Abstract: A vision system that is capable of computing the crowd densities, shopper movement speed and direction, and queue lengths at different locations in a shopping center makes recommendations for least-cost path through a set of destinations. Well-known person-counting techniques may be employed. One type of output display is a map display with an overlay an optimal route through a shopping venue.

Abstract: A system of advertising has a source of advertising information adapted to transmit advertising information of different contents substantially corresponding to objects to be advertised situated in different advertising zones and formed as a server means, a plurality of moving vehicles, each of the vehicles being provided with a receiver for receiving the advertising informations of different contents, each of the vehicles being provided with further means for receiving a signal, which does not contain a geographical information, each of the vehicles being provided with a display for displaying advertising information, and the server means being formed so as to determine a zone in which the vehicle is located and therefore a geographic information and to transmit to the further receiving means of the vehicle the signal which does not contain the geographic information without transmitting the geographical information, while the receiver in each of the vehicles is formed so as to select in a vehicle based on t

Abstract: An interactive system for a facility, such as a parking facility, a warehouse or some other type of facility, includes a user interface for detecting empty parking spaces, moving vehicles and personnel. The user interface can be associated with a “smart” light fixture or other component mounted in the parking structure. A control subsystem includes a system processor which interacts with a user interface. The user interface communicates directly with a user and with a smart card whereby parking transactions are automatically recorded and debited to an account. A key fob transmitter transmits signals to a smart fixture for summoning emergency assistance. The system processor utilizes GPS coordinates for guiding users, locating parking spaces, and identifying smart light fixtures receiving emergency assistance signals. The system can provide various information about the presence, absence and movement of vehicles and individuals within various structures.

Abstract: A car reverse alerting and multi-functional display is disclosed. A display and trumpet are mounted on the multi-functional rear view mirror of a car. A charge coupling device, a microphone, and a car reverse sensor for monitoring the images, sounds and distance at a backside of the car are installed. The monitored analog electronic signals are decoded through a decoder so that the electronic signal is converted into a digital signal from an analog signal. Then, these signals are transferred to the multi-functional rear view mirror by cable or wireless devices. Then the signals are processed by a central processing unit. Then an image signal is outputted to a display for displaying; and meanwhile, the display outputs the sound signal from the microphone. The driver can reverse a car safely from the image and speech alert.

Abstract: A self powered monitoring device for monitoring an animal's temperature and other vital signs. The device may be mounted in the animal's ear, under the animals skin, or in any location which can be used to generate a reliable indication of the animals temperature and other vital signs. The temperature probe for the device is inserted subcutaneously and thermally and/or electrically connected to the housing of the device. Power for the device is provided by a miniature array of solar cells, the power from the solar cells being used to drive digital circuitry which processes signals from the various probes used to gather data concerning the animal's vital signs. The size of the array is chosen to be commensurate with the number of vital signs monitored, with the amount of sunlight, density of herd, and other factors being considered to ensure sufficient power for the device.

Abstract: A display screen switches between a monitor display and a trouble display. If a pause switch on the trouble display is operated, the display screen will be fixed to the trouble display for a prescribed time. The display screen can be set to the trouble display until a restart or release switch on the trouble display screen is operated. The monitor display and the trouble display can be cyclically displayed. During cyclical display, a jump switch on the trouble display can be operated, so that the display device will be returned to the monitor display from the trouble display, where the monitor display can be displayed for a prescribed time (for instance, 5 minutes). In addition, a cancel switch on the trouble display can be operated, so that the display screen may be kept returned to the monitor display.

Abstract: A system in operable communication with a doorbell chime for audio annunciation of a visitor to an occupant of a room in a multiple room building, the system configured to indicate a status of the room to the visitor or occupant, the system comprising: a switch assembly configured to convey a message outside of the room; the switch assembly operable from inside the room; an indicating assembly in operable communication with the switch assembly, the indicating assembly configured to indicate the message when the message is selected, the message viewable from inside and outside of the room; and a doorbell button in operable communication with the doorbell chime, the doorbell button operably connected with the indicating assembly and operable from outside of the room by the visitor.

Abstract: An egress system for use in a structure which defines a plurality of paths of travel where the system comprises one or more visual signs, each visual sign being located at a selected point along one or more paths of travel and each visual sign being configured to convey information in the form of visual communication and to convey at least two alternative messages. The system further comprises a central processing unit and one or more sensors being configured to detect an environmental condition and to send a signal indicative of this condition to the central processing unit. The central processing unit is configured to determine the safest of the paths of travel based upon signals received from the sensors and to send a processed signal to each of the visual signs to thereby cause the visual signs to convey a pre-selected one of at least two alternative messages, thereby visually identifying at least one of the safest paths of travel under the condition(s) detected.

Abstract: Safety system for entering and exiting garage doors and entrances comprises a warning sign adapted to be placed by an attachment means at a primary line of sight of a driver of a truck during lowering and raising movement of the door. A delay means are provided to facilitate a movement of the sign in such manner that the sign will always appear first in the primary line of sight of the driver to eliminate a possibility of collision between the truck and the door. A moving means are adapted to lower the sign into an operational position and provided to keep the sign in non-operational retracted position when the door is completely open to ensure clearance for moving truck. Warning sign is activated by a warning sign activating means such as a motor-driven assembly. The door is activated by a detector adapted to transmit signal to a door control panel operating the movement of the door by a door motor.

Abstract: A device that monitors a person's location and compares it to a database of fish and game regulations for a given area. The user can verify position, but can also display fish and game regulations that apply in that area. Moreover, the unit can also monitor the user's position with respect to boundaries. If the user crosses into another area, the unit can alert the user of this and the user can then discover the rules for the area and if necessary, leave the area. In this way, hunters and fishers can now travel through the back country confident that they always know the regulations and boundaries of the areas that they occupy.

Abstract: A device and method used to indicate vehicle inclination and conditions indicative of a potential rollover is disclosed. The device and method may be embodied in original equipment or in an aftermarket product in a manner so that the driver may easily determine the vehicle inclination. For example, the device and method may be embodied in a mirror assembly mounted in the vehicle. The device and method may also be used to detect the rate of change of inclination to provide a warning of adverse driving conditions. The device and method may also include a compass that indicates a corrected heading of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating data transfer between a personal electronic device and a host device includes a common node that connects at least one data line to the personal electronic device and at least one data line to the host device. A high impedance amplifier has an input electrically coupled to the common node and generates an amplified signal corresponding to a signal value present on the common node. A monostable circuit is responsive to the amplified signal and generates a plurality of electrical pulses when the amplified signal exhibits changes in value corresponding to a data transfer through the common node. A lamp driver circuit, that is responsive to the plurality of electrical pulses, generates pulses of light correspond to the electrical pulses. Each of the plurality of electrical pulses is of sufficient duration so that each of the pulses of light is of sufficient duration to be perceived by a human eye.

Abstract: When a remaining capacity of a battery is displayed by remaining capacity display control means, operation state discrimination function discriminates an operation state of an apparatus and also discriminates whether battery output voltage Vout is greater than discrimination value Vp when the apparatus is in reception indication operation. If the battery output voltage Vout is greater than the discrimination value Vp, remaining capacity of the battery corresponding to the battery output voltage Vout in a standby state immediately before the start of the reception indication operation is displayed on LCD. If the battery output voltage Vout is equal to or smaller than the discrimination value Vp, the remaining capacity of the battery corresponding to the battery output voltage Vout of this time is displayed as it is on the LCD.

Abstract: Techniques for an electronic shelf label (ESL) system which uses an ESL's liquid crystal display (LCD) to transmit information to a relay unit, or CBS, by reflecting infrared (IR) or visible light to the relay unit. In a first embodiment, a plurality of IR light sources flood the area where the ESL is located. To transmit a message to the relay unit, the ESL reflectively modulates the IR light by blinking, or turning on and off, at least one segment of the LCD display. The relay unit then receives and interprets the modulated reflected IR light. In a second embodiment, the relay unit does not generate IR light. Instead, the ESL reflectively modulates the visible light present in the retail establishment to transmit a message to the relay unit. The relay unit may use one or more cameras to receive this reflectively modulated visible light.

Abstract: A fault indicator for detecting the occurrence of a fault current in a monitored conductor and providing a light indication thereof includes a rotatably mounted indicator flag. The flag is positioned in either a reset indicating or a fault indicating state by a magnetic pole piece, which is magnetized in one magnetic direction or the other by momentary application of a current in one direction or the other to an actuator winding on the pole piece. A magnetically actuated reed switch in an auxiliary magnetic circuit comprising an auxiliary pole piece magnetized by the actuator winding and a bias magnet magnetically aligned to oppose the reset magnetic orientation and reenforce the trip magnetic orientation of the magnetic pole piece closes upon occurrence of the fault current to connect an internal lithium battery to an LED visible from the exterior of the fault indicator housing.

Abstract: A control panel, in particular for motor vehicles, has a screen (3) and, arranged on the latter, a number of control elements (4) for controlling the function of works units which are connected to the control panel. A first group (5) of control elements can be moved relative to the screen (3) between a first position over the screen and a second position alongside the screen. In the first position, the screen is divided up into separate fields (9, 10) with different display information, and in the second position the whole screen forms a single field. It is possible to switch between these field divisions by moving the first group (5) of control elements between the said positions.

Abstract: A system of advertising has a source of advertising information adapted to transmit advertising informations of different contents substantially corresponding to objects to be advertised situated in different advertising zones and formed as a server unit, a plurality of moving vehicles, each of the vehicles being provided with a receiver for receiving the advertising informations of different contents, each of the vehicles being provided with further unit for receiving a signal which does not contain advertising information, each of the vehicles being provided with vehicle location determination allowing unit adapted to allow determination of a location of a respective one of the vehicles, each of the vehicles being provided with a display for displaying advertising information, and the server unit determining a zone in which the vehicle is located and transmitting to the further receiving unit of the vehicle the signal which does not contain advertising information to select in a vehicle and display on the d

Abstract: A personal alert device for a user includes a portable housing to be carried by the user, a processor in the housing, and at least one sensor connected to the processor for detecting a possible physical threat to the user. The processor generates an alert message relating to a recommended course of action for the user to avoid the possible physical threat. The alert message may be an audible speech message, and a visual message displayed on a display connected to the processor. Since a person can be exposed to a variety of physical threats on any given day, the personal alert device carried by the user provides reliable detection of a possible physical threat, and by generating an alert message the user receives a recommended course of action to avoid the possible physical threat.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a method and apparatus for basketball referees, game management staff and other officials to notify the audience of a basketball game of the successful completion of a three-point shot. The preferred apparatus generates a tone that may be reproduced on the stadium or arena public address system or on the stadium or arena scoreboard or large screen video device. The tone generated by the apparatus is a unique sound that is readily recognized by the audience. The method involves a official, either an on-floor basketball official or an official observing the game from the side of the floor, activating a sound producing electronic card and the sound is then reproduced over the arena or stadium public address system. The major purpose of the method and device is to increase the enjoyment of observing basketball games by providing an audible alert to the successful completion of a three-point shot.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying electrical measurement of distributor of motor vehicle comprises a circuit module mounted on distributor. Circuit module comprises at least one display unit, a circuit board, and a plurality of flexible pins wherein pins are electrically connected between circuit module and distributor such that circuit board may be electrically activated by the power supplied by distributor through the pins. A transparent cover is provided to enable user to see the electrical measurement on display unit. With this, a multimeter for detecting malfunction of a certain electrical component is eliminated.

Abstract: A battery powered, illuminated, color-coded evacuation signalling system embodying symbols and text messages in any language or combination of languages, configured by LED's in a network of floor laid display units installed in land-based buildings or maritime structures.

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: An alarm system for alerting persons within a monitored area as to an emergency situation. The alarm system includes a monitoring unit strategically placed within said monitored area, a vibrating unit and alighting system. The monitoring unit includes a sensor for sensing conditions within the monitored area and generating a sensor signal, a processor for analyzing the sensor signal to determine if an emergency situation exists and a transmitter for transmitting an emergency signal upon a determination that an emergency situation exists by the microprocessor The vibration unit is retained by a person within the monitored area including a receiver for receiving the emergency signal and a vibrator activated by the receiver for causing the vibrating unit to vibrate thereby alerting the person retaining the vibrating unit as to the emergency situation.

Abstract: A traffic light sequence indicating system for indicating time remaining before signal light changes. The traffic light sequence indicating system includes a housing. The housing has a front wall, a back wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall. Control circuitry is mounted in the housing and is operationally coupled to the traffic light controller and adapted to time traffic light sequences. A first display displays information from the control circuitry. A surface of the first display is generally flush with a surface of the front wall. The first display is operationally coupled to the control circuitry. The control circuitry displays indicia indicating minutes and seconds on the first display. A fastening means removably fastens the top wall to the arm of the traffic light system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel dispenser capable of sensing the proximity or location of a customer relative to the fuel dispenser without requiring direct customer contact and controlling the display or aspects of the display accordingly to conserve energy, reduce heat generation or draw the customer's attention to the display once the customer is within a relative proximity to the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: A system for tracking and monitoring at least one item in an environment includes at least one transmitter assigned a unique identification number for the item and attached to the item and at least one receiver for receiving a first data packet which includes the unique identification number from the transmitter. At least one node computer controls the receiver, receives a second data packet which includes said unique identification number and direction-of-travel code from the receiver, and determines a location of the item from the direction-of-travel code. A controller computer controls the node computer, receives the unique identification number and the location of the item from the node computer, and stores the unique identification number and the location of the item. A central computer facility coordinates the controller computer and collects and stores the unique identification number and the location of the item for exportation from the system.

Abstract: A security alarm system is adapted to retrieve e-mail status information and provide an alert signal for the user of the system that e-mail has been received and is awaiting retrieval. Preferably, the keypad of the security system includes a visual indicator which is activated when e-mail is received. The security alarm system uses the control panel and the auto dialer associated therewith, to contact the e-mail server and receive status information of one or more e-mail accounts The control panel can contact the e-mail provider on a predetermined basis, or on a user scheduled basis. The accounting system's capability to initiate telephone communications and process signals from a remote computer is advantageously used for e-mail retrieval.

Abstract: A portable leak detector includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet each in fluid communication between an interior and an exterior of the housing. A gas sensor, having a property that changes in response to exposure of the gas sensor to one or more gases, is positioned in fluid communication with the interior of the housing via the inlet thereof. The leak detector includes a probe lamp, a plurality of first indicator lamps supported by the housing and a speaker supported by the housing. A controller supported by the housing is connected to detect the property of the gas sensor. The controller causes the probe lamp to flash at a first frequency, causes a first group of the plurality of first indicator lamps to illuminate, and/or causes the loudspeaker to chirp at a second frequency all as a function of a detected property of the gas sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating effective self-management of medication treatment by patients. A Smart Tray monitors and reports to third parties a patient's compliance with various medication treatment regimens. Medication containers are provided with electromagnetic tags that provide various information about medicament contained within a respective container. A Smart Tray is equipped with a processor and reader that interrogates each respective electromagnetic tag to identify medicament(s) contained within each container. Using the retrieved information, a Smart Tray provides visual and/or audio signals to a patient to remind the patient when and how much of various medicaments to take. A Smart Tray also monitors, via the reader, when a medication container is removed. A Smart Tray can communicate with one or more third parties, such as healthcare providers, pharmacies, and other suppliers of healthcare products and services via a computer network.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying electrical measurement of distributor of motor vehicle comprises a distributor and a circuit module including at least one display unit and a circuit board in distributor under input and output terminals and electrically connected thereto by contacting. Display unit is electrically connected to circuit board and located on a side of distributor for ease of reading. Thus current representing an electrical measurement of distributor may be shown on display unit.

Abstract: A cruise control alert system that both visually alerts drivers in other vehicles that a cruise control is operating and the specific speed the cruise control is set. A voice chip within the vehicle informs the driver to set the cruise control at a given preset speed to prevent speeding. The display may be operator controlled or may be tied in to the cruise control to automatically display the notice the cruise control is operating and the speed at which set.

Abstract: The invention provides tools and techniques for discouraging theft and facilitating recovery of lost devices by placing owner information in a non-volatile memory in the device. The owner information may be entered as an audio recording, as a sequence of typed characters, and in other ways. The owner information includes specific location data, such as the owner's telephone number, email address, and/or postal address. The owner information is easily displayed to the public on the device, without the need to use a specialized reader tool or the need to enter a password or other code to authorize the display. No separate database at a manufacturer or otherwise is needed to correlate the device with the owner's contact information. Instead, the device displays owner information in response to predetermined events, such as power-on, power-off, and/or pushing a “Who Owns Me?” button.

Abstract: A medication container having a removable cap with an electronic reminder unit in the cap, the reminder unit having a operational control allowing a health care provider to set a clock and a medication schedule having one or more medication times with an alarm signal generated at the medication times, the reminder unit having a user shut-off and an automatic shut-off for terminating the alarm signal, wherein upon a shut-off the reminder unit generates an alarm signal at the next medication time.

Abstract: A system for displaying dynamic on-line operating conditions of an interconnected power transmission network including components to monitor the interconnected power transmission network by measuring and correlating voltage magnitude and phase existing at selected station busses of the interconnected power transmission network and to display isovoltage and isophase contour lines on a map representative of the interconnected power transmission network geographic area thereby showing existing operating conditions of the interconnected power transmission network wherein the location and nature of any disturbances occurring on the interconnected power transmission network is indicated on the map by a change in the positions of the isovoltage and isophase contour lines relative to the normal network operating isovoltage and isophase contour lines such that upon detection of an abnormal operating condition a system operator may initiate action within the interconnected power transmission network to correct for the

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying electrical measurement of distributor of motor vehicle comprises a distributor and a circuit module including at least one display unit and a circuit board in distributor under input and output terminals and electrically connected thereto by contacting. Display unit is electrically connected to circuit board and located on a side of distributor for ease of reading. Thus current representing an electrical measurement of distributor may be shown on display unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a display device for vehicles capable of quickly and reliably displaying high-priority and high-emergency information, while maintaining sufficient display space for other information. The vehicles may be of the type including a trunk provided with a cover. The display device has a display section in which display patterns are used. The display device includes an open position detecting device which detects that the cover of the trunk is open. A warning design pattern producing device generates a warning design pattern which visually expresses a warning when the cover is open. A warning display priority device displays the warning design pattern, prior to other information, on the display section when the cover is detected to be open.

Abstract: A vehicular tire inflation monitoring system is provided for a vehicle that includes at least one tire inflation indicator assembly, visible exterior of the vehicle, positioned at an exterior vehicle portion, such as at an exterior rearview mirror assembly. The at least one tire inflation indicator assembly provides an indication of the inflation condition of at least one of the vehicle tires. The tire inflation monitoring system includes a control receiving at least one input from at least one tire pressure sensor sensing pressure of at least one vehicle tire. The control produces an output to illuminate the at least one tire inflation indicator assembly.

Abstract: A display system for an airplane or other vehicle is disclosed. A rear projection LCD is used to allow for a maximum amount of screen area to be used in displaying operator pertinent data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating effective self-management of medication treatment by patients. A Smart Tray monitors and reports to third parties a patient's compliance with various medication treatment regimens. Medication containers are provided with electromagnetic tags that provide various information about medicament contained within a respective container. A Smart Tray is equipped with a processor and reader that interrogates each respective electromagnetic tag to identify medicament(s) contained within each container. Using the retrieved information, a Smart Tray provides visual and/or audio signals to a patient to remind the patient when and how much of various medicaments to take. A Smart Tray also monitors, via the reader, when a medication container is removed. A Smart Tray can communicate with one or more third parties, such as healthcare providers, pharmacies, and other suppliers of healthcare products and services via a computer network.

Abstract: An athletic performance and entertainment device for use on footwear, for example, children shoes. More particularly, an entertainment device which can be attached to the tongue-area of a shoe for providing feedback to a user based on the user's performance during a selected physical activity. The user selects which activity he or she wishes to perform and presses the appropriate function button on the device. The wearer then performs the selected physical activity and the wearer's performance level is indicated by LEDs disposed on the device. A speaker may also be disposed on the device to provide audible feedback to the user. The device keeps track of improvements in performance by promoting the wearer through various award levels as performance increases, until all award levels have been mastered.

Abstract: A rearview mirror support and information display assembly for vehicles includes a rigid mirror stay preferably having a mirror support for an independently adjustable rearview mirror and a breakaway mount which releasably couples the stay and any supported rearview mirror to a windshield mounted button or a header mounted base such that the entire assembly is released on impact. An information display is positioned on the assembly adjacent the position of a rearview mirror when supported thereon to convey information to the vehicle driver/occupants. Preferably, the display is mounted in a housing which conceals a light source or other emitter for the display, the housing being removably secured to the mirror stay to allow servicing and access to a concealed wire passageway.

Abstract: A facility monitoring system includes a monitoring station receiving inputs from different control panels, each panel supporting detectors and other devices. Data from the panels are scanned, segmented into categories and presented in a standard format including a category identifying devices by type and state or condition. The monitoring station stores graphic information including site maps and floor plans to provide backgrounds, and device images positionable on the backgrounds to accurately depict device locations in the facility.

Abstract: An escape system for aiding a person in finding an exit door in the event of an emergency situation of limited visibility. The escape system can includes at least one heat detector and at least one smoke detector, an audible alarm circuitry, a dynamic pulsating door base light, and an optional continuous door base light. Upon detection of a threshold amount of heat or smoke by detectors, an audible detection signal is received by a remotely located microphone, and a alarm signal is generated for transmission by radio frequency (RF) by a RF transmitter. The alarm signal is received by a RF receiver located in an exit door alert unit, having associated circuitry for activating dynamic pulsating LED lights within the door alert unit. The illuminating and flashing LED lights attract the attention of a person in distress who may be crawling along the floor in a smoke-filled room, therefor assisting people to locate and exit a smoke filled and burning enclosure.

Abstract: A mobile display system comprises one or more movable billboard displays, equipped with externally viewable display panels and a controller. The display is moved from location zone to location zone by a transporter which may comprise a person or a vehicle. The controller ascertains the display location and drives the display to generate a publicly viewable message selected for viewing within such location zone. The message is displayed pursuant to a schedule which includes date, time of day and display duration while the display is within the zone or until the display is located in another zone which is not included within the message schedule. A tiered system control network includes a plurality of fixed stations which transmit message content and scheduling data to the controller and which generate billing and other accounting records. An advertiser may communicate with the network for creating and changing message content and scheduling data.

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 double-layer container equipped with temperature warning device comprises a double-layer container and a temperature sensor device, wherein the temperature sensor device is disposed in a segregated store space formed at the bottom end of the double-layer container for detecting temperature of food or soup loaded in the container. A detected signal is transmitted from a temperature sensor to a microprocessor for judging to lighten a specified LED and meanwhile drive a speaker to play a corresponding song or rhythm for easy discrimination of the temperature range of the food or the soup and thereby to protect a user against being scalded.

Abstract: A trailer hitching system (10) and method is provided for facilitating an operator's maneuvering of a towing vehicle hitch component (16) into alignment with a towed vehicle hitch component (18) to enable mechanical interconnection of the hitch components. The trailer hitching system (10) includes an alignment sensor (24) attached to either the towing vehicle (12) or the towed vehicle (14) for emitting a light beam over a field of view. A reflector (32) attached to the other of the towing vehicle (12) or the towed vehicle (14) is mounted at a predetermined location relative to the alignment sensor (24). The reflector (32) reflects a portion of the light beam emitted from the alignment sensor (24). An alarm (46) in the alignment sensor (24) emits an audible alarm in response to detecting a portion of the reflected light beam.

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.

Abstract: A quality control apparatus for a beverage held in a beverage container. The apparatus includes a sensor configured to be in thermal communication with the beverage and detect attainment of a first predetermined temperature. The apparatus also includes a timer coupled with the sensor. The timer is configured to commence timing in response to detection of the attainment of the first predetermined temperature by the sensor. The apparatus also typically includes an indicator coupled to the timer and configured to indicate to a user a status of the timer.

Abstract: A moisture monitoring device, for use in monitoring the soil moisture level of a potted plant, comprising a tubular housing having a proximal end and a distal end. A moisture sensor is located at the distal end, which is ordinarily submerged within the soil of the potted plant. An indicating LED is located at the proximal end, which is normally visible above the soil of the potted plant. A blinker circuit is located within the housing and is capable of controlling illumination of the indicating LED. The moisture sensor modulates the blinker circuit such that as the soil moisture level decreases, the blinker circuit causes the indicating LED to flash more rapidly.