Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/008,871 filed Jan. 18, 2011 hereby incorporated by reference, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/616,601 filed Nov. 11, 2009. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    This invention pertains generally to status indicators, more particularly to status indicators that indicate usage behind a door, and still more particularly to privacy, or “in use” indicators that indicate usage behind a bathroom or toilet stall door, bedroom, or library, where the indicator may be removable and portable or permanently installed. 
         [0006]    2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98 
         [0007]    In many cases a locked door may indicate that a room is occupied and that entry is not permitted. While a person attempting to enter a room might suffer potential embarrassment or inconvenience when a locked door is encountered, the occupant of the room might find that preferable over providing a public indicator of occupancy. In other situations, a visible or audible indicator of occupancy might be preferable as a deterrent to attempts to enter the locked room. 
         [0008]    Door locks are well known in the art and have been designed in various forms, including those that are mechanically, magnetically, or electrically operated. For example, mechanical locking mechanisms controlled by electric switches have been developed where outside and inside wall switches control a mechanical lock and, in some cases, also control a privacy indicator. 
         [0009]    Privacy indicators currently available are generally associated with a locking mechanism of the door so that when an occupant leaves the room and unlocks the door, the occupancy indicator is cancelled. Those indicators that electrically signal the state of occupancy, and are not associated with door locks generally require a make-and-break contact across the door jamb, or a motion detector somewhere in the room or on or near the door. 
         [0010]    Privacy indicators are also well known in the art and have been designed in various forms, including double-sided signs that can be hung on the exterior of a door where the signs are to be turned around to indicate occupancy before an occupant enters the room, and then turned back around to a indicate vacancy when the occupant exits the room. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    An aspect of the invention is a method of indicating a request for privacy, comprising: providing a door; mounting a controller on one side of the door, wherein the controller comprises an adjustable rolling ball motion detector; mounting an indicator on the other side of the door; means for activating an “in use” state in the controller; whereby the controller causes an “in use” indication on the indicator. 
         [0012]    The method above may also comprise cancelling the “in use” state in the controller. The means for activating may comprise a flip flop, which may comprise a J  K  flip flop. 
         [0013]    The method of mounting of the controller may also cause an “in use” indication on the controller when the “in use” condition is present on the indicator. Additionally, the cancellation off the “in use” state in the controller may be caused by opening the door. The cancellation may be caused by conduction of an adjustable rolling ball motion detector. 
         [0014]    In still another aspect of the invention, a privacy indicator apparatus is provided that comprises a controller an indicator electrically connected to the controller; and means for indicating a latched state of the controller; wherein the controller comprises a novel adjustable rolling ball motion detector. 
         [0015]    In yet another aspect of the invention a privacy indication apparatus is provided that comprises an indicator electrically connected to a controller and means for changing a state in the controller, wherein the means for changing the state in the controller comprises a four pole double throw switch and means for electrically interconnecting the latching relay and the four pole double throw switch. This latter means comprises a flip flop, a momentary switch capable of initially setting the flip flop and capable of resetting the flip flop, wherein the adjustable rolling ball motion detector includes a uniquely configured base having a concave surface upon which an electrically conductive ball rolls between a center position, a first displaced position in engagement with a first conductive terminal connected to the base and a second displaced position in engagement with a second conductive terminal connected to the base. 
         [0016]    In the preferred form of the invention the controller is removably attached to one side of the door and the indicator is attached to the opposite side of the door. Uniquely, the attachment of the controller and the indicator to a door requires no penetration of the door. 
         [0017]    Further aspects of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1A  is perspective view of an “in use” privacy indicator mounted upon an opened door. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1B  is the perspective view of the “in use” privacy indicator with the door further opened so that the indicator may be viewed. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2A  is an exploded perspective view of a removable “in use” privacy indicator. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2B  is an assembled perspective view of the removable “in use” privacy indicator of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0023]      FIG. 3A  is an exploded perspective view of a permanently mounted “in use” privacy indicator. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3B  is an assembled perspective view of the permanently mounted “in use” privacy indicator of  FIG. 3A   
           [0025]      FIG. 3C  is an exploded perspective view of the removable “in use” privacy indicator of  FIG. 3A , here using double side acrylic foam adhesive tape for a removable mount. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3D  is an assembled perspective view of the removable “in use privacy indicator of  FIG. 3C . 
           [0027]      FIG. 4A  is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a permanently mounted “in use” privacy indicator. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4B  is an assembled perspective view of the permanently mounted “in use” privacy indicator of  FIG. 4A . 
           [0029]      FIG. 5A  is an exploded perspective view of a removable “in use” privacy indicator mounted to a door that uses a pendulum switch type of control and indicator using a metal bracket with a clamp to surround the free edge of the door combined with the elastic straps around the hinged side of the door to hold the controller and indicator tight against the door, where the metal bracket may be replaced with a fabric, electrically conductive strip, or conductive tape. 
           [0030]      FIG. 5B  is an assembled perspective view of the “in use” privacy indicator of  FIG. 5A , where the removable metal bracket and strap holds the controller and indicator tight against the door and without any necessity for making a penetration through the door. 
           [0031]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of a magnetically latched privacy indicator installed on a door and door jamb. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of the magnetically latched privacy indicator of  FIG. 6A , with the door ajar, and the magnetic latch connection broken. 
           [0033]      FIG. 6C  is a top view of the magnetically latched privacy indicator of  FIG. 6A  with the top cover removed, showing internal details of the magnetic latching apparatus. 
           [0034]      FIG. 6D  is a top view of an alternate form of the privacy indicator. 
           [0035]      FIG. 7A  is a schematic circuit of one embodiment of a pendulum style “in use” privacy indicator as typically implemented. 
           [0036]      FIGS. 7B and 7C  comprise the schematic circuit of one embodiment of a pendulum style “in use” privacy indicator as typically implemented of  FIG. 7A  with a vertical offset adjustment circuit attached. 
           [0037]      FIG. 8A  is an exploded view of one embodiment of an acceleration sensitive switch. 
           [0038]      FIG. 8B  is a partially assembled side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0039]      FIG. 8C  is a fully assembled side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0040]      FIG. 8D  is a fully assembled side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A , adjusted for mounting on a tilted surface. 
           [0041]      FIG. 8E  is the fully assembled side view of the embodiment of FIG.  8 C under an acceleration-initiated contact. 
           [0042]      FIG. 8F  is a fully assembled top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0043]      FIG. 9A  is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of an acceleration sensitive switch. 
           [0044]      FIG. 9B  is a partially assembled side view of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0045]      FIG. 9C  is a fully assembled side view of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0046]      FIG. 9D  is a fully assembled side view of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 9A , adjusted for mounting on a tilted surface. 
           [0047]      FIG. 9E  is the fully assembled side view of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 9C  under an acceleration-initiated contact. 
           [0048]      FIG. 9F  is a fully assembled top view of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0049]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of yet another embodiment of an acceleration sensitive switch. 
           [0050]      FIG. 11  is a top view of one embodiment of the invention incorporating the acceleration sensitive switch depicted in  FIGS. 8A through 8F . 
           [0051]      FIG. 12A  is a side view of an improved pendulum switch with a mechanical advantage of D 2 /D 1 , where the pendulum is normally open hanging at rest. 
           [0052]      FIG. 12B  is a side view of an improved pendulum switch of  FIG. 12A  with the switch closed due to a lateral acceleration. 
           [0053]      FIG. 13  is an improved privacy indicator and alignment device using a solid state flip flop to replace earlier switches of  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
           [0054]      FIG. 14  is a generally perspective view of an alternate form of the privacy indicator of the invention mounted upon an opened door. 
           [0055]      FIG. 15  is a generally the perspective view of the alternate form of privacy indicator invention with the door further opened 
           [0056]      FIG. 16  is a greatly enlarged, generally perspective view of the alternate form of the privacy indicator with the door partly broken away to better show the position of the indicator component of the device. 
           [0057]      FIG. 17  is a greatly enlarged, generally perspective, exploded view of the controller component of the alternate form of the privacy indicator. 
           [0058]      FIG. 18  is an enlarged, generally perspective view of the motion detector component of the controller of the alternate form of the privacy indicator. 
           [0059]      FIG. 18A  is a generally perspective, exploded view of the motion detector component of the controller of the alternate form of the privacy indicator. 
           [0060]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  19 - 19  of  FIG. 18 . 
           [0061]      FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 19 , but illustrating the operation of the adjustment mechanism of the invention for adjusting the level of the base upon which the rolling ball of the motion detector component rolls 
           [0062]      FIG. 21  is an enlarged, generally perspective view of an alternate form of the motion detector component of the controller of the alternate form of the privacy indicator. 
           [0063]      FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  22 - 22  of  FIG. 21 . 
           [0064]      FIG. 23  is an enlarged view of the alternate form of motion detector component of the controller shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22  illustrating the operation of the adjustment mechanism of this latest form of the invention for adjusting the base of the motion detector component. 
           [0065]      FIG. 24  is a schematic circuit diagram similar to  FIG. 7A  of one embodiment of the circuit used in controller component of the alternate form of privacy indicator shown in  FIG. 17 . 
           [0066]      FIG. 25  is a schematic circuit diagram similar to  FIG. 7B  of one embodiment of the circuit used in the controller component of the alternate form of privacy indicator shown in  FIG. 17 , with a base adjustment circuit attached. 
           [0067]      FIG. 26  is an alternate type of circuit shown in schematic form that is similar to  FIG. 13  and includes a solid state latching mechanism with an adjustment circuit. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0068]    Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the apparatus generally shown in  FIG. 1A  through  FIG. 13 . It will be appreciated that the apparatus may vary as to configuration and as to details of the parts, and that the method may vary as to the specific steps and sequence, without departing from the basic concepts as disclosed herein. 
         [0069]    This invention combines the voluntary nature of the occupancy indicator, which is separate from the door locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the occupancy indicator does not require penetration through or disruption of the door. The occupancy indicator may be manufactured at low cost and may be easily applied to an existing door by a home or business owner. 
         [0070]    One consideration of this invention is a low-cost solution to a privacy indicator that is completely self-integrated and does not rely on crossing a door jamb, therefore making the unit portable if so desired. It does not require external sensors. Once the occupant sets the controller unit into an “in use” state by means of a switch, the controller remains latched in the “in use” state. Once the occupant opens the door, a single axis pendulum switch acting as a sensitive acceleration switch, causes the controller to latch into a “cancelled” state. The slow opening of a door generates very low acceleration, very much less than 1 g (perhaps 1 ft/sec/sec, rather than 32 ft/sec/sec). Available acceleration switches are both expensive and insensitive at this low acceleration, and low power (3 V and less than 1 mA). 
         [0071]    Another consideration of this pendulum acceleration switch is that the pendulum must reach a stable, plumb open switch position almost immediately after initiating its swing oscillation. Having the pendulum swing around a single pivot axis allows this recovery very quickly, even though the motion of most doors is partially rotational. If the pendulum were suspended from a single point allowing full two degree of freedom rotational motion, the rotary oscillation of the pendulum would be difficult to stop almost instantly as required by the circuit. Vertical door surfaces are not always completely plumb to gravity. Therefore there is a vertical adjustment mechanism as part of the pendulum switch accompanied by a simple LED circuit which can help the adjustment process by turning off the LED when the pendulum has reached an open, non-contacting position. This simple LED vertical adjustment circuit is controlled by a DPDT switch which separates the pendulum switch from the main controller circuit and directs it to the LED adjustment circuit. When the vertical adjustment is completed, the DPDT switch is thrown in the direction of connecting the pendulum switch to the controller circuit and disconnecting the pendulum switch from the adjustment LED circuit. This invention embodies two choices for a latching circuit. One uses electromechanical logic using a 4PDT switch and a single coil latching relay. The other embodiment uses a solid-state electronic latch using a bistable J  K  flip flop. The door attachment mechanism of the inside controller and outside indicator can be both temporary and permanent. 
         [0072]    The activation of the occupancy indicator is initiated voluntarily by the occupant of the room, after the door is closed, by pushing a button or sliding a bar. 
         [0073]    Appropriate signage on the internal door surface explains the use of the occupancy indicator, and also on the external door surface explaining occupancy related to the LED indicator. The signage would be in the appropriate language for the location of this device. 
         [0074]    Refer now to  FIG. 1A , which is a perspective view of an “in use” privacy indicator mounted to a door  100 . Here, door  102  is connected with jamb  104 , and opened by a knob  106 . An “in use” privacy indicator controller  108  is attached to the door  102 . An on/off switch  110  is used to select an “in use” state within the controller  108 . A controller  108  indicator light  112  blinks to indicate that the “in use” state has been activated in the controller  108 . 
         [0075]    Refer now to  FIG. 1B , which is the door  102  of  FIG. 1A  further opened. Now it is possible to observe an indicator  114  on the opposite side of the door  102 . In this view, the light  116  on the indicator  114  is shown blinking so as to indicate the “in use” privacy state of the controller  108 . Typically, light  116  cannot be observed from the controller  108  side of the door  102 , as the door  102  would ordinarily be closed when a request for “in use” privacy was made. Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , it is seen that the door  102  is a typical swinging door. This has been drawn as an example, as the controller  108  and indicator  114  may be on sliding doors, folding doors, and pocket doors (perhaps with some decrease in the ability to close). Depending on the specific embodiment of controller  108  and indicator  114 , there only needs to be two criteria met by the door  102  to cancel the “in use” privacy state of the controller  108 . 
         [0076]    In the case of a magnetically switched controller  108 , there is a component  118  on the jamb  104  that causes the magnetic retention of a switch (not shown at this point) to be lost when the door is opened. 
         [0077]    In the case of an acceleration sensitive switch, there must be a sufficient acceleration imparted upon the door  102 , and hence the controller  108 , to cause the normally open switch to close. 
         [0078]    Both the magnetic switch and the acceleration sensitive switch will be described in detail below. 
         [0079]    Refer now to  FIG. 2A , which is an exploded perspective view of a removable “in use” privacy indicator  200 . Here, a controller  202  has an on/off switch  204  readily accessible. An indicator  206 , which may be blinking, serves to indicate the “in use” state when so set by the switch  204 . Again, the indicator may be a light emitting diode or other visually apparent light source. 
         [0080]    A tab  208  protrudes from a back plan of the controller  202  concludes with one or more controller hooks  210 , which are hooked features over which a ring or grommet may be removably fastened. 
         [0081]    An indicator  212  has a similar tabbed feature  214 , which concludes in one or more indicator hooks  216  upon which a ring or grommet may be removably fastened. On the indicator  212  is an indicator light  218 , which again may be a light emitting diode or other light producing device. The indicator light  218  indicates the “in use” state present in the controller  202 . 
         [0082]    A lower conductive strap  220  and an upper conductive strap  222  connect the controller  202  to the indicator  212 , thereby forming a circuit loop, and allowing the indicator light  218  to be powered by the controller  202  so as to indicate the “in use” state when present in the controller  202 . 
         [0083]    The lower conductive strap  220  and the upper conductive strap  222  may be thin strips of metal (say 0.12 inch to 0.2 inch thick), and may be insulated or bare, depending on the type of door the removable “in use” privacy indicator  200  is to be used upon. For instance, when the intended door is conductive metal, as is in many public restrooms, the upper  222  and lower  220  conductive straps would need to be insulated to some degree. For wood doors, however, the straps may be bare conductive metal. These straps may be flexible conductive fabric or thin, flexible metal straps. These straps may be solid or woven metal, or may even be a thin metal film disposed on a woven fiberglass substrate, or attached to a tape, and may be further insulated or bare. 
         [0084]    The ends of the lower conductive strap  220  and the upper conductive strap  222  are physically attached to their respective conductors on the controller  202  and indicator  212 , either by soldering or by physically screwed attachment. Thus, the straps server the dual purposes of physically and electrically connecting the controller  202  and the indicator  212 . 
         [0085]    The lower conductive strap  220  and the upper conductive strap  222  wrap around the edge of the door and are sufficiently thin so as to clear the door stop of the door jamb regardless of whether the door stop is on the controller  202  or indicator  212  side. 
         [0086]    A lower elastic strap  224  and an upper elastic strap  226  terminate in rings or grommets  228 . These rings or grommets  228  are removably attached to controller hooks  210  and indicator hooks  216 . 
         [0087]    The lower elastic strap  224  and the upper elastic strap  226  might be functionally combined into a single wider strap placed more centrally on the controller  202  and indicator  212 . Also the two elastic straps ( 224  and  226 ) or single strap might be fabricated from a non-elastic strap fabric whose tension is controlled by a strap adjuster buckle (or spring-type tensioner) attached to the controller  202  or indicator  212 , or to an adjustable hook and loop material (frequently referred to as “Velcro™”) positioned at either end of the strap. However, the adjuster buckle and “Velcro™” alternatives are not shown in  FIG. 1B . 
         [0088]    Refer now to  FIG. 2B , which is an assembled perspective view of the removable “in use” privacy indicator  200  as it would be assembled about a door (not shown). Here, it is seen that the lower elastic strap  224  and an upper elastic strap  226  rings or grommets  228  are removably stretched and attached to controller hooks  210  and indicator hooks  216 . 
         [0089]    The stretching of the lower elastic strap  224  and the upper elastic strap  226  creates a tension that pulls through the controller  202  and the indicator  212 , which in turn pulls on the lower conductive strap  220  and the upper conductive strap  222 . When installed onto a door, the lower conductive strap  220  and the upper conductive strap  222  pull on one edge of the door, and the lower elastic strap  224  and the upper elastic strap  226  pull on the other edge of the door. When using two such elastic straps  224  and  226 , it has been found that the mounting of the controller  202  and the indicator  212  is quite secure. However, a single wider strap more centrally located also provides good stability for the mounting of the controller  202  and indicator  212 . 
         [0090]    It is not necessary to have a vertical hanging component strap over the top of the door. 
         [0091]    Refer now to  FIG. 3A , which is an exploded perspective view of a permanent installation of the “in use” privacy indicator  300 . Here, a door  302  is supplied, most likely, but not exclusively, previously installed. Into the door are drilled one or more holes  304  that allowing mounting of a controller base  306  through one or more controller base holes  308 . The controller base  306  is secured by one or more screws  310  that secure into corresponding door  302  holes  304 . These screws  310  may be wood screws in the case of a wood door  302 , or may be self tapping sheet metal screws in the case of a metal door  302 . The screws  310  may also be self tapping on a wood door which would obviate the need for hole  304  to be drilled. 
         [0092]    After the controller base  306  is secured to the door  302 , a controller cover  312  may be secured to the controller base  306 . 
         [0093]    It should be noted that  FIG. 3A  shows, for clarity, only the major attachment mechanisms of the controller base  306 , without showing other details, such as the power supply, indicators, wiring, circuit board, and acceleration sensitive switch. These details will be described below. 
         [0094]    On the other side of the door  302  from the controller base  306 , one or more additional holes are drilled into the door, similarly to the earlier holes  304 . Into these other holes, indicator base  314  is secured though one or more corresponding indicator holes  316  by indicator screws  318 . After the indicator base  314  is secured to the door  302 , the indicator cover  320  may be installed over the indicator base  314 . 
         [0095]    Lower conductive strap  322  and upper conductive strap  324  are shown separated in the exploded assembly view of  FIG. 3A , however, it is more likely that the straps are attached to the controller base  306  and the indicator base  314  prior to any installation to the door  302 . 
         [0096]    Refer now to  FIG. 3B , which is a perspective view of the assembled “in use” privacy indicator of  FIG. 3A . 
         [0097]    Refer now to  FIG. 3C , which is an exploded perspective view of the “in use” privacy indicator of  FIG. 3A , here using double side acrylic foam adhesive tape  326  and  328  respectively attached to the controller base  306  and the indicator base  314  for a removable mount. 
         [0098]    Refer now to  FIG. 3D , which is an assembled perspective view of the removable “in use” privacy indicator of  FIG. 3C . In this instance, the double side acrylic foam adhesive tape  326  and  328  respectively attached to the controller base  306  and the indicator base  314  serves as a removable mount for the in use” privacy indicator  300 . 
         [0099]    Refer now to  FIG. 4A , which is another embodiment of the permanent “in use” privacy indicator previously described in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . Here, the door  402  has one or more mounting holes drilled  404 . Additionally, another through hole  406  is drilled to allow for electrical connections to be made. 
         [0100]    A controller base  408  mounts through one or more corresponding holes  410  to the door  402  with corresponding screws  412 . Another hole  414  in the controller base  408  corresponds in size and approximate location to the door  402  through another through hole  406 . Through the hole  414  and the door  402  through hole  406  passes a flexible cable assembly  416 , which comprises at least two conductors  418  and a protective shroud  420  to protect the conductors  418  from potentially sharp door  402  through hole  406  abrasions. This shroud  420  may be as simple as heat shrink tubing, or may be as rugged as flexible plastic tubing. In the latter case, the plastic tubing would need to be provided at a length greater than the width of the door  402 , and then cut down to a length substantially equal to the width of the door  402 . 
         [0101]    After mounting of the controller base  408  and attachment of the cable assembly  416 , the controller cover  422  is attached to the controller base  408 . 
         [0102]    Similarly, on the other side of the door  402 , one or more screws  424  pass through corresponding holes  426  in an indicator base  428  to corresponding drilled holes (not shown) in the door  402 . An indicator base  428  larger hole  430  aligns in size and position with the door  402  through hole  406 . At this point, the conductors  418  of the cable assembly  416  are connected to circuitry on the indicator base  426 , and the indicator cover  4320  is attached to the indicator base  428 . 
         [0103]    This embodiment allows for a “strapless” implementation of the embodiment of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , without the conductive straps wrapping around the edge of the door. The flexibility of the wire and plastic conduit through the door to electrically connect the controller and indicator LED lights requires a less precisely aligned hole through the door than if the conduit were rigid, making the hole location of considerably larger positional tolerance for drilling through the door by the user. 
         [0104]    Refer now to  FIG. 5A , which is a partially exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of mounting the “in use’ privacy indicator  500 . The “in use” privacy indicator apparatus which flashes indicator (typically, but not necessarily light emitting diodes) to indicate occupancy behind the door, and a desire for privacy, as in, but not limited to a bathroom or toilet facility. This device is easily applied to an existing swinging or sliding door edge in many ways, such as shown here by “clipping” onto a door. 
         [0105]    Here, a controller unit  502  mounts to an extended base  504  with a slot  506  and a bearing location  508 . A threaded knob  510  threads through a fastener  512  in a “J” shaped mount  514  to press against the extended base  504  at bearing location  508  (this means a load, or force bearing location). The indicator  516  mounts to a back side  518  of the “J” shaped clip  514  onto a conductive attachment tee  520  that slides into a corresponding conductive mating detail  522  in the indicator  516  back side  524 . The ““J” shaped clip  514  is not a fully formed “J”, but rather may have one side longer or shorter than the other. Here, the back side  518  is much longer than the side with the fastener  512 . 
         [0106]    A second conductive strap, not shown in this  FIG. 5A , could also complete the indicator circuit around free edge of the door. Yet another alternative would be connecting around the hinged side of the door, thereby connecting separate terminals between the controller unit  502  and indicator  516 . 
         [0107]    Refer now to  FIG. 5B , where a perspective view of the removable privacy indicator is shown mounted to a door  526 . Here, the controller  502  with the extended base  504  is assembled  528  by sliding the extended base  504  slot  506  over the “J” shaped clip  514  so that the extended base  504  and “J” shaped clip are loosely assembled. Then, the threaded knob  510  is passed through the fastener  512 , ultimately bearing up against the extended base  504  at the bearing location  508  previously shown in  FIG. 5A . The indicator  516  may at this point be mounted to the back side  518  of the “J” shaped clip  514 . At this point, the apparatus is assembled, and ready to be placed on a door  530 . 
         [0108]    It should be noted that the slot  506  must have sufficient clearance over the fastener  512  to allow assembly. To accomplish this, the fastener  512  may in fact be threaded into the extended base  504 , may be a low-profile threaded insert, or the slot  506  may have additional material removed to provide assembly clearance for the fastener  512 . 
         [0109]    Typically, extended base  504  comprises a thin spring-type material such as 1095 steel or stainless steel tempered to spring hardness. The spring-like flexibility of extended base  504  aids in threading the slot  506  of fastener  512  over the extended base  504 . 
         [0110]    With the door  530  opened, the “J” shaped clip  514  is placed over the edge face  532  of the door  530  at a convenient height. Then, the threaded knob  510  is turned sufficiently so that the controller  502  and indicator  516  assembly  528  are mounted on the door  530  sufficiently tight that the entire assembly  528  will be capable of repeated opening and closing of the door  530  without slipping. In such mounting to the door  530 , the assembly  528  is well-suited to non-permanent or travel use. 
         [0111]    In another embodiment, a tabbed feature  534  is integral with the “J” shaped clip  514  that allows a ring or grommet  536  to be removably fastened. The ring or grommet  536  may in turn be attached to an elastic strap  538  that terminates in a second ring or grommet  540 , which may also be removably attached to an extended base  504  tabbed feature  542 . In this embodiment, the elastic conductive strap  538  allows for improved retention of the mounted entire assembly  528  to the door  530  through repeated use. 
         [0112]    Further, the elastic strap  538  may also be conductive. As such, if the tabbed features  534  and  542  are electrically isolated from the “J” shaped clip  514  and the extended base  504 , respectively, then the elastic conductive strap  538  may be used as one conductor if an electrical circuit, with the extended base  504  and “J” shaped clip  514  completing the circuit. 
         [0113]    In still another embodiment, an additional conductive strap above and separate from the “J” shaped clip  514  could wrap around the free edge of the door and connect to terminals on the indicator  516  and controller  516 . 
         [0114]    The “J” shaped clip  514  is typically a conductive metal, and is sufficiently thin that the normal operation of opening and closing the door  520  is not affected. 
         [0115]    Typically included would be an indicator light on the controller  544  on the controller  502  and a privacy light  546  on indicator  516 . A push-button switch  548  located on the controller  502  allows for turning the request for privacy on or off. 
         [0116]    Refer now to  FIG. 6A , which is a perspective view of a magnetically latched embodiment a privacy indicator  600 . Here, a controller  602  has an indicator light  604  that is lit when privacy is requested, and an on/off switch  606  for when privacy is requested. The on/off switch  606  actuates a magnetically restrained sliding bar  608  that is restrained by a magnetic material  610  mounted on the door jamb  612 . The on/off switch  606  may actually be a protruded surface affixed to and riding on a translation of the sliding bar  608 . 
         [0117]    Both the privacy indicator  600  and the controller  602  are permanently mounted to the door  614  through simple screws or adhesives. One need for permanent mounting in this embodiment of the invention is due to the magnetically restrained sliding bar  608  mechanism, which needs to magnetically interact and line up with the fixed magnetic material  610  mounted on the door jamb  612 . It would be difficult to associate a portable strap or clip attachment to the door  614  with the horizontal activation motion of magnetically restrained sliding bar  608 . 
         [0118]    Ideally, controller  602  is mounted at the extreme radial dimension from the pivot line of the door  614  to allow for a shorter distance of travel of magnetically restrained sliding bar  608  across the door  614  to door jamb  612  opening to engage the fixed ferrous metal or magnetic contact attached to the door jamb. The indicator (e.g.  516  previously shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B ) has no positioning requirement for best operation, however, the nearer to the controller  602 , the easier it is to connect the two especially if the two are to be connected without conductive straps, and with a hole drilled through the door  614  for flexible electric conductor connection. 
         [0119]    Refer now to both  FIGS. 6A and 6B . The privacy indicator  600  attaches to both inner  616  and outer  618  door  614  surfaces, and has a component  620  which wraps around the door edge  622  to provide conduction to a low voltage battery circuit to light the light emitting diodes (LEDs) on both inner  616  and outer  618  door surfaces. 
         [0120]    Note that here, component  620  is shown as a single component, which internally possesses at least two independent conductors. Component  620  could also be replaced with two separate conductors as previously shown in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  3 A, and  3 B. 
         [0121]    It should also be noted that component  620  fits within the clearance between the door edge  622  and the door jamb  612 . Ideally, component  620  is very thin, allowing for minimal interference with the door edge  622  to door jamb  612  clearance, and additionally is sufficiently thin to allow for normal closure of the door  614  into the door jamb  612 , regardless of any previously installed door  614  closure mechanism (such as a latch, lock, dead bolt, knob, etc.) 
         [0122]    Activation of the privacy indicator  600  device is controlled by the occupant on the inner  616  side of the door  614  by a sliding a bar  608  by means of the on/off switch  606 , which sliding closes an electrical lever arm switch. 
         [0123]    Refer now to  FIG. 6C , which shows an interior view of the controller  602  with the top cover removed. The bar  608  has attached to it protruded surface  606  (that acts as an on/off switch  606 ) for extending the bar  608 . An extension spring  626  (to keep the electric switch in a normally open position) provides tension on the bar  608  at all times. An electric switch  628  is actuated by the sliding action of the bar  606  on taper  630 . 
         [0124]    Refer now to  FIGS. 6A-6C , the bar  608  extends through the controller body  602 , terminating in a steel or iron tip  632 . With the steel, iron, or otherwise paramagnetic tip  632 , the sliding bar  608  engages a small magnet  634  affixed  610  to the door jamb  612  across the narrow gap between the door edge  622  and the door jamb  612 . The small magnet  634  may be decorative in nature, allowing for an aesthetic permanent placement. 
         [0125]    When the on/off switch  606  is caused to move, sliding the bar  608  to which it is attached translates, causing the taper  630  to also translate. At some point, the translation of the taper  630  is sufficient to actuate switch  628  and physically contact the magnet  634  mounted on the door jamb  612 . 
         [0126]    When electrical switch  628  is closed, a blinking circuit is activated and the light emitting diode  636  flashing mechanism is activated. The small permanent magnet  634  affixed to the door jamb  612  engages the metal tip  632  on the sliding bar  608  mechanism and holds the electric switch  628  in a closed contact position until either the door  614  is opened or the on/off switch  606  mechanism is manually moved in a away from the door  614  edge  622 . 
         [0127]    When the door  614  opens or the occupant physically opens the on/off switch  606 , the magnetic mechanical contact is broken and the extension spring  626  retracts the bar  608  away from the door  614  edge  622  and opens the electric switch  628  turning off the flashing light emitting diode  636 . The extension spring  626  operates to pull back the sliding bar  608 , which translates a taper  630 , that reduces a displacement on the lever arm of the electric switch  628 , which then opens the electric switch  628 , thus turning off the LED privacy indicator light emitting diode  636 . 
         [0128]    An energy saving circuitry is used to extend battery life with intermittent use up to 1-2 years (when using alkaline 1.5V AA sized batteries.) It is an addition to any existing privacy door to indicate occupancy. The device is purposefully designed to avoid penetrating through the door as would be necessary in order to replace or add a locking mechanism, or to pass electrically wire between external and internal surfaces of the door. The simplicity of its design allows for low cost of production and ease of installation. However, should the user desire a more permanent or relatively tamperproof electrical connection, a hole may be drilled through the door to pass the electrical connections between the indicator and controller. 
         [0129]    In one embodiment, the energy supply for the LED indicator lights  636  comes from batteries, likely two common and inexpensive AA 1.5V alkaline cells (e.g.: Eveready or Duracell) in series to produce a nominal output of 3V with a stored energy of about 2500 mAH. By using blinking LEDs activated by a pulse width modulation battery sparing circuit, perhaps using a CMOS 555 timer (e.g.: Radio Shack TLC555/TLC555CP) circuit, battery life should be extended with intermittent use from six months to over one year. Continuous use of the LED indicators would theoretically give a battery life of approximately 3 months. 
         [0130]    The batteries and switch mechanism will be on the internal surface of the door. Electric power to the LED indicator on the external surface of the door may be transmitted using insulated adhesive electrical conductive tape (e.g.: TAPERWIRE 222-WT/222-CL) wrapped around the free edge of the door, which may be replaced easily should it become worn. 
         [0131]    The internal and external components of the occupancy indicator and the small permanent magnet on the door jamb may be attached by adhesive, adhesive tape, or small surface screws. The magnet on the door jamb may be a small ring type Neodymium magnet, approximately ½″ in diameter (e.g.: Master Magnetics Inc part number NR004705N). The ring type magnet allows fastening to the door jamb using either a small attaching screw through the center of the ring magnet, or by use of adhesive material 
         [0132]    Refer now to  FIG. 6D , which is an alternative embodiment of the device of  FIG. 6C . Here, the sliding bar  608  terminates in a magnetic component  636 , which is in turn magnetically attracted to a paramagnetic material  638  such as iron or steel, which is in turn attached to the door jamb  612  (shown in  FIG. 6B ). 
         [0133]    Refer now to  FIG. 7A , which is a schematic of a circuit  700  used in the pendulum style privacy indicator. This schematic represents the use of an electromechanical latching mechanism. The schematic for the circuit for a solid-state latching mechanism will be demonstrated later in this discussion. Here, two batteries  702  and  704  are placed in series to provide power to the circuit  700 . The batteries  702  and  704  would likely be alkaline cells, although other batteries combining to produce an output voltage from 2.8-3.5 volts would also be acceptable. Additionally, with circuitry redesign for other voltages, still other battery supplies could be used. 
         [0134]    The batteries  702  and  704  are switched by S1, a single pole single throw (SPST) switch  706  that operates to disconnect the batteries  702  and  704  from periods of nonuse. Such periods of nonuse would include when the portable privacy indicating unit is being stored in a drawer. S2 is a push button 4 pole double throw (4PDT) switch  708  that in one state resets the privacy indication “off”, and in the other state initiates a privacy indication of “in use”. 4 pole double throw switch  708 , when triggering the “in use” state, energizes R1, the single coil latching relay  710  to set the “in use” state. Conversely, release of the 4PDT switch  708  resets the single coil latching relay  710  to an “off” state. 
         [0135]    The single coil latching relay was previously a Panasonic TX2-L-3V relay; however, it was replaced by a lower cost Tyco Electronics 5-1462037-0 single coil latching relay. The latter relay also possessed a larger operational voltage spread. 
         [0136]    The “in use” state may be cancelled by turning off S1, the SPST switch  706  for main power, or by switching “off” the 4PDT switch  708 . Finally, the “in use” state may be cancelled by a momentary connection of the pendulum switch  712 , which operates to reset the single coil latching relay  710  to the “off” state. 
         [0137]    While the “in use” state is active, IC1, typically a CMOS 555 timer  714  operates to control the “blinking” of output light emitting diodes (LEDs)  716  and  718 . Alternatively, the LEDs  716  and  718  may have a built-in integrated flashing mechanism, where the CMOS 555 timer  714  is used to modulate the blinking and conserve power. Typically one of these LEDs is present in the controller unit (previously described) and another in the indicator unit (also previously described). The rate of “blinking”, and consequent power consumption, is controlled by C2, a 1 μF capacitor  720 , resistors  722  and  724  that are 2.7 MΩ, and diode  726 . The current supplied to LEDs  716  and  718  is limited by a 1.5 kΩ resistor  728 . The specifications of the components mentioned above are used with a self-flashing LED with an internal integrated circuit for blinking. The CMOS 555 timer  714  is used to conserve power by switching off the LEDs  716  and  718 . The battery life of two 1.5V Alkaline batteries  702  and  704  in series is calculated to power continuous “in use” blinking for at least 3 months, and has been tested to last at least 5 months. Intermittent “in use” usage at 20% to 50% is calculated to extend battery life to greater than one year. 
         [0138]    To further elucidate, the “in use” state and its cancellation are controlled by a 4PDT switch  708 , a single coil 2PDT latching relay  710 , and a single direct current power source (comprising batteries  702  and  704 ). One side of the 4PDT switch  708  controls alternating polarity to the single coil 2PDT latching relay  710  coil (indicated as a resistor between pins 1 and 12) through the momentary pendulum switch  712 . 
         [0139]    The power contacts in the latching relay are supplied alternately from one or the other side (throw) of the 4PDT switch  708 . When SPST switch  706  is closed as normally used, the power from the batteries  702  and  704  is transmitted respectively to the positive common contacts 11 and 2, and the negative common contacts 5 and 8 of the 4PDT switch  708 . The four output contacts of the 4PDTswitch  708  (contacts 1, 3, 4, and 6) on the side assigned to current passing to the power contacts of a 2PDT latching relay  710 , are arranged (contacts 1 and 3 positive) and (contacts 4 and 6 negative). When the 4PDT switch  708  is switched in one direction, contacts 1 and 4 are closed, thereby passing current respectively to contacts 3 and 10 on the 2PDT latching relay  710 . 
         [0140]    When the 4PDT switch  708  is switched in the alternate sense, contacts 4 and 6 are closed, while contacts 1 and 3 are opened, and current now passes from contacts 4 and 6 respectively to contacts 5 and 8 on the 2PDT latching relay  710 . 
         [0141]    Whether the power current flowing through the 4PDT  708  to the 2PDT single coil latching relay  710  results in a “in use” state depends on whether the 2PDT single coil latching relay  710  is latched in the direction to allow current to pass from contacts 5 and 8 (respectively out through contacts 4 and 9), or latched in the direction to allow current to pass from contacts 3 and 10 (respectively out through contacts 4 and 9) to the CMOS 555 timer  714  “blinking” LED circuit. 
         [0142]    The state of latching in the 2PDT single coil latching relay  710  depends on the polarity of coil R1 contacts 1 and 12 faced at the last pendulum switch  712  momentary closure. 
         [0143]    Assume  FIG. 7A  represents an “in use” state of the circuit so that current is passed from contacts 1 and 4 on the 4PDT switch  708  to respective contacts 3 and 10 on the 2PDT single coil latching relay  710 . Therefore the 2PDT single coil latching relay  710  is latched so that positive power contacts 3 and 4 are closed, and negative power contacts 10 and 9 are closed, thereby allowing current to pass to CMOS 555 circuit  714 . Notice that the coil R1 contact 12 is connected to the 4PDT switch  708  negative contact 8, and R1 contact 1 is potentially connected to 4PDT switch  708  positive contact 11. If the pendulum switch  712  momentarily closes, then the actual current will flow to the coil R1 and the 2PDT latching relay  710  will latch in the opposite direction so positive contacts 3 and 4 will open and contacts 4 and 5 will close, and negative contacts 10 and 9 will open and contacts 9 and 8 will close. 
         [0144]    Since there is no power passing from the 4PDT switch  708  to contacts 5 and 8 on the 2PDT latching relay  710 , the circuit goes into a cancelled “in use” state until the 4PDT switch  708  is thrown to the alternate switch position, after which contact 3 (positive) and contact 6 (negative) on the 4PDT switch  710  become closed, and thereby pass current to respective contacts 5 and 8 on the 2PDT latching relay  710 , which, in this scenario through the pendulum switch  712 , have been previously latched to output contacts 4 and 9 thus supplying power to the CMOS 555 timer  714  circuit and reactivating an “in use” blinking state. 
         [0145]    Note from  FIG. 7A  that when the 4PDTswitch  708  is thrown to the alternate position, positive contact 11 through contact 12 on the 4PDT switch  708  will be connected to contact 12 on the 2PDT single coil latching relay  210 , and negative contact 8 through contact 9 on the 4PDT switch  708  will be connected through the open pendulum switch  712  to contact 1 on the 2PDT single coil latching relay  710 . This then establishes a possible reverse of polarity to the single coil R1, which will become an actual current once the pendulum switch  712  momentarily closes and creates an alternative latching and a canceled “in use” state. 
         [0146]    The general principle to be observed in connecting the 4PDT switch  708  with the 2PDT single coil latching relay  710  is that the power output contacts of the 4PDT switch  708  passing to the power input contacts on the 2PDT single coil latching relay  710  creating an “in use” state, should, simultaneously in the same throw, carry to the single coil R1 the reverse polarity of current which when activated by the pendulum switch will latch to the side of the 2PDT single coil latching relay  710  which will open the circuit creating the cancelled “in use” state. 
         [0147]    In the “in use” state where the CMOS 555 timer  714  “blinking” LED circuit is active continues until either the 4PDT switch  708  is thrown in the opposite direction removing power to the active side of the single coil 2PDT latching relay  710 , and reversing the potential R1 coil polarity coming out of the 4PDT switch  708  to the same polarity that sustains the current latched state so that if the pendulum switch now closes the current “cancelled” state remains until the 4PDT switch  208  is thrown back to the original “in use” state; after which the potential R1 coil polarity from the 4PDT switch  208  is set back to the potential reverse latching” canceling” state if the pendulum switch  712  is momentarily closed. 
         [0148]    The closure of the pendulum switch  712  now carries the opposite polarity, which reverses the current supplied to the single coil 2PDT latching relay  710  driver coil between pins 1 and 10 and thereby throws the latching mechanism with the single coil 2PDT latching relay  710  to the side of the single coil 2PDT latching relay  710 , which is now opened and thereby breaks the power supply to the CMOS 555 timer  714  “blinking” LED circuit until the 4PDT switch  708  is reversed again 
         [0149]    The state of latching in the 2PDT single coil latching relay  710  depends on the polarity of coil R1 contacts 1 and 12 faced at the last pendulum switch  712  momentary closure. 
         [0000]    Refer now to  FIG. 7B , which is the circuit  700  of  FIG. 7A  with a vertical adjustment circuit  730  added. Here, the vertical adjustment circuit  730  connects to the pendulum switch  712  through a double pole double throw switch, DPDT SW3,  732 . Note that the pendulum switch  712  is connected to the common pins 2 and 5 of switch  732 . Note that when the switch  732  is thrown connecting the common pins 2 and 5 to pins 1 and 4 respectively, the pendulum switch  712  is part of the controller circuit  700 . 
         [0150]    When the switch  732  is thrown in the direction of pins 3 and 6, the pendulum switch  712  is disconnected from the controller circuit  700 , and is part of the vertical adjustment circuit  730 . The  730  circuit has its separate power supply  734  (3V lithium battery) and LED indicator  736  remains lit so long as the pendulum contacts are closed. Once the pendulum adjustment, (to be described later) is completed, and the pendulum switch  712  rests in a stable nonconductive open state, the indicator LED  736  is no longer lit. The pendulum switch  732  can now be thrown back connecting the common pins 2 and 5 to pins 1 and 4 thus disconnecting the pendulum switch  712  from the vertical adjustment circuit  730  and reconnecting it to the controller circuit  700 . 
         [0151]    In many implementations, the vertical adjustment circuit  730  need only to be used initially, with the vertical plane of the pendulum switch  712  remaining permanently mounted in the vertical axis. In this scenario, the vertical adjustment circuit  730  may be used once, and never be needed again for help in adjusting the pendulum switch. 
         [0152]    Alternatively, should the vertical axis of the pendulum switch  712  change regularly (e.g. in a recreational vehicle that frequently moves, or in a removable temporary mount which changes locations), the vertical adjustment circuit  730  may be available for continuous vertical alignment usage. 
         [0153]    Refer now to  FIGS. 8A ,  8 B, and  8 C, which are exploded views of embodiments of an acceleration sensitive switch  800  in various states of exploded assembly. Here, a pendulum assembly  802  is comprised of a pendulum shaft  804  that has a closely toleranced press-fit through hole  806  passing through it. A pendulum weight  808  is attached to the pendulum shaft  804  to provide an actuation weight that overcomes friction present in the system during operation. A pendulum pivot shaft  810  is electrically connected through a mechanical connection (here shown as crimped clip contact  812 , although direct soldering or welded attachment may also be used) to some input  814 , here simply labeled as V +  to indicate that it is one electrical connection to the momentary switch formed by the acceleration sensitive switch  800 . Currently the pendulum pivot shaft  810  is stainless steel of 1.58 mm diameter, and the pendulum hole  806  is 1.60 mm in diameter. These two relative diameters of the pendulum pivot shaft  810  and pendulum shaft hole  806  allows for pendulum pivot shaft  810  insertion into the pendulum shaft hole  806 . This arrangement provides for low resistivity (good) electrical contact that can be further enhanced by silver lubricant. The plane of pendulum swing is substantially perpendicular to the pendulum pivot shaft  810 . The pendulum shaft  804  is made up of ⅛ inch copper which is then nickel and rhodium plated to prevent oxidation. 
         [0154]    Pendulum pivot shaft  810  is loosely passed through hole  816  in pivot cap  818 , then pressed through the closely toleranced press-fit through hole  806  in the pendulum shaft  804  (nestled within slot  820  to allow for angular pivoting of the pendulum shaft  804  as assembled), then finally through a matching other side of the through hole  816  in pivot cap  818 . In this construction, pivoting of the pendulum assembly  802  comprises a rotation substantially about the pivot shaft  810 . When comprised of suitably conductive material, the pendulum pivot  810 , the pendulum shaft  804 , and the pendulum weight  808 , electrically connects input  814  V +  to the pendulum weigh  808 . Therefore, an input voltage V +   814  is transmitted to the pendulum weight  808 , at least in some part. Depending on the switch circuitry used elsewhere, the resistivity of the path from the input voltage V +   814  to the pendulum weight  808  may be much higher than traditional conductors, say anywhere from 0.1 to 10 7 Ω, so long as the non-contact resistance remains higher in the overall acceleration sensitive switch  800 . 
         [0155]    The thus-far-assembled pendulum element is then slid within a square cross-sectioned pendulum support  822 , which has a conductive cylindrical insert  824  electrically connected to an output voltage V −   826 . The square cross-sectioned pendulum support  822  is mounted on a pendulum base  828  that may pivot about support pivot  830  through adjustment of pendulum swing angle adjustment screw  832  as it threads through threaded fastener  834  affixed to pendulum base  828 . The dimensions formed between the inner open dimension the square cross-sectioned pendulum support  822  and pivot cap  818  may be sufficiently close to enable a press-fit of the two, otherwise, an adhesive or other means of attachment may be used. 
         [0156]    Clearly, pivot cap  818  would need to have a much higher resistance than the closed circuit completed through the contact of the conductive cylindrical insert  824  and the pendulum weight  808 , thereby completing a connection between input voltage V +   814  and output voltage V −   826 . Currently the pivot cap  818  is fabricated in an insulating plastic material. While these electrical connections have been arbitrarily called voltages, in reality they are switch closure contacts. 
         [0157]    The clearance between the inner diameter of conductive cylindrical insert  824  and the pendulum weight  808  may be reduced sufficiently to enable sensitive detections of accelerations exceeding some small level. However, such reduction in clearance may produce difficulties where pendulum assembly  802  is mounted off of vertical, thereby incorrectly inducing a constantly closed switch. To correct for this situation, pendulum support  828  is rotationally mounted through support pivot  830  to pendulum base  836  through pendulum support pivot dowel  838  that passes through hole  840  to hole  842  in the pendulum base  836 . Here, pendulum support pivot dowel  838  passes through the first hole  840 , through support pivot  830 , and finally through the second hole  842  in the pendulum base  832 . Compression spring  844  offsets any adjustment in length of angle adjustment screw  832  as it presses against pendulum base  836  to form an adjustment set angle. 
         [0158]      FIG. 8B  is seen to be a partially assembled side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A . 
         [0159]      FIG. 8C  is seen to be a fully assembled side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A , with gravity  846  pointing down. 
         [0160]    Refer now to  FIG. 8D , which is a fully assembled side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A , adjusted for mounting on a tilted surface. Here, the acceleration sensitive switch  800  has been sufficiently adjusted through advancement of the angle adjustment screw  832  as pressed against pendulum base  836  to form an adjustment set angle. The result is that the pendulum weight  808  hangs clear of the conductive cylindrical insert  824  as if the pendulum base  836  mounting surface  848  were vertical with respect to gravity  846 . 
         [0161]    Refer now to  FIG. 8E , which is the fully assembled side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8C  under an acceleration-initiated contact. It is seen that some lateral component of acceleration  850  has swung pendulum weight  808  into contact with the conductive cylindrical insert  824 , thereby completing the momentary pendulum switch action. 
         [0162]    Refer now to  FIG. 8F , which is a fully assembled top view of the acceleration sensitive switch embodiment  800  of  FIG. 8A . 
         [0163]    Refer now to  FIGS. 9A ,  9 B, and  9 C, which are exploded views of a second embodiment of an acceleration sensitive switch  900  in various states of exploded assembly. Here, a pendulum assembly  902  is comprised of a pendulum shaft  904  that has a closely toleranced press-fit through hole  906  passing through it. A pendulum weight  908  is attached to the pendulum shaft  904  to provide an actuation weight that overcomes friction present in the system during operation. A pendulum pivot shaft  910  is electrically connected through a mechanical connection (here shown as crimped clip contact  912 , although direct soldering or welded attachment may also be used) to some input  914 , here simply labeled as V +  to indicate that it is one electrical connection to the momentary switch formed by the acceleration sensitive switch  900 . Currently the pendulum pivot shaft  910  is stainless steel of 1.58 mm diameter, and the pendulum hole  906  is 1.60 mm in diameter. These two relative diameters of the pendulum pivot shaft  910  and pendulum shaft hole  906  allows for pendulum pivot shaft  910  insertion into the pendulum shaft hole  906 . This arrangement provides for low resistivity (good) electrical contact that can be further enhanced by silver lubricant. The plane of pendulum swing is substantially perpendicular to the pendulum pivot shaft  910 . The pendulum shaft  904  is made up of ⅛ inch copper which is then nickel and rhodium plated to prevent oxidation. 
         [0164]    Pendulum pivot shaft  910  is loosely passed through hole  916  in pivot cap  918 , then pressed through the closely toleranced press-fit through hole  906  in the pendulum shaft  904  (nestled within slot  920  to allow for angular pivoting of the pendulum shaft  904  as assembled), then finally through a matching other side of the through hole  916  in pivot cap  918 . In this construction, pivoting of the pendulum assembly  902  comprises a rotation substantially about the pivot shaft  910 . When comprised of suitably conductive material, the pendulum pivot  910 , the pendulum shaft  904 , and the pendulum weight  908 , electrically connects input  914  V +  to the pendulum weigh  908 . Therefore, an input voltage V +   914  is transmitted to the pendulum weight  908 , at least in some part. Depending on the switch circuitry used elsewhere, the resistivity of the path from the input voltage V +   914  to the pendulum weight  908  may be much higher than traditional conductors, say anywhere from 0.1 to 10 7 Ω, so long as the non-contact resistance remains higher in the overall acceleration sensitive switch  900 . 
         [0165]    The thus-far-assembled pendulum element is then slid within a square cross-sectioned pendulum support  922 , which has a conductive u-shaped insert  924  electrically connected to an output voltage V −   926 . The square cross-sectioned pendulum support  922  is mounted on a pendulum base  928  that may pivot about support pivot  930  through adjustment of pendulum swing angle adjustment screw  932  as it threads through threaded fastener  934  affixed to pendulum base  928 . The dimensions formed between the inner open dimension the square cross-sectioned pendulum support  922  and pivot cap  918  may be sufficiently close to enable a press-fit of the two, otherwise, an adhesive or other means of attachment may be used. 
         [0166]    Clearly, pivot cap  918  would need to have a much higher resistance than the closed circuit completed through the contact of the conductive u-shaped insert  924  and the pendulum weight  908 , thereby completing a connection between input voltage V +   914  and output voltage V +   926 . Currently the pivot cap  918  is fabricated in an insulating plastic material. While these electrical connections have been arbitrarily called voltages, in reality they are switch closure contacts. 
         [0167]    The clearance between the inner diameter of conductive u-shaped insert  924  and the pendulum weight  908  may be reduced sufficiently to enable sensitive detections of accelerations exceeding some small level. However, such reduction in clearance may produce difficulties where pendulum assembly  902  is mounted off of vertical, thereby incorrectly inducing a constantly closed switch. To correct for this situation, pendulum support  928  is rotationally mounted through support pivot  930  to pendulum base  936  through pendulum support pivot dowel  938  that passes through hole  940  to hole  942  in the pendulum base  936 . Here, pendulum support pivot dowel  938  passes through the first hole  940 , through support pivot  930 , and finally through the second hole  942  in the pendulum base  932 . Compression spring  944  offsets any adjustment in length of angle adjustment screw  932  as it presses against pendulum base  936  to form an adjustment set angle. 
         [0168]      FIG. 9B  is seen to be a partially assembled side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9A . 
         [0169]      FIG. 9C  is seen to be a fully assembled side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9A , with gravity  946  pointing down. 
         [0170]    Refer now to  FIG. 9D , which is a fully assembled side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9A , adjusted for mounting on a tilted surface. Here, the acceleration sensitive switch  900  has been sufficiently adjusted through advancement of the angle adjustment screw  932  as pressed against pendulum base  936  to form an adjustment set angle. The result is that the pendulum weight  908  hangs clear of the conductive u-shaped insert  924  as if the pendulum base  936  mounting surface  948  were vertical with respect to gravity  946 . 
         [0171]    Refer now to  FIG. 9E , which is the fully assembled side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9C  under an acceleration-initiated contact. It is seen that some lateral component of acceleration  950  has swung pendulum weight  908  into contact with the conductive u-shaped insert  924 , thereby completing the momentary pendulum switch action. 
         [0172]    Refer now to  FIG. 9F , which is a fully assembled top view of the acceleration sensitive switch embodiment  900  of  FIG. 9A . 
         [0173]    Refer now to  FIG. 10 , which is a view of yet another embodiment of an acceleration sensitive switch  1000  in various states of exploded assembly. Here, a pendulum assembly  1002  shows one embodiment where the pendulum shaft  1004  is a 1/32 inch plated copper strip with a pivot  1006  at the top of pendulum shaft  1004 . The pivot  1006  is comprised of a plated ⅛ inch external diameter copper tube soldered through the top pivot hole  1008  to allow the 1/16 inch diameter stainless steel pivot  1010  to pass through the top pivot hole  1008  and rest, glued, in the notches  1012  of plastic square tube  1014 . 
         [0174]    A pendulum weight  1016  is comprised of a segment of 3/16 inch diameter copper rod soldered through a larger bottom hole  1018  in the pendulum shaft  1004 . The pendulum shaft  1004  itself acts as the momentary contact conductor with a contact striker  1020 . Pivot cap  1022  is then assembled onto the plastic square tube  1014  for sealing. 
         [0175]    As the remaining details of  FIG. 10  closely mirror the same details previously described in detail in the  FIGS. 8A-8F  and  9 A- 9 F Figure set, they will not be duplicated here. 
         [0176]    Refer now to  FIG. 11 , which shows a top view of one embodiment of the invention  1100  incorporating the acceleration sensitive switch  800  of  FIG. 8A  through  FIG. 8F . Here, the acceleration sensitive switch  800  is but one of the circuit components previously described in the schematic of  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
         [0177]    Refer now to  FIG. 12A , which is a side view of an improved pendulum switch  1200 . Here, a pendulum base  1202  has attached to it a pendulum support pivot dowel  1204  through which pendulum support  1206  is rotatably mounted. Pendulum support  1206  has its adjustment angle varied though threaded fastener  1208  affixed to the pendulum support  1206 , with an angle adjustment screw  1210  threading in or out of the threaded fastener  1208  to vary the angle of rotation of the pendulum support  1206  relative to the pendulum base  1202 . Compression spring  1212  provides spring loading of the adjustment screw  1210  threading through the threaded fastener  1208 . 
         [0178]    A modified pivot cap  1214  allows for passage of electrically conductive pendulum pivot  1216  through a pivot shaft  1218 . The electrically conductive pivot shaft  1218  in turn has a weight  1220  attached to it with a center of gravity  1222 . A top portion  1224  of the pivot shaft  1218  extends above the pendulum pivot  1216  forming a distance D 1 . The distance from the pendulum pivot  1216  to the center of gravity  1222  of the weight  1220  forms a distance D 2 . The ratio of D 2 /D 1  forms a mechanical advantage, effectively multiplying an incident lateral acceleration  1226 , with reduced travel of the top portion  1224  of the improved pendulum switch  1200 . 
         [0179]    To accommodate the reduced travel discussed above, from a top surface  1228  of the modified pivot cap  1214  extends a contact mount  1230 , to which electrical contacts  1232  are attached. Since the contact mount  1230  may be injection molded simultaneously with the remainder of the modified pivot cap  1214 , it may be made very accurately, with precise dimensions. The modified pivot cap would be a nonconductive plastic. 
         [0180]    Electrical operation of the improved pendulum switch  1200  takes place through the low resistance closure of the top portion  1224  of the pendulum shaft  1218  to the electrical contact  1232  connected to a V +  output  1234 , where the pendulum shaft  1218  is also electrically conductive. The pendulum shaft  1218  continues the circuit through the pendulum pivot  1216  to a V −  output  1236 . During operation, the V +  output  1234  and the V −  output  1236  are electrically connected with a low impedance relative to their open state. 
         [0181]    Refer now to  FIG. 12B , which shows the improved pendulum switch  1200  in its closed position at contact point  1228 . Here, lateral acceleration  1226  has caused a rotation of pendulum shaft  1218 , weight  1220 , and top portion  1224  of the pivot shaft  1218 , to pivot about pendulum pivot  1216 . In this manner, the top portion  1224  makes contact with electrical contacts  1232 , thereby closing the switch. 
         [0182]    The improved pendulum switch  1200  shown previously in  FIGS. 12A and 12B  may be designed to either increase sensitivity of the switch to lateral accelerations  1226 , or to exhibit decreased contact resistance due to force amplification of the of D 2 /D 1  mechanical advantage. Typical, but not limiting, values of such a switch are D 2 =4 mm and D 1 =0.5 mm, forming a mechanical advantage of 8:1. For a weight of 1 gram (typically using Pb or Cu for the weight), then the effective contact closure force would be 8 grams. With the improved pendulum switch, the overall length of the switch may readily be reduced to about 9 mm. 
         [0183]    Further, since the weighted portion of the switch is no longer making electrical contact, the improved pendulum switch may be made far thinner than the previous embodiment of the pendulum switch. 
         [0184]    Refer now to  FIG. 13 , which is a schematic of a circuit  1300  used in the pendulum style privacy indicator. This schematic represents the use of a solid state latching mechanism with the vertical adjustment circuit  730  previously shown in  FIG. 7B . Here a nominal 3 V battery  1302  supplies power to the circuit when SPST switch SW4  1304  is switched on. A first side  1306  of a dual J  K  flip flop (typically a 74HC109 CMOS device) is predominantly used to control this circuit. The second side  1308  of the dual J  K  flip flop is not used at this point, but can be used as an oscillating circuit to flash the indicator LEDs  1316 ,  1318 . 
         [0185]    Momentary switch  1310  grounds pin 5, the SET input (SD1), of the J  K  flip flop  1306  which toggles on the output  1312  to the LEDS. The output  1312  of the first side  1306  of the dual J  K  (commonly referred to as simply JK) flip flop controls the gate of an n-channel MOSFET  1314 , which in turns allows for one or more LEDs  1316 ,  1318  to be driven as needed. To prevent overdriving the LEDs  1316  and  1318 , a current limiting resistor  1320  is used. Bypass capacitor C2 1322  10K resistor R8  1324  and 0.001 g capacitor C4  1326  are used to debounce the momentary switch  1310 . Similarly, 10K resistor R7  1328  and 0.1 μF capacitor  1330  C5 are used to debounce the pendulum switch  1332 . 
         [0186]    The pendulum switch  1332  momentarily closes contact as the door is opened and grounds pin 1, the RESET or CLEAR input (RD1) of the JK flip flop  1306 , which toggles off the output  1312  to the LEDS  1316  and  1318 . The output  1312  remains off until the momentary switch  1310  is pushed, momentarily closing and grounding pin 5 of the J  K  flip flop  1306  which toggles on the output to the LEDS.DPDT switch  1334  has the same function in this circuit as switch  732  did in circuit  730  previously discussed in  FIG. 7B . That function is to connect the pendulum switch  1332  to either the controller circuit, or the vertical adjustment circuit depending upon which direction the switch is thrown. 
         [0187]    As previously described, this alignment circuit is used initially to adjust the pendulum switch  1332  to local vertical. Thereafter, DPDT switch  1334  is reset to the state of normal operation of the improved privacy indicator and alignment device  1300 , where LEDs  1316  and  1318  blink to indicate occupancy, and are turned off via either sufficient movement of the pendulum switch  1332  (until contact within the switch is made), or by again pressing the momentary switch  1310 . 
         [0188]    Turning now to  FIGS. 14 through 26 , still another form of the privacy indicator apparatus of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  1400 . This latest apparatus is similar in some respects to the apparatus illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 13  and like numerals are used in  FIGS. 14 through 25  to identify like components. As in the earlier described embodiments of the invention, privacy indicator apparatus  1400  comprises a controller  1402  that is operably interconnected with an indicator  1404 . Controller  1402  is removably mounted in any suitable manner, such as by double-sided tape “T”, to one side of a swinging door “D” and indicator  1404  is removably mounted to the opposite side of the door in any suitable manner, such as by double-sided tape “T” (see  FIGS. 14 through 16 ). In this embodiment, the controller is mounted on the side of the door facing the area wherein the user desires privacy. Controller  1402  and indicator  1404  are electrically inter-connected by conductors, here shown as thin wires  1406  and  1408  that wrap around the edge of the door. As best seen by referring to  FIG. 17 , the important controller  1402  of the apparatus here comprises a controller housing  1410  that has an internal controller chamber  1412  and includes a removable cover  1414 . Disposed within controller internal controller chamber  1412  is an electrical circuit board  1415  and a novel motion detector assembly  1416  that, in a manner presently to be described, functions to detect movement of the door “D” as it is opened and closed by the user. Motion detector  1416  includes a detector housing  1418  that is preferably constructed from a non-electrically conductive material, such as plastic. Detector housing  1418  has an internal detector chamber  1418   a  having a substantially transparent top viewing window  1419  ( FIGS. 18 and 18A ). Mounted within the detector chamber is an electrically conductive, uniquely configured base  1422 . 
         [0189]    Base  1422 , which is receivable within an opening  1423  formed in the side wall of the detector chamber ( FIG. 18 ), has first and second spaced apart ends  1424  and  1426  and a central concave surface  1428 . End  1426  is bent over to form a connection surface for a thin wire connector  1422   a  that electrically interconnects base  1422  with circuit board  1415  (see  FIGS. 18 and 19 ). Base  1422  can be formed from various electrically conductive metals such as copper. 
         [0190]    Also partially disposed within internal chamber  1418   a  of detector housing  1418  is a generally “U”-shaped electrical conductor  1429 . Conductor  1429  has a first conductive end portion  1430  having a substantially planar surface  1430   a  that is disposed within internal chamber  1418   a  and a second conductive end portion  1432  having a substantially planar surface  1432   a  that is disposed within internal chamber  1418   a . Conductor  1429  is operably interconnected with the electrical circuit board by a thin wire  1429   a  ( FIGS. 18 and 18A ). 
         [0191]    A novel and highly important feature of the motion detector  1416  of this latest form of the invention is a specially constructed, generally spherical member  1434  that is disposed in rolling engagement with the concave surface  1428  of base  1422 . While member  1434  can be constructed from various electrically conductive materials, it is here provided in the form of a brass sphere that has been uniformly covered with thin, nickel plating. As will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, the spherical member  1434  is movable in response to the opening and closing of the door along the concave surface  1428 . More particularly, when the door is in an open, at rest position, the spherical member will reside in a first central position as shown by the solid lines in  FIG. 19 . As the door is moved, the spherical member can move between a central position and a second position, wherein it is in engagement with surface  1430   a  of the first conductive portion  1430  of the conductor  1429  and also can move between its central position and a third position wherein the spherical member is in engagement with surface  1432   a  of the second conductive portion  1432  of the conductor  1429 . It is to be appreciated that the sensitivity of the device can be optimized for a particular use by varying the degree of concavity of the surface  1428  of the base to thereby control rolling characteristics of the spherical member along the concave surface. 
         [0192]    Electrical circuit board  1415  includes an electrical circuit  1438  ( FIG. 24 ) that is operably associated with controller  1402  and indicator  1404 . As depicted in  FIG. 24 , which is a schematic of electrical circuit  1438 , this circuit is similar in many respects to the circuit previously described herein and like numerals are used in  FIG. 24  to identify like components. However, circuit  1438  here includes the new and novel motion detector  1416 , the character of which is illustrated in greater detail in  FIGS. 18 through 20  of the drawings. 
         [0193]    Referring to  FIG. 24 , as before, circuit  1438  includes two batteries  702  and  704  that are placed in series to provide power to the circuit. The batteries  702  and  704  would likely be alkaline cells, although other batteries combining to produce an output voltage from 2.8-3.5 volts would also be acceptable. Additionally, with circuitry redesign for other voltages, still other battery supplies could be used. The batteries  702  and  704  are switched by S1, a single pole single throw (SPST) switch  706  that operates to disconnect the batteries  702  and  704  from periods of nonuse. Such periods of nonuse would include when the portable privacy indicating unit is being stored in a drawer. S2 is a push-button 4 pole double throw (4PDT) switch  708  that in one state resets the privacy indication “off”, and in the other state initiates a privacy indication of “in use”. 4 pole double throw switch  708 , when triggering the “in use” state, energizes R1, the single coil latching relay  710  to set the “in use” state. Conversely, release of the 4PDT switch  708  resets the single coil latching relay  710  to an “off” state. The “in use” state may be cancelled by turning off S1, the SPST switch  706  for main power, or by switching “off” the 4PDT switch  708 . Finally, the “in use” state may be cancelled by a momentary connection of the motion detector switch  1416 , which operates to reset the single coil latching relay  710  to the “off” state. 
         [0194]    While the “in use” state is active, IC1, typically a CMOS 555 timer  714  operates to control the “blinking” of output light emitting diodes (LEDs)  716  and  718 . Alternatively, the LEDs  716  and  718  may have a built-in integrated flashing mechanism, where the CMOS 555 timer  714  is used to modulate the blinking and conserve power. Typically, one of these LEDs is present in the controller unit and another in the indicator unit. The rate of “blinking”, and consequent power consumption, is controlled by C2, a 1 μF capacitor  720 , resistors  722  and  724  that are 2.7 MΩ, and diode  726 . The current supplied to LEDs  716  and  718  is limited by a 1.5 kΩ resistor  728 . The specifications of the aforementioned components are used with a self-flashing LED with an internal integrated circuit for blinking. The CMOS 555 timer  714  is used to conserve power by switching off the LEDs  716  and  718 . The battery life of two 1.5V Alkaline batteries  702  and  704  in series is calculated to power continuous “in use” blinking for at least 3 months, and has been tested to last at least 5 months. Intermittent “in use” usage at 20% to 50% is calculated to extend battery life to greater than one year. 
         [0195]    To further elucidate, the “in use” state and its cancellation are controlled by a 4PDT switch  708 , a single coil 2PDT latching relay  710 , and a single direct current power source (comprising batteries  702  and  704 ). One side of the 4PDT switch  708  controls alternating polarity to the single coil 2PDT latching relay  710  coil (indicated as a resistor between pins 1 and 12) through the motion detector switch  1416 . 
         [0196]    The power contacts in the latching relay are supplied alternately from one or the other side (throw) of the 4PDT switch  708 . When SPST switch  706  is closed as normally used, the power from the batteries  702  and  704  is transmitted respectively to the positive common contacts 11 and 2, and the negative common contacts 5 and 8 of the 4PDT switch  708 . The four output contacts of the 4PDTswitch  708  (contacts 1, 3, 4, and 6) on the side assigned to current passing, to the power contacts of a 2PDT latching relay  710 , are arranged (contacts 1 and 3 positive) and (contacts 4 and 6 negative). When the 4PDT switch  708  is switched in one direction, contacts 1 and 4 are closed, thereby passing current respectively to contacts 3 and 10 on the 2PDT latching relay  710 . 
         [0197]    When the 4PDT switch  708  is switched in the alternate sense, contacts 4 and 6 are closed, while contacts 1 and 3 are opened, and current now passes from contacts 4 and 6 respectively to contacts 5 and 8 on the 2PDT latching relay  710 . 
         [0198]    Whether the power current flowing through the 4PDT  708  to the 2PDT single coil latching relay  710  results in a “in use” state, depends on whether the 2PDT single coil latching relay  710  is latched in the direction to allow current to pass from contacts 5 and 8 (respectively out through contacts 4 and 9), or latched in the direction to allow current to pass from contacts 3 and 10 (respectively out through contacts 4 and 9) to the CMOS 555 timer  714  “blinking” LED circuit. The state of latching in the 2PDT single coil latching relay  710  depends on the polarity of coil R1 contacts 1 and 12 faced at the last motion detector switch  1416  position. 
         [0199]    Assume  FIG. 24  represents an “in use” state of the circuit so that current is passed from contacts 1 and 4 on the 4PDT switch  708  to respective contacts 3 and 10 on the 2PDT single coil latching relay  710 . Therefore, the 2PDT single coil latching relay  710  is latched so that positive power contacts 3 and 4 are closed, and negative power contacts 10 and 9 are closed, thereby allowing current to pass to CMOS 555 circuit  714 . Notice that the coil R1 contact 12 is connected to the 4PDT switch  708  negative contact 8, and R1 contact 1 is potentially connected to 4PDT switch  708  positive contact 11. If the motion detector switch  1416  momentarily closes, then the actual current will flow to the coil R1 and the 2PDT latching relay  710  will latch in the opposite direction so positive contacts 3 and 4 will open and contacts 4 and 5 will close, and negative contacts 10 and 9 will open and contacts 9 and 8 will close. 
         [0200]    Since there is no power passing from the 4PDT switch  708  to contacts 5 and 8 on the 2PDT latching relay  710 , the circuit goes into a cancelled “in use” state until the 4PDT switch  708  is thrown to the alternate switch position, after which contact 3 (positive) and contact 6 (negative) on the 4PDT switch  710  become closed, and thereby pass current to respective contacts 5 and 8 on the 2PDT latching relay  710 , which, in this scenario through the motion detector switch  1416 , have been previously latched to output contacts 4 and 9, thus supplying power to the CMOS 555 timer  714  circuit and reactivating an “in use” blinking state. 
         [0201]    Note from  FIG. 24  that when the 4PDTswitch  708  is thrown to the alternate position, positive contact 11 through contact 12 on the 4PDT switch  708  will be connected to contact 12 on the 2PDT single coil latching relay  210 , and negative contact 8 through contact 9 on the 4PDT switch  708  will be connected through the open the motion detector switch  1416  to contact 1 on the 2PDT single coil latching relay  710 . This then establishes a possible reverse of polarity to the single coil R1, which will become an actual current once the motion detector switch  1416  momentarily closes and creates an alternative latching and a canceled “in use” state. 
         [0202]    The general principle to be observed in connecting the 4PDT switch  708  with the 2PDT single coil latching relay  710  is that the power output contacts of the 4PDT switch  708  passing to the power input contacts on the 2PDT single coil latching relay  710  creating an “in use” state, should, simultaneously in the same throw, carry to the single coil R1 the reverse polarity of current which when activated by the motion detector switch will latch to the side of the 2PDT single coil latching relay  710 , which will open the circuit creating the cancelled “in use” state. 
         [0203]    In the “in use” state, where the CMOS 555 timer  714  “blinking” LED circuit is active continues until either the 4PDT switch  708  is thrown in the opposite direction removing power to the active side of the single coil 2PDT latching relay  710 , and reversing the potential R1 coil polarity coming out of the 4PDT switch  708  to the same polarity that sustains the current latched state so that if the motion detector switch now closes the current “cancelled” state remains until the 4PDT switch  208  is thrown back to the original “in use” state; after which the potential R1 coil polarity from the 4PDT switch  208  is set back to the potential reverse latching” canceling” state if the motion detector switch  1416  is momentarily closed. 
         [0204]    The closure of the motion detector switch now carries the opposite polarity, which reverses the current supplied to the single coil 2PDT latching relay  710  driver coil between pins 1 and 10 and, thereby, throws the latching mechanism with the single coil 2PDT latching relay  710  to the side of the single coil 2PDT latching relay  710 , which is now opened and thereby breaks the power supply to the CMOS 555 timer  714  “blinking” LED circuit until the 4PDT switch  708  is reversed again. 
         [0205]    The state of latching in the 2PDT single coil latching relay  710  depends on the polarity of coil R1 contacts 1 and 12 faced at the last motion detector switch momentary closure. 
         [0206]    Refer now to  FIG. 25 , which is the circuit  1438  of  FIG. 24  with a vertical adjustment circuit  730  added. Here, the vertical adjustment circuit  730  connects to the motion detector switch  1416  through a double pole double throw switch, DPDT SW3,  732 . Note that the motion detector switch  1416  is connected to the common pins 2 and 5 of switch  732 . Note that when the switch  732  is thrown connecting the common pins 2 and 5 to pins 1 and 4 respectively, the motion detector switch  1416  is part of the controller circuit  1438 . 
         [0207]    When the switch  732  is thrown in the direction of pins 3 and 6, the motion detector switch  1416  is disconnected from the controller circuit, and is part of the vertical adjustment circuit  730 . The  730  circuit has its separate power supply  734  (3V lithium battery) and LED indicator  736  remains lit so long as the motion detector switch contacts are closed. Once the motion detector component adjustment (to be described later) is completed, and the motion detector switch  1416  rests in a stable nonconductive open state, the indicator LED  736  is no longer lit. The motion detector switch  1416  can now be thrown back connecting the common pins 2 and 5 to pins 1 and 4, thus disconnecting the motion detector switch  1416  from the adjustment circuit  730  and reconnecting it to the controller circuit. 
         [0208]    In an alternate form of this latest embodiment of the invention, the electrical circuit board includes an alternate electrical circuit of the character shown in  FIG. 26  and designated as  1438 ALT. This circuit, which is similar to the previously described circuit depicted in  FIG. 13  of the drawings, is operably associated with controller  1402  and indicator  1404 . As depicted in  FIG. 26 , which is a schematic of electrical circuit  1438 ALT, this circuit is similar in many respects to the circuit  300  previously described herein and like numerals are used in  FIG. 24  to identify like components. However, circuit  1438 ALT here includes the new and novel motion detector  1416 , the character of which is illustrated in greater detail in  FIGS. 18 through 20  of the drawings.  FIG. 26  depicts the use of a solid state latching mechanism with an adjustment circuit  730  of the character shown in  FIG. 7B . Here a nominal 3 V battery  1302  supplies power to the circuit when SPST switch SW4  1304  is switched on. A first side  1306  of a dual J  K  flip flop (typically a 74HC 109 CMOS device) is predominantly used to control this circuit. The second side  1308  of the dual J  K  flip flop is not used at this point, but can be used as an oscillating circuit to flash the indicator LEDs  1316 ,  1318 . 
         [0209]    Momentary switch  1310  grounds pin 5, the SET input (SD1), of the J  K flip flop  1306  which toggles on the output  1312  to the LEDS. The output  1312  of the first side  1306  of the dual J  K  (commonly referred to as simply JK) flip flop controls the gate of an n-channel MOSFET  1314 , which in turns allows for one or more LEDs  1316 ,  1318  to be driven as needed. To prevent overdriving the LEDs  1316  and  1318 , a current limiting resistor  1320  is used. Bypass capacitor C2  1322  10K resistor R8  1324  and 0.001 μF capacitor C4  1326  are used to debounce the momentary switch  1310 . Similarly, 10K resistor R7  1328  and 0.1 μF capacitor  1330  C5 are used to debounce the motion detector switch  1416 . 
         [0210]    The motion detector switch  1416  momentarily closes contact as the door is opened and grounds pin 1, the RESET or CLEAR input (RD1) of the J  K  flip flop  1306 , which toggles off the output  1312  to the LEDS  1316  and  1318 . The output  1312  remains off until the momentary switch  1310  is pushed, momentarily closing and grounding pin 5 of the J  K  flip flop  1306  which toggles on the output to the LEDS.DPDT switch  1334  has the same function in this circuit as switch  732  did in circuit  730  previously discussed in  FIG. 7B . That function is to connect the motion detector  1416  to either the controller circuit, or the adjustment circuit depending upon which direction the switch is thrown. As previously described, this alignment circuit is used initially to adjust the motion detector switch  1416  to a level condition. Thereafter, DPDT switch  1334  is reset to the state of normal operation of the improved privacy indicator and alignment device  1300 , where LEDs  1316  and  1318  blink to indicate occupancy, and are turned off via either sufficient movement of the motion detector switch  1416  (until contact within the switch is made), or by again pressing the momentary switch  1310 . 
         [0211]    Considering now one form of the method of use of the apparatus of this latest form of the invention, after the controller and indicator units have been attached to the door in the manner illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , and switch  706  has been opened by the user, it may be necessary to use the adjustment mechanism  1439  ( FIG. 20 ) of the invention to level the base  1422  of the motion detector  1416  so as to center the ball  1434  on the curved surface  1428 . Access to the adjustment mechanism  1439  is achieved by removal of the housing cover  1414 . As shown in  FIGS. 17 ,  18  and  20 , the motion detector unit is mounted to the rear wall  1410   a  of housing  1410  for pivotal movement about a transversely extending pivot rod  1440 . As shown in  FIGS. 18 and 20 , the pivot rod is rotatably received within a bearing  1441  that is attached to the rear wall  1410   a . An adjustment screw  1442  is threadably connected to a support member  1444 , which is attached to bearing  1441 . Housing  1418  of the motion detector is, in turn, connected to support member  1444 . With this construction, because the inboard end  1442   a  of the spring engages the rear wall of housing  1410 , rotation of the screw relative to support member  1444  will cause pivotal movement of the support member against the urging of a biasing spring  1446  in the manner indicated by the dotted lines  1447  of  FIG. 20 . This pivotal movement of the support member will raise or lower the housing  1418  in the manner indicated by the dotted lines  1449 , which will, in turn, controllably change the level of base  1422 . 
         [0212]    When the base  1422  is level so that the ball  1434  will remain in the center of the curved base when the door is in an open, stationary position, the cover  1414  can be replaced. This done, the controller  1402  can be placed into an operable state by the user, pushing an actuating button  1450  that operates the previously identified switch  708  ( FIG. 17 ). Actuating button  1450 , which is mounted within housing  1410  by a bracket  1452 , has an accessible end portion  1452   a  that extends through an opening  1454  provided in cover  1414 . 
         [0213]    Once the door is closed, the user places the controller in an operable state by pushing an actuating button  1450 . In its operable state, the controller remains latched and the light emitting diodes (LEDs)  716  and  718  provided on the controller and the indicator units will blink (see  FIGS. 14 and 15 ). However, upon the occupant opening, or reclosing the door, the spherical member  1434  will move from its first central position toward its second position wherein it engages the first conductive surface  1430   a . Upon engaging conductive surface  1430   a , the light emitting diodes (LEDs)  716  and  718  will shut off and stop blinking. When the door comes to rest, the spherical member will return to its central position and the lights will remain off until the latched state is reversed by pushing the 4PDT switch in the electromechanical circuit, or by pushing the momentary switch in the solid state circuit. 
         [0214]    Referring now to  FIGS. 21 through 23 , an alternate form of the motion detector unit of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  1460 . This unit is similar in many respects to the unit shown in  FIGS. 18 through 20  and like numerals are used in  FIGS. 21 through 23  to identify like components. The principal difference between this latest form of the motion detector and the earlier described motion detector resides in the configuration of the generally “U”-shaped electrical conductor  1462  that is housed within detector housing  1418  proximate base  1422 . Conductor  1462  has a first generally vertically extending portion  1464  having an inwardly extending first spherical member engaging conductive finger  1466  and a second generally vertically extending conductive portion  1468  having an inwardly extending second spherical member engaging conductive finger  1470 . As before, conductor  1462  is operably interconnected with the electrical circuit board by a thin wire  1472  ( FIGS. 21 and 22 ). 
         [0215]    In using this latest form of the apparatus of the invention, after the controller and indicator units have been attached to the door in the manner illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15  and, if necessary, the base  1422  of the motion detector has been leveled in the manner previously described, the controller can be placed into an operable state by the user pushing an actuating button  1450  that operates the switch  708 . 
         [0216]    After closing the door and placing the controller in an operable state, the controller remains latched in this state and the light emitting diodes (LEDs)  716  and  718  provided on the controller and the indicator units will blink (see FIGS.  14  and  15 ). However, upon the occupant opening the door, the spherical member  1434  will move from its first central position toward its second position wherein it engages the inwardly extending first conductive finger  1466 . Upon engaging finger  1466 , the light emitting diodes (LEDs)  716  and  718  will stop blinking so as to indicate that the “at rest” state has been achieved. When the door comes to rest, the spherical member will return to its central position and the lights will remain off until the latched state is reversed by pushing the 4PDT switch in the electromechanical circuit, or by pushing the momentary switch in the solid state circuit. 
         [0217]    Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.

Technology Category: 3