Abstract: An emergency signaling system with integrated load management functionality is provided wherein the load management circuitry is alternatively operable in programming and operating modes. The system includes a keypad, control head, control unit and a plurality of signaling features selectively activated by the control unit in the operating mode. The load management circuitry automatically sheds loads from the signaling system in response to an indication from the electrical system powering the signaling system that an energy drain is occurring at the energy source that will cause disruption to other more important systems—e.g., the ignition system in a vehicle.

Abstract: A personal alarm system for efficiently alerting individuals nearby that the user is possibly in danger. The personal alarm system includes a power source, a switch unit, and a speaker electronically connected to a control unit and positioned within an apparel member. A pin member is removably positioned within a receptacle of the switch unit with a cord member attached to the pin member. The cord member extends through an aperture within the apparel member for providing access thereto external of the apparel member. In the event of a perceived emergency, the wearer of the apparel member pulls upon the cord member thereby removing the pin member from the switch unit thereby causing the speaker to emit an audible warning sound.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes at least one security sensor and a security controller switchable between armed and disarmed modes. The vehicle includes a horn being electrically operable, a horn switch permitting selective occasional operation of the horn by a user, at least one light being electrically operable, and a light switch permitting selective occasional operation of the light by the user. The security controller also operates the light in a second pattern when switching between modes and the siren is sounded to supplement the light flashing.

Abstract: When a dividing ratio data is written in a counter/timer register 530, a counter/timer circuit 534 divides a frequency of an oscillation signal of the oscillator 532 as much as the dividing ratio data. When an output enabling data is written in the port B register 536, a variable gain control signal is output from an envelope producing circuit 538. A variable gain control circuit 540 changes amplitude of a dividing signal as much as the value responsive to a voltage of the variable gain control signal. When an output disabling data is written in the port B register 536, the variable gain control signal is not output from the envelope producing circuit 538. The variable gain control circuit 540 stops the amplitude control of the dividing signal.

Abstract: In a signal generation circuit for a compound acoustic actuator that generates a sound and a vibration in response to a frequency of a signal input to the compound acoustic actuator, the signal generation circuit comprising a plurality of signal data stored in a memory to generate a plurality of signals having mutually different frequencies, the plurality of signals at least including a signal, a frequency of which is equal to a resonant frequency causing the compound acoustic actuator to generate the vibration, a synthesizing means to synthesize a plurality of drive signals in accordance with the plurality of signal data so as to cause the compound acoustic actuator to generate the vibration, and a sweeping means to sweep the plurality of drive signals, repeatedly.

Abstract: An electronic siren emulates the sound of a mechanical siren using a dynamic algorithm and look up tables to generate a series of wave sets, each wave set including one fixed frequency wave and one variable frequency wave. A micro controller stores the algorithm and look up tables and executes the algorithm on command to produce a digital output emulating the mechanical siren. The digital output is converted to an analog signal that is applied to a class D amplifier. A switching power supply provides 70 VDC to the output stage of the amplifier. This arrangement produces 126 dB of sound pressure at a distance of 10 feet from the reverse folded horn speaker. The electronic siren generates little heat and requires only 10 amps of current from the vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transducer driving circuit has a main oscillator stage, a buffer circuit, and a voltage-doubling circuit. The main oscillator stage includes a frequency-swept signal generator that can be configured to provide different outputs to the buffers, which in turn provide the output to the voltage-doubling circuit, which supplies the piezoelectric transducer, causing it to mechanically deform and produce audible sounds of different types.

Abstract: A programmable electronic circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes a CPU, signal-generating circuitry, and RC circuitry having at least two capacitors, such that when both of the capacitors are switched into the RC circuitry by the CPU, a signal is produced from an output of the signal-generating circuitry that is longer in duration than when one of the capacitors is switched into the RC circuitry.

Abstract: An applause device includes a sound generator capable of generating at least one applause sound. The sound generator preferably can generate at least one sound which can indicate approval or disapproval, such as clapping, hollering, whistling, booing, and hissing. A switch permits the user to select between each of the sounds. The device also preferably comprises illumination structure so as to illuminate at least a portion of the sound generation device. In a preferred embodiment, the applause device is shaped substantially, at least in part, in the shape of an open hand. A method for generating applause sounds is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ride-on vehicle for children comprising a body with a seat, a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the body, a steering mechanism operable by a child seated on the seat, and a frame forming a portion of the body. The frame includes a plurality of interconnected frame members, with at least one of the frame members comprising an audio-visual device configured to emit at least one of a light and a sound upon the occurrence of a triggering event. The audio-visual device has opposing end regions that are connected to other frame members such that the audio-visual device forms a portion of the frame and maintains other frame members in a spaced-apart relationship. In some embodiments, the frame at least partially defines a riding space, and the audio-visual device is configured to be activated by a child seated within the riding space.

Abstract: This Invention concerns a device used by an official at a sports event, to produce a whistle like sound, that is hand activated, fitting into the palm of the hand. When activated by that hand, the sound is emitted in all directions, into the surrounding area.

Abstract: A receiver in a communication system is coupled to a transmission channel for receiving communication signals transmitted over a transmission channel. The receiver includes signal receiving electronics for receiving communication signals directed to the receiver. The receiver also includes a controller, responsive to the receipt of a communication signal by the signal receiving electronics, to provide an enunciator enable signal, and a clock signal generator for generating a clock signal. The receiver further includes an enunciator coupled to the clock signal generator, for producing an electronic sound signal. The enunciator includes a volume control module for receiving a first periodic signal and providing a volume control signal. The enunciator also includes a divider for receiving the clock signal and providing a corresponding output signal having a frequency corresponding to the frequency of the clock signal frequency divided by a divider value.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a siren for sounding a siren security alarm to supplement a horn security alarm responsive to operation of the horn in a predetermined pattern, such as by a security controller. The siren may not sound the siren security alarm responsive to selective occasional operation of the horn, such as by the user. The vehicle may include a horn being electrically operable, and a horn switch permitting selective occasional operation of the horn by a user. The vehicle security system may also include the security controller for operation of the horn in the predetermined pattern to sound the horn security alarm responsive to at least one security sensor, such as for a vehicle security breach. The vehicle security system can be readily installed, or the siren can be readily interfaced to an existing security system, for example.

Abstract: An electronic siren emulates the sound of a mechanical siren using a dynamic algorithm and look up tables to generate a series of wave sets, each wave set including one fixed frequency wave and one variable frequency wave. A micro controller stores the algorithm and look up tables and executes the algorithm on command to produce a digital output emulating the mechanical siren. The digital output is converted to an analog signal that is applied to a class D amplifier. A switching power supply provides 70 VDC to the output stage of the amplifier. This arrangement produces 126 dB of sound pressure at a distance of 10 feet from the reverse folded horn speaker. The electronic siren generates little heat and requires only 10 amps of current from the vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: A circuit for automatically driving a mechanical device at its resonance frequency is provided. To do so, the circuit detects non-resonance driving conditions of the mechanical device being coupled to and driven by such circuit. Based on such detection, the circuit generates a signal to drive the device at its resonance frequency.

Abstract: An alarm system for signaling when the toilet seat of a toilet is left in an upright position in relation to a rim of the toilet bowl. The alarm system for a toilet seat includes a housing for mounting the alarm system to the toilet bowl. A sensor is provided for detecting when the toilet seat in the upright position in relation to the rim of the toilet. The sensor is mounted in the housing. Control circuitry is provided for controlling the alarm system. The control circuitry is mounted in the housing. A power supply is provided for providing power to the control circuitry. The power supply is removably mounted in the housing. A sound emitter is provided for audibly signaling that the toilet seat has been left in the upright position. The sound emitter is mounted in the housing.

Abstract: When a dividing ratio data is written in a counter/timer register 530, a counter/timer circuit 534 divides a frequency of an oscillation signal of the oscillator 532 as much as the dividing ratio data. When an output enabling data is written in the port B register 536, a variable gain control signal is output from an envelope producing circuit 538. A variable gain control circuit 540 changes amplitude of a dividing signal as much as the value responsive to a voltage of the variable gain control signal. When an output disabling data is written in the port B register 536, the variable gain control signal is not output from the envelope producing circuit 538. The variable gain control circuit 540 stops the amplitude control of the dividing signal.