Abstract: A security system in which sensors are included in one or more groups which are stored in the system. Groups of sensors are selectably actuable by a user entering mode information into the system so that only the selected group(s) will provide indication of an alarm condition when a sensor indicates an alarm event has occurred.

Abstract: A broadband transformer with one-to-one turns ratio provides common mode noise suppression in a transmission line. One winding of the transformer is connected in series with each of the two wires of the transmission line. The transmission line is connected between a multiplexer device, coupled in turn to a plurality of spaced-apart fire detectors, and an output fire alarm control panel. Common mode noise on the transmission line results in only a very small noise current appearing at the central fire alarm panel. As a result, a noise rejection for the system is increased.

Abstract: The present invention includes a continuous optical fiber secured to the movable control member and a connector unit which transmits and detects a light signal at opposite ends of the optical fiber and converts the detected light signal into an electrical signal. More specifically the present invention also includes apparatus for allowing authorized movement of the control member as well as means for detecting unauthorized movement of the control member. A preferred embodiment includes an optical fiber that is adapted to be secured to a movable control member of a valve and secured at each end to respective terminals on a connector unit. The length of the loop, optical fiber, and the position of the terminals and connector until are selected so that moving the movable control member of the valve interrupts the light path provided by optical fiber between the terminals to which the ends of the fiber are attached.

Abstract: An alarm indicating system utilizing a plurality of remote sensors connected to a wired-OR address bus, the sensors having means for forming a binary address which is placed on the address bus as a series of high and low signal levels when the remote sensor is activated. The system includes a plurality of comparators, each having a binary address corresponding to a remote sensor. The comparators detect the activation of its corresponding remote sensor by monitoring the address bus for presence of the designated address and activating a central alarm indicating system. The system also includes a testing means which can present test addresses onto the address bus, thereby activating the sensors and testing the operation of the comparators. The system includes a means for disabling the testing means when a remote sensor is activated by an external alarm, and therefore the testing means does not interfere with the operation of the system.

Abstract: A central address and programming unit designed to constitute a dialogue system with a plurality of fire alarm detectors in order to characterize an alarm, the place of the disaster, technical incidents, and defects in functioning of the fire alarm detectors which are dispersed over a site includes an electronic control unit B.sub.G, a control and display panel D.sub.A, an electronic programming unit C.sub.p for interfacing the control and display panel D.sub.A and unit BG to the electronic programming unit and a coupling loop A.sub.B for interfacing the control unit B.sub.G to the integrated circuit of the pickups (17) for the fire alarm detctors.

Abstract: An electronic digital computer has a warning facility for indicating activity and operation, or lack of same, of the central processor in the system. It is done by providing a signal indicative of continuing operation of the central processor to activate an indicator circuit. The indicated circuit utilizes an RC circuit for maintaining a high level through a high comparator when the processor is operational. When the central processor becomes non-operational, the capacitor discharges to a point where a low comparator responds, causing the capacitor to begin charging to its high value. The associated circuits, using this feature, maintain an LED in the active stage until such time as there is no signal indicating continuing operation of the central processor, at which time the LED begins an approximate 50% duty cycle resulting in a blinking indicator.

Abstract: A fire detector assembly comprises a base (1) and a sensor (5) adapted to fit the base. The base (1) is provided with passive means, such as pins (6) or contacts arranged in a pattern to represent an address of the detector. When the sensor (5) is fitted to the base (1), reading means in the sensor reads the address code and thereby conditions the sensor to receive appropriate signals from a control unit.

Abstract: A system is provided for electronically monitoring a group of sensor switches employed at remote locations in security or alarm systems. To monitor the status of individual switches, a matrix of conductors is employed. The matrix has a predetermined number of send conductors by a predetermined number of return conductors. Switch circuits each having a diode connected in series with one of the sensor switches are connected at selected crosspoints of the matrix of conductors between respective send and return conductors. Line selection circuitry responsive to an input signal from a computer selectively permits the supply of a sourcing voltage potential to at least a selected one of the send and return conductors and the supply of a sinking voltage potential to at least a selected one of the remaining send and return conductors.

Abstract: Continuous status monitoring of a plurality of switches and smart sensors associated with the switches, wherein each sensor is connected to a separate single point in a single wire bus is a affected by a smart sensor multiplex arrangement employing an automatic wake-up circuit. The automatic wake-up circuit allows activation of any switch of a group of high priority switches to automatically take a microcontroller out of a wait mode and causes it to go into a POWER-ON mode. In the POWER-ON mode, power routes all circuits in the entire system and then a polling of all the switches and sensor modules is performed.

Abstract: A selective call system is provided in which string searching or text matching operations are performed on data from data generating devices such as condition sensors in a security system. When a predetermined string is identified, an address of a selective call receiver such as a pager is generated and that receiver is called. The invention is applicable to other applications where data is generated which includes predetermined character strings.

Abstract: A system for failure detection of series-fed lighting circuits monitors the status of series-fed lamps and provides for feedthrough shift circuit protection of the isolating transformer and for suppression of overvoltage which appears at the failed lamp terminals. Current monitoring systems are rendered obsolete by this RLW (Runway Lighting Warning). The RLW system, which consists basically of a control unit equipped with detector probes, utilizes the series-fed lamp supply line, without any need for supplementary lines, and displays the failed lamp identification number accurately. The system has its preferred application in series-fed support lighting systems, but may also find application within any series-fed lighting system such as that of harbors, road networks and so on.

Abstract: An individual source identification of several signal providers or pick-ups with closable contacts disposed in a twin-wire signal line, in particular for fire detectors in fire alarm systems. The signal pick-up system allows to distinguish actuation of individual sensors separately and apart from a short circuit formation. The fire alarm system also allows connection to automatic sprinkler devices. The fire sensor system is easy to install in that the individual settings of the individual detectors at a construction site are minimized.

Abstract: A multitude of alarm indicators are layed out in a signal line for the purpose of monitoring an extensive object. Such an object can be a large building, a pipeline or similar device. In order to determine which of the alarm indicators has triggered off the alarm, a repeated pulse is fed into the signal line whose echo is compared with a programmed-in echo signal. The programmed echo signal is acquired through the transmission of a pulse when all of the alarm indicators are out of service. By comparison of the programmed-in echo signal with the measured echo signal, the distance of the activated alarm indicator from the beginning of the signal line can be measured.

Abstract: An alarm locator module for use in association with a picket fence having a plurality of picket elements disposed along a tubular rail, each picket being armed with an intrusion detection device connected to a three line supervised conductive loop contained within said rail and in constant communication with the intrusion locator module. The intrusion locator module supplies voltage and current down a first line of the loop, having a plurality of resistive elements disposed in spaced apart relationship along a portion of its length. Current normally flows back up the loop via a return line to ground, unless an intrusion is detected, in which case the intrusion detection device causes a short between the first line and a second line of the loop thereby causing current to flow through the second line back to the intrusion locator device, which is capable of detecting and reporting the intrusion.

Abstract: A protective device includes a transmission line comprising two elongate co-extensive electrical conductors capable of sensing vibrations, converting these vibrations into electrical signals and transmitting the electrical signals. It also includes signal-processing means electrically connected to one pair of ends of the conductors. The signal-processing means includes normalizing means for normalizing the electrical signals, and a comparator for comparing the normalized signals with previously normalized known signals, thereby to identify the source of the signals transmitted along the cable, and hence an alarm/non-alarm condition.

Abstract: System for protecting a group of location of a network by anticipating an act of vandalism. A monitoring apparatus connected to detection apparatus on the location in order to establish in real time a modification of the state of a location as a result of an act of vadalism, a storage apparatus for storing the fixed characteristics of each location, a processing apparatus and a display for displaying the result supplied by the processing apparatus. This processing apparatus is able to communicate with the monitoring apparatus so that it can be informed in real time of an act of vandalism affecting a location, store the characteristics of the vandalized locations, determine the trajectories of the vandals, extrapolate said trajectories to forecast a location liable to be vandalized and inform an operator by supplying using the display means information in such a way as to protect a location liable to be vandalized by anticipating the trajectory of a vandal.

Abstract: A single-wire loop alarm system in which an identification module is placed across each alarm switch. Any module which is across an open switch is powered by the loop current and, in response to a pulse count in the loop representing its address, changes the loop impedance in order to report on its status. The loop current may alternate in direction so that oppositely poled modules may be used, thus allowing a larger number of powered modules to accommodated at the same time.

Abstract: A security system wherein a plurality of locations are monitored by sensors which transmit alarm signals to a central control station by radio or telephone, each alarm signal being encoded to identify the particular sensor location and alarm condition. The control station comprises a computer which correlates the received alarm signals with information stored in the computer memory to identify which of a plurality of satellite stations are to be notified of a particular alarm condition at a particular monitored location, what correlated information is to be transmitted to such satellite station, and whether to effect such transmission by radio or telephone. The computer actuates a radio or telephone transmitter in the control station to transmit correlated signals to the appropriate satellite stations, and may also actuate a speech synthesizer so that such signals may be transmitted as synthetic speech.

Abstract: A central controller is connected by a common two-wire communication cable to a plurality of remote zone transponders. Each zone transponder includes a counting means and a resistive network having a detecting sensor therein. The central controller includes pulse generating means for generating control pulses and address pulses, and an analog-to-digital converter means. A gate enabled by the control pulses passes the address pulses onto the communication cable for supplying power to and incrementing the counting means in each of the zone transponders to sequentially render the resistive network in each operable to transmit a responsive current on the communication cable back to the central controller where the disabling of the gate by the absence of a control pulse permits the analog-to-digital converter means to receive the responsive current from the resistive network of each of the zone transponders and convert it into a digital signal indicative of the status of the detecting sensor therein.

Abstract: Measurement-expressing apparatus for monitoring (n) switches, the state of each switch representing the state of a station, has a resistor in parallel with each switch, the (n) resistors having binary related resistances, a constant current is supplied to the parallel combinations of switches and resistors connected in series with each other, and signals each representative of the sum of the voltage drops within the series of parallel combinations are operated upon by an n-bit analogue-to-digital converter, the (n) outputs of the converter each being individually associated with a parallel combination, in each quantization period (t) of the converter, a signal is obtained on each converter output representative of one of the two possible states of the corresponding station, and signals of one form, provided on at least one output individually are accumulated in a counter over an interval (mt). The numbers accumulated by any counter in each of a plurality (p) of intervals (mt) are operated upon.

Abstract: A remote sensing and indicating system for monitoring and displaying at a central operating location the state or position of a remotely located multiple state element. The multiple state element may be a subsea valve which may be either in an open state or a closed state. The system electronically scans valve position switches, stores data indicating the position and drives lamps to display valve position. Switches at the remotely located valve are selectively closed in response to the state of the valve. The switches are connected to the central location by only two leads.

Abstract: In apparatus for communicating data by repetitively completing and opening an electric circuit, the improvement which comprises a light source inserted in the circuit to provide a visible train of light flashes upon operation of the apparatus, and circuitry for suppressing a predetermined portion of the flashes in response to a condition, to reduce the observable flashing rate of the source.

Abstract: An electronic map for selectively displaying routes to various locations in a building such as a shopping mall is disclosed. The map displays a floor plan indicating a plurality of stations (shops, public telephones, washrooms, etc.) and paths connecting the various stations. A particular station can be selected at a keyboard, and a path extending from the location of the map to the selected station is then visually indicated, as with a string of light emitting diodes physically located on the map. In a multi-level building where several floor plans are displayed the map can visually indicate a path extending from the map to, for example, a stairwell, the vertical direction to be taken on the stairwell, and a continuation of the path from the stairwell to a station on another level.

Abstract: A sensor responsive display device includes a common display section for displaying various messages and/or warnings for a given period of time, and plural individual display sections, each corresponding to one of the messages and/or warnings displayed in the common display section.

Abstract: Door operator device comprising an indicator that the door is in either fully opened or fully closed condition, including a drive for moving the door to these positions in response to operation of an initiator connected therewith. The device includes a switch circuit to switch off the drive when the door has reached either of the positions, and the indicator is operatively interconnectable with the door operator device to provide the information that the door is in its fully opened or closed condition.

Abstract: A visual display system detects and continuously displays the location of a breach in a protected building or secure area. Each of a plurality of exclusive OR gates is connected to a separate reed-type sensor switch. Each exclusive OR gate output is connected to a flip-flop network, each of which in turn is connected to a light emitting diode. Activation of a sensor switch results in lighting only of the light emitting diode associated with the area breached. A mechanism is also provided for preventing the generation of false alarms by transients or inadvertent momentary opening of any of the sensor switches.

Abstract: An operator is provided with a continuous display, on a single convenient monitor, of the extent of progress, the status, etc., of each camera in a multi-camera system, during a microprocessor controlled automatic setup procedure. The display is superimposed on a video picture generated by the selected camera, which corresponds to one of various video signals selectable by the operator.

Abstract: An annunciator arrangement includes a segmented display unit with segments which may be selectively activated. There is also provided scanning means for scanning a fault line from each of a number of computer components such as voltage regulators to determine the presence or absence of a fault signal thereon. Logic circuitry is provided for selectively displaying on the segmented display units a numerical indication representative of the particular fault line upon which a fault signal has been detected. Such annunciator display is provided at the control panel of the computer rendering it unnecessary for the operator thereof to access the inward parts of the computer in order to determine which component of the computer is indicated as failing.

Abstract: A fault indicator apparatus employs a single indicating device such as a light emitting diode (LED) to provide an indication of all zones within a plurality of zones which exhibit a predetermined condition being monitored. In particular, the invention is employed in a multi-zone intrusion system where a single indicator provides an output indicative of all zones which are not secure. The apparatus causes the indicator to blink the zone numbers in a continuous sequence and for example, if zones 2 and 5 were not secure the indicator would provide two flashes indicative of zone 2 and then provide a predetermined pause while then providing 5 flashes indicative of zone 5. The user by counting the flashes can then immediately determine which zones in the plurality of zones have been violated.

Abstract: A seed flow monitor for use with a plurality of seed flow sensors which are located in individual tubes of a field seeder. In the event of detection of reduction of seed flow in any seed tube below a predetermined threshold, a pulse signal is sent to a central display via circuits, associated with each group of seed flow sensors, connected in series. Each of the circuits modifies the pulse signal in a predetermined similar manner, resulting in a pulse signal received at the central display which is unique to the group of seed tubes originating the pulse signal. Preferably the pulse signal is constantly transmitted to the circuits by the central display, and is merely coupled into the series of circuits upon detection of the seed flow below the threshold. The cabling complexity from the sensors to the control display is thus substantially reduced and reliability is enhanced.

Abstract: An electronic detection system for detecting intruders employs a transmisn line as a sensing element. In one embodiment the transmission line is a modified surface-wave transmission line, for example, a Goubau line which is positioned about the perimeter of the area to be protected. An intruder in the field of the line causes an RF reflection back toward the source, which reflection may be detected by Doppler range-gating techniques. In other embodiments of the invention, the transmission line is an insulated, twisted wire pair or a deformable transmission line. In some instances, the transmission line may be replaced with an active or passive pressure line.

Abstract: A system for displaying alphanumeric messages has a display device with a row of character stations at each of which a character may be created for display in response to a set of signals applied to the character station. A memory device stores a plurality of message fragments and a real time means provides a plurality of real time message fragments respectively representing a corresponding plurality of real time conditions. A control circuit in response to certain input conditions selects one stored message fragment and one real time message fragment and converts them to sets of signals applied in one to one relationship to the character stations to cause the display of a meaningful complete message by the display device.

Abstract: An alarm transmission system with portable receivers for watching a site, which system comprises a plurality of portable and removable autonomous detection units, a plurality of portable autonomous receiving modules capable of releasing signalling or warning means incorporated to the said receiving modules upon receipt of signals sent by a transmission unit and a central information-receiving and processing unit equipped with at least one receiving module, and in which system the signal transmission unit is constituted on the one hand by radio-transmission and coding means associated to each detection unit and on the other hand by means of reception by radio-link and decoding means incorporated to each portable receiving module.

Abstract: A fire detection system is provided employing a plurality of electronic fire detection units, each of which is a code generating and short wave transmitting unit which derives electrical energy for powering the unit from the heat of a fire. In one form, each unit is operable to generate a specific code identifying the unit and its location which code is short wave transmitted directly to a monitor station. The receipt and recording or display of the code is an indication of the location of the unit which becomes activated by heat. The extent of the fire can be determined by the number of units which are so activated as indicated by the number of different codes received by the monitor station. Each detection unit is preferably self insulated against immediate destruction of the electronic circuit thereof, to permit the unit to transmit a remotely detectable code.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes a microcomputer-based trip unit, and a display and control panel comprising a numeric display device and a plurality of legends associated with light-emitting diodes. The trip unit presents a sequential display of numeric values of associated circuit electrical parameters and time-current trip characteristic setting values, with the currently visible numeric quantity being identified by an energized light emitting diode and associated legend. The control panel also includes a test switch for initiating a test operation and a potentiometer for selecting a desired simulated fault current value for the test operation. The test capability is provided simultaneously with normal circuit breaker operation which maintains full protection of the associated circuit. A short-delay feature is provided having a selectable i.sup.2 t characteristic with adjustment of both pick-up and time parameters.

Abstract: A switching circuit for monitoring the switching state of switching elements wherein the switching state of the switching element is detected and a corresponding signal is generated and this signal is compared to the input signal initially provided for switching the switching element from one switching state to another whereby a fault signal is produced when the switching state monitor signal indicates that the switching element is in one switching state and the input signal indicates that the switching element is or should be in another switching state.

Abstract: A multiple zone intrusion detection system in which a plurality of intrusion sensors can be readily converted into the system without system modification, and in which mode control signals from a central control unit and alarm signals from the sensors are both conveyed on a single conductor of the system cable. Each sensor has an associated interface module which permits coupling of different types of sensors to the system and sharing of a single conductor for mode control signals and alarm signals.

Abstract: An electric lighting installation in which is provided at least one central control panel for each light point group, an auxiliary switch which is connected in a parallel circuit with the corresponding local switch, and for each light point or light point group, a corresponding indicator, such as an indicator lamp.The lighting installation can be combined with an efficient alarm system.

Abstract: Security equipment comprises a plurality of normally-open or normally-closed switch contacts connected in a loop circuit to a central control circuit. Each pair of switch contacts has a respective resistor connected in parallel therewith and the control circuit is operable to detect changes in resistance due, for example, to an intruder operating one of the switches.

Abstract: A storage rack entry vehicle for transporting loads in a warehousing system includes infrared radiation source and detector units which determine the relative position of the vehicle and load. The optical axes of the source and detector are parallel and closely-spaced. When infrared radiation from the source is scattered by the load (or a pallet carrying the load), some of the radiation is reflected back to the detector along a path substantially parallel to the optical axes. The maximum range of detection is controlled by adjusting the gain of an amplifier which forms part of the detector.

Abstract: A disaster alert system for a public area, building or the like, each area of which is provided with a sensor responsive to a localized disaster such as a fire with a circuit for each sensor connected to an audio/visual device identified with a specific area, the circuits being connected together so that the response of a sensor in a specific area activates the associated audio/visual device to provide an alerting output which indicates the location of the disaster and measure to be taken at all of the interconnected audio/visual devices.

Abstract: A domestic protective system which utilizes existing household AC power lines to conduct system signals between remote stations or zones and a master receiver. The system signals are established by a single carrier frequency and include a data pulse of this frequency under normal conditions, and no data pulse under malfunction conditions. Locations of zones originating system data signals are identified by time delays established prior to data transmission from each zone, this delay triggered and synchronized by data transmissions transmitted from other zones.

Abstract: A scanning control system is disclosed for remotely sensing or monitoring a predetermined condition or state, such as the presence of a fire, by means of one or a multiplicity of detecting stations at one or a multiplicity of locations with each detecting station providing a positive indication of the location of each predetermined condition sensed. A scanning or control panel is electrically connected with the detecting stations by means of four wires extending from the panel regardless of the number of detecting stations utilized in the system.

Abstract: An oral warning system for monitoring mining operations, or the like, comprising a plurality of first sensors each providing a signal representative of an abnormal condition being sensed, at least one additional sensor providing a signal representing an emergency condition being sensed, an oscillator and modulator for generating an emergency warning tone energized upon detection of the emergency condition, a plurality of speakers at selected locations for broadcasting the emergency warning tone, a multi-track tape player with playback head selectively movable to any one of the track positions and having an audio output connected to local and remote speakers, and circuit means effective to energize the tape player and move its head to an appropriate track containing a prerecorded oral message upon detection of an abnormal condition by one of said first sensors.

Abstract: An annunciator system includes circuitry which, upon depressing of a momentary switch isolating the annunciator system from closed loop inputs of an electronic burglar alarm sensing unit, identifies the status of each access switch in a closed loop circuit containing the plurality of access switches. The annunciator system also indicates the integrity of electrical connections to the respective access switches and to an audible alarm unit.

Abstract: A detector and indicator for burglar alarms is provided wherein passive resonators, each tuned to a different frequency, are employed across each of the normally closed series switches of the burglar alarm. An alternating current generator is connected to the series line and tuned progressively to the frequency of each of the passive resonators. If an open circuit occurs across any of the resonators, a detector circuit detects the high impedance which results and actuates an indicator circuit wherein the indicator is selected for the frequency of the resonator of a particular location. Even if a plurality of switches are open, the selection circuit will be activated for the particular locations of the open switches.

Abstract: This invention relates to a potentiometer with a digital display indicating the position of the potentiometer slider. In a known potentiometer of this type, a mechanical multidigit counter is mounted outside the potentiometer housing on the shaft carrying the slider. However, since the counter is mounted on the potentiometer shaft proper, the potentiometer must be inconveniently mounted in an apparatus at a point at which the counter can be read. Another disadvantage of the known potentiometer results from the fact that restrictions exist for the scale of the counter. The present invention provides a potentiometer of the above-specified type which is of simple design and is more versatile than known potentiometers. The advantage of the potentiometer according to this invention is that the display means can be mounted at a point remote from the potentiometer.

Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing a malfunction of an electronic control system including sensors for electrically sensing conditions of sensing points of a vehicle and an electronic calculation unit for determining an energizing condition of an actuator for controlling a vehicle operation in accordance with output signals from the sensors is disclosed. The malfunction diagnosing apparatus is inserted intermediate of wires which connect the sensors or the actuator and the electronic control system, and when a voltage or current level on any wire assumes a non-steady state, the malfunction diagnosing apparatus determines that a malfunction has occurred at a portion associated with that wire and memorizes and holds the occurrence of the malfunction.

Abstract: The supervised conductive loop comprises a plurality of switch elements connected in series with a DC current source. Encoder modules are located in parallel with each of the switch elements. The encoder module comprises an oscillator and an impedance element. When a switch element is opened, the oscillator associated with that switch is energized and places an AC signal on the loop. The frequency of each oscillator uniquely identifies the associated switch element. The impedance element, formed by a resistor and a capacitor, is used both as a filter for the power supply voltage to the oscillator as well as a bandpass filter to permit oscillator signals present on the loop to bypass open switch elements and be detected at any location in the loop. Frequency identifying means are coupled to the loop to permit an indication of which oscillators have been operated.

Abstract: A monitoring arrangement comprises units for sensing the flow of seeds through each coulter of a sowing machine and indicating units installed on a part of the machine where the coulters are supported. A common, central unit to indicate an interruption occurring in any coulter is also provided, acting via a common electric conduit that feeds signals from the indicating units to the central unit. The invention suggests one indicating unit for a maximum of three sensing units but preferably the number of the indicating units is half that of the sensing units while the number of the latter is identical with that of the coulters. The arrangement may further include a unit for counting fault locations, connected to the indicating units by the common conduit. At least some of the sensing units may be in the form of piezoelectric sensors that respond to the impingement of the seeds within the coulters.