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: There is provided an automated warning system which includes a receiver/controller, an actuator, one or more relays electrically connected to both the receiver and the linear actuator, a flag holder and a mechanical linkage connecting the linear actuator to the flag holder such that movement of the linear actuator causes the flag holder to move between raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A method, evacuation system and hazard warning center for the evacuation of a building divided into sections by the hazard warning center, which is connected to at least one hazard warning unit detecting a hazard. The hazard warning center produces an evacuation plan for the sections of the building on the basis of the location of the hazard detected by the hazard warning unit, the data received in connection with the hazard and at least one stored condition, and at least one alarm signaling unit in a section is sent at least one request to emit either a warning signal or an evacuation signal on the basis of the evacuation plan.

Abstract: A notification system and method of visual notification of different types of events by flashing different colors is provided, wherein the notification system includes a master controller and a notification device. The master controller is configured to communicate at least one signal. The notification device includes an enclosure accepting a plurality of conductors providing both signaling and electrical power to the notification device, and at least one strobe drive circuit configured to supply an electrical signal for periodically flashing at least one strobe. The notification device further includes a strobe system configured to flash at least one strobe, such that the strobe system flashes one of at least two different colors, and a control logic configured to determine which color of the at least two different colors to flash at least one strobe based upon the signal received from at least one of the plurality of conductors.

Abstract: An apparatus and concomitant method of reducing the number of synchronization pulses transmitted to the alarm units for increasing the reliability of the overall alarm system is disclosed. The synchronization signal is implemented as a reference or reset signal from which the alarm units derive a reference time to begin activation of the alarm units. Thus, when an alarm unit receives a reference synchronization pulse, the alarm unit applies the reference synchronization pulse as a reference point in time to trigger a series of flashes or audio tones. A second signal sent in close proximity to the synchronization signal is implemented to trigger a second function of the alarm units, such as a silence function.

Abstract: A portable electronic integrated fire fighting device used by firefighters and other emergency response workers to acquire and relay information, store sensory information, provide location data, and provide a point-to-point network with repeater capability. The portable electronic fire fighting device may include a housing, a radio frequency transmitter, a radio frequency receiver, a microprocessor, a communications interface, electronic memory, a power supply, and one or more sensors and may be configured in the form of a door chock, an axe handle, a fire fighter's hook handle, and a fire fighter's helmet. The portable electronic fire fighting device may also interface with a firefighter's heads-up display or other handheld device, or with other electronic fire fighting devices that are known in the art.

Abstract: An alert device is disclosed. The alert device has at least one light, at least one speaker, and a communication system configured to receive an alert notification containing instructions for each of at least one pattern and duration of activation of the at least one light, at least one pattern and duration of activation of the at least one speaker, and an overall duration of the alert notification. The alert device further has a controller communicatively coupled with the at least one light, the at least one speaker, and the communication system. The controller is configured to monitor the communication system for the alert notification, decode the alert notification, activate the at least one light and the at least one speaker for their respective at least one patterns and durations of activation, and deactivate the at least one light and the at least one speaker after the overall duration elapses.

Abstract: A gauge gives a driver of a tow vehicle a visual cue that the trailer is at a proper depth within the water to recover a boat onto the trailer. The gauge has a tubular member that has a top with a red light bulb and a green light bulb thereon. A housing is attached to the tubular member and longitudinally adjusted along a length of the tubular member as needed. A switch, controlled by a float, is located within the housing, such that when there is no water in the housing, the float is at rest and causes the switch to connect the red light bulb to electricity. As water enters the housing, the float rises with the rising water level in the housing and causes the switch to disconnect the red light bulb from and connect the green light bulb to the electricity.

Abstract: The disclosed system provides headgear, i.e., a Firefighter Helmet, with forward illumination that also acts as a personal rescue detection system for quickly finding a downed of lost firefighter. More specifically, the headgear includes a forward illuminating light that has unique characteristics that are easily detected in a smoke filled space by using a handheld photodetector probe that is tuned to the exact characteristics of the light source. The handheld probe has a somewhat narrow directional response to allow a directed search for a downed firefighter or other emergency personnel in a smoke filled noisy environment that hinders normal visual and audible search methods. The handheld photodetector probe produces a unique audio tone that is proportional in volume to the intensity of the exact-characteristics-light-source thus allowing a sweeping motion of the probe to immediately determine the relative direction to a firefighter who is down or requiring assistance.

Abstract: A combination light and sound producing fixture and combination screw-in light with speakers element is disclosed where the fixture is installed in a wall or ceiling or on a wall or ceiling. The light bulb/speaker can be screwed or secured into a standard light bulb socket. The sound producing elements is a coaxial arrangement of speakers having a low frequency transducer and one or more high frequency transducers that can be directed to emit sound in a particular direction. The fixture or bulb may further include digital signal processing to modify the sound to account for obstructions in or near the fixture. The surface of the sound transducer can be reflective in nature to provide focusing or diffusion of the light from the lighting elements. The lighting elements are incandescent, fluorescent or low voltage LED type that may include adjustment for lighting intensity and color.

Abstract: A flash lamp assembly used in a portable electronic device (100) is described including a supporting member (3) and a flash lamp (4). The portable electronic device includes a printed circuit board (2). The supporting member is mounted on the printed circuit board. The flash lamp is secured on the supported member and supported by the supporting member above the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A warning device of the flashing beacon type (2) is provided with a dual light source (14, 16), typically in the form of two LEDs arranged in back to back relationship, in which the light from one light source (14) is transmitted directly from the beacon whereas the light from the other light source (16) is reflected by a compound reflector (18, 20) from a direction which is essentially opposite the direction of the light from the first source to a direction which is the same as or substantially parallel to the direction of the first source so as to produce a compound beam of illumination having a relatively darker first peripheral part, a relatively more intense central part followed by a relatively less intense third peripheral part. The two light sources and the compound reflector rotates in unison with each other to produce flashes of illumination to a person observing the beacon from a remote location to the beacon.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal which includes a plurality of lights, apparatus for controlling the activation of the lights, apparatus for storing a number of sequences of activation of the lights, and apparatus for assigning one of the stored sequences of the activation of the lights to a particular event in the mobile communication terminal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a signaling system for use in a system for monitoring and/or controlling a stack of power cells. The stack of power cells is series connected, i.e. the negative terminal of one power cell is connected to the positive electrode of the adjacent power cell. A monitoring device is associated with each power cell to monitor characteristics of the power cell (temperature, voltage). Every monitoring device is powered by the power cell it is associated. The monitoring device monitors the status of the cell (e.g. it measures the difference of potential between the positive terminal and the negative terminal of that cell but it may also measure the temperature of the power cell, the pH of the electrolyte if the power cell Ci is a battery, etc. and communicates information on the status of the cell to other monitoring devices. The monitoring devices are daisy chained.

Abstract: A multi-purpose visual signaling device, particularly for road emergency warning and in low visibility conditions, includes light-emitting means for generating a light beam and means for supplying power to the light-emitting means. The light-emitting means include at least one laser projector adapted to project images over a substantially flat surface for such images to be visible from a relatively long distance. The light-emitting means and the power supply means are mounted onto a stationary support structure, which may include a front warning triangle-defining portion. The laser projector comprises at least one laser diode and optical and/or electronic means for generating images in space or over a substantially flat surface. The optical and/or electronic means comprise a diffractive lens. Images include monochromatic, polychromatic and/or holographic images, possibly of variable configuration, and preferably form a triangular design.

Abstract: A measurement indication method and an apparatus to indicate difference between a measured result taken by a medical measurement instrument and a normal digital value according to medical theory. The medical measurement instrument includes at least a measurement element, a power supply, at least one processing unit and the apparatus to implement the measurement indication method. The apparatus includes a plurality of indication lamps capable of emitting light of three or more colors. The number and lighting color of the indication lamps can be changed sequentially according to the difference of the measured digital value and a normal digital value range. Thereby users can easily determine the difference between the measured result and the normal value. And the measured value can be indicated in graphics.

Abstract: A plurality of directional sounders located in a region being monitored can be synchronously and sequentially activated in various patterns to establish an audibly defined exit route from the region. Emitted audio, from a respective sounder, can be different than the audio emitted by other activated sounders to provide a path and direction for evacuation to individuals in the vicinity of the exit route.

Abstract: A lighting system for delivering a dynamic, fully customized, and automatic illumination to a subject. The lighting system comprises a programmable light unit for emitting a programmed pattern and spectra of illumination, a sensor pod comprising an array of sensors for detecting ambient lighting conditions and subject characteristics, a control unit for allowing a user to program the lighting system, and a processing unit for analyzing data from the sensor pod and control unit to construct an optimal lighting profile in accordance therewith. The lighting system generates light in accordance with the lighting profile which is fully optimized in spectrum, intensity, color, contrast, temperature, angle, and focus for any given environment, subject and task.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable, personal alarm device. The device features a housing comfortably held within one hand of its user. The device provides emergency tools, particularly in the event of an automotive emergency such as a vehicle accident. These features include a mechanism to cut through the web material of vehicle's seatbelts, and a mechanism to break the vehicle's windows. Both such features providing emergency means of escape for the vehicle's occupants. The inventive device further includes electronic circuits providing a flashlight function, and an emergency flasher, and also an audible alarm function. The device is water resistant and also may be provided from materials which make it visible in the dark, prior to activation of any of its functions. The inventive device also serves the routine function of a key ring so that it will always be available to the user in the event of an automotive emergency.

Abstract: Flashing lights powered by a common wild frequency power source (40) are synchronized with respect to flash rate and duration. Each lighthead includes a power supply device (1), which includes a timing signal generator (30) and a synchronization device (5). The timing signal generator (30) includes a precision clock (310), which generates a timing signal to regulate the flashing operation of the corresponding light. The synchronization device recurrently causes the timing signal to be reset in accordance with the wild frequency power source signal. By recurrently resetting the timing signal of each light according to a common wild frequency source, the flashing of the lights can be synchronized without transferring synchronization signals between the lights.

Abstract: A system and method for providing emergency egress path indication by providing a path direction indicator that is hidden from view during normal operation and is exposed to view upon activation by an emergency signal. Upon being exposed to view the indicator may be lighted and may provide light to people seeking exit from the building. In one embodiment the indicator may include a laser pointer further indicating the direction of egress. Visible and Braille text may also be included on the face of the indicator. The indicator device may be located near floor level for better visibility in smoke environments. In the non-visible state, the indicator may present a rugged face to withstand accidental kicks and bumps as may be encountered when mounted near the floor. The indicator may be operated repetitively and nondestructively to allow inclusion of the indicator in fire and other emergency drills.

Abstract: An apparatus and concomitant method of reducing the number of synchronization pulses transmitted to the alarm units for increasing the reliability of the overall alarm system is disclosed. The synchronization signal is implemented as a reference or reset signal from which the alarm units derive a reference time to begin activation of the alarm units. Thus, when an alarm unit receives a reference synchronization pulse, the alarm unit applies the reference synchronization pulse as a reference point in time to trigger a series of flashes or audio tones. A second signal sent in close proximity to the synchronization signal is implemented to trigger a second function of the alarm units, such as a silence function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system for guiding people in an emergency. More specifically, the present invention provides a method and system using a laser for guiding people away from an area of danger, and for guiding emergency personal to an area of danger. The system includes a pair of dissimilar visible laser beams generated by at least one laser emitting device. The system also includes an invisible laser for rescue personnel. The visible dissimilar laser beams are generated substantially parallel to each other to direct evacuees away from an area of danger via the shortest and safest route in the event of an emergency.

Abstract: An emergency light assembly includes a flexible panel that has a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A first set of light emitters is mounted in the panel. The first set of light emitters is arranged in an arrow shape directed toward the first lateral edge. A second set of light emitters is mounted in the panel. The second set of light emitters is arranged in an arrow shape directed toward the second lateral edge. A control is operationally coupled to the first and second light emitters for selectively turning the first and second light emitters on or off. The control has an off setting turning each of the first and second sets of light emitters off, a first setting turning the first set of light emitters on, and a second setting turning the second set of light emitters on.

Abstract: An evacuation appliance comprising a mounting plate configured to be connected to a wall, with the mounting plate having a terminal clip. The evacuation appliance further includes a notification device having at least one notification member, with the notification device being configured to be connected to the mounting plate to electronically connect the terminal clip to the at least one notification member to power the at least one notification member. The mounting plate and the notification device comprise an accessible testing system, such that when the mounting plate and the notification device are connected, the notification device can be measured using the accessible testing system to determine if the notification device is properly receiving power from the terminal clip without disconnecting the notification device from the mounting plate.

Abstract: A control device for work lamp includes a microprocessor, which is able to receive signals sent from a power supply unit and a switch. The microprocessor is able to determine the number of times that the switch is pressed and then send out a command to the activation unit, which will in turn activate the light unit. All or a part (a quarter, half or three quarters) of the lights of the light unit may be turned on in their full brightness, half of their full brightness or a portion of the full brightness or in flashing light. Hence, the control device of the present invention allows a user to select from several brightness levels according to the actual needs so as to save electricity.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a portable alarm having a base unit with an electronic package. At least one sensor is associated with the electronics to transmit signals to the electronics in the event of a breach. The electronic package in turn signals a central monitoring station, as well as transmits a signal to an audible or visual alarm coupled with the base unit. Also, the base unit includes a device to selectively program the electronics to enable the user to utilize particular programs. A bracket, which retains and secures the base unit, may be secured to a surface to enable desirable positioning of the base unit within a structure.

Abstract: A strobe unit responds to a selected candela output by selecting an optimal capacitor charging frequency to minimize current requirements at the selected candela output. A plurality of charging frequencies can be stored and associated with available input power and selected candela output.

Abstract: A monitoring system for use in a building, such as a hospital provides an audible and/or visual alarm. The monitoring system includes a control unit, with a plurality of medical condition monitoring units, such as ventilators, connected thereto. A plurality of speakers and/or light sources are connected to the control unit, and are located at various different spaced-apart areas within the building. An abnormal condition, sensed at one of the plurality of medical condition monitoring units, is reported to the control unit, which in turn causes the plurality of speakers and/or light sources to issue an audible/visual alarm. An adaptor can connect a medical condition monitoring unit to the control unit. The adapter may include circuitry to render an alarm output of the medical condition monitoring unit compatible with the control unit, and to suppress an alarm output for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An NBC marker light is designed to be simplistic, lightweight, and expendable. The case is two pieces, designed for ease of assembly. The assembly includes a circuit card, one or more batteries, light sources, typically IR and visible LEDs, and a custom designed rotary switch. A diffuser is designed to enhance side visibility in all directions.

Abstract: An emergency light includes a flash light lamp and a plurality of LED lamps activated in strobe-like fashion to alert emergency personnel in transit the proper household needing their assistance. The LED lamps activated in excess of 120 times per minute is visible at distances in excess of one mile. The emergency light may be mounted to a window pane using suction cups, to a steel door or other ferrous-metallic surface using magnetic strips, hung on a door using an integral hanger or stood on a flat bottom surface.

Abstract: A turn indicator unit includes a light source, a matching module, and a current interrupter. The light source is coupled across an output side of a flasher. The matching module is coupled across the light source. The current interrupter is coupled between the light source and the matching module so as to interrupt periodically current flow to the matching module when the light source is activated.

Abstract: A message sign alert device including a housing having a planar message display window and a first visual alert window positioned on a periphery of the planar message display window. Within the housing are a message display section, a first visual alert section, and a control unit that operates the first visual alert section and the message display section for providing a visual attraction to the display of a message on the message display section. A planar display unit in the message display section includes a plurality of light emitting message elements and projects through the planar message display window at a substantially normal angle to the planar message display window. The first visual alert section has at least one light emitting element positioned adjacent to the first visual alert window for projecting through the first visual alert window at an oblique angle relative to the planar message display window.

Abstract: A signal device for attracting the attention of a service provider. The signal device has a body with a tapered base adapted to fit into a neck of a bottle and a slot in a lower end of the base for balancing the signal device on a rim of a drinking vessel. An intermittent light source is provided in the top of the body.

Abstract: Alarms are often required on various vehicles and equipment such as fork lifts, dump trucks, bulldozers, etc. An alarm is disclosed controlled by a microprocessor, which is an integral part of the basic circuit. The alarm has a flat diaphragm, and a novel acoustic lens. The acoustic lens is constructed such that sound emanating from the center of the diaphragm has a direct path to the outside of the alarm. Sound produced around the periphery of the diaphragm must pass through a path containing switchbacks, that serve as an acoustic delay line, so this sound is delayed in exiting the alarm. The result is an alarm that with full sound in the important regions such as behind and to the side rear of the vehicle, but is very quiet for the operator or driver of the vehicle. The microprocessor is relied upon for adjusting alarm output based on source voltage and varying the signal based on ambient noise, as well as specific signals for particular applications.

Abstract: A wireless communications capability enables field personnel to communicate with a remote control console of a distributed system. A hand held communications unit generates console related messages that are coupled, via local devices, to the remote console.

Abstract: A variable output strobe unit includes a variable current limiting circuit to limit peak current draw after each flash. Parameters of strobe output and current limiting circuit are related and can be set manually or electronically.

Abstract: A device performs a synchronization between flasher frequencies of flasher devices and a central flashing frequency of a central control device at times when a data transmission device is in the active state. For a synchronization, a correction signal is determined in the central control device from a deviation of a phase of the flasher frequency relative to a phase of the central flashing frequency and transmitted to a flasher control device which modifies the flasher frequency phase in response to the correction signal. Following the modification of the flasher frequency phase the data transmission device is switched back once more into an idle state. This offers the advantage that a synchronization of flasher devices with a central control device can be performed, whereby a data transmission device does not need to be permanently active and can therefore be used in a power-saving way.

Abstract: A variable candela strobe unit couples a substantially constant trigger voltage to a trigger electrode of a gas discharge tube irrespective of the voltage provided across the tube which is specified by a selected candela output value. The trigger voltage is great enough at low candela output settings to provide reliable triggering. It is not high enough even at the highest output settings to cause arcing of the associated step-up transformer.

Abstract: A signaling system includes a primary signaling doorbell assembly that includes a sound emitter, an actuator electrically coupled to the sound emitter, and a transmitter electrically coupled to the actuator that is adapted for sending a wireless signal. A power supply is electrically coupled to the actuator. A plurality of secondary signaling assemblies is provided. Each of the secondary signaling assemblies includes a receiver adapted for receiving the wireless signal from the transmitter, a signal member electrically coupled to the receiver, and a power supply electrically coupled to the transmitter and signal member. The signal member is adapted for signaling a person when the receiver receives the wireless signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports hoarding having at least one contact sensor and at least one actuator with the actuator initiating an advertising message when the sensor produces a signal as a result of an impacting body.

Abstract: A rotating beacon system and a method for synchronizing multiple rotating beacons. The rotating beacon system includes two or more rotating beacons and a feedback based control system adapted to sense an angular position of each of the two or more rotating beacons and generate two or more digitally controlled currents, each of the two or more digitally controlled currents conducted to an associated rotating beacon, the two or more digitally controlled currents driving and controlling the angular speed of each of the two or more rotating beacons to regulate a pre-selected phase relationship between multiple beacons.

Abstract: A discreet bed-wetting alarm comprising a controller, earpiece with earphone, and interconnecting cable. The controller comprises a clock/processor with timer, a display, a sound signal/tone generator, an amplifier programmed to provide an increase in sound volume level, a battery, and various input devices. A plurality of alarm time selections corresponding to known bed-wetting event times is subsequently made and a suitable alarm tone or tones is selected to awaken or alert the user. The discreet bed-wetting alarm controller and earphone may be incorporated into the earpiece for further discretion. Alternate embodiments include a vibrating alarm and/or a flashing light alarm.

Abstract: An illuminated sign is for traffic control, in particular for road traffic, and includes light sources for generation of the sign and a monitoring device for functional monitoring of the light source. The light sources are embodied as light diodes and the monitoring device is embodied as a device for the limited current loading of the light diodes. The functional monitoring of said sign can be achieved with reasonable technical requirements in both the deactivated and activated state thereof.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling activation of a warning system includes a sensor module locally coupled to the warning system for sensing and controlling a flashing light of the warning system, a transceiver responsive to a microcontroller, and a power line interface for interfacing between the transceiver and the power line servicing the warning system. The sensor module includes a sensor arranged for sensing the flashing light, the microcontroller coupled to the sensor, and a power supply for providing power to the sensor module.

Abstract: An apparatus and concomitant method of reducing the number of synchronization pulses transmitted to the alarm units for increasing the reliability of the overall alarm system is disclosed. The synchronization signal is implemented as a reference or reset signal from which the alarm units derive a reference time to begin activation of the alarm units. Thus, when an alarm unit receives a reference synchronization pulse, the alarm unit applies the reference synchronization pulse as a reference point in time to trigger a series of flashes or audio tones. A second signal sent in close proximity to the synchronization signal is implemented to trigger a second function of the alarm units, such as a silence function.

Abstract: An exit path indicating device incorporates at least a first port for receiving an alarm indicating signal. In normal operation upon receipt of the alarm indicating signal, the device outputs a visual or an audible, or both, indicator of the presence of an exit or egress path for use in evacuating the region. A second port disables the operation of the device. The second port can be coupled to a local sensor which provides an indication of a hazardous or alarm condition adjacent to or on the exit or egress path. If the sensor is indicating the presence of a hazardous or alarm condition, the indicating device can be disabled.

Abstract: A controller generates a signal to control network activity-indicator devices based upon activity-level information provided by the central processing unit of a network component. This shifts the significant burden of controlling the indicator device from the central processing unit to the controller. The activity indicator-flashing pattern may change non-linearly relative to changes in the activity level to improve the quality of the information provided to network administrators. In addition, the flashing may also be randomized to provide a perception of actual network traffic patterns, and to reduce any appearance of correlated or synchronized flashing when multiple activity indicators are displayed.

Abstract: Left and right lamps or rear are connected to a stop lamp switch or a turn signal switch by left and right relays. When the turn signal switch is made ON to left and an intermittent signal is inputted from a flasher unit, a left relay is made ON by an output of a left integrating circuit and a left lamp is flashed in accordance with the intermittent signal. During the time period, an NAND circuit for inputting the intermittent signal is made H. Since a right relay is made OFF, when the stop lamp switch is made ON, a right lamp is continuously lighted. Thereafter, when the turn signal switch is made OFF, the NAND circuit is made L and the left relay is made OFF by rapidly discharging the left integrating circuit. Thereby, also the left lamp is shifted to light continuously without delay.

Abstract: A jumper, by its insertion at a particular position of a circuit board, selects one of plural strobe intensities. The jumper includes a flag listing available strobe intensity values. The flag is seated in a pocket when the jumper is inserted onto the circuit board, one face of said pocket comprising a viewing slot. The selected strobe intensity value on the jumper flag is observable through the viewing slot during normal operation of the visual notification appliance.