Abstract: A vehicle recording system is provided having an engine vacuum-operated pressure switch for controlling an audio recording device. The pressure switch is preferably mounted in the intake manifold of the engine and generates a control signal representing dynamic engine-operating conditions; e.g. engine starting or stopping. Control circuitry is responsive to the control signal for generating a timer enable signal. A first timer circuit is activated by the timer enable signal to generate a first timing signal over a first predetermined time period for controlling the audio recording device. A second timer circuit is also activated by the timer enable signal to generate a second timing signal over a predetermined time period substantially shorter than the first predetermined time period. The second timer signal is used to generate a buzzer which is activated when the audio recording device is initially turned on.

Abstract: An emergency alarm system incorporating both signal generation and voice annunciation capabilities, for installation in a building or other structure. The system includes a standard fire alarm control panel and one or more loud speakers, each speaker having a series blocking capacitor. The panel has conventional supervisory circuitry and sensing/alarm terminals connected therewith, adapted to indicate an alarm condition when conditions warrant, as by signals received on multiple sensor lines that also communicate with the panel. A signal generator and amplifier are arranged to drive the speakers, under alarm conditions. There is provided a circuit-failure indicator including an electrical switch and an electro-responsive actuator device connected with the signal generator. The electro-responsive actuator device, when energized by the signal generator, maintains the switch in a closed-circuit condition.

Abstract: A combined smoke and gas detector utilizes a conventional smoke detector IC (44) which is operable to drive a piezo element (46) and an LED (94) to provide indication of a smoke or gas detection. An ionization chamber (58) is operable to detect smoke and a gas detector (98) is operable to detect gas. A comparator (104) detects the output of the gas detector (98) for input to the logic circuitry of the IC (44). The LED (94) is modulated to provide a distinction between gas detection and smoke detection in addition to the tone output from the piezo element (46).

Abstract: A life safety system for monitoring a building has a plurality of detectors for detecting alarm conditions located throughout the building, a plurality of speakers located throughout the building, a source of pre-stored voice messages which can be broadcast over the speakers, and a telephone network. The improvement is a voice synthesizer for providing the source of pre-stored voice messages and a constant volume telephone system. The constant volume telephone system has a telephone line and a plurality of telephones which can be connected to the telephone line, and a power supply having an adjustable output voltage which provides the voltage for the telephone line. A sensing and adjusting circuit senses the number of telephones off-hook and causes the power supply to be adjusted in response to the number of telephones off-hook.

Abstract: A central protection system suitable for the protection of a building from fire and other hazards includes a set of environmental sensors and circuitry for interrogating the sensors. The system also includes communication and control lines, as well as monitoring circuitry having individual channels coupled to respective ones of the communication and control lines. An inaudible pilot tone of subsonic frequency may be coupled to a communication line, and the corresponding channel of the monitoring circuit includes a detector of the pilot tone. A circuit for the generation of evacuation signals and fire brigade signals is composed of two sections coupled in tandem, and includes sequencing circuitry for the recycling of tones produced by the respective sections.

Abstract: A new type of a copying machine which is easy to operate and particularly indicates the operator of how to use the copying machine from time to time. There is provided a copying machine having a plurality of detectors monitoring the operating condition of the copying machine and a memory for previously storing therein operational statements indicative of the operation and the condition of the copying machine. Respective ones of the statements are selected from the memory according to the outputs of the detectors for converting the selected ones of the statements into audible sounds or typically synthesized voices.

Abstract: A barking dog simulated alarm system which is activated by vibration of any doors or windows. A pre-recorded vicious dog sound is sounded which continues until the tape loop has been traversed and resumes when any portal is again disturbed. An alternative system is provided in which the barking sounds are switched back and forth between speakers at the end of each tape cycle. This makes the "dog" appear to move. The number of completed tape loops and therefore "dog" moves may be pre-determined.

Abstract: A communication system for communicating information between one or more sensors and a remote location which may be fixed or portable wherein the information received is converted to synthetic speech so as to verbally indicate or warn a person or persons at or near the receiver as to the condition sensed or a condition which is developing at a known or indicated remote location as indicated by the output of one or more sensors. The system may also contain a fixed data receiving station and one or more portable units for receiving signals from such fixed station and/or remote sensors wherein the fixed station serves not only to relay the information to the portable receivers but also to process the information it receives.

Abstract: In automatic assembly or processing operations employing multiple machines or robots, a signal preprocessor employing frequency and amplitude modulation techniques translates a plurality of monitored condition signals associated with each machine or robot into a composite audio signal.The time-varying composite audio signal represents a unique audio signature of the status of the assembly or process operation at any given time. This composite audio signal is available for analysis by an operator or an audio recognition system to detect variations in the composite audio signal which identify impending operational irregularities in the process being performed.

Abstract: The operational status of a remotely controlled electronic siren is periodically tested, from a command post, without producing audible sound. The test procedure includes energizing the voice coils of the siren loudspeakers with a signal outside of the audible range, sensing whether current flows in the speaker voice coil circuits and storing the results of the test. The stored information, upon request, will be transmitted back to the command post.

Abstract: A warning device to be incorporated for giving a warning or attention-getting statement in synthesized human speech to call the attention of a photographer to the need to correct the condition of the camera. The warning device includes a power supply which is adapted to operate upon receiving a warning signal provided corresponding to the occurrence of a camera condition to be warned against and a delay circuit for delaying the warning signal. The power supply is adapted to allow the power supply to an amplifier connected between an acoustic signal generating circuit and a speaker immediately upon receiving the warning signal. The delay circuit directs the warning signal to the acoustic signal generating circuit with a certain delay time at least equal to the time in which the amplifier becomes stable in its operational state for the successful synthesis of acoustic signals.

Abstract: An industrial control, communication and information system in which a speech synthesis device produces an analog speech waveform from digital data stored in a memory under control of a microprocessing unit and is interfaced to a source of control or speech selection signals by an interface system. The interface system uses the input switch closure to generate a signal to switch on power to the logic and other electronic circuits and protects the internal logic from harsh external electrical conditions such as transients and the like and eliminates false inputs and the effects of switch bounce.

Abstract: A sewing machine aurally informs an operator of abnormal conditions which accidentally have taken, or are taking, place by means of a vocal indication. One group of speech data corresponding to an accidentally occurring abnormal condition is selected from among plural groups of speech data according to a detection signal from a plurality of abnormal condition detectors disposed in the machine. A voice signal corresponding to the selected group of speech data is generated in relation to operation of a manual device e.g. a button such as a switch, for the start of sewing. The operator can hear the warning voice due to this vocal indication simultaneously with the operation of the manual button for the start, whereby he/she is prevented from starting of the machine while the abnormal condition exists.

Abstract: An abnormal condition warning apparatus for a sewing machine is disclosed. Plural detecting means disposed in the sewing machine detect the occurence of abnormal conditions in which stitch forming instrumentalities are prevented from forming a desired stitch pattern, and each of the plural detecting means generates a detection signal according to the detection. Plural groups of speech data are permanently stored in memory means, and each of the groups is predetermined to represent one of the abnormal conditions in voice. Selecting means selects one group from the plural groups according to the detection signal, an electric signal is generated based on the selected group, and electroacoustic means disposed in the machine speaks one of the abnormal conditions in response to the electric signal.

Abstract: An apparatus primarily for bird dispersal purposes at an airport has a remote control means provided for controlling operation of one or more sound emitting devices adapted to cause a detonation or emit a detonation-like sound at a required position or positions, e.g. in relation to an airport runway. The control is such that after a sound emission the device or each device is ready for further operation. Each device may consist of a combustion chamber having an outlet, the remote control means including a timer for initiating admission of fuel such as propane gas into the chamber for a pre-determined period followed by automatic ignition of the fuel/air mixture for detonation thereof. The remote control includes provision for selective operation of the devices at different positions, e.g. adjacent a runway, and also provision for selection of devices for operation at a particular runway in use or at other required locations, i.e., where there is more than one runway or location.

Abstract: A communication system for communicating information between one or more sensors and a remote location which may be fixed or portable wherein the information received is converted to synthetic speech so as to verbally indicate or warn a person or persons at or near the receiver as to the condition sensed or a condition which is developing at a known or indicated remote location as indicated by the output of one or more sensors. The system may also contain a fixed data receiving station and one or more portable units for receiving signals from such fixed station and/or remote sensors wherein the fixed station serves not only to relay the information to the portable receivers but also to process the information it receives.

Abstract: A warning system for vehicles monitors malfunctions in various items of a vehicle which are to be detected, such as, the failure of the tail lamps, headlamps, etc., whereby when a malfunction is detected in any one of the items, a visual indication corresponding to the malfunction of the item is given inside the vehicle compartment and then the indicated malfunction is indicated by voice inside the vehicle compartment when it is determined that a predetermined time has expired from the time of beginning the visual indication. The magnitude of the voice is controlled by the ambient sound level detected in the vehicle compartment.

Abstract: An alarm device for a vehicle comprises sensors for detecting abnormal states of the vehicle, a logic circuit for receiving the outputs of the sensors and producing one or more alarm speech designation signals and an alarm speech generator responsive to the alarm designation signal. The logic circuit includes a priority circuit for determining the order of precedence of the abnormal states represented by the detection signals on the basis of the degree of emergency, so that the alarm speech is concerned with the most emergent alarm when two or more abnormal states are detected simultaneously. The logic circuit may further include a switch circuit for disabling at least one of the detection signals so that a vehicle driver having taken notice of particular alarms is not disturbed by excessive alarming.

Abstract: An elevator system having an elevator car, and communication apparatus which includes a speech synthesizer for each car which provides audible, informative messages in its associated elevator car in response to its operation. Messages which are repeated within a predetermined period of time have one or more parameters thereof varied, to relieve the monotony which would be otherwise caused by the repetition of identical messages presented in an identical manner, and/or, to emphasize predetermined words or phrases.

Abstract: An elevator system having a plurality of elevator cars, and communication apparatus which includes a speech synthesizer for each car which provides audible, informative messages in its associted elevator car in response to its operation. Different messages may be simultaneously reproduced in the different elevator cars from a single vocabulary which is common to all messages and all elevator cars. A single central processing unit periodically replenishes the memory of each car's speech synthesizer before interruption can occur in the message due to lack of vocabulary information.

Abstract: An automotive abnormality forecasting and warning method and system for issuing a voice and visual alarm when a signal representing the condition of an automotive inspection item exceeds a predetermined value, which comprise steps of calculating the cooling water temperature change rate in variable cycles, determining a calculation cycle corresponding to the detected water temperature and the calculated change rate from a memory storing the cooling water temperature, water-temperature-change rate and calculation cycle in a predetermined relation, judging whether the detected water temperature and the calculated change rate are in a predetermined water overheat region, and issuing a voice alarm on an overheating trend in response to more than a predetermined number of the judging operations.

Abstract: A piezoelectric audible sound generator having a feedback type piezoelectric transducer, an amplifier, and a phase compensator for adjusting the phase shift due to the combination of a bias resistance of the amplifier and equivalent capacitance of the piezoelectric transducer.

Abstract: A device for producing a voice warning over a speaker which is also used with an entertainment sound production system such as a radio or cassette recorder. The voice warning device incorporates a switching device in the circuit between the speaker and a source of entertainment sound-bearing electric signals, and also incorporates a mechanism for selectively generating electric signals representing human voice sounds for conveying warnings. When a warning signal is being generated, the switching device is switched over from its state where it connects the speaker to the entertainment sound-bearing electric signals to its state where it connects the speaker to the warning signals. Optionally, several different speakers of an entertainment system may be selectively connected to said warning signals by several switching devices.

Abstract: A security device incorporates apparatus for producing a special alarm sound in response to a change in acceleration sensed with a special omnidirectional sensor and under the control of special SCR circuitry. The circuitry and sensor are especially adapted for the security application but have independent utility. The alarm generates two tones in the middle audio range, separated by 50 to 200 Hz. One of those tones is interrupted at a sub-audible rate of 3 to 8 Hz. The resulting alarm, at high volume levels, is of enhanced urgency, compelling a hearer to escape, the compulsion being of a degree not easily overcome by reason.

Abstract: A voice warning system for vehicles adapted to give a voice warning of a specified condition detected by one of a plurality of sensors in one of a plurality of items of a vehicle which are to be checked, includes a rank selector switch which classifies the items to be checked into a plurality of ranks of different priorities whereby when a given one of the ranks is selected, the generation of a voice warning is inhibited even if a specified condition is detected in any one of the items belonging to the rank or ranks lower in priority than the selected rank.

Abstract: An electronic scale for use in a weight control program in which the weighing histories and desired weight goals for each of a number of individuals are stored. A weigh signal is produced when an individual steps onto the platform of the scale, and the weight is displayed on the top of a column upstanding from the base and spoken. Following entry of information identifying the individual into a keyboard also atop the column, a microprocessor assembles two types of messages, at least one informational and at least one psychologically reinforcing, from stored message components in accordance with the identified individual's stored weighing history and stored desired weight goal and the message is spoken. In response to manual operation of other keys, the scale can calculate any individual's ideal weight goal and can review his stored weight history.

Abstract: Multilingual computer-specified control messages are communicated to an operator in an operator-selected language by the combination of a message writer and a language changer. The language changer contains a set of message storage tables, each containing a set of control messages written in a particular language, and a set of message address tables, each message address table referencing a computer-generated message code indicative of a specific condition to a respective one of the control messages in an associated message location table. In accordance with an operator command indicative of a desired control message language, the language changer supplies the message writer with the corresponding message storage table and message address table.

Abstract: A voice warning system for an automotive vehicle automatically adjusts voice volume in accordance with the urgency or importance of a vocal warning concerning engine operating conditions, and with car radio volume as selected by the vehicle user. A plurality of sensors output signals in response to abnormal engine or vehicle conditions. A volume memory recognizes and stores the current volume setting of the car radio. A voice volume selector produces a voice volume signal according to the volume memory value, and according to which sensor signal is received. An electronic volume controller responds to the voice volume signal to set the volume of a voice warning signal selected by a voice output selector in response to the received sensor signal.

Abstract: A microcomputer-controlled microwave oven including key switch inputs and voice synthesizer for conveying information to a user. The synthesizer is used in connection with a data input program to aid the user in inputting data via the key switches to avert errors in inputting data that may result in over-heating of food or a fire inside the oven's heating chamber.

Abstract: Heating apparatus equipped with a sensor element for sensing or estimating the state of a substance being heated, for example, a temperature probe containing a temperature sensor such as a thermistor in one end of a metal tube or a humidity sensor sensitive to vapor emanating from the substance being heated. Information data relating to the handling of such a sensor element or instructing an appropriate heating sequence or process selected on the basis of the sensed state of the substance being heated is selectively read out from a voice data memory to be synthesized into voice information in a voice synthesizer such as a PARCOR synthesizer, and the voice information is announced to the user at a predetermined time. The user hearing the message can therefore manipulate the apparatus in such a way as to compensate for the inherent defect of the sensor element, and even a menu requiring a very delicate procedure can be successfully cooked without any heating failure.

Abstract: A voice warning system for an automotive vehicle informs the driver of the amount of remaining fuel in voice form whenever the driver inserts the ignition key. The system comprises a fuel amount sensing unit, a ready-to-drive sensor, a voice output selector for selectively outputting a voice output designation signal according to the signal from the fuel amount sensing unit, and a voice memory where various voice outputs are stored and are outputted in accordance with the designation signal. The ready-to-drive sensor may be a key sensing switch, a seat switch, or the ignition switch. In addition, a voice warning volume is set in accordance with the car radio system volume setting via a volume memory and a voice volume selector. The voice warning sound volume is adjusted and outputted by an electronic volume controller and a speaker of the car radio system. Additionally, a timer may be used to disenable the system for a predetermined delay interval or according to a predetermined schedule.

Abstract: A heating apparatus with a simplified operating panel comprising a multi-command key actively incorporating several similar functions and a voice synthesizer section such as a PARCOR synthesizer is disclosed. The accepted function of the multi-command key or the next operating step is announced by a synthetic voice. A program recall function is provided to confirm each stage of a preset programmed heating at given timing. The heating progress condition detected by a sensor and a timer is announced by a synthetic voice. Any loss of the functions of the sensor or the timer is detected immediately, followed by the stoppage of heating and the alarm and announcement of the fault.

Abstract: A voice warning system for an automotive vehicle automatically adjusts the voice volume to an appropriate sound level in accordance with the noise level within the passenger compartment. The improved system incorporates a noise level sensor and an electronic volume control in a voice warning system which includes a plurality of information switches and a multiplexer for providing control signals for an LPC-type voice synthesizer cooperating with a voice memory under control of a microcomputer to provide appropriate warning announcements.

Abstract: An alarm system responsive to a predetermined concentration of gaseous hydrocarbon in an area. A gaseous hydrocarbon responsive variable resistance element having a heater has resistance characteristics that are relatively stable upon energization of the heater beyond an initial heating period, decrease from the relatively stable value as a function of the concentration of gaseous hydrocarbons in the vicinity of the sensor, and decrease to an initial action resistance value substantially below the stable value during the initial heating period. First and second switching devices connected in series with a power source produce an audible alarm signal with both in their conductive condition.

Abstract: A thermal current limiting controller for use in protecting the electric drive motor, controller and battery of an electrically propelled vehicle against damage thereto resulting from excessive temperature conditions. The controller is arranged to calculate the temperature condition of the motor as a function of the current flow therethrough and more specifically, integrates the current flow with respect to time so as to provide a control signal proportional to the calculated temperature condition. The control signal is utilized to limit the amount of current the drive motor is permitted to draw notwithstanding an attempt by the operator of the vehicle to cause the drive motor to draw greater current. The controller further includes an indicator which is responsive to the control signal to provide a variable indication of the temperature condition so as to warn the vehicle operator of the magnitude of the undesirable heating of the drive motor and, thus, the impairment of the system capabilities.

Abstract: An oral warning system for monitoring mining operations, or the like, comprising a plurality of first sensors each providing a signal representative of an abnormal condition being sensed, at least one additional sensor providing a signal representing an emergency condition being sensed, an oscillator and modulator for generating an emergency warning tone energized upon detection of the emergency condition, a plurality of speakers at selected locations for broadcasting the emergency warning tone, a multi-track tape player with playback head selectively movable to any one of the track positions and having an audio output connected to local and remote speakers, and circuit means effective to energize the tape player and move its head to an appropriate track containing a prerecorded oral message upon detection of an abnormal condition by one of said first sensors.

Abstract: An audio-visual communicating system which comprises an illuminated sign containing printed information and including a plurality of recorded messages on a recording device, and which recording device is selectively activated by one or more detectors each monitoring a specific condition whereby an audio message corresponding to the sensed circuit is sounded. The system includes a circuit containing a primary source of electrical power and a secondary source of electrical power, the latter being in the form of a rechargeable battery and a charging circuit for maintaining a charge on the battery. The arrangement is such that the system is rendered operative whether or not there has been a failure of the primary power source.

Abstract: An electrolysis hair removal apparatus including a stylet adapted to be placed in contact with a papilla to effect destruction of same and further including an indicator for indicating the optimum position of the stylet and the duration that the stylet should remain in such optimum position during each electrolysis hair removal operation is provided. The stylet is coupled through a voltage source to a conductive reference member. A detection circuit is adapted to produce a detection signal when the stylet is selectively positioned at the papilla. A first indication circuit, in response to the detection signal, is adapted to produce a first indication signal representative of the optimum positioning of the stylet. A delay indication circuit, in response to said detection circuit producing a detection signal, is adapted to produce a second indication signal representative of the completion of the hair removal electrolysis operation at a predetermined interval of time after the first indication signal.

Abstract: An electric circuit is automatically activated by the unauthorized opening of a door, window, etc., whereby an alarm buzzer and light are actuated simultaneously with a dog simulating device which simulates the actions and sounds of a dog about to attack.

Abstract: An integrated circuit employing a photo-diode activates an alarm when an intruder causes a change in the ambient light patterns by more than about 5% in an area under surveillance. The circuit includes a voltage regulator for supplying a back bias voltage to the photo-diode which voltage is substantially purged of noise that may be superimposed on the main d.c. supply voltage conductors. The regulator circuit includes a modified current-mirror type current source and a V.sub.BE -multiplier circuit providing a log-log noise transfer function.

Abstract: An illuminated master calendar is disclosed having a short depth profile and suitable for mounting on a wall. A front panel of the housing has a first group of momentary contact touch sensitive switches mounted thereon with each switch having a transparent pushbutton face through which illuminated indicia are visible when the switch is depressed. The first group of switches is representative of each of the days of the month, a similar second group of switches is provided for each of the months of the year, and a third group for each of the days of the week. A circuit is provided for illuminating a light source behind each of the indicia when the corresponding switch is touched. The circuit also maintains illumination of the indicia after the switch is released. A reset switch and associated reset circuit are connected for extinguishing all illuminated indicia and preparing each of the switches with associated indicia for reactivation.

Abstract: There is disclosed an annunciator for verbalizing altitude-related messages during the descent of an aircraft. Announcements such as "nine hundred," "eight hundred," etc. are made as the aircraft descends through respective "hundreds" levels; such announcements are not made during an ascent. In addition, the word "terrain" is heard when the aircraft descends through the 2,000-foot and 1,000-foot levels, and the word "minimum" is heard when the aircraft drops below a "decision height" selected by the pilot. Lastly, the word "glideslope" is out-putted in response to the detection of a glideslope deviation, the frequency of this announcement as well as its volume being a function of the magnitude of the deviation.

Abstract: Diet control apparatus comprises a food storage compartment having a door thereon for access to the compartment and broadcasting apparatus operatively connected to the compartment for broadcasting a message for encouraging dieting when food is sought in the compartment.

Abstract: An alarm communication system including a circuit for normally transmitting music to a plurality of different locations within a building which includes a source of music, a plurality of speakers selectively positioned throughout the building and a normally closed switch for connecting the source of music to each of the speakers. A source of programmed alarm announcements stored on a tape is converted to an electrical signal, amplified and coupled to each of the speakers via an override switch. Actuation of an override switch in response to the occurrence of an emergency condition, such as a fire, causes the normally closed switch to open and couples the electronic signal corresponding to the programmed alarm announcements to each of the speakers. A microphone is provided which is selectively actuatable upon the closing of a switch to couple instantaneous voice communications to each of the aforementioned speakers while at the same time inhibiting the programmed alarm announcements being coupled thereto.

Abstract: A door actuated message device includes a quick attach-detach mounting bracket for installation of a self-contained message unit adjacent a door of a business establishment or the like for actuation of an adjustable lever arm connected to a microswitch unit. The microswitch unit is mounted on a rotatable disc set into the bottom of the integral unit. This permits the position of the trigger arm of the microswitch to be adjusted relative to the door by which it is actuated. The switch will initiate a cycle of the tape containing the recorded message thereon for broadcast to desired persons coming through the door. A notch provided on the magnet record tape together with a second microswitch having a feeler arm thereon stops the action of the player mechanism after a single cycle of the tape.