Configured To Promote Sensing Capability (e.g., Smoke Detector) Patents (Class 340/693.6)
  • Publication number: 20020167412
    Abstract: The present specification discloses a soil mixture sensing device for sensing moisture levels in a particular soil area under surveillance, the device having a porous body (11) which in use is placed in the soil area under surveillance, the body (11) having at least two zones, a first one of said zones (11) having pore sizes that approximate a range of pores in typical soils, a second one of the zones (14) having pores arranged to be small enough to remain hydrated at matric tensions of the soil solution significantly above those which cause the first zone (11) to dehydrate, the first zone (11) containing a first electrode (12) and the second zone (14) containing a second electrode (16), each of which are paired with an electrode (17) common to both said zones (11) and (14) whereby, as the matric tension of the soil solution in the soil in the surveillance area increases, the pores within the first zone (11) progressively dehydrate causing electrical resistance between the first electrode and the common elect
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Kenneth James Cuming
    Inventor: Kenneth James Cuming
  • Publication number: 20020158753
    Abstract: An accessory module for use with a vehicular cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device, may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module houses a microphone and may be positioned adjacent to a headliner of the vehicle generally above an interior rearview mirror which is supported therebelow. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The accessory module may further include a wire cover, which extends to a mounting for the mirror in order to substantially encase a mirror wire harness, thereby retaining the mirror harness and providing a finished appearance to the mirror and accessory module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner
  • Publication number: 20020154018
    Abstract: An improved fire detector unit has a plastic base defining a smoke chamber for detection of a smoke density in terms of light scattering due to the smoke particles in the smoke chamber. The base carries a circuit board mounting a light emitting element, a light receiving element, and other components forming a fire detecting circuit responsible for generating a fire warning signal based upon the detected smoke density. A metal-made electromagnetic shield is molded into the base to protect the light receiving element from electromagnetic radiation noises. The electromagnetic shield includes a ground terminal for connection with a ground line of the circuit board. In addition, terminal pins are molded into the base for electrical and physical connection of the circuit board to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTIC WORKS, LTD.
    Inventors: Takayuki Nishikawa, Shoichi Oka, Koji Sakamoto, Takeshi Wada, Yasuyuki Kawano, Kenji Toyoda, Naoya Nagasawa, Shinji Kirihata
  • Publication number: 20020154008
    Abstract: A decelerating inertia detector for detecting deceleration inertia energy of a moving vehicle is disclosed. The decelerating inertia detector includes a casing mounted on the moving vehicle, an inertia detecting mechanism for detecting a decelerating inertia energy of the moving vehicle and thereby generating a decelerating output signal, and an alarming means for generating an alarm signal. The inertia detecting mechanism includes a guiding slot formed in a casing, a rolling member movably contained in the guiding slot, and a switch unit arranged at the front open end of the guiding slot. The rolling member rolls to the front open end of the guiding slot when a deceleration inertia energy is applied to the decelerating inertia detector, and thereby collides the switch unit to generate the decelerating output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Clark Wu, Chin-Wei Tsao
  • Patent number: 6445292
    Abstract: An energy efficient, easily manufacturable, multi-sensor detector incorporates a smoke sensor and a thermal sensor. A single die programmed processor with integrally formed storage circuits for programs and parameters senses sensor signals, from different types of sensors, during a common activation cycle and processes those signals during the same cycle. The processor can also monitor the condition of an energy supplying battery and provide modulation signals to an audible output device. Other detector functions can be interleaved between output device modulation signals to minimize the cost of the programmed processor and thereby provide the required functionality very cost effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Pittway Corporation
    Inventors: Hsing C. Jen, Deborah R. Baricovich
  • Patent number: 6377172
    Abstract: Disclosed is a specific location public alert devices that require no specialized installation and may be plugged into any common household electrical outlet which provides power to the device so no switch is required to access power. The device requires no switch for the user to activate the device and its alert which is activated by an incoming transmission from an authorized authority with access to a transmitting source in the specific area of the device(s) such as cell phone towers or transmitting vehicles and activates any number of devices within one home and or all homes simultaneously and the alert may be a tone, light, or voice. The device may be mobile and be able to be removed from the electrical outlet and powered by replaceable or rechargeable batteries at remote locations, cigarette lighter adaptor within a vehicle, or electrical outlet at any location desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Dana L. Neer
  • Publication number: 20020008610
    Abstract: A wireless key fob includes a slidable shield which is movable from an open position exposing a plurality of actuation keys to a closed position protecting the actuation keys. The shield is movable on the top surface of the key fob and preferrably automatically releasably locks when moved to the open or closed position. The shield is preferrably always located within the top surface to avoid stripping of the shield from the key fob. The slidable shield avoids accidental activation of the keys and increases battery life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Applicant: DIGITAL SECURITY CONTROLS LTD.
    Inventor: John Peterson
  • Patent number: 6317054
    Abstract: A fire warning device includes detachably connectable shell parts (1,2) which when brought together are mutually united to form a shell or casing (3) which houses a fire sensor (20), alarm emitter (21) and a power source (22). The shell (3) being provided with fire warning device suspension means (8, 9; 16, 17). The suspension means (8, 9; 16, 17) is comprised of a friction anchoring device disposed in the region of the border surface or interface (6) between the two shell parts (1,2) when the shell is closed. The friction anchoring device is disposed in a passageway that extends between two mutually opposite ends (4,5) of the closed shell and enables the shell to be closed around a rod, cable or chain that carries a light fitting, while connecting the cable, rod or chain to the friction anchoring device for suspending the fire warning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventors: Rickard Grönstedt, Michael Olsson
  • Patent number: 6317053
    Abstract: A switch cabinet is provided for protection of servers and other highly sensitive computer devices or miscellaneous equipment. The cabinet is configured as a protection cabinet with an interior isolated from the atmosphere. The interior is continuously provided with fresh air by a ventilator. Fresh air is controlled by early detection fire sensors shortly before passing through the ventilator. When fire breaks out, the early detection fire sensors activate gas bottles filled with the noble gas argon, so that argon can be introduced into the interior to extinguish the fire once fresh air supply has been stopped, thereby ensuring early and fast extinguishing of the blaze.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventors: Hans-Dieter Seeliger, Uwe Kühn
  • Publication number: 20010038338
    Abstract: A compact particle sensor for detecting suspended particles includes a housing, a light source, a light receiver and a plurality of optical elements. The housing provides a test chamber and includes at least one opening for admitting particles into the test chamber, while simultaneously substantially preventing outside light from entering the test chamber. The light source is positioned for supplying a light beam within the test chamber. The plurality of optical elements are positioned to direct the light beam from the light source to the receiver, which is positioned to receive the light beam supplied by the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: Brian J. Kadwell, Greg R. Pattok
  • Publication number: 20010033232
    Abstract: An earthquake alarm device mainly includes a housing, vertical vibration detecting system, a horizontal vibration system, a battery and an alarm set. There is a spring with a specific spring coefficient k and the spring is connected to a weight. Once the earthquake happens, it will activate one of both of the vertical and the horizontal vibration detecting system so that a warning voice or voices are created. It can be activated by other magnetic or electrical method. In addition, the sensitivity of the vertical and/or the horizontal vibration detecting can be adjusted. After the earthquake is gone, it will return to its original state automatically. It will not be affected by the location. So, it is very convenient and precise in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Cheng-I Chen
  • Publication number: 20010026220
    Abstract: A carrier case for accommodating paper sheets, cards or the like having radio frequency data carriers attached thereto or watermarked therein. A device is provided for reading out information from the radio frequency data carriers while eliminating the need for externally removing the paper sheets, cards or the like having the radio frequency data carriers attached thereto or watermarked therein. The carrier case is provided therein with an opening for insertion of the data reading device, and is also provided with a movable divider plate. When it is desired to read out data from the radio frequency data carriers, the divider plate is tilted so that the data reading device can read out the data from the data carriers with a good sensitivity in a relationship contacted with the radio frequency data carriers or not contacted therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: Masaya Miura, Yutaka Miyazaki, Mitsuo Usami, Takashi Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20010020899
    Abstract: A smoke detector includes a housing defining a dark chamber admitting test atmosphere. A light receiver is disposed within the chamber. A scatter emitter is positioned within the chamber such that light strikes the receiver when reflected off particles suspended in the test atmosphere. An obscuration emitter is positioned within the chamber such that light emitted is directed to the receiver unless obstructed by particles suspended in the test atmosphere. A smoke detect signal is generated responsive to a measurement made responsive to the scatter emitter and/or the obscuration emitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: Brian J. Kadwell, Greg R. Pattok
  • Patent number: 6285289
    Abstract: A self contained, wearable personal protection device that incorporates a silent security alarm feature, a smoke detector alarm feature and, optionally, the feature of providing the time of day to the wearer is disclosed. The personal protection device with these features is incorporated into a housing case that is sized to be worn about the wrist of an individual user. The personal protection device is particularly suited for use by children. The smoke detector alarm feature of the device automatically activates an audible alarm feature when smoke is detected. The silent security alarm feature is activated when the wearer pushes a button on the device. Further, the wrist worn personal protection device optionally provides the wearer with the time of day as a further incentive for the child to wear the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Joe Thornblad
  • Publication number: 20010009395
    Abstract: A vehicle door stop safety system for preventing closing of a door of a vehicle when an object moves between the open door and the body of the vehicle. The vehicle door stop safety system includes a field producing assembly for producing a field adjacent to the latch end of the door. The field producing assembly is mountable on the latch end of the door, and the field producing assembly is adapted for operatively connecting to the switch of the vehicle such that the field producing assembly produces the field when the switch is actuated by opening of the door. A sensing assembly produces a block signal when an interruption of the field is sensed. The sensing assembly is mountable on the latch end of the door of the vehicle. A blocking assembly is provided for blocking closure of the door when the sensing assembly detects an interruption of the field produced by the field producing assembly. The blocking assembly is mountable on the body of the vehicle adjacent to the door opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventor: Rosario G. Sicuranza
  • Patent number: 6249224
    Abstract: An alarm switch assembly includes a housing having first and second surfaces and an opening defined therein that extends from one surface toward the other surface. The opening is further defined by at least four inner surfaces. A magnetic field generating device is disposed adjacent the opening and between the first and second surfaces, and a switch is disposed adjacent the opening and is opposed to the magnetic field generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Shoen, William A. Hayden
  • Patent number: 6218942
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification tag exciter/reader (10) is arranged for operation in association with an article transport device (100). The radio frequency identification tag exciter/reader (10) includes a canopy assembly (12) into which an exciter antenna (22) and a reader antenna (24) are positioned. A base station (26) is further provided and is coupled to the exciter antenna (22) and the reader antenna (24). The base station (26) provides an excitation signal (36) and receives a read signal (38). The base station further communicates with a system element (34). A hand held radio frequency identification tag exciter/reader (900) includes a hand holdable housing (912) including an exciter antenna (922) and a reader antenna (924). The housing is coupled to a portable base station (926). The base station (926) provides an excitation signal (936) and receives a read signal (938). The base station further communicates with a system element (934) via radio signals (932, 933).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Allen Vega, Sebastian Thomas Kakkanad
  • Patent number: 6198399
    Abstract: A smoke detector test device comprising a stamped plate. Combustible elements are positioned and retained on the stamped plate which, when ignited smolder to provide smoke of sufficient volume to actuate a properly functioning smoke alarm without requiring or causing an open flame. The stamped plate has an aperture and inwardly projecting flanges that allow the plate to be effectively attached to a broom handle to give a user extended reach to place the device, and smoke generated thereby, in close proximity to the smoke detector. A method for forming the smoke detector test device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Martin P. Mattis
  • Patent number: 6181251
    Abstract: A combination smoke detection device and laser escape indicator provides a primary circuit that electrically connects a power source to a laser. The primary circuit has a smoke detector switch that is operably controlled by a smoke detecting means. When the smoke detecting means detects smoke, it closes the smoke detector switch, thereby activating the laser to produce a laser beam. The laser is mounted on a swivel arm that is pivotally connected to a primary housing, the primary housing being rotatably attached to a base housing. The swivel arm and the primary housing together can be adjusted so that the laser projects the laser beam in a desired direction. When the combination is installed in a structure, the laser is manipulated so that when the laser generates a laser beam, the laser beam directs people to an exit from the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Robert R. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6175309
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a motion sensor for use with a light. The device includes a housing having an outer edge and an interior space in which a plurality of sensors are located. The sensors convert infrared into an electronic signal that is processed to detect motion. A lens located is also used which is located on an outer edge of the housing for directing infrared to the sensors which may be generally arranged in a U-shaped pattern to promote a 270 degree motion detection zone. The ends of the lens are recessed into and held in the interior of the housing a spaced distance from the outer edge of said housing so as to detect motion occurring rearward of the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Regent Lighting Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Drake, Raymond J. Hiller