Abstract: The remote control comprises: a microprocessor including a CPU and memory; a keypad including several keys coupled to the microprocessor for operating the remote control, some of the keys being a "POWER" key, a "Channel Up" key and a "Channel Down" key; lamp driver circuitry coupled to the microprocessor; structure and program instructions, including said microprocessor, for generating infrared (IR) signals coupled to the IR lamp driver circuitry; and code data for executing command functions for operating a home entertainment device stored in the memory. A power toggle program is stored in the memory for effecting the sending of the IR code for "STANDBY" or the IR code for the number digit "1" each time the power key is pressed. Also a channel rotation program is stored in the memory for effecting the sending of digit number signals in an ascending or descending order number digit each time the "Channel Up" key is pressed or the "Channel Down" key is pressed.

Abstract: The remote control comprises a microprocessor including a CPU and memory, a keypad including keys for operating the remote control coupled to the microprocessor, lamp driver circuitry coupled to the microprocessor, hardware and software, including the microprocessor, for generating infrared (IR) signals coupled to the IR lamp driver circuitry, code data for executing command functions for operating a home entertainment device stored in the memory. The keys include a SCAN key, circuitry for coupling the SCAN key to the microprocessor and a channel scan program stored in the memory for effecting a channel scan of channels when the SCAN key is depressed.

Abstract: A modular casing for a remote control comprises a keyboard having keys thereon for selecting a predetermined function or channel selected from a group of keyboards having different layouts or shapes of keys and adapted to mate with a circuit board having switches thereon corresponding to the keys; an upper housing member having ports for receiving corresponding keys of the keyboard which extend outwardly at least partially through the ports when coupled thereto which is selected from a group of upper housing members having different layouts of ports for different layouts or shapes of keys and with or without an overlay panel; a panel section with grooves; and a lower housing member. The upper member is slidingly received in the grooves of the panel section to form a unitary cover which is secured to the lower housing member by screws or snap-fit interaction.

Abstract: The remote control system includes a remote control and a computer having a memory and at least one of instruction codes or code data for creating appropriate IR lamp driver instructions for causing an infrared signal generator to emit infrared signals which will cause specific functions to occur in a specific controlled device, for operating a variety of devices to be controlled, stored in the memory of the computer.

Abstract: The remote control comprises: a microprocessor including a CPU and a memory; a keyboard including a set of keys including one or more MACRO keys coupled to the microprocessor; lamp driver circuitry coupled to the microprocessor; circuitry for generating IR signals coupled to the IR lamp driver circuitry; code data for executing command functions which can be sent to a controlled device for causing the controlled device to perform specific functions stored in the memory; an entry/definition program in the memory for enabling a user of the remote control to define a macro for selecting at least one favorite channel by entry of series of keystroke commands on the keyboard; and a playback program in the memory for enabling an operator of the remote control to effect rapid selection of at least one favorite channel upon subsequent depression of the MACRO key.

Abstract: A switching control circuit for energizing a lamp in response to a decrease in ambient light below a predetermined level includes a photosensor and a timer circuit that responds to the photosensor indicating that the ambient light level is below a predetermined level by gating a solid state switching device into conductance to energize the lamp. The photosensor is powered by the signal that gates the switching device in a manner that renders the photosensor operative only when the lamp is not energized. Therefore, the lamp is energized upon the onset of dusk for a predetermined period of time during which the photosensor is disabled. After the period of time has expired, the lamp is deenergized and the photosensor is again enabled for a brief period of time to determine whether ambient light is still below the predetermined level. If it is, the light is again energized for another period of time. If not, the light remains deenergized.

Abstract: The universal remote control system includes a computer having a memory and code data for creating appropriate IR lamp driver instructions for causing an infrared signal generator to emit infrared signals which will cause specific functions to occur in a specific controlled device, for operating a variety of devices to be controlled, stored in the memory of the computer.

Abstract: The universal remote control system includes a universal remote control comprising an input including a set of keys or push buttons for inputting commands into the remote control, infrared signal output circuitry for supplying an infrared signal to a controlled device including IR lamp driver circuitry, a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to the input and to the signal output circuitry, a single, non-volatile read-write memory coupled to the CPU and data coupling circuitry including terminal structure comprising a receiving port coupled to the CPU for enabling code data for creating appropriate IR lamp driver instructions for causing the infrared signal output circuitry to emit infrared signals which will cause specific functions to occur in a specific controlled device, for operating a variety of devices to be controlled, to be supplied from outside the remote control through the receiving port of the terminal structure directly to the CPU for direct entry to the memory to enable the remote control to co

Abstract: A flashing alarm device responsive to audible signals produced by a smoke detector when the smoke detector senses a smoke condition, the alarm device including a circuit with a microphone portion for responding to audible signals produced by the smoke detector and an amplifier circuit portion for amplifying signals produced by the microphone, a switch circuit portion having a control input connected to the output of the amplifier circuit portion, and another circuit portion including a battery, a timer circuit, and a light bulb, the battery having a connection to the amplifier circuit and to the timer circuit, the timer circuit and the light bulb being connected in series with the switch circuit portion for energizing and de-engergizing the light bulb whenever the switch circuit portion is in its conducting condition. The device may also include a housing for the components and the device may optionally be constructed to operate on transmitted and received radio frequency signals.

Abstract: The universal remote control system comprises data processor, input device including a keyboard and a keyboard circuit connected to the data processor, signal output device including circuitry for generating infrared light codes connected to the data processor means, a memory including a battery backed, non-volatile RAM only and no ROM for storing (a) a set of instructions and (b) a library of code data for enabling the infrared light generating circuitry to generate specific infrared codes, the RAM being coupled to the data processor, and a data coupling device including terminals coupled to the CPU for enabling new code data to be supplied from outside the system to, or retrieved from, the RAM through the terminals and the CPU.