Abstract: A diagnostic system in which, at every point in time, a forecast is made of the future response times of each EPP (End-to-end Probe Platform) probe in a battery of probes. Thresholds are established in terms of the distribution of future EPP values. The theory of Generalized Additive Models is used to build a predictive model based on a combination of a) data normally generated by network nodes, b) results of a battery of probes and c) profile curves reflecting expected response times (i.e. based on recent history) corresponding to this battery for various times of day, days of week, month of year, etc. The model is pre-computed, and does not have to be dynamically adjusted. The model produces, at regular intervals, forecasts for outcomes of various EPP probes for various horizons of interest; also, it produces thresholds for the respective forecasts based on a number of factors, including acceptable rate of false alarms, forecast variance and EPP values that are expected based on the recorded history.

Abstract: A safety device is provided that can be connected with a technical device and an associated emergency activation apparatus. The safety device includes a rail. The rail and emergency activation apparatus are fashioned such that the emergency activation apparatus can be attached to the rail and be shifted thereon. A test signal can be output by the rail that can be received by an emergency activation apparatus attached thereto independent of its shift position. A response signal can be output by the emergency activation apparatus that can be received by the rail independent of the shift position emergency activation apparatus. The safety device is fashioned such that a signal can be emitted to the technical device dependent on the receipt of the response signal. Via the signal, an emergency measure can be triggered, for example an emergency disconnection of the technical device such as an E-stop or, respectively, dead-man's function.

Abstract: An emergency shutdown test system, wherein the emergency shutdown test system includes an emergency shutdown device controller and sensors to provide data to the controller, the controller having a processor, a memory coupled to the processor and an auxiliary input, wherein an emergency shutdown test is stored in the memory, and the auxiliary input is adapted to receive a binary signal and sensor data. Routines are stored in the memory and are adapted to be executed on the processor to cause the emergency shutdown test to be performed in response to the receipt of the binary signal at the auxiliary input and to cause sensor data to be recorded in the memory during the emergency shutdown test.

Abstract: A method of intermittently disabling the generation of an alarm signal by a plurality of interconnected adverse condition detectors during a temporary alarm locate period such that the adverse condition detector actually detecting the adverse condition can be identified. In an interconnected system of adverse condition detectors, all of the detectors generate an alarm signal when any of the detectors is sensing an adverse condition. When the test switch on any of the detectors not actually sensing the adverse condition is actuated, the alarm signal is inhibited on all of the detectors except the detector actually sensing the adverse condition. The alarm signal is inhibited for a majority of the alarm locate period and allowed to activate for only portions of the alarm locate period.

Abstract: A method is presented for glide testing a disk which tests the glide head fly-height by inducing a collision between the glide head and a disk under test. The glide test system is initially calibrated using calibration disks. The method of the invention periodically tests the calibration without interrupting the production testing by lowering the rotation rate until the glide head collides with the rotating disk surface. The rotation rate at which the collision occurs is then compared with the value expected based on knowledge of disk samples and the initial calibration. Parameters for acceptable high and low values are established to detect changes in the glide test system performance to trigger automatic or manual recalibration.

Abstract: Newly installed electrical units emit, for a brief install interval, an “installed” output either audibly or visually, or both in response to an install mode input signal. After the install interval, the “installed” output ceases. As more units are installed, the earliest installed units remain silent in the presence of the install mode input signal.

Abstract: A security system includes a sensor and a control panel that receives transmissions from the sensor. The sensor has a user-operable testing actuator that tests a condition sensing device in the sensor. A method of operating the sensor includes generating, in response to actuation of the testing actuator in the absence of a predetermined condition, a transmission from the sensor including information indicating that a test of the sensor has been conducted. The method further includes receiving by the control panel, in response to actuation of the testing actuator in the presence of the predetermined condition, a transmission from the sensor indicating that the control panel should not report to a monitoring station.

Abstract: A wireless host access control unit (11) and one or more corresponding wireless remote user interfaces (14) are configured and arranged to participate in a test mode of operation. Pursuant to the test mode of operation, these two system components participate in one or more test transmissions that exercise a wireless transmission link to thereby assess the viability of that link. A corresponding user-discernable test indicator is then provided at the wireless remote user interface. So configured, an installer can test any number of candidate locations for a wireless remote user interface prior to permanently installing that interface, thereby more likely ensuring that the latter will be able to successfully interface with the wireless host access control unit following installation.

Abstract: An ambient condition detector includes a time delay function whereby a user initiates a functionality test of the detector and has time to move away from the vicinity of the detector before a potentially hearing damaging, audible report is issued from the detector under test. Multiple ways to set the time delay interval are included in the various embodiments. The sensors of the ambient condition detector may include fire sensors, smoke sensors, gas sensors, motion sensors, vibration sensors and multiple combinations of these sensors.

Abstract: A device with a multi-function test feature for assessing or directing multiple sensor functions is provided for monitoring and interrogating air flow through Heating/Ventilation/Air-conditioning (HVAC)-type ducts for changes to ambient conditions such as smoke, heat, gas, and/or relative humidity.

Abstract: A beacon circuit enabling study of active elements in an integrated circuit is disclosed. The beacon circuit may be integral to a DUT to be tested. The DUT is stimulated by a conventional ATE, so that its active devices are operating. The signal from the active device is sent to the beacon circuit which, in response to the signal, emits light having intensity that is proportional to the value of the signal. In one example, the beacon circuit is constructed as a voltage to current converter having its input connected to the node of interest and its output connected to a current to light converter. In one example, the current to light converter is implemented as a current mirror circuit. One beneficial implementation disclosed is the use of the beacon circuit for the study of voltage supply disturbances.

Abstract: A relaxation oscillator for a transponder capable of measuring one or more parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure) in an object and transmitting a data stream to an external reader/interrogator. The transponder typically operates in a passive mode, deriving its power from an RF interrogation signal received by an antenna system, but c=also operate in a battery-powered active mode. The transponder includes memory for storing measurements, calibration data programmable trim settings, transponder ID and the like. Measurement readings comprise counting oscillations of a measurement signal during a fixed time window. The measurement signal is generated by a relaxation oscillator driven by the alternating charging and discharging of measurement capacitors. wherein the capacitor charging rate is a function of current, and of capacitance. By using a mirror measurement current lo discharge the measurement capacitors, the discharge rate is made approximately equal to the charge rate.

Abstract: A gas safety detector includes a base board, a step motor, a sleeve, a drive rod, a gas device, a link, and a sensor. Thus, the gas enters the sensor to perform a self test to identify if the sensor is operated at the normal state, so that the gas safety detector has a self-detection function to detect the working state of the sensor so as to assure the safety of the gas safety detector when in use.

Abstract: A test device for testing an electronic device having a plurality of device terminals that receive a signal, includes: an operating condition outputting unit for outputting an operating condition indicating an operation of a signal to be supplied to a device terminal to be associated with said device terminal; and a test module for supplying a test signal used in a test of the electronic device to the electronic device based on the operation indicated by the operating condition.

Abstract: Trainline controller including testing of signal quality on a trainline network by commanding each node to transmitter calibration signal. A signal detector is connected to the trainline at a common junction with a head end termination circuit. A stuck-on transmitter is determined by a transmission current drawn by the transceiver is on for a present amount of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing for latent faults in the isolation devices of a system including redundant power supplies which supply power to one or more system units. A system controller is operable to perform a test cycle to perform the fault checks, which may including checks for short circuits and/or open circuits. The checks may be performed within a test cycle in which each of the isolation devices in the system is tested. The test cycle may be performed at regular intervals, the interval between each cycle being determinable by user input. In the event that a fault in one of the isolation devices is detected, the system controller may be operable to report the fault to an alarm system.

Abstract: Techniques for qualifying and monitoring bearing performance and condition in a rotary servo systems (e.g., galvanometer scanner) are disclosed. A position error signal is analyzed for signal anomalies that can signify bearing damage. A DC offset ramp is applied to the position error signal to test whether the anomaly is angular position dependent. The anomaly is associated with the corresponding command signal value and range of values to calculate the angular position and range of the apparent bearing damage. The amplitude of the anomaly is measured and associated with a relative degree of bearing damage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system of walk through testing a fire alarm system without disrupting the building occupants. A communications channel is setup between a control panel and a single human tester. The tester then triggers an alarm or trouble condition in a device. The control panel detects the address of the device and automatically returns to the tester, over the communications channel, a label indicating the location of the device.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data from at least one sensor to a control unit via an appropriate two-wire line is described. The method is used to identify any sensor at the control unit and to implement a plurality of logical channels via the appropriate two-wire line. The at least one sensor receives the necessary electrical energy from the control unit via the two-wire line and then transmits the sensor-specific data.

Abstract: A fire door control system permits user input during regular use and during alarm conditions. The system utilizes primary and secondary power sources and incorporates a variety of preventive safeguards assuring that functionality of the fire door control system will not be lost. The system utilizes primary power when possible in all alarm conditions. However, during alarm conditions when primary power is lost or when a hand crank hoist remains dangerously engaged, the system is bumplessly connected to a secondary power source and a fire door of the system is closed with the aid of a clutch that directly connects the drive input with an axle that supports the fire door. The clutch pulses on and off to control the descent of the door. The system includes an electronic controller for coordinating the operation of elements of the system and for implementing a method of controlling a fire door system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing the operation of an alarm for a ventilated enclosure, such as a fume hood or bio-safety cabinet. Flow of gas being exhausted from the enclosure may be adjusted to a known value below or above a threshold value at which the alarm provides an indication that flow is unacceptably low or high. Adjustment of flow to the known value may be performed without requiring a manual measurement of flow, e.g., by performing a traverse in a duct leading from the enclosure.

Abstract: A device which guarantees reliable real-time operation of the restraint system and offers each occupant of the vehicle individually the greatest possible protection includes the fact that data processing units are provided, all having the same design and each being capable of controlling multiple restraint devices and can decide independently of other data processing units whether the restraint devices assigned to it are to be deployed.

Abstract: A process control or safety system within a process plant uses one or more testing blocks to effect the timely and safe operation of on-line testing routines within field devices, such as valves, used in the process control or safety system. These testing blocks, which are easy to implement and to place in the process control or safety system, enable the periodic or on-demand testing of field devices to be integrated into the normal and on-going operation of the process control or safety system without causing scheduling or connection problems and without the need to rely on maintenance or other personnel, thereby providing better monitoring of the operational status of the field devices used within the process control and safety systems.

Abstract: A fault diagnosis circuit of the present invention includes: LED indicating units 3a, 3b, and so forth; current detecting circuits R1 and Q1 for detecting a flowing current by flowing a short-time pulse of a current through the LED indicating units 3a, 3b, and so forth based on pulses generated by a pulse generating circuit 7; comparing circuits 8 and 9 for comparing a current value detected by the current detecting circuits R1 and Q1 with their respective threshold values to judge a disconnection and a short-circuit; and retaining circuits 10 and 11 for generating a signal and retaining the signal when the current value is judged as being smaller and larger than the respective threshold values as a result of comparisons by the corresponding comparing circuits 8 and 9. Thus, it is possible to indicate a fault in an LED indicating light to the outside while making the turning ON of an LED unperceivable.

Abstract: A danger detecting system has a danger detecting control center, at least one detector, at least one conductor connecting the danger detecting control center with the at least one detector, the danger detecting control center producing an output signal depending on a signal of the detector, the danger detecting control center being composed of a plurality of modules, a bus through which the modules are connected, the danger detecting control center and the modules being formed so that the modules are mountable and/or dismountable during an operation of the danger detecting control center.

Abstract: The method for compensating undesired variations in an electrical signal generated by a sensor of an optical code reader comprises the steps of generating an envelope signal starting from the electrical signal generated by the sensor and normalizing the electrical signal with respect to the envelope signal. Preferably, the envelope signal is filtered with a low-pass filter before being normalized so as to eliminate steps and edges which may cause distortions during normalization, and the normalized signal is amplified in a controlled way so as to supply an output signal ranging between two values having preset amplitudes. Normalization is carried out by dividing, point by point, the electrical signal by the envelope signal, in the case of continuous analog processing; alternatively, in presence of discrete-time signals, normalization is carried out by subtracting the envelope signal from the electrical signal.

Abstract: A portable, preferably hand-held device is provided which may be used to test device loops in fire safety systems for short circuits, open circuits, ground faults and can test the response of the devices in the loop before or after the device loop is connected to the system.

Abstract: A cost effective system for testing smoke detectors and determining and communicating the operating characteristics thereof, advantageously uses existing circuitry components in a secondary communication function. With this arrangement, a low powered RF reporting signal is transmitted from the smoke detector and can be received within several feet of the detector. Preferably the RF signal is produced by a pulsed input signal provided to an existing coil which is part of the circuitry used to produce and/or report alarm signals. A receiving arrangement is also disclosed which can be located in close proximity to a smoke detector which has been activated to report the operating characteristics thereof. These characteristics can then be analyzed to determine whether preventive maintenance is appropriate.

Abstract: Network-enabled devices are configured to report changes of state to a monitoring system. The monitoring system is configured to filter each change of state to determine whether the change of state constitutes a reportable event, based on a profile associated with the device. If the event is reportable, it is communicated to one or more other network-enabled devices. Each device is also configured to periodically verify its presence to the monitoring system, and the unexplained absence of the device is treated as a change of state of state of the device. In like manner, a change to the profile of a device is also treated as a change of state of the device.

Abstract: An adverse condition detect or that allows the user to test the apparatus in close proximity without having to endure full operational alarm activation. The adverse condition detector includes a detector, a transducer and a test system. When the detector senses an adverse condition, the transducer is activated to generate an alarm signal having an alarm level. When the test switch is activated, a test signal is generated at the alarm level and has a test duration that is substantially less than the duration of the alarm signal. In one embodiment of the invention, the alarm signal includes a plurality of alarm pulses having an alarm pulse duration and the test signal includes a plurality of test pulses each having a test pulse duration substantially less than the alarm pulse.

Abstract: A device with a multi-function test feature for assessing or directing multiple sensor functions is provided for monitoring and interrogating air flow through Heating/Ventilation/Air-conditioning (HVAC)-type ducts for changes to ambient conditions such as smoke, heat, gas, and/or relative humidity.

Abstract: An ambient condition detector includes a time delay function whereby a user initiates a functionality test of the detector and has time to move away from the vicinity of the detector before a potentially hearing damaging, audible report is issued from the detector under test. Multiple ways to set the time delay interval are included in the various embodiments. The sensors of the ambient condition detector may include fire sensors, smoke sensors, gas sensors, motion sensors, vibration sensors and multiple combinations of these sensors.

Abstract: A cost effective system for testing smoke detectors and determining and communicating the operating characteristics thereof, advantageously uses existing circuitry components in a secondary communication function. With this arrangement, a low powered RF reporting signal is transmitted from the smoke detector and can be received within several feet of the detector. Preferably the RF signal is produced by a pulsed input signal provided to an existing coil which is part of the circuitry used to produce and/or report alarm signals. A receiving arrangement is also disclosed which can be located in close proximity to a smoke detector which has been activated to report the operating characteristics thereof. These characteristics can then be analyzed to determine whether preventive maintenance is appropriate.

Abstract: A system and method for testing and maintaining a predetermined bit rate on a line connection between a transmission assembly and at least one terminal, where initiation of a drop below the predetermined bit rate triggers at least one corrective measure for increasing the bit rate.

Abstract: Trainline controller including testing of signal quality on a trainline network by commanding each node to transmitter calibration signal. A signal detector is connected to the trainline at a common junction with a head end termination circuit. A stuck-on transmitter is determined by a transmission current drawn by the transceiver is on for a present amount of time.

Abstract: An operation testing of a temperature sensor of an alarm includes spraying so that the sprayable material is sprayable on the temperature sensor, a temperature decrease due to the spraying is detected, and an operation ability is determined in dependence on the testing.

Abstract: A component actuation circuit for an engineered safety features actuation system (ESFAS) includes a plurality of coincidence logic contacts, and a plurality of parallel-connected ESFAS component relays. Each of the coincidence logic contacts closes in response to a command signal. The plurality of parallel-connected ESFAS component relays are connected in series between at least two of the plurality of coincidence logic contacts. Closure of at least two of the coincidence logic contacts energizes the parallel-connected ESFAS component relays, thereby energizing a plurality of ESFAS components.

Abstract: Trainline controller including testing of signal quality on a trainline network by commanding each node to transmitter calibration signal. A signal detector is connected to the trainline at a common junction with a head end termination circuit. A stuck-on transmitter is determined by a transmission current drawn by the transceiver is on for a present amount of time.

Abstract: A self-contained smoke detector system has internal self-diagnostic capabilities and accepts a replacement smoke intake canopy (14) without a need for recalibration. The system includes a microprocessor-based self-diagnostic circuit (200) that periodically checks sensitivity of the optical sensor electronics (24, 28) to smoke obscuration level. By setting tolerance limits on the amount of change in voltage measured in clean air, the system can provide an indication of when it has become either under-sensitive or over-sensitive to the ambient smoke obscuration level. An algorithm implemented in software stored in system memory (204) determines whether and provides an indication that for a time (such as 27 hours) the clean air voltage has strayed outside established sensitivity tolerance limits. The replaceable canopy is specially designed with multiple pegs (80) having multi-faceted surfaces (110, 112, 114).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system of walk through testing a fire alarm system without disrupting the building occupants. A communications channel is setup between a control panel and a single human tester. The tester then triggers an alarm or trouble condition in a device. The control panel detects the address of the device and automatically returns to the tester, over the communications channel, a label indicating the location of the device.

Abstract: A microcontroller-based hazardous condition detector having an intelligent hush feature is presented. The microcontroller controls the operational mode of the detector by monitoring a single user-actuated switch, the inputs from a smoke chamber and a carbon monoxide detector circuit, and the current operating mode of the detector. When in a normal or no-alarm mode, actuation of the switch will cause the microcontroller to place the detector in a test mode of operation. If the detector is in a carbon monoxide alarm mode, actuation of the switch will act to reset the accumulator function of the microprocessor for the carbon monoxide alarm sensing. If the detector is in a smoke alarm mode, actuation of the switch may place the detector in a hush mode if the level of smoke is sufficiently low, or will have no effect if the level of smoke is too high. Once in the hush mode, actuation of the switch will place the detector into the smoke alarm mode.

Abstract: A vehicle communication device is installed in a vehicle and used for an ETC or other DSRC system. The vehicle communication device can be switched between a normal mode and a radio wave emitting mode. The vehicle communication device in the normal mode transmits a response signal in response to receiving a pilot signal from a roadside radio device. The vehicle communication device in the emitting mode continuously emits a radio wave through the windshield of the vehicle independently of whether it receives the pilot signal from the roadside radio device, and a checking device receives the radio wave. The checking device determines whether the intensity of the received radio wave is greater than a predetermined threshold. The result of the determination is reported to a staff in a service or repair shop so that a shop staff can determine whether the vehicle communication device can be used for the ETC or other DSRC system based on the reported result.

Abstract: A device and method for determining the status of an anti-lock brake system in a tractor-trailer configuration. The device includes a connector that can be connected to the trailer or tractor separately or connected to both the trailer and tractor simultaneously. Once connected the device begins to operate self-sufficiently by monitoring the data transmissions in a communication medium. Initially from monitoring the data transmission, the device detects whether it is attached to the trailer, tractor or both. From this determination, it either continues to monitor or proceeds to transmit data.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for transmitting equipment installation data between an equipment installer and an operations center server. An installer of equipment, such as a monitoring device attached to a vehicle, calls an operations center server via a wireless telecommunications device, such as a wireless telephone. The call placed by the equipment installer is transmitted to a transfer server. A voice-to-data software application at the transfer server converts the communication to data for transfer to the operations center server. The operations center server prompts the installer with a series of prompts to obtain equipment installation information. Prompts from the operations center server are transmitted in data to the transfer server where those prompts are converted to voice before being transmitted to the equipment installer's wireless telephone.

Abstract: A confined gas stream coupled hazardous gas detector enclosure includes a housing and a cover such that the housing and cover together define a housing volume adapted to enclose the detector. An aperture is present in either the housing or cover, and a port test valve is seated within the aperture. A nozzle matable to the port test valve is used to deliver a hazardous gas test mixture to the housing volume to elicit an active alarm signal from the detector without opening the cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system of walk through testing a fire alarm system without disrupting the building occupants. A communications channel is setup between a control panel and a single human tester. The tester then triggers an alarm or trouble condition in a device. The control panel detects the address of the device and automatically returns to the tester, over the communications channel, a label indicating the location of the device.

Abstract: An adverse condition detector that allows the user to test the apparatus in close proximity without having to endure full operational alarm activation. The adverse condition detector includes a detector, a transducer and a test system. When the detector senses an adverse condition, the transducer is activated to generate an alarm signal having an alarm level. When the test switch is activated, a test signal is generated at the alarm level and has a test duration that is substantially less than the duration of the alarm signal. In one embodiment of the invention, the alarm signal includes a plurality of alarm pulses having an alarm pulse duration and the test signal includes a plurality of test pulses each having a test pulse duration substantially less than the alarm pulse.

Abstract: An arc fault/ground fault circuit interrupter for a power circuit includes a line terminal; a load terminal; and separable contacts electrically connected between the line and load terminals. An operating mechanism opens the separable contacts and has a closed position for closing the separable contacts. A trip mechanism cooperates with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. A ground fault protection circuit is operatively associated with the power circuit. An arc fault protection circuit is also operatively associated with the power circuit. A circuit tests the ground fault protection circuit, tests the arc fault protection circuit, and restores the operating mechanism to the closed position responsive to sequential activation of test and reset buttons.

Abstract: The temperature of a bypass diode of a solar cell module is measured by a temperature detector from the exterior of the solar cell module, and the results of temperature detection of each bypass diode are mutually compared to detect the presence or absence of failure in the solar cell module. Also at least one solar cell in the solar cell module is covered with a light shielding plate, then a current flowing in the bypass diode bypassing to the covered solar cell is detected, and a failed solar cell module is detected from the result of the current detection. Also the solar cell module is provided with a temperature detector capable of detecting the temperature of the bypass diode and the temperature of an internal portion of the solar cell module other than the bypass diode. In this way, it is possible to detect a failure in the solar cell module easily and precisely, and also to detect short circuit failure in the solar cell.

Abstract: A bearing monitor has a bearing sensor to monitor frequencies emitted by a bearing in a rotating component. The bearing sensor has an output to a processor. The processor is attached to the rotating component to process the output from the bearing sensor to a digital or logical signal, which may include determining if the output indicates that the bearing requires service.