Abstract: A method for self-testing notification appliances in an alarm system by determining whether the performance of the notification appliances has degraded over time. The method may include the steps of measuring and recording initial output levels of notification features of the notification appliances at a first time, measuring test output levels of the notification features at a second time after the first time, and comparing the test output levels to respective threshold output levels that are derived from the initial output levels. The method may further include recording a pass result for notification appliances whose notification features produced test output levels that exceeded the respective threshold output levels, and recording a fail result for notification appliances whose notification features produced test output levels that did not exceed the respective threshold output levels.

Abstract: A method for verifying associations between initiating devices and notification appliances in an alarm system. The method may include including actuating an initiating device of the alarm system, thereby activating one or more notification appliances that are associated with the initiating device. The method may further include deactivating each notification appliance that is expected to be associated with the actuated initiating device and, at an alarm panel, providing an indication of whether there are any notification appliances that are still active.

Abstract: A method for inspecting notification appliances in an alarm system. The method may include placing the alarm system in an inspection mode, whereby a verification indicium on each notification appliance being inspected is activated. The method may further include performing a physical inspection of a notification appliance, as well as actuating an input device on the notification appliance whereby the verification indicium on the notification appliance is deactivated. A first alternative method may include placing the alarm system in a test mode, whereby a verification indicium on each notification appliance being inspected and tested is activated. The first alternative method may further include performing a physical inspection of a notification appliance, as well as actuating an input device on the notification appliance whereby the verification indicium on the notification appliance is deactivated and a notification feature of the notification appliance is activated for a predefined amount of time.

Abstract: A method for self-testing notification appliances in an alarm system, including the steps of measuring ambient noise at a notification appliance, comparing the measured ambient noise to a threshold ambient noise level, and performing a self-test of the notification appliance if the measured ambient noise does not exceed the threshold ambient noise level. The method may further include the step of recording a fail result for the notification appliance if the measured ambient noise exceeds the threshold ambient noise level. Performing the self-test of the notification appliance may include the steps of activating a notification feature of the notification appliance, measuring output of the notification feature, comparing the measured output to a predefined value, recording a pass result for the notification appliance if the measured output exceeds the predefined value, and recording a fail result for the notification appliance if the measured output does not exceed the predefined value.

Abstract: A method for testing notification appliances in an alarm system and creating a record of such testing including the steps of placing an alarm system in a test mode, actuating an input device of a notification appliance in the alarm system a first time, whereby a notification feature of the notification appliance is activated for a test period, and automatically entering a waiting period after expiration of the test period. The method may further include actuating the input device of the notification appliance a second time during the waiting period, whereby a pass signal is transmitted from the notification appliance, and creating a record of the pass signal. The method may further include transmitting a fail signal from the notification appliance after expiration of the waiting period if the input device of the notification appliance was not actuated during the waiting period and creating a record of the fail signal.

Abstract: A method for verifying associations between initiating devices and notification appliances in an alarm system. The method may include including actuating an initiating device of the alarm system, thereby activating one or more notification appliances that are associated with the initiating device. The method may further include deactivating each notification appliance that is expected to be associated with the actuated initiating device and, at an alarm panel, providing an indication of whether there are any notification appliances that are still active.

Abstract: A method for self-testing notification appliances in an alarm system, including the steps of measuring ambient noise at a notification appliance, comparing the measured ambient noise to a threshold ambient noise level, and performing a self-test of the notification appliance if the measured ambient noise does not exceed the threshold ambient noise level. The method may further include the step of recording a fail result for the notification appliance if the measured ambient noise exceeds the threshold ambient noise level. Performing the self-test of the notification appliance may include the steps of activating a notification feature of the notification appliance, measuring output of the notification feature, comparing the measured output to a predefined value, recording a pass result for the notification appliance if the measured output exceeds the predefined value, and recording a fail result for the notification appliance if the measured output does not exceed the predefined value.

Abstract: A method for self-testing notification appliances in an alarm system by determining whether the performance of the notification appliances has degraded over time. The method may include the steps of measuring and recording initial output levels of notification features of the notification appliances at a first time, measuring test output levels of the notification features at a second time after the first time, and comparing the test output levels to respective threshold output levels that are derived from the initial output levels. The method may further include recording a pass result for notification appliances whose notification features produced test output levels that exceeded the respective threshold output levels, and recording a fail result for notification appliances whose notification features produced test output levels that did not exceed the respective threshold output levels.

Abstract: A method for inspecting notification appliances in an alarm system. The method may include placing the alarm system in an inspection mode, whereby a verification indicium on each notification appliance being inspected is activated. The method may further include performing a physical inspection of a notification appliance, as well as actuating an input device on the notification appliance whereby the verification indicium on the notification appliance is deactivated. A first alternative method may include placing the alarm system in a test mode, whereby a verification indicium on each notification appliance being inspected and tested is activated. The first alternative method may further include performing a physical inspection of a notification appliance, as well as actuating an input device on the notification appliance whereby the verification indicium on the notification appliance is deactivated and a notification feature of the notification appliance is activated for a predefined amount of time.

Abstract: A method for testing notification appliances in an alarm system and creating a record of such testing including the steps of placing an alarm system in a test mode, actuating an input device of a notification appliance in the alarm system a first time, whereby a notification feature of the notification appliance is activated for a test period, and automatically entering a waiting period after expiration of the test period. The method may further include actuating the input device of the notification appliance a second time during the waiting period, whereby a pass signal is transmitted from the notification appliance, and creating a record of the pass signal. The method may further include transmitting a fail signal from the notification appliance after expiration of the waiting period if the input device of the notification appliance was not actuated during the waiting period and creating a record of the fail signal.

Abstract: A structural bonding and sealing system for motor vehicle structural joints may include a first structural joint member including a first bonding and sealing surface, and a second structural joint member including a second bonding and sealing surface. The system further includes the first bonding and sealing surface disposed generally adjacent the second bonding and sealing surface, and the first and second structural joint members generally forming the motor vehicle structural joint. An expandable structural adhesive may be disposed between the first and second structural joint members adjacent the respective first and second bonding and sealing surfaces. The expandable structural adhesive may be expandable to substantially fill an area between the first and second structural joint members, to substantially bond the first and second structural joint members, and to substantially seal the first and second structural joint members from water and air intrusion without use of a separate sealant material.