Abstract: An aspirated smoke detector includes a smoke sensor, an aspirator and variable speed control circuits. As the concentration of smoke increases, the speed control circuits can increase aspirator speed from a first, nominal value to a second, higher value.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the stresses placed on a cantilevered component mounted to a rigid frame includes cushioned bushings coupling the cantilevered component to a rigid frame. As the cantilevered component is loaded due to bending moments, the cushioned bushings flex and cushion the cantilevered component. The cantilevered component is retained within the bushing using hardware that allows the cantilevered component to float as needed to further reduce stresses and strains thereon.

Abstract: An aspirated smoke detector includes a smoke sensor, an aspirator and variable speed control circuits. As the concentration of smoke increases, the speed control circuits can increase aspirator speed from a first, nominal value to a second, higher value.

Abstract: Food safety can be enhanced by applying a temperature indicating element to packaging for a food product. The element can be applied before or after the food product has been inserted into the packaging. The color of the element indicates if the temperature of the packaged food product has rise to an unsafe level, and/or, has stayed at or above that level for a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A monitoring system for purposes of enhancing independent living incorporates a wearable communication device, such as a cellular telephone, in combination with a recharging base which might be coupled to a wire line telephone system. Either or both of the base station and wearable device can be in communication with sensors scattered through an individual's residence for purposes of collecting data pertaining to activities of daily living. Either or both of the wearable unit and base station could incorporate sensors responsive to physiological parameters of the resident. Both units can independently communicate with third party monitors to communicate data about, or direct immediate attention to the state of an individual using the system.

Abstract: A device for dispensing products senses when the respective products are accessed. A signal indicative of day and time of access can be transmitted to a remote monitoring station. Received signals can be compared to a pre-established schedule.

Abstract: An automatically testable obscuration detector incorporates one of an electrically controllable filter or a mechanically selected filter. Filtered outputs can be compared to expected outputs by control circuitry to automatically assess detector operation.

Abstract: An automatically testable obscuration detector incorporates one of an electrically controllable filter or a mechanically selected filter. Filtered outputs can be compared to expected outputs by control circuitry to automatically assess detector operation.

Abstract: An overhead storage cabinet having a housing defined by top and bottom wall rigidly joined by end walls to define an interior storage compartment therein. A door assembly is vertically swingably mounted on the housing and includes a door panel which vertically closes a front access opening of the housing when in an open position, and which swings upwardly into an open position wherein the door panel is stored generally above the top wall. The door assembly includes end panels which exteriorly overlap and are hingedly couple to the end walls. The end panels mount one or more counterweight elements adjacent the ends thereof to counterbalance the door panel weight. The number or position of counterweight elements is selected in accordance with the longitudinal length of the door panel.