Specified Housing Patents (Class 340/693.5)
  • Patent number: 7463160
    Abstract: A method allows an H2S alarm system installed at a remote wellsite to be monitored and configured from a distant location. Alert-signals from the alarm system to the distant location and configuration settings from the distant location to the alarm system can be transmitted using the text-messaging feature of a conventional cell phone. The cell phone, for example, can send the H2S alarm system a text message that sets the H2S concentration threshold at which the alarm system triggers an alert. When the H2S concentration reaches the threshold or a fault occurs with the alarm system, the system can send the cell phone a text message that describes the problem, identifies the location of the wellsite, and lists the names and telephone numbers of those that should be notified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Gary W. Crook
  • Patent number: 7460025
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power supply device for energizing a modular measuring system. The measuring system comprises a modular display and adjustment unit and a modular low power sensor unit. Further, the power supply device is adapted to be disposed and connected electrically between the display and adjustment unit and the low power sensor unit, enabling for the modular display and adjustment unit and the low power sensor unit to be energized simultaneously, and enabling data communication between the display and adjustment unit and the low power sensor unit. Further, the invention is related to a modular system comprising a power supply device, a display and adjustment unit and a low power sensor unit. Finally, the invention relates to a sensor unit with internal energy store for energizing a display and adjustment unit connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Vega Grieshaber KG
    Inventors: Martin Mellert, Josef Fehrenbach, Thomas Deck
  • Patent number: 7445257
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closing system comprising handles (20) for operating latches that are inoperative when in a locked position, and only enable the latch to open when the latch is in an unlocked position. In conjunction with an access authorization device, the approaching of a hand to the handle (20) can be sensed in advance by a capacitive sensor thus enabling a very early reversing of the latch into the respectively desired position. To this end, two electrodes (51, 52) are integrated inside the handle (20), and a shielding (53) is located between these electrodes. One electrode (51) generates an inner field (50) between the handle (20) and the vehicle (10) and, with the vehicle body, acts as a capacitive inner sensor. The other electrode (52),however, generates an outer field (60) with regard to the surrounding area of the vehicle. When, during normal use of the handle (20), the hand passes into the area of the inner field (50), a first function in the latch or vehicle is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co, KG
    Inventors: Benjamin Müller, Andreas van den Boom, Helmut Schumacher
  • Publication number: 20080258911
    Abstract: An exit alarm system housed in an escutcheon for activating upon movement of an interior latch operator. The system is mounted to the interior side of a door with a latch assembly including an interior latch operator. The system may include an alarm, a trigger, and an electronic module. The trigger is responsive to movement of the interior latch operator. The electronic module may be electrically connected to a power source for providing an input signal to the alarm. Upon motion of the interior latch operator, the trigger may cause the electronic module to send an activating input signal to the alarm. The alarm may be a sound transducer. A switch may be provide to arm the system. A tamper switch may be provided to cause the electronic module to activate the alarm upon removal of the escutcheon. The system may be applied to retrofit an existing door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: John Steven Gray, Scott C. Roy
  • Publication number: 20080224881
    Abstract: A protective cover for a sensing surface of a control sensor/proximity detector. The protective cover comprises a material having a preferred shore-A durometer hardness in the range of 60-90, a preferred tensile strength of 1320 psi (92.82 kilogram-force per square centimeter (kgf/cm2)) or greater, a preferred dielectric strength of around 300 volts/mil, and a preferred thermal conductivity of 0.3 to 0.5×1031 3 cal/sec2, and a temperature stability of about ?55 to +200 degrees Celsius. The protective cover may be adhesively secured to the proximity detector so that the sensing surface is effectively covered. The protective cover may be in the form of a sheet or may be in the form of a cap. Preferably, the protective cover comprises silicone material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: William Eaton
  • Patent number: 7411499
    Abstract: A hard cover product having an outer liner attached to a pair of sheet members disposed in spaced-apart relation to define a gap. One of the hard sheet members defines a receiving zone that receives a security tag. An inner liner attaches overlying the pair of hard sheet members and concealing the security tag within the receiving zone. The gap between the pair of sheet members defines a spine for the hard cover product, whereby the opposing hard sheets defining a front cover and back cover that move together foldably. Methods of making a hard cover product and of making an intermediate board for use in a hard cover product are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Smartguard, LLC
    Inventor: Dale Hunt Nichols, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7408477
    Abstract: A fire alarm pull station includes a cover which must be opened to reach a fire alarm actuating handle, and an audio pull station alarm triggered by opening the cover. Once triggered, the pull station alarm remains on until reset, which reset requires using a tool in a first embodiment or a key in a second (or key lock) embodiment. The tool or key preferably allows the pull station to be opened to reset the pull station alarm. The cover may further be blocked from closing after being opened, and may only be closed after opening the pull station to reset a blocking mechanism. The pull station alarm is preferably an audio alarm residing in the pull station and the pull station may be hard wired to the fire alarm or wireless. The presence of the pull station alarm serves to deter false alarm setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventors: Louis J. Finkle, Andrea Furia
  • Patent number: 7408476
    Abstract: An emergency shut-off system includes an emergency shut-off switch cover plate with a hinged cover that cooperates with a conventional emergency shut-off switch to help prevent the unintended shut-down of a pool or spa water pumping system. The emergency shut-off switch cover plate and hinged cover function in one mode of operation to prevent the unintended shutdown of the pumping system. In another mode of operation, the emergency shut-off cover plate and hinged cover provide a user with a immediate sensory indication that the pumping system is shut-down and needs to be re-activated. The sensory indication can be either a highly visual indication or in the alternative a combination of the highly visual indication with an audible sensory indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Dean Christopher Beaton
  • Publication number: 20080180268
    Abstract: A device including a display for displaying operational and/or functional parameters of the device and a control unit with at least one control element for controlling the display and/or device, wherein the display is at least partly rotatable with respect to the device, and/or wherein the position of the at least one control element is modifiable or changeable with respect to the device. In some embodiments, the control functions of at least two control elements of the device are interchangeable. In some embodiments, the display is provided by data sent to the display at intervals, whereby the display is updated. In embodiments in which several display parts are rotatable, data is processed by a processing module prior to being sent to the display. A method of display and/or display and control manipulation is encompassed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Nissels, Kurt Friedli, Reto Sigrist, Stefan Lindegger, Philip Etter
  • Patent number: 7405671
    Abstract: A power failure alarm for use in sounding a warning in the occasion of a power failure, with built in electrical connectors, and a temporary source of light. The device is housed in a molded plastic enclosure in a rectangular shape and includes an emergency light, night-light, flashlight, and power failure alarm. All unit functions are completely automatic once the unit has been plugged into a standard 120 volt receptacle. The device has a three prong male plug on the back of the body and is designed to occupy one receptacle of a duplex receptacle thus leaving one receptacle still available for use. Alternate embodiments of the device are specifically intended to alert and notify the user of a power failure. The device utilized logic circuitry to determine if a power failure or improper setup has occurred. The battery charging and monitoring circuits ensure the batteries are always charged and ready for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Andrew J. Sebescak
  • Patent number: 7400227
    Abstract: A power supply for providing excitation to notification appliance circuits (NACs) in fire alarm applications meets revised national and international requirements for both NAC drive and auxiliary load drive tasks with a single circuit configuration. The requirements stipulate ability to tolerate inrush when activating strobe lights and horns of ten times the nominal output, while limiting short-circuit drive in AUX mode to eight amperes after five seconds. The novel power supply improves on the requirements, first by continuously testing for overcurrent NAC status and signaling faults in real time, and second by shutting off AUX drive in event of a short and retrying periodically without a requirement for manual reset. Thus testing for wiring errors is rendered safer and nondestructive, and correction of a wiring error can be quicker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: GE Security, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Becker, John P. Hewlin, Clifford D. Renfrew
  • Patent number: 7394374
    Abstract: An installation construction of a radio communication module on a license plate of a vehicle includes the followings: the radio communication module provided with a housing having an engaging portion and a fixing hole; an engagement of the engaging portion with a rim of the license plate; and a screw-fastening of a bolt inserted in the fixing hole to screw-fasten the radio communication module together with the license plate to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yukiomi Tanaka, Shingo Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7385522
    Abstract: A portable security device for displaying articles of merchandise in a retail environment has a base formed with a plurality of holes arranged in predetermined patterns for mounting the device on a plurality of different support structures. A housing containing an alarm system, a retractor and an alarm cable is contained within the housing. The housing is locked on the base by a key operated tumbler attached to the base. The base is mounted on the various support structures by fasteners, the attachment heads thereof being concealed within the housing. A plunger switch at the outer end of the alarm cable is activated when the cable is attached to an item of merchandise. An audible alarm is sounded if the integrity of the alarm cable is comprised or if the item of merchandise is removed therefrom. In a modified embodiment, a space is provided between the alarm and mounting base providing increased sound alarm level in all directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis D. Belden, Jr., Ronald M. Marsilio
  • Patent number: 7385805
    Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply that provides power to an electrical device, the uninterruptible power supply that includes a first housing; a cover plate that includes a plurality of electrical outlets located on a surface of the cover plate and said cover plate is connected to the first housing in an angled position; and a battery in electrical communication with the plurality of electrical outlets on the surface of the cover plate, and the battery being removably attached to the first housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Mark H. Germagian, Benjamin J. Beck, Andrew R. Woodward
  • Patent number: 7382256
    Abstract: A security tag assembly and security system associated therewith prevent the unauthorized removal of merchandise from a given area, such as a retail establishment. The security tag assembly comprises a base and at least one attachment member removably connected in an operative position on the merchandise being protected. A locking assembly restricts detachment of the attachment member and is structured to be destructively detached when the base and the attachment member are forcibly separated. A detachment assembly and a data registering processor include a two-way communication link which facilitates processing of the merchandise data disposed on the security tag assembly, such that the purchasing of the merchandise and the removal of the security tag assembly can be effectively accomplished without jeopardizing the security of the merchandise being sold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventors: Johan Skjellerup, Eddie L. Stenild
  • Patent number: 7375617
    Abstract: An evacuation appliance comprising a mounting plate configured to be connected to a wall, with the mounting plate having a terminal clip. The evacuation appliance further includes a notification device having at least one notification member, with the notification device being configured to be connected to the mounting plate to electronically connect the terminal clip to the at least one notification member to power the at least one notification member. The mounting plate and the notification device comprise an accessible testing system, such that when the mounting plate and the notification device are connected, the notification device can be measured using the accessible testing system to determine if the notification device is properly receiving power from the terminal clip without disconnecting the notification device from the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher D. Stirling
  • Patent number: 7369058
    Abstract: A remotely controlled electronic display sign which operates with a plasma display and which provides for humidity and heat control and the like allowing the sign to be used in various environments. The sign is essentially self-contained and includes those components necessary for enabling a display of desired material from a remote control source or one located at the sign. A controller in or associated with the sign is accessible either electrically, or through satellite transmission or other wireless transmission from the remote source which allows the display of the sign to be changed at will. Thus, an operator at a remote source may, with the aid of a pre-prepared graphic design, transmit that design to the controller at or associated with the sign for display of that graphic information and potentially with sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Dave Gothard
  • Publication number: 20080100469
    Abstract: A bottle for alcoholic or non alcoholic beverages has a hollow body part defining an inner space for filling an alcoholic or non alcoholic beverage, and at least one device selected from the group consisting of an electrical device and electronic device and integrated in said hollow body part without interfering with a content of the bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Tim Goldburt
  • Patent number: 7358861
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic floor display system with an alerting feature to encourage persons standing near or on the floor display system to look down and observe its display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Intellimats
    Inventors: Ronald D. Blum, William Kokonaski, Jack Loeb, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7355522
    Abstract: A warning system for a wind power installation of a wind farm. In one embodiment, the warning system comprises a visibility measuring device. In one embodiment, the warning system comprises a controller configured to synchronize flashing lights on the wind power installation with flashing lights on another wind power installation of the wind farm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Patent number: 7345591
    Abstract: An intelligent sensor module with an electrical sensor element and a printed circuit board comprises a bipartite guiding device through which electrical connecting wires are guided to the printed circuit board in an insulated fashion at a certain spacing from one another. The guiding device is configured in such a way that it can be used directly as a production tool during mounting of the sensor element. The intelligent sensor module can be produced cost effectively with high quality through the use of the guiding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies AG
    Inventor: Ralph Kayser
  • Patent number: 7345578
    Abstract: An electronic baggage tag, attachable to the handle of a piece of baggage, for creating and reviewing a checklist of items to be packed in the bag. The tag includes a display screen, manually operable controls for selecting commands and items displayed on the display screen, a software program, a processor, a memory, and circuitry suitable for operating the software. Stored in the memory is a master list of potential contents, from which a packing checklist is created and stored in memory for later use, and a data access routine executable by the processor which is operable to display the items on the checklist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Nagtags LLC
    Inventors: H. Tate Holt, Lindsay Beth Kamm
  • Patent number: 7339490
    Abstract: A modular sensor assembly for sensing conditions at a computer rack, such as environmental conditions. The sensor assembly includes an elongate flexible body, configured to attach to a computer rack, with a plurality of addressable sensors, disposed along the body and interconnected to a common connector wire. A connector wire lead is provided to interconnect the connector wire to a central system configured to receive and interpret data from the plurality of sensors relating to conditions associated with the computer rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Allen Moore, Robert Allen Pereira, Ratnesh K. Sharma, Cullen E. Bash
  • Patent number: 7339488
    Abstract: An emergency light system is located in the threshold subadjacent to the lower edge of an emergency egress door. The light system includes a plurality of lights mounted on a flexible backing strip in the threshold. The lights are connected to a switch that can be manually operated or operated by a sensor in a fire and/or smoke detection system associated with a room. The lights will be visible to a person crawling on the floor even if there is smoke in the room. The lights are easily installed in the threshold and will not be subject to abuse that might occur if the lights were mounted on the door itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventors: John W. Pennington, James Pennington
  • Publication number: 20080036618
    Abstract: The present invention is a component for an alarm system that may serve as an active component or an inactive, or decoy, component. The component is a small casing mountable in a visible manner that indicates activation with a flashing LED. Inside the component, the circuitry necessary to flash the LED and possibly monitoring devices, depending on the component's status as an active or inactive component. Active components also have security monitoring devices contained within the casing that monitor the surrounding environment through an access port. When a situation in the environment is registered by the device, it sends a signal to the alarm system of which it is a part. As added utility, the active and inactive components are outwardly indistinguishable, thus allowing the inactive components to serve as decoys either within a subscriber's alarm system or with non-subscriber's property, thus fulfilling a need for a high-tech version of the posted sign deterrent used in the alarm system industry today.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Lee Von Gunten
  • Patent number: 7330128
    Abstract: A system for detecting radiation that is embodied within a trash collection truck. The trash collection truck has a storage bin for holding compressed trash and a collection bin for temporarily holding newly collected trash. A compaction mechanism is used to move newly collected trash out of said collection bin and into said storage bin. At least one sensor is placed proximate the collection bin for detecting radiation. If radiological waste is placed into the collection bin of the trash collection truck, the sensor detects the presence of the radiological material and activates an alarm indicator. The alarm indicator warns the operators of the trash collection truck that radiological waste is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Lombardo, Armando Arzuaga, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7324009
    Abstract: A sensor unit including: two or more individual sensors; and alignment mechanism for aligning at least one of the two or more individual sensors with another sensor or a source to maximize a transmitted signal therebetween. Also provided is a method for maximizing a transmitted signal between sensors and/or sources in a sensor network. The method including: arranging two or more of the sensors in a package; and aligning at least one of the two or more sensors in the package with at least another sensor or a source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Carlos M. Pereira, Jeffrey Ge
  • Patent number: 7321303
    Abstract: A remote surveillance device is provided herein, which mainly contains a camera, infra-red LEDs, an anti-theft circuit, a radio-frequency transmission circuit, a solar panel, and a battery, etc. The remote surveillance device is operable during power outage, saves captured images locally, transmits captured images to at least a remote control center via a wireless air interface, generates alarm and notifies a control center whenever an abnormal condition occurs. The infra-red LEDs provides lighting for continuous image capturing during night time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Inventor: Hsin Chen
  • Patent number: 7319407
    Abstract: A display unit for a refrigerator is provided. The display having a TV receiving function is installed at a front surface of a refrigerator door. A mounting panel with a plurality of speaker holes formed therein is also installed around an edge of the display. A speaker is mounted to a rear surface of the mounting panel on a portion where the speaker holes are formed. Further, a resonance box is installed to enclose the speaker such that low and middle frequency sound can be transmitted forward to the outside. A sound transmission tube that communicates with the speaker hole is forced at a front portion of the resonance box. In addition, a sound absorbing material is covered on an inner rear surface of the resonance box that faces the rear of the speaker. A display as configured has improved sound quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chan-Kyoo Jang, Ik-Kyu Lee
  • Publication number: 20070285277
    Abstract: Alarm systems, wireless alarm devices, and article security methods are described according to some aspects of the disclosure. In one aspect, an alarm system includes a base communication device, a remote communication device configured to communicate with the base communication device, wherein the remote communication device is adapted to be associated with an article to be secured and wherein the remote communication device comprises alarm circuitry, and wherein the remote communication device is configured to generate a reference signal comprising a plurality of identifiable components corresponding to communications intermediate the base communication device and the remote communication device and to control the alarm circuitry to generate a human perceptible alarm responsive to detection of the presence of the plurality of identifiable components in the reference signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Alpha Security Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian R. Scott, Brian J. Green, Dennis D. Belden
  • Patent number: 7307541
    Abstract: An information processing system formed with a relay and light output devices. In the system, an external information receiver receives first external information transmitted from an outside. An external information acquisition unit acquires second external information. A light output controller controls, based on the first and second external information, the light output to be in one or more number of output states, among three or more number of output states. At the relay, an external information receiver receives a sender identifier for identifying sender of the external information, and the external information. A transmission control information memory stores one or more sets of a transmission destination identifier and transmission control information. A transmission destination identifier acquisition unit acquires transmission destination identifier from the transmission control information memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takumi Ikeda, Naoaki Yamamoto, Kazuhisa Watanabe, Hiroshi Takase, Tatsuo Yamamoto, Keiichi Koshiba
  • Publication number: 20070273786
    Abstract: A portable electronic device is provided, including a first body, which has a display screen, a second body, which is slidably connected to the first body, and a door unit, which opens and closes a battery compartment disposed between the first and second bodies, in which the door unit is concealed and made externally visible according to the position of the second body relative to the first body, and in which the door unit can be opened and closed when it is externally visible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Kyoung-Jin Ahn, Yo-han Park
  • Patent number: 7301457
    Abstract: A solar powered perimeter beam security system comprising a plurality of spaced towers. The towers have detection beams extending between them for detecting an intruder when at least one of the detection beams is interrupted. Each of the towers communicates with a remote unit. At least one of the towers is movable from one location to another. An alarm. The detection beams define an intruder detection area into which an intruder cannot pass without breaking at least one of the detection beams thereby setting off the alarm. The detection area is expandable and decreasable by moving at least one of the towers. The towers are incapable of movement without setting off the alarm once positioned with the detections beams being activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Solarbeam Security, LLC
    Inventor: Robert B. Houston
  • Patent number: 7283058
    Abstract: A tree smoke detection system and method which includes a conically shaped smoke collector housing having an interior wall extending between a wide entrance mouth opening and a narrow exit vent opening and a smoke detection device mounted to the interior wall to position the smoke detection device facing and adjacent to an imaginary center line passing through the wide entrance mouth opening and the narrow exit vent opening to facilitate detecting smoke flow along the imaginary center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventors: Allen Paul Kisner, Janet L. Kisner
  • Patent number: 7277022
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor device containing a housing (1) and a spring element (9) comprising a guiding element (5) for displacing the sensor device over a mounting plate (7) in a guided manner. Said guiding element (5) co-operates with a guiding means (12) of the mounting plate (7). In a mounting position of the sensor device, said sensor device engages in the mounting plate (7) and is fixed to the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Christoph, Christian Plankl
  • Patent number: 7277023
    Abstract: An outdoor signaling apparatus that can be used for several various notification purposes. The outdoor signaling apparatus has a circular outer casing and a retractable rod attached to the outer casing. Within the outer casing, there are two separate compartments, each of which has a red light, blue light, and yellow light. An individual, through incorporated power means, can turn on all the lights of a particular color and use the outdoor signaling apparatus for various purposes, depending on the color of the lights being displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Chopin Berry
  • Patent number: 7271729
    Abstract: A novel moisture detector for detecting moisture in potting media or soil for plants includes a body formed to represent a creature. Inside the body is a processor and a battery. One or more probes adapted to be inserted into soil extend from the body and send an electrical signal to the processor to indicate a level of moisture proximate to said probes. At least one eye of the creature carries a light emitting diodes (LED) that lights up when the probes are inserted into soil having insufficient moisture. Furthermore, when the user touches one of the eyes, the LED lights as long as the battery has sufficient power to operate the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Frank M. Rice
  • Patent number: 7262702
    Abstract: Among the embodiments of the present invention is a pest control device that includes a bait operable to be consumed by one or more species of pest, a pest sensing circuit, and a communication circuit coupled to the pest sensing circuit. The communication circuit includes an activation device to trigger interrogation of the pest sensing circuit with the communication circuit and an indicating device to provide information about the pest sensing circuit determined in response to the interrogation. A structure can also be included that is operable to position the bait, the pest sensing circuit, and the communication circuit in a predetermined spatial relationship relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: Daniel T. Barber, Don Black
  • Patent number: 7242313
    Abstract: An auxiliary lighting system contains at least one photoelectric cell to convert ambient light into energy and at least one light emitting diode. The photoelectric cell converts ambient light into energy which is stored in a storage cell. A switching system provides energy from the storage cell to the light emitting diode upon certain conditions, generally by time or by lack of ambient light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald P. Harwood
  • Patent number: 7233251
    Abstract: A device (10) for detecting the presence of light averse insects, such as termites, is in the form of a peg (11) having a cavity (14) into which termites may enter when the peg is installed in the ground or other area where the presence of termites is to be detected. The cavity may include a termite bait. A light sensor (25) is located in the cavity, and has an output which is responsive to the detection of light. The light sensor operatively receives light from a light emitting device (LED) (23) only through a narrow passage extending through the peg from the LED (23) to the cavity (14). The passage is adapted to be at least partially blocked by the light averse insects to shield the cavity, and hence the light sensor means, from light from the passage. When the light sensor means (25) does not detect sufficient light, an electrical circuit (22) connected to the output of the light sensor means triggers an alarm light (26) to signal an alarm or alert condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Mark Robert Lewis
  • Patent number: 7233246
    Abstract: A hard cover product having an outer liner attached to a pair of sheet members disposed in spaced-apart relation to define a gap. One of the hard sheet members defines a receiving zone that receives a security tag. An inner liner attaches overlying the pair of hard sheet members and concealing the security tag within the receiving zone. The gap between the pair of sheet members defines a spine for the hard cover product, whereby the opposing hard sheets defining a front cover and back cover that move together foldably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Smartguard, LLC
    Inventor: Dale Hunt Nichols, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7224279
    Abstract: An integrated circuit enclosed retroreflective product which comprises an integrated circuit module having built-in integrated circuit(s), a retroreflective element, and their carrier layer(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Carbide Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ikuo Mimura
  • Patent number: 7218239
    Abstract: An alarm annunciator, particularly a gas or fire annunciator, having a casing mountable on a wall or a ceiling, which contains an alarm detector, which is in wireless connection with the surroundings of the casing via at least one opening, an electronic circuitry for the evaluation of the signals of the alarm detector, a wireless module, connected to the electronic circuitry and having an antenna for wireless receiving or sending signals to/from a sending/receiving station, and a battery for the power supply of the electronic circuitry and the wireless module, characterised in that a metallic protection screen covering the opening is designed as an antenna and is connected with the antenna output socket of the wireless module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Job Lizenz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gerhard Ropke
  • Patent number: 7212129
    Abstract: Among the embodiments of the present invention is a system including a pest control device and a magnetic field source external to the pest control device. The pest control device has a bait operable to be consumed or displaced by one or more species of pest, a pest sensing circuit, and a monitoring circuit coupled to the pest sensing circuit. The monitoring circuit includes a device responsive to a magnetic field provided by the magnetic field source to output status information about the pest sensing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: Daniel T. Barber, Don Black
  • Patent number: 7193524
    Abstract: A portable walk through metal detector with interchangeable sensor panels and other structural members that can be quickly assembled, or disassembled and transported. The device includes two structural base members to anchor the archway, multiple sensor panels with which the sides of the archway are constructed, and a top cross-member to join and support the walls of the archway. In addition, the top cross-member provides a vehicle platform for moving a disassembled unit with built-in wheels, a handle, and stacking structures to support the other members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Fisher Research Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Castle, Marvin E. Jones
  • Patent number: 7193507
    Abstract: A siren housing has a dish-shaped base having a back wall adapted to be secured to as support structure. The base is configured and dimensioned to contain siren components. A post projects forwardly from the back wall. The post has a cylindrical sidewall terminating at a front rim. At least one channel circumscribes a segment of the sidewall at a location spaced rearwardly from the front rim. Entry and exit slots communicate with the channel at spaced locations along the length thereof. The entry slot leads to the front rim and the exit slot leading towards the back wall. A dish-shaped cover has a front wall. A cylindrical sleeve projects rearwardly from the front wall, the sleeve having at least one pin projecting radially inwardly therefrom. The sleeve is dimensioned for axial insertion onto the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Mascon, Inc.
    Inventor: Liming Yu
  • Patent number: 7187280
    Abstract: An alarm system includes a housing that substantially encloses a plurality of sensors and an alarm-signal generator. The housing has a thin profile and may be mountable in various locations, such as on a window surface. The thin profile of the housing allows the alarm system to be attached to the surface of a first window and capable of being located between the first window surface and a second window surface upon relative motion between the first window surface and the second window surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Techko, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Y. Ko
  • Patent number: 7183918
    Abstract: An intermediate cover board for assembly of hard cover products, in which a primary sheet having a first thickness and opposing planar surfaces defines an opening in a selected portion of the sheet. The opening receives a security device. A pair of opposing secondary sheets each having a second thickness less than the first thickness laminate to the opposing planar surfaces of the primary sheet, so that the security device is enclosed between the laminated secondary sheets that do not display surface indications of the presence of the security device. A method of making the intermediate laminated cover board and a hard cover product made with the intermediate laminated cover board are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Smartguard, LLC
    Inventor: Dale Hunt Nichols, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7170417
    Abstract: A decorative cover for smoke detectors and like devices mounted on a wall or ceiling provides a cover member of a generally opaque material approximately the shape of the device it is covering and somewhat larger than the device to be covered. The cover is provided with a plurality of connector resilient legs fixed to the inside of the cover and extending towards the device to be covered in the pattern to engage selected distributed points of engagement. Cam surfaces on the ends of the resilient legs are position to laterally deflect the respective legs when they contact the distributed points of engagement. Forces imposed by the resilience of the legs while deflected are directed in opposition to one another to maintain frictional engagement at respective points of engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Gregory Gamble
  • Patent number: 7167092
    Abstract: An information apparatus includes a housing fitted to a support substrate and having a hole portion on a surface opposing the support substrate, a cover part fitted to the housing, and an abnormality detection part disposed inside the housing, including a first movable part urged by first urging force by the cover part in a first direction approaching the substrate support and a second movable part urged in a second direction approaching the cover part by second urging force, and detecting abnormality when either one of the first and second urging forces is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Higashiyama, Yuji Nakajima, Ken Ikoma