Patents Assigned to Digital Security Controls Ltd.
  • Patent number: 6895082
    Abstract: An alarm system has an alarm unit in combination with a line seize module. The alarm unit includes a transmitter/receiver, a control panel function, a key pad, an input/output port connected to a telephone line and an auto dialer for normally communicating with a remote monitoring station over the public switched telephone network. The line seize module includes an input communication port connected to the telephone line, a signal transmitter and receiver for communication over telephone wiring with the alarm unit, control logic, a line seize arrangement and an automatic dialer. Control logic processing signals are received by the input port. The line seize module, upon receiving an alarm signal from the alarm unit, reports the signal to a remote monitoring station using the automatic dialer and the public switched telephone network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventor: James Parker
  • Patent number: 6838988
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary Lennartz, Scott Singleton
  • Patent number: 6756905
    Abstract: A smoke detection chamber for use in a photoelectric smoke detector. The smoke detection chamber comprises a side wall with a double row of generally rectangular vanes arranged to provide a labyrinth extending generally around the entire side wall for ingress and egress of smoke particles, a top and a bottom. A mounting arrangement for a photoemitting diode is provided in the side wall of the smoke detection chamber so that a light beam from a photoemitting diode is transmitted across the smoke detection chamber. The mounting arrangement extends from and is spaced from the bottom to provide minimal interference for entry of smoke particles. The bottom of the smoke detection chamber has an opening therein with a shielding arrangement thereabout open to the chamber for a photodiode detector, the opening and shielding arrangement being located between the centerline of the smoke detection chamber and the mounting arrangement in the side wall of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventors: William Rattman, Zhexin Mi
  • Patent number: 6642954
    Abstract: A video capture controller for selective capture of video images from a plurality of video cameras, the capture controller having multiple video signal inputs for receiving signals from video source devices, an arrangement for receiving input signals from a security system, a processor for processing the received input signals of such arrangement and comparing the received signals with a predetermined set of possible received signals and, based thereon, determining a particular video capture protocol from a set of video capture protocols associated with the set of possible received signals, and a controller associated with the multiple video signal inputs and the processor, the controller having a video output, the controller selectively connecting the multiple video inputs with the video output based on the particular protocol determined by the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventor: James Parker
  • Patent number: 6519325
    Abstract: A high frequency bypass circuit is advantageously used in combination with a security system control panel. The bypass circuit divides telephone signals provided to the circuit into a low frequency DC signal and a high frequency AC signal, typically used for data transfer. The DC signal is provided to the security system alarm control panel and the high frequency AC signal bypasses the control panel, and is connected to the private telephone system. Conventional phones on the private telephone system can be disconnected by the control panel while any high frequency signal continues uninterrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventors: Reinhart K. Pildner, Fabio J. D. Almeida
  • Patent number: 6388564
    Abstract: A communication system arrangement uses powerline distribution systems to broadcast a signal from the distribution station to individual households. The signal is coded, using a spread spectrum technique and the receiving arrangement is designed to process the signal quickly for transmission to downstream households. In a preferred embodiment equipment, within each household is able to initiate a communication to a predetermined computer for reporting in accordance with an instruction signal received over the powerline system. With this system, a narrow band broadcast signal arrangement is realized, which does not require extensive modification to the distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventors: Raymond Piercy, John Kuurstra, Andrew Cullen
  • Patent number: 6380850
    Abstract: A dual mode alarm control panel includes a sensing arrangement for determining conditions of the environment in which the panel is installed. The results of the environmental assessment are used to determine an operating mode of the panel. In a first mode the panel is fully functional, and in a second mode the functions of the panel are restricted. This process assists in operating alarm control panels in an environment corresponding to the assumed design environment. In this way, non-compliance or operating alarm panels in unsuitable environments is reduced or avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventor: James Parker
  • Patent number: 6366211
    Abstract: A security alarm system cooperates with a remote monitoring station to improve the reliability of the alarm system. The alarm system includes a control panel which during communications with the remote monitoring station, receives information used for the operation of the system and preferably provides information for storage by the remote monitoring station which information is recovered by the control panel if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventor: James Parker
  • Patent number: 6362747
    Abstract: A security alarm system is adapted to retrieve e-mail status information and provide an alert signal for the user of the system that e-mail has been received and is awaiting retrieval. Preferably, the keypad of the security system includes a visual indicator which is activated when e-mail is received. The security alarm system uses the control panel and the auto dialer associated therewith, to contact the e-mail server and receive status information of one or more e-mail accounts The control panel can contact the e-mail provider on a predetermined basis, or on a user scheduled basis. The accounting system's capability to initiate telephone communications and process signals from a remote computer is advantageously used for e-mail retrieval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventor: James Parker
  • Patent number: 6351234
    Abstract: A motion detector of an alarm system has a microwave sensor and a passive infrared sensor, and includes signal processing logic for initiating an anti-masking evaluation upon detection of certain conditions. The detector then samples the sensor signals and compares the signals to a series of possible outcomes. Some of the possible outcomes represent masking conditions, while others represent normal conditions. A match with masking conditions results in an alarm signal being generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventor: Jake Choy
  • Publication number: 20020008610
    Abstract: A wireless key fob includes a slidable shield which is movable from an open position exposing a plurality of actuation keys to a closed position protecting the actuation keys. The shield is movable on the top surface of the key fob and preferrably automatically releasably locks when moved to the open or closed position. The shield is preferrably always located within the top surface to avoid stripping of the shield from the key fob. The slidable shield avoids accidental activation of the keys and increases battery life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Applicant: DIGITAL SECURITY CONTROLS LTD.
    Inventor: John Peterson
  • Patent number: 6310547
    Abstract: An alarm system providing programmable remote control of electrically controlled devices, such as lights, is provided. Geographic site and date information is provided to the alarm system. The parameters used to dictate the activation and deactivation of the controlled devices include the geographic site location and the sunrise and sunset times for the current date at that site. Accordingly, the activation and deactivation times of the controlled devices be programmed to automatically track the shifting sunset and sunrise times at the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventor: James Parker
  • Patent number: 6265972
    Abstract: A passive infrared sensor uses a modified lens or mirror to vertically elongate the detection zones in regions close to the sensor. This vertical elongation reduces the signal produced by a small pet, such as a cat, while the greater height of a human intruder produces a larger signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven Lee
  • Patent number: 6252504
    Abstract: The alarm system has an alarm unit for ready access at a point of entryway which communicates with a line seize module located in a secure location. The alarm unit has a transmitter receiver, a control panel function, a key pad, and an input/output port for connection to telephone wiring for communicating with the line seize unit. The line seize module includes its own input/output communication port connected to the wiring of the local telephone line and as such, is in direct communication with the alarm unit. Communication is separate and distinct from normal telephone communication and preferrably is at a high frequency above the audible range. This allows the alarm system to communicate between components while still allowing full conventional use of the telephone lines. The line seize module also includes control logic, a line seize arrangement and an automatic dialer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventor: James Parker
  • Patent number: 6226357
    Abstract: The invention provides an alarm panel connected to a telephone line. The alarm panel comprises a microprocessor connected to a circuit which operates in two states: passive and active. In the passive state, the alarm panel monitors the line for a ring signal and tests the integrity of the telephone line. In the active state, the alarm panel seizes the telephone line and provides full bi-directional communication with a receiver through the telephone line. The circuit is designed such that the individual subcircuits for each state operate independently of each other and can be modified to meet various regulatory requirements without affecting the other circuits. The circuit draws low current in the passive state. Finally, the circuit is separated from the microprocessor using only 2 or 3 optocouplers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventor: Reinhart Karl Pildner
  • Patent number: 6215405
    Abstract: The present invention in one aspect, provides for a programmable temperature sensor for a device as part of a security or alarm system. The programmable temperature sensor is capable of having multiple set points programmed, each set point individually programmable as to effect. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided a keypad controller having a programmable temperature sensor for use in an alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventors: Lucas Handley, James Parker
  • Patent number: 6175307
    Abstract: The security system uses two-way audible type communication signals between a detector and a control panel. Each of these devices include microphones and processing arrangements for filtering the signals to recognize and evaluate the communication signals. The microphone of the control panel can preferably be part of an alarm detection and also part of a two-way voice communication with a monitoring station. This arrangement is convenient to install, reliable and cost effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventor: John Peterson
  • Patent number: 6161958
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic heat detector having a self diagnostic mode. The heat detector is able to test the operation of a thermistor utilized for the temperature indicator of the heat detector. The thermistor is tested by applying electrical energy to the thermistor at a sufficient level for sufficient time to cause a measurable increase in the temperature of the thermistor. This level of increase of temperature of the thermistor is measured against an acceptable range for proper operation of the heat detector. The present invention also relates to a method for determining whether a heat detector is operating within acceptable limits, the heat detector utilizing a thermistor for temperature indication by the heat detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventors: William Rattman, Zhexin Mi
  • Patent number: 6157292
    Abstract: A communication system arrangement uses powerline distribution systems to broadcast a signal from the distribution station to individual households. The signal is coded, using a spread spectrum technique and the receiving arrangement is designed to process the signal quickly for transmission to downstream households. In a preferred embodiment equipment, within each household is able to initiate a communication to a predetermined computer for reporting in accordance with an instruction signal received over the powerline system. With this system, a narrow band broadcast signal arrangement is realized, which does not require extensive modification to the distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventors: Raymond Piercy, John Kuurstra, Andrew Cullen
  • Patent number: D461047
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.
    Inventor: John Peterson