First Sensed Exclusively Indicated Patents (Class 340/520)
  • Patent number: 11889226
    Abstract: A method of classifying video data representing activity within a space to be monitored. A method comprises storing video data obtained from a camera configured to monitor the space. Sensor data indicative of a condition occurring within the space is obtained, and a plurality of programme elements are defined within the video data. Each programme element has an associated classification code, and each classification code is selected using the sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: III HOLDINGS 10, LLC
    Inventor: Trevor John Burke
  • Patent number: 11470035
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for suppressing repetitive notifications about messages in messaging groups. In one implementation, the system may include a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions. The instructions may include instructions to determine whether a first message in a first message group substantially matches a second message in a second message group; and after it is determined that a user associated with the first message group has accessed the first message, record the second message as a read message responsive to having determined that the same user is associated with the second message group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: RingCentral, Inc.
    Inventor: Vlad Vendrow
  • Patent number: 8988244
    Abstract: An article transfer system that allows the operator to easily notice that abnormality occurs in an abnormality detecting sensor for detecting abnormality and perform remedial work is provided. The article transfer system is adapted to display information indicating that the abnormality occurs on a display device as abnormality occurrence information, receive input of a result of determination by the operator on whether or not the abnormality indicated by the abnormality occurrence information occurs, and display information indicating that the detecting information received from the abnormality detecting sensor is incorrect on the display device when the operator inputs the result of determination that the abnormality indicated by the abnormality occurrence information does not occur with the abnormality detecting sensor detecting the abnormality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Yagawa
  • Patent number: 8854183
    Abstract: A working machine is provided with a plurality of exchangeable components, and each component is provided with a wireless tag. A component ID is stored in advance in the wireless tag. When, on the side of the working machine, a component exchange timing or an engine starting timing is detected, the component ID stored in the wireless tag is acquired, and is transmitted to a working machine management device. The working machine management device checks the component ID which has been received from the working machine and a component ID which is stored in a component ID storage means against one another. And, if these two component IDs do not match one another, an abnormal state detection means outputs a warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsutomo Komine, Yukihiro Tsuda, Hidenori Koizumi
  • Patent number: 8830031
    Abstract: A working machine is provided with a plurality of exchangeable components, and each component is provided with a wireless tag. A component ID is stored in advance in the wireless tag. When, on the side of the working machine, a component exchange timing or an engine starting timing is detected, the component ID stored in the wireless tag is acquired, and is transmitted to a working machine management device. The working machine management device checks the component ID which has been received from the working machine and a component ID which is stored in a component ID storage means against one another. And, if these two component IDs do not match one another, an abnormal state detection means outputs a warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Tsuda, Hidenori Koizumi, Michiko Komine, Keisuke Komine, Chihiro Saito
  • Patent number: 8823508
    Abstract: A security system is configured to display a representation of an area on a display unit, receive input from a plurality of different types of sensors that are positioned within the area, display a plurality of icons on the display unit, wherein the plurality of icons represents the locations of the plurality sensors in the area, and display in a panel on the display unit output from the plurality of sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Hari Thiruvengada, Tom Plocher, Paul Derby, Henry Chen, Saad J. Bedros
  • Patent number: 8810364
    Abstract: A working machine is provided with a plurality of exchangeable components, and each component is provided with a wireless tag. A component ID is stored in advance in the wireless tag. When, on the side of the working machine, a component exchange timing or an engine starting timing is detected, the component ID stored in the wireless tag is acquired, and is transmitted to a working machine management device. The working machine management device checks the component ID which has been received from the working machine and a component ID which is stored in a component ID storage means against one another. And, if these two component IDs do not match one another, an abnormal state detection means outputs a warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Tsuda, Hidenori Koizumi, Michiko Komine, Keisuke Komine, Chihiro Saito
  • Patent number: 8346964
    Abstract: A flexible multi-processor communications system supports variable message lengths and variable groups and application designations at respective processors. The receiving processors determine what action, if any, needs to be taken in response to the combination of group and application information in the messages. The receiving processors can include pluralities of pre-stored groups and applications along with associated priorities and the functions to perform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Clow, Lee D. Tice, Jerry L. Howard, Manley S. Keeler, John F. Meggesin
  • Patent number: 8269640
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention discloses an odor-generating alarm apparatus that can ensure the reliability of a releasing operation and the odor dispersibility. In an odor-generating alarm apparatus, when abnormality information indicating occurrence of an abnormal state is supplied from a sensor for occurrence of an abnormal state, an initiator is operated by a circuit portion, and the initiator displaces a piston of a driving portion and displaces a spray can with respect to a casing and switches the spray can to a releasing state, thus releasing an odorous liquid filling the spray can in the form of fine particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Air Water Safety Service Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ueno, Hirofumi Onishi, Hideaki Goto, Koichiro Mizoguchi, Tomo Sakai, Katsuyuki Kitahara
  • Patent number: 8068021
    Abstract: A room monitor having a second display includes a controller, a first display and a second display. The first display is preferably a touch screen monitor, which allows the entry of data into the controller without the need for a keyboard. However, the controller may be programmed through a keyboard. The controller includes a plurality of inputs and outputs for monitoring and/or controlling such room environmental factors as pressure, temperature, humidity and lighting. The inputs are used to read sensors. The outputs are used to actuate control devices. The first display includes a plurality of menus for controlling at least one environmental factor. The second display shows information the condition of a critical environment room. There is at least one message displayed on the second display. A second embodiment of the room monitor includes a controller and the first display. The first display must be a touch screen monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Kieran L. Donohue
  • Patent number: 8009041
    Abstract: An access monitoring and control system is provided. The access monitoring and control system includes a sensing device configured to collect data points regarding at least one of movement of a person through an access portal and a state of the access portal and a processing unit configured to receive the data points from the sensing device and to form activity clusters from the data points based upon similar patterns of inactive or active behaviors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: UTC Fire & Security Americas Corporation, Inc.
    Inventor: Catherine Mary Graichen
  • Patent number: 7969317
    Abstract: A detection apparatus includes a casing, a movable member moving from a position outside the casing to a position inside the casing upon contact of a detection object, a radio communication device disposed on the movable member and configured for radio communication with a sending and receiving unit via radio waves, a shielding member for shielding the radio communication between the radio communication device and the sending and receiving unit in a state that the movable member is located within the casing, and a controller for determining the presence of the detection object by determining whether the sending and receiving unit can communicate with the radio communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masashi Oyumi
  • Patent number: 7839277
    Abstract: The present invention provides A monitoring system comprising a display device, an abnormality detection means for monitoring an object and when detecting an abnormality of the monitored object, outputting an abnormality signal, and a display control means for causing the display device to present an abnormality display, further comprising a latch means for retaining the output state resulting from receipt of an abnormality signal, thereby continuing to output a latch signal until reset, and a reset device for resetting the latch device, wherein the display control device determines in what manner the display device presents an abnormality display, depending on whether an abnormality signal and a latch signal are each transmitted or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventor: Hirofumi Hirayama
  • Patent number: 7701329
    Abstract: A room monitor having a second display includes a controller, a first display and a second display. The first display is preferably a touch screen monitor, which allows the entry of data into the controller without the need for a keyboard. However, the controller may be programmed through a keyboard. The controller includes a plurality of inputs and outputs for monitoring and/or controlling such room environmental factors as pressure, temperature, humidity and lighting. The inputs are used to read sensors. The outputs are used to actuate control devices. The first display includes a plurality of menus for controlling at least one environmental factor. The second display shows information the condition of a critical environment room. There is at least one message displayed on the second display. A second embodiment of the room monitor includes a controller and the first display. The first display must be a touch screen monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Kieran L. Donohue
  • Patent number: 7463143
    Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking movements of participants in a market research study, for example, within a commercial establishment, are provided. The methods and systems employ portable monitors carried on the persons of the participants to gather location data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Arbioran
    Inventors: David Patrick Forr, James M. Jensen, Eugene L. Flanagan, III
  • Patent number: 7301448
    Abstract: A system, method, and medium for deduplicating multiple status indications within a telecommunications network is provided. A first and second instance of a status indication is received, and a determination is made as to whether the second instance is a duplicate of the first. If it is, it is not permitted to proceed to alarm status. Multiple alarm occurrences are represented as a single display item rather than separate alarms if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Usery, Jonathan William Hermsmeyer, Gary Scott Wiles
  • Patent number: 7254372
    Abstract: A method and system for transmitting, receiving, and collecting information related to a plurality of working components, such as street lamps, allows for efficient and effective monitoring and controlling of working components through short-distance radio communications at low power levels. In a preferred implementation of the present invention, a communications network includes a plurality of transceiver modules, each of which is secured and operably connected to a working component. These transceiver modules transmit and receive radio communications or “messages” representative of the status of the working component from one another in a controlled manner, with each message ultimately being directed to an area control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Logistics A.G.
    Inventors: Gerald E. Janusz, Stephen C. Payne, Timothy J. Prell, Paul van der Pol
  • Patent number: 7242295
    Abstract: A sensor unit for use in a surveillance system is provided. The sensor unit interfaces with a sensor device to receive sensor data from the sensor device. The sensor unit is configured to generate an event record based upon received sensor data. The event record is of a predetermined format and is output to a data unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: VistaScape Security Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Tomislav F. Milinusic, Demetrios Papacharalampos, Alexander Danileiko
  • Patent number: 7193510
    Abstract: A safety interlock circuit wherein the safety interlock switches can report their status. Signal generators associated with the safety interlock switches produce status signals that are transmitted on the wiring of the safety interlock circuit. The present invention is ideal for retrofitting current installations because no additional wiring is required for carrying the status signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Nickels
  • Patent number: 7154399
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring whether a resident is away from home or inactive within the home. A sensor, which includes a transmitter, a processor, a timer, and a detector, watches for motion to occur within a home. Upon sensing motion, the sensor sends a first signal indicative of the motion if the timer is not currently running and waits for the motion to end. If the timer already is running, the timer is restarted at zero. Upon expiration of a predetermined timing period, the sensor transmits a second signal indicative of inactivity. By comparing the timing of the second signal and the predetermined timing period, with a third signal sent by an exterior door sensor, a determination can be made whether the resident has left the home or is inactive within the home. The system includes a database, a CPU and State Model for determining the activity state of a home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul Edward Cuddihy, Meena Ganesh, Jenny Marie Weisenberg, Catherine Mary Graichen, Vrinda Rajiv, Mark Mitchell Kornfein
  • Patent number: 7154388
    Abstract: A mobile platform fire detection system includes a plurality of smoke detectors locatable in a compartment of a mobile platform. Heat sensors are also positioned in the compartment. At least one indication panel is located outside of the compartment and adjacent to an entranceway into the compartment. The indication panel operates to identify an alarm condition of each of the smoke detectors and the heat sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Richard J Mazzone
  • Patent number: 7075444
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Maple Chase Company
    Inventor: William P. Tanguay
  • Patent number: 7050808
    Abstract: A method and system for transmitting, receiving, and collecting information related to a plurality of working components, such as street lamps, allows for efficient and effective monitoring and controlling of working components through short-distance radio communications at low power levels. In a preferred implementation of the present invention, a communications network includes a plurality of transceiver modules, each of which is secured and operably connected to a working component. These transceiver modules transmit and receive radio communications or “messages” representative of the status of the working component from one another in a controlled manner, with each message ultimately being directed to an area control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Telemics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald E. Janusz, Stephen C. Payne, Timothy J. Prell, Paul van der Pol
  • Patent number: 7034681
    Abstract: A security system including several camera devices and a communication device in sites at which monitoring is required by a user. The several camera devices may constantly monitor the sites. The camera devices have motion detecting functions and provide unusual status reporting signals and necessary image information to the communications device when the movements of an intruder have been detected. The communication device communicates with and is connected to a server that serves as an information center via the internet line when unusual status signals have been received. The information from the camera devices is also sent to server. The server automatically notifies the user by a predetermined user-selected method. The notified user can access the server and confirm the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenji Yamamoto, Koh Murata
  • Patent number: 7019650
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an interrogator, method of discerning metal and radio frequency identification (RFID) objects, and an interrogation system employing the same. In one embodiment, the interrogator includes a metal sensing subsystem configured to provide a first signal having a signature representing a presence of a metal object, and a RFID sensing subsystem configured to provide a second signal having a signature representing a presence of a RFID object. The interrogator also includes a control and processing subsystem configured to discern a presence of at least one of the metal and RFID objects from one of the first and second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Caducys, L.L.C.
    Inventors: John P. Volpi, Jimmy D. Laferney, William C. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 7009510
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes a host having a plurality of sensor inputs for connection to sensors. A converter is designed to receive input signals from the sensor input and to convert the input signals from the sensors into digital signals. A processing system is configured to receive the digital signals and to generate alarm signals in response to selected ones of the received digital signals. An internally integrated voice/data modem is in operative association with the processing system. A phone connector is placed in operative association with the voice/data modem, to act as a port for transmission of the alarms to an external telephone network. A network connector is in operative association with the processing system and is designed to receive data in the form of alarms from the processing system and to act as a port for transmission of the alarm data to data network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Phonetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Douglass, James E. Fairburn
  • Patent number: 6972676
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing systems and methods for remotely monitoring sites to provide real time information which can readily permit false alarms to be distinguished, and which can identify and track the precise location of an alarm. In exemplary embodiments, monitoring capabilities such as intrusion/fire detection and tracking capabilities, can be implemented through the use of multistate indicators in a novel interface which permits information to be transmitted using standard network protocols from a remote site to a monitoring station in real-time over preexisting communication networks, such as the Internet. A wireless network can also be established using browser encapsulated communication programs (for example, active X control, Java applets, and so forth) to transmit data packets which comply with any standard wireless local area network protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: NetTalon Security Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Kimmel, James T. Byrne, Jr., Donald R. Jones, Jr., Ronald Dubois
  • Patent number: 6917288
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing systems and methods for remotely monitoring sites to provide real time information which can readily permit distinguishing false alarms, and which can identify and track the precise location of an alarm. In embodiments, monitoring capabilities such as intrusion/fire detection and tracking capabilities, can be implemented through the use of multistate indicators in a novel interface which permits information to be transmitted using standard network protocols from a remote site to a monitoring station in real-time. In embodiments, communications can be handed from the centrally located host monitoring station to a mobile monitoring station (for example, a laptop computer in a responding vehicle, such as a police or fire vehicle). Additional embodiments include high, low, and rate-of-change alarms; chromagraphic representation of the value of an environmental or other parameter measured in a space; and detection and location of portable interface devices in a space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: NetTalon Security Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Kimmel, James T. Byrne, Jr., Donald R. Jones, Jr., Ronald Dubois
  • Patent number: 6856243
    Abstract: A pest deterrent device attracts the attention of a pest with ultrasonic noise and then produces a series of flashes to drive off the pest. In one embodiment, the device continuously produces ultrasound, changing the ultrasound when a pest is detected. In another embodiment, the device does not produce ultrasound until a pest is detected. In a further embodiment, the flash charging circuit is used to modulate the ultrasound while the flash is operated. In a particular embodiment, four ultrasonic speakers are arranged in a series-parallel configuration with a total capacitance of about 0.2 micro-Farads achieve 120 dB of sound output with a supply voltage of about 12-18 V.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Tim Simon, Inc.
    Inventors: Blaine M. Smith, Timothy M. Simon
  • Patent number: 6774806
    Abstract: A method of monitoring an element of a plant is disclosed which comprises the steps of: (a) producing an image representing the state of the element and recording the image in the form of a data set; (b) comparing the data set with a norm in order to determine a change in the state of the element; and (c) producing a signal which represents the change in the state of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: John Lesly Kingsford Bannell, David Mark Falconer, Thomas Simon Colaco Osorio, Michael Welch
  • Patent number: 6501384
    Abstract: An electronic candy and oil thermometer includes a housing having a visual display for displaying indicia associated with a plurality of candy cooking stages and a plurality of fried foods. The housing includes a controller having operating protocols and a memory for storing predetermined optimal temperature ranges for each said candy cooking stage and each said fried food. The electronic thermometer also includes a temperature sensing probe projecting from the housing for obtaining temperature readings and transmitting the temperature readings to the controller, and a control interface provided on the housing and in communication with the controller for selectively activating either a first of the operational protocols for monitoring temperatures associated with the candy cooking stages or a second of the operational protocols for monitoring temperatures associated with the fried foods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Solar Wide Industrial Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter A. Chapman, Hughes Sanoner
  • Patent number: 6496109
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for detecting a charging system fault in a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle includes an existing warning indicator driven by a first signal for indicating when one aspect of the motor vehicle performance is faulty. The method includes detecting a charge system fault, determining if the one aspect of the motor vehicle's performance is faulty and, if so, driving the existing warning indicator with the first signal. If the one aspect is not faulty and a charge system fault has been detected, the method includes driving the existing warning indicator with a second signal corresponding to the detected charge system fault. The second signal provides a different visual indication than the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Edward Guzick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6281790
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing systems and methods for remotely monitoring sites to provide real time information which can readily permit false alarms to be distinguished, and which can identify and track the precise location of an alarm. In exemplary embodiments, monitoring capabilities such as intrusion/fire detection and tracking capabilities, can be implemented through the use of multistate indicators in a novel interface which permits information to be transmitted using standard network protocols from a remote site to a monitoring station in real-time over preexisting communication networks, such as the Internet. A wireless network can also be established using browser encapsulated communication programs (for example, active X control, Java applets, and so forth) to transmit data packets which comply with any standard wireless local area network protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Net Talon Security Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Kimmel, James T. Byrne, Jr., Donald R. Jones, Jr., Ronald Dobois
  • Patent number: 5959528
    Abstract: An auto synchronous output module for use at a plurality of zones in a fire alarm and detection system consisting of a power source and output devices selectively coupled to the power source so as to provide audible and visual signals, and a microprocessor within the module for coupling to a data line so as to enable transmission of data signals to and from a loop controller. Moreover, there is within the processor, responsive to an activate command from the loop controller for applying the power source to the output devices responsive to an alarm condition. In addition, within the processor, responsive to a synchronize command, sent subsequently to the activate command, from the loop controller, for applying power to the output devices in synchronism with application of other power sources to output devices at other respective modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Right, Hilario S. Costa, Jan A. Braam, Dennis Rock, Keith Morrow, Peter Montgomery
  • Patent number: 5912618
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for detecting the presence of an electrically conductive object, the system comprising a first and a second contact (C1 and C2) intended to be short-circuited by said object, and further comprising a control device for the electric potentials of the contacts. In accordance with the invention the control device comprises means for applying a given potential (Vref), referred to as the reference potential, to the second contact (C2) at a high impedance (Z) with respect to the resistance generated by the contact with the conductive object to be detected, and for supplying a signal (CP) indicating that the potential of the second contact (C2) is near the reference potential (Vref).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Philippe Maugars
  • Patent number: 5786757
    Abstract: An alarm system for detecting and warning of the presence of alarm and trouble conditions in transponders located in a plurality of zones consisting of a loop controller having a plurality of input signal and power supply lines connected to the respective transponder units, and having a plurality of initiating and indicating devices in a respective plurality of circuits. Further, the system has a module, including a microcontroller, connected in each of the transponder units to the plurality of input lines and to the plurality of circuits, the module being capable of initiating communication of the conditions of the circuits to the loop controller. Moreover, it includes a plurality of smoke detectors, which are connected in the circuits and to respective modules. A load shed arrangement is provided for sensing the alarm conditions of the smoke detectors and reporting their conditions to the loop controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Right, Hilario S. Costa, Jan A. Braam
  • Patent number: 5329273
    Abstract: An annunciator for the conduction status of individual switches wired into a series circuit records this status as status history at regular intervals in a memory. The status history is preferably recorded as individual entries having the identification number of an open switch along with a time stamp specifying the length of time which that switch has been open. The current entry is recorded in the memory and a new entry started each time the switch for which an entry in the memory is being created closes or a switch currently receiving power opens. A controller separate from the annunciator generates a request signal and provides a request time value to the annunciator specifying the time which has elapsed since the request condition was detected. The annunciator uses the request time value to determine the probable switch conduction status at the time of the request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Honeywell, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul B. Patton
  • Patent number: 5189455
    Abstract: A processor for x-ray film includes stations wherein a latent image on the film is developed, fixed, washed and dried. Sensors detect operating conditions in the stations, and when a failure is detected in an operating condition, a lamp and alarm are energized in a predetermined sequence to signal an operator that a particular error exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: April M. Seim
  • Patent number: 4851831
    Abstract: An improved system for generating a signal representative of the level of a material having a dielectric constant within a vessel is disclosed. The system features use of a first probe for generating a signal indicative of the dielectric constant of the material which is divided into a signal varying with the level of the material whereby a compensated level signal irrespective of the actual dielectric constant is measured. In a preferred embodiment, a single integrator is used to perform the division operation whereby inaccuracies due to component variation including long-term drift are eliminated. The instrument is disclosed as functioning in a two-wire instrument system having low power requirements, permitting use of conventional signal limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Drexelbrook Engineering Co.
    Inventor: David M. Stern
  • Patent number: 4755798
    Abstract: A circuit for controlling a display panel identifying malfunctions in an engine generator receives a plurality of electrical signals from the engine generator, each of which identifies a particular trouble. The electrical signal may be produced by closing a switch. It is caused to operate a latch that lights a light associated with the particular malfunction. Indications of other malfunctions are suppressed until the circuit is reset. A manual reset tests all lights and then leaves them off ready to respond. A power-up reset does not test lights but leaves all lights off ready to respond. The circuit is rendered especially appropriate for military use by hardening against radiation and against pulses of electromagnetic interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: William P. Hooper
  • Patent number: 4724462
    Abstract: Disclosed is a display control device of a copying machine which is provided with a plurality of displays on the operational panel and warns operators of some abnormal condition present in the copying machine by lighting up a specific alarm display which corresponds to the content of the abnormal condition through activating a specific circuit for extinguishing all other displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kimihito Yamasaki, Syoichiro Yoshiura
  • Patent number: 4703325
    Abstract: A Remote Subsystem for monitoring a large number of parameters relating to operating equipment at a remote site is disclosed. A monitoring system having a plurality of local service offices each reporting to a central office and each having a plurality of remote subsystems at remote sites reporting to it is also disclosed. Each remote subsystem reports only a first alarm condition detected for a particular unit of equipment to its local office and reports the unit back in a normal operating condition only after all detected alarm conditions have returned to a non alarm status. In this way, the local and central offices are not inundated with information of little value. Each remote subsystem also monitors conditions that are indicative of impending alarm conditions in order to alert local and central service offices of developing problems in the field. Similarly, each remote system monitors and accumulates miscellaneous data useful for a variety of monitoring purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: Carrier Corp.
    Inventors: Frederick C. Chamberlin, Charles Whynacht, Peter D. Carter, Charles S. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4683455
    Abstract: A shifting timing indicating system for a vehicle includes a control circuit having an engine rpm sensor for detecting the engine rpm and a rpm comparator which receives the output of the engine rpm sensor and determines whether the engine rpm exceeds a preset value. The control circuit outputs a shift-up signal when the engine rpm exceeds the preset value. A shift-up indicator receives the shift-up signal from the control circuit and makes a shift-up display to direct the operator of the vehicle to shift up. An acceleration detecting circuit detects the rate of increase in engine load and the shift-up indicator is inhibited from making the shift-up display for a predetermined time interval which is extended with increase in the rate of increase in engine load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Kido, Toshihiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 4635030
    Abstract: The invention relates to a status display system for aircraft which system receives signals from sensors/transducers monitoring a plurality of parameters and subsystems of the aircraft. The system then displays text identifying faulty ones of the parameters or subsystems in a prioritized sequence. With the system of the invention, only a single indicator is needed to identify a plurality of faults as compared to available systems wherein each parameter and subsystem is monitored by a separate device including a separate display. Thus, the present invention is an improvement over the prior art in that: (1) it requires less cockpit space for displaying faults, and; it presents faults in order of priority so that the pilot does not have to make decisions about the most important fault to attend to when, as in the prior art systems, faced with a plurality of fault indications on a plurality of fault indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: Canadian Marconi Company
    Inventor: Sol Rauch
  • Patent number: 4558306
    Abstract: A contact monitor and annunciator unit for providing a persistent warning in the event one of a selected number of event monitoring circuits associated with a mobile refrigeration system opens. The unit includes a number of warning circuits that are electrically isolated from the monitoring circuits by optical isolators and a separate power supply so that the initial cause of a shut down due to abnormal operating conditions can not only be annunicated but also differenciated from a shut down caused by a momentary power failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Freliech
  • Patent number: 4535321
    Abstract: A first fault locater system includes a plurality of monitored switches, each connected across a separate electrically isolated input terminal in circuit relation with an optical signaling means which lights up when a fault is detected in the monitored switch. Each signaling device is optically coupled to a separate silicon controlled rectifier which becomes conducting in response to the optical signal. The output from each silicon controlled rectifier is fed through gating circuits to initiate operation of amplifying and reversing means which imposes a negative bias on each silicon controlled rectifier when a first fault is detected. The negative bias serves to disable each of the monitoring circuits except the circuit detecting the first fault, which remains operated, until reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Inventor: Craig Merz
  • Patent number: 4491241
    Abstract: A monitor is provided for a field planting machine having a plurality of planting units and a plurality of seed sensors respectively associated with the planting units for producing seed signals in response to the dispensing of seeds thereby. The monitor comprises a plurality of sensor circuits coupled in series circuit, one of the sensor circuits being coupled intermediate each of the sensors and a common signal line. These sensor circuits and the associated sensors are sequentially selectable for causing a first condition on the common signal line in response to production of seed signals at or above a predetermined rate and a second condition on the common signal line in response to the non-production of seed signals at or above the predetermined rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Assignee: Dickey-john Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Knepler, Wesley J. Bachman
  • Patent number: 4443784
    Abstract: A fault signal indicating system which contains a bistable memory device which changes from a first to a second stable state in response to a fault signal. Simple logic circuitry is provided for disabling the memory device while it is in the second state so that it will not be affected by secondary fault signals. In systems where a plurality of bistable memory devices are used, each being associated with a respective one of plural fault signal outputs, logic circuitry is employed to disable predetermined ones of the memories in response to any one of them being in the second state. Voltage regulation and power interruption circuitry is provided to disable the memory devices when power supply voltages fall below predetermined levels. Circuitry is provided for resetting all of the memories simultaneously to the first stable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Horst Franzen, Wolfgang Rothmeier
  • Patent number: 4395705
    Abstract: A trouble-shooting circuit arrangement for localizing and identifying the first failure in time in a sequence of failures which has a plurality of monitor circuits including trouble detector circuits for producing direct current outputs in response to the occurence of failure or trouble at various contact points and trouble localization circuits for identifying the trouble which has occurred in any of the monitor circuits, identifying such factors as coolant, pressure, temperature, fuel and the like in an engine. The arrangement locates the first failure or trouble in time, which has occurred in any of the circuits so as to remedy the countermeasures of the equipment against the occurence of trouble or failure therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1983
    Assignee: Toyo Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Tsutsumi, Genichiro Tanoue, Yoshiaki Takaya
  • Patent number: RE38656
    Abstract: An annunciator device that utilizes a microprocessor allows for the inclusion of a tachometer or an hourmeter-tachometer, functions that typically require external instruments. A display circuit sequentially provides a digital readout indicative of a fault condition, engine speed and elapsed run time. The system draws sufficiently low current to be powered from a CD ignition or magnetic pickup power supply and backup battery. An annunciator device that allows for the inclusion of a tachometer, or a tachometer and an hourmeter, eliminates a great deal of cost by reducing instrument count, customer wiring, and overall instrument panel size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Murphy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter R. Berger, Randol W. Read