Abstract: A vehicle security system comprises a security module adapted to detect an event, a memory for storing a composition, and a processor coupled to the security module, wherein upon detecting the event the processor selects the composition from the memory and triggers a modulated signal representing the composition, wherein the modulated signal is received by a speaker.

Abstract: A fishing accessory that includes a housing and an alerting mechanism for alerting a fisherman when a fishing line connected to the activation switch of the alerting mechanism is being tugged on by a fish. The housing includes a housing having a pair of attachment clamps securable to a fishing rod. The alerting mechanism includes multiple types of alarm outputs that may be selected in various combinations by a user.

Abstract: An identification system including at least one transmitter configured to transmit a signal comprising an associated identification code. A receiver is configured to receive the signal and establish a comparison indication based on comparison of the identification code with a reference code. The comparison indication is positive if the identification code matches the reference code. A method of transmitting an identification code, receiving the identification code, and comparing it to a reference code is also provided.

Abstract: A first, transmitting, device transmits a digitized data message using a short range radio link followed by digital data representing a digitized acoustic signal, such as a tone. Simultaneously, or with a predetermined time delay, the transmitting device emits an acoustic version of the same signal using an acoustic transducer such as a loudspeaker. A second, receiving, device receives the data message and the digitized acoustic signal via the short range radio link and receives the acoustic version of the signal via a microphone, which converts the acoustic signal to a second digitized version of the acoustic signal. Digital signal processing circuits then correlate the second digitized signal received acoustically with the digitized acoustic signal received over the short range radio link to determine a time difference of arrival.

Abstract: This invention allows for an electronic doll-house to be constructed at a reasonable cost that provides the ability to identify the location of a number of figures that a child may manipulate in a play space. By use of IR communications and the characteristics of such a communications link, a doll-house is provided that combines the ability to be built at a relatively low cost with the advantages of not requiring physical contacts, special purpose RFID chips and transceiving arrangements, or other expensive sensing methods. In brief, the invention makes use of an IR transmitter that sends a unique ID code upon user activation which allows for power savings, the elimination of contact points or RF components, the localization of the signal to a room in a doll-house, and by use of reflecting paths, allows relative independence of orientation.

Abstract: Vehicle security systems comprise at least one addressable transponder for communication with at least one base station. Each transponder and base station comprises a steerable directional antenna having an antenna azimuth sensor. Transponder and base station antenna azimuths assist in locating a vehicle carrying a transponder and allow near real-time estimation of vehicle heading. Base station networks facilitate location, tracking and/or interception of vehicles within a network geographic area. Use of multiple effective transmission ranges for transponders and/or base stations improves the accuracy of vehicle location.

Abstract: A control system for estimating the tongue length of a trailer being towed by a vehicle in connection with a front wheel steering with or without a coordinated rear wheel steering associated with the vehicle. The control signal system employs an algorithm that calculates an estimated hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer based on an estimated tongue length, a front wheel steering angle, a rear wheel steering angle, a measured hitch angle, vehicle speed and vehicle yaw rate. The estimated hitch angle is compared to the measured hitch angle to generate a hitch angle error that is converted to a tongue length error. The tongue length error is compared to the estimated tongue length to become a corrected estimated tongue length for a next computation period. After a few seconds of processing, the corrected estimated tongue length will be the actual tongue length of the trailer.

Abstract: An applause device including 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 and a system for remotely controlling the applause device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A software driven, audible output control module can carry out bi-directional communications with an alarm system using the same common link as is used by ambient condition detectors, such as smoke or gas detectors. The audible control module can store characteristics of a plurality of predetermined outputs. The system control can download an audible output originating command. Alternately, such information from detectors can be directly read off the link by the respective modules.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a visual indication of receipt of an electronic message by changing the color of at least a portion of an LCD display according to the message signal received.

Abstract: A locating device for aiding a user in finding an object. The locating device includes a remote unit and a tag unit. The remote unit is retained by the user and includes a first processor for generating an alarm activation signal; a transmitter for transmitting the alarm activation signal; a sound alarm button and a light alarm button. The sound and light alarm buttons are manually activated for controlling the processor to generate the alarm activation signal. The tag unit is releasably secured to the object and includes a tag section and a locking section. The tag section includes identification information concerning the user and a cover for providing selective access to the information. The locking section includes a lock for releasably securing the tag unit to the object; a second processor; an alarm signal generator; and a receiver for receiving the alarm activation signal and activating the alarm generator to generate at least one of a visual and audible alarm signal.

Abstract: A multi-candela output device for indicating alarm conditions has an output section, visible after installation, and a mounting section not visible after installation. A candela output level can be set by positioning a manually adjustable member on the mounting section. An indicator of the setting is visible on the output section.

Abstract: A container for a beverage, other foods, household goods, or any other products includes a wall with a display generating digital images. A controller is also provided associated with a memory, said memory storing digital imaging data. The controller selectively retrieves the data from the memory and generates electrical signals to the display. Data may also be transmitted from or received by the container through an external interface controlled by the controller. Switches, sensors and other selector elements may be provided to activate the display and to select the images to be shown. Additionally miniature speakers may also be provided which cooperate with the display to show multimedia presentations.

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: 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.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for sending a notification message in accordance with a set of notification preferences. The notification message is sent upon the detection of an event or satisfaction of a condition with respect to a detected event. The set of notification preferences may indicate a desired notification medium via which the notification message is to be sent, a notification addressee to which the notification message is to be sent, and/or a notification timing preference indicating a date and/or time during which the notification is to be sent (or received).

Abstract: An electronic candy and oil thermometer includes a housing having a visual display for displaying indicia associated with a plurality of candy cooking stages and a plurality of fried foods. The housing includes a controller having operating protocols and a memory for storing predetermined optimal temperature ranges for each said candy cooking stage and each said fried food. The electronic thermometer also includes a temperature sensing probe projecting from the housing for obtaining temperature readings and transmitting the temperature readings to the controller, and a control interface provided on the housing and in communication with the controller for selectively activating either a first of the operational protocols for monitoring temperatures associated with the candy cooking stages or a second of the operational protocols for monitoring temperatures associated with the fried foods.

Abstract: A smoke sensor and a carbon monoxide sensor are integrated into a common detector housing. The smoke sensor is coupled to a smoke detector control integrated circuit which generates a binary output signal indicative of the presence of smoke. This signal is coupled to a programmed microprocessor in the detector housing. The carbon monoxide sensor is also coupled to the microprocessor. Outputs from the two sensors are processed substantially independently. In the presence of smoke, the smoke alarm is generated by the microprocessor. In the presence of sufficient levels of carbon monoxide, in the absence of smoke, a carbon monoxide alarm will be generated.

Abstract: A system for encouraging good personal hygiene in toilet facilities is provided, including means for detecting the acoustic signal generated by the inrush of water into a toilet bowl to trigger a recorded admonition to the toilet user to cleanse his or her hands.

Abstract: Eye-protective alarm. When a user reads, writes or keys with a computer, the photosensitive resistor of the alarm can sense the illumination of the environment and detect insufficient safe visual distance and even detect too long working time and in time emit a warning music to inform the user of these situations. The eye-protective alarm includes a circuit structure including a system processor, illumination sensor, weak current detector, time controller, alarm informing circuit, light indicator module and several switches which are serially connected. The circuit structure via wires is connected to a cell box, an AC power socket and a distance sensor. The photosensitive resistor detects whether the illumination of the environment, safe visual distance and working time meet the preset standard values. If not, the system controller triggers the light indicator module and the alarm informing circuit to play the warning music so as to remind the user to improve these situations.

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 badge emits light to signal that the person wearing the badge has clean hands. The light is discontinued after a period of time to indicate that the person should proceed to wash his/her hands. The badge may emit light in a distinct manner (or generate sound) during a time period in which the person is supposed to be washing his/her hands. This distinct signal would be generated in response to user input, which should be entered only when the person wearing the button is beginning to wash his/her hands.

Abstract: A reminder system operating at a specified location is provided. When an information ID (such as an “address C, B, AA, and bookstore”) transmitted from a small antenna station agrees with information (such as an “address C, B, AA, and bookstore”) stored in a memory of a reminder passing by the installation location of the small antenna station, the reminder outputs an alarm, and displays free messages (“The address here is C, B, AA” and “There is a bookstore”) on the display of the reminder. Thus, a user carrying the reminder is alerted to the business input in advance to the reminder.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring interruptions in utility power that includes a utility power plug for connection to a utility wall socket to provide a signal indicative of loss of utility power. A counter is responsive to such signal for counting and displaying the number of power interruptions, and a timer is responsive to such signal for measuring and displaying time duration of power interruptions. An operator switch is coupled to the timer for selectively measuring and displaying either duration of the latest power interruption or total duration of all power interruptions. The counter and timer may be reset at the option of an operator.

Abstract: A public building alarm system for displaying information relating to potential alarm conditions within or about a public building area, employs an alarm condition display screen for informing a fireman, for example, of the nature and location of a possible fire. For the vast majority of the time, in the absence of an alarm condition, display control circuitry causes the alarm display screen to display information of general interest to the public, in high traffic areas of the building frequented by persons visiting the building. This is in contrast with alarm conditions of no interest to the general public. Such information can include advertising, enabling the building owner to collect advertising revenues to help offset the cost of the alarm system. Upon the occurrence of an alarm condition, the alarm condition display is immediately substituted for the information of general interest display.