required to operate the output device.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a load circuit coupled to an AC power distribution circuit includes an encoder which may be mounted in a wall switch box and coupled to a single conductor of the AC power distribution circuit for imposing thereon control signals by lengthening the zero crossings of the AC voltage. A decoder, also connected to the AC power distribution circuit at a remote location, detects the lengthened zero crossings and closes an electronic switch for energizing the load circuit. The encoder may be disconnected from the AC power distribution circuit, in which case the load circuit may be controlled by an external condition responsive device, such as a passive IR sensor. Visible light-responsive means may be provided for disabling the IR sensor during the day. The load circuit and the decoder can be turned off from the encoder location.

Abstract: A three position slidable switch for use in a portable, rechargeable electrical device includes ON, OFF, and CHARGE positions. In the ON position a rechargeable battery is coupled in circuit with the device for the operation thereof. In the OFF position the battery is electrically decoupled from the device which is in an OFF state. In the CHARGE position the battery is coupled to a pair of prongs adapted to be plugged into an electrical outlet. Displacement of the switch to the CHARGE position rotates the prongs to an extended position to permit the battery to be recharged by means of a conventional AC outlet. In the ON and OFF positions of the switch, the prongs are retracted within the switch assembly. The switch includes detent means in each of the three aforementioned positions to reduce the possibility of inadvertent re-positioning of the switch and to provide a tactile indication to the user of the switch position.

Abstract: An improved applicator device is disclosed for applying an applicator material such as a liquid or a flowable solid to a surface. The device comprises a material container and a surface applicator for applying the applicator material to the surface. A valve having a valve element is interposed between the material container and the surface applicator to permit the flow of applicator material to the surface applicator when the valve element is in an open position and to inhibit the flow of applicator material to the surface applicator when the valve element is in a closed position. The valve includes a valve closure having an internal closure cavity with a first end being connected to the material container and with a second end defining a surface applicator opening therein. The valve element has a distal end portion which extends through the applicator opening of the valve closure when the valve element is biased into the closed position.