Simulated Effect Patents (Class 340/691.2)
  • Patent number: 6933843
    Abstract: An independent back memory module is disclosed that is permanently installed at a security gate installation. The memory module has a nonvolatile memory and it is positioned within the system so that it automatically has a communication link with any gate controller installed. The memory module records a history of the operation of the system. The memory module retains operational information regarding the system and information identifying the gate controller, gate controller board and the setup of the particular installation. The memory module also retains information regarding changes made in the setup of the system. Whenever a new gate controller board is installed information in the memory module is transmitted to the new controller board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne C. Hom, Walter Parsadayan, Daniel Perez
  • Patent number: 6842118
    Abstract: An overload detection device for a high-lift work vehicle is capable of detecting the load on the work platform. A base 10 of the work platform is supported with a bracket 9 at, at least, three supporting portions. Load sensors 11 each constituted of a plate member 14 and distortion gauges 15˜18 detect the extent of flexure of at least two of the supporting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruo Igarashi, Atsushi Tadokoro
  • Patent number: 6822556
    Abstract: A night-light is configured to emulate a traffic signal and thereby train a child to remain in bed during a predetermined interval. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a night-light comprises a housing having a first light emitter (e.g., a red light source), a second light emitter (e.g., a green light source), a controller electrically coupled to the first light emitter and the second light emitter, and a timer interface electrically coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to operate in a first, second, and a third mode. In general, the first mode corresponds to the first light emitter being activated (“bed-time” mode), the second mode corresponds to the second light emitter being activated (“wake-time” mode), and the third mode corresponds to the case where neither the first or second light emitters are activated (“off” mode).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Kidlights, LLC
    Inventors: Lance S. Burns, Rosanne L. Burns
  • Publication number: 20040095253
    Abstract: An adverse condition detector that allows the user to visually determine the type of adverse condition being detected. The adverse condition detector includes a sensor and a control unit coupled to the sensor. When the sensor detects an adverse condition above a selected level, the control unit generates an audible alarm signal and a visual alarm signal. The visual alarm signal simulates the type of adverse condition being detected. In one embodiment of the invention, the visual alarm signal includes a plurality of visual indicators operated in a random fashion to simulate the appearance of a flame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: William P. Tanguay
  • Patent number: 6628204
    Abstract: A highly reliable odor communication system which cannot be influenced by the natural condition and phenomenon and does not have a limit of the distance for sending odor signals. In the odor communication system, a data transmission system has an odor analysis unit for measuring humidity, temperature, mass, and odor constituents of an odor source and a data receiving unit has an odor emission unit for emitting an odor based on humidity, temperature, mass, and constituents of the odor, information of which is transmitted from the data transmission system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: ITO Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Yukio Ito
  • Publication number: 20030156019
    Abstract: A vehicle object detection system is disclosed that audibly conveys to the vehicle operator the direction of the detected object relative to the vehicle through the vehicle's audio system. The system includes a sensor array, a processor, and a speaker arrangement. The sensor array detects an object remote from the vehicle and generates a signal when an object has been detected. The processor receives and processes the sensor array signal. Then, the processor transmits the processed signal to the speaker arrangement. The speaker arrangement audibly conveys the processed signal over multiple audio channels. The method of detecting an object remote from the vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: Continental Teves, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt S. Lehmann
  • Patent number: 6538565
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Bradley L. Gotfried
  • Publication number: 20020167415
    Abstract: The present invention provides a truck assembly for use on a skateboard. The truck assembly preferably includes a base block having a battery chamber and a circuit board cavity, a battery contained within the battery chamber, a circuit board housed inside the circuit board cavity, wherein the circuit board is in electrical communication with the battery, and an effect module that is operably connected to the circuit board to produce a selected effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Mark A. Rains, Scott Lee
  • Patent number: 6437703
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Peter Sui Lun Fong
  • Patent number: 6417772
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Right, Hilario S. Costa, Dennis T. Rock
  • Patent number: 6198404
    Abstract: A small, portable, low cost, battery operated, radio-controlled decoy simulates the sound of small arms fire. The units may be deployed remotely in the field to distract and confuse defending forces when attacked by advancing or infiltrating forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Carl Campagnuolo, James Chopack, Jonathan Fine, William Allman