Abstract: An improved fire detector unit has a plastic base defining a smoke chamber for detection of a smoke density in terms of light scattering due to the smoke particles in the smoke chamber. The base carries a circuit board mounting a light emitting element, a light receiving element, and other components forming a fire detecting circuit responsible for generating a fire warning signal based upon the detected smoke density. A metal-made electromagnetic shield is molded into the base to protect the light receiving element from electromagnetic radiation noises. The electromagnetic shield includes a ground terminal for connection with a ground line of the circuit board. In addition, terminal pins are molded into the base for electrical and physical connection of the circuit board to the base.

Abstract: A commander transmits a command signal that includes a channel code set by a channel code setting switch. When receiving the transmission command signal from the commander, a transmitter transmits a response signal that contains the channel code contained in the command signal and a unique ID code of the transmitter. When receiving the response signal from the transmitter, a receiver stores the ID code contained in the response signal in the memory if the channel code contained in the response signal is related to a channel code set by a channel code setting switch. As a result, the ID codes of the transmitter is correctly registered in the receiver.

Abstract: A wall control unit for a movable barrier operator sends baseband signals over a wire connection to a head unit of a movable barrier operator to command the movable barrier to perform barrier operator functions. The wall control unit has a wall control unit port for connection to the wire connection. A first switch sends a barrier command signal to the head unit commanding the head unit to open or close a movable barrier. A second switch commands the head unit to provide energization to a light source. An infrared detector causes a command signal to be sent to the head unit to control the illumination state of the light source.

Abstract: A blind spot detection system includes a transmitter directing a circularly polarized signal into a blind spot adjacent a vehicle. A receiver also mounted on the vehicle receives a reflection of the circularly polarized signal which is oppositely circularly polarized. An indicator indicates to the driver of the vehicle when the reflected signal is detected, thereby indicating the presence of an object in the blind spot. An indicator is also directed toward the blind spot generating a warning when the presence of an object in the blind spot is detected and an indication of a turn or lane change by the vehicle is detected, such as turn signal switch activation.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for reducing power consumption in physiological condition monitors that use a memory data storage device that operates in a high power mode when data is being written to the memory data storage device and operates in a low power mode when inactive. The apparatus comprises: 1) a controller for receiving incoming data to be written to the memory data storage device; and 2) a first low power buffer coupled to the controller. The controller stores the incoming data in the first low power buffer until a predetermined amount of incoming data has been accumulated in the first low power buffer and transfers the accumulated predetermined amount of incoming data to the memory data storage device in a single data transfer.

Abstract: A frequency detector that detects a frequency signal indicative of the proximity of a transportation vessel or an intrinsically-safe area. The frequency detector may be associated with any type of electronic device. The frequency detector detects the presence of a frequency signal that is emitted by a transportation vessel and/or a frequency beacon associated with the transportation vessel. The frequency detector and/or container may disable, shut down, or reduce power of any electro-magnetic field generating devices associated with the frequency detector and/or container if the frequency detector receives a frequency signal indicative of the inside or proximity of a transportation vessel or an intrinsically-safe area. The container also includes a self-check frequency generator that emits a frequency signal capable of being detected by the frequency detector.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) helps protect an occupant (1) of a vehicle (100). The apparatus (10) includes first means (11) for non-intrusively sensing at least one health condition of the vehicle occupant (1) and for producing a first output signal (110) indicative of the health condition of the vehicle occupant (1). The apparatus (10) further includes 2ND means (21) for transmitting a health condition signal derived from the first output signal (110) to a person at a location remote from the vehicle (100) to convey health condition information to the person and to enable the person to determine a suitable type of response.

Abstract: A transmitting controller is connected to an AC powerline and on command places a series of signal pulse in the powerline in a series of signal timing windows related to zero voltage crossing points so that the signal pulses are in the powerline temporal quiet zone. The receiving controller is connected to the powerline and has a filter circuit therein which filters away the powerline AC signal and noise to leave the sensed pulses. The sensed pulses are compared to zero voltage crossing points to determine in which signal timing window the pulses have occurred. Digital data is communicated over the powerline in accordance with the placement of the signal pulses related to the particular timing window.

Abstract: An electrical circuit tester for allowing a user to efficiently test electrical fixtures and switches. The electrical circuit tester includes a housing that has a plurality of prongs that extend from the housing. The prongs are adapted for engaging an electrical outlet of a building. A plurality of lights is coupled to the housing. The lights are lit in a pattern indicating a state of the electrical outlet. A speaker is coupled to the housing. The speaker is for creating an audible tone when the prongs engage the electrical outlet.

Abstract: A system is described which replaces conventional “do not disturb” and “maid service” or “housekeeping” signs in hotel guestrooms. The system comprises means for allowing a hotel guest to choose, from within the hotel room, a message to convey to hotel staff and others such as “do not disturb”. The message is expressed by indicators housed within assemblies located outside of the hotel room, which are visible to passers-by. The system may also convey such messages to a more remote location such as a housekeeping office and the switch may be activated remotely.

Abstract: A tubing installation checking device is provided for determining proper installation of a tubing along a tube receiving channel in a peristaltic pump of the type having a tube receiving channel and a door for holding a tubing therein. The tubing installation checking device includes a pressure sensor held in the peristaltic pump positioned along the tube receiving channel downstream from the pumping mechanism for sensing pressure in the tubing and for providing a signal representing the sensed pressure. A valve is provided held in the peristaltic pump along the tube receiving channel downstream from the pressure sensor for closing the tubing when it is installed in the tube receiving channel.

Abstract: A signaling retention device that is configured to retain an element in a particular position and to emit an audible and/or visual signal. The signaling retention device may include a power source, memory, a central processing unit (CPU), sensor(s), audible indicator(s), light source(s), switch(es), camera(s), a transceiver, a microphone, impact tool(s), and aromatic element(s) and may be configured in the form of a character, such as a cartoon character or the like. The power source may be any suitable power source, such one or more batteries (rechargeable or non-rechargeable) or the like, and may be removable or non-removable. Similarly, the memory, CPU, audible indicator(s), light source(s), switch(es), camera(s), transceiver, microphone, impact tool(s), and aromatic element (s) may be any types well known in the art.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for thermally managing a display. A display may be tiltably coupled to a base, and the display may have a tilt sensor disposed therein for providing a tilt output when the display is tilted beyond a tilt threshold. Further aspects include a temperature sensors disposed for providing a high- or low-temperature threshold output when the display the exceeds predetermined temperature thresholds. The disclosure provides for producing a warning signal to the user when sensed signals are positive, and for producing a sleep signal to protect the display from thermal damage.

Abstract: The truck tailgate position indicator is a warning system for pickup trucks that would alert the driver when the tailgate is in the lowered, or open, position. The device would consist primarily of a push button switch mounted in the truck bed such that the tailgate would push the button upon being closed, a control circuit, an indicator light, an override switch, a buzzer, and mounting hardware. When the tailgate was closed, the switch would automatically be pressed, opening the control circuit and disabling the warning light and the audible alarm. Opening the tailgate would release the switch, thereby completing the control circuit and enabling the warning system. A manual override switch would be provided to disable the warning system for those occasions when the driver wishes to travel with the tailgate in the lowered position without having a constant reminder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for automatically aligning a passenger bridge to a door of an aircraft. The apparatus includes a sensor in the form of a laser range finder, a local computer for receiving signals from the sensor and for controlling bridge movement in dependence thereof, and memory storage for storing data relating to features of aircraft models with which the bridge is to be connected. Automated bridge alignment proceeds under the control of the local computer in dependence upon a determined error factor exceeding a predetermined minimum threshold value, which value is one of a default value and a value specified by a user of the apparatus. Accordingly, the instant invention permits different airlines to accept varying levels of risk associated with automatic bridge alignment.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention is a method, apparatus, and system for detecting a change in position of a door or a window in an alarm system with a singular housing having a magnetometer for monitoring the magnetic field of the earth, and a microprocessor for detecting a change in the position of the singular housing with respect to the magnetic field of the earth. The microprocessor generates an alarm signal upon detecting the change, and causes the alarm signal to be transmitted, by wireless transmission, to a remote receiving station. The device may also be used to determine if an object that it is affixed to has been moved, such as for a theft alarm for an object such as a painting. In a second aspect of the invention, a gravitational sensor is used to monitor the gravitational field of the earth and determine if an associated object or person has been moved with respect to the gravitational field, thus providing motion detection and signaling an alarm.

Abstract: A system for providing vehicle location information or confirmation of remote entry system operation to a user. In one embodiment, a vehicle transceiver receives a wireless vehicle device function signal, and a vehicle controller generates a vehicle device control signal for use in operating a vehicle device in response. The vehicle controller also confirms operation of the vehicle device, and the vehicle transceiver transmits a wireless vehicle device function confirmation signal. A remote unit includes a transceiver for operation by the user for transmitting the vehicle device function signal and for receiving the vehicle device function confirmation signal. The remote unit also includes an indicator for providing an indication to the user confirming operation of the vehicle device, and a storage device for storing retrievable data representing the indication confirming operation of the vehicle device.

Abstract: An alarm device generates an alarm when a distance between a vehicle and an object that exists in a set region in front of the vehicle is smaller than a set distance. A controller of the alarm device determines a tentative set distance based on at least one of a running speed of the vehicle and a relative velocity between the vehicle and the object, and then corrects the tentative set distance based on at least a deceleration of the vehicle, so as to determine a final set distance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for signal vibration alert. The method of the present invention recognizes significant substantial swerves and corresponding substantial edge-to-edge differences by eliminating the adverse effect of noise among signals generated by an apparatus. When the frequency of the substantial edge-to-edge differences that exceed an acceptable range of the frequency limit is too large, the method of the present invention automatically generates an alert to indicate aberration in the apparatus such that the monitoring staff is informed and allowed to take necessary measures responding to the aberration.

Abstract: A message providing apparatus according to one embodiment is apparently a small-sized (for sample, screen size of about 3.5 inches) flat display (for example, LCD), wherein a speaker is provided at a cabinet, and a memory card that is a message data storage medium is inserted into the cabinet. Advertisement display data is stored to be classified into a moving image layer indicating a landscape, a still image layer indicating a commodity, a graphic (POP) layer indicating a price, a character layer indicating a catch phrase, and a sound layer which are displayed to be superimposed as required. BGM music data is also stored as the sound layer, and is reproduced in synchronism with a display. Advertisement characters are printed at the cabinet. When power is supplied, the apparatus automatically starts data reproduction of the memory card (by using a power on play function), and when all the data has been reproduced, the apparatus automatically restarts reproduction (by using an auto replay function).