Sound Reproducer Patents (Class 340/692)
  • Patent number: 5291183
    Abstract: An alarm system employing a vocoder which enables the alarm system to emit not only a buzzing sound but also a human voice, the alarm system being composed of a microphone, a microphone amplifier, a vocoder, a memory, a preamplifier, a power amplifier and a speaker whereby the alarm system can emit the buzzing sound of a police car, whistle sound or human voice to enhance the burglarproof effect or serve as a fire alarm system for indicating the way to escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Ultrafashion Textile Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Alan Chiang
  • Patent number: 5291191
    Abstract: A medicine dispenser for allowing first and second medicine doses to be safely dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventor: Don L. Moore
  • Patent number: 5287333
    Abstract: An FM audio system has an FM tuner, a CD player, a stereo modulator for modulating an audio signal from the CD player to produce a composite signal so as to be received by the FM tuner, for reproducing the audio signal. A notification system has a controller and a muting circuit. The controller produces a control signal in response to the changing of function of the CD player. The muting circuit attenuates the audio signal from CD player in accordance with the control signal. Speech information is generated in response to the changing of the function of the CD player. The speech information is added to an attenuated audio signal and applied to the stereo modulator so as to reproduce the audio signal together with the speech information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Hirata
  • Patent number: 5283549
    Abstract: An electronic security sentry for monitoring a designated area to detect unauthorized intruders comprises a housing that contains a microprocessor controller, a power source, and a two-way radio transmitter coupled to the microprocessor. The microprocessor controller includes storage for storing the digital equivalents of a predetermined set of verbal commands. A set of passive infrared detectors are coupled to the controller and mounted to the housing such that their fields of coverage span the area to be monitored. Upon detection by the sensors of an unauthorized intruder, a signal is conveyed to the microprocessor which selects a predetermined set of digitized verbal commands from its memory, activates the two-way radio in its transmit mode, and conveys the commands in a predetermined sequence to the two-way radio. The sequence of verbal commands are then transmitted by the radio for receipt by the security guards of an adjunct guard force, who can respond to the alarm accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Intellitech Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph H. Mehaffey, J. Sutton Mehaffey
  • Patent number: 5266920
    Abstract: A magnet for posting notes or the like on a refrigerator wall or similar metal surface in which the magnet, in one exemplary embodiment, has a battery-operated sound-emitting device which, for added play value, is activated to produce its sound, but only when the magnet is manually removed from its support surface and otherwise, as when it is held by magnetic attraction against a support surface, a disabling switch is held open to correspondingly deactivate the sound-playing mode of the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: Eli Langner
  • Patent number: 5264824
    Abstract: A sound-giving tread mat has a bag-like tread mat, a foam rubber sheet interposed in the tread mat, one or more buzzers partly adhered on the inner surface of the lower layer of the tread mat, and a sound-giving electric unit to give out sounds. The buzzer(s) is electrically connected with the sound-giving unit placed on a corner surface of the tread mat or somewhere inside a door in a house. When the tread mat is treaded on with a shoe of a visitor, the buzzer(s) can be vibrated by the compressed air in the tread mat to give out an electric signal, and then the sound-giving electric unit amplifies the electric signal coming from the buzzer(s) and gives out sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Jin-Rong Hour
  • Patent number: 5264822
    Abstract: A system for delivering audio advertising messages to shopping carts moving through a plurality of spatially defined transmission zones arranged in the aisles of a store. In the illustrative embodiment, a plurality of transmitters of compact construction are each attached to a shelf within the store. Each shelf transmitter has a spatially defined transmission zone of selected geometry and predetermined dimensions so as to occupy an assigned region of space within one of the aisles in the store. When any one of these transmitters detects a shopping cart residing in its spatially defined transmission zone, the transmitter transmits over its spatially defined transmission zone, a modulated signal carrying an audio message provided by a playback mechanism within the transmitter. A receiver on the detected shopping cart demodulates the received modulated carrier signal and produces an audible signal of the audio message provided by the playback mechanism in the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventors: Joseph H. Vogelman, Edward R. Palombi
  • Patent number: 5254970
    Abstract: A personal alarm device having programmable deactivating, apparatus. The device includes a keypad by which a personal numerical code can be entered. This code is the only manner by which the alarm of the device can be shut off once activated. The code can be changed only by a user knowing the previously-entered deactivation code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventor: Edward T. Brady
  • Patent number: 5252947
    Abstract: A home security device is provided for simulating a television receiver which consists of a housing having an electrical circuit therein, a mechanism for electrically connecting the electrical circuit in the housing to a power source and a mechanism electrically connected to the electrical circuit in the housing for simulating the picture of the television receiver, so that a potential burglar will think someone is home watching the television receiver and not break into the home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Michael Marciano
  • Patent number: 5241307
    Abstract: Sound signaling and optical signaling at a crosswalk are both activated by a single push button. An activation of optical signaling such as green and red figurines is immediate, whereas the transmission of a sound message authorizing or forbidding a crossing is activated only when the pedestrian pushes the button for a predetermined time. The generation device for sound signals is controlled by a microprocessor including logic and analog inputs and outputs, the messages being stored in digital form and transmitted according to the ADPCM method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Societe d'Etudes et de Fabrication Electronique et Radioelectrique-S.E.F. E.R.
    Inventors: Gerard Bidault, Dominique Leveque
  • Patent number: 5229753
    Abstract: An indicating system for a washing device having has at least one rack for holding articles during the washing of same and a door for gaining access to the articles. The indicating system includes a detector for sensing whether or not the rack holds articles and logic circuits responsive to the detector and to the operating state of the washer for providing an indication that the articles have been cleaned when a predetermined operating state is detected and for providing an indication that any articles in the washer are not clean after the detector senses that the articles in the rack were removed from the at least one rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventors: Richard P. Berg, Floyd L. Berg
  • Patent number: 5210528
    Abstract: A floor mat includes a housing for containing a power supply, speech module and speaker. A grid-like switching mechanism is closed upon a person stepping on the mat so as to provide an energizing current flow to the speech module. The speech module includes circuitry for recording and playing back a selected message. A slidable or releasable panel in the housing allows for selectable user access to the speech module. The housing precludes weather deterioration of the elements therein and cooperates with the switching mechanism so as to provide a user-selectable message to a person stepping on the mat. The mat/housing configuration allows alternative switching mechanisms to be used in connection with replaceable speech modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: DP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Schulman, Alan Z. Kessler, Norman H. Heyder, John Herndon
  • Patent number: 5189389
    Abstract: An electronic device (FIG. 1) includes a sensor (17) for determining when the electronic device (FIG. 1) is being worn by a user and when the elecronic device (FIG. 1) is not being worn by the user. A first altering device (21) provides a first alert and a second altering device (22) provides a second alert. An alert selection device (16) which is coupled to the sensor (17) alternatively activates the first alerting device (21) when the electronic device (FIG. 1) is being worn by the user and the second alerting device (22) when the electronic device (FIG. 1) is not being worn by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Joan S. DeLuca, Michael J. DeLuca
  • Patent number: 5174440
    Abstract: A lipstick case includes a stationary tube formed with an axially extending guide slot, a rotatable tube formed with an internal spiral groove and rotatably sleeved on the stationary tube, and a lipstick base provided inside the stationary tube and receiving a lipstick therein. The lipstick base has an outward radial projection which extends into the guide slot and the spiral groove. A sound generating unit is provided on a lower end of the stationary tube and is operable so as to generate sound when the rotatable tube is rotated relative to the stationary tube in order to move the projection of the lipstick base upwardly along the guide slot and the spiral groove and thereby protrude the lipstick out of the stationary tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Inventor: Chung-Kuang Chiu
  • Patent number: 5165107
    Abstract: A time delay and alarm system is provided to ensure safe operation of periodically activated apparatus having potentially dangerous moving parts. The system preferably employs a 555 type integrated timer circuit, a horn, and a pulse generator which causes the horn to produce a cyclical sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventors: Doyle W. Hand, Thomas M. Holt
  • Patent number: 5130696
    Abstract: An arrangement for the generating or producing of sounds and, more particularly, a containment structure incorporating a sound-generating device which will be activated upon opening of the container structure so as to emit a preprogrammed sequence of sounds. In a more specific aspect, the containment structure may be constituted of a sealed beverage can; for instance, of the type which is widely distributed in the so-called soft drink or carbonated beverage industry, wherein the containment structure incorporates at least one compartment containing a sound-generating and emitting device which is activated upon the opening of the containment structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: PepsiCo Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore Liebman
  • Patent number: 5117217
    Abstract: An alarm system senses the presence of a person sufficiently near a protected object, such as an automobile, to inflict damage thereto, and provides verbal warnings to the person that he or she must step back from the object or an alarm will be sounded. The alarm system includes a proximity detector that senses the proximity of a person to the protected object and means for generating vocal signals using synthetic speech generation circuits. Such vocal signals instruct the person to back away from the protected object, thereby preventing the person from inflicting any damage to the object. The user may select various operating modes and performance options in how the system is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Electronic Security Products of California
    Inventor: Michael Nykerk
  • Patent number: 5083113
    Abstract: An inductive coupled object identification system (FIGS. 2a and 2b) uses inductive coupling to detect and identify objects. Each object includes an object resonance circuit (LT/CT) with a unique object resonance frequency. Base electronics (50) includes an inductive-coupling base coil (L1) coupled to an oscillator circuit (60). To detect an object, the oscillator circuit continually sends START pulses to the base coil. When an object is proximate to the base coil, a START pulse is inductively coupled to the object resonance circuit, causing it to resonate at the object resonance frequency. This resonance condition is detected by the oscillator circuit, which outputs an oscillation signal FREQ at the object resonance frequency. Frequency counting logic (70) is used to determine the object resonance frequency, allowing a microcomputer (80) to identify the object. Two embodiments of the object identification system are described: a dynamic embodiment (FIGS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher Slawinski, Richard A. Houghton, George L. Brantingham
  • Patent number: 5066943
    Abstract: A patient monitoring system (10) having a battery (14) and an audible message device (16) mounted in a housing (12) and electronically connected to a clip (18) that attaches to a patient's clothing (100). A connector strap (20) attaches the housing (12) to a clamp (22) such that movement of the patient beyond the range of the strap (20) causes the clip (18) to be removed from the clothing (100) and bring electrical contacts (32 and 34) into contact to activate the device (16). The connector strap (20) has a buckle (38) to permit adjustment in the length of the strap to alter the range of movement of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Inventors: Osman S. Demirel, John D. Sanwick
  • Patent number: 5012221
    Abstract: An emergency vehicle audible warning system and method for improving emergency vehicle mission effectiveness and reducing the undesirable side effects of emergency vehicle audible warning systems. The audible warning system projects different selectable sound phrases that indicate varying levels of urgency. Periods of silence are included between sound phrases for, among other purposes, improving listener attentiveness and allowing operators of emergency vehicles to hear other approaching emergency vehicles. Urgency is further indicated by varying the duration of silent period between sound phrases with speed changes of the emergency vehicle. Higher and broader frequency spectrums compared to typical warning systems are utilized in order to better penetrate other vehicles and to project a less harsh, yet still effective warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Siren Sounds, Inc.
    Inventors: Max Neuhaus, Frederick G. Reinagel
  • Patent number: 4988980
    Abstract: A low cost verbal annunciator which uses a plurality of inexpensive cassette tape players in a central monitoring and control panel is disclosed. Each tape player has an individualized endless cassette tape for playing particular messages over a public address system in response to the occurence of particular monitored conditions. One embodiment for use with a plurality of unique sensors for monitoring a wire manufacturing process is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Essex Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall C. Graham
  • Patent number: 4987403
    Abstract: A self contained device for giving audible messages to occupants of a vehicle is disclosed. The device includes a housing having a top, a side, and a front, a power source disposed remotely from the housing, a VELCRO.RTM. strap disposed on the top of the housing so that the self contained audible message device can be mounted under the dashboard of the vehicle, a first negative electrode disposed from the housing, a first positive electrode disposed from the housing, the first positive electrode and the first negative electrode together connecting the present invention to the remote power source, an normally open switch disposed remotely from the housing, a light emitting diode, a second negative electrode disposed from the housing, and a second positive electrode disposed from the housing, the seecond positive electrode and the second negative electrode together connecting the normally open switch to the light emitting diode (L.E.D.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Inventor: Stephen M. Apfel
  • Patent number: 4987402
    Abstract: An alarm system detects an unauthorized approach towards a protected object, such as an automobile, and provides verbal warnings to the person approaching the object, that he or she must move away from the object or an alarm will be triggered. The alarm system includes a proximity detector to detect an intrusion into an adjustable electromagnetic field set up around the object and means for generating vocal signals using synthetic speech generation circuits. Such vocal signals instruct the intruder to back away from the protected object before the alarm is triggered, thereby preventing the intruder from inflicting any damage to the object; and draw attention to the fact that an unauthorized penetration or entry event has occurred in the event the alarm is triggered. The user may select various operating modes and performance options in how the system is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Electronic Security Products of California
    Inventor: Michael Nykerk
  • Patent number: 4984098
    Abstract: A point-of-purchase advertising device generates a prerecorded audio message automatically whenever a person is nearby, and then resets itself automatically to prepare for the presence of another person. A motion detector generates a logic level signal whenever movement is sensed. This logic level signal causes a tape recorder to begin generating a prerecorded audio message. The audio output produced by the tape recorder is processed and converted to another logic level signal. This other logic level signal keeps the tape recorder on, and also disables the motion detector. The tape recorder turns off when the prerecorded message is over--since its processed audio output signal is all that keeps it on. The operation of the motion detector remains inhibited, however, until a preset period of time elapses after the prerecorded audio message is over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Popad, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Y. Buntsis
  • Patent number: 4970489
    Abstract: An occupancy simulator for casting shadows on the walls of a room, the simulator having a lamp, a shutter for casting the shadow by passing through the lamp's light beam, a motor for driving the shutter, and a microprocessor for controlling the operation of both shutter and lamp so that the shadow moves first in one direction and then, after a delay, in the reverse direction in its base mode of operation. The microprocessor can be programmed to start and stop the base mode, to modify the base mode and to cycle through the base mode in response to an external signal such as from a home security system. Several occupancy simulators can be electrically tied into a supervising unit of a home security system to cycle one or more occupancy simulators in sequence through the base mode upon receiving a signal that one of the detectors of the home security system has been tripped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Inventors: Harry D. Jenkins, Harry D. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 4954805
    Abstract: The invention provides an electronic horn for an alarm circuits of the type in which the d.c. power supply for the horn will be of a particular polarity to indicate an alarm condition. The circuit provides a piezo sounder connected across the terminals of the power supply, an inductor connected in parallel with the piezo sounder to form a tank circuit therewith and current modifying means connected in series with the tank circuit to modify the current through the tank circuit in response to the output of an R/S flip-flop which is periodically set by a clock signal at a frequency corresponding to the frequency desired for the fundamental audible tones of the sounder. The duration of the clock output pulse which makes the modifying means conductive must be such that the capacitance of the sounder is charged by the supply before the output of the clock permits a change of state in the flip-flop to make the modifying means nonconductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventor: William P. Buyak
  • Patent number: 4954810
    Abstract: A signaling system is provided for an automated garage door including a transmitter rendered operative upon the opening of the door and a receiver stage which may be adhesively mounted on the remote sending unit by which door operation is signalled. The receiver stage includes a clock and an audio signal generator both of which are disabled by a reset switch. A bar is adhesively affixed to this reset switch and to the sending unit for common manual articulation of a door closing signal and a reset signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Theodore E. Llewellyn
  • Patent number: 4951045
    Abstract: A portable electronic warning device for temporary conditions including a sensor to detect the presence of a pedestrian at a minimum first predetermined position, the sensor connected to circuitry which provides output to a plurality of focusing lights, preferably concentric bands of light, which direct the attention of the pedestrian to a message positioned concentrically within the lights, the device optionally including an audible alarm to simultaneously audibly alert a pedestrian.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Intelligent Safety Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Floyd H. Knapp, Gregory C. Rogers
  • Patent number: 4940965
    Abstract: A vocal alarm arrangement includes a plurality of sensors, including a sensor for detecting an abnormality in cooling water, a sensor for detecting an abnormality in an oil level, and the like, and also includes a voice outputting circuit to which outputs from the sensors are coupled and which displays abnormalities in a vocalized form, the outputs from the plurality of sensors being given a predetermined order of priority, and the signals from the sensors being processed in accordance with the specified order of priority so abnormalities are presented as alarms in a vocalized form according to such order priority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Suzuki Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Umehara
  • Patent number: 4930236
    Abstract: An advertising and display device includes apparatus to provide automation so as to interact with persons in the area by means of passive infrared sensing devices. The advertising and display device may take the form of a rotating platform or representation of a being or animal, and may incorporate an audio message delivery system also activated by the physical proximity of persons detected by the infrared sensors. The sensing system may be remotely located to enable the advertising and display device to be placed within an enclosure such as a showroom window, etc., and the display platform may incorporate a photoelectric detector to temporarily stop the drive system when a person is in extremely close proximity in order to allow that person to more closely examine items located on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventor: Frank J. Hart
  • Patent number: 4917940
    Abstract: A multiple layer dielectric for use in a hot-film laminar separation layer 21. The multiple layer dielectric substrate is formed by depositing a first layer 22 of a thermoplastic polymer such as on an electrically conductive substrate such as the metal surface 23 of a model 24 to be tested under cryogenic conditions and high Reynolds numbers. Next, a second dielectric layer 26 of fused silica is formed on the first dielectric layer 22 of thermoplastic polymer. A resistive metal film is deposited on selected areas of the multiple layer dielectric substrate of form one or more hot-film sensor elements 27 to which aluminum electrical circuits 28 deposited upon the multiple layered dielectric substrate are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Hopson, Jr. Purnell, Sang Q. Tran
  • Patent number: 4912457
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of people and generating an audio message and/or a video display directed to the person or persons whose presence has been detected. Message delivery is focused since the message is intended only for persons in the immediate vicinity of the subject of the message, and message repetition must be controlled to avoid constant repeating of the message during periods of high traffic. The invented apparatus implements the foregoing requirements by the use of a passive infra-red detector with a variable range control adjustable from approximately two feet to ten feet to preclude detection outside of an immediate, focused vicinity. In one embodiment, an EPROM message cartridge which may be plugged into the unit is used to store a message. The cartridges are removable so that they may be rerecorded using standard EPROM programming techniques. Alternatively, the recording medium may be built into the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Ladd Electronics
    Inventor: Howard P. Ladd
  • Patent number: 4904992
    Abstract: A radio (10) measures and stores (16, 18) the ambient sound (or noise) level of its environment. When a message is received, the current noise (or sound) level is compared to a threshold (56). If the ambient noise level is such that an audible tone may not be heard by the radio user, a silent alert is automatically activated (62) regardless of whether the silent enunciator has been previously selected (enabled) by the radio user. In another aspect of the present invention, if the ambient noise level is such that an audible tone may be inappropriate (i.e., library, courtroom, or certain hospital areas), the silent alert is also automatically activated regardless of whether the silent enunciator is enabled so as not to disturb others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy A. Grothause
  • Patent number: 4901054
    Abstract: A computerized alarm system for an automobile, which is also capable of rendering the vehicle useless to anyone making a forced entry is disclosed. The invention includes a computer panel which is equipped with a keyboard for entering a secret code. The alarm system of the present invention further includes a voice synthesizer which verbally warns intruders not to take further action in an attempt to deter theft or vandalism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Inventor: Serville Waterman
  • Patent number: 4897630
    Abstract: An alarm system for detecting, signaling and reporting the occurrence of a penetration towards or an unauthorized entry into a defined area, such as towards or into a closed automobile. The alarm system includes a proximity detector to detect an intrusion into a prescribed zone or region around the defined area, and one or more sensors to sense an unauthorized entry event or attempted entry event into the defined area. The alarm system further includes means for generating vocal speech warning or alarm signals for the purpose of: (1) drawing attention to the fact that an unauthorized penetration or entry event has been sensed, and (2) providing vocal reports to indicate the status of the system and to alert the owner of the system that a prior unauthorized event was detected. During use of the system, the user of the system can select various operating modes and report options, thereby providing flexibility in how the system is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Electronic Security Products of California, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Nykerk
  • Patent number: 4885572
    Abstract: An anti-theft alarm device for a vehicle, the device having: (a) a detector for detecting an emergency of the vehicle and for emitting a detection signal; (b) a switch for setting and deactivation the alarm device, the switch emitting selectively a setting and a deactivation signal; (c) a control circuit for transmitting selectively an alarm signal in response to the detection signal and confirmation signals in response to setting signal and deactivation signal, the confirmation signals being weaker than a alarm signal; (d) an alarm speaker for selectively generating an alarm sound and a confirmation sound in response to the alarm signal and the confirmation signals respectively, whereby generating an alarm sound according to an emergency of the vehicle and a confirmation sound when the alarm device is set and deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignees: Iwata Electric Co., Ltd., Kobishi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Iwata, Yoshikazu Kojima
  • Patent number: 4857897
    Abstract: An alarm which can be used in lieu of the knob of the cover of a teapot or an ordinary pot which provides the capability of sounding a musical alarm when the water temperature inside the teapot or kettle nears the boiling point. The alarm contains a body member, an upper plate, a sensor, a speaker and an electronic assembly. The sensor detects the vapor temperature variations in a teapot through a sensing plate beneath the teapot cover and produces an electrical signal corresponding to the vapor temperature level. This signal is then changed to musical sounds through an electronic assembly when the water nears its boiling point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Inventor: Mu H. Chen
  • Patent number: 4851823
    Abstract: A fire alarm system is installed in a building containing therein a large number of rooms such as inns, hotels, office buildings and the like. The system comprises fire detectors, microphones and speakers installed in different rooms and connected to an administration room, so that when one of the fire detectors is put into operation, the microphone and the speaker turn on and inform the administration room of the operation of the fire detector. A conversation can be exchanged between the administration room and the room in which the fire detector is put into operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Inventor: Kei Mori
  • Patent number: 4821027
    Abstract: A security system for monitoring and detecting security breaches in a home comprises a central monitor and a plurality of remote sensors for one or more of fire, smoke, intrusion, appliance operation and the like. Each of the sensors has a transmitter for transmitting an electronic message when the sensor goes into an alarm condition. The central monitor has a receiver to receive the electronic messages. An electronic microprocessor system decodes the received electronic message and takes the necessary course of action in accordance with a programmable scheme retained in electronic memory of the microprocessor system. The central monitor has a speech synthesizer responding to inputs from the microprocessor system. A keyboard is provided on the central monitor for allowing a user to interact with the security system. The microprocessor system is programmable via the keyboard to permit the user to customize the programmable scheme to render it unique to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Dicon Systems Limited
    Inventors: John Mallory, Thomas A. D. Burgmann, Gary Lennartz
  • Patent number: 4816809
    Abstract: A speaking fire alarm system for not only giving an alarm in voice on an occurrence of a fire but also providing some information necessary for coping with the situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-Seak Kim
  • Patent number: 4810996
    Abstract: A dental patient communication device to be used in instances when verbal communication is impossible or impracticable such as during dental examination and treatment; the device comprising a hollow housing, at least one and preferably three alarm buttons, and at least one audible alarm circuit capable of emitting a variety of distinct sounds and activated by the alarm buttons so that the communication of the sensation of various levels of discomfort is accomplished between the patient and the dentist. The device is designed to be either held freely in the patient's hand or gripped while mounted on an examination apparatus, such as a dental chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Inventors: Jeffrey Glen, Alexander Mark
  • Patent number: 4808971
    Abstract: The fabrication of magnet wire in an "in-line" drawing-enameling process is monitored by a local operator control station having an alarm display format screen stored therein for operator call-up via a remote controller for displaying a plurality of alarmed parameters in a time ordered sequence. The local operator station includes a local signal processor, a keyboard, a display and an input/output port. The remote controller includes a remote signal processor, a digital input/output device, and a plurality of modular cassette tape players. The first to occur alarm is sensed and is verbally annunciated while, at the same time, the alarm signal is stored and time tagged. If one or more alarms subsequently occur, an operator may wish to determine the nature of these later occurring alarms and the exact sequence in which the alarms occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Essex Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall C. Graham, James L. Phillips
  • Patent number: 4801929
    Abstract: A container for a product, the container having means for electronically generating an audible signal relating to the product in the container, which means are activated by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Inventor: David J. Instance
  • Patent number: 4794368
    Abstract: An alarm system for signaling and reporting the occurrence of an unauthorized entry into a defined area, such as into a closed automobile. The alarm system includes means for generating vocal speech signals that are used to: (1) draw attention to the fact that an unauthorized entry event has been sensed, and (2) provide reports to indicate the status of the system and to alert the owner of the system that a prior unauthorized event was detected. At installation of the system, several alarm options and features are displayed as easy-to-understand menus on a programming unit used by an installer. The installer can thus readily select which of several available alarm options and features are desired, thereby allowing the system to be easily suited for a particular application. Further, during use of the system, the user of the system can also select various operating modes and report options, thereby providing flexibility in how the system is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Electronic Security Products of California
    Inventors: Edward Grossheim, Michael Nykerk
  • Patent number: 4792789
    Abstract: To activate a buzzer of voltage driven type in response to an alarm signal, the alarm driving signal generator comprises a capacitor connected between a supply voltage and the buzzer; a first transistor for intermittently discharging the capacitor in response to the alarm signal; and a second transistor for intermittently charging the capacitor in accordance with a time constant in response to a clock signal higher than the alarm signal in frequency, after the capacitor has once been discharged. The alarm buzzer can be actuated on the basis of the intermittently charged capacitor voltage. The above generator is simple in circuit configuration as compared with the conventional circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Matsumuro
  • Patent number: 4765548
    Abstract: Garbage disposal apparatus of the type used in fast food restaurants for receiving refuse from food trays has a garbage-receiving cabinet with a vertically slidable door panel operated by a pedal-actuated mechanism, permitting two-handed handling of the food trays. The door panel is retracted by pedal action, leaving an unobstructed access opening available for assured, non-spilling sanitary dumping, as long as the pedal is depressed. The mechanism is supported protectedly and visibly in the space provided between two parallel vertical panels which together form the receiving cabinet front, the foremost of the two panels being transparent. Also positioned in the space between the two front panels is a sound-generating system, activated by the movement of either the door panel or the mechanism moving it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Inventor: Peter Sing
  • Patent number: 4761631
    Abstract: A main battery disconnection alarm and headlight warning circuit in which the main battery charges and maintains a backup battery in full charge, and when the main battery is disconnected or damaged, the backup battery provides power to an alarm and a control circuit triggers a siren to give warning, and a headlight warning circuit which triggers a siren to give a different warning sound from the main battery disconnection alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Inventor: Shih-Ming Hwang
  • Patent number: 4755789
    Abstract: A self contained device for installation in a vehicle which gives an audible message to remind the occupants to fasten their seat belt. The device includes circuitry for producing a synthesized voice message from a prerecorded ROM and announcing through a speaker. A strap is provided to enable the device to be easily installed under the dashboard of the vehicle. The device is powered from any vehicle source, such as from a cigarette lighter socket and is activated, in its normal mode, when the ignition or accessories are turned on. It is deactivated manually by pressing a normally open switch which is located remotely of the device. In another mode, the recorded message may be manually activated and deactivated by sequential pressings of the switch for warning passengers who have entered the vehicle after the engine has already been started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Inventor: John Paschal
  • Patent number: 4754266
    Abstract: The traffic director of this invention is an improved fire detector and exit indicator that provides both audio and visual exit cues to the occupants of a burning or power-failed building or other occupied structure. A series of traffic director units are placed at various predetermined intervals along an appropriate escape route, and are mounted into the walls of the building at crawling height (approximately three feet above floor level). The independent units are either battery powered or are tied into the building's emergency backup power system. When a fire is detected by a given unit's smoke or heat sensors, or a power failure is detected by the unit's light sensor, that unit's front panel displays a lighted, moving arrow pointing towards the nearest building exit, and the unit's synthesized-voice audio system gives verbal directions to that exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Inventors: Kevin J. Shand, B. Anne Highfill
  • Patent number: 4725818
    Abstract: Walk through test system for testing devices such as pull stations, smoke detectors, alarm bells and the like for alarm and trouble conditions without the assistance of a central panel operator. The devices are connected in a loop or loops distributed throughout one or more zones remote from a central panel. Alarm and trouble conditions are detected at the central panel. When a device is placed in alarm by the workman, a coded alarm is sounded which is aurally detectable by the workman at the location of the device, remote from the central panel. The coded alarm identifies the zone loop in which the device is connected. When a trouble condition is created in a loop by the workman, an alarm is sounded which is aurally detectable at the location of the loop, remote from the central panel. The alarm is coded to indicate to the workman that a trouble condition has been detected at the central panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: Simplex Time Recorder Co.
    Inventors: Charles J. Motyka, Lawrence Kaplan, Henry F. Harrington, Rudolph B. Young