Abstract: A self-contained alarm unit contained withing a housing may be attached to a container lid or door to provide a signal when the lid or door is opened. A magnet within the housing rests on a sloped track and moves to activate the alarm signal by causing a switch to close.

Abstract: An earthquake-alarm device has a housing, an upper metal plate, a lower metal plate, a contacting device, an alarm and a power supply. The lower metal plate is attached to the housing below the upper metal plate. The contacting device is arranged between the upper metal plate and the lower metal plate to electrically communicate the upper metal plate and the lower metal plate when an earthquake occurs. The contacting device has a metal rod pivotally attached to the upper metal plate and a conic weight screwed with the metal rod. The alarm is electrically connected to the upper metal plate and the lower metal plate. The power supply is electrically connected to the alarm to provide an electric power to the alarm. Accordingly, the alarm will sound as earthquake occurs. In addition, the alarming device is adjustable to adapt for different magnitudes of earthquake.

Abstract: A system and method for warning of a tip over condition in a motor vehicle, such as a tractor trailer, that is carrying a cargo load. The system includes at least one left side sensor for sensing a proportion of the cargo load carried on the left side of the motor vehicle's cargo section. Similarly, at least one right side sensor is provided for sensing a proportion of the cargo load carried on the right side of the motor vehicle's cargo section. A microprocessor is coupled to both the left side sensors and the right side sensors. The microprocessor calculates a ratio of the cargo load borne by the left side of the motor vehicle and the right side of the motor vehicle. An alarm is provided that is coupled to the microprocessor. The microprocessor sounds an alarm when the calculated ratio exceeds a predetermined threshold value, thus indicating a potential tip over condition.

Abstract: A sensor for use in an interactive electronic device. The sensor comprises a base member having at least one recess formed therein which is partially defined by a peripheral wall thereof. Disposed within the peripheral wall of the base member is at least one switch. Also disposed within the recess is a trigger ball which is freely movable about the peripheral wall of the base member. The sensor is operative to generate at least two different states corresponding to respective positions of the sensor relative to a reference plane. The movement of the sensor relative to the reference plane facilitates the movement of the trigger ball within the recess, with one state being generated when the trigger ball is in contact with the switch and another state being generated when the trigger ball is not in contact with the switch.

Abstract: A method and system for recording acceleration and body position data from elderly or disabled persons. The fall monitoring system includes signal feature extraction and interpretive methods for characterizing accelerations and body positions during fall events. The system can detect health and life threatening fall events in elderly persons, and can autonomously notify nursing personnel or family members that the person is in need of immediate assistance.

Abstract: A sensor system is provided for use in detecting movement of an item, e.g. a picture 16, suspended from a wall or other substantially vertical structure, or for detecting movement of an item displayed or stored on a horizontal or inclined surface, the sensor system including a piezoceramic element (22) which is mounted on a metallic disc (23) which, in use, is located between the item (16) and the structure or surface, and means for detecting the generation of an output by the piezoceramic element (22) as a result of deflection of the disc (23) in either of two opposite directions as a result of movement of the item (16).

Abstract: The chamber (3) of the sensor (1) comprises a first and a second passage (16, 17) that communicate with the outside; a source of visible light (11) outside the chamber, through the first of the said passages (16), illuminates the interior of the chamber (3) and the spherical body (7) arranged inside it; an element sensitive to the quantity of light (9) outside the chamber to receive, through the second of the said passages (17), the light reflected from inside the chamber and electronic circuit that analyzes the electric signals correlated with the quantity of light seen by the said light-sensitive element (9) to generate at least one pulse that activates a movement control system of the means in which the sensor (1) is installed and an alarm system.

Abstract: The chair tilt alarm 10 comprises a power supply 12 in electrical communication with an on-off switch 14, a tilt sensor 16, and an warning device 18. The warning device 18 will be activated when the chair 20 is tilted beyond a predetermined angular position 22. As the chair returns toward its righted position, the alarm will deactivate. The chair tilt alarm 10 can be shut off manually or remotely. The chair tilt alarm (10) is also equipped with data storage and transmission modules for reporting of chair tilting at a base station. The chair tilt alarm (10) is also equipped with a counter-balance system to correct the chair to an acceptable position.

Abstract: A movement sensor has a spherical body freely movable within a chamber. Radiation is passed through the chamber from at least two different sources. Detectors opposite the radiation sources produce signals responsive to the amount of detected radiation which is dependent on the position of the spherical body relative to the chamber.

Abstract: Probe for attaching at certain times to the tool spindle of a machine tool, which probe emits by means of a stylus (5) a measuring signal which is transmitted via a transmission channel (8) to a receiving and evaluating device (9) of the machine tool. For power-saving purposes, the transmission channel (8) is kept in the functioning state, by means of an activation system contained in the probe, only during the actual measuring operation. The activation system comprises a switching device (15) and an electronic assembly (13), which is characterized in that, from when it reaches its switching position, a control check is carried out with respect to continuance of the switching position and the activation or deactivation of the transmission channel (8) is only triggered when the switching position continues uninterruptedly for the duration of a certain interrogation time.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for detecting a rotational movement of a body. An advantageous embodiment of the invention is capable of detecting a rotational movement of the body of a child. The invention can provide a care giver information concerning the position of the body of a child in the care giver's care. The invention is especially useful in warning when a child moves from a position of lying on its back to a position of lying on its stomach. The invention comprises at least two tilt switches capable of detecting when the apparatus of the invention has been rotated by a preselected inclination angle of approximately one hundred eighty degrees. The invention also comprises a controller that is capable of receiving a signal from the tilt switches and generating an alarm signal. The apparatus also comprises an alarm signaling device that is capable of sending the alarm signal to alert a care giver that a child has rolled over onto his or her stomach.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for detecting impending earthquakes includes at least one sensor, and preferably multiple sensors, for mounting on a building or other like structure, and include a transducer for converting vibration signals to electronic impulses. The signals are transmitted to a solid state detection circuit, which distinguishes between extraneous signals and signals indicative of the P-waves which signal an impending earthquake. Discrimination between relevant and non-relevant may be achieved by selecting a minimum amplitude and duration of signals within a selected frequency range, and triggering an alarm when the selected minimums are exceeded. Where multiple sensors are deployed, temporal overlap between selected signals can be assessed for further discrimination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heavy goods vehicle, specially for the transportation of slag, comprising a loading platform for vessels containing slag, fitted with a gripper device for receiving and moving a standardized load-bearing implement which can be actuated by a hydraulic cylinder (11) and an anti-tilt device (15) for the vehicle which operates during movement of said load-bearing implement. The vehicle is also fitted with at least one hydraulic cylinder (11) with switches. Upon a given stroke of the piston, at least one switch engages a device detecting hydraulic pressure inside the cylinder on one or both sides of the piston. The pressure detection device triggers a security device, e.g. a display for the driver or an operation blocking device.

Abstract: A flood light lamp removal alarm for security lights mounted on or near a home, wherein the lights are designed to turn on automatically if a motion detector is triggered and the ambient light level is low, detects if any of the flood light lamps and sockets are moved out of position, either prior to a burglary or during the attempt to disable the flood light assembly.

Abstract: An earthquake alarm device mainly includes a housing, vertical vibration detecting system, a horizontal vibration system, a battery and an alarm set. There is a spring with a specific spring coefficient k and the spring is connected to a weight. Once the earthquake happens, it will activate one of both of the vertical and the horizontal vibration detecting system so that a warning voice or voices are created. It can be activated by other magnetic or electrical method. In addition, the sensitivity of the vertical and/or the horizontal vibration detecting can be adjusted. After the earthquake is gone, it will return to its original state automatically. It will not be affected by the location. So, it is very convenient and precise in use.

Abstract: An alarm system for sending distress information over a communication link includes a sensor to be worn by a user. Distress information is transmitted from the sensor when the user is in a predetermined position indicative of an emergency, when the user moves outside of a predetermined safety area, when the power supply supplying power to the sensor is low, when the user voluntarily activates the sensor, and when the user is not wearing the sensor. In response to the distress information, audio and/or video communication between the user and personnel monitoring the user at a remote central office is provided in response to the distress information.

Abstract: The chair tilt alarm 10 comprises a power supply 12 in electrical communication with an on-off switch 14, a tilt sensor 16, and an warning device 18. The warning device 18 will be activated when the chair 20 is tilted beyond a predetermined angular position 22. As the chair returns toward its righted position, the alarm will deactivate. The chair tilt alarm 10 can be shut off manually or remotely. The chair tilt alarm (10) is also equipped with data storage and transmission modules for reporting of chair tilting at a base station. The chair tilt alarm (10) is also equipped with a counter-balance system to correct the chair to an acceptable position.

Abstract: An earthquake alarm device mainly includes a housing, vertical vibration detecting system, a horizontal vibration system, a battery and an alarm set. There is a spring with a specific spring coefficient k and the spring is connected to a weight. Once the earthquake happens, it will activate one of both of the vertical and the horizontal vibration detecting system so that a warning voice or voices are created. It can be activated by other magnetic or electrical method. In addition, the sensitivity of the vertical and/or the horizontal vibration detecting can be adjusted. After the earthquake is gone, it will return to its original state automatically. It will not be affected by the location. So, it is very convenient and precise in use.

Abstract: A warning light device attachable to, or as a permanent part of, a front door of an automatic dishwasher or oven, the front door being openable to a generally horizontal very low position above the floor. In one embodiment, the device includes a housing attachable to a surface of the front door. A warning light mounted on the housing receives electric power from a miniature storage battery mounted within the housing. An angle-sensitive switch mounted in the housing is operably interconnected between the warning light and the storage battery. The switch is open and the warning light off when the front door is closed, while the switch is closed and the warning light on when the front door is open. The warning light, when on, is sufficiently visible to warn or alert a person nearby the dishwasher that the front door is open and to be avoided. This invention may also be embodied in such appliances at time of manufacture.

Abstract: An alarm system for sending distress information over a communication link includes a sensor to be worn by a user. Distress information is transmitted from the sensor when the user is in a predetermined position indicative of an emergency, when the user moves outside of a predetermined safety area, when the power supply supplying power to the sensor is low, when the user voluntarily activates the sensor, and when the user is not wearing the sensor. In response to the distress information, audio and/or video communication between the user and personnel monitoring the user at a remote central office is provided in response to the distress information.

Abstract: A rollover sensor for a vehicle continuously determines the inclination of a vehicle in at least one axis. In order to cancel drift deviations in the sensor, the inclination is average in the at least one axis, continuously along a defined route. The formed average value is assumed as the zero position. Inclination of the vehicle due to inclination of the road surface is compensated based on variations in ambient air pressure indicative of changes in altitude.

Abstract: A processor-based system may be utilized to analyze signals from at least two supports supporting a device, such as a motor vehicle, to provide an indication when a weight change is such that tipping or rollover of the device or vehicle is of concern. In this way, an early warning may be provided when a condition arises which may cause a dangerous event to occur. The processor-based system may provide a variety of indications of tipping levels, a variety of different types of warnings and information about how to overcome the potential tipping.

Abstract: A Pole Alarm System including an electromagnetic field sensor and collision sensors for detecting overhead power lines and physical obstructions within the intended path of a telescoping mast or utility boom device is disclosed. The present alarm system includes a mast-mounted housing containing the sensors and a microprocessor-based control unit which interprets the output signals of the sensors and provides both audible and control feedback to a safety control module in the vehicle to alert the operator of impending contact and to automatically stop the movement of the mast. The alarm housing also features a light source which provides illumination in the direction of movement of the mast to assist in positioning thereof. The light source also functions as a heating element to prevent the accumulation of ice on the housing which would detrimentally affect the performance of the system.

Abstract: A method and system for recording acceleration and body position data from elderly or disabled persons. The fall monitoring system includes signal feature extraction and interpretive methods for characterizing accelerations and body positions during fall events. The system can detect health and life threatening fall events in elderly persons, and can autonomously notify nursing personnel or family members that the person is in need of immediate assistance.

Abstract: A low clearance alarm bumper apparatus (10) includes a bumper (12) that can be suspended adjacent a doorway and below the level of the header for activating an alarm circuit (16) upon being tilted in response to an impact, such as when a forklift carrying a tall load approaches the doorway. Upon impact, the preferred bumper (12) activates a pair of lamps (36, 38) and a speaker (40) to produce an audible alarm to warn the forklift driver that the load is too tall to clear the doorway header.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a voice device for a fire extinguisher. The voice device is installed on a fire extinguisher. The voice device comprises a power source, a control switch, a spring rocking switch, a capacitor, a voice IC, and a sound device. The spring rocking switch is connected to the power source. The voice IC is driven to output a specific signal when the spring rocking switch is on and electricity is conducted. The voice amplifying circuit receives the signal from the voice IC and outputs an amplified signal to the sound device for giving specific voices recorded in the voice IC. When the fire extinguisher is rocked, the voice device will automatically tell the user how to operate the fire extinguisher.

Abstract: An educational toy (10) having a dodecahedron shape is formed with a different visual display on each planar face (17-28). A position sensing mechanism (50) is oriented inside the toy (10) to inform a microprocessor (62) which one of the planar faces (17-28) is in the “up” position. As the toy (10) is turned or moved a signal is generated to “power on” and a musical tune is played. When one of the planar faces (17-28) is stopped in the “up” position, the position sensing mechanism (50) informs the microprocessor (62) and an aural response corresponding to the visual display is transmitted through a speaker (44). If the toy (10) is left alone for a specified period of time, a warning tune is transmitted. If the toy (10) is still not moved thereafter, the toy (10) will automatically “power off”.

Abstract: This system for monitoring and assisting isolated persons comprises: a unit (15) decentralized at the desired location for monitoring and assisting the said persons, equipped with a receiver and intended to transmit an alarm signal, in particular by way of the switched telephone network (16), to one or more defined locations (17), in particular a monitoring centre, an emergency centre, neighbours or family; and a portable unit (1) intended to be carried by the said persons, incorporating an emitter which is intended to emit one or more signals in the direction of the decentralized unit (15), the said signals being intended to initiate the transmission of the alarm signal from the decentralized unit in the direction of the said defined locations, and additionally incorporating means (2, 3, 4) for detecting that the person carrying the device has fallen, these means being able to initiate the emission, by the emitter incorporated therein, of the said signals which are intended in turn to initiate the transmissi

Abstract: A drive line vibration sensor includes a mercury switch, a controller, and a warning device. The mercury switch is preferably positioned such that it is minimally affected by radial acceleration yet remains sensitive to longitudinal accelerations along the longitudinal axis of a drive line. To minimize the affect of radial acceleration, the mercury switch is attached to the drive line such that the mercury switch is tilted relative to the longitudinal axis such that the radial acceleration of the drive line does not activate the mercury switch. If the mercury switch experiences a predetermined acceleration, the controller identifies that the mercury switch is activated and the controller then awakes and activates a transmitter, such as a radio frequency (RF) transmitter to send a signal to a remote warning device such as a warning light.

Abstract: A motion sensor having an electrically-conductive ball and at least a second ball to damp the motion of the electrically-conductive ball. Both balls are confined within a housing. A plurality of electrical contact elements are disposed within the housing. During movement, the electrically-conductive ball successively forms electrical connection with the electrical contact elements within the housing. The motion sensor also includes detection circuitry in electrical connection with the electrical contact elements to detect if the electrically-conducting ball is moving.

Abstract: According to the invention, a latch 17 provided at a distal end of a lever 16 is urged to engage with a gear 13 fixed at a joint fulcrum 2 jointing a vertical arm 1 and a horizontal arm 3, for effecting angular displacement, thereby actuating a switch 20a,20b for a detecting mechanism. Because the mechanism is compact, it is easily applicable to existing balancing stands in which for example a parallel linkage mechanism formed with a combination of a plurality of vertical arms and horizontal arms is supported at a predetermined fulcrum.

Abstract: A low clearance alarm bumper apparatus (10) includes a bumper (12) that can be suspended adjacent a doorway and below the level of the header for activating an alarm circuit (16) upon being tilted in response to an impact, such as when a forklift carrying a tall load approaches the doorway. Upon impact, the preferred bumper (12) activates a pair of lamps (36, 38) and a speaker (40 to produce an audible alarm to warn the forklift driver that the load is too tall to clear the doorway header.

Abstract: An alarm system for sending distress information over a communication link includes a sensor to be worn by a user. Distress information is transmitted from the sensor when the user is in a predetermined position indicative of an emergency, when the user moves outside of a predetermined safety area, when the power supply supplying power to the sensor is low, when the user voluntarily activates the sensor, and when the user is not wearing the sensor. In response to the distress information, audio and/or video communication between the user and personnel monitoring the user at a remote central office is provided in response to the distress information.

Abstract: A device for assisting relocation of a handicapped individual, which device has a frame that is disposed between an individual and a surface underlying the individual to assist movement of the individual across the underlying surface. The frame has a first orientation in which the frame resides with the frame being used by the individual to engage the underlying surface and assist movement of the individual across the underlying surface. The device further includes an alarm system for causing a detectable signal to be produced as an incident of the frame being repositioned from the first orientation into a second orientation.

Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring a person's physical activity includes at least one accelerometer capable of measuring both the magnitude and direction of an acceleration. The acceleration data is processed to determine motion/position status and to decide whether there is a likelihood that the person has fallen, and if so, the likely direction that the person has fallen. Based on this data, the likely severity of the fall is calculated. If the severity of the fall is outside an acceptable limit, an alert state is reached upon which a signal is communicated to a remote monitoring unit. Likewise, various physiological conditions may be measured to determine the existence of any anomalous vital signs that would trigger an alarm state. If so, the remote monitoring unit will sound or otherwise communicate an alarm to a person associated with the remote monitoring unit.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus determine the frequency or the period of the natural characteristic oscillation of a vehicle, and therefrom determine the mass of the vehicle and provide a warning if a dangerous oscillation condition exists which could lead to a tipping or rollover of the vehicle. The evaluation is carried out while the vehicle is driving. The apparatus includes a sensor such as a rotation rate sensor, a timer, an evaluating unit, and a warning unit. The method involves measuring the time interval between two characteristic features of the oscillation measured by the sensor, such as zero crossings, minimum points or maximum points of the angular velocity of the oscillation, and then calculating the period and/or the frequency of the oscillation from the measured time interval. Then the moment of inertia and/or the mass of the vehicle can be determined from the period or frequency.

Abstract: A sleep alert apparatus adapted to be worn upon the head of the operator of a transportation vehicle includes a baseball-type cap, a flexible pouch attached to the exterior surface of a side portion of the cap, and having an upwardly directed entrance opening, and a tilt monitoring device removably insertable into the pouch. The tilt monitoring device includes a housing confining a gravity activated switch, a noise generator, and a battery power source.

Abstract: A tilt compensation method, circuit and apparatus utilizes a two axis tilt sensor or two single axis tilt sensors for alerting, a user and/or compensating a surveying instrument for off vertical alignment above a reference point when the instrument support is free to move about the reference point, e.g., when mounted on a monopod support. The sensor comprises a cell having a central electrode and four peripheral electrodes spaced 90 degrees apart around the central electrode. Fluid in the cell chamber changes the conductance of the electrodes with reference to the central electrode. The cell is mounted to the support or to the instrument itself. A microprocessor preferably provides a square wave drive signal selectively to alternate pairs of the opposing electrodes through tristate buffers while at the same time the microprocessor provides a channel select signal to the gate of the tristate buffers to float the idle electrodes.

Abstract: A Pole Alarm System including an electromagnetic field sensor and collision sensors for detecting overhead power lines and physical obstructions within the intended path of a telescoping mast or utility boom device is disclosed. The present alarm system includes a mast-mounted housing containing the sensors and a microprocessor-based control unit which interprets the output signals of the sensors and provides both audible and. control feedback to a safety control module in the vehicle to alert the operator of impending contact and to automatically stop the movement of the mast. The alarm housing also features a light source which provides illumination in the direction of movement of the mast to assist in positioning thereof. The light source also functions as a heating element to prevent the accumulation of ice on the housing which would detrimentally affect the performance of the system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a programmable alarm system designed for an airtight container such as a cooler or the like. More specifically, the alarm system includes embedded motion and tilt responsive devices that are actuated upon movement of the container or opening of the container cover. The alarm computer and associated motion and tilt responsive devices are embedded within the (container to prevent potential deactivation of the alarm by unauthorized parties as well as to preserve the sealed integrity of the container.

Abstract: A patient position monitor is disclosed. The patient position monitor includes an inclinometer and a microprocessor connected to the output of the inclinometer. The inclinometer is a body axis orientation sensor having a light impermeable capsule including a cylindrical body. The longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body is parallel to the patient's body axis. The cylindrical body includes a first end portion having a circuit board with a radial array of sequentially illuminated LEDs. A light sensor is mounted on a second end portion of the cylindrical body. A light impermeable sphere disposed in the capsule between the array of LEDs and the light sensor is sized to block light emitted from a portion of the LEDs. The detection of light from the unblocked LEDs is indicative of the position of the sphere and of the orientation of the patient's body axis relative to gravity.

Abstract: An alarm device is provided in a car. A criminal act such as braking of a window of the car is detected and a criminal act signal is produced. In accordance with the criminal act signal, the alarm device is operated. When an ignition switch of the car is operated by an ignition key within a first predetermined time after opening of a door of the car, the production of the criminal act signal is stopped.

Abstract: An improved safety related compact hand-portable apparatus for home or office use, EQ-Alert.TM. is ceiling or shelf mountable, activating upon sensing a minimum-threshold earthquake preferably of about 3.25/Rictor-scale intensity, instantly emitting a series of approximate 110-decibel level siren-alarms; preferably along with activation of a safety-lamp to illuminate an immediate floor-area in event of community power-outage. A preferably dry-cell powered dc/electronic IC-chip timer-circuit, limits duration of the audible-alarm, triggered by sufficient movement of an internal omni-directional mercury n.o./jiggle-switch. Upon completion of the timed audible-alarm and optional voice-chip announcement, the timer-circuit sequences a conventional integral superheterodyne-AM/radio user has preset to a local Conelrad/news-station, for ongoing notification of any earthquake rescue procedures.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus and method for an electronic equipment security and recovery system in which the disconnection of electrical power and subsequent movement of the equipment automatically renders the equipment inoperative. Upon obtaining the equipment from the manufacturer, and connecting it to a source of power, the owner inputs a security code into a microprocessor incorporated in the equipment, and enrolls in a security system maintained by a database provider, giving at that time the serial number designation of the equipment, the security code, and appropriate owner identification information. If the equipment were to be stolen--or simply sold or given away--, the removal of the equipment from the power source is sensed, and the equipment rendered inoperative. If the security code is not re-inputted, the then possessor of the equipment usually brings it to a servicing repair facility where, with manufacturer instructions, the serial number designation can be retrieved.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for preventing accidents caused by blockage of a rotatable tool when working with a hand-held tool including the rotatable tool (8), a drive motor (7) for driving the rotatable tool (8), and means (5, 6) for interrupting transmission of a drive torque from the drive motor (7) to the rotatable tool (8) dependent on an operational condition of the hand-held tool, with the method including determining the operational condition of the hand-held tool by measuring displacement of the hand-held tool in space in at least two points of the hand-held tool spatially spaced from each other and spaced from a tool axis; subtracting two obtained displacement measurement variable (a.sub.1, a.sub.2) from each other; and thereafter, calculating an actuation signal that actuates the interrupting means (5, 6); and with the apparatus including sensors and an evaluation circuit for implementing the method.

Abstract: A condition responsive alarm system is provided including a mount with an adhesive situated on a rear face thereof. Also included is a portable power source secured to the mount. An indicator is secured to the mount for alerting a user upon the receipt of power. Connected between the power source and the indicator is a condition responsive trigger for supplying power to the indicator upon the presence of a condition.

Abstract: A Pole Alarm System including an electromagnetic field sensor and collision sensors for detecting overhead power lines and physical obstructions within the intended path of a telescoping mast or utility boom device is disclosed. The present alarm system includes a mast-mounted housing containing the sensors and a microprocessor-based control unit which interprets the output signals of the sensors and provides both audible and control feedback to a safety control module in the vehicle to alert the operator of impending contact and to automatically stop the movement of the mast. The alarm housing also features a light source which provides illumination in the direction of movement of the mast to assist in positioning thereof. The light source also functions as a heating element to prevent the accumulation of ice on the housing which would detrimentally affect the performance of the system.

Abstract: A vibration sensor (10) that more effectively distinguishes between various causes of vibrations is disclosed. The vibration sensor includes a housing (18), a plurality of spaced contacts (22-34) positioned above the floor (44) of the housing, a central electrode (36) positioned within the housing, and an electrically-conductive ball (38) configured for movement within the housing. The contacts are interconnected by a plurality of electrically-conductive elements (50-62) such as resistors and are configured for connecting to a first terminal (12) of an alarm system (16). The central electrode is spaced from the contacts and is configured for connecting to a second terminal (14) of the alarm system. The ball is configured for simultaneously contacting at least one of the contacts and the central electrode so that it provides an electrical path between the first and second terminals to allow the transfer of an electrical signal therebetween.

Abstract: The distress call emitting device comprises an earthquake sensor for detecting an earthquake of a prescribed intensity or greater and/or a receiver for receiving a radio signal from a remote transmitter. Therefore, even when the user is unable to call for a help, the distress call emitting device of the present invention produces a distress call in his behalf by sound and/or light. The distress call can be initiated either by detecting the intensity of the earthquake or by operating a remote transmitter which may be carried by the user. If the device is linked to a telephone line, the distress call can be made also through a telephone line. Thus, even when the user is too weak to call for a help by his own effort, the device is either automatically activated by an earthquake or remotely activated by pressing a switch on a portable transmitter.

Abstract: A shock-activated, sonic alarm is silent when in a stored or cocked condition. In the cocked or armed condition, a spring-loaded plunger (160) is restrained by a ring (200) from activating an alarm (100). When the alarm is dealt a sharp blow, the plunger (160) is dislodged and freed from the ring so that its spring (170) forces it against a cap (120) or a switch (410), resulting in a loud alarm. The alarm can be placed in any location where it is desirable to sound an alarm in response to a physical trauma, such as in a traffic barrier or dangerous goods shipment.