Sound Reproducer Patents (Class 340/692)
  • Patent number: 5959527
    Abstract: A chime activated by a clock to sound a pleasing sound every hour, by attaching a clock to an electrical controller that operates a striker mechanism. The striker mechanism, comprising a striker ball that strikes the chime elements when rotated provides an uniquely pleasing sound. The invention also includes means of disconnecting the sound independent of clock operations as well as chime activation for a varying period or a varying number of striker rotations to provide auditory indication of the time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Woodstock Percussion, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel L Beder, Alan Beder
  • Patent number: 5952929
    Abstract: A wake-up device includes at least one sound source for use in a wake-up action. A speaker unit converts electric signals from the at least one sound source into sound signals. A signal processor changes the condition of electric signals from the at least one sound source. A random number generator generates a random number. A controller performs sound source selection in accordance with the random number generated by the random number generator, and/or changes the conditions of electric signals from the at least one sound source by means of the signal processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuo Yasushi, Hiroshi Satoh, Hidekazu Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5952919
    Abstract: An alarm system is provided including a plurality of remote units each having a fire or burglar alarm for generating an activation signal. A transmitter is situated within the housing for transmitting a signal via free space upon the receipt of the activation signal. Next provided is a central dispatch station including a radio receiver for receiving the signal from the transmitter of at least one of the remote units for dispatching emergency personnel to the at least one of the remote units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph Merrill
  • Patent number: 5939983
    Abstract: A toy that activates an indicator while an end user consumes an edible substance. The toy includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are connected to the indicator. An electrical path is created between the first and second electrodes while the end user is consuming the consumable substance to close an electrical circuit with the indicator. The closed circuit activates the indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Elliot A. Rudell
    Inventors: Elliot A. Rudell, Raymond Earl Fisher, George Foster
  • Patent number: 5939981
    Abstract: A device which functions to locate preselected items which are remote from a user. The device comprises two parts; a hand held device and multiple sensors/chips which are applied to objects the user desires to locate. The hand held devices contains a control panel selector buttons for each multiple sensors/chip it is desired to locate. When a preselected button is depressed, a transmitter sends signal containing preselected code. The signal is received by a receiver in each multiple sensors/chip. The receiver in each multiple sensors/chip reads the code and if a match is obtained the receiver enables an audio tone generator in the multiple sensors/chip to send a tone through an audio speaker. The multiple sensors/chip further, transmits a signal to the hand held device which is received by a second receiver and decoded. The second receiver matches the code with the multiple sensors/chip selected and enables a second audio tone generator to send a second tone through a second speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Marjorie Renney
  • Patent number: 5938216
    Abstract: A baby carriage with an illumination sound system comprises a control box having a control circuit, a frame with wheels, a magnet and a magnetic switch mounted on a rear leg of the frame. The magnetic switch is connected to the control circuit, and the control circuit outputs a signal to drive a speaker, an illuminating device, a signal transmitting device, respectively or a combination signal of all the above, thus, when pushing the carriage the above devices can be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Lu Kuang Inc.
    Inventor: Mao-Hsiung Weng
  • Patent number: 5936515
    Abstract: A field programmable audible signal having voice message annunciating capability and a field programming device. The signal has two separate field programming paths. One path includes a built in microphone and the other is a facility to receive a download voice message from a field programming device as by a cable that plugs into both the signal and the programming device. The field programming device is capable of providing either of two messages during a download operation. The field programming device includes a record facility to change at least one of the messages and is small enough to fit in a hand held housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Right, Jan Braam
  • Patent number: 5923252
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for delivering audio and/or visual messages for marketing purposes. The device comprises a detection means to detect that a person is present within a predetermined detection area, which may be proximate a product to be marketed, means for determining whether the person is interested in the product and means for delivering a message if it is determined that the person may he interested in the product. The determination means preferably comprises a means for timing how long the person stays in the detection area continuously. This time is a predetermined time period, then a message will be delivered. The device in accordance with the present invention is preferably able to be networked with other devices and/or includes an updatable memory so that control and message data can be updated from a central location in accordance with a marketing campaign. The device is also arranged to gather statistic information on the campaign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Marvel Corporation Pty Limited
    Inventors: Geoff Sizer, Ian Wilson, Michael Levy, Shun Thangathurai
  • Patent number: 5923256
    Abstract: A driver dozing preventing apparatus includes a device for issuing a doze prevention alarm signal, and a device for outputting an alarm sound having a moving acoustic image of a fundamental sound when the alarm signal is issued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihide Satake, Mitsuo Shimotani, Minoru Nishida, Makito Seki
  • Patent number: 5914650
    Abstract: The present invention provides a decorative door chime particularly well suited to festive occasions. The chime includes a speaker which is suspended on one side of the door by a strap, and a door-knocker actuated trigger switch suspended on the other side of the door by the strap. The strap encloses the electrical connections between the speaker and the trigger. The sound generator plays songs, tone sequences, recorded voice messages, etc., in response to actuation of the trigger switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: M.H. Segan Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Marc H. Segan
  • Patent number: 5900802
    Abstract: The present invention provides a decorative door chime particularly well suited to festive occasions. The chime's speaker element is suspended on one side of the door, and a door-knocker actuated trigger switch on the other side of the door, by a strap. The strap encloses the electrical connections between them, hiding and protecting them. A mounting clip is slidably attached to the strap for securing and positioning wreaths and other similar decorations. The sound generator plays songs, tone sequences, recorded voice messages etc. in response to actuation of the trigger switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: M. H. Segan Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Marc H. Segan
  • Patent number: 5894275
    Abstract: A record/playback module includes a case and an electronic circuit supported by the case for recording an audio message under control of a user and thereafter automatically playing the audio message in response to a change in ambient light. The electronic circuit has a RECORD mode of operation in which the electronic circuit records the audio message and a PLAY mode of operation in which the electronic circuit plays the audio message. The electronic circuit includes a first switch for initiating the RECORD mode of operation and a light sensitive subcircuit for initiating the PLAY mode of operation. The light sensing subcircuit is adapted to initiate the PLAY mode of operation when a second switch is in a first switch position and the ambient light increases, and when the second switch is in a second switch position and the ambient light decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Headway, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Swingle
  • Patent number: 5892448
    Abstract: The electronic clinical thermometer of the present invention has a temperature sensing portion (3), a control signal generating circuit (2) for generating a control signal for controlling operation of each of structural elements, a converting circuit (4) for converting an output signal generated from the temperature sensing portion into a digital signal, a temperature measuring section (6) for measuring the temperature based on the digital signal, storage circuits (7) for storing and updating a maximum value of the temperature measured by the temperature measuring section in order. Data comparing circuits (8) are provided for comparing the temperature stored in the storage circuits with a present measured value. Temperature rise detecting means (21) is provided for detecting a rising amount of the temperature based on a compared result of the data comparing circuits, and a buzzer (103) is provided for informing the rise of the temperature based on a signal of the temperature rise detecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toyoharu Fujikawa, Shingo Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 5886631
    Abstract: A new barking dog sound alarm system for scaring away intruders using the menacing sounds of a dog. The inventive device includes a microphone for detecting noise, a device to compare the detected noise level to a reference level so as to determine whether the detected noise is a potential intruder, a plurality of sound recordings of different excited dogs, a speaker for broadcasting one of the recordings, and a controller for activating one of the sound recordings when the detected noise is determined to be a potential intruder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Leo N Ralph
  • Patent number: 5883573
    Abstract: Circuits for supervising message generators and audio output cables include memory for binary storage of messages previously recorded in a message generator. As the generator is cycled to produce an audio output, that analog output is sampled and compared to the previously stored binary representation. A match indicates a successful generation of the message. The cables can be supervised by applying a DC bias thereto and detecting the voltage present on the respective cable. Line integrity is indicated where the cable DC voltage falls in an expected range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Pittway Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Mazeiko, Jr., Michael A. Troiano, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5877698
    Abstract: A system having several transmitters at fixed locations, such as in a supermarket, and a mobile receiver installed in each push-cart. Whenever a push-cart comes within the range of a transmitter, an exclusive link is set up therebetween for relaying to the receiver an audio message prerecorded in the transmitter for the push-cart user to hear. The receivers beam each "listening" control signals within a predetermined range, in response to which a transmitter within the range of one such receiver relays back a "sending" control signal and sends its prerecorded message which the receiver tunes into. The control signals are single-frequency signals modulating infrared carriers. The message signals are recorded preferably in analog solid-state memories and frequency-modulating radio or infrared carriers in different embodiments. Other uses include public galleries and museums, where one such receiver may be carried by the user instead of installing in a cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventors: Jaime Hector Kusnier, Jose Kulesz, Alberto Jose Machado
  • Patent number: 5872508
    Abstract: An electronic flasher system adapted to change an operating sound in dependence on situations surrounding a vehicle when the vehicle changes its direction or lane, so that the driver can grasp the situations surrounding the vehicle by merely listening to such operating sound. The flasher system includes a flasher circuit 21A connected with a sound generator 3 for generating operating sound, and a situation detecting sensor 6 for outputting an output signal in dependence on a running state of the vehicle. The flasher circuit 21A causes a change of the turn-signal operating sound generated by the sound generator 3 in accordance with an obstacle detection signal from an obstacle sensor 61 and a vehicle speed detection signal from a vehicle-speed sensor 62.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Niles Parts Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuo Taoka
  • Patent number: 5864288
    Abstract: A tooth brush holder adapted to contain at least one tooth brush is provided with a switch and circuitry such that when the tooth brush is removed from the holder a sound producing device is actuated which device can continue to produce sound for at least a predetermined time. In one preferred form of the invention, the sound producing device may incorporate an audio chip on which a pre-recorded message is located and, in a second form, may include a recordable chip recorded by a user or some other person. The apparatus may be provided with a control apparatus to monitor the amount of time the toothbrush has been removed from the holder to insure that proper brushing has taken place. If the toothbrush is replaced in the holder before the predetermined time period has elapsed, a warning message or tone (and/or light) may be activated advising the user that more brushing is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Rory G. Hogan
  • Patent number: 5864289
    Abstract: A coin carrier that includes a cup holder member, a lid member including an audible open lid altering mechanism, and an adjustable length support strap assembly. The cup holder member includes a central coin cup receiving cavity that is accessible through a top receiving cavity opening, and a logo display area, a lid securing hook and pile fastener section, and at least one closable side pocket carried on an exterior sidewall thereof. The lid member is pivotally attached to the cup holder member with a flexible hinge strap. The lid member includes a securing tab that is securable to the lid securing hook and pile fastener section of the cup holder member. The audible open lid alerting mechanism includes an on/off switch, a battery connector, an activation switch, an audible signal generating circuit, and a speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Kimberly D. Tiemann
  • Patent number: 5856781
    Abstract: A refrigerator door alarm system that includes a message circuit having a playback function that is triggered by a trigger circuit that detects movement of the magnetic gasket of the refrigerator door. The refrigerator door alarm system includes an alarm housing and an alarm circuit including a trigger circuit, a timer circuit responsive to the trigger circuit, a message circuit responsive to the trigger circuit, and a buzzer responsive to the timer circuit. The alarm housing includes an outwardly extended magnetic attachment side strip secured to an attachment strip support, a speaker grate, a buzzer grate, a message record button opening, a message play button opening, a battery compartment, and a magnetically actuated reed switch assembly member; the trigger circuit including a magnetically actuated reed switch that is activatable by the magnetic field oat a magnetic refrigerator door gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventors: Warren K. Michel, Gerrard Cheramie
  • Patent number: 5846089
    Abstract: A medicine container providing audible dosage instructions in a voice recognizable to the user, so that a user, even with a sight or like disability, can rely on voice recognition as providing verification of the accuracy and particular appropriateness of the dosage instructions to the user of the medicine container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventors: Richard C. Weiss, Howard L. Terriss
  • Patent number: 5841347
    Abstract: A one-touch doorlock device having a construction capable of being easily mounted at either a left or right side of a door by a simple manipulation, locking the door only by manipulating the doorknob without any additional manipulation, and outputting speech messages respectively corresponding to locked and unlocked states of the door by use of a microcomputer and a ROM as a speech memory stored with speech messages. The device thus provides easy and convenient doorlock mounting and provides convenience in use to the user. The doorlock device includes door locking mechanism for moving the locking bolt to its locked position. The door locking mechanism has a rotating member operatively connected to the doorknobs in such a manner that the rotating member rotates by a manipulation of the doorknobs, thereby moving the locking bolt between an extended position corresponding to the locked position and a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Duk Poong Mool San Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung-Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 5828292
    Abstract: A 3-button emergency signal via incorporated transmitter device including a housing with 3 push button switches situated thereon. Also included is a transmitter and a reset module positioned within the housing and in communication with the switches. The transmitter is adapted to transmit a unique transmission signal via free space for receipt by a specific emergency facility upon the depression of a designated button. The present invention thus allows the receiving emergency facility to locate the user and reactivate the device for the further use by transmitting a unique signal via the reset module incorporated in this device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Viatcheslav A. Kokhan
  • Patent number: 5812057
    Abstract: A detector device for finding concealed studs in partitioning includes a pair of plates which are supplied with ac via resistors. Amplifiers produce outputs representing the sum and difference respectively of the signals imposed on the plates. The sum signal drives a display enabling circuit including a comparator which enables a display means to operate when the sum signal exceeds a threshold level. The difference signal drives two comparators which control three display device such that one display device is operated only when the detector device is over the center of a stud. The other display devices indicate which way the detector should be moved to place it over the center of the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Turner Intellectual Property Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Steabben Hepworth, Brian Edward Brooks, Paul Hatcher
  • Patent number: 5802147
    Abstract: A system for notifying a user of awaiting messages is provided. In the preferred embodiment, this system includes a messaging device (30), a lock system (20), a central computer (40) and a output device (50). Central computer (40) processes signals from lock system (20) and to messaging device (30). Central computer (40) also monitors lock system (20) and sends user related information to messaging device (30). Output device (50) automatically contacts the user with information related to the awaiting messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Business Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Beyda, Shmuel Shaffer
  • Patent number: 5798686
    Abstract: A voice emitting pin is provided including a housing with a back opening and an interior space. Further provided is a back cover for releasably engaging the back opening of the housing. Also included is a pin assembly coupled to a rear surface of the back cover with an associated pin, whereby the pin may be releasably coupled to a shirt of a user. A triangular ornament is coupled to the housing. A watch battery is situated within the interior space of the housing. Finally, a voice chip is situated within the interior space of the housing and connected to the battery for powering purposes. The voice chip has a switch for effecting transmission of an audible voice remark upon the depression thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Stefan C. Schreiner
  • Patent number: 5798704
    Abstract: An earthquake escape light system having several different triggering systems. In one system vibrations are sensed as several steel balls move between two plates with the upper plate being connected to an upright member. At the lower end of this upright member is a steel ball normally electrically insulated from a lower conducting surface. Vibrations will cause the steel lower ball to contact the lower conducting surface and complete an electrical path to a light source. Alternately, the upper plate may have an arm with a hook end attached to it. This end restrains a pivotally mounted tube with mercury within from completing an electric circuit to a light source. When vibrations occur the hook comes off to complete the circuit. In another embodiment two magnets normally equally attract the free end of a electrically connected spring. When this end is subject to vibrations one of the magnets attracts it to complete a circuit to a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Ohannes Sabuncu
  • Patent number: 5798681
    Abstract: The garage door position indicator contains a radio frequency (RF) transmitter with an electronic angle sensor attached onto a garage door, and a RF receiver with a visual/audio indicator. The electronic angle sensor supplies signals to the RF transmitter during the changes in orientation of a garage door from vertical to horizontal and from horizontal to vertical. The RF receiver is responsive to the RF signals from the RF transmitter and controls a visual/audio indicator to indicate the position of a garage door accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Nai-Wen Chang
  • Patent number: 5790024
    Abstract: A single or a plurality of like transmitters are remotely positioned from a single receiver. Each one of the transmitters has an infra-red sensor that when activated by the heat of a moving object transmits a first single pulse to set the AGC of the single receiver and then when the AGC level is established transmits a series of coded identification pulses at substantially the same gain level as the first pulse to the receiver. The coded pulses identify one of a plurality of channels in the receiver that contain a pre-recorded message relating to the transmitting transmitter. When a channel is selected that pre-recorded message is audible produced by the receiver. Typically, the message will announce the location of the transmitting transmitter to a listener which indicates that there is an intruder detected at the transmitter location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Blocker Corporation
    Inventors: Allen E. Ripingill, Jr., Jon McQuillen
  • Patent number: 5764134
    Abstract: An audio police identification and distraction device that is sufficiently rugged to be thrown inside a structure to be searched and deliver electronically a digitally stored, high volume voice message that clearly identifies the police or law enforcement agency and distracts persons inside the structure during a hard entry. The audio device includes a voice message memory chip, a rechargeable battery operated power supply, an amplifier, a speaker assembly and a user activated switch and delay circuit. The audio signal output can achieve a speaker volume of at least 100 decibels, preferably in the range of 110 to 112 decibels. The electronic components are contained in a hard housing that can be tossed through a glass window and onto a floor without damage. The audio electronic circuit is battery operated and mounted on a platform that is isolated from the impact shocks imposed upon the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Brian A. Carr
    Inventors: Brian R. Carr, Mig Allen Howard
  • Patent number: 5757267
    Abstract: A wireless audible indication system comprising a transmitter and a receiver. An embodiment of the transmitter includes a crystal oscillator which produces a signal having a predetermined audio frequency. A duty cycle limiting circuit limits the duty cycle of the oscillator signal to be less than 25%. The limited duty cycle signal is applied to a radio frequency oscillator to produce an amplitude modulated radio frequency signal. An embodiment of the receiver includes a superregenerative detector which provides wide band detection of transmissions about a carrier frequency. A signal processing circuit formed by a cascade of a crystal filter stage, an amplifier/comparator stage, and a detector stage, processes the signal from the superregenerative detector. A sound generator integrated circuit, which generates an audible signal indicative of reception of a transmitted signal, is coupled to the signal processing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Dimango Products
    Inventor: Thomas G. Xydis
  • Patent number: 5748096
    Abstract: An illuminating and annunciating device for a toilet having a bowl, and a seat which is movable between a lower seating position and an upper retracted position, includes an illumination unit for illuminating the bowl for nighttime standing urination. An annunciator unit generates an audible indication which reminds a user to move the seat from the retracted position to the seating position after use. A sensor activates the illumination unit and the annunciator unit when the seat is in the retracted position, and de-activates the illumination unit and the annunciator unit when the seat is in the seating position. The device is attached to the toilet seat or bowl, and the sensor includes a switch which is actuated by the other of the toilet seat or bowl when the seat is in the seating position. The annunciator unit preferably includes an audio module with a recording and playback capability for recording the audible indication as a verbal message, musical sequence, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Laurel G. Kaufer
  • Patent number: 5742231
    Abstract: An intrusion detection system is disclosed including a warning device and a sensor for generating a sensor signal in response to an intruder. A driver coupled between the sensor and the warning device, which is operative to switch from an "off" state to an "on" state in response to the sensor signal. The driver in the "off" state disables the warning device, while in the "on" state the driver activates the warning device. The system further includes a controller for the driver, which includes an oscillator normally in a "static" or unenergized state of operation. The oscillator is activated in response to the sensor signal being continuous for a first predetermined period of time to cause the controller to lock the driver in the "on" state for a second predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Louis Kolodin
  • Patent number: 5739758
    Abstract: A drinking container includes a fluid-tight container having a continuous sidewall connecting an open top and a closed bottom, and a handle secured to the sidewall and extending substantially the length thereof. A rigid lid has a lid body configured and dimensioned to close the open top and a lid lever extending outwardly from the lid body and beyond the handle for pivoting the lid body relative to the open top from a top-closed orientation to a top-open orientation. A pivot is secured to the handle for pivotally engaging the lid lever and enabling pivoting of the lid body between the top-closed orientation and the top-open orientation. An electronic sound generating element is disposed in the lid body and responsive to an actuating switch disposed on the lid lever such that the normal movement of a user for causing pivoting of the lid body from the top-closed orientation to the top-open orientation also actuates the sound-generating element prior to causing pivoting of the lid body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Funomenon LLC
    Inventors: John Driska, Elliott Azrak
  • Patent number: 5734316
    Abstract: A first method (210) of utilizing a canine auditory transmission apparatus (10) having of the following steps: A) arriving (212) at a potential crime scene; B) placing (212), by extending and holding a housing retractable handle (12A), the canine auditory transmission apparatus (10) on a metal surface; C) allowing (216) a housing magnet (12D) of a housing (12) to securely attach to the metal surface and further allowing the housing retractable handle (12A) to retract therein; D) first activating (218) a ON/OFF switch (14) to an ON position which electronically connects a power means (22) to a microchip (20) which is electronically connected to a receiver (21), the microchip (20) is further electronically connected to at least one speaker (18) and an audio player (17); E) checking (220) if a power indicator light (16) is illuminated; F) adjusting (222) a volume control (15); G) depressing (224) a remote unit ON button (24E) of a remote unit (24), the remote unit (24) comprises a remote unit housing (24A) conta
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Ronald E. Swanson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5731756
    Abstract: A control is provided for allowing a user to actuate various home security systems such as garage door openers, home alarm systems, lights, etc., remotely. A transmitter is provided with encryption logic such that its signal is not easily duplicated. In a preferred embodiment, the transmitter is provided with separate channels for each of several systems which are to be actuated by the transmitter. Receivers are provided with logic to recognize the encrypted signal. The encrypted signal varies sequentially on each actuation of the transmitter. In another preferred feature of this invention, add-on receivers may be incorporated into the existing circuitry for the systems that are to be controlled by the inventive transmitter. In this way, existing systems may be utilized with the inventive transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy S. Roddy
  • Patent number: 5726634
    Abstract: A smoke alarm with high and low pitched tones including a conventional smoke detector adapted to activate upon the detection of smoke associated with fire. A first high tone buzzer is included for emitting a high pitched tone upon activation of the smoke detector. A second low tone buzzer is included for emitting a low pitched tone upon the activation of the smoke detector. The first buzzer and second buzzers are adapted to allow the emitted tone thereof to be adjusted thus affording persons with hearing disabilities warning of the presence of fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventors: Oneida V. Hess, James L. Hess
  • Patent number: 5726629
    Abstract: A lighting fixture with a motion detector is improved by incorporating an announcement device into the lighting fixture. The announcement device is a sound recording and playback device. When a person or an object enters into an area monitored by the motion detector, the motion will be detected by the motion detector. The motion detector will then turn on the lighting fixture and the announcement device to playback an announcement or a message through an amplifier and a speaker. The announcement can either be a prerecoreded announcement by manufacturer such as a warning to intruder, a welcome greeting to visitor or guest, a short tune of music etc. or a personalized announcement recorded by a user. In the first embodiment, the lighting fixture, motion detector and announcement device are assembled together within the lighting fixture body and formed integral parts of the lighting fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventor: Raymond Y. Yu
  • Patent number: 5724020
    Abstract: A voice warning system for fire accidents including a plurality of fire sensors, a first multiplex selector, a detecting and scanning circuit, a locking circuit, a decoding circuit, a memory circuit, a second multiplex selector, a scanning circuit, a load, a time pulse controlling circuit, a fire emergency assistance calling circuit, and a plurality of loudspeakers 12, the sensors and the loudspeakers being designed to arrange in appropriate positions and the other circuits being disposed with a fire-proof control box, whereby in case of a fire accident, the system will give fleeing instructions to all people in a building through the loudspeakers and will automatically call the fire emergency assistance at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Ching-Fu Hsu
  • Patent number: 5719549
    Abstract: A buzzer assembly including a casing mounted with an ornament, an IC board mounted within the casing and carrying a battery and an IC, a buzzer mounted in the casing and connected to the IC, a coupling plate mounted in the casing, a top cover mounted within the casing and covered on the IC board and the buzzer and having a rubber press cone with a electric conducting element, a plurality of light emitting elements respectively connected to the IC, and a bottom cap covered on the casing at one side and coupled to the coupling plate and having a magnet on the outside adapted for securing the whole assembly to a metal surface, wherein when the ornament is depressed, the electric conducting element of the rubber press cone is forced to contact the two opposite terminals of the IC, causing the IC to turn on the buzzer and the light emitting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: Chi-Shih Lai
  • Patent number: 5708970
    Abstract: In a wireless sound monitoring system, ambient sounds are monitored by a microphone and transmitted over a phase or frequency modulated transmitter to a receiver. A sound actuated switch responsive to ambient sounds louder than a predetermined level turns the transmitter on and causes a hidden tone to be generated. A delay circuit caused the hidden tone to be terminated before the transmitter is turned off when the sound level decreases. In the receiver, a mute circuit responds to the hidden tone to control the output of a loudspeaker, and thus, the hidden tone prevents a squelch tail from being heard. The monitoring unit also includes a pulse generator to cause the hidden tones to be generated at regular intervals, but with short pulse widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Gerry Baby Products
    Inventors: Perran V. L. Newman, Theodore B. Freese, Gary C. Lindenberger
  • Patent number: 5705992
    Abstract: A self-contained, electronic message-emitting device for providing a recorded message and having an illuminated framed picture or photograph or transparency contained therein, that includes a housing unit having a frame member, a sound compartment, an electronic compartment, and a plug-in power component. The frame member includes a top wall having an elongated slot opening for receiving a picture or photograph or transparency therein; a shield for protecting the picture or photograph or transparency; and members for diffusing light to illuminate the picture or photograph or transparency. The sound compartment includes a plurality of speaker members, a recording microphone, and a plurality of speaker openings for emitting the sound of a recorded message from the speaker members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Camille Romano
  • Patent number: 5696487
    Abstract: The audible alarm apparatuses include fire sensing portion, location setting portion for setting a location of the fire sensing portion, system controller for providing information about the location of the fire outbreak and controlling interface devices, DTMF generator, DTMF receiver, voice data storage portion responsive to the information outputted from the system controller for providing a voice data, parallel to serial converter, digital to analog converter, and amplifier, etc. The apparatuses give and take the information about the location of the fire outbreak directly with each other via a telephone line without a host computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Pyeong-Hwa Electronic Co.
    Inventor: Hong-Seok Choi
  • Patent number: 5677669
    Abstract: The Audio Illuminator is an integrated system providing directed lighting and a public address type amplification and loudspeaker capability, under control from a remote location. The system includes a searchlight and one or more directional, high-power loudspeakers. An audio amplifier supplies drive signals to the loudspeakers in response to audio input signals received from the remote control. The system includes a power junction box for supplying power to the amplifier and the searchlight and carrying signals to and from the various components. The system may derive power from a small portable diesel generator. A gimbal mount supports the searchlight for two-directional movement (horizontal rotation and vertical tilt angle rotation) and supports the one or more loudspeakers for movement with the searchlight in at least one of the two directions. Drive motors provide two-dimensional automatic positioning in response to signals from the remote control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Applied Electro Mechanics, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur H. Walkley, IV, Edward R. Hallett
  • Patent number: 5673023
    Abstract: A locating system including a transmitter housing having a plurality of button switches situated thereon. Also included is at least one receiver housing coupled to an object. A speaker, button key, and high intensity strobe light are situated on the receiver housing. The transmitter housing is equipped with transmitter circuitry for emitting one of a plurality of unique signals upon the instantaneous depression of an associated button on the transmitter housing. Receiver circuitry is situated within the receiver housing and is adapted to activate upon the receipt of an associated signal transmitted via the transmitter circuitry. The receiver circuitry is further adapted to deactivate only upon the depression of the key on the receiver housing. Also included is audible receiving indication circuitry for emitting an audible signal via the speaker comprising a short descriptive phrase representative of the object to which the receiver housing is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Bradley K. Smith
  • Patent number: 5663714
    Abstract: An alarm system, comprising a smoke detector, a smoke detector output relay, a recording switch, a microphone, a digital recording and a play back device, a timer/pulse generator, a pulse counter, a number of speakers, an amplifier and an alarm tone generator, and the method of operation of the alarm system are presented. The smoke detector output relay activates a printed circuit that is powered off the smoke detector at two different points. The recording switch, when activated, allows a voice message to be recorded through the microphone on a digital recording and play back device. The timer/pulse generator starts when activated by the smoke detector output relay. The timer/pulse generator then sends timed pulses to the pulse counter that controls output of the digital recording and play back device, i.e. a verbal message, and of the alarm tone generator. The controlled output of the digital recording and play back device and of the alarm tone generator is then sent to the amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Eddie Lee Fray
  • Patent number: 5657004
    Abstract: An electronic display device renders both an audio message and a visual message. The display device includes a housing, including a frame for holding at least a first and second non-overlapping transparency which contains a visual message, a front panel which contains a viewing aperture for receiving the frame, and a back panel member. Each of the front panel and back panel include an array of peripheral al, spaced apertures through which a fastening device, such as a bolt, can be passed for securing together the front panel member to the back panel member, and sandwiching the frame therebetween. The device also includes a first and second light source for illuminating, respectively, the first transparency and the second transparency. A direct analog audio storage chip is provided for playing an audio message having at least a plurality of audio segments. A sensor, such as a pryoelectric IR motion sensor, is provided for sensing the presence of a person in the vicinity of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Felknor International, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis R. Whittaker, Gordon J. Waligorski
  • Patent number: 5652566
    Abstract: A redundant alarm system including a central controller that interfaces with a first alarm, a second alarm, a visual indicator and an acoustic sensor. When an alarm condition exists, the controller activates the primary alarm causing the primary alarm to generate an audible first alarm signal. The audible first alarm signal is transmitted from the primary alarm to the acoustical sensor. The acoustical sensor detects the audible first alarm signal and transduces the audible first alarm signal into a first feedback signal that is relayed to the controller. If the controller does not receive the first feedback signal from the acoustical sensor within a predetermined time after activating the primary alarm, the controller activates the secondary alarm and the visual indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Aequitron Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Anthony Lambert
  • Patent number: 5646601
    Abstract: A magnetic apparatus (10) is provided having a bottom plate (12), a top plate (14), a first magnet guide (16), a second magnet guide (18) and a magnet member (20) which is slidable upon a slide axis (22) through apertures (40) and (54) of first magnet guide (16) and second magnet guide (18) respectively. The magnetic apparatus (10) is shown in a closed position in FIG. 1 for use in conjunction with a reed switch (86) (see FIG. 3) mounted on bottom plate (12). In the closed position magnet member (20) is close enough to the reed switch (86) to magnetically toggle reed switch (86) and thus electrically toggle electrical circuit (100). When the magnetic apparatus (10) is moved in three-dimensional space so that reference plane (24) is changed with respect to gravity line (26) to a sufficient degree, then magnet member (20) will shift along slide axis (22) toward second magnet guide (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard H. Wallace, Robert W. Pospick
  • Patent number: 5644296
    Abstract: A self-contained A-1-2-3 Body Guard Alarm which is a 3 in 1 system that simultaneously activates 3 units by actuation of a single button to identify an attacker in two ways and gets the attention of other people in a third way. The unit is worn on the back side of the hand using straps by sliding the hand and fingers through a cuff into an open-finger glove of the alarm unit, and locks the unit into place on the hand by a cuff lock in order to prevent the attacher from removing it from the wearer. The unit can be used at night because it uses a flash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: Marvin Leon Miller