Abstract: Techniques for locating an array of melded colors onto a software application's component window in order to create three-dimensional and multicolor graphics within the component window. The techniques include decoding a first and second color into their respective individual color components, performing a transition operation on the foregoing color components to determine transition colors, dividing a portion of the component window into subcomponents, and locating the transition colors into the subcomponents and, thereby, create three-dimensional and multicolor graphics within the component window.

Abstract: A system for automatically integrating various patient monitoring equipment into a nurse call system is implemented by incorporating a software system agent that translates communications in the patient monitoring equipment communication channel to a software system readable format. By translating the patient monitoring system's communications, a software system or computer can interpret the communications and act accordingly by signaling staff members, doctors, etc., in a manner that was not feasible by the hardware of the patient monitoring system. By interpreting the communications and having a nurse call system translation feature in the software system agent, nurse call systems can be “coupled” to the patient monitoring system to enable a synergy between systems that were here thereto incompatible or had limited functional capabilities.

Abstract: Techniques for superimposing highlights and shadows onto a background in order to simulate a brush texture graphical style within a software application's component window. The techniques include decoding a user-selected base-color into its individual color components, performing a contrast operation on the individual color components to determine highlight and shadow colors, and superimposing the highlight and shadow colors onto the user selected background.

Abstract: A fire alarm system is provided including a controller having a signaling delay, a plurality of smoke and/or heat detectors, a plurality of audible devices which may include sirens, public announcement devices and the like, and a plurality of visible devices which may include strobes, fluorescent lighting and the like. The system provides a directional path to areas of safety for occupants in harms way.

Abstract: A device for monitoring changes in airflow rates through detector dust filters in addition to assessing air for alarm indicators, including smoke, heat, gas, and relative humidity, is provided. A method monitors airflow through the detection device and provides a maintenance indication when the airflow has been reduced due to contamination of the dust filters.

Abstract: A single communication apparatus for alarm system control boxes that include the combination of a digital communicator and a remote communicating device. The communicating apparatus transmits status reports and events to a remote location. Remote login is permitted to access the control box through a external port or through the remote communication device.

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

Abstract: A programmable electronic circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes a CPU, signal-generating circuitry, and RC circuitry having at least two capacitors, such that when both of the capacitors are switched into the RC circuitry by the CPU, a signal is produced from an output of the signal-generating circuitry that is longer in duration than when one of the capacitors is switched into the RC circuitry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that includes housing in which a speaker and strobe light are located with the speaker linked to an audio alert adjuster and a strobe light linked to a visual alert adjuster. The alert levels of both the speaker and the strobe are shown on the exterior of the housing for ease of inspection. The adjusters are located within or outside the housing. The adjuster located within the housing aid in preventing tampering with the levels.

Abstract: A device with multiple sensors for detecting multiple alarm conditions coupled to a single control unit provides for monitoring and interrogating air flow through Heating/Ventilation/Air-conditioning (HVAC)-type ducts for changes to ambient conditions such as smoke, heat, gas, and/or relative humidity.

Abstract: A method for isolating suites includes the steps of isolating the suites when an alarm is initiated, setting a timer during isolation creating a window of time to clear a short circuit, clearing said short circuit, removing isolation from the suites as the timer reaches completion, determining if there is a short circuit in each of the suites, and isolating suites that have a short circuit.

Abstract: A restroom maintenance alert system and method for signaling when a restroom needs service includes a signaling device, an actuator located in a public restroom and configured to communicate with a signaling device to activate the signaling device, and instructions located on at least one of or on or near the actuator and directed to a restroom patron to actuate the actuator if the restroom needs service. The signaling device is located outside the public restroom. The method for signaling the restroom needs service includes providing the actuator in a restroom, instructing a restroom patron to activate the actuator if the restroom needs service, and activating a signaling device when the activator is activated.

Abstract: A control device and method provides control of at least one operating feature of a cooking device in response to measured smoke and/or gas produced by item(s) being cooked. The device and method may control the temperature and cooking time of the device, and may also shut off the device or provide a fire alarm.

Abstract: A speaker system such as a public address system and a method of operation is provided. The system includes a controller and a speaker with a unique identifying address. The system may provide diagnostic information regarding a specific speaker to the controller. The method of operation of the system includes assigning a unique address to a speaker, providing communication between the speaker and a controller via an audio loop, providing communication between the speaker and the controller via a communication loop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for activating a fire-alarm pull station. The pull stations includes a non-contact switch located within a housing, a movable actuation device linked to the non-contact switch wherein the device moves between an activation and non-activation position and an actuator protector linked to the non-contact switch to aid in preventing improper activation of the non-contact switch.

Abstract: A method of measuring a rate of change of carbon dioxide concentration in recirculated air of an engine, is disclosed. The method includes installing a conductive sample tube into an engine's pre-combustion/air-mixing chamber, and installing a carbon dioxide sensor, remote from the chamber, to measure relative concentrations of carbon dioxide. The method may also be used to measure nitrogen oxide exhaust gas levels.

Abstract: A restroom maintenance alert system and method for signaling when a restroom needs service includes a signaling device, an actuator located in a public restroom and configured to communicate with a signaling device to activate the signaling device, and instructions located on at least one of or on or near the actuator and directed to a restroom patron to actuate the actuator if the restroom needs service. The signaling device is located outside the public restroom. The method for signaling the restroom needs service includes providing the actuator in a restroom, instructing a restroom patron to activate the actuator if the restroom needs service, and activating a signaling device when the activator is activated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus displays homeland security advisory system information. The apparatus includes a beacon having an illuminous display configured to illuminate a color, and a controller configured to cause the display to selectively illuminate a red, orange, yellow, blue and green color. The controller is configured to receive and respond to a signal to illuminate one of the colors. The method includes providing a security alert beacon, selecting a color for the security alert beacon to display, and manipulating the beacon to display the selected color. The color selected is green when the security alert level is in a first condition, blue when the security alert level in the second condition, yellow when the security alert level is in a third condition, orange when the security alert level is in a fourth condition, and red when the security alert level is in a fifth condition.