Abstract: A movable barrier system with a moving-barrier imminent motion notification includes a movable barrier and a movable barrier operator connected to control movement of the movable barrier between a first position and a second position. To reduce user dissatisfaction with the moving-barrier imminent motion notification, communications to the movable barrier operator include information to assist the operator in determining whether to operate the moving-barrier imminent motion notification in combination with moving the door or to specifically command that the moving-barrier imminent motion notification operate or not. The communication may include a signal or input separate from and in addition to a typical command signal or input to the operator.

Abstract: A method for operating a process plant, in which a number of alarm notifications for indicating non-compliant operating events of the process plant are generated at process level. Alarm notifications which can be generated during the operation of the process plant are defined. At least a number of the generatable alarm notifications are assigned, in each case at least a first value or a second value as a dependency value. A current process state of the process plant is determined and depending on the determined process state, those alarm notifications to which the first value was assigned as a dependency value are not indicated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring current flow through a resistive heating element and for detecting breakage of the heating element. In one preferred embodiment the heating element is disposed on a vehicle window. A current is passed through the heating element continuously, even when the vehicle ignition is turned off. A differential amplifier is used to generate a signal representative of the current flow through the heating element which is indicative of whether the heating element is functioning properly or has been broken. The signal is converted from an analog to a digital signal by an analog to digital convertor and then subsequently output to a controller or computer. From this signal the computer determines if the heating element has been broken. The apparatus and method can be used for a variety of functions, but has particular utility in detecting if a window supporting the heating element has been broken such as during an attempted theft.

Abstract: A sonic alarm device is provided for signalling the opening of a door which is hingedly mounted adjacent the edge on a door frame for swinging movement about an upright hinge axis into and out of a closed position. The door alarm is mounted in the interior of the door. The door alarm comprises a housing for the alarm, an isolator inside of the housing, wherein the isolator supports a sonically activated device. A spring holder is mounted within the isolator, and spring is mounted on the spring holder in a position horizontal to the door. When the door is in a closed position, the spring is pushed back into the interior of the housing; the spring is designed to be released when the door is opened. A hammer actuator is contacted by the spring when the door is opened, and a hammer is struck by the hammer actuator when the door is opened. The hammer then contacts a sonically actuated device to cause the device to produce an audible sound.

Abstract: An automatic water shut-off apparatus for connection to an intrusion alarm system, such as a burglar alarm, that provides for protection of a building from water damage while the alarm is armed. An electrically controlled valve, which controls water flow into the building, is closed whenever the alarm system is armed, thus preventing water damage while the building is unattended. A manual shut-off switch is also provided to close the electrically controlled valve and shut off the water when the alarm system is disarmed or for maintenance. A manual bypass valve may be provided to allow water flow into the building in the event of electrical failure.

Abstract: An electrical switching mechanism has a pair of arcuate spring contact members which are mounted in a casing. An aperture is formed in the casing for receiving an actuator member which may comprise a screw or other similar actuator member. A camming member is slidably mounted in the casing with one portion thereof abutting against one of the spring contact members. The camming member is urged by the spring contact member such that it is resiliently urged towards the aperture. The spring contact members are retained in the casing by means of casing guide elements in a position such that when a screw or other member is inserted in the aperture, the camming member is urged outwardly by the screw so that it retains its associated spring contact member in a non contact position with the other spring contact member.

Abstract: A security arrangement for a closed door having an elongated member connected between the door and the wall and a tautly mounted string joining the door knob and an electrical switch on the wall, the string passing over the elongated member. When an attempt is made to open the door tension on the string is increased resulting in the switch being moved into its closed position thereby energizing an alarm device.

Abstract: A spring within a container is maintained in compression by a first movable pin that extends from the inside to the outside of a container. In response to the first pin being pulled from a set position, a spring drives a hammer against a dispensing button of a tear gas cannister whereby the cannister dispenses tear gas. Additionally, a second pin extends from the inside to the outside of the container. In response to the second pin being pulled from a set position, a switch causes the application of a voltage of a battery to a horn whereby the horn emits sound.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing anti-burglar device is disclosed which discharges a fluid, containing a chemical such as tear gas, into an area to be protected when an intruder opens a window or a door or forces open a window or a door to enter a private or unauthorized area with which the device is associated. The anti-burglar device employs a spring biased actuating member for discharging a pressurized container. A mechanical trigger for releasably retaining the actuating member in a cocked position and for releasing the actuating member to dispense the fluid, containing a chemical such as tear gas, is described. In addition, a lock mechanism to place the device in a non-triggerable condition is also shown.

Abstract: An anti-burglary sound emitting device in which a pressurized fluid is discharged to audibly oscillate a diaphram to create a warning signal when an intruder opens a window or door to enter an area unauthorized to the intruder. The anti-burglary device employs a spring biased pressurized container for discharging a fluid through a passageway and diaphram valving structure. A mechanical trigger for releasably retaining a pressurized container in cocked position and for releasing the slidably mounted pressurized container to cause sound is described.