Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a positive indication at a central monitoring station of a personal emergency response system that a responder has arrived at a subscriber's location and has taken responsibility for the subscriber's aid.

Abstract: A fluid status detection system includes a plurality of probes connected to a controller. The controller includes a microprocessor, a digital memory, relays, and progammed so that selected alarm and relay latching conditions may be stored, and alarms activated and relays latched according to the alarm and latching conditions. The microprocessor is programmed to provide an alarm acknowledgement signal upon the alarm being acknowledged. An operator may select one or more release conditions individually for each relay from a plurality of possible relay release conditions and store the conditions in the memory. The possible relay release conditions include: the condition that the probe signal indicates that the event that caused the alarm has cleared; the condition that the alarm acknowledgment signal has been provided; the condition that the probe signal indicates that the event that caused the alarm has cleared and the the alarm acknowledgment signal has been provided.

Abstract: A novel system for use in remotely starting a motor vehicle and operating vehicle accessories includes a remote unit having a digital controller which provides encoded digital command signals and a vehicle unit which receives the digital command signals and controllably operates the vehicle's engine and accessories in dependence thereon. The system is characterized by a frequency shift keying method of signal transmission which is highly reliable and not burdened by known carrier on, carrier off techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically suppressing the audible arm and disarm signal associated with an automobile anti-theft system includes a control circuit connected between an anti-theft system and its sound emitter. A photoresistor cell is connected to the control circuit to indicate whether the light level is above or below a threshold level, e.g. to distinguish day from night. In the day, the control circuit is bypassed and the system functions normally. At night, the control circuit suppresses the system signal for a short interval, e.g. two seconds, to eliminate the audible arm and disarm signal. The short suppression interval does not significantly interfere with an intruder alarm signal.

Abstract: An alarm system includes a controller and a plurality of transponders having different addresses. Certain of the transponders include switch means for monitoring conditions, and latch circuits to retain memory of the switch conditions. The controller includes means for positive recognition of a latched alarm or trouble condition in any transponder, before the clear-alarm signal or clear-trouble signal is sent from the controller to restore the alarm circuits to their original states. This insures that an alarm or trouble condition at a transponder is not "missed" by inadvertent clearing before a positive recognition is registered in the controller.

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 temperature alarm includes a thermostat for actuating an audible alarm, a control panel-mounted LED and a circuit board-mounted LED. The audible alarm, once actuated by the thermostat, can be temporarily disabled by the user by actuating a disable timer connected to the audible alarm. After a period of time the timer times out to return control of the audible alarm to the thermostat. The panel LED is illuminated continuously while the chosen temperature value is exceeded. The circuit board LED is mounted to a circuit board within the equipment housing. Once illuminated by the thermostat, the circuit board LED remains actuated regardless of the temperature to provide an indication to a service technician that the chosen temperature was exceeded since the last servicing. The circuit board-LED, coupled to a latching relay also mounted to the circuit board, is extinguished by manually resetting the latching relay.

Abstract: An acknowledge back (ack-back) pager is provided for receiving paging signals from a central paging station. The central paging station transmits a group of message signals to a group of ack-back pagers which are addressed as a group. The users of the group of addressed ack-back pagers indicate a response to their respective pagers thus providing ack-back data. The pagers in the group of addressed ack-back pagers then simultaneously transmit back to the central station their ack-back data on different frequency sub-bands, a different frequency sub-band being dynamically allocated to each of the pagers in the group. Each ack-back pager determines whether the paging signals received thereby exhibits a signal level less than a predetermined threshold level. If the paging signals received by a particular ack-back pager exhibit a signal level less than such predetermined threshold level, then the pager transmits back to the central station at a first output power level.

Abstract: A measured data pass-fail discriminating apparatus comprising a digital display type measuring instrument (1) and a data discriminating device (2) for discriminating pass or fail of measured data inputted from the measuring instrument (2). In the data discriminating device (2), the upper limit value (HH) and the lower limit value (LL) are set, and the upper limit preview value (H) and the lower limit preview value (L) are set closer to reference values than the upper limit value (HH) and lower limit value (LL). An alarm signal is given when the measured data having the same number as the preset judging frequency (Jl) continuously lies in ranges between the upper limit preview value (H) and the upper limit value (HH) and between the lower preview value (L) and the lower limit value (LL), or when the measured data exceed the upper limit value (H) and the lower limit value (L).

Abstract: A multiplexing method for an alarm system is disclosed in which a plurality of transponders connected in parallel by a pair of wires each monitors an opening and responds to a synchronizing signal after a preprogrammed time delay corresponding to the particular transponder if the opening it is monitoring is secured.

Abstract: A radar warning receiver for detecting and analyzing radar signals comprises a plurality of RF heads each tuned to a predetermined frequency band and connected to an antenna covering a preselected sector of reception of radar signals. Each of the heads includes a frequency converter converting the received signals to a common frequency base-band and producing an output signal in the base-band corresponding to the signal received by its antenna.

Abstract: An alarm monitoring system which simultaneously provides a bright alarm light and audible alarm upon the occurrence of an abnormal condition in a function being monitored. The alarm light is reduced to a dim illumination upon acknowledging of the alarm condition by the operator and the audible alarm is also deactivated. The dimmed alarm indication reduces detrimental effect of night vision while maintaining notice of an abnormal condition. Upon acknowledging the alarm condition, an electro-mechanical relay having two normally closed contacts and one normally opened contact is energized to redirect current flow to the alarm indicator lamp through a resistor and cause the dimmed illumination of the indicator lamp. A plurality of alarm indicator circuits are connected in parallel and have diodes connected in the circuitry to prevent electrical feedback in the system from causing false alarm indications in the corresponding alarm circuits.

Abstract: An alarm system for monitoring alarm conditions and for generating alert signals responsive thereto. The alarm system includes alarm signal processing circuitry for generating signals responsive to alarm conditions, control circuitry coupled to both transmitter and receiver control circuitry which are in turn coupled to a plurality of transceivers located about a selected site. Message control coupled to a recorded audio message unit transmits selected messages, via the transceivers, to portable remote units. Remote personnel respond to signals or messages from the alarm system by means of a portable radio with a built in keyboard In the event that an appropriate response is not received by the control system, dialer control circuitry places a phone call to a predetermined assistance seeking number and a prerecorded message from the message unit states the alarm condition and location.

Abstract: In a data message communication system, certain messages require a return acknowledgement signal. The present invention contemplates a method and means which are activated whenever an outbound message is received. Each portable unit which receives a message then monitors the outbound communication channel to determine if the inhibit signal is currently active. If the inhibit is not currently active, the particular unit will transmit its acknowledgement message immediately. If the inhibit signal is active, each portable unit will maintain a count of the number of outbound messages, addressed to other units requiring an acknowledgement, since that particular portable received its message. At the termination of the inhibit signal, each portable unit will pause for a period equivalent to the product of the acknowledgement message time slot multiplied by count of messages accumulated since the receipt of the particular portable units message.

Abstract: An alarm actuated emergency light signalling circuit to replace the usual wall mounted light switch. The new switch circuit fits within the electrical wall box and has the external appearance and manual operation of an ordinary light switch. When triggered by an alarm system, the new light signalling circuit overrides the circuit breaking function of the light switch and causes the lighting controlled by the switch to flash intermittently. The flashing of the lighting occurs regardless of the initial state of the light switch, whether on or off. The circuit includes a low voltage portion driven by the alarm and including sensing and timing circuitry. The low voltage circuit does not require or use any electric power when not actuated by the alarm. The alternating current power circuit for the lighting is operable in the conventional on/off fashion unless actuated by the alarm and low voltage circuit. Thus, there is no additional alarm position for the switch.

Abstract: A radar warning receiver is provided having an alarm indicator responsive to an electronic switch, the switch being activated and energizing the alarm in response to an alarm signal indicating the presence of a police radar signal, the switch being deactivated and de-energizing the alarm in response to a mute signal occurring during the occurrence of the alarm signal, the switch remaining deactivated until the alarm condition signal terminates and subsequently reoccurs.

Abstract: A salinity indicatory system useful to monitor variations in the salt content of water sources provides for the simultaneous monitoring of a plurality of test stations and the operation of automatic alarm and dumping means when salinity concentrations reach or exceed predetermined set points. The alarm and dump set points are capable of being set at different levels to provide for an indication of an approaching dump condition. The system includes temperature compensating networks having thermistors and associated resistor networks mounted inside the salinity cell to function both as temperature shaping resistors and electronic scaling resistors, thereby providing the system with multi-range capability. A summary fault alarm circuit allows all alarm conditions occurring with respect to any of a plurality of perimeters to be signaled through a single, summary fault relay.

Abstract: Detectors (11a-d) are located at a plurality of locations and include go, no-go decision processor apparatus for subjecting outputs of the detectors (11a-d) to a go, no-go decision process. First signal generator and transmitter apparatus (12a-d) are interconnected to said go, no-go decision processor apparatus for generating and transmitting signals responsive to the output of said go, no-go decision processor apparatus, the signals being transmitted in a wave form configured to maximize differentiation from noise and interference. First data receiver apparatus (13) receives the signals from said first signal generator and transmitter apparatus (12a-d) and includes wave form recognition apparatus. A reprogrammable central processor apparatus (14) is interconnected to the data receiver apparatus (13) for providing action outputs representative of one or more actions to be taken in response to one or more signals received from the first data receiver apparatus (13).

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for detecting the actuation of any of a plurality of security sensors at respective zones remotely spaced from a central control location and for displaying information representing the operating status of a zone whose sensor has been actuated. The apparatus comprises a control unit having a central processor and an input coupled to a transponder bus to which a plurality of remote transponders are connected, each transponder having a number of security sensors associated therewith. The control unit further includes a visual display having a first portion for displaying sequentially the identifying numbers assigned to the remote zones and a second portion for displaying the operating status of a zone whose identifying number is shown on the first portion of visual display. When a sensor is actuated at one of the zones, the central processor of the control unit causes the identifying number of the zone and the status of the zone to be displayed simultaneously.

Abstract: A test circuit for fire detection systems and the like is designed for use with detectors which bridge across a pair of lines. The detectors become conductive if a condition such as a fire is detected, or if a predetermined number of test pulses is applied to them. Test pulses are applied across the pair of lines. A relay is connected to one of the lines and, when latched, generates an alarm signal. A resistor is placed in series with the relay so the relay cannot latch even when one of the detectors has become conductive. A first circuit produces a confirmation signal when at least one of the detectors is conductive. This signal is delayed in an RC network. A second circuit shorts the resistor after the delayed confirmation signal is received, so that the relay can latch to generate the alarm signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous flow fractionation of whole blood incorporates motor driven whole blood, anti-coagulant and replacement pumps, negative and positive pressure monitors, and a dual bubble detector which function in conjunction with a disposable single-use flow system and a hollow fiber filter to separate and collect plasma from whole blood. Operation of the pump motors, pressure monitors and bubble detector is controlled by a control circuit within the apparatus to provide one of several operator-selected operating modes, including run, prime and reinfuse modes. The control circuit provides an alarm which can be cancelled by the operator when certain system parameters fall outside of normal operating limits, and interrupts operation of the pumps when the parameters exceed maximum limits. A failsafe circuit independent of the control circuits interrupts power to the pump motors in the event the motors do not stop upon detection of a bubble or fluid absence in the flow system.

Abstract: A radio receiver in a boat actuates a horn and a rotary strobe light when it receives an appropriate signal from a transmitter recessed in the handle of a ski rope. The actuation of the transmitter is controlled by a trigger on the handle.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the temperature of a plurality of bearings and motors, for example in a grain elevator, includes a plurality of sensors associated with the respective bearings and motors whose temperatures are to be monitored. A first circuit energizes a display for providing a readout of the temperature at each sensor location, and a second circuit compares the temperature at each sensor with a maximum desired temperature for its associated bearing or motor, and energizes an alarm when this desired maximum is exceeded. A third circuit drives a display indentifying the sensor being monitored by the first and second circuits. A malfunction detector circuit produces an observable indication in response to an open circuit condition at any of the sensors.

Abstract: A fail-safe acknowledging circuit having a plurality of relay switching contacts having a predetermined order of more restrictive significance. A differentiating circuit selectively interconnected by certain ones of the plurality of relay switching contacts for establishing a selected one of a plurality of charging potential levels from a d.c. voltage source. A latching circuit is conditioned by a holding voltage and is set by momentarily closure of an acknowledging switch to produce a.c. signals which are fed to one input of a two-input AND gate. A checking circuit monitors the voltage level of the d.c. voltage source and verifies the integrity of the differentiating circuit to produce a d.c. potential which is conveyed to the other input of the two-input AND gate.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring fire and effecting indication and control operations comprises a matrix monitoring signal line network comprising vertical lines and horizontal lines. A plurality of sensing blocks are connected between vertical lines and horizontal lines of the network. Each of the sensing blocks comprises a sensor connected to a power supply. A monitoring circuit having a switch controlled by the sensor and a diode of forward direction in series with the switch is connected between the respective vertical line and horizontal line of the network. An operating circuit connected in parallel with the monitoring circuit comprises a relay connected in series with a second diode of reverse direction. The horizontal lines and vertical lines of the network are sequentially scanned by a circuit including a counter and demultiplexer.

Abstract: An alarm system for transmitting alarm information via telephone lines has a plurality of alarm transmitters which are located at subscribers' premises and are adapted to transmit signals indicative of the state of alarms associated with the transmitters along telephone lines to associated receivers. The receivers are located at one or more local exchanges and the receivers at a local exchange are all connected to a local processor. The or each local processor is connected to a central processor which can direct alarm information to one of a number of terminal stations. The local processors continuously scan the outputs of the receivers. When a local processor detects a signal indicative of an alarm condition it transmits a signal coded with the subscriber identity and destination for the alarm information to the central processor which routes the alarm message to the appropriate terminal station.

Abstract: A confirmation sound generation system for developing a confirmation sound upon actuation of keys included in a key input means of an electronic apparatus. A determination means is provided for determining whether the presently conducted key input operation is effective. The determination means develops a determination output for activating said confirmation sound generation system only when an effective key input operation is conducted.

Abstract: In a remote alarm installation an alarm signal emitter device and a local selector switch are associated with local telephone junction points which are connected via respective telephone lines to a control room. The selector switch normally connects the local telephone junction point to its telephone line. When an alarm signal emitter device generates an alarm signal, this controls the selector switch in such a way that it connects, instead of the local telephone junction point, the output from the alarm signal emitter device to the telephone line so that the alarm signal is transmitted into the control room. Each alarm signal indicates the kind and place of the alarm and the information is reproduced in the control room. Each alarm signal emitter device contains a number of alarm signal emitters. All of the alarm signals are transmitted in the form of a combination of different frequencies from a generator, the frequency combinations being different from one another.

Abstract: For monitoring the supervisory current in a communications line between a power source and a protected premises which forms a security protection circuit, monitoring apparatus utilizes sensitive solid state circuitry which appears transparent to the protection circuit. An operational amplifier input circuit protects the circuitry against component damage due to lightning, inherently rejects common mode errors due to noise, transients, and varying power supply voltage, and had an adjustable offset for line length compensation and circuit standardization. Voltage comparator circuitry indicates by digital signals the supervisory current level. After the operator conditions the apparatus for an abnormal current level which has been signalled, a lamp which blinks at a discernable rate is used to serve as a reminder of this state.

Abstract: An improvement in fault detection and stop motion systems in which an electronic circuit is capable of sensing and displaying any one of a number of malfunctions on each of a plurality of parallel operating members on a machine and interrupting operation thereof upon detection of any such malfunction.

Abstract: A fail-safe solid-state acknowledging circuit for a cab signaling system requiring an acknowledgment after the reception of a more restrictive speed command signal employing a plurality of transistor latching circuits having a predetermined order of more restrictive significance. Each of the transistor latching circuits is coupled to one input of a separate two input OR gate while a separate a.c. transistor amplifier is coupled to the other input of each of the two input OR gates. The outputs of the OR gates along with an acknowledging switch controlled voltage are coupled to the inputs of a multiple input AND gate for normally holding the AND gate in a signal passing condition and for causing the AND gate to assume a signal blocking condition when a more restrictive speed command signal is received onboard a vehicle.

Abstract: A control circuit for an intrusion or other event responsive alarm device, generates an operating signal for the alarm device in response to a signal provided by a sensor. A plurality of such control circuits are ganged together, each receiving sensor signals from different sensors. The alarm device is a single unit which is responsive to the operating signal from each control circuit. The alarm device, once activated into its alarm mode by an operating signal, provides an alarm output signal to the control circuits. The control circuit which is providing the operating signal becomes latched off in response to the alarm output signal and does not respond to further sensor signals. The alarm system continues to respond to operating signals initiated by sensors associated with the rest of the control circuits. When the cause of the alarm has been resolved, the latched off control circuit is reset.

Abstract: A multi-mode intrusion alarm system having three different operating modes for providing different indications of present and past occurrence of alarm signals from a plurality of sensors. The different modes allow determination of which sensor produced the alarm signal, investigation of the protected area after occurrence of an alarm signal without disturbing such determination and resetting of the system. The system can include circuitry for automatic mode selection and for providing a warning when the system has not been properly reset.