Abstract: An ornament designed for both indoor and outdoor use incorporates a method for automatically detecting if the ornament is being used indoors or outdoors and for thereby activating the ornament at the appropriate desired time for a desired period of time. The method monitors ambient light levels throughout the day to determine if the monitored values match the characteristics expected from either indoor or outdoor operation. When used indoors, the ornament is activated at the same time each day for a predetermined number of hours. When used outdoors, the ornament is activated each day at sunset for a predetermined number of hours. In addition, when used outdoors, the method measures night lengths and adjusts its activation time to run longer when nights are long, as in winter, or shorter when nights are short, as in summer.

Abstract: An artificial flame device that produces a visual effect similar to areal candle flame includes a flame structure made of partially opaque material. The flame structure defines an exterior surface and has a hollow region extending therein. An LED and an optical barrier are provided within the hollow region with the optical barrier located between the LED and a closed end of the flame structure. A second LED is preferably provided between the optical barrier and the flame structure closed end. The first LED is maintained at a constant intensity while the intensity of the second LED is varied between low and high intensities. Alternatively, the intensity of the second LED is inversely varied relative to said intensity of the first LED.

Abstract: An ornament designed for both indoor and outdoor use incorporates a method for automatically detecting if the ornament is being used indoors or outdoors and for thereby activating the ornament at the appropriate desired time for a desired period of time. The method monitors ambient light levels throughout the day to determine if the monitored values match the characteristics expected from either indoor or outdoor operation. When used indoors, the ornament is activated at the same time each day for a predetermined number of hours. When used outdoors, the ornament is activated each day at sunset for a predetermined number of hours. In addition, when used outdoors, the method measures night lengths and adjusts its activation time to run longer when nights are long, as in winter, or shorter when nights are short, as in summer.

Abstract: An artificial flame device that produces a visual effect similar to areal candle flame includes a flame structure made of partially opaque material. The flame structure defines an exterior surface and has a hollow region extending therein. An LED and an optical barrier are provided within the hollow region with the optical barrier located between the LED and a closed end of the flame structure. A second LED is preferably provided between the optical barrier and the flame structure closed end. The first LED is maintained at a constant intensity while the intensity of the second LED is varied between low and high intensities. Alternatively, the intensity of the second LED is inversely varied relative to said intensity of the first LED.

Abstract: An artificial candle includes a tube that simulates a wax candle and has top and bottom ends. A post extends upward from the top end. A nub, mounted on the post, is diametrically larger than the post. A flame piece simulating a candle flame has a bore configured to receive the nub as the piece is slid down over the post by a user. The bore has a diametrically enlarged section that is axially and radially the same size as the nub to provide the flame piece being slid down over the post with a tactile detent position, and enabling the piece to be slid downward beyond the detent position.

Abstract: A wireless doorbell system which employs a radio frequency (“RF”) transmitter and a RF receiver. The doorbell transmitter has its RF source and antenna enclosed within a metal case which is designed so that the effective operating range of the transmission of the RF signals is not reduced to unacceptable levels and whose finish, such as polished brass, presents an attractive appearance which can be made to match the decorative trim at the entranceway to a building, such as a residence.

Abstract: A wireless doorbell system which employs a radio frequency (“RF”) transmitter and a RF receiver. The doorbell transmitter has its RF source and antenna enclosed within a metal case which is designed so that the effective operating range of the transmission of the RF signals is not reduced to unacceptable levels and whose finish, such as polished brass, presents an attractive appearance which can be made to match the decorative trim at the entranceway to a building, such as a residence.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus having a horizontally elongated base and a simulated candle projecting upward from the base. The base defines a horizontally elongated battery compartment. A pair of battery contacts are located in the battery compartment, and the compartment is configured to hold a row of batteries in end-to-end horizontal positions.

Abstract: A wireless doorbell system which employs a radio frequency (“RF”) transmitter and a RF receiver. The doorbell transmitter has its RF source and antenna enclosed within a metal case which is designed so that the effective operating range of the transmission of the RF signals is not reduced to unacceptable levels and whose finish, such as polished brass, presents an attractive appearance which can be made to match the decorative trim at the entranceway to a building, such as a residence.

Abstract: A wireless doorbell system which employs a radio frequency (“RF”) transmitter and a RF receiver. The doorbell transmitter has its RF source and antenna enclosed within a metal case which is designed so that the effective operating range of the transmission of the RF signals is not reduced to unacceptable levels and whose finish, such as polished brass, presents an attractive appearance which can be made to match the decorative trim at the entranceway to a building, such as a residence.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus having a horizontally elongated base and a simulated candle projecting upward from the base. The base defines a horizontally elongated battery compartment. A pair of battery contacts are located in the battery compartment, and the compartment is configured to hold a row of batteries in end-to-end horizontal positions.

Abstract: A doorbell circuit detects when one of a plurality of doorbell switches is depressed and provides an audible indication of the particular doorbell switch depressed. The doorbell circuit includes a detector circuit which will function properly with the diode, normally connected in parallel across one of the doorbell switches, connected with either polarity. A power supply is developed for the detector circuit from the doorbell transformer by way of the diode connected in parallel across one of the doorbell switches. The detector circuit includes one or more full-wave rectifiers, which provide a positive DC output signal irrespective of the polarity of the diode connected in parallel across the doorbell switch. Each of the doorbell switches is connected to an amplifier, which, in turn, is connected to a comparator.