Abstract: A transmitter apparatus is provided that includes an actuator and a transmitter with a housing and wireless transmission circuitry. The actuator is mounted to a structural element of a building and is at least partially exposed and accessible to a user. The housing is arranged and configured to extend at least partially into an opening in the structural element of the building. The transmission circuitry is arranged and configured to receive the actuations from the actuator and responsively transmit radio frequency (RF) signals to a remotely situated appliance via the antenna.

Abstract: A transmitter apparatus effective for activating a remotely situated appliance includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter. The RF transmitter is configured to be mounted to a structural element of a building and configured to receive an actuation by a user to wirelessly transmit a signal. An antenna is coupled to the RF transmission circuitry and is arranged and configured to transmit the signal to a remotely situated appliance. The antenna is disposed within an opening in the structural element of the building and is of dimensions so as to extend at least partially through the opening. The antenna transmits the signal to the appliance without significant interference or absorption from the structural element of the building.

Abstract: A doorbell chime (100) can comprise a chassis (101), a cover (104) having a mechanical-cover identifier (105, 106), a mechanical-cover identifier detector (103) (to detect when the cover is at least substantially disposed in the installed position), and a chime (102) mounted in the chassis. This chime is configured to operate in a first mode of operation (302) when the mechanical-cover identifier detector detects the cover and in a second mode of operation (303) (that is different than the first mode of operation) when the mechanical-cover identifier detector does not detect the cover.

Abstract: A doorbell chime apparatus has an audio transducer that is responsive to both a wired-doorbell button input and a wireless-doorbell button input. Each of these inputs can respond, if desired, to a plurality of corresponding doorbell buttons. By one approach, the audio transducer can provide any of a plurality of selectable differentiated audible sounds. So configured, the resultant apparatus can provide a differentiated audible signal regarding which of the plurality of doorbell buttons is being annuciated. These teachings will accommodate providing a mains-dependent power input that provides operating power to at least one of the wired-doorbell button input and the wireless-doorbell button input. These teachings will also accommodate, in lieu of the foregoing or in combination therewith, providing a mains-supplemental power input that provides operating power to at least one of the wired-doorbell button input and the wireless-doorbell button input (at least when mains power is absent).

Abstract: A door chime system includes a microcontroller having a polyphonic MIDI music processor and a data memory for storing MIDI format sound files. The microcontroller includes an input for accepting signals from door chime actuators or pushbuttons and an output representative of distinct MIDI sound files.

Abstract: A doorbell chime (100) can comprise a chassis (101), a cover (104) having a mechanical-cover identifier (105, 106), a mechanical-cover identifier detector (103) (to detect when the cover is at least substantially disposed in the installed position), and a chime (102) mounted in the chassis. This chime is configured to operate in a first mode of operation (302) when the mechanical-cover identifier detector detects the cover and in a second mode of operation (303) (that is different than the first mode of operation) when the mechanical-cover identifier detector does not detect the cover.

Abstract: A transmitter apparatus effective for activating a remotely situated appliance includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter. The RF transmitter is configured to be mounted to a structural element of a building and configured to receive an actuation by a user to wirelessly transmit a signal. An antenna is coupled to the RF transmission circuitry and is arranged and configured to transmit the signal to a remotely situated appliance. The antenna is disposed within an opening in the structural element of the building and is of dimensions so as to extend at least partially through the opening. The antenna transmits the signal to the appliance without significant interference or absorption from the structural element of the building.

Abstract: A transmitter apparatus is provided that includes an actuator and a transmitter with a housing around an antenna and wireless transmission circuitry. The actuator is mounted to a structural element of a building and is at least partially exposed and accessible to a user. The housing is coupled to the actuator and is arranged and configured to extend at least partially into an opening in the structural element of the building. The housing generally surrounds transmission circuitry and an antenna. The transmission circuitry is arranged and configured to receive the actuations from the actuator and responsively transmit radio frequency (RF) signals to a remotely situated appliance via the antenna.

Abstract: A transmitter apparatus is provided that includes an actuator and a transmitter with a housing around an antenna and wireless transmission circuitry. The actuator is mounted to a structural element of a building and is at least partially exposed and accessible to a user. The housing is coupled to the actuator and is arranged and configured to extend at least partially into an opening in the structural element of the building. The housing generally surrounds transmission circuitry and an antenna. The transmission circuitry is arranged and configured to receive the actuations from the actuator and responsively transmit radio frequency (RF) signals to a remotely situated appliance via the antenna.

Abstract: An illuminated doorbell pushbutton assembly includes a pushbutton assembly that uses a light source, or a plurality thereof to illuminate the pushbutton. The assembly also includes a user-adjustable rotating task light that can be used to direct light to a door lock, a dark step, or to provide a light for identifying keys. A reflector is rotated through an arc to direct light to the area desired by the user. The assembly further includes an electrical circuit that enables the assembly to be installed with electro-mechanical or electronic chimes.

Abstract: An illuminated doorbell pushbutton assembly includes a pushbutton assembly that uses a light source, or a plurality thereof to illuminate the pushbutton. The assembly also includes a user-adjustable rotating task light that can be used to direct light to a door lock, a dark step, or to provide a light for identifying keys. A reflector is rotated through an arc to direct light to the area desired by the user. The assembly further includes an electrical circuit that enables the assembly to be installed with electromechanical or electronic chimes.

Abstract: A transmitter apparatus effective for activating a remotely situated appliance includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter. The RF transmitter is configured to be mounted to a structural element of a building and configured to receive an actuation by a user to wirelessly transmit a signal. An antenna is coupled to the RF transmission circuitry and is arranged and configured to transmit the signal to a remotely situated appliance. The antenna is disposed within an opening in the structural element of the building and is of dimensions so as to extend at least partially through the opening. The antenna transmits the signal to the appliance without significant interference or absorption from the structural element of the building.