Abstract: A remote control device when actuated by a user transmits a visually perceptible coded signal to a sensor associated with a doorbell which receives the signal and causes activation of the doorbell as desired. The sensor has multiple settings which control operation of the doorbell such that any, specified, or no remote devices may operate the doorbell depending on the setting that is selected on the sensor.

Abstract: A restroom maintenance alert system and method for signaling when a restroom needs service includes a signaling device, an actuator located in a public restroom and configured to communicate with a signaling device to activate the signaling device, and instructions located on at least one of or on or near the actuator and directed to a restroom patron to actuate the actuator if the restroom needs service. The signaling device is located outside the public restroom. The method for signaling the restroom needs service includes providing the actuator in a restroom, instructing a restroom patron to activate the actuator if the restroom needs service, and activating a signaling device when the activator is activated.

Abstract: A fire alarm system comprises one or more fire alarm addressable modules (3), which interface with a fire alarm loop (1) along which data and power may be transmitted, and a voice alarm system comprising one or more amplifiers (6) connected to respective speakers (7) for transmitting voice alarm messages. The or each fire alarm module comprises a message store (22), means for interfacing with an amplifier (6) of the voice alarm system, means for interfacing with the fire alarm loop (1) and means for interpreting signals from the loop (1) and for selecting an appropriate message for transmission from the message store (22).

Abstract: The present application provides a new emergency exit system. The system comprises an exit door controlled by an emergency detection system, which includes emergency detection sensors such as a smoke detector, a heat detector and/or a carbon monoxide detector functionally connected to the door. The exit door is pivotally mounted on a frame and equipped with a locking mechanism which is in communication with the emergency detection system through an alarm system. The door automatically opens and illuminates when an unsafe emergency situation is detected to provide a lighted escape route at the floor level of a room.

Abstract: In a building fire alarm system, the light strobes of a network of strobes are synchronized to flash simultaneously. Each strobe has a charging circuit to charge a capacitor which discharges through a flash tube. Once a capacitor is charged, the charging circuit is disabled. A synchronization pulse is applied through common power lines to trigger discharge of each strobe capacitor through the flash tube followed by recharging of the capacitor.

Abstract: In a building fire alarm system, the light strobes of a network of strobes are synchronized to flash simultaneously. Each strobe has a charging circuit to charge a capacitor which discharges through a flash tube. Once a capacitor is charged, the charging circuit is disabled. A synchronization pulse is applied through common power lines to trigger discharge of each strobe capacitor through the flash tube followed by recharging of the capacitor.

Abstract: A signaling retention device that is configured to retain an element in a particular position and to emit an audible and/or visual signal. The signaling retention device may include a power source, memory, a central processing unit (CPU), sensor(s), audible indicator(s), light source(s), switch(es), camera(s), a transceiver, a microphone, impact tool(s), and aromatic element(s) and may be configured in the form of a character, such as a cartoon character or the like. The power source may be any suitable power source, such one or more batteries (rechargeable or non-rechargeable) or the like, and may be removable or non-removable. Similarly, the memory, CPU, audible indicator(s), light source(s), switch(es), camera(s), transceiver, microphone, impact tool(s), and aromatic element (s) may be any types well known in the art.

Abstract: A handle provided with sound and light effects by having a chamber in the middle of the handle to contain a generator unit and a sound device linked to the handle; one end of the handle containing a turning gear to drive a transmission gear set; a holder containing an induction coil connected to light emitting devices and a ring magnet penetrating by a shaft with both ends of the shaft formed with a driven gear to be engaged with the transmission gear set for the generator unit; the sound device disposed in relation to the turning gear gives sound whenever it is hit; the handle is turned to synchronously drive the generator unit for both of the ring magnet and the induction coil to rotate in relation to each other for generating power to turn on the light emitting devices, and to drive the turning gear to hit the sound device to give light and sound effects to the handle for adding more fun to the riding.

Abstract: An audio/visual warning device for attaching to a cane. The cane has upper and lower ends and extended and collapsed positions and includes a plurality of tubular members affixed, end-to-end, when in the extended position and folded, side-by-side, when in the collapsed position, and an elastic cord extends axially in the cane and is affixed to the upper and lower ends of the cane, respectively, so as to allow the plurality of tubular members to be maintained, end-to-end, in the extended position, yet be separated axially and be maintained, side-by-side, in the collapsed position. The audio/visual warning device includes a plate, a manual bell, a light, and apparatus for attaching the plate to the upper end of the cane. The manual bell and the light are affixed to the plate so as to form an integral unit therewith, and the plate is affixed to the upper end of the cane by the apparatus.

Abstract: A signaling retention device that is configured to retain an element in a particular position and to emit an audible and/or visual signal. The signaling retention device may include a power source, memory, a central processing unit (CPU), sensor(s), audible indicator(s), light source(s), switch(es), camera(s), a transceiver, a microphone, impact tool(s), and aromatic element(s) and may be configured in the form of a character, such as a cartoon character or the like. The power source may be any suitable power source, such one or more batteries (rechargeable or non-rechargeable) or the like, and may be removable or non-removable. Similarly, the memory, CPU, audible indicator(s), light source(s), switch(es), camera(s), transceiver, microphone, impact tool(s), and aromatic element (s) may be any types well known in the art.

Abstract: A battery powered, illuminated, color-coded evacuation signalling system embodying symbols and text messages in any language or combination of languages, configured by LED's in a network of floor laid display units installed in land-based buildings or maritime structures. The system induces automatic dissemination of walking or crawling evacuees during an emergency, particularly in smoke, fog and low-light conditions, by guiding them away from deemed danger zones, then along assessed safe routes leading towards assessed safe designated exits. LEDs shine through transparent covered, narrow strip assembly units laid in the center of walkways. Red denotes predetermined and developing ‘danger zones’. Green denotes safety ‘go-routes’. Amber indicates system status. In-going firefighters may access a time-identified schematic picture relating to the spread of fire, temperatures and air quality, to evaluate what areas of a structure are safe or unsafe to enter.

Abstract: An integrated outdoor lighting and sound systems comprising a plurality of outdoor landscaping lighting units, a wiring cable interconnecting the plurality of outdoor landscaping lighting units, a source of low-voltage energy connected to said wiring cable and a plurality of speaker assemblies, each of the speaker assemblies including a speaker, an audio amplifier for amplifying sound to the speaker, the audio amplifier further including leads connected to the wiring cable for supplying electrical power to the audio amplifier, and a battery storage electrically connected to the wiring cable for storing electrical energy and for supplying the electrical energy to the audio amplifier.

Abstract: A wave-discriminating inductive electronic device includes a special integrated circuit that is inducible by a proximity feeble electromagnetic signal generated by a general mobile phone during receiving and transmitting signals, so that the induced integrated circuit is able to control and drive another integrated circuit that includes voice and motor driving circuits. Voices and vibrations produced by the integrated circuit enable the wave-discriminating inductive electronic device to provide a highly interesting entertaining effect.

Abstract: A hand worn warning or signaling system comprises a hand-wear article such as a glove or a band to be worn around the wrist or fingers, having a sound generating and light generating element. According to a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a pair of gloves, one having a sound generating element and the other having a light generating element, allowing the user to select between generating a sound or light alert or both. The warning system may also have a finger or thumb accessible activation button.

Abstract: A hand worn warning or signaling system comprises a hand-wear article such as a glove or a band to be worn around the wrist or fingers, having a sound generating and light generating element. According to a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a pair of gloves, one having a sound generating element and the other having a light generating element, allowing the user to select between generating a sound or light alert or both. The warning system may also have a finger or thumb accessible activation button.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for simulating the danger posed by mines or hand grenades to one or several participants in a military exercise. At least one weaponry simulator simulating a mine or a hand grenade and the sensor devices allocated to the individual participants are used and the effect of mines or hand grenades is simulated by transmitting data between the weaponry simulator and the sensor devices of the participants. According to the invention, data is transmitted through two-way radio communication between the weaponry simulator and the sensor devices of the individual participants. Radio transmission from the individual sensor devices of the participants to the weaponry simulator is carried out in the near field zone of the transmitting and receiving antennae involved.

Abstract: A life safety system with a micro-controller that is programmed to operate both a visual signal and an audible signal. One feature of the system is that a user is permitted to enter a temporal signaling mode for not only the audible signal, but also the visual signal. The program includes an energy saving routine that operates the visual signal in the temporal mode with an energy consumption that is substantially smaller than required for operation in a continuous mode. The temporal pattern has four cycles with one flash pulse per cycle for the first three cycles and no flash pulse for the fourth cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for activating a doorbell chime and for remotely controlling an auxiliary doorbell chime includes a push button unit responsive to manual actuation for activating the doorbell chime and generating a radio frequency wave and a remote unit responsive to the radio frequency wave for generating an auxiliary acoustic frequency wave. The push button unit has a manually actuated switch assembly with a first pair of normally open switch contacts adapted to be connected in series with the doorbell chime and a source of electrical power and a second pair of normally open switch contacts, a radio frequency transmitter connected in series with the second pair of switch contacts for generating a radio frequency output signal and a first antenna connected to the transmitter and responsive to the radio frequency output signal for generating the radio frequency wave.

Abstract: An integrated outdoor lighting and sound systems comprising a plurality of outdoor landscaping lighting units, a wiring cable interconnecting the plurality of outdoor landscaping lighting units, a source of low-voltage energy connected to said wiring cable and a plurality of speaker assemblies, each of the speaker assemblies including a speaker, an audio amplifier for amplifying sound to the speaker, the audio amplifier further including leads connected to the wiring cable for supplying electrical power to the audio amplifier, and a battery storage electrically connected to the wiring cable for storing electrical energy and for supplying the electrical energy to the audio amplifier.

Abstract: A waiter paging system is provided for use in a restaurant. The system includes a plurality of table transmitters (there being one transmitter at each table) which transmit a “waiter call” signal and a plurality of pager units (there being one pager unit for each waiter). The pager unit notifies the waiter via a vibrator or buzzer that a request has been received and displays the request. In one embodiment, the system includes a central unit which receives the “waiter call” signal from the table transmitter and which effectively relays the “waiter call” signal to the pager units. In a second embodiment, there is no central unit. Rather, the waiter pager units receive the “waiter call” signal directly from the table transmitters. Each pager unit is associated with a set of tables (and hence table transmitters), each set of tables being fewer than all the tables in the restaurant.

Abstract: A sounder assembly comprising a housing, means for providing a sounder plate; a base for attaching the sounder assembly to a support surface, and an electrical sounder mounted generally within the housing, the arrangement being such that, in use, the sounder plate is spaced from the housing and is located between the housing and the support surface, with the electrical sounder facing the sounder plate such that sound is generated towards the sounder plate and is directed away from the housing so that the sound emerges generally laterally of the sounder plate, and wherein the sounder plate is concave and the center of the electrical sounder is displaced from the center of the sounder housing.

Abstract: A mobile object information recording apparatus includes first and second cameras and various vehicle condition sensors for detecting mobile object information representing the status of a vehicle. An abnormal level detector detects an abnormal level of the vehicle on the basis of the acceleration detected by a 3-dimensional sensor. A data amount setting unit sets the amount of data to be stored in a file area to a value corresponding to the detected abnormal level, and memory controller stores, into the file area, mobile object information with a length of time corresponding to the determined amount of data, including periods immediately before and after the moment at which the abnormal level is detected, such as when a collision occurs, whereby the mobile object information is stored in a highly efficient fashion.

Abstract: A fire fighter's safety device, comprising a hollow body having a sidewall, a top end and a bottom end and an arm connected to the body and extending parallel to the sidewall. There is a light source disposed at one of the top and bottom ends and an audible signal disposed within the body. There is a heat sensor connected to the body for sensing the temperature in the surrounding area, and a power source disposed with the hollow body and connected to the light source, audible signal and heat sensor. The device keeps a door open when the arm is inserted between a door and a door frame to rest on a door hinge and the audible signal and light indicate the exit during a fire.

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.

Abstract: A dual security system (10) includes one or more motion activated floodlights (12) installed about a premises. Motion sensors (18) are also located about the property. When the system is “armed”, intruder or animal motion sensed by a motion sensor produces a sensor output which causes the floodlights to be turned “on” and illuminate the premises. An audible alarm (14) is wired in parallel with the floodlights so that when the floodlights are turned “on”, a buzzer (20) sounds. Preferably, while the floodlights may remain “on” for an extended period of time, the buzzer alarm is connected to a buzzer time delay (22) which shuts the audible alarm “off” after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An alarm signaling device (5) operable to produce an alarm signal and, possibly, communicate emergency announcements when triggered by a signal from a central alarm control panel. The alarm includes a speaker or other sound producing device and a silencing circuit (14) that can be engaged by a person in the room to temporarily disable the speaker. The silencing circuit includes a timing circuit (30) and a switch (32) consisting of a pair of touch contacts (38, 40) that are activated by body resistance. The timing circuit (30) is operable to automatically re-enable the speaker after a predetermined time period has been measured. Furthermore, though the speaker has been silenced by the silencing circuitry (14), a reactivation circuit (15) continues to receive and process signals in order to identify a re-enablement signal by its particular frequency and duration.

Abstract: An automated and seemingly animated door knocker is disclosed that includes a housing with a pivotably connected knocking member, the housing being releasably supported on the door by an over-the-door hanger or other similarly satisfactory attachment device, and the knocking member being reciprocated by a battery-powered, motor-driven linkage that is controlled by an integrated circuit and activated by a difference in light intensity as sensed by a photocell when someone approaches the door. A sound generator controlled from the circuit board is also desirably activated contemporaneously with the motor-driven linkage to play a prerecorded sound sequence.

Abstract: An emergency signaling device for the hearing impaired provides a strobe light in which the intensity of the emitted light is variable. The emergency signaling device comprises a housing and a reflecting mirror coupled to the housing. A strobe light emitting device adapted to provide a sequence of flashing light is disposed in relation to the reflecting mirror so that the light is distributed in a predetermined pattern. The intensity level emitted by the strobe light emitting device may be varied between at least a first intensity level and a second intensity level. The reflecting mirror provides a polar light distribution of the flashing light. The rate of flashing of the strobe light emitting device may be synchronized with other emergency signaling devices.

Abstract: A flashlight assembly is mountable onto a user's wrist to provide a light source which is pivotable in two planes of motion. The assembly includes a housing which is pivotably mounted on a wrist band. The housing includes a light source which is pivotably mounted thereto.

Abstract: A device usable in a plurality of environments such as in buildings, transport vehicles, pedestrian aids and sirens for producing a locating sound of broad band noise. The broad band noise is formed from frequencies emitted simultaneously within a human hearing range. An alerting sound may also be emitted.

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: A sports whistle having a sensor (12) which is responsive to the operation of a present art whistle (14). Said sensor activates a conventional wireless transmitter (18) simultaneously with the audible output signal. Said wireless signals are acquired by a conventional receiver (28). Said receiver initiates a variety of visual indicators to overcome crowd noise.

Abstract: A combined storage and safety device 10 to warn drivers of the presence of children in the vicinity of the device 10. The device 10 includes a storage compartment member 20 provided with a wheel assembly 30 and hingedly connected to a folding panel arrangement 40 that depicts the upper torso and head of a policeman in uniform. A plurality of signaling units 13 including printed signs 50, a flashing light 52, and an audible alarm member 54 are operatively associated with the storage compartment 20 and the folding panel arrangement 40.

Abstract: In an inventive cup luminous apparatus and its control method, the cup luminous apparatus is capable of luminescing in various colors corresponding to the fluid level of beverage put in a cup thus providing the cup with a light effect, detecting a proper consistency, a decay extent and an appropriate temperature of the beverage put into the cup, and then luminescing in mutually different colors based on its detection result, whereby a user may visually recognize a physical state of the beverage. The inventive cup also automatically flickers in case that the cup is slanted and is provided so as to be mounted more easily.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for conveying audiovisual information. The invention utilizes a speaker as a visual medium. A sheet of material is secured to the radiating face of a speaker. A visual image is then displayed on the sheet of material. Different techniques can be utilized to display the visual image on the sheet of material. For example, a video image can be projected on to the sheet of material or the sheet of material can contain a fixed image. While the visual image is being displayed on the radiating face of the speaker, audible information is being broadcast over the speaker.

Abstract: An alarm device 10 incorporates a sounder 11 and a strobe 12. The sounder and the strobe are controlled by a circuit board 17 that is located within a single flameproof housing 13. A pressure unit 23 produces the sound for the device with the sound passing through a sintered disc 24 into an upwardly and outwardly diverging cone 25 from the top of which the sound is reflected outwardly and downwardly within a dome 26. A ramp 27 then assists in reflecting and emitting the sound.

Abstract: An alarm signaling device (10) that is operable to produce an alarm signal in a room when triggered by a fire alarm control panel. The signaling device includes a silencing circuit (24) that can be activated by a person in the room to temporarily extinguish the alarm signal. The silencing circuit includes a timing circuit (30) and a switch (32) consisting of a pair of touch contacts (38, 40) that are activated by body resistance.

Abstract: A fire extinguisher bracket having a beacon for rendering the fire extinguisher conspicuous even in a darkened location. The bracket has structure for engaging the fire extinguisher and structure for mounting the bracket to an environmental surface. The beacon may be audible or visible or both, and may be arranged for constant or intermittent operation. A battery carried by the bracket powers the beacon. A battery charger assures that the battery is always charged. An automatic switch operates the beacon subject to a specified condition, such as detection of motion, thereby assuring likelihood of human presence, and detection of placement of a fire extinguisher within the bracket. Switches may be arranged for selective manual and automatic operation of the beacon. The bracket includes a smoke detector arranged to activate the beacon. A timer controls when the beacon is activated. The bracket has straps for holding safety related articles thereto.

Abstract: A speaker controller for a fire alarm system including a control panel and at least one speaker to broadcast tone and/or voice signals during a fire alarm condition acts between the control panel and the at least one speaker. The speaker controller includes a signal recognizer to monitor tone and/or voice signals conveyed to the speaker. Manually actuable switching means are provided to disable the speaker. A reset circuit is responsive to the signal recognizer and resets the switching means thereby to enable the speaker upon a predetermined signal condition being detected by the signal recognizer.

Abstract: A plurality of lights operated by timers and/or a radio frequency remote control device are used to direct students from one activity to another. The lights are preferably arranged in a housing to resemble a traffic signal, the housing also including electrical circuitry to actuate the lights in response to timers, the remote control device, or noise levels above a selected threshold to communicate with the students. For example, a red light could signal the class to be quiet, a yellow light could indicate it is time to prepare for the next classroom activity, and a green light indicate it is time to move on to the next activity. The invention replaces the tedium of vocally repeating classroom instructions with signaling lights controlled automatically or responsive to the remote control device.

Abstract: A vacuum activated switch for use in or with a drinking container and straw. The switch includes a flexible membrane, a traveling contact which rests on the flexible membrane, and a fixed contact which is mounted on an integrated circuit board. Suction upon the straw creates a partial vacuum, causing the membrane to deflect, thereby carrying with it the traveling contact. This motion will cause the traveling contact to come into electrical contact with the fixed contact, thereby completing a circuit. The integrated circuit board is programmed to initiate an action upon completion of the circuit, such as, preferably, the production of a preselected melody or other sound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a decorative door chime particularly well suited to festive occasions. The chime includes a speaker which is suspended on one side of the door by a strap, and a door-knocker actuated trigger switch suspended on the other side of the door by the strap. The strap encloses the electrical connections between the speaker and the trigger. The sound generator plays songs, tone sequences, recorded voice messages, etc., in response to actuation of the trigger switch.

Abstract: A tactile safety guidance system for hallway and corridor systems for use in low visibility situations by an individual in a prone position, the guidance system having a plurality of first tactile directional symbols in linear spaced apart relationship positioned on the wall of a corridor proximate the floor and identifying the direction in which an individual should proceed in order to reach an emergency exit, a second tactile directional symbol positioned on the floor of an intersecting corridor indicating the direction in which the individual should proceed at the intersecting corridor in order to reach an emergency exit and a third tactile directional symbol positioned on the emergency exit proximate the floor and in vertical alignment with the opening mechanism of the emergency exit identifying to the individual the location of the emergency exit and opening mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic electronic date/mate finder includes a portable case; a screen on the portable case for viewing personal questions about a first person and/or a person that the first person would like to meet; a keypad on the portable case for inputting data corresponding to answers to the personal questions; a random access memory for storing the data input by the keypad; a transceiver in the portable case for transmitting the input data, and for receiving data corresponding to answers to the personal questions about a second person and/or a person that the second person would like to meet, that are transmitted by another automatic electronic date/mate finder; an audible alarm in the portable case; and a central processing unit in the portable case and connected to the alarm, the transceiver, the keypad and the screen, for coding the input data prior to transmission thereof, comparing the transmitted data with the received data, determining a percentage match of the transmitted data with the received data, and

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the automatic advance warning of imminent automatic door closure to passengers of public transportation vehicles. Comprised of a panel mounted above the automatic door, comprising an alarm light, a message display area, and a speaker capable of producing audible alarm warnings as well as audible verbal warning messages, it is capable of warning incoming passengers that automatic door closure is imminent. When a door close signal is received from existing door control circuitry, the apparatus is activated and it produces the audible and visual warning messages. After an appropriate delay period the audible and visual warning devices are deactivated and a door close signal is issued to the existing automatic doors and associated door safety guard circuitry.

Abstract: An automobile steering wheel and turn signal indicator for allowing a driver of an automobile to signal for a turn, includes a handle/hub arrangement adapted to be coupled to a steering column of the automobile, spokes disposed about the handle/hub and horizontally extended outward therefrom to the handle, and left and right turn signal indicators disposed on at least one of the handle, hub and spokes of the steering wheel.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for locatable alarms which increase the awareness of and locatability of objects, even for sight or hearing impaired individuals. The apparatus emits preferably a plurality of intermittent complex multiple frequency encoded noises at ear intensities less than 150 dbA, when measured at 10 cm from the source, which enhance listeners' conscious or subconscious abilities to estimate both the distance to the object from the listeners and at least two relative angles between the listeners and the object. The plurality of intermittent complex multiple frequency encoded noises include noise having at least in part primary frequency less than about 1.1 KHz and noise having primary frequency in the range of from about 4 KHz through about 12 KHz.

Abstract: An apparatus having a housing resembling an identifiable object, an electrical appliance mounted within the housing and interoperative therewith to suggest a theme and a mechanism borne by the housing in operable connection with the appliance for selective operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a decorative door chime particularly well suited to festive occasions. The chime includes a speaker which is suspended on one side of the door by a strap, and a door-knocker actuated trigger switch suspended on the other side of the door by the strap. The strap encloses the electrical connections between the speaker and the trigger. The sound generator plays songs, tone sequences, recorded voice messages, etc., in response to actuation of the trigger switch.

Abstract: A portable audible beacon comprises a housing that encloses a signal generating means and an acoustic transducer. The signal generating means generates an oscillating signal that is periodically interrupted by a zero signal, where the fundamental frequency of the oscillating signal corresponds to a frequency of high auditory sensitivity to the human ear, where the frequency of interruption of the oscillating signal corresponds to a directionally discernible frequency to the human ear, and where the period of duration of each zero signal is less than or about the same as the period of duration of the oscillating signal between each zero signal. The acoustic transducer receives the signal from the signal generating means and converts it into sound. The portable audible beacon of the present invention achieves the combined advantages of power efficiency, auditory sensitivity, and directionality.