Abstract: The signaling device of the present invention, in its preferred embodiment, generally comprises a switch or activator mounted on a facing of a door, a receiver or doorbell mounted within a home or other building, and mechanism for sending a signal from the switch or activator to the receiver or doorbell. The switch or activator of the present invention is preferably made of clear LEXAN or polycarbonate material bent to a generally U-shape and incorporating a pair of brass contacts wired to a receiver. In lieu of being wired to a receiver, there might be a wireless connection between the switch or activator and the receiver. A pet animal can readily actuate the activator or switch by leaning or pressing against the activator or switch to alert someone within the home or other building that it desires to enter the home or building.

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: A removable top for a bottle or other container includes a sound generator that is activated when the top is removed. The sound generator produces an entertaining audio signal that enhances experiences, such as eating experiences, undertaken at the time the bottle is opened. There are alternative ways of constructing the sound generator, such as with electrical switches, light sensors or the like.

Abstract: A page simulating device for simulating a page for a user. The page simulating device includes a housing resembling a pager apparatus and a circuit for producing an audible sound upon actuation of the circuit. The housing has an activation button mounted thereon. The housing includes a display mounted thereon. The display is adapted to display alphanumeric characters. The circuit is actuated by depression of the activation button mounted on the housing. The circuit is to produce the audible sound through a sound producing means.

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: A motion and proximity sensitive system for monitoring spatial relationship between mobile objects comprising two way communication between a Child Unit, affixed to the child, and a Parent Unit, carried by the parent or guardian, is disclosed. When the Child Unit senses motion and determines that it is beyond a set near field proximity to the Parent Unit, the Child Unit communicates alerts to the Parent Unit allowing the parent to trigger an alarm on the Child Unit. A second alarm function selected by the mode switch sounds an alarm automatically in response to motion beyond the set near field proximity according to an adaptive alarm sequence.

Abstract: A selector device which can select a target storage location only with a simple sound without visually confirming displayed contents. The selector device has a memory which can store stored information respectively at a plurality of storage locations. Specifying information for specifying a sound particular to each storage location can be stored in the memory. The storage locations are sequentially specified in an uniform order through manipulations on an UP key and a DOWN key, causing the sounds particular to the respective storage locations to be generated sequentially from a speaker. A storage location, at which a desired sound is generated, is decided through a manipulation on a decision input key.

Abstract: A device and method, which progressively and sequentially increases the volume of the alarm signal upon the initiation of the alarm, is provided. The disclosed device includes a multiple voltage-controlled oscillator, at least two dual-input positive-NAND gates, a shift register and a plurality of transistors and resistors, which are configured to sequentially include the resistors into the alarm circuit. The method includes sequentially and progressively increasing the volume of an initiated audio alarm signal by sequentially including one of the plurality of resistors into the alarm circuit to vary the volume of the alarm signal emanating from an alarm speaker. The resistors are included into the alarm circuit by sequentially switching on the corresponding one of the plurality of transistors. The transistors are switched on in response to outputs received from a shift register, which is shifted in response to an output received from a first NAND gate.

Abstract: A doorbell system having a sound memory for storing and playing a CD quality doorbell sound is disclosed. Said doorbell system includes a receiver unit for receiving an indication of a doorbell button being pressed, a code detector for commanding the sound memory to output stored sound signals and sound producing means for outputting a CD quality sound. Also disclosed is a method for storing a CD quality sound into a doorbell system.

Abstract: A radio burglar alarm system for travel bag includes a transmitter unit and at least one receiver unit, the transmitter unit transmitting one of a set of control signals, each receiver unit including a control switch controlled by the control signal from the transmitter unit to close/open the circuit, a vibration sensor for detecting a vibration of the respective receiver unit, and an alarm circuit controlled by the vibrations sensor to output an alarm signal. The control switch of each receiver unit closes the circuit between the vibration sensor and alarm circuit of the respective receiver unit when receiving no signal from the transmitter unit, enabling the alarm circuit to be triggered by the corresponding vibration sensor when the corresponding vibration sensor detects a vibration of the respective receiver unit. The transmitter unit has an emergency button, which directly drives the alarm circuit of each receiver unit to activate the alarm when depressed.

Abstract: A message output controller (103) which receives continuous pre-recorded advertising messages from a master message playing device and console (101). The system incorporating several controllers (103) and a single console (101) is intended to be installed in a fuel service station, to provide advertising at fuel dispenser pumps. The console (101) plays messages continuously with a tone or the like between each message. The console (101) may include other features such as a public address (PA) system (111 and 113). The controllers (103) each receive the messages, but the messages are not played until a person is proximal, indicated by sensing (141) the nozzle being lifted in the fuel dispenser pump, and the tone or the like indicating a transition between messages being decoded (137). The result is that only complete messages are played at the controller (103).

Abstract: A bag with sound emitting device including a bag portion defined by an open upper end and a closed lower end. The open upper end has a pair of handles extending upwardly therefrom in a spaced relationship on opposing sides of the bag. A pair of metal plates are secured to interior surfaces of the handles. One of the metal plates has a pair of contacts extending outwardly therefrom whereby engagement of the metal plate and the pair of contacts together creates a closed circuit and separation of the metal plate from the pair of contacts creates an open circuit. A sound emitting device is secured within an interior of the bag. The sound emitting device has a wire extending outwardly therefrom and coupling with the metal plate having the pair of contacts. The sound emitting device transmits an audible signal upon the separation of the metal plates.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes an audible alarm indicator, and a controller to generate an alarm indication comprising a plurality of distinguishable sound patterns. The sound patterns overlap in time yet are audibly distinguishable from one another to thereby create an illusion of multiple alarms. Accordingly, a would-be thief may be convinced that multiple vehicle alarms have been triggered and, thus, that more than one vehicle owner may be alerted. The vehicle security system may include at least one vehicle security sensor, and the controller is preferably responsive to the sensor to generate the audible alarm indication. The distinguishable sound patterns may be different from one another. In some other embodiments, at least two of the distinguishable sound patterns are the same sound patterns, but which are out of phase with one another to provide the illusion of multiple alarms. Each of the distinguishable sound patterns preferably includes successive repetitive portions.

Abstract: A door bell for pets has an activating unit and a bell, or buzzer, unit. The activating unit, in a preferred embodiment, includes a base plate with a device for fixing it to the ground and a housing cover forming a major portion of the top surface of the housing. The housing cover is coupled to a floating platform depressible relative to the base plate for effecting operation of a limited range radio transmitter, which transmits a signal to cause operation of the bell unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling ring volume if a telephone by memorizing the ring volume in state where a telephone call is answered responsive to ring tone of the telephone and then, generating the ring tone with the memorized ring volume when a next telephone call occurs.

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: 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 alarm system that includes a number of alarm detecting devices wherein each alarm detecting device includes an alarm condition detecting circuit, a secondary alarm activation circuit, and an audible alarm output circuit including an audio oscillator and a speaker; the audible alarm output circuit being responsive to a detecting circuit control output generated by the alarm condition detecting circuit and to a secondary triggering output signal generated by the secondary alarm activation circuit; the secondary alarm activation circuit including a microphone having a microphone output signal, an amplifier circuit in connection with the microphone output signal and generating an amplified output signal, a filter circuit having a filter input in connection with the amplifier output signal generating a filtered output signal in a first predetermined frequency range; a filter signal integrator having an integrator input in connection with the filtered output signal for integrating the filtered signal output and

Abstract: A motion sensitive theft detector system for portable articles featuring two way communication between the theft detector unit installed in or affixed to the portable article and the control unit carried by the owner. The theft detector communicates alerts to the control unit allowing the user to screen for false alarms and to trigger an alarm at the portable article when warranted. A second alarm function selected by the mode switch sounds an alarm automatically in response to motion according to an adaptive alarm sequence. The adaptive alarm varies the alarm in response to frequency and duration of motion so that isolated movement triggers a warning but persistent motion triggers a full scale alarm.

Abstract: A light-activated, sound-providing device (22) is secured to the upper surface of a mounting board (12) by a film formed of translucent material (26) thereby sealing the sound-providing device (22) therebetween. The sound-providing device (22) is mounted spaced from the longitudinal end of the mounting board (12) which is inserted between the bag (38) and the package (16) so that the sound-providing device (22) is positioned adjacent the top of the bag (38). In a preferred form, the sound-providing device (22) is not activated while in the interior of a closed package (16) but when the package (16) is opened, the sound-providing device (22) is activated providing a sound for prize announcement, attention getting, or a similar function.

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: The present invention provides a decorative door chime particularly well suited to festive occasions. The chime's speaker element is suspended on one side of the door, and a door-knocker actuated trigger switch on the other side of the door, by a strap. The strap encloses the electrical connections between them, hiding and protecting them. A mounting clip is slidably attached to the strap for securing and positioning wreaths and other similar decorations. The sound generator plays songs, tone sequences, recorded voice messages etc. in response to actuation of the trigger switch.

Abstract: A doorbell circuit detects when one of a plurality of doorbell switches is depressed and provides an audible indication of the particular doorbell switch depressed. The doorbell circuit includes a detector circuit which will function properly with the diode, normally connected in parallel across one of the doorbell switches, connected with either polarity. A power supply is developed for the detector circuit from the doorbell transformer by way of the diode connected in parallel across one of the doorbell switches. The detector circuit includes one or more full-wave rectifiers, which provide a positive DC output signal irrespective of the polarity of the diode connected in parallel across the doorbell switch. Each of the doorbell switches is connected to an amplifier, which, in turn, is connected to a comparator.

Abstract: An talking poster is disclosed. A sound module is attached to the back of the poster. The sound module includes a speaker, which is preferably covered by a speaker cover. A portion of the poster is folded over and sealed to the back of the poster, concealing the sound module. A method of making the poster is also disclosed.

Abstract: A standard digital display alarm clock is provided which is driven by a 1.5 volt DC power source. A two-tone alarm device, whose sound level is adjustable from 60 dB to 100 dB, is electrically wired to the clock and sounds when the clock attains a predetermined time. The power for the alarm device is supplied by either a 9 volt DC source contained within the clock or a 12 volt DC automotive cigarette lighter. The clock is provided with an intermittent alert feature which will cause the alarm to sound every four minutes for an indefinite amount of time and requires operator input to deactivate.

Abstract: A portable safety light and audible signal apparatus for placement in proximity to a building exit, to guide one or more fire fighters and emergency personnel to the exit during conditions of intense smoke and heat. The portable safety light and audible signal apparatus has a housing for containing, an audible signal generator capable of generating at least three distinctive audible signals, a strobe light mounted upon the top portion of the housing; an inverted U-shaped handle mounted on opposing sides of the strobe light, at least one switch in electrical communication with the strobe light and the audible signal generator, and a portable power supply located within the housing, in electrical communication with the switch.

Abstract: A consumer product has a main product part, an element for producing an audio message and attached to the main product part, an element for activating the audio message producing element and operable by a consumer, so that when the consumer operates the activating element, the activating element activate the audio message producing element to produce an audio message characterizing the consumer product and the consumer product manufacturer.

Abstract: An automatic audio message delivery device is associated with the operation of an automatic door at a retail establishment. Data communications are provided to update promotional messages to be delivered and to enable the device to centrally report information on message delivery traffic and service requirements of the automatic door.

Abstract: A multi-function beeper device and housing provides a case having a removable cover which allows for a tailoring of visible facial features to change the look and tactile feel of an electronic communications device. Preferably, the device has a body casing with a removable cover face in which is housed a sound driver circuit comprising a masked integrated circuit sound chip and a clock/alarm integrated circuit selectively user operated via external buttons to generate a delayed pager sound, a panic alarm sound, an hourly chime, or a timed alarm clock triggered sound comprising either a pager sound or a panic alarm sound. Furthermore, both the pager sounds and panic alarm sounds can be user set to adjustable threshold audible levels.

Abstract: A circuit for actuating a door chime has a dc power source in series with a resistor and in shunt with a capacitor. A remote push button transmits a radio signal to the circuit, to connect a solenoid in series with the power source and the resistor and in shunt with the capacitor, which causes a relatively large pulse of current from the instantaneous combination of the power source current and the current from the charge of the capacitor to be applied to the solenoid which is arranged to strike a tone bar. The resistor in series with the capacitor has a time constant that charges the capacitor adequately between cycles of the operation of the push button and the resistance of the resistor limits the current flow from the power source.

Abstract: A smoke alarm with high and low pitched tones including a conventional smoke detector adapted to activate upon the detection of smoke associated with fire. A first high tone buzzer is included for emitting a high pitched tone upon activation of the smoke detector. A second low tone buzzer is included for emitting a low pitched tone upon the activation of the smoke detector. The first buzzer and second buzzers are adapted to allow the emitted tone thereof to be adjusted thus affording persons with hearing disabilities warning of the presence of fire.

Abstract: An improved talking poster is disclosed. The present invention involves an improved speaker enclosure for a talking poster. The speaker enclosure includes an inner circle in which the speaker is located. It also includes an outer circle which, in conjunction with the inner circle, forms a chamber providing increased sound volume and quality for the talking poster. An improved method for making a talking poster is also disclosed. The method involves inverse printing the art work on the back of the module cover to protect it from scratching and wear.

Abstract: A doorbell base is made integrally and is provided with two resonators and a hollow housing located between said two resonators. Each of two resonators is provided respectively at two opposite side walls thereof with a locating projection for locating a soft plug of the chime bars. The housing is provided respectively at two opposite sides thereof with a frame hole having at a bottom end thereof an indentation formed integrally with the base. The housing is provided therein with a rectangular hole having two locating clamp bodies with a hooked portion for locating the diminishing neck of a striker. The striker is provided with a coil assembly which is fastened with a fastening piece of power source wires for generating a magnetic repulsion capable of actuating the striker rod of the striker to strike the chime bars to bring about a musical tone.

Abstract: A child alarm device consists of a guardian's transmitter and a child's receiver. The transmitter is held or carried by the guardian. The receiver is mounted inside a backpack worn by the child. If the child wanders out of range of the guardian's transmitter, after a short delay an audible alarm is triggered in the child's backpack automatically. One of the child's alarms can be triggered manually by the guardian. As an optional "Panic Button", the child can also trigger an alarm himself by disconnecting his chest strap. The child's receiver has one Group identification code and recognizes only one channel code. The guardian can control more than one channel within the same group ID code to watch over more than one child. The backpack has anti-tamper features such that an alarm will be triggered if someone tries to tamper with the backpack or molest the child.

Abstract: An automatic evacuation assistance system, for assisting animals or people in existing a structure includes an event detector, such as a smoke detector for providing an event detection signal. The event detection signal is received by an exit control device which is coupled to an exit opening, for allowing the exit opening to open, providing an exit path to the outside of a structure. A sensory attractant transmitter transmits a sensory attractant in the form of a sound, smell, or visual signals to attract the person or animals to the exit path and exit opening.

Abstract: A remote annunciator system in which the emission of an acoustic signal by a first annunciator is detected by an acoustic signal detector which causes a radio frequency transmitter to transmit a radio frequency signal. A radio frequency receiver which receives the signal operates a second annunciator which is remote from the first annunciator, to cause the second annunciator to emit an audible or visual signal. Preferably, the radio frequency signal is encoded and is decoded at the receiver, and if the first annunciator can emit two different accoustic signals, the transmitted signal is encoded dependent upon which acoustic signal is emitted and the receiver decoder causes the second annunciator to emit an audible signal or a visual signal which depends on the transmitted signal encoding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical circuit for use in an alarm system. The circuit and alarm system being in electrical communication with an electrical power source. The alarm system has a detector configured to generate a first signal and a second signal in response to triggering by an individual. The alarm system further has an announcer adapted to produce an IN announcement in response to an IN signal and an OUT announcement in response to an OUT signal. The circuit comprises a first circuit portion which is responsive to the first signal for generating the IN signal to activate the announcer; and a second circuit portion which is responsive to the second signal for generating the OUT signal to activate the announcer.

Abstract: Device for alarming foot weight capable of operating without restricting an individual's movement. The device comprising a power supply, at least one resistive force sensor, signal conditioning means, calibrating means, programming means and alarm generating means. The alarm generating means generates an alarm when the weight applied to the foot force sensor is at, within or above at least one weight limit or weight range.

Abstract: A portable chime system that is operable by a pet to alert the pet owner that the pet desires something such as to be let in or out of a building. The chime system includes a switch unit that may be placed on the ground or floor near a door and which may be activated by a pet applying pressure to the top of the unit. The switch unit is designed to avoid misfiring or nonfiring. The chime system also includes a remote chime unit that can be positioned in a different room or area than the switch unit. When the pet activates the switch unit, the switch unit sends a signal to the chime unit to sound a chime located within the chime unit.

Abstract: A contactless signaling device for operating a horn or bell is disclosed. The signaling device has an electro-magnetic coil which drives an armature. A light source is positioned opposite a light sensor and a shutter portion of the armature moves between the source and the sensor periodically blocking the light flow. The light sensor is in electrical communication with the electro-magnetic coil. A spring connected to the armature moves the shutter portion when current is not supplied to the coil thereby supplying the desired pulsing as the armature striker engages a horn diaphragm or bell gong.

Abstract: An enhanced emergency warning and escape system is taught. The system can advantageously be combined with existing smoke or fir detector technology to share detection technology and activate additional electrical equipment for improving or simplifying the escape or emergency condition. As part of the system, an electrical switch, which is used under normal circumstances for an electrical device (such as a light fixture), is automatically activated when a detection occurs. A remote control device also allows user activated alarm conditions where, preferably, a smoke detector produces an alarm which can be distinguished from a fire alarm.

Abstract: A wireless AC/DC bell which includes a transmitter circuit, which includes a battery power source, an indicator light, a modulation transistor, and an amplifier, and a receiver circuit, which includes a receiving antenna, a demodulator, an amplifier-rectifier circuit, a modulation transistor, a frequency discriminator, a register, and a speaker starter, wherein the transmitter circuit is driven by a bell button to produce a radio ringing signal; the speaker driver of the receiver circuit is driven to drive a speaker when the receiving antenna receives the radio ringing signal from the transmitter circuit and the received radio ringing signal is processed through the demodulator, the amplifier-rectifier circuit, the modulation transistor, the frequency discriminator, and the register.

Abstract: A sound generation device used in a public space generates tone data corresponding to a change in environment such as environmental noise, temperature, brightness, and the like. The sound generation device includes a detector for detecting environmental noise, temperature, brightness, and the like, and forms tone control data on the basis of the detected environment information. Tone parameters to be supplied to a tone generation LSI or a sound effect DSP are controlled according to the tone control data, thereby selecting and controlling a play No. of tone sources, tone color, tone volume, tempo, reverberation, and the like of tones or music tones to be generated.

Abstract: A musical door lock comprises a generally rectangular housing having enclosed therein door lock, an electric door bell and a battery chamber. When a push-button on the outer periphery is pressed to actuate a sound generator inside the housing, the combined electric door bell will release a musical melody or the sound of bird chirps inside the door. A second example provides a frequency regulator instead of a sound generator incorporated with a movable wireless door bell that offers more convenience to the house owners. In addition an anti-burglar device combine with the lock mechanism for releasing a warning signal which may be received by a portable radio receiver. This disclosure is characteristically providing an economical utility of space in a door lock as well as its variety of functions.

Abstract: A talking poster is disclosed. The present invention is a novel method and apparatus for providing a material piece for housing the sound components, that incorporates the poster artwork. The material piece is painted with a portion of the artwork from the poster and lithographed in solid white on the reverse of the material piece. The material piece is then vacuum formed to the desired shape and adhered to the poster at the proper location with the hardware concealed within it.

Abstract: Luggage, having an audio recording and playing device within the luggage, housed in a pouch. The device is removable by the owner so that a message indicating where the owner is in his travels can be recorded on the recorder/player. An external plate includes indicia directing a luggage handler how to play the identifying message.

Abstract: An alarm system incorporates a three-position wall switch which replaces a conventional two position switch, connected in circuit with a conventional exterior light fixture. The conventional light bulb in the exterior fixture is replaced by an adapter to which is connected an alarm unit and which receives the exterior light bulb. The three-position switch operates the light bulb at one half normal intensity in its normal mode and in its alarm position illuminates the bulb at its rated intensity and at the same time activates the alarm unit. The alarm may include a strobe light and horn for providing a visual and audible alarm. The alarm unit fits within the exterior light fixture and may include an auxiliary switch to allow it to be enabled or disabled as desired, while allowing the light bulb to provide two levels of brightness.

Abstract: This pet sounding device contains all insulating major components so as to be non-conductive upon use or pet contact. The device has two attached rectangular plates connected on only one end. In between these plates is sandwiched a wireless transmitter that can be activated upon contact by the pet with one of the plate components. The transmitter is in wireless contact with a sound receiver which will emit a sound, chimes or voice upon being activated by the transmitter.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for actuating or sensing strains in a substrate which includes at least one actuator/sensor element which has transverse and longitudinal axes. The actuator/sensor element is attached to the substrate in such a manner that the stiffness of the actuator/sensor element differs in the transverse and longitudinal axes. In this manner, it is possible to sense or actuate strains in the substrate in a desired direction, regardless of the passive stiffness properties of the substrate, actuator element or sensor element. An isotropic actuator/sensor element attached to a substrate in this manner can then operate in an anisotropic way. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator/sensor element is bonded to the substrate at an area of attachment occupying only the central third of the actuator/sensor element in its longitudinal axes. The actuator/sensor element may be a piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, thermally actuated lamina (including bi-metallic) or shape memory alloy element.