Abstract: Floating Novelty for Drinks is motion operated to flash visual indication or aural indication.

Abstract: The method consists in: i) making a series of recordings of the density of the gas at regular time intervals during a nighttime period by means of a temperature-compensated pressure sensor fixed on the outside of the envelope and communicating with the gas via a duct formed through the thickness of the envelope; ii) processing the density recordings of the gas acquired during the nighttime period in hourly intervals, each hourly interval giving rise to an hourly mean value for the density of the gas; iii) processing the hourly mean values obtained at the end of each hourly interval to give a daily mean value for the density of the gas at the end of the nighttime period; and iv) determining the leakage rate from the envelope by taking the difference between mean densities obtained at the ends of two different nighttime periods.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sounder quickly discharges water when such water enters and eliminates the influence of water or moisture thus intruded. A cylindrical case with a closed bottom is made of glass-fiber reinforced polyester resin, a metal vibrating plate with a piezoelectric ceramic disk mounted on it is fixed on a graded step formed inside the cylindrical case with a closed bottom using a silicon type adhesive, and a conductive layer and the disk-like metal vibrating plate are contacted with two connection terminals. On a circumference side of the case, at least one opening serves as a sound releasing hole and a water drain hole and silicon varnish is coated on at least the surface where the piezoelectric vibrator contacts the two terminals. This sounder has no sound hole at the bottom and even when water drops enter, water is discharged through the opening extended to the bottom of the case.

Abstract: A system for use with an electric power transmission device having oil filtration apparatus including an oil filtration unit arranged external to the electric power transmission device, a motor-driven circulation pump and at least one conduit extending between the oil filtration unit and the electric power transmission device utilizes a secondary containment enclosure for enclosing the oil filtration unit, pump and conduits. The secondary containment enclosure includes a sump reservoir to which oil gravitates upon leakage of oil from the oil filtration apparatus enclosed by the secondary containment volume, and there is associated with the sump reservoir a signal-transmitting device for transmitting a signal in response to the accumulation of oil in the sump reservoir for actuating an alarm, isolating the source of insulating oil from the circulation system and disconnecting power to the circulating pump.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and broadcasting emergency lighting signals wherein the lights are synchronized such that when a first light is energized with a packet of short, rapid bursts, a second light begins to flash before the first light is de-energized. Control circuitry connected to the power source selectively controls the packetized energization of the light sources and includes timing circuitry for periodically energizing a first of the light sources for a first duration and for energizing a second of the light source for a second duration. The second duration overlaps, but is not coincident with the first duration in a repeating pattern such that the first and second sources are periodically energized simultaneously before the first source is de-energized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing car-jacking including a receiver situated within a vehicle and adapted to allow the receipt of the activation signal and deactivation signal from an off site transmitting source similar to that employed in the art of pagers. Also included is a control mechanism electrically connected to an existing alarm, ignition coil of a vehicle, and the receiver. The control mechanism is adapted to activate the alarm and deactivate the ignition coil after a predetermined amount of time upon the receipt of the activation signal by the receiver. The control mechanism is also adapted to deactivate the alarm and activate the ignition coil upon the receipt of the deactivation signal.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor device, particularly adapted for use with corrosive and hazardous liquids such as oil, for measuring the liquid level in a storage tank or vessel. A tubular device is placed vertically in a liquid storage tank and senses the liquid level by having a float embedded with magnets move vertically along the axis of reed switches encased in the tubular device. The device contains temperature sensors to measure the temperature of the tank fluid, and microprocessors that scan the reed switches, transmitting data through a connector in the device top to a nearby computer for recording and transmission to a control and monitoring location. The electrical data system inside the device utilizes only two conductive trace runs throughout the device length to maximize reliability while minimizing the copper used. Special mechanical and electrical assembly connectors inside the device permit the device to flex safely in turbulent liquid conditions, without breakage.

Abstract: A traffic monitoring system comprises a set of in-road sensor arrays for providing signals in response to a vehicle traversing the sensor arrays, a processor unit for processing the signals to determine vehicle speed and specific parameters such as axle count and spacing, and a traffic signal or sign controllable by the processor unit. The processor unit stores data specific to the site at which the traffic monitoring system is installed and uses the site-specific information and the specific parameters measured for the vehicle to determine whether or not to activate the traffic signal or sign. One embodiment is located before a steep downgrade and computes a safe descent speed for a vehicle to descend the downgrade and displays the safe speed on a roadside sign.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the illumination of a vehicular lamp and for monitoring the state of a switch electrically connected thereto. A feedback signal corresponding to a state of the switch is generated by a feedback circuit. A control signal is generated by a controller based on the feedback signal. A lamp drive signal is generated by a lamp driver based on the control signal for illuminating the lamp. A single multiplexed connector provides the lamp drive signal to the lamp during a drive operating mode and the feedback signal from the switch to the controller during a feedback operating mode.

Abstract: An animal repelling system, especially for deer which generates a square wave signal output in the ultrasonic frequency range, and which has a piezo-electric driver utilizing a horn type device that produces harmonic distortion so that at any given time the fundamental frequency and harmonic distortion is present in the audio output, and the system is capable of frequency switching to at least 10 different frequencies.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting fire including a light source for generating light, a light sensor for receiving light from the light source and providing an analog signal representing the intensity of the received light, and a clear plastic light guide for transmitting the light from the light source to the sensor. The light guide include notches for allowing smoke to enter the notches. Smoke entering the notches decreases the intensity of the light passing therethrough. A calibration sensor is included. The sensitivity of the fire detector is increased by a lens assembly which collimates the light generated by the light source. The color of smoke entering the light guide may be determined by generating colored light. Temperature, humidity and carbon monoxide levels are also detected and the information is integrated with the smoke detection data to provide a reliable fire detector.

Abstract: An electronic sound producing device for use by a hunter including a transmitter mechanism for generating and transmitting into free space one of a plurality of radio signals and with the radio signal selectable by the hunter; a coupling mechanism for securing the transmitter mechanism to a bow handle or a stock of a rifle; and a remotely positionable receiver mechanism for receiving the selected radio frequency signal and producing an audible sound with a pitch indicative of such signal.

Abstract: An electronic security enclosure conceals a device, such as a switch, valve, outlet, or lock, behind a movable member. When the movable member is unlocked, by an electronic key, and moved to reveal the concealed device, the key is captured, preventing its removal until the enclosure is again secured over the device. A variety of operational features, including provision for keyholder access restrictions, time-of-day restrictions, provision of different classes of keys for employees and vendors, etc., are also provided. The invention also contemplates a plurality of access control devices, including lock boxes, padlocks, mortise locks, cam locks, etc., that are each operable by a common electronic key.