Home integrated signal system

• US 4,243,973 A
• Filed: 03/27/1979
• Issued: 01/06/1981
• Est. Priority Date: 03/27/1979
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Gordon B. Arnold
• Original Assignee: Gordon B. Arnold
• Inventors: Sandidge, David H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Yusko, Donald J.
• Application Number:
  US06/024,326
• Time in Patent Office: 651 Days
• Field of Search: 340/148, 340/171 R, 340/168 R, 340/168 B, 340/371, 340/326, 179/2 A, 179/2 R, 179/175.2 C
• US Class Current: 340/286.02
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 3/10 using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 7/06 using electric transmission , e.g. involving audible and visible signalling through the use of sound and light sources
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/007 with remote control systems remote control in general G08C

Abstract

A coordinating unit receives an input signal from the ringing circuit of a telephone, a doorbell switch, the timer of a washing machine, or the like. The coordinating unit, through a program muting circuit reduces the volume of televisions, radios, or the like, in the home and signals of the presence of an input signal by ringing a prescribed chime or chimes associated with the particular input signal. Also, a switching feature is incorporated in order that the power may be removed from certain preselected sockets in the home to eliminate noise from machinery such as power tools or vacuum cleaners. Furthermore, an outdoor signaling device can be operated by the coordinating unit for flashing lights and buzzers mounted exteriorly of the house.

Claims

1. A system for producing an audible output upon the occurrence of certain events, comprising:

first input means for providing a first input signal upon the occurrence of a first event;

second input means for providing a second input signal upon the occurrence of a second event;

coordinating circuit means connected to said first input means and said second input means for receiving said first and second input signals and producing first and second control signals respectively in response thereto;

a first output means controlled by said coordinating circuit means for providing an audible signal in respone to one of said control signals;

a second output means which is switched between a first, energized state and a second, deenergized state in response to one of said control signals;

a third output means comprising a muting circuit for reducing the volume of competing sounds in response to one of said control signals; and

a fourth output means comprising at least one normally energized electrical socket and further wherein said coordinating circuit means includes an oscillator circuit means for periodically interrupting the electrical supply to said socket for producing periodic energization of any load device connected to said socket.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said first output means comprises a chime unit and further wherein said oscillator circuit means is connected to said chime unit for producing periodic energization thereof.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said first output means comprises a first audible signalling device which is actuated by said coordinating circuit means in response to said first input signal, and a second audible signalling device which is activated by said coordinating circuit means in response to said second input signal.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein said first input means is connected in a telephone ringing circuit for producing an input signal to said coordinating means upon the ringing of a telephone.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein said second input means is in a circuit with a doorbell pushbutton for providing said second input signal to said coordinating circuit means in response to the actuation of said doorbell button.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said third output means comprises at least one normally energized electrical socket which is deenergized in response to a control signal from said coordinating means for deenergizing any load connected thereto and thereby eliminating any noise being produced by said load.

8. The system as defined in claim 1 and further including a muting output means comprising a muting circuit for reducing the volume of competing sounds in response to one of said control signals.

9. The system as defined in claim 1 wherein said first input means is connected in a telephone ringing circuit for producing an input to said coordinating means upon the ringing of a telephone.

7. A system for the production of an audible output upon the occurrence of certain events, comprising:

first input means for providing a first input signal upon the occurrence of a first event;

second input means for providing a second input signal upon the occurrence of a second event;

coordinating means connected to said firt input means and said second input means for receiving said first and second input signals and producing first and second control signals respectively in response thereto;

first output means controlled by said coordinating means for providing an audible signal in response to one of said control signals;

a second output means which is switched between a first energized state and a second deenergized state in response to one of said control signals; and

a third output means comprising an electrical socket and further including oscillator circuit means disposed in said coordinating circuit for supplying pulsating electrical energy to said socket for producing periodic energization of any device connected to said socket.