Abstract: Method performed by a first communication device operating in a wireless communications network. The wireless communications network comprises a group of communication devices. The first communication device determines that a number of communication devices, comprised in the group of communication devices, having reported that data about a position of a second communication device comprised in the group of communication devices has not been received within a time period, is above a threshold. The first communication device then initiates transmitting an indication to at least one receiving device, indicating a result of the determination. Also disclosed is a method by a third communication device comprised in the group. The third communication device starts a timer defining the time period and, in the absence of the data received within the period, sends a notification of expiration of the timer.

Abstract: A system and process that computes the probability of histogram matching false alarms for different settings of a histogram matching algorithm's parameters is presented. This allows the parameters to be adjusted to produce the optimum object finding capability with the lowest possible false alarm rate. Generally, a prototype histogram is generated from a model of an item being sought in an environment. The set of all possible test histograms that can be formed from the environment given a prescribed number of bins and a maximum count for the bins is then determined. Once this is accomplished a subset of test histograms from the set of all possible test histograms which will cause a false alarm is found. Then the probability of occurrence of each individual test histogram that will cause a false alarm in the subset is determined and summed to establish the overall false alarm probability.

Abstract: A method and a fire-alarm system controls stationary fire-extinguishing systems. The fire-alarm devices of the fire-alarm system are equipped with one or more detectors. If at least one pre-adjustable alarm threshold of a fire identification characteristic is reached, the fire-extinguishing device is activated and the fire detectors are selectively switched to a higher stage of sensitivity. The detectors to be switched are locally selected depending on the actual development of the fire in terms of space. The dynamic adaptation of the sensitivity of the detectors to the development of a fire permits analyzing the development of the fire through the generated smoke, water vapor or extinguishing-water mist, and to influence the fire-extinction process in a targeted manner.

Abstract: A safety communications system for personel employed in hazardous areas is responsive to motion sensing, as well as to worker initiated check-in signals, for registering an alarm at a central station after an absence of input for a predetermined time period. Confirmation of check-in and emergency transmission is also provided to the worker as assurance of system operation and to provide a local alarm to guide rescue efforts.

Abstract: A remote signaling box uses no glass or breakable parts. The signal box has an unbreakable door that protects a sliding panel and activator which constrains the internal alarm switch. When the door is closed, a foolproof interlock in the sliding panel prevents functioning of the switch. The sliding panel has an opening so that when it is pulled down a spring-loaded activator is released into the opening which allows the internally contained spring-loaded switch to function. No replacement parts are required after the box has been operated. A two-step operation is required for alarming to prevent inadvertent activation. The first step is to open the door which removes the foolproof interlock from the sliding panel. The second step is to pull down the sliding panel. The device is easily reset by moving the sliding panel to its original position and closing the door.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire alarm system in which the fire alarm is located in an enclosure which must be entered by the operator of the fire alarm, and the door to the enclosure, or opening through which the operator passes, must be closed in order to initiate the actuation of the fire alarm. The fire alarm within the enclosure has a fire alarm switch located to be covered by a door or plate which must be moved in order to have access to the fire alarm switch. Circuits are provided which upon the closing of the door cause a circuit to be energized while the movement of the cover for the alarm switch allows the alarm switch lever to be moved only if the operator is located in the enclosure containing the fire alarm. The alarm switch actuates a door lock and a timing device which will hold the operator within the enclosure for a given length of time sufficient for the firemen to reach the scene of the alarm.

Abstract: Provided is an alarm box in which the user is temporarily detained during the operation of the box. A handle switch is provided which, upon manual grasping causes the sending of a tamper signal. The handle is located on an alarm box housing. Cuffs are joined respectively to the alarm box housing (below the handle) and to a cover. The cover is pivotally joined to the housing for closing the cuffs upon the arm of the user. Within the cuffs are pressure sensitive switches that form a part of an electrical circuit. The closing of the handle switch and the cuff switch initiates the operation of a timing control. The timing control, in turn, activates a solenoid. A portion of the cover extends and is movable within the housing. That portion of the cover has a tear-shaped aperture which is engaged by the solenoid. The aperture is so disposed as to permit the inward (or toward the housing) movement of the cover but the combination with the solenoid's plunger, resist the removal of the cover.

Abstract: A local alarm apparatus mounted on a conventional alarm box to provide an audible and visual alarm that a fire alarm is being sent so that passersby will take notice .of the sender in the event a false alarm is sent. The audible and visual alarm is connected in parallel with the main fire D.C. alarm circuit so that activation of the main circuit will activate the local alarm. The local alarm is coupled to and powered by an A.C. power supply located at a remote location and coupled to the conventional fire alarm transmission lines.

Abstract: A housing for fire alarm boxes which positively marks a person turning in an alarm, frustrates attempts to use a hook or other tool in place of the hand for actuating an alarm, and which permits rapid actuation of the alarm but slows withdrawal of the hand from the housing; the housing forms an enclosure around and below an alarm box large enough for access of a hand upward from the bottom; a dye-covered resilient door at the bottom affixed to the front of the housing extending up and toward the bottom of the fire alarm box guards the access to the alarm, and must be deflected upwardly forcefully by a hand reaching for the alarm; withdrawal of the hand requires simultaneously a slow twisting of the hand to free it from the edge of the resilient door; the twisting covers all parts of the hand with dye so that evidence of turning in the alarm cannot be concealed short of concealing the entire hand.

Abstract: An alarm box for summoning police and/or fire personnel to the scene of an emergency. The alarm box is provided with means for obtaining and recording the fingerprints of the operator, thus deterring the improper use of the alarm box by unauthorized persons. Simultaneously with the transmission of an alarm, at least one of the fingerprints of the operator is obtained and recorded. The alarm box is also provided with transmission means for transmitting a facsimile of the fingerprint or fingerprints obtained to the central station or dispatcher, thereby facilitating and insuring identification of an unauthorized user.

Abstract: Fire alarm device disposed within a booth having a door, the fire alarm device being operable only when the door of the booth is closed by the person operating the device. Upon the actuation of the fire alarm, the door of the booth is locked for a predetermined length of time, and a signal light visible outside the booth is actuated so as to alert passers-by and/or policemen to the fact that the fire alarm has been pulled. The time delay period during which the person operating the alarm is confined in the booth is sufficient to prevent his making an immediate get-away. This increases the chances of his being caught, should the alarm be a false one, after the door has again been permitted to open to release him from the booth. It also encourages the alarm operator to remain in the vicinity of the alarm box, when the alarm is legitimate, so that he may direct the fire apparatus to the fire.

Abstract: An alarm and a safety capsule includes a booth having a door. A control circuit for the booth includes a switch, for sending an alarm, which is not operative until the booth door is closed, and inhibits closing of the door if attempts are made to operate the button with the door open. A timing circuit responsive to operation of the button prohibits release of the door for a determined period. A further button, energized by the timing circuit, enables an occupant of the booth to unlock the door. The door may also be unlocked by a radio control circuit.

Abstract: A fire alarm and protection enclosure in the form of a booth or box having means therein for signalling an alarm to a fire station and/or police station. The enclosure includes a door and a treadle upon which a person must stand and close the door which is then automatically locked upon actuating the alarm, which door remains locked to detain the person setting off the alarm for a predetermined period. Electrical interlock circuitry interconnected with the door, the treadle and the door lock renders the apparatus fool-proof or tamperproof so that false alarms are prevented.

Abstract: A plurality of finger operated button switches are employed in conjunction with a logic circuit to control the mechanical activation of a conventional alarm box mechanism. When the finger button switches are pressed to activate the alarm, the user's fingerprints are retained on the switch buttons. Upon actuation of the alarm, the fingerprint bearing button switches are retracted to a position in which they are inaccessible to the alarm user. An electrical "flesh" sensor is provided on at least one finger button to prevent actuation of the alarm by means other than a human finger. In the event of a power failure, the conventional alarm mechanism can be actuated by mechanical pressure on a thumb button switch. In the preferred embodiment, the finger actuated button switches are located within a housing that can be retrofitted to existing alarms such as, fire alarm telegraph boxes.

Abstract: A fire alarm and protection booth having means therein for signalling an alarm to a fire station and/or police station as well as providing refuge in the case of an emergency. The booth comprises an enclosure having a door and a foot treadle which are coupled to electrical switches adapted to provide input signals to a solid state control circuit which upon the actuation of an alarm switch, sets off an alarm as well as detains the person in the enclosure for a predetermined period. An emergency switch is also included which when actuated locks the door during the time the emergency switch is continuously pressed. In the event that the alarm switch is subsequently actuated, the emergency switch is overridden. The solid state control circuit is further operative to defeat any attempt to compromise the alarm system and thereby render the apparatus fool-proof and tamper-proof.

Abstract: A device adapted to be associated with a fire alarm box or the like to assist in the identification of a person who actuates the mechanism of an alarm box has an evacuated container disposed to entrap air from around the person when the vacuum is broken and a means responsive to the actuation of the mechanism for opening the container to the atmosphere.