Photosensitive sound generator

• US 4,617,556 A
• Filed: 07/10/1984
• Issued: 10/14/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 07/10/1984
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Luis A. Rivera, Patricia A. Rivera
• Original Assignee: Luis A. Rivera, Patricia A. Rivera
• Inventors: Rivera, Luis A., Rivera, Patricia A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Swann, III, Glen R.
• Application Number:
  US06/629,452
• Time in Patent Office: 826 Days
• Field of Search: 340/546, 340/545, 340/585, 340/693, 361/331
• US Class Current: 340/546
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 29/008 Alarm devices
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/08 by opening, e.g. of door, of window, of drawer, of shutter, of curtain, of blind
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/24 Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms

Abstract

A simplified and efficient sound generating device consisting of a self-contained audible signaling device and a means of affording said device protection against moisture and cold temperatures, comprised of a photoelectric cell, a source of energy, a sound transducer means, and appropriate container that permits the entry of light therein. When positioned in an appropriate darkened enclosure, the device permits an immediate audible signal upon the opening of said enclosure and the introduction of light therein. Said device is particularly suited for use as an aid to behavior modification programs that are associated with the need to eliminate the habitual and compulsive over-consumption of food from the diet.

Claims

1. A self-contained photosensitive sound generator for use as an aid to behavior modification programs meeting the need to eliminate habitual and compulsive over-consumption of food stored in a darkened enclosure, such as a refrigerator or food storage container, comprising:

(a) a housing adapted to contain a photosensitive cell, a sound transducer and an energy source for said cell and transducer;

(b) a sound transducer in said housing;

(c) a photoelectric cell in electrical communication to said energy source responsive to light when said enclosure is opened for the purpose of taking food, said photoelectric cell immediately energizing said sound transducer when activated by light to thereby cause a low audible signal alerting the person opening the enclosure to light that the opening behavior is to be stopped;

(d) an energy source in said housing;

(e) moisture protecting means surrounding said housing to protect said cell, said sound transducer and said energy source from moisture and cold temperature; and

an optical aperture in said housing located directly in front of said photosensitive cell which permits and directs the light entering the enclosure against said cell to energize the same.

2. The generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said aperture is a lens.

3. The generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said aperture is an opening.

4. The generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sound transducer is a bell.

5. The generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sound transducer is a buzzer.

6. The generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said energy source is a battery.

7. The generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said energy source is a solar battery.