Abstract: A combination alarm and lighting system for being installed in a home so that when a person steps upon a door mat outside of the door home it closes an electrical circuit to a door bell and an electric lamp; the system accordingly including electrical circuit that includes in addition to the bell and lamp also a novel electrical switch contained within the interior of the door-mat.

Abstract: Alarm apparatus for providing a distinctive indication of an alarm condition and comprising a visual alarm device such as a signal lamp and also an aural indication device comprising either a bell or buzzer. In response to an alarm input, an astable multivibrator is operated to a condition where it alternately provides respectively opposite outputs at its two output terminals. In response thereto, the lamp is intermittently energized to provide a flashing signal output, and the buzzer or bell is energized to provide a distinctive alarm signal. An acknowledge push button is also provided which, when actuated in response to an alarm indication, operates the astable multivibrator to a further condition in which both outputs of the multivibrator assume the same output condition, and in response to this the lamp becomes steadily energized and the bell or buzzer becomes deenergized.

Abstract: A remote touch-pad control panel for a domestic appliance coordinated with a sound system for selecting domestic appliance functions whereby a different sound is audible for each function pad touched by the operator. The touch control panel has an imporforate flexible plastic skin coextensive therewith having indicia pads with the skin superimposed on a rigid outer insulating sheet having a plurality of spaced apart apertures arranged in a preselected pattern therein. The flexible skin pads have contacts on their inner surface paired with fixed contacts on an inner rigid sheet spaced by an intermediate frame from the outer sheet whereby a deflecting touch control force through the flexible plastic skin pad establishes electrical connection between the paired contacts to operate the appliance function selected and energize the sound associated therewith.

Abstract: An emergency alarm and evacuation system for directing persons to an emergency exit. The system includes an alarm, a plurality of indicator units arranged in a line toward the emergency exit, and an operating unit coupled to the alarm and being operable in response to an output signal from the alarm to successively energize the indicator units in the direction of the exit. The indicator units each have a light and a buzzer so as to generate both an audible and visual indication at a common point whereby persons may be guided by the sounds, the visual indications, or both, depending upon the smoke or noise conditions.

Abstract: A doorbell system for a residence comprising a first push button switch for actuating a bell when the resident is expecting callers. When the resident is not expecting callers, a light illuminates a message to inform the caller that the resident does not wish to be disturbed unless there is an emergency. In this event, the caller is to push a second push button switch located near the message for actuating the bell. A control switch controls actuation of the two push button switches and the light.

Abstract: An electrical warning and switching system employs an assembly, provided with an electromagnetic assembly, a plurality of connector terminals, plurality of diode means and a plurality of electrical connectors or terminals for connection within an overall system. Means are employed sensitive to various parameters to be sensed and additional means effective to convey a waring signal or a control function in the event of the occurrence of a predetermined condition within such various parameters.

Abstract: A fault detection and signaling system is responsive to a fault detection to generate a first type of warning signal indicative of fault detection and includes means operable to indicate that a fault is "acknowledged" and for causing the generation of a second type of warning signal if the fault still exists and to cause ceasing of generation of the first type of warning signal if the fault no longer exists. Further provided is means responsive to fault detection by another fault detection and signaling system for causing generation of a third type of warning signal when a fault is indicated by the present system subsequent to a fault detection by another system.