Modulated audio annunciator providing stand-alone high voltage compatibility
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An appliance alarm for an appliance of a type providing a line power source of line-voltage alternating current, the appliance alarm comprising:
- a housing providing a mounting element for attaching the appliance alarm to the appliance;
a conductor system providing an electrical connection between the appliance alarm and line power fl-urn the appliance; and
a circuit card retained at least in part within the housing and including;
(a) a power converter converting line-voltage alternating current to logic level direct-current;
(b) a audio annunciator; and
(c) a controller circuit receiving the logic level direct-current and providing an output line communicating with the audio annunciator to provide a modulated signal to the audio annunciator to produce a distinctive modulated audio tone;
further including an electrical switch having a switch operator extending from the housing to move between an open and closed state, the switch operator communicating with electrical contacts providing an electrical signal to the controller circuit;
wherein the switch is supported for motion by the housing and printed circuit board and include switch contacts electrically supported by the printed circuit board.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An integrated line voltage converter and microprocessor-controlled tone generator allow advanced alarm features to be implemented in standard appliances as powered by a high-voltage line power. An integrated switch may also be used to allow the addition of alarm features to standard appliances as a drop-in replacement for door switches.
6 Citations
11 Claims
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1. An appliance alarm for an appliance of a type providing a line power source of line-voltage alternating current, the appliance alarm comprising:
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a housing providing a mounting element for attaching the appliance alarm to the appliance; a conductor system providing an electrical connection between the appliance alarm and line power fl-urn the appliance; and a circuit card retained at least in part within the housing and including; (a) a power converter converting line-voltage alternating current to logic level direct-current; (b) a audio annunciator; and (c) a controller circuit receiving the logic level direct-current and providing an output line communicating with the audio annunciator to provide a modulated signal to the audio annunciator to produce a distinctive modulated audio tone; further including an electrical switch having a switch operator extending from the housing to move between an open and closed state, the switch operator communicating with electrical contacts providing an electrical signal to the controller circuit; wherein the switch is supported for motion by the housing and printed circuit board and include switch contacts electrically supported by the printed circuit board. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An appliance alarm for an appliance of a type providing a line power source of line-voltage alternating current, the appliance alarm comprising:
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a housing providing a mounting element for attaching the appliance alarm to the appliance; a conductor system providing an electrical connection between the appliance alarm and line power from the appliance; and a circuit card retained at least in part within the housing and including; (a) a power converter converting line-voltage alternating current to logic level direct-current; (b) a audio annunciator; and (c) a controller circuit receiving the logic level direct-current and providing an output line communicating with the audio annunciator to provide a modulated signal to the audio annunciator to produce a distinctive modulated audio tone; wherein the power converter provides a current flow through connectors connecting the power converter to line power of at least 100 milliamps and a voltage drop of less than 50 volts so that when an electrical switch is closed, a standard line voltage incandescent bulb in series with the power converter is substantially fully illuminated when the switch, is closed and turned off when the switch is open.
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10. An appliance alarm for an appliance of a type providing a line power source of line-voltage alternating current, the appliance alarm comprising:
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a housing providing a mounting element or attaching the appliance alarm to the appliance; a conductor system providing an electrical connection between the appliance alarm and line power from the appliance; and a circuit card retained at least in part within the housing and including; (a) a power converter converting line-voltage alternating current to logic level direct-current; (b) a audio annunciator; and (c) a controller circuit receiving the logic level direct-current and providing an output line communicating with the audio annunciator to provide a modulated signal to the audio annunciator to produce a distinctive modulated audio tone; wherein the conductor system further includes a low voltage electrical connector providing a logic level direct current signal to the controller circuit and wherein the controller circuit responds to the logic level direct-current signal by changing a modulated signal to provide a second distinctive modulated audio tone.
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11. An appliance alarm for an appliance of a type providing a line power source of line-voltage alternating current, the appliance alarm comprising:
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a housing providing a mounting element for attaching the appliance alarm to the appliance; a conductor system providing an electrical connection between the appliance alarm and line power from the appliance; and a circuit card retained at least in part within the housing and including; (a) a power converter convening line-voltage alternating current to logic level direct-current; (b) a audio annunciator; and (c) a controller circuit receiving the logic level direct-current and providing an output line communicating with the audio annunciator to provide a modulated signal to the audio annunciator to produce a distinctive modulated audio tone; wherein the controller circuit provides a first modulated signal for a first period of time to start an internal timer upon a starting of the first modulated signal and to provide a second modulated signal for a second period of time upon expiration of the timer.
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Specification