Occupied room indicator

• US 5,861,806 A
• Filed: 03/19/1997
• Issued: 01/19/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 03/19/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: James A. Bondell
• Original Assignee: James A. Bondell
• Inventors: Bondell, James A., Vories, Dennis L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LA, ANH V
• Application Number:
  US08/814,345
• Time in Patent Office: 671 Days
• Field of Search: 340/545, 340/555, 340/556, 340/523, 340/541, 340/522, 340/546
• US Class Current: 340/555
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 5/36 using visible light sources

Abstract

When installed on a door to a room, e.g. a restroom, or other area where it is desired to monitor occupancy status of the room or other area, a light source (e.g. a light emitting diode) outside the room or area provides a visual signal to those outside the room or area whether it is occupied (flashing) or not (dark). Optionally there is a second light source, or other indicator, inside the room or area that signals, simultaneously with the outside light, to an occupant of the room or area that the device is properly working. Optionally "occupied" and "unoccupied" signals are sent to a remote station to keep a remote observer informed of the occupancy status of an out-of-sight room or area. For example, the remote signalling option can be used by persons to avoid useless trips to a distant restroom that is already occupied. Preferably an infrared sensor mounted in a cylindrical reflector in a casing mounted on the door senses movement of an occupant during a pre-set time period, i.e. window, after the door closes, the sensor'"'"'s signals when the door is open are disabled. The movement of an occupant within the window causes a valid detection signal which latches an oscillator which in turn periodically energizes the light sources, indicating that the room is occupied. When the door opens the oscillator is stopped and the cycle repeats when the door closes.

Claims

1. An apparatus for providing an indication observable by a person located outside of an area, which is at least partially bordered by a door, whenever one or more other persons are in the area, the apparatus comprising:

(a) means, when actuated, for producing a first signal;

(b) means for mounting the means for producing the first signal on the door, said means for producing the first signal being actuated whenever the door is closed;

(c) means, responsive to the first signal, for producing a second signal whenever one or more persons are in the area; and

(d) means, responsive to the second signal, for providing the indication.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising means for inhibiting the second signal after a preset time has elapsed following a closing of the door, the inhibition remaining until the door is again opened.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first signal is extant as long as the door is closed, and further comprising means, responsive to the first signal, for inhibiting the second signal after a preset time has elapsed following a closing of the door, the inhibition remaining until the first signal is no longer extant.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the means for producing the second signal comprises:

(a) means for sensing electromagnetic radiation in the infrared range; and

(b) means for magnifying electromagnetic radiation from the area onto the means for sensing.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the means for magnifying comprises:

(a) a hollow cylinder having an infrared radiation reflective inner wall;

(b) a lens disposed at one end of the cylinder and facing the other end which is open to receive radiation; and

(c) means for mounting the cylinder/lens combination at a top of the door, the open end of the cylinder facing angularly down at the area.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the means for providing the indication comprises:

(a) a visible light emitter affixed to the outside of the door; and

(b) means, responsive to the second signal, for energizing the emitter.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the means for energizing the emitter comprises

(a) means for remembering the second signal;

and

(b) means, responsive to the remembered second signal, for periodically energizing the emitter at a suitable duty cycle.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the means for providing the indication comprises:

(a) means, responsive to the second signal, for broadcasting a corresponding signal;

(b) means, outside the area, for receiving the broadcasted corresponding signal and providing the indication in response thereto.

9. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the means for providing the indication comprises:

(a) means, responsive to the second signal, for broadcasting a corresponding signal;

(b) means, outside the area, for receiving the broadcasted corresponding signal and providing the indication in response thereto.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the means for producing the second signal comprises:

(a) an infrared sensor which produces a sensor signal corresponding to movement of a person or persons in the area; and

(b) means, having gain, for amplifying the sensor signal.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10 further comprising means for increasing the gain whenever the door is closed, and decreasing the gain whenever the door is open.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the gain is increased by a factor, and decreased by an inverse of the factor.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10 further comprising means for comparing the amplified sensor signal with a reference voltage and for producing the second signal whenever the amplified sensor signal exceeds the reference voltage.

14. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the means for amplifying comprises a differential amplifier, and further comprises an adaptive virtual ground coupled to an input of the means for amplifying.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising means for inhibiting the second signal unless said second signal has a duration equal to or greater than a preset minimum time period.

16. The apparatus according to claim 13 further comprising means for inhibiting the second signal unless said second signal has a duration equal to or greater than a preset minimum time period.

17. An apparatus for providing an visual indication observable by a person located outside of an area, which is at least partially bordered by a door, whenever one or more other persons are in the area, the apparatus comprising:

(a) means, when actuated, for producing a first signal;

(b) means, responsive to the first signal, for producing a second signal whenever one or more persons are in the area;

(c) means, responsive to the second signal, for providing the visual indication;

(d) casing means for containing all the aforesaid means;

(e) bracket means for mounting the casing means to the top of the door; and

(f) lever means, extending from the casing means, for being moved whenever the door is closed, movement of the lever actuating said means for producing the first signal.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the bracket means comprises:

(a) an L-shaped bracket, the shank of the "L" extending across the top of the door, the casing means being affixed to the head of the "L" and extending down an inside of the door, the foot of the "L" extending down the outside of the door; and

(b) means for adjusting the gap between the casing means and the foot of the "L" to fit a range of door widths.

19. The apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the means for producing the second signal comprises:

(a) means for sensing electromagnetic radiation in the infrared range; and

(b) reflective means for magnifying electromagnetic radiation from the area onto the means for sensing.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the reflective means for magnifying comprises:

(a) a hollow cylinder having an infrared radiation reflective inner wall; and

(b) a lens disposed at one end of the cylinder and facing the other end which is open to receive radiation, the cylinder/lens combination being disposed in an opening defined by a base of the casing means, the open end of the cylinder facing angularly down at the area.