Integrated microprocessor controlled alarm

• US 7,245,226 B1
• Filed: 09/08/2004
• Issued: 07/17/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/08/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Longwood Corporation
• Original Assignee: Longwood Corporation
• Inventors: Sherwood, Russell W., Thanhauser, Albert S.
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, TAI T
• Application Number:
  US10/936,320
• Time in Patent Office: 1,042 Days
• Field of Search: 340/660, 340/693.1, 340/693.4, 340/692, 340/691.1, 340/691.8, 340/506, 340/286.05, 340/331, 340/332
• US Class Current: 340/660
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 3/10 using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H03G 3/32 the control being dependent upon ambient noise level or sound level

Abstract

Alarms are often required on various vehicles and equipment such as fork lifts, dump trucks, bulldozers, etc. An alarm is disclosed controlled by a microprocessor, which is an integral part of the basic circuit. The alarm has a flat diaphragm, and a novel acoustic lens. The acoustic lens is constructed such that sound emanating from the center of the diaphragm has a direct path to the outside of the alarm. Sound produced around the periphery of the diaphragm must pass through a path containing switchbacks, that serve as an acoustic delay line, so this sound is delayed in exiting the alarm. The result is an alarm that with full sound in the important regions such as behind and to the side rear of the vehicle, but is very quiet for the operator or driver of the vehicle. The microprocessor is relied upon for adjusting alarm output based on source voltage and varying the signal based on ambient noise, as well as specific signals for particular applications.

Claims

1. A method for providing for an alarm connected to a source of power, the alarm comprising a microprocessor, the method comprising the steps of:

measuring a power source voltage level;

modifying an output of the microprocessor based on the measured source voltage level to maintain a consistent alarm signal for varying source voltages;

wherein the alarm is audible and includes a transducer for detecting ambient noise, the method additionally comprising the steps of;

detecting ambient noise with the transducer; and

adjusting the output of the audible alarm based on the ambient noise.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the source of power is an AC source.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the source of power is a DC source.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the microprocessor may be programmed to provide audible alarms with a plurality of arbitrary waveforms and signal characteristics.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the plurality of arbitrary waveforms and signal characteristics include audible voice signals.

6. The method of claim 1 including a provision to provide a visual signal for alarming.

7. An alarm connected to a power source, said alarm comprising:

a microprocessor;

a voltmeter function within the microprocessor for measuring a power source voltage level;

a modifying function within the microprocessor for modifying an output to the alarm based on the measured source voltage level to maintain a consistent alarm signal for varying source to voltages;

wherein the alarm is audible and additionally comprising;

a transducer for detecting ambient noise; and

an adjusting function within the microprocessor for adjusting the output of the audible alarm based on the ambient noise.

8. The alarm of claim 7 wherein the source of power is an AC source.

9. The alarm of claim 8 additionally comprising a full bridge rectifier.

10. The alarm of claim 8 additionally comprising means to accommodate varying voltages from the power source without degrading the alarm signal.

11. The alarm of claim 7 wherein the source of power is a DC source.

12. The alarm of claim 7 including means to program the microprocessor to provide audible alarms with a plurality of arbitrary waveforms and signal characteristics.

13. The alarm of claim 12 including means to broadcast audible voice signals.

14. The alarm of claim 12 wherein frequencies of the signals produced by the microprocessor may vary.

15. The alarm of claim 14 wherein a frequency or a frequency range is selectable upon alarm installation.

16. The alarm of claim 7 additionally comprising a means for visual alarming.

17. A method for providing for an audible alarm connected to a source of power, the alarm comprising a microprocessor, and including a transducer for detecting ambient noise, the method comprising the steps of:

measuring a power source voltage;

modifying an output of the microprocessor based on a measured source voltage to maintain a consistent audible alarm signal for varying source voltages;

detecting ambient noise with the transducer; and

adjusting the output of the audible alarm based on the ambient noise.

18. An audible alarm connected to a power source, said audible alarm comprising:

a microprocessor;

a voltmeter function within the microprocessor for measuring a power source voltage;

a modifying function within the microprocessor for modifying an output to the audible alarm based on a measured source voltage to maintain a consistent audible alarm signal for varying source voltages;

a transducer for detecting ambient noise; and

an adjusting function within the microprocessor for adjusting the output of the audible alarm based on the ambient noise.