Patents by Inventor John A. Kirst

John A. Kirst has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4520503
    Abstract: A tone discrimination circuit for use with audible smoke or fire detectors or similar audible devices, which automatically emits an output electronic alarm signal, for notification of persons at remote locations, upon input of a proper audio tone from the smoke detector or other audible device. The circuit contains in series a microphone, a two stage audio amplifier, a frequency detector, and a time discrimination circuit. The circuit emits an output electronic alarm signal if and only if the audio input signal has sufficient amplitude, the desired frequency, and the desired duration. In the preferred embodiment the duration must be 20 seconds or longer, though the circuit allows the audio input to cease for a period less than 0.25 seconds, without loss of the output signal. The timing periods are adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: University of New Mexico
    Inventors: John A. Kirst, Daniel F. Kutz