Abstract: An alarm system notification device that comprises a single strobe, an input selector, and a controller is disclosed. The single strobe may be configured to operate at a first wavelength band in a first configuration and at a second wavelength band in a second configuration, the first wavelength band being different from the second wavelength band. The configuration of the single strobe (either in the first or second configuration) is determined based on a command that is input by the input selector. In response to receiving the command, the controller may control the single strobe so that the single strobe is configured to operate at one of the first wavelength band in the first configuration or the second wavelength band in the second configuration as indicated in the command.

Abstract: Techniques for visual notification appliance selection are described. A set of dimensions for a structure are received by a processor and stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The processor calculates a maximum distance between a mounting location for a visual notification appliance and a location within the structure based upon the received dimensions. The processor also estimates an illuminance value for each of a plurality of angular paths within the structure. A visual notification appliance is selected that has an illumination rating that produces a minimum illuminance value at the maximum distance and at each of the plurality of angular paths. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A strobe reflector that includes a reflective material and a support structure is provided. The support structure may be adjusted or moved into at least two distinct positions to provide two distinct shapes for the reflective material. The first position of the support structure shapes the reflective material in a first configuration (such as a half-hemisphere) and a second position of the support structure shapes the reflective material in a second configuration (such as a full hemisphere). The different shapes of the reflective material may be used for different mountings of the strobe device, such as for a ceiling mount or a wall mount. In this way, a single strobe reflector may be configured for different installations (whether to the wall or ceiling).

Abstract: A self-adjusting speaker integrated with an alarm system is provided. The self-adjusting speaker may be used to aurally monitor an area (such as monitoring the ambient noise in the vicinity of the speaker) and adjust the speaker accordingly. The circumstances under which to aurally monitor a premises (such as how to monitor, when to monitor, what type of monitoring, etc.) may be varied. For example, there are several ways how to perform the aural monitoring (such as how to sense the ambient noise), including using a separate microphone or the speaker itself. A self-monitoring speaker integrated with an alarm system is also provided. The self-monitoring speaker may monitor the aural output of the speaker using a microphone or similar type of transducer. The aural output monitored by the microphone may be analyzed, and, based on the analysis, the data and/or operation of the speaker may be modified.

Abstract: An emergency lighting unit includes a lamp, a backup battery, controller, and a network interface. The controller connects the backup battery to the lamp upon detection of an emergency condition and loss of main power. The network interface interfaces with and receives commands from a fire alarm control panel via a fire alarm network. Each emergency lighting unit may have a unique identifier with respect to the fire alarm network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-addressable notification appliance having multiple (e.g., dual) visual alarms such as strobes for notifying individuals of different types of detected events. For example, the notification appliance of the present invention could have a first strobe for indicating a fire, and a second strobe for providing mass notification of a different emergency such as a terrorist threat or attack. In one embodiment, the visual alarms could be colored differently from one another (e.g., clear and amber). In a typical embodiment, the dual notification appliance could be one of many non-addressable dual notification appliances utilized in a single alarm system that are controlled by a system controller.

Abstract: An optical element driving circuit flexibly configures energy sources to cause illumination with an optical output element, such as a flash lamp. The energy sources include an illumination capacitor and a capacitive voltage divider circuit coupled with the optical output element. The illumination capacitor may be charged to a first voltage and a boost capacitor of the capacitive voltage divider circuit may be charged to a second voltage that is a fraction of the first voltage. The optical element driving circuit also includes a triggering circuit coupled with the capacitive voltage divider circuit. The triggering circuit is configured to place a sum of the first voltage and the second voltage across the optical output element.

Abstract: A notification device includes a processing module configured to determine a communication mode capability of an alarm panel. The processing module communicates with the control using the determined communication mode. The notification device also includes an output module that is in electrical communication with the processing module. The output module is configured to produce an output signal in response to a signal communicated by the alarm panel.

Abstract: A self-draining grill and system incorporating the same. The grill includes a plurality of ribs extending from a surface of a housing and angled downward in a direction across the surface of the housing. One or more openings are disposed between the ribs and allow air flow to a sound generation device.

Abstract: A ground fault detection system detects an earth fault or ground fault in a network device. The network device may be used in a fire alarm network. The ground fault detection system includes a power device that electrically isolates the ground fault detection system. A controller sequences a series of switches or relays to charge an energy storing element, such as a capacitor, with the isolated power supply. The capacitor is placed in communication with each port of the network device one at a time. If the connected port includes an inadvertent connection to ground, a detection circuit will detect the bias on the earth ground. The detection circuit may then output an indication of the inadvertent connection to ground to either a workstation or a fire alarm control panel.

Abstract: A system for securing and releasing doors includes at least two electromagnetic latches and a controller. Each of the electromagnetic latches includes a coil configured to be energized by a power signal to create a magnetic field. The controller switches the power signal between the electromagnetic latches so that the power signal is supplied to the electromagnetic latches one at a time. The electromagnetic latches may be electromagnetic door holders, electromagnetic door locks, or any combination of the two.

Abstract: A notification appliance includes one or more high-brightness light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a control module configured to receive commands from an external source, and in response to a first command, flash the at least one LED, and in response to a second command, turn the at least one LED on in a steady state.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method including an event notification appliance including first and second light sources configured to indicate an event, including a fire and/or alert.

Abstract: A call cord system and connection are disclosed. The system can be implemented in any number of situations where summoning assistance from a remote location is desirable, such as in a healthcare provider setting. In addition, the call cord connection allows the cord to be securely engaged for its intended operation, without concern that the cord will unintentionally become disconnected. However, given sufficient force, the call cord connection further allows the cord to be disconnected from the patient station by the patient or staff without damaging either the call cord itself or the patient station. Such an intentional disconnect can be used, for instance, to signal a patient or staff emergency and a corresponding response, when normal call signaling is not possible (e.g., the patient is not able to depress the call button) or higher priority attention is needed for whatever reason.

Abstract: A hazard alarm system includes a hazard alarm notification appliance, and a warning detector which detects a warning alert message from an external source (such as a governmental organization). The hazard alarm system processes the warning alert message and issues an alarm system alert via the notification appliance. In issuing the alarm system alert, the hazard alarm system determines whether, how, what, where, and/or when to issue the alarm system alert using the notification appliance.

Abstract: A detector comprises a detector base (1) and first and second detector elements (2 & 3) each having a respective electronic interface (2a, 3a). The detector base (1) has electronic interfaces (1a) to the electronic interface (2a, 3a) of each of the detector elements (2, 3), wherein at least one of the detector elements is constructed as a replaceable module (11).

Abstract: A method is provided for presenting occupancy information in a fire alarm system. The method includes obtaining event data indicative of an emergency event within a zone of a premises, obtaining count information indicative of a number of individuals within the zone of the premises, and displaying the event data and the count information for the zone simultaneously.

Abstract: An emergency evacuation and fire safety system has a plurality of signal devices. The clock source frequencies are tuned using the method and system such that the signals flash in synchronization continuously at a preset flashing interval upon detecting an alarm condition. A synchronization signal including a calibrated time position is broadcast at each predetermined time interval to all notification appliances. A time difference is computed between a local time position and the received calibrated time position by each of the notification appliances at each predetermined time interval and tuning the flashing of each of the one or more notification appliances by adjusting the preset flashing interval based on the computed time difference by each of the one or more associated notification appliances.

Abstract: A detector comprises a detector base and a sensor, first and second resistors connected in series, a DC voltage source (Vref) connected to the resistors, and means for monitoring the voltage at the midpoint of a potential divider constituted by the series-connected resistors. The first and second resistors are rated so that the midpoint voltage is indicative of the date of manufacture of the sensor.

Abstract: A fire alarm system includes a fire alarm control panel (FACP) and an addressable signaling line circuit (SLC) operably coupled to the FACP for communicating with addressable components, including a plurality of sensors. The sensors can include a plurality of atmospheric sensors operably coupled to the SLC and each configured to provide information about their local atmospheric environment. Also provided is a mobile robot addressable and dispatchable by the fire alarm control panel (FACP) to an area indicated by sensors that are detecting a hazardous or potentially hazardous condition. The robot has mobile sensors that are configured to obtain verification of the hazardous or potentially hazardous condition and the robot is further configured to communicate the verification to the FACP.