US4074245A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Power failure alarm
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-07-19
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Granted: 1978-02-14
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Expires: 1996-07-19
Abstract
Abstract An alarm device for connection between an electric appliance and a power source to provide an audible and visual signal of a power failure. The device includes a first circuit in series with the appliance and power source containing an electro-magnet holding a spirally wound spring hammer in spaced relation to a gong. Upon occurrence of a power failure, the electromagnet is deactivated, releasing the hammer which strikes the gong. Simultaneously, a second circuit in parallel to the first having a switch spring-biased to an open position in the path of movement of the hammer and connected to a light is closed by the hammer. Upon restoration of power, the light is activated to indicate the occurrence of the power failure. A post connected to the free end of the hammer is used to reset the device by returning the hammer to the influence of the electromagnet, also enabling the spring-biased switch to reopen, upon the restoration of power.
Inventors
- 👤 John P. Podany
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 10:10
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B21/00; G08B21/18; G08B21/185; G04; G04C; G04C10/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
342 words
A power failure alarm device comprising: a housing, first electric circuit means in said housing for electrically connecting an electrical appliance in series to a power source, an electromagnet connected to said first electric circuit means and energized by said first electric circuit means only when power is supplied to said first electric circuit means from said power source, and an audible alarm in said housing, said audible alarm including a gong mounted in said housing, and a movable striker element normally restrained by said electromagnet in spaced relation to said gong, spring means mounted within said housing for moving said striker element in a direction away from said electromagnet and to strike said gong when said electromagnet is de-energized by an interruption of power supplied to said first electric circuit means from said power source, said gong being spaced from said electromagnet a distance sufficient to assure that said striker element will not be automatically attracted in a reverse direction back toward said electromagnet when said electromagnet is re-energized and a post mechanically connected to said striker element extending exteriorly of said housing in a slot therethrough, a second electric circuit means in said housing in parallel to said first circuit means, said second circuit means including a light and a switch closable by said means for moving said striker element when said striker element is being moved toward said gong, whereby upon a power failure occurring, said striker element is released by said electromagnet so that said spring means causes said striker element to strike said gong and to simultaneously close said switch so that said light is automatically actuated upon the restoration of power to said first electric circuit means from said power source, said striker element being returnable toward said electromagnet only by manually sliding said post in said slot towards said electromagnet, the actuation of said light indicating that power has been restored and that said post can be manually slid toward said electromagnet and that said striker element will then again be restrained by said electromagnet.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
342 words
A power failure alarm device comprising: a housing, first electric circuit means in said housing for electrically connecting an electrical appliance in series to a power source, an electromagnet connected to said first electric circuit means and energized by said first electric circuit means only when power is supplied to said first electric circuit means from said power source, and an audible alarm in said housing, said audible alarm including a gong mounted in said housing, and a movable striker element normally restrained by said electromagnet in spaced relation to said gong, spring means mounted within said housing for moving said striker element in a direction away from said electromagnet and to strike said gong when said electromagnet is de-energized by an interruption of power supplied to said first electric circuit means from said power source, said gong being spaced from said electromagnet a distance sufficient to assure that said striker element will not be automatically attracted in a reverse direction back toward said electromagnet when said electromagnet is re-energized and a post mechanically connected to said striker element extending exteriorly of said housing in a slot therethrough, a second electric circuit means in said housing in parallel to said first circuit means, said second circuit means including a light and a switch closable by said means for moving said striker element when said striker element is being moved toward said gong, whereby upon a power failure occurring, said striker element is released by said electromagnet so that said spring means causes said striker element to strike said gong and to simultaneously close said switch so that said light is automatically actuated upon the restoration of power to said first electric circuit means from said power source, said striker element being returnable toward said electromagnet only by manually sliding said post in said slot towards said electromagnet, the actuation of said light indicating that power has been restored and that said post can be manually slid toward said electromagnet and that said striker element will then again be restrained by said electromagnet.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
An alarm device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said switch is spring-biased to an open position when said post is manually slid in said slot towards said electromagnet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
An alarm device in accordance with claim 2 wherein said first electric circuit means includes a plug receptacle for receiving the plug of an electric appliance.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
An alarm device in accordance with claim 3 wherein said first electric circuit means includes a plug on said housing for connecting said circuit means to a source of electrical power.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-02-13 | 1981-08-15 | 1982-02-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-02-13 | 1985-08-15 | 1986-02-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-02-13 | 1989-08-15 | 1990-02-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |