Patents Examined by Alvin H. Waring
  • Patent number: 4187503
    Abstract: A sump alarm device adapted for mounting on a vertical pump shaft housing of a sump pump. The sump pump is disposed in a sump. The sump alarm device is activated when the water level in the sump rises above a predetermined level when the sump pump fails to operate due to loss of electrical power or a malfunction in the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1980
    Inventor: Robert G. Walton
  • Patent number: 4187497
    Abstract: A portable vehicle alarm system having a motion sensitive switch and a transmitter for transmitting an alarm to a remote receiver. The receiver is capable of several functions including silent alarm to police or security guards as well as visual and audible alarms in remote locations such as light poles and roof tops of buildings. The alarm also includes a key set function with indicator lights for the motion switch and trip/transmit status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1980
    Inventors: Steven G. Howell, Orville F. Harless
  • Patent number: 4187495
    Abstract: A mounting plate is provided to extend along beneath and to be secured to one end of a transverse axle adjacent a pneumatic tire journaled from the axle end and the plate includes structure whereby different size U-bolts may be utilized in conjunction therewith for clamping the plate to the underside of axle housings of different diameters. An actuating switch is provided and is mounted from the plate for adjustable positioning laterally of the associated axle housing and the switch includes a depending 360 degree wobble actuator for contact with the ground closely adjacent the point of contact of the tire with the ground or contact with the adjacent side wall portion of the tire when the latter becomes deflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1980
    Inventor: Walter A. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 4187496
    Abstract: A keyless vehicle intrusion alarm is armed by momentary depression of the brake pedal or actuation of some other electrically-responsive circuit, followed by the opening and closing of a particular vehicle door within a first predetermined time period. In order to signal the operator that an arming sequence has been initiated, a short burst of the alarm is sounded after the brake pedal or other electric circuit is momentarily activated. Subsequent reentry via that door initiates a time delay during which the entrant must actuate the ignition switch to prevent an alarm from sounding. Entry through any other door, or tampering with the vehicle hood, results in immediate sounding of the alarm. The alarm sounds for a limited time interval before being automatically squelched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1980
    Assignee: Universal Security Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Kovens, Henry H. Hoge
  • Patent number: 4186376
    Abstract: A display device is so constructed that a single illuminating lamp can illuminate not only a caution letter on a labelled display plate but also the corresponding portion of a sketch of vehicle illustrated on a figured display plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1980
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Company, Limited, Kanto Seiki Company, Limited
    Inventor: Hisao Uchida
  • Patent number: 4185277
    Abstract: A trip circuit and an off-normal anticipatory circuit that are each triggered by independent switch contacts and must be in accord in order to allow shutdown to occur, are each provided with an additional set of sensor switch contacts connected in series with the first respective contacts for increased reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1980
    Inventor: Philip P. Corso
  • Patent number: 4185267
    Abstract: A device for sensing the presence of water within the exhaust manifold of a marine engine. A probe is provided having a first conductive element and a second conductive element operably extending into the main exhaust gas chamber within the exhaust manifold. Circuit means are provided having an input operably coupled to the probe for sensing and displaying a reduction in the effective impedance between the first and second conductive elements responsive to water being operably coupled therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1980
    Inventor: Luigi G. Oddo
  • Patent number: 4183012
    Abstract: An electrical contact is embedded in an insulator which, in turn, is fitted onto the disk side of the backing plate on a disk pad. When the pad wears excessively the insulator is worn away and the contact abuts the disk so that an alarm signal may be generated. Further wear will cause the disk to abrade and break the contact. The contact assembly is compact and enters the brake assembly through a vent hole which is typically provided therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1980
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryoichi Kimura
  • Patent number: 4183019
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic detection and transmission system known in the art as a money clip. Presently available such money clips are pressure sensitive and transmit initiating signals on detection of a decrease in pressure. Such systems have disadvantages, and the present system overcomes certain of the disadvantages by providing a system wherein detection is accomplished by a light sensitive means such as a phototransistor. In accordance with the invention, the electronic circuitry is contained in a housing having a top surface. The phototransistor is disposed below an opening in the top surface, which is preferably centered on the top surface. When the opening is uncovered, light will enter the opening and fall on the phototransistor to activate the phototransistor. The phototransistor is connected in circuit with a transmitter which will similarly be activated to transmit an initiating signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1980
    Assignees: Barry Katsof, Joel Matlin, Ronald Gordon
    Inventor: Gregory Lekhtman
  • Patent number: 4180796
    Abstract: A vehicular burglar alarm system has an actuating relay which is energized when an intruder closes the ignition switch after the user has set an alarm switch. When the actuating relay is energized, it energizes a control relay which closes various relay contact switches to sound the horn, energize the headlights, energize the emergency lights and cut off the engine of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1979
    Inventor: Jose L. Palafox
  • Patent number: 4180795
    Abstract: An alarm device for informing reduction of pneumatic pressure of vehicle tires by sensing abnormal change of tire internal pressure of a vehicle when running by a pressure sensing switch, by converting the thus sensed abnormal change into an electric signal and by generating an alarm to an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1979
    Assignees: Bridgestone Tire Company, Limited, Mitaka Instrument Company Limited
    Inventors: Akira Matsuda, Makoto Tanaka, Junichi Murata, Shigeo Yasuda, Hiroshi Nishino
  • Patent number: 4180804
    Abstract: An FM trap circuit in an amplifier mounted on a roof top antenna is made operable from inside the home by providing a switch on the amplifier which is responsive to the negative half cycle in an A.C. power signal to disable the trap circuit and a switch in the home for selectively sending a full cycle A.C. power signal or a half-wave rectified signal to the amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1979
    Assignee: Hochiki Corporation
    Inventors: Masakatsu Watanabe, Minoru Nakada, Takeshi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 4178580
    Abstract: A fuel saving signaling apparatus for a motor vehicle is described including a buzzer and indicator light mounted on the dash of the vehicle. The buzzer and indicator light are operatively connected to a time delay relay which is series connected to a microswitch and the vehicle ignition. The microswitch is normally closed so that current will be supplied to the time delay relay when the vehicle ignition is on so that the buzzer and indicator light will be energized after the vehicle has been idling for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1979
    Inventor: Anthony E. Dombrowski
  • Patent number: 4176340
    Abstract: A device which automatically completes the circuit of the emergency flasher system in an automotive vehicle in response to a shock of predetermined magnitude (such shocks develop as a result of sudden application of brakes or in the event of an accident) has an upright cylindrical housing which is secured to the vehicle and contains a normally open multi-pole switch whose closing results in activation of the flasher system. The multi-pole switch can be closed by the plunger of a relay whose coil is in circuit with a normally open second switch adapted to be closed on tilting of an activating element having a permanent magnet which normally adheres to an iron plate in the housing but allows the activating element to change its position in response to the application of a shock. The tilted activating element effects the displacement of a post which temporarily closes the second switch to energize the coil which causes the plunger to close the multi-pole switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1979
    Inventor: Albert Steinmeier
  • Patent number: 4174516
    Abstract: An alarm device for the deterrence of burglary and theft from an automobile is disclosed. The device provides a voltage responsive trigger, a digital activating circuit and a "high-low" siren output. The device also includes arming circuits for arming and disarming the device, various delay and timing cicruits and means for connection to present day automobile electrical systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1979
    Assignee: Jubilee Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Mark R. Cleary
  • Patent number: 4174515
    Abstract: A device for transmission at least of one measurement value from a moveable object to an object stationary relative to the latter, particularly from a motor vehicle wheel to the vehicle frame of a motor vehicle, with a transmission stage and a receiving stage, which both are secured on the stationary object, and a coupling element which is secured on the moveable object and via which the receiver is able to be applied with a measuring value signal; characterized in the manner that a transmission stage transmits two transmission signals of different frequencies. At least one coupling element mixes the two frequencies and a receiving stage is responsive to at least one signal with a mixing frequency, which signal is transmitted by the coupling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1979
    Assignee: VDO Adolf Schindling AG
    Inventor: Rene Marzolf
  • Patent number: 4173011
    Abstract: A low tire pressure warning system for a trailer having a frame for supporting the body of the trailer, having tandem axles equipped with normally inflated pneumatic tires, leaf spring suspension structure for the axles including a walking beam that is pivoted on the frame for tilting movement in opposite directions from a normal position in accordance with the deflation of a tire of either one of the axles, a signal member for indicating that one of the tires doesn't have enough air, a signal operating switch in circuit with the signal member, and mechanical actuating structure for the signal operating switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1979
    Inventor: Charles R. Gibson
  • Patent number: 4168493
    Abstract: An alarm system for a multi-facet functional installation in which a malfunction in any segment of the installation will result in the initiation of an audio alarm signal of such a character as to immediately indicate the relative severity of the malfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1979
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Rocky R. Romero
  • Patent number: 4168494
    Abstract: A monitor for a plurality of functions associated with a structure such as a livestock confinement structure or the like including detecting fire or intrusion, and monitoring temperature, water supply, ventilation and power supply. The monitor comprises a plurality of sensors mounted at a plurality of locations about the structure adapted for detecting and/or monitoring the above mentioned parameters and providing respective electrical signals corresponding thereto. An electronic circuit is connected with the sensors and includes first indicator circuits connected with the sensors associated with temperature monitoring for producing indication signals in response to variations in the electrical signals therefrom from predetermined ranges of values, and second indicator circuits connected with the remaining sensors for producing indication signals in response to predetermined values of the electrical signals therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1979
    Assignee: Dickey-john Corporation
    Inventors: Jon E. Hummel, John E. Gupton
  • Patent number: 4167002
    Abstract: A device for detecting and indicating pending exhaustion of the fuel supply for an airplane or the like. The device preferably is connected between the fuel supply and the fuel pump of the airplane, and comprises a fuel reservoir bowl, a fuel inlet, a fuel outlet, a float switch above the bowl and a vapor orifice for directing fuel vapors from the upper portion of the reservoir bowl to the outlet. Some fuel passing through the device accumulates in the reservoir bowl and entrained fuel vapors move upwardly and pass through the vapor orifice to the outlet. When the fuel supply is low and more vapor is entrained therein, vapor is trapped in the upper portion of the device and forces the fuel level in the reservoir downwardly which causes the float switch to close a circuit to a low fuel alarm and/or indicator. The fuel in the reservoir bowl can be used for continued engine operation to allow sufficient time for corrective action after low fuel has been indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1979
    Assignee: N. B. F. Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Newman C. Foley