Abstract: A smoke generator for anti-burglar purposes comprising canister holding means for holding a canister for chemicals to be used to generate smoke wherein the smoke generator further comprises a smoke deflector arranged below the position of the canister for even distribution of generated smoke, and wherein the smoke deflector have a smoke deflector cavity of sector shape. The smoke generator is provided with a cartridge for the canister to ease replacement of used or expired canister. The smoke deflector is provided with a residual collector to prevent residuals and debris from littering the room where the smoke generator is used.

Abstract: A system to verify product authenticity includes a transceiver configured to receive information regarding one or more pieces of ferromagnetic material that are in or on a product. The system also includes an electromagnetic radiation source configured to emit radiation to heat the one or more pieces of ferromagnetic material in or on the product. The system also includes a heat sensor configured to detect heat emitted from the one or more pieces of ferromagnetic material that are in or on the product. The system further includes a processor in communication with the transceiver, the electromagnetic radiation source, and the heat sensor. The processor is configured to determine if the product is counterfeit based on the received information and the detected heat.

Abstract: A method of verifying product authenticity includes emitting, by an electromagnetic radiation source in communication with a processor, radiation to heat one or more pieces of ferromagnetic material in or on a product. The method also includes detecting, by a heat sensor in communication with the processor, heat emitted from the one or more pieces of ferromagnetic material that are in or on the product. The method further includes determining, by the processor, if the product is counterfeit based on the detected heat.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a component including a rechargeable battery and a method of producing same. The component uses one of an acid and an alkaline chemistry and the battery has an anode structure, a cathode structure, and a separator structure which separates the anode from the cathode and contains an electrolyte. The anode structure and the cathode structure are each formed from a composite material which includes electrically conductive fibres and electrochemically active material in a binder matrix including less than 50% w/w of an elastomer binder and the battery is formed to be structurally inseparable from the rest of the component.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a component including a supercapacitor and a method of producing same. The component comprises a first (12) and second (14) electrode and a separator structure (16) which separates the two electrodes and contains a liquid or gel electrolyte. The first and second electrode structures are each formed from a composite material (10) which includes electrically conductive fibers and electrochemically active material in a binder matrix and the supercapacitor is formed to be structurally inseparable from the rest of the component. Further, the component forms a structural capacitor. The obtained structural capacitor could be used in aircraft structure to save weight.

Abstract: The touch-operating input device is configured so that when the control circuit turns on the main light source corresponding to each of the translucent operation buttons that can be operated, the control circuit, on condition that the translucent operation button corresponding to the main light source that is turned on is operated, turns off the sub-light source corresponding to the translucent operation button that is turned on simultaneously with the main light source. Ease of operation is increased by enabling the operator to distinguish operated translucent operation buttons from translucent operation buttons that have not been operated according to whether or not the main light sources are lit.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the condition of apparatus located at an underwater facility that includes sensing at least one parameter associated with the apparatus, providing a model of expected behavior of said at least one parameter, comparing said sensed parameter with said model, and assessing the condition of the apparatus based upon said comparison.

Abstract: A method for operating a process plant, in which a number of alarm notifications for indicating non-compliant operating events of the process plant are generated at process level. Alarm notifications which can be generated during the operation of the process plant are defined. At least a number of the generatable alarm notifications are assigned, in each case at least a first value or a second value as a dependency value. A current process state of the process plant is determined and depending on the determined process state, those alarm notifications to which the first value was assigned as a dependency value are not indicated.

Abstract: A civil defense air powered siren includes an air powered tone generator, a compressed air tank, an air compressor, an air line with a control valve connecting between the compressed air tank and the tone generator. A pressure switch communicates with the compressor and the compressed air tank. The pressure switch activates the compressor to charge the compressed air tank when air pressure in the tank falls below a pre-selected limit. The control valve is remotely controlled preferably by a radio signal to cause the control valve to open the air line and supply the tone generator with air in order to cause a civil defense warning tone to be generated when it is appropriate to do so.

Abstract: A method is provided for presenting occupancy information in a fire alarm system. The method includes obtaining event data indicative of an emergency event within a zone of a premises, obtaining count information indicative of a number of individuals within the zone of the premises, and displaying the event data and the count information for the zone simultaneously.

Abstract: Device to deliver an alarm signal upon detection of a gravitational wave generated by a body falling into a swimming pool, using a differential detector that includes a comparison device for comparing a sensitivity threshold value to the value of the electrical signal received, and to deliver an alarm signal when the received electrical signal exceeds the sensitivity threshold value. The electrical signal resulting from the detected waves is delivered to a comparator and allows a programmed microprocessor to deliver variable-width pulses to the input of the comparator so as to reduce the sensitivity of the device when the device detects an atmospheric disturbance. The microprocessor triggers the alarm when the width of the output pulses from the comparator is larger than a predetermined critical reference and when the frequency F of the analogue electrical signal lies between two predetermined values F1 and F2.

Abstract: A emergency sign emits a non-electrical light and sounds a non-electrical alarm when an elevated level of heat is sensed, such heat from a fire, to provide a combined light and a sound alert signals. The light results from the mixing of a chemical compound having chemiluminescent properties. The light illuminates indicia located on the face plate of the sign. The alarm is sounded by releasing compressed gas from a cartridge and directing the released gas through a whistle.

Abstract: An alarm device including an acoustic pressure sensor (10) delivering an analog signal to first amplifying means (12) and to second amplifying means (14), a first comparator (34) where the positive input is connected to the output of the second amplifying means and where the output delivers a warning signal to alarm means (26, 28) when there is a break-in or an attempt at breaking in, and self-adjusting means including a microprocessor (26) programmed to deliver a digital signal at the negative input of the first comparator where the pulses have a variable width which increases in accordance with the duration and the importance of the atmospheric disturbance so as to automatically increase the alarm device triggering threshold and reduce its sensitivity when the acoustic sensor detects an atmospheric disturbance such as wind.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for detecting a leak from a sealed optical device. The method includes steps of: A) injecting a target gas with no performance interference to the sealed optical device for leak detection followed by sealing the sealed optical device. B) placing the sealed device in a leak testing chamber and measuring a background level of the target gas in the leak testing chamber. C) heating the sealed device to a gas-expelling temperature for expelling the target gas from the leak in the sealed optical device. And, D) detecting the target gas in a one-part-per million (PPM) range in the leak-detecting chamber for an comparing with the background level of the target gas for determining the leak in the sealed optical device.

Abstract: A conventional magnetomechanical EAS marker is modified to aid in authenticating an article of merchandise to which the marker is to be applied. The marker includes a housing, a magnetostrictive element in the housing, a bias magnet mounted to the housing, and an authentication element in the housing for indicating the authenticity of the item to which the marker is to be applied. The authentication element may be a printed logo, bar code or character string or a discrete element having distinctive or rare characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an earthquake alarm that functions as an awakening and early warning mechanism which provides an audio and visual warning to a possible earthquake. The device is comprised of a free-standing arm which rests against an adjustable rod which can be manipulated to make the arm more or less sensitive to vibrations, The arm, which is pivotally mounted within a case, swings downwardly through a slot in the case when vibrations comparable to the vibrations of an earthquake cause the arm to be dislodged from its upright position. The arm is entrapped between two tabs that extend outwardly from a rotatably attached beam. The beam comprises a third tab which is secured against one distal end of a rocker arm, the opposite distal end of the rocker arm being engaged in the extended teeth of a spring loaded wheel.

Abstract: The security of articles, and particularly articles in transit, is checked by detecting the status of a magnetic strip attached to the articles at a strategic location when the strip is subjected to an electromagnetic field which causes the strip to substantially saturate magnetically, the status of an improper strip, that is to say, a strip whose electromagnetic properties differ from those of a proper strip as a result of physical modification or disparity, being reflected in the nature of the electromagnetic field emanating therefrom, detection of the status of that field providing an indication of whether the strip is proper or not. The same principles can be applied to the coding of articles for validation of identity or authenticity.

Abstract: A carbon-monoxide detector and alarm circuit for alerting occupants of a structure to a presence of a toxic gas. The apparatus utilizes a probe to detect carbon-monoxide within an air duct of a conventional furnace installation. A siren and a flashing red light are both activated upon a detection of a predetermined amount of carbon-monoxide within the air duct, thereby alerting the occupants to the presence of such carbon-monoxide. The apparatus also includes a warning sign which deploys upon activation of the alarm circuit.

Abstract: A system including a nonelectrical sensor for sensing the position of a needle of a gauge as it moves along a path and providing the sensed nonelectrical signal to a nonelectrical annunciator for annunciating when the needle is not at a predetermined position. The sensor is adjustably mounted with respect to the path of the needle by mounting the sensor to an adjustable transparent face plate of the gauge. A range portion is provided on a standard needle. A nonelectrical flush alarm includes a sensor to sense that the pump of a spraying or dispensing system is operating. If this sensor does not provide a signal to a timer for a preset period, the timer will produce a timed out signal which will be annunciated by an annunciator. .

Abstract: A horn assembly for installation within an opening in a boat structure having an exterior surface and an interior surface, is disclosed. The horn assembly includes a noise generator component whose output is directed through a trumpet member having an inlet section and an outlet section. A flared element adapted to extend through the opening in the boat structure has an inner end connected to the trumpet member and an outer end with a peripheral flange that bears against the exterior surface surrounding the opening. A grille element extends over and secures the flared element and thus the horn assembly to the boat structure leaving only the grille element visible on the boat exterior.

Abstract: A slidable fifth-wheel assembly permitting the relative positions of a tractor and its associated trailer to be adjusted includes switching means which activates an alarm in the cab of the tractor when the fifth-wheel reaches a desired position. This desired position is a trade-off between rear axle weight and drive axle weight. The switching mechanism includes a switch mounted on the base plate of the fifth-wheel assembly. The actuator arm of the switch is extended by means of a coil spring which is engaged and displaced by the coupling shoe of the fifth-wheel assembly.

Abstract: An improved pyrotechnic cap which includes a plastic container having a quantity of pyrotechnic composition hermetically sealed therein. The cap is capable of being ignited by the radiant energy from an adjacent flashlamp to provide an audible signal of high intensity (e.g. 158 to 164 decibels at 25 centimeters). The improvement constitutes providing the composition with a quantity of desensitizing material (e.g. powdered polyethylene) which significantly decreases the cap's sensitivity to ignition by mechanical impact or crushing.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating breakage of a tensioned rope, or chain or the like by firing flares or other warning signals. In the preferred embodiment, an auxiliary cable running parallel to the towing or mooring cable is used to actuate firing of a first flare and to simultaneously activate a timing mechanism. Said timing mechanism fires a series of flares in a predetermined sequence. This combination allows both an immediate indication of a hazard and quick localization and recovery of a detached boat or vehicle.

Abstract: A device for indicating airtightness of a packing for apparatus which is to be stored under a vacuum and, particularly for protective breathing apparatus, comprises, a packing enclosing a packing space in which the apparatus is stored which has an outer surface with a recessed portion forming a chamber having a cover overlying the chamber enclosing and sealing it. A hollow expansible and retractable member, such as a bellows, is mounted in the chamber and has an opening to its interior extending through the packing into the interior of the packing space so that the pressure inside of the bellows is the same as the packing space. A ball is disposed between the bellows and the cover and it is held by expansion of the bellows against it in a fixed position which indicates an increase of the pressure within the packing beyond a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An alarm system for a multi-facet functional installation in which a malfunction in any segment of the installation will result in the initiation of an audio alarm signal of such a character as to immediately indicate the relative severity of the malfunction.

Abstract: A portable score keeping device for use in strenuous games such as tennis, racket ball, Ping-Pong, etc., suitable for attachment to the wrist or the waist of the player, is constructed so that successive points and games as they are scored may be fed into the device and totals shown through windows visible to the player. A novel ratchet and pawl arrangement facilitates the feeding in of data to the device and prevents errors which might be caused by improper registering or accidental movement of the mechanism during play.

Abstract: An energy absorbing backhitch for a lift crane including a hollow deformable element which is collapsed between squeeze rollers when the crane is over loaded a predetermined amount with respect to its rated capacity. The backhitch also includes a lift pin and means for sensing deflection of the lift pin and actuating visual and audio signals at predetermined load conditions.

Abstract: A signaling means to indicate levels in a liquid receiving compartment of a watercraft. The compartment contains a float which is connected to a piston by a vertical piston rod. The piston rises in a cylinder when the float rises in response to admission of liquid into the compartment whereby the piston effects two timely spaced compressions of a confined gas which actuates a pilot valve for a flow regulating valve when the pressure of confined gas reaches a preselected value. The regulating valve then admits compressed air to a device which furnishes visible signals and to a device which furnishes audible signals. The first set of signals warns the attendant that the compartment is about to be filed, and the second set of signals informs the attendant that the compartment is full. The attendant then closes a shutoff valve in the pipe which admits liquid into the compartment, and this results in automatic reduction of the pressure of confined gas.

Abstract: A disc clutch servo mechanism cylinder has a signal bore extending from the cylinder working chamber to atmosphere. In normal operating state a pin seals this bore. The pin extends into the chamber and when the clutch is worn the piston will come close to the cylinder bottom and push the pin outwards. This movement causes the pin to open an air passage from the chamber to atmosphere, whereby an acoustic signal indicates clutch wear.

Abstract: An alarm for signalling an improperly high temperature in a refrigerated container such as a freezer includes a thermostat within the container and an alarm unit magnetically mounted on the outside of the container. The alarm unit includes batteries for energizing a lamp and a buzzer within the unit in response to the thermostat. The alarm unit also includes a spring biased flag pivotly mounted thereon which is normally retained in a cocked position by a finger carried by a solenoid. The solenoid is energized by the battery to deploy the flag and thereby provide an enduring indication of alarm after the batteries have died out or the temperature has returned to normal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air breather annunciator for supplying and regulating a source of air to a remote operational station to be employed by, for example, a sand blaster working within a polluted air environment. The device basically comprises an air storage capacitor operably connected to an air supply and which in turn feeds a source of air through output regulator to an operational station requiring a source of air. Alarm means is provided for the visual and audio indication of either low pressure air supply or interruption thereof. Alarm circuit check means are also provided for manually checking both the visual and audio alarm circuits.