US4427975A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Unopened-door indicator
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-04-29
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Granted: 1984-01-24
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Expires: 2001-04-29
Abstract
Abstract An electric indicator that includes an indicating light mounted in a small case containing electronic circuitry, a numerical keyboard, and a battery, the case being attached to a door or door frame, to show the returning user of the indicator whether or not the door has been opened since the indicator was last enabled by the user, typically by entering a secret sequence of numbers into the keyboard. An auxiliary input jack, for electrical connection to other doors and windows, is provided so that the indicator can indicate whether any of several doors and windows has been opened. An auxiliary output jack is provided for a remote indicating light, usually inserted into the peephole existing in many front doors so that the indicator light may be seen from the outside before opening the door. The same output jack may be used for triggering separate audible alarm devices. The indicator is easily adapted for use with drawers, bins, or windows if so desired.
Inventors
- 👤 James E. Kinzie
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 12:29
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B13/00; G08B13/02; G08B13/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
174 words
An unopened-door indicator that shows the returning user of the indicator whether or not the door has been opened since the indicator was last enabled, and which comprises: a. code input means; b. a door-actuated switch; c. an auxiliary output jack; d. an indicating light; e. electronic circuitry means responsive to a signal from said code input means when it is properly operated by the user, thereupon driving said indicating light to an un-opened door indication, providing a no-alarm signal to said auxiliary output jack, and providing a first delay of between 10 and 50 seconds before attaining an enabled state, thereupon becoming responsive to a signal from said door-actuated switch at the first opening of the door, thereupon becoming unresponsive to signals from said door-actuated switch, providing an alarm signal to said auxiliary output jack, and after a second delay of between 10 and 50 seconds, driving said indicating light to an opened-door indication; and f. power supply means for furnishing D.C. power to said code input means and said electronic circuitry means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
174 words
An unopened-door indicator that shows the returning user of the indicator whether or not the door has been opened since the indicator was last enabled, and which comprises: a. code input means; b. a door-actuated switch; c. an auxiliary output jack; d. an indicating light; e. electronic circuitry means responsive to a signal from said code input means when it is properly operated by the user, thereupon driving said indicating light to an un-opened door indication, providing a no-alarm signal to said auxiliary output jack, and providing a first delay of between 10 and 50 seconds before attaining an enabled state, thereupon becoming responsive to a signal from said door-actuated switch at the first opening of the door, thereupon becoming unresponsive to signals from said door-actuated switch, providing an alarm signal to said auxiliary output jack, and after a second delay of between 10 and 50 seconds, driving said indicating light to an opened-door indication; and f. power supply means for furnishing D.C. power to said code input means and said electronic circuitry means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
An unopened-door indicator according to claim 1 wherein the no-alarm and alarm signals provided by said electronic circuitry means to said auxiliary output jack are capable of driving a remote indicating light by means of an external two-wire electric cord.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
An unopened-door indicator according to claim 2 wherein the power supply means is a battery and the indicating light is a light-emitting diode, flashing to indicate unopened-door and unlighted to indicate opened-door.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
An unopened-door indicator according to claim 3 further comprising a back-up battery connected in parallel with said battery through a light-emitting diode which indicates when said battery needs to be replaced.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
An unopened-door indicator according to claim 1 wherein the power supply means is a battery and the indicating light is a light-emitting diode, flashing to indicate unopened-door and unlighted to indicate opened-door.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
An unopened-door indicator according to claim 5 further comprising a back-up battery connected in parallel with said battery through a light emitting diode which indicates when said battery needs to be replaced.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US4206450A
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US3978478A
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US4114147A
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US4319228A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-01-23 | 1987-07-25 | 1988-01-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-01-23 | 1991-07-25 | 1992-01-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-01-23 | 1995-07-25 | 1996-01-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |