Abstract: The invention relates to a seismic warning system comprising of two or more sensors for detecting shock signals and electronic signal processing elements for processing and analyzing said signals. According to the invention, the system has at least two detection units, each comprising a shock sensor and electronic signal processing elements. The signal processing elements of each detection unit are configured in such a way that they detect the primary waves of earthquakes using the signals of the shock sensors. The detection units are interconnected via an electronic data bus.

Abstract: Security systems typically communicate with alarm monitoring centers using a telephone connection. Security systems will check in with the alarm monitoring center with a diagnostic signal at a predetermined interval—typically once per day. When a security system is connected to a Voice-over-IP service (using Broadband Internet), rather than a standard telephone line, the opportunity exists to poll in real-time the status of the connection, and alert the owner (or alert the alarm monitoring center) that the customer's connection has been broken. The present invention offers a system and technique for monitoring a security system connected using a Voice-over-IP connection, in real time, and alerting the owner of the security system, or the alarm-monitoring center, when the connection is broken. This alert can be used, for example, to issue a telephone call to the police, informing them of the breach of line integrity and possible compromise of the premise.

Abstract: The thermal detection and visual alarm unit includes a plurality of first expansion thermal detectors (17) with normally closed contacts that are connected in series with a first lamp (15) to form a first two-terminal circuit (21, 23), a plurality of second expansion thermal detectors (18) with normally open contacts connected in parallel, a second lamp (16) connected in series with the second thermal detectors to form a second two-terminal circuit (22, 24), the first and second thermal detectors forming a plurality of cells (19) each combining a first detector and a second detector having respective contact-opening or contact-closing temperatures that are substantially equal, each of the first and second two-terminal circuits being arranged for connection to the terminals of an electrical power supply (12).

Abstract: An approach for alarm reporting is provided. An alarm from a first alarm feed and an alarm from a second alarm feed are received. A merged alarm is generated to provide a consistent view of an event corresponding to the alarm from the first alarm feed and the alarm from the second alarm feed. The merged alarm is stored for retrieval by a reporting system.

Abstract: A vehicle customizing system is highly reliable in the event of communication failures. For setting control characteristic values pertaining to functions of control units to control characteristic values favored by the user, the functions and the present control characteristic values set for the functions are displayed on a display unit. The control characteristic values, which are changed using the display unit, are stored in first function information tables of the control units, which directly perform the functions. Even in the event of a communication failure, the control units are capable, on their own, of controlled objects in order to perform the functions thereof based on the control characteristic values stored in the first function information tables.

Abstract: A vehicle control module for controlling an actuator unit in response to an input having a first processor, a first communication link coupled to the first processor, and a second processor coupled to the first processor via the first communication link. The first processor is configured to generate a first value based on the input, transmit the first value to the actuator unit, and receive a second value from the actuator unit based on a data received by the actuator unit from the first processor. The first communication link is configured to transfer the input and the second value to the second processor. The second processor is configured to determine a third value based on the input, and verify the first value based on a comparison of the second value with the third value.

Abstract: A theft deterrent device allows a customer to handle an item of merchandise to which the device is connected. The device is configured to protect items of merchandise having first and second pieces each of which are sufficiently valuable to warrant such protection. The device includes a base mountable on a support structure, an audible alarm, first and second connectors which attach respectively to the first and second pieces of the item of merchandise, lanyards for connecting the base to the first and second connectors and a removal sensor for sensing removal of one or both of connectors from the first and second pieces of the item of merchandise so that the alarm is activated when the connector or connectors are removed from the item of merchandise. The lanyards provide electrical communication between the alarm and the connectors, which may include plunger switches which serve as removal sensors.

Abstract: A network communication device is provided, comprising a control processor for controlling operation of the device, a reset module which is controllable independently of the control processor for performing a reset operation of the device, and a reset control interface for receiving a reset signal, the reset module being responsive to the reset signal for performing the reset operation. A monitor is provided for monitoring the status of the control processor and an interface is adapted to transmit information relating to the monitored status from the device. A second, inactive device is provided to protect the communication device in the event of a control fault which renders the communication device unreachable. The protection device includes a reset interface for transmitting a reset signal to the reset module to enable the communication device to release activity.

Abstract: A system for protecting a plurality of networked security devices is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of connectors, a plurality of security containers coupled together by the plurality of connectors, and a plurality of sensors, whereby at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors is disposed in at least one security container of the plurality of security containers, and the plurality of sensors are adapted to detect a threat to each security container of the plurality of security containers. The system also includes a plurality of monitoring devices, whereby each monitoring device of the plurality of monitoring devices is coupled to at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors, and the plurality of monitoring devices are adapted to monitor the plurality of sensors and activate protective measures in response to at least one detected threat.

Abstract: A safety device includes a safety module (11), a data bus (12) and one or several transmitters (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20). The safety module transmits a pulse train (one dynamic signal) over the bus (12) constituting a loop, whereby the pulse train is connected to each of the transmitters, wherein the pulse is phase inverted.

Abstract: A notification appliance and an alarm system are provided. The notification appliance comprises an alarm indicator and a control module, which is configured to perform notification applications by turning on/off the alarm indicator. The control module receives at least one of command instructions and notification signals, and directs the operation of the alarm indicator based on the command instructions and notification signals. The power condition of the notification appliance within the alarm system may be determined by comparing the notification signal and a predefined operating range for the notification signal. A fault indicator indicates a relationship between the notification signal and the predefined operating range.

Abstract: A method for verifying operation of notification appliances on a notification appliance network during low input voltage conditions is provided. An output voltage is supplied to a network and is measured at a control panel. An input parameter is measured at a notification appliance connected to the network. A supply line impedance is calculated for the notification appliance based on at least one of the output voltage and the input parameter. At least one of the supply line impedance, the output voltage and the input parameter are used to determine a pass/fail condition for the notification appliance during a low voltage condition.

Abstract: A method of operating a security system includes providing a plurality of sensors, and detecting at least one event with the sensors. A decision whether to initiate an alarm signal is dependent upon the detecting by each of the sensors, which of the sensors has detected the at least one event, and what nonzero number of times a first of the sensors has detected the at least one event.

Abstract: A monitoring system having a plurality of receivers connected to at least one other receiver such that data can be transmitted from a primary receiver to a backup receiver if a data path to an automation computer or to its printer is down. The system programs a primary data path and at least one backup data path. The system detects an error in the primary data path and determines if a backup receiver's data path is operational. The system automatically transmits data received by a primary receiver to a pre-selected backup receiver based upon an error flag. This allows for each receiver to process calls even though its primary path to the automation system or printer is down or malfunctioning.

Abstract: A field device for use in an industrial process control or monitoring system includes terminals configured to connect to a two-wire process control loop. The loop carries data and provides power to the field device. RF circuitry in the field device is provided for radio frequency communication. A power supply powers the RF circuitry using power received from the two-wire process control loop.

Abstract: A process device for use in a process control system includes output circuitry configured to couple to a process control loop. The output circuitry controls electrical current through the loop. Loop override circuitry is configured to override operation of the output circuitry and set the electrical current in the loop to a desired level.

Abstract: An integrated video distribution system for distributing video signals from a plurality of sources. The system includes a digitizer arrangement arranged to receive analog video signals from a plurality of video sources. The analog video signals are digitized in YCrCb video format and converted to streams of digital video data. The video data is multiplexed and transmitted on a digital video bus having a plurality of video channels. In one embodiment, the digitizers and video bus are integrated with a backplane arrangement that includes expansion slots for a plurality of terminal controllers. The expansion slots provide connections to the video bus. Each terminal controller mounted on the backplane arrangement can be coupled to a display terminal and an input device. The terminal controller selects one or more of the input streams of video data in response to control signals from the input device and converts the selected video data to an analog video signal for output to a display terminal.

Abstract: A system for detecting the occurrence of anomalies, includes a plurality of spaced apart nodes, with each node having adjacent nodes, each of the nodes having one or more sensors associated with the node and capable of detecting anomalies, and each of the nodes having a controller connected to the sensors associated with the node. The system also includes communication links between adjacent nodes, whereby the nodes form a network. Each controller is programmed to query its adjacent nodes to assess the status of the adjacent nodes and the communication links.

Abstract: An emergency information terminal includes two power supply circuits supplying power to the internal circuits including a controller. If one of the power supply circuits fails, the other power supply circuit supply power, and the operation of the terminal is maintained. Even in case of emergency such as traffic accident or sickness, an emergency call can be notified. Further, the controller detects a trouble in the power supply circuit, and informs the user of the trouble.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a simplified control/hook-up circuit for intrusion detection devices that reduces the overall number of wires and attendant connections necessary between the control panel box and the terminals of the detector. This simplified design operates as efficiently as present intrusion device designs, while decreasing device hook-up time for field technicians and providing less opportunity for user error.

Abstract: A system for detecting the occurrence of anomalies, includes a plurality of spaced apart nodes, with each node having adjacent nodes, each of the nodes having one or more sensors associated with the node and capable of detecting anomalies, and each of the nodes having a controller connected to the sensors associated with the node. The system also includes communication links between adjacent nodes, whereby the nodes form a network. Each controller is programmed to query its adjacent nodes to assess the status of the adjacent nodes and the communication links.

Abstract: A fail-safe electrical control system in the form of a sensor loop (24) is provided. The sensor loop (24) includes any number of sensor units (22) coupled in series. Each sensor unit (22) includes a local power source (26), a local sensor (14), and a local indicator controller (30). The local power source (26), local sensor (14), and local indicator controller (30) are coupled in series within the sensor unit (22) and the sensor loop (24) to form a closed circuit (40) that does not require a central controller or the performance of loop configuration activities. The local power sources (26) distributed throughout the sensor loop (24) within the sensor units (22) are all isolated from the earth. In one preferred embodiment, the sensor loop (24) controls the movement of solar collectors (12) into wind stow positions when high wind (16) conditions occur.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, means, and computer program code for muting or disabling audible alarms or alerts during a conference or collaboration event are provided. During the conference or collaboration event, users may participate in the conference via user or client devices (e.g., computers) that are connected to or in communication with a server or collaboration system. A server, collaboration system or other device or application detects the setting of a mute alarm preference regarding one or more users. This may occur prior to a conference or during the conference. The server, collaboration system or other device then may cause the appropriate muting to occur at the appropriate or desired client devices and/or disable or mute audible alarms at one or more of the client devices (120a, 120n, 122a, 122n).

Abstract: A system and method for constructing a security system for a building using at least one RFID reader to communicate with at least one RFID transponder to provide the radio link between each of a number of openings and a controller capable of causing an alert in the event of an intrusion. The RFID transponder is connected to an intrusion sensor. The controller preferably communicates with the RFID reader using a power line communications protocol. The RFID transponder can contain a battery. The RFID reader contains means for transferring power to an RFID transponder for the purpose of charging any battery. The security system can contain more than one controller, whereby the RFID reader can communicate with more than one controller.

Abstract: Manufacturing techniques are described for forming electrical components. For example, a layer of a metal powder composition is deposited onto at least a portion of a substrate. Pressure is applied to the metal powder composition by hydraulic press that has one or more projections in order to capture a pattern on the substrate. The metal powder composition compressed by the projections of the hydraulic press adhere to the substrate to form the captured pattern. The metal powder composition in regions not compressed by the projections of hydraulic press do not adhere to the substrate and may be removed. The metal powder composition may be compressed to form electrical components, such as antennae, capacitor plates, conduction pads and the like, for use in an electronic surveillance system (EAS), a radio frequency identification (RFID) system, or the like.

Abstract: A software driven, audible output control module can carry out bi-directional communications with an alarm system using the same common link as is used by ambient condition detectors, such as smoke or gas detectors. The audible control module can store characteristics of a plurality of predetermined outputs. The system control can download an audible output originating command. Alternately, such information from detectors can be directly read off the link by the respective modules.

Abstract: Manufacturing techniques are described for forming electrical components. For example, a layer of a metal powder composition is deposited onto at least a portion of a substrate. Pressure is applied to the metal powder composition by hydraulic press that has one or more projections in order to capture a pattern on the substrate. The metal powder composition compressed by the projections of the hydraulic press adhere to the substrate to form the captured pattern. The metal powder composition in regions not compressed by the projections of hydraulic press do not adhere to the substrate and may be removed. The metal powder composition may be compressed to form electrical components, such as antennae, capacitor plates, conduction pads and the like, for use in an electronic surveillance system (EAS), a radio frequency identification (RFID) system, or the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for activating smoke detector alarms within a house. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of smoke detectors dispersed among a plurality of locations within the house, detecting smoke within a first smoke detector of the plurality of smoke detectors, transmitting a radio frequency signal from the first smoke detector to a second smoke detector of the plurality of smoke detectors upon detection of smoke by the first smoke detector and activating an alarm within the second smoke detector upon detection of the radio frequency signal from the first smoke detector.

Abstract: A circuit monitoring system for performing synchronized waveform capture. A waveform capture trigger communication network interconnects a plurality of monitoring devices. The system provides direct device to device trigger communication between monitoring devices in a synchronized group. Power system waveform data is stored in the monitoring device memory of all members of the synchronized group in response to a trigger event initiated by any monitoring device in the synchronized group. High speed trigger communication results in substantially simultaneous waveform capture among the members of the synchronized group.

Abstract: A distributed residential alarm system and method provides protection of occupants and property from loss due to theft or hazardous conditions in the residence such as fire or flooding. The alarm system includes multiple alert detectors coupled via a wireless connection to multiple control units each capable of providing master control functions. The control units and detectors communicate with the detectors and each other via a token-passing scheme, whereby unit pairs may be located within the distance limitations of each nodal connection, thus providing coverage over a longer distance than would be possible with communication to a central unit. The system also provides modularity and scalability in that sensors may be easily added to the system and the system is not dependent on any one of the control units in order to function.

Abstract: A Self Contained Re-breathing apparatus with a single bank of oxygen sensors for signaling oxygen contact back to a display and oxygen valve control, where the signal is set via two identical and independent sets of signal control circuitry which are interconnected in a primary and secondary relationship. The primary circuitry controlling the valve and the secondary circuitry sending a signal to a display, wherein the two identical and independent sets of circuitry can perform each role and serve to confirm the satisfactory operation of a master signal processing circuit.

Abstract: A security system comprising a control panel and a plurality of individually-addressable security system modules connected to the control panel on a loop data bus. Each of the security system modules has a reference generating means for generating a variable reference voltage signal, which is controlled by control data received from the control panel. Each module also has means for selecting a loop input signal for analysis from a plurality of available loop input signals, and comparing means for comparing the selected loop input signal to the reference voltage signal. The comparing means generates an output signal when the selected loop input signal exceeds the reference voltage signal. The modules also have means for indicating to the control panel via the loop data bus the state of the reference generating means when the comparing means generates an output signal, whereby the control panel can determine the value of the selected loop input signal.

Abstract: A controlled system comprises a plurality of peripheral operating devices connected to an electrical power supply. Each of a plurality of local controllers is mounted near an associated peripheral operating device, and is connected in series with the power supply to the associated peripheral. Each of a plurality of sensors is connected to a local controller and is operative to send sensor information to the connected local controller. An interface is operative to enable each local controller to communicate with each other local controller. Each local controller is operative to receive information from a connected sensor and from other local controllers, send information from the connected sensor to other local controllers, and control power to the associated peripheral operating device in response to information received from the connected sensor or other local controllers.

Abstract: In a fire alarm system, a plurality of terminal equipments are connected to a control panel. A memory is provided with each terminal equipment, which stores characteristic data indicating characteristics of the associated terminal equipment. The control panel establishes an initial configuration of each terminal equipment based on the characteristic data transmitted from the respective terminal equipments.

Abstract: A main controller for controlling an emergency informing terminal, and a sub controller for controlling communications with an external device are provided. The main controller and sub controller have microcomputers, and the main controller and sub controller monitor the operation of each other. If the other is abnormal, a reset signal is issued to initialize it, and if still abnormal, the history of abnormality is recorded, and the abnormality is informed to the user by means of sound or light. The power source device of this emergency informing terminal has a function of cutting off power supply to the emergency informing terminal when overheat or overcurrent occurs in the auxiliary battery which operate when supply from the main battery is interrupted, and if overheat or voltage drop occurs due to short circuit of the auxiliary battery or other trouble, power supply into the emergency informing terminal is cut off, so that spread of damage may be avoided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing a series of interconnected alarm devices. The alarm device detecting an alarm condition produces a signal having a distinct rising edge which is detected at each of the remaining alarm devices. A pulsed alarm signal having a fixed number of pulses is generated at each remaining device in response to the rising edge. A reset signal from the alarm device detecting the alarm condition resets each of the remaining alarm devices after each fixed number of pulses is produced so that each of said devices has a pulsed alarm signal which begins and ends at substantially the same time.

Abstract: A supervisable multi-processor communication system includes circuitry and executable instructions for evaluating the communication capability of a plurality of branches in the system. Branches which exhibit a non-communicating condition, such as an open circuit can be identified. By conducting communications with electrical units on identified branches, the location of an open circuit, relative to one of the electrical units can be established.

Abstract: The present invention provides a smart wireless fire site notifying device, which comprises a plurality of fire sensors, a plurality of route indicators, and at least a remote control master. The fire sensor gives an alarm and outputs a wireless alarming signal to other fire sensors when detecting abnormal situations. The route indicator receives the wireless alarming signal, discriminates the signal, and determines and displays the fire site and the best escape route. The remote control master sets the address serial code of each fire sensor and mutual learning of digital codes of the fire sensors and the route indicators to let them receive the wireless alarming signal simultaneously. The present invention not only has learning and regular self testing functions, it can also inform the users of the fire site and situation and the best escape direction and route to exactly ensure their properties and safety.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing a series of interconnected alarm devices. The alarm device detecting an alarm condition produces a signal having a distinct rising edge which is detected at each of the remaining alarm devices. A pulsed alarm signal having a fixed number of pulses is generated at each of said remaining devices in response to the rising edge. A reset signal from the alarm device detecting the alarm condition resets each of the remaining alarm devices after each fixed number of pulses is produced so that each of said devices has a pulsed alarm signal which begins and ends at substantially the same time.

Abstract: For the safe evaluation of sensor signals, singular further processing is permitted by producing a redundancy signal in accordance with a prescribed algorithm when the sensor signals are actually generated. The redundant single-channel nature is made possible by virtue of safety-conforming data processing and data transmission being carried out on a single channel by virtue of a downstream processing device deriving dual-channel signals therefrom, by reversing the algorithm, and testing them for plausibility by reciprocal result comparison.

Abstract: A multi-function detector has at least two different sensors coupled to a control circuit. In a normal operating mode the control circuit, which could include a programmed processor, processes outputs from both sensors to evaluate if a predetermined condition is present in the environment adjacent to the detector. In this mode the detector exhibits a predetermined sensitivity. In response to a failure of one of the sensors, the control circuit processes the output of the remaining operational sensor or sensors so that the detector will continue to evaluate the condition of the environment with substantially the same sensitivity.

Abstract: An alerting system for fire stations utilizes programmable message centers, zone-coded lighting and audio modules to alert only selected personnel for a particular type of emergency, i.e. fire, medical, etc. to decrease response time while reducing stress to remaining personnel who need not be alerted. Related features include night vision lighting, low level lighting, remote sensing and activation of station doors, ceiling mounted lighting signals, bed proximity audio alerts, automatic control of Emergency Response Facility audio sources and daisy-chain Ethernet cabling for simple installation.

Abstract: A fire alarm system provided with a fire receiver (1) to which a plurality of fire sensors and controlled apparatuses are connected. The fire receiver (1) comprises a LAN interface (11) for connecting with other fire receivers, transmits the fire information over the LAN together with a group number set in advance when a fire sensor issues an alarm, and displays (12) only the fire information of the same group number when the fire receiver receives fire information transmitted from the other fire receivers via the LAN. Thus, even if a plurality of fire receivers are used in a large building divided into ridge sections, fire information can be shared without causing disorder.

Abstract: In a railway information transmission method and system wherein information is transmitted by a consecutive transmission mode between on-vehicle control equipment and ground control equipment, a redundant code which is updated in accordance with a predetermined procedure every transmission processing is affixed to information to-be-communicated, the information being then transmitted, and on a reception side, a logical operation is performed on the redundant code which is contained in the received information and a redundant code which is created on this side and which is updated in a predetermined procedure. Thus, the trouble of a transmission path can be simply found, and further, the safety. of train service based on an automatic train control or the like can be enhanced.

Abstract: A process fluid temperature transmitter includes circuitry that improves compensation of error due to the presence of one or more non-associated voltage sources in a resistance temperature device (RTD) circuit. A method of compensating for such error is also provided.

Abstract: A switch status monitoring system (10) includes a switch signal processor (16) that operates in either of a supervised mode or an unsupervised mode for each monitored switch (12). Selection of the operating mode is made via configuration data provided to the switch signal processor, for example, from an applications processor (20). In this manner, reconfiguration of the mode of monitoring, supervised or unsupervised, of any particular switch within a system is accomplished by providing revised configuration data and without changes or modifications to the switch signal processor hardware. As will be appreciated, the present invention has application in for example door or window monitoring systems and in other similar security system applications.

Abstract: The 4 mA-20 mA type or 0-20 mA type current loop connects an analog sensor (1) to an acquisition system (3), respectively carrying a sensor current (Ic) and an acquisition current (Ia). A test circuit is connected in parallel with the current loop to inject a superposition current (Is) into said loop, which current is superposed on the sensor current (Ic) or on the acquisition current (Ia). In a first embodiment, a variable voltage generator (7) injects the superposition current (Is) by adding it to the acquisition current (Ia), thereby making it possible to check a low-current threshold of the acquisition system (3). In a second embodiment, a variable current regulator injects the superposition current (Is) by adding it to the sensor current (Ic), thereby making it possible to check a high-current threshold of the acquisition system. The high- and low-current thresholds of the acquisition system are tested without opening the current loop.

Abstract: A monitoring system in an alarm apparatus includes a central panel for controlling operation of the alarm apparatus, first and second terminals, the second terminal including a communication device, such as a microcontroller, to communicate with the central panel. A communication link comprising fiber-optic cables is further provided to connect the first and second terminals. The first terminal includes a signaling device to signal to the communication device when there is a break in the communication link. Responsive to the signal, the communication device signals to the central panel that there is a break in the communication link. In accordance with other aspects of the present invention, a plurality of intelligent peripherals, such as detectors and audible and visual alarms, are connected and controlled by the central panel via the fiber-optic cables.

Abstract: A signalling device applies a pulsating signal to supply lines when a head is removed from a base. A monitoring system includes a plurality of such signalling devices and is responsive to the pulsating signal to indicate the absence of a head from its base. When a pulsating signal is already on the supply lines, its waveform is preserved independently of the number of heads removed from respective bases. A timer is triggered either to ensure synchronisation of pulsating signals generated by two or more bases, or to prevent any second base from generating a pulsating signal, if a first base is already generating one. The timer can be an oscillator where a capacitor is prematurely discharged by a pulsating signal already present on the supply lines. The base can include additional means for inhibiting the pulsating signal when a voltage applied to the signalling device either exceeds a predetermined threshold, or changes in polarity, or both.

Abstract: A multi-processor communication system includes a plurality of processors in bidirectional communication with one another. One processor can transmit a message to an intended recipient. The message can be correctly received by other processors. In the event that the intended processor does not correctly receive the message and transmits a failure indicating message, the other processors, upon detection of the failure will retransmit the message. Ambient condition sensors can be coupled to some of the processors.