A small, portable lightweight, water-resistant, manually-operated signalling device. The signalling device includes a signalling assembly fully enclosed within a pair of hermetically sealed housings. The signalling assembly includes a signalling circuit and a pressure sensitive switch adapted, when depressed, to actuate the signalling circuit. One of the housings includes a recessed, flat, semi-rigid deflective wall having an indentation formed therein and in physical contact with the pressure sensitive switch. The indentation is capable of being manually depressed and, when depressed, to transmit the pressure applied to the indentation to the switch, thereby operating the signalling circuit. The indentation and the switch are arranged with respect to each other so that depression of the switch and actuation of the signalling circuit can only occur in response to pressure being applied to the indentation. The signalling device further includes a shock-absorbing rim formed at the perimeter of the housing having the indentation therein for minimizing the possibility of unintentional or accidental operation of the signalling device by virtue of the signalling device coming into physical contact with a surface or object, as by dropping the signalling device.
A portable safety light and audible signal apparatus for placement in proximity to a building exit, to guide one or more fire fighters and emergency personnel to the exit during conditions of intense smoke and heat. The portable safety light and audible signal apparatus has a housing for containing, an audible signal generator capable of generating at least three distinctive audible signals, a strobe light mounted upon the top portion of the housing; an inverted U-shaped handle mounted on opposing sides of the strobe light, at least one switch in electrical communication with the strobe light and the audible signal generator, and a portable power supply located within the housing, in electrical communication with the switch.
In a security system, a transmitter housing and first and second transmitter actuation elements cooperate to define thumb and finger saddles on opposite sides of the housing. The peripheral edge of the housing and the first and second actuation elements have matched configurations aligned at the thumb and finger saddles for guiding a hand to properly operate the transmitter while blocking other objects from accidental operation. The housing extends beyond the actuation elements at the ends of the elements while the actuation elements extend beyond the housing at the center of the elements. The housing has a first texture, such as a rigid plastic, while the actuation elements have a softer feel provided, for example, by an elastomeric material.
A knob for attachment to a removable lid of a container, the knob containing a selectively actuatable music module. The knob serves both a utilitarian function, as a means for removing a lid from a container, and an entertainment or advertising function, by playing a preprogrammed message. Either function may be utilized separately or in combination as the user selects.
In devices such as electronic calculators, which perform mathematical or like functions and require plurality of data inputs to perform their functions; a data input key is pivotally maintained within the body of said device and is adapted to provide a plurality of input data. The data input key has an upper exposed portion having an opening configured and adapted to be engaged by the thumb or finger of the user whereby the key may be manipulated to various contact positions situated in a circular or longitudinal path. These various contact positions provide different input data to the device. In another embodiment, a plurality of the input keys may be used to accommodate a large number of inputs, for example, the inputs of a typewriter.
A method of using an analog sensor variably depressed by only a single human finger to variably control an electronic game, the method including the steps: a) depressing, with the human finger, the analog sensor with varying pressure for variably controlling the electronic game; and b) receiving, through the finger, a user discernible snap-through tactile feedback. Additionally, a second depressing may be applied substantially because of the receiving of the feedback.
