Abstract: An alert device is disclosed. The alert device has at least one light, at least one speaker, and a communication system configured to receive an alert notification containing instructions for each of at least one pattern and duration of activation of the at least one light, at least one pattern and duration of activation of the at least one speaker, and an overall duration of the alert notification. The alert device further has a controller communicatively coupled with the at least one light, the at least one speaker, and the communication system. The controller is configured to monitor the communication system for the alert notification, decode the alert notification, activate the at least one light and the at least one speaker for their respective at least one patterns and durations of activation, and deactivate the at least one light and the at least one speaker after the overall duration elapses.

Abstract: A method for locating a target wireless device is disclosed. At least one directional antenna is swept through a field of view at each of a plurality of sensing locations. A position is determined for each of the plurality of sensing locations. During the sweep at each of the plurality of sensing locations, a set of signal strength data for the target wireless device and a set of bearing information are collected. A plurality of lines of bearing are determined, one from each of the plurality of sensing locations to the target wireless device, based on the determined position, the collected set of signal strength data, and bearing information for each of the plurality of sensing locations. A target location of the target wireless device is determined based on an intersection of at least two lines of bearing from the plurality of lines of bearing.

Abstract: A combination light and sound producing fixture and combination screw-in light with speakers element is disclosed where the fixture is installed in a wall or ceiling or on a wall or ceiling. The light bulb/speaker can be screwed or secured into a standard light bulb socket. The sound producing elements is a coaxial arrangement of speakers having a low frequency transducer and one or more high frequency transducers that can be directed to emit sound in a particular direction. The fixture or bulb may further include digital signal processing to modify the sound to account for obstructions in or near the fixture. The surface of the sound transducer can be reflective in nature to provide focusing or diffusion of the light from the lighting elements. The lighting elements are incandescent, fluorescent or low voltage LED type that may include adjustment for lighting intensity and color.

Abstract: A small but loud personal alarm system, which produces at least 135 KB of output noise from a small package which has no outer extends greater than 2¼?.

Abstract: A data processing system for analyzing customer and employee interactions in a service establishment is disclosed. The data processing system comprises a plurality of remote customer, employee units and a central unit. The units each include a transceiver to send and receive signals. The signals are all received by the central unit and relayed to the appropriate unit. The central unit time stamps and records all signals in a database. The system further comprises an evaluation program which analyzes the signal data to provide employee performance ratings and staffing recommendations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an atmosphere device (1) with a user interface (3) for controlling the setting of a lighting unit (2a) and/or a fragrance unit (2b) of the atmosphere device (1), thus determining the atmosphere conditions in a room. The user interlace (3) is based on a system comprising a detecting device (4) and transponders (6). By bringing the transponders (6) within the range of detection by the detecting device (4), the transponders (6) will send a return signal, which signal controls the settings of the atmosphere device (1). Each transponder (6) is programmed to control a particular color or a specific light intensity and/or a particular odor spectrum and intensity.

Abstract: A data processing system for analyzing customer and employee interactions in a service establishment is disclosed. The data processing system comprises a plurality of remote customer, employee units and a central unit. The units each include a transceiver to send and receive signals. The signals are all received by the central unit and relayed to the appropriate unit. The central unit time stamps and records all signals in a database. The system further comprises an evaluation program which analyzes the signal data to provide employee performance ratings and staffing recommendations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a signaling system for use in a system for monitoring and/or controlling a stack of power cells. The stack of power cells is series connected, i.e. the negative terminal of one power cell is connected to the positive electrode of the adjacent power cell. A monitoring device is associated with each power cell to monitor characteristics of the power cell (temperature, voltage). Every monitoring device is powered by the power cell it is associated. The monitoring device monitors the status of the cell (e.g. it measures the difference of potential between the positive terminal and the negative terminal of that cell but it may also measure the temperature of the power cell, the pH of the electrolyte if the power cell Ci is a battery, etc. and communicates information on the status of the cell to other monitoring devices. The monitoring devices are daisy chained.

Abstract: A system and method for signaling users including a control device electrically connected to a transceiver. The transceiver has a specified frequency. A first mobile signal device being activated by a first user and electrically communicating with a first transmitter having a selectable signal frequency. The first transmitter electrically communicates with the transceiver using the specified frequency. A second signal device includes a second receiver for receiving an activation signal from the transceiver. The second receiver electrically communicates with the transceiver using the specified frequency. The second signal device is activated by the activation of the first mobile signal device using the transceiver for alerting other persons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless item locator doorbell system comprising a doorbell unit and a moveable item locator unit in communication with said doorbell unit wherein said doorbell unit further comprises a motion sensor configured to actuate a message device, wherein said message device is configured to provide a message upon activation of said motion sensor, an actuating mechanism in communication with said motion sensor and/or message device, a transmitter configured to deliver a wireless signal upon actuation of said actuating mechanism, wherein said moveable item locator unit further comprises a receiver configured to receive signals from said transmitter of said doorbell unit, and a second message device configured to provide a message upon activation by said receiver.

Abstract: A light and sound emitting module coupled to textile comprising: a control unit (1), a switch (2) disposed outside of but triggers the control unit (1); all connects to a printed circuit board (PCB) (11). At least, one light emitting diode (LED) (3) connects to the PCB (11). A speaker (4) disposed outside of the control unit (1) is controlled by the control unit. A pouch (5) is composed of a base (51) and a cover (52) with perimeters (53) sealed by high frequency electromagnetic waves to form a hollow cavity (54) accommodates the control unit (1), the switch (2) and the speaker (4), further the perimeters (53) are coupled on an upper surface of an object (6). Said base and cover are made from polycarbonate or polyvinyl chloride or epoxy. Or the sound and light module molded-to-shape is formed with epoxy or other polymers.

Abstract: Improvements to a portable fire extinguisher where the improvements relate to a system where the owner of the extinguisher can service and maintain their fire protection. Systems in place today require the servicing of a third party. The service companies (third parties) are charged with maintaining the system. Further Improvements include an anti-bridging mechanism that is articulated from the exterior of the chamber to fluff, mix or stir the powder within the chamber to keep it in a liquefied state. The improvements further include a wall mounting bracket that reduces tampering with the extinguisher, an automatic fluffing motor and manual fluffing wheel with a chuck for use with a drill. These features extend the service intervals while maintaining the fire extinguisher in a ready condition. The fire extinguisher is construction of components that are interchangeable and provide equal operation for left and right handed people.

Abstract: An illuminated wind indicator including a wind chime assembly with a moveable pendulum assembly. The pendulum assembly includes a suspension member to support moveable suspension of the pendulum assembly proximate the wind chime assembly and further includes a component configuration of components including power and control circuitry, at least one solar panel, at least one light source and a striker, wherein each of the components has a distance relationship to the suspension member, where the power and control circuitry, the at least one solar panel and the at least one light source is electrically connected to form an illumination circuit that is separate and spaced apart from the wind chime assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a door chime. The door chime has a decorative cover connected to a sound module including sound controls. The decorative cover is shiftable relative to the sound module from a first position in which the decorative chime will be displayed during normal use, to a second position to allow access to the sound controls in the second position. The connection between the sound module and the decorative cover allows for either a sliding connection or a rotating connection depending on the desired configuration. The power module for the door chime is interchangeable between a battery powered and hard wired module.

Abstract: This invention pertains to evacuation systems, more particularly, it pertains to single or networked guiding devices that utilizing pre-programming and/or virtual programming, sensing and detecting means, illumination and alarming means, symbols and text messages to direct traffic to safety. The networked guiding devices of the system are configured to systematically and progressively direct traffic from one device to the next, directing traffic to safety. The system is configured to be controlled locally or remotely, on-demand. The evacuation system is applicable to people's traffic, vehicular traffic and/or other transportation modes. The evacuation system may be used in emergency or non-emergency situations.

Abstract: A computing device is configured with a multifunctional backlit display. The backlighting can be operated in at least a first mode and a second mode. In a first mode, the backlighting provides luminance to the display so that images on the display can be easily seen. In a second mode, the backlighting provides visual stimulus for relaying information to a user or a user's surroundings.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for finding a match between or among persons (17a, 17b), characteristics and/or objects are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, an electronic device (10a, 10b), such as a handheld radio, is used to find a person who meets criteria specified by a user. In another embodiment, this electronic device (10a, 10b) is programmed with information regarding the genetic attributes (33) of individuals. These individuals are matched by computing a correlation of the genetic attributes of two individuals (33a, 33b). The information regarding these genetic attributes are determined by testing a tissue or fluid sample. In yet another embodiment of the invention, once biological or genetic attributes (33) are determined, a perfume (544) may be manufactured which is based on a unique set of genetic attributes, and which may either fortify the sexual self-confidence and broadcast the attributes of the person who wears the perfume, or may be used to enhance the attractiveness of another person.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an alert notification are disclosed. A computer-readable storage medium according to one embodiment has instructions for configuring an alert text, configuring at least one audible alert instruction, and configuring at least one visible alert instruction. The computer-readable storage medium also has instructions for constructing an alert notification, and delivering the alert notification to at least one intended recipient device. The alert notification message includes the alert text, the at least one audible alert instruction, and the at least one visible alert instruction.

Abstract: A combination light and sound producing fixture is disclosed for installation in a wall or ceiling or on a wall or ceiling. The sound producing elements is an arrangement of speakers having a low frequency transducer and one or more high frequency transducers oriented directed to emit sound in a particular direction. The fixture may further include digital signal processing to modify the sound to account for obstructions in near or around the fixture. The fixture may include a feedback system that allow the fixture to self modify its frequency response. The signal to the fixture is provided by wired or wireless interface. The surface of the sound transducer can be reflective in nature to provide focusing or diffusion of the light from the lighting elements. The lighting elements are incandescent, fluorescent or low voltage LED type that may include adjustment for lighting intensity or color.

Abstract: A system for controlling escape of pets during emergency, such as a fire, smoke, gas or odor emission, includes a passageway from the inside of the enclosure to the outside thereof. The passageway is normally closed by a door and an apparatus is provided for enabling opening of such door during emergency. A pre-recorded message urges the pet or pets to the open passageway only when the alarm device annunciating such emergency is intermittently disabled. A control apparatus is also provided for enabling passage of the pet or pets through the passageway and annunciates location of the pet or pets with respect to interior or exterior of the enclosure. A method is disclosed for remote operation of the controlled pet door to enhance safety of the pet owner attempting to enter residential dwelling.

Abstract: A peripheral load driver that utilizes the power, wiring, and primary load of a conventional doorbell system to drive a doorbell system peripheral load at a higher current without risk of inadvertently energizing the primary load of the conventional doorbell system. The peripheral load driver comprising a power converting means for converting power extracted from the conventional doorbell system from a higher-voltage-at-a-lower-current to a lower-voltage-at-a-higher current wherein the higher-voltage-at-a-lower-current is insufficient to energize the primary load of the conventional doorbell system and the lower-voltage-at-a-higher-current is compatible with the doorbell system peripheral load.

Abstract: A sounding lamp includes a control module, a transmission seat, a connecting interface, a sounding unit, and an illuminating unit. The control module includes a micro control unit, at least one transmission connector, a sound effect control circuit and a light regulation control circuit. Thus, the sounding lamp integrates the sounding and lighting functions. In addition, the sounding lamp is directly connected to a digital equipment by a transmission seat or externally connected to a digital equipment by a connecting interface, thereby enhancing the versatility of the sounding lamp.

Abstract: A system and method for providing emergency egress path indication by providing a path direction indicator that is hidden from view during normal operation and is exposed to view upon activation by an emergency signal. Upon being exposed to view the indicator may be lighted and may provide light to people seeking exit from the building. In one embodiment the indicator may include a laser pointer further indicating the direction of egress. Visible and Braille text may also be included on the face of the indicator. The indicator device may be located near floor level for better visibility in smoke environments. In the non-visible state, the indicator may present a rugged face to withstand accidental kicks and bumps as may be encountered when mounted near the floor. The indicator may be operated repetitively and nondestructively to allow inclusion of the indicator in fire and other emergency drills.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting a low voltage alternating current (AC) wiring circuit to a high speed data communications link, comprising a primary coupling circuit and a secondary coupling circuit. The apparatus provides low voltage AC power to a data device and couples data signals between the data device and the AC power line via the converted low voltage AC wiring circuit. An example is provided for retrofitting a door chime system to a high speed data link such as a video camera system.

Abstract: A thin indication and warning device includes one or more self-powered indicator units 1 adapted to assemble together by means of a connector 2. The indicator unit 1 includes a channel member 11 including a recessed base 111 and a cover 112 including openings 115; light indicators 12 each including a housing 121 aligned with the opening 115, and a light-emitting member 122 mounted under the housing 121; a control circuit 14; and a rechargeable power supply 13. In response to power outage an abnormal voltage detection circuit 126 detects same and sends an activation signal to the power supply 13, the enabled power supply 13 supplies power to an alarm circuit 143 and each light indicator 12 respectively, the enabled alarm circuit 143 makes a warning sound, and each light indicator 12 emits light for indication.

Abstract: A combination light and sound producing fixture and combination screw-in light with speakers element is disclosed where the fixture is installed in a wall or ceiling or on a wall or ceiling. The light bulb/speaker can be screwed or secured into a standard light bulb socket. The sound producing elements is a coaxial arrangement of speakers having a low frequency transducer and one or more high frequency transducers that can be directed to emit sound in a particular direction. The fixture or bulb may further include digital signal processing to modify the sound to account for obstructions in or near the fixture. The surface of the sound transducer can be reflective in nature to provide focusing or diffusion of the light from the lighting elements. The lighting elements are incandescent, fluorescent or low voltage LED type that may include adjustment for lighting intensity and color.

Abstract: A file comprising control information for the production of sensory effects is stored in a mobile device. When audio information is processed to produce sound, the control information is processed to produce sensory effects that are synchronized to the sound. The sensory effects may include visual effects and/or mechanical effects.

Abstract: A data processing system for analyzing customer and employee interactions in a service establishment is disclosed. The data processing system, comprises a plurality of remote customer, employee units and a central unit. The units each include a transceiver to send and receive signals. The signals are all received by the central unit and relayed to the appropriate unit. The central unit time stamps and records all signals in a database. The system further comprises an evaluation program which analyzes the signal data to provide employee performance ratings and staffing recommendations.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus, includes notice unit for raising an alarm to call attention, control unit for setting intensity associated with an attention degree of the alarm of the notice unit, detection unit for detecting a determined state, and execution unit for urging the notice unit to output the alarm, irrespective of setting the intensity by the control unit, if the predetermined state is detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: An illuminated wind indicator that provides visual indication of wind motion even at night. One or more chime members and a pendulum assembly are suspended from a support or housing, and arranged so that the chime members and the pendulum assembly are capable of colliding with each other. In addition, there is a light source situated such that a portion of the pendulum assembly emits light. Power for the light source is provided by a solar cell and a rechargeable battery. A light sensor may be used to automatically detect the ambient light and switch the rechargeable battery from accumulating charge to powering the light when predetermined levels of ambient light are detected. The light source may be a suitable light emitting diode. The pendulum assembly may contain the solar panel. The light source may include a luminescent material.

Abstract: A monitoring system for use in a building, such as a hospital provides an audible and/or visual alarm. The monitoring system includes a control unit, with a plurality of medical condition monitoring units, such as ventilators, connected thereto. A plurality of speakers and/or light sources are connected to the control unit, and are located at various different spaced-apart areas within the building. An abnormal condition, sensed at one of the plurality of medical condition monitoring units, is reported to the control unit, which in turn causes the plurality of speakers and/or light sources to issue an audible/visual alarm. An adaptor can connect a medical condition monitoring unit to the control unit. The adapter may include circuitry to render an alarm output of the medical condition monitoring unit compatible with the control unit, and to suppress an alarm output for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A message sign alert device including a housing having a planar message display window and a first visual alert window positioned on a periphery of the planar message display window. Within the housing are a message display section, a first visual alert section, and a control unit that operates the first visual alert section and the message display section for providing a visual attraction to the display of a message on the message display section. A planar display unit in the message display section includes a plurality of light emitting message elements and projects through the planar message display window at a substantially normal angle to the planar message display window. The first visual alert section has at least one light emitting element positioned adjacent to the first visual alert window for projecting through the first visual alert window at an oblique angle relative to the planar message display window.

Abstract: A signaling system includes a primary signaling doorbell assembly that includes a sound emitter, an actuator electrically coupled to the sound emitter, and a transmitter electrically coupled to the actuator that is adapted for sending a wireless signal. A power supply is electrically coupled to the actuator. A plurality of secondary signaling assemblies is provided. Each of the secondary signaling assemblies includes a receiver adapted for receiving the wireless signal from the transmitter, a signal member electrically coupled to the receiver, and a power supply electrically coupled to the transmitter and signal member. The signal member is adapted for signaling a person when the receiver receives the wireless signal.

Abstract: An outer garment or vestment comprising a front panel and rear panel that includes an electrical circuit of neon wire, a battery operated power pack and toggle switch so as to be illuminated to allow play, such as touch football, tag and the like, in the darkness where the neon wire is mounted in a lens on the rear panel with a configuration defining a focal point such as a spiral shape and is operatively connected to the toggle switch so that depressing the lens causes the illuminated neon wire to be turned off and a portion of the neon wire mounted on the front panel and configured to designate each of the sides of the players.

Abstract: A flash-bang projectile that generates one or more noise pulses and one or more flashes of light. In generating a noise pulse, the flash-bang projectile provides a housing that includes a gas chamber that entraps air. The gas chamber includes a compression device that, when the flash-bang projectile is shot or otherwise ejected by a gun or other form of ejection device, compresses the air that is entrapped in the gas chamber. A burst disk forms one wall of the gas chamber and is configured to rupture a selected time delay after the air has been compressed. Rupturing of the burst disk releases the compressed air entrapped in the gas chamber, allowing the air to be released through a horn nozzle, thereby generating a noise pulse. The flash-bang projectile may have more than one gas chambers, with associated compression devices, whose burst disks are configured to rupture with diverse time delays, in which case the flash-bang projectile can generate multiple noise pulses with corresponding delays.

Abstract: An addressable smart speaker for use in a fire alarm system connects to and receives messages over a network, has plural taps for selecting audio power. In response to a command, a selector in an addressed smart speaker selects a tap to select a particular audio power.

Abstract: A mannequin suitable for use as a hairdressing training tool including a head component, a hair portion, sensors for sensing undesirable characteristics such as high temperature or rapid movement, and signalling means for indicating the same to a user.

Abstract: An evacuation system using a combination of elements, such as an on-site weather station (2), a computer system (1) with proprietary software, sensors and other elements to determine a safe direction of evacuation from a premises (11) in case of a threat, use indicators to determine the direction of evacuation and notification of parties external to the premises (11) of evacuation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for locating one among many items equipped with RFID tags. The apparatus comprises a portable system interrogating the RFID tags and receiving responses therefrom that depend at least on their bearing angle. A comparator selects responses from the one item and ignores others. An annunciator indicates the presence of the one item in the interrogator field of view and, desirably but not essentially, its relative proximity. A directional antenna whose beam pattern is limited in azimuth and/or elevation provides bearing angle information. Its field of view becomes progressively smaller as the antenna approaches the one item so that a user can substantially pinpoint its location without needing any of the usual RFID infrastructure. Tag response hit rate and/or signal strength provides range related information to the interrogator. Optionally, the presence of each new tag is announced until all new tags have been identified.

Abstract: An exit path indicating device incorporates at least a first port for receiving an alarm indicating signal. In normal operation upon receipt of the alarm indicating signal, the device outputs a visual or an audible, or both, indicator of the presence of an exit or egress path for use in evacuating the region. A second port disables the operation of the device. The second port can be coupled to a local sensor which provides an indication of a hazardous or alarm condition adjacent to or on the exit or egress path. If the sensor is indicating the presence of a hazardous or alarm condition, the indicating device can be disabled.

Abstract: The tabletop signaling device for restaurants comprises a tabletop signaling device for visually signaling at least one of a plurality of messages to a waiter or waitress quickly and wordlessly, without requiring the service provider to physically respond and inquire to the requested service. The signaling device includes a plurality of light sources and switches for illuminating vertically spaced panels disposed on the front of the signaling device, each panel having predetermined and distinct indicia disposed thereon for signaling a specific message. A table available button disposed on the tabletop signaling device operates to illuminate a corresponding lamp disposed on a remote display panel for signaling the availability of the table. The lamps on the remote display panel may be arranged according to the location of the tables on the floor of the restaurant.

Abstract: A remote chime unit and signal extender assembly are connectable to the circuitry of a primary doorbell system allowing the remote chime to be activated simultaneously with the primary doorbell chime from a stored voltage source.

Abstract: A power line communication MODEM includes a rectification circuit for converting an AC power source to a DC power source, a MODEM circuit to which a DC voltage is supplied from the rectification circuit, a USB connector connected to the MODEM circuit, and a signal overlapping circuit for overlapping a signal processed by the MODEM circuit with the AC power source, wherein the rectification circuit supplies the DC voltage to the USB connector.

Abstract: Battery powered LEDs operated at a small fraction of their rated capacity to provide a level of illumination useful as a marker for darkness adjusted vision. Long battery life is achieved using super bright, broad spectrum LEDs.

Abstract: A commercially viable calling apparatus which is placed on all tables of a restaurant, tavern or other establishment which serves food and/or drink so that if someone is waiting for a waiter or if someone has not been served, then there is a method to signal a central area such as a maitre d' or other person who is in charge of the waiters to advise a waiter to wait on the table.

Abstract: A whistle has a whistle member having a mouthpiece at a front thereof, a chamber therein, a passage communicated with the chamber, and an outlet at a sidewall of the chamber, and a light emitting device provided on the whistle member, which has a lamp, a battery and a switch device, wherein the lamp is conducted with the battery and the switch is provided at between the lamp and the battery to turn the lamp on or off.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and circuit for repetitively firing a flash lamp. The method utilizes a power supply having a periodic voltage signal. The method times the discharge of the flash lamp to occur when the power supply signal is below the flash lamp self extinguishing voltage such that the flash lamp de-ionizes while the power supply signal remains below the self extinguishing voltage, thus preventing afterglow. The circuit utilizes a means for detecting when the voltage of the power supply voltage signal falls below the self extinguishing voltage to trigger the flash lamp. An additional embodiment adds a means for interrupting current flow in the flash lamp before the voltage across a storage capacitor falls below said self extinguishing voltage. The method and circuit may be extrapolated for use with other electromechanical devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that includes housing in which a speaker and strobe light are located with the speaker linked to an audio alert adjuster and a strobe light linked to a visual alert adjuster. The alert levels of both the speaker and the strobe are shown on the exterior of the housing for ease of inspection. The adjusters are located within or outside the housing. The adjuster located within the housing aid in preventing tampering with the levels.

Abstract: The present invention provides motor vehicle safety enhancement devices which, once activated, are not prematurely deactivated. In an embodiment, an electrically controllable safety device for use by an occupant of a motor vehicle includes a safety enhancer and a controller. The controller and the safety enhancer are electrically coupled to the vehicle's electrical ignition system, so that the controller may only activate the safety enhancer while the motor is on and, once activated, the safety enhancer may only be deactivated by turning the motor off. A stimulator to rouse a sleepy driver of a vehicle is provided including a signal generator capable of rousing the driver and a controller to activate the signal generator. The controller may include a momentary switch, a relay, and a diode.

Abstract: The duration of variations in the potential applied to a single electrical contact, when compared to a reference potential, are measured and employed to command either incrementing or decrementing of an address. The addresses are associated with a table of instructions and an addressed instruction, when read, will produce a discrete warning signal. A desired one of several light flash or audible patterns may be selected by step-wise scrolling through the table in response to manually varying the contact potential.