Abstract: Doorbell systems can include a doorbell, a chime, and a remote computing device. In some embodiments, the remote computing device can select a sound. A data file comprising information that represents the sound can be sent to the doorbell that is communicatively coupled to the remote computing device. The doorbell can send the data file to the chime that is communicatively coupled to the doorbell and remotely located with respect to the doorbell.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an electronic device that includes a vibrating element adapted to vibrate the electronic device, at least one sensor operable to detect the presence of an audible higher-order harmonic above a fundamental frequency when the vibrating element is active. The device also includes a processor operable to adjust the vibrating element to reduce the audible higher-order harmonic when the audible higher-order harmonic is detected.

Abstract: A cover-attachment assembly works in conjunction with an audio-annunciator housing that is configured to operationally mount to a wall. This audio-annunciator housing can have one or more arcuately-shaped tracks and one or more snap interfaces. The cover-attachment assembly comprises at least one arcuately-shaped guide surface that is shaped, sized, and positioned to fit within the arcuately-shaped track when pivotally attaching the cover-attachment assembly to the audio-annunciator housing. The snap interface, in turn, is shaped, sized, and positioned to lockingly mate with the audio-annunciator housing snap interface to hold the cover-attachment assembly in an installed position with respect to the audio-annunciator housing.

Abstract: The striking watch (1) includes at least one gong (3) fixed to a gong-carrier (2) and at least one hammer (4) for striking the gong. The watch further includes a magnetic gong insulator arrangement (20) for preventing any inadvertent contact between the gong and a neighboring part (5, 6) of the watch. This magnetic insulator arrangement (20) includes at least one moving permanent magnet (21) arranged on one part of the gong (3) at a distance from the gong-carrier (2) and at least one fixed permanent magnet (22, 23) arranged on a watch part (5, 6) close to the gong. This fixed permanent magnet is capable of generating a magnetic field of opposite polarity to the magnetic field of the moving permanent magnet facing the fixed permanent magnet.

Abstract: A method for associating sounds with different keypresses, involving receiving an input of a first keypress from a keyboard including a plurality of keys, wherein the keyboard is associated with a computing device, determining whether a key corresponding to the first keypress is one of a plurality of significant elements, wherein the plurality of significant elements is a subset of the plurality of keys, determining a first sound event associated with the key, when the key is one of the plurality of significant elements, and outputting a first sound associated with the first sound event.

Abstract: A peripheral load driver that utilizes the power, wiring, and primary load of a conventional doorbell system to drive a doorbell system peripheral load at a higher current without risk of inadvertently energizing the primary load of the conventional doorbell system. The peripheral load driver comprising a power converting means for converting power extracted from the conventional doorbell system from a higher-voltage-at-a-lower-current to a lower-voltage-at-a-higher current wherein the higher-voltage-at-a-lower-current is insufficient to energize the primary load of the conventional doorbell system and the lower-voltage-at-a-higher-current is compatible with the doorbell system peripheral load.

Abstract: A pet food server for dispensing pet food from a recently opened can at preselected intervals of time where the pet food feeder includes a cylindrical member, a sliding panel for holding an unopened can of pet food located within the cylindrical member, and an electric can opener located on a pedestal for lowering the can opener to the top of the can of unopened pet food to cut the lid from the can and then raising the can opener to its initial position. An electro-magnet is attached to the can opener for lifting the lid off the can of pet food as the can opener is raised to its initial position, and means is provided for moving the sliding panel with the can of open pet food through an opening in the cylindrical member for a pet to feed.

Abstract: The present invention is a door chime. The door chime has a decorative cover connected to a sound module including sound controls. The decorative cover is shiftable relative to the sound module from a first position in which the decorative chime will be displayed during normal use, to a second position to allow access to the sound controls in the second position. The connection between the sound module and the decorative cover allows for either a sliding connection or a rotating connection depending on the desired configuration. The power module for the door chime is interchangeable between a battery powered and hard wired module.

Abstract: A wireless door chime system has an activation unit. A receiving unit is in wireless communication with the activation unit. The receiving unit has a plurality of sound files loaded therein. A user can view the plurality of sound files and select a sound file to play when the activation unit sends a signal to the receiving unit.

Abstract: A solar-powered wind chime has a solar energy system for powering an electrical subsystem. The electrical subsystem may include lighting elements for illuminating the wind chime and the area around the wind chime in a decorative and functional manner.

Abstract: A peripheral load driver that utilizes the power, wiring, and primary load of a conventional doorbell system to drive a doorbell system peripheral load at a higher current without risk of inadvertently energizing the primary load of the conventional doorbell system. The peripheral load driver comprising a power converting means for converting power extracted from the conventional doorbell system from a higher-voltage-at-a-lower-current to a lower-voltage-at-a-higher current wherein the higher-voltage-at-a-lower-current is insufficient to energize the primary load of the conventional doorbell system and the lower-voltage-at-a-higher-current is compatible with the doorbell system peripheral load.

Abstract: An automatic doorbell driver that utilizes the power, wiring, and primary load of a conventional doorbell system. The automatic doorbell driver comprising coupling means for coupling the automatic doorbell driver to the conventional doorbell system; power supply means for supplying power to the automatic doorbell driver; sensing means for sensing an object in a proximity zone; and switching means responsive to the sensing means for coupling power to, and thereby controlling the energization and de-energization of, the primary load of the conventional doorbell system; whereby the automatic doorbell driver can easily convert the conventional doorbell system into an automatic doorbell system.

Abstract: A digital sampling playback doorbell system has two or more doorbell buttons and a central unit with solid state memory storage for multiple digitally sampled sound files. User assignment means are provided for assigning a particular sound file to a particular doorbell button. The digital sampling playback doorbell has computer interface of RS-232, or USB, or infrared wireless connection type and relies on computer installed software to download digitally sampled sound files stored in the computer hard drive to the memory of the digital sampling playback doorbell system central unit. The digitally sampled sound files stored in the computer hard drive are obtained by accessing a web site through the Internet or capturing sound through an audio computer connection to a microphone, CD player, radio broadcast or mass music storage device using software resident in the computer. Alternatively, an IPOD can be used as a source for sounds that can be transferred or sent to play on the doorbell.

Abstract: A doorbell having interchangeable chimes and interchangeable decorative covers is displayed for sale to the retail public such that a customer may easily choose a specific chime sound and combine it with a specific decorative cover enabling the customer to buy a doorbell meeting the customer's aesthetic requirement. The interchangeable bases and covers may include complimentary attachment parts that allow any cover to be mounted to any of a plurality of bases of differing size and in different orientations.

Abstract: A digital sampling playback doorbell system has two or more doorbell buttons and a central unit with solid-state memory storage for multiple digitally sampled sound files. User assignment means are provided for assigning a particular sound file to a particular doorbell button. The digital sampling playback doorbell m has computer interface of RS-232, or USB, or infrared wireless connection type and relies on computer installed software to download digitally sampled sound files stored in the computer hard drive to the memory of the digital sampling playback doorbell system central unit. The digitally sampled sound files stored in the computer hard drive are obtained by accessing a web site through the Internet or capturing sound through an audio computer connection to a microphone, CD player or radio broadcast using software resident in the computer.

Abstract: A programmable electronic circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes a CPU, signal-generating circuitry, and RC circuitry having at least two capacitors, such that when both of the capacitors are switched into the RC circuitry by the CPU, a signal is produced from an output of the signal-generating circuitry that is longer in duration than when one of the capacitors is switched into the RC circuitry.

Abstract: A machine for automated generation of movement of chimes with a base, an power source in the base electromagnetically connected to a post, chimes disposed about the post for receiving electromagnetic energy, a control circuit for generating intermittent electric power to said source for creating magnetic forces on said chimes. The chimes may also be moved by electric power, water movement, wind generated by the power source or ionic wind movement.

Abstract: A machine for automated generation of movement of chimes with a base, an power source in the base electromagnetically connected to a post, chimes disposed about the post for receiving electromagnetic energy, a control circuit for generating intermittent electric power to said source for creating magnetic forces on said chimes. The chimes may also be moved by electric power, water movement, wind generated by the power source or ionic wind movement.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention enable a user to select from different appearances and sound types by providing different door chime assembly housing covers. The housing covers can be different in shape, size, appearance, and/or acoustic property, and preferably can be releasably mounted a housing base. A door chime assembler, manufacturer, or user can therefore select from different door chime assembly appearances and acoustic properties by selecting one of two or more different housing covers. The door chime assembly can employ a number of different features that change the sound quality of the door chime assembly, including a domed or tented housing cover shape, a housing cover having curved edges and corners, an open acoustic chamber unbroken by internal walls, and side wall housing apertures. Other significant advantages are provided by the use of a door chime assembly transformer that is mounted to the door chime assembly housing.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention enable a user to select from different appearances and sound types by providing different door chime assembly housing covers. The housing covers can be different in shape, size, appearance, and/or acoustic property, and preferably can be releasably mounted a housing base. A door chime assembler, manufacturer, or user can therefore select from different door chime assembly appearances and acoustic properties by selecting one of two or more different housing covers. The door chime assembly can employ a number of different features that change the sound quality of the door chime assembly, including a domed or tented housing cover shape, a housing cover having curved edges and corners, an open acoustic chamber unbroken by internal walls, and side wall housing apertures. Other significant advantages are provided by the use of a door chime assembly transformer that is mounted to the door chime assembly housing.

Abstract: A doorbell system having a sound memory for storing and playing a CD quality doorbell sound is disclosed. Said doorbell system includes a receiver unit for receiving an indication of a doorbell button being pressed, a code detector for commanding the sound memory to output stored sound signals and sound producing means for outputting a CD quality sound. Also disclosed is a method for storing a CD quality sound into a doorbell system.

Abstract: Transducer apparatus (10) responsive to external perturbations is disclosed having an electrically responsive transducer circuit (12) energized when a display member (18) and an elongate member (20) move from a gravity determined quiescent orientation (20A) therebetween to an external perturbation driven active orientation (20B) therebetween. In various embodiments, the members are respectively responsive to air movement and acceleration. In one embodiment, the elongate member carries a first electrical contact (21) to abut a second electrical contact (22) carried by the display member. When the apparatus is to be in use with a motor vehicle, the apparatus is desirable to be powered by the cigarette lighter of the vehicle and a light sensor is added to switch on the apparatus during night time.

Abstract: A machine for automated generation of movement of chimes with a base, an power source in the base electromagnetically connected to a post, chimes disposed about the post for receiving electromagnetic energy, a control circuit for generating intermittent electric power to said source for creating magnetic forces on said chimes. The chimes may also be moved by electric power, water movement, wind generated by the power source or ionic wind movement.

Abstract: A machine for automated generation of movement of chimes with a base, an power source in the base electromagnetically connected to a post, chimes disposed about the post for receiving electromagnetic energy, a control circuit for generating intermittent electric power to said source for creating magnetic forces on said chimes. The chimes may also be moved by electric power, water movement, wind generated by the power source or ionic wind movement.

Abstract: A multi-tone sounder system including the sounder and a method of controlling the sounder in which at least a pair of chime bars (3, 5), bells or gongs are spaced apart and arranged to be struck by a solenoid operated striker (26) positioned between the chime bars; the solenoid (24) is powered by a controller (FIG. 2) in one of several ways so that in one way by sudden application of power to the solenoid the striker strikes one bar but then the power is reduced gradually preventing the striker by means of a spring (28) hitting the other bar; in a second way by gradual application of power to the solenoid and sudden reduction the other bar only is struck; in a third way by sudden application and a sudden reduction of power to the solenoid both bars may be struck; by using a predetermined combination of strikes a particular push button in a house can easily be identified.

Abstract: A doorbell system having a sound memory for storing and playing a CD quality doorbell sound is disclosed. Said doorbell system includes a receiver unit for receiving an indication of a doorbell button being pressed, a code detector for commanding the sound memory to output stored sound signals and sound producing means for outputting a CD quality sound. Also disclosed is a method for storing a CD quality sound into a doorbell system.