Abstract: An apparatus and method for reporting verification testing of a portable activator is provided for a personal emergency response system. In normal operation of the system, a signal transmitted by the portable activator activates a subscriber unit in a remote subscriber station to transmit an alarm message to a central station, or in some configurations to provide a local test or to cause other local or remote commands and/or control. The subscriber unit according to the present invention includes a latch assembly which is "set" upon receipt of any activating signal transmitted by the portable activator. The system also includes timing/logic circuitry, in the subscriber unit or alternately as part of the equipment of the central station, which automatically activates the subscriber unit upon expiration of a predetermined period of time to transmit a system test message to the central station.

Abstract: A personal alarm system is disclosed which incorporates a speakerphone so as to permit substantially handsfree operation and remote activation. The system includes a speakerphone which interfaces to a subscriber station. The subscriber station in turn interfaces over a communications link to a central monitoring station which is operative to receive and analyze messages transmitted to the central monitoring station by the subscriber station. Following transmission of a message from the subscriber station to the central monitoring station, the central monitoring station may transmit a control signal to the subscriber station which causes the subscriber station to activate the speakerphone to permit verbal communication with a subscriber who may be immobilized and/or physically unable to initiate a telephone call or answer a telephone.

Abstract: A telephone care system has a line-checking arrangement connected to the line-seizing arrangement and an off-hook detector so as to activate the line-seizing arrangement and send a bad-line signal in the event that the off-hook detector does not provide an off-hook signal when the line has been seized. A preferred embodiment also uses a pilot light as a combined power-on and telephone line status indicator by causing the pilot light to blink in the presence of a bad-line signal. A preferred embodiment also utilizes the off-hook detector for the additional purpose of resetting an inactivity timer, which, on expiration of a predetermined interval of time, triggers an alarm call over the telephone wires.

Abstract: A novel alarm system tester is disclosed for use in verifying the operation of subscriber stations in an alarm system of a type having a central monitoring station and a plurality of subscriber stations operative to automatically dial the telephone number of the central monitoring station and to report the occurrence of an alarm event to the central monitoring station. The tester in accordance with the present invention permits the verification of the automatic dialing function of the subscriber station and additionally, provides for verification that the subscriber station can transmit messages to the central monitoring station in accordance with a defined communication protocol. The entire test sequence is completed in a single telephone communication.

Abstract: An emergency response system in which the low battery condition of a wireless help unit is automatically detected and indicated at a receiver. The help unit provides, as part of the transmitted signal, a signal indication of battery condition. The received signal is decoded and, upon detection of a low battery signal indication, a visual and/or audible output indication denotes this condition. The low battery indication at the receiver remains on until a transmission is received from the help unit when containing a fresh battery replacement.

Abstract: A telephone care system enables personnel monitoring an emergency response center to be reminded that help is still needed at a given location. The system includes a provision for sending a plurality of alarm messages, wherein one criterion for selection of the message being sent is whether a message was previously sent without the alarm state thereafter having been terminated. In a preferred embodiment, a communication system in accordance with the invention includes a provision for sending repetitively, after an initial alarm message, a message to the effect that "help is still needed" until the alarm state has been terminated.

Abstract: A personal alarm system operative to provide a warning at a central monitoring station indicative of subscriber inactivity. The system comprises a subscriber station which interfaces to a communications link and a remote central monitoring station also interfaced to the link and operative to receive and analyze messages transmitted to the monitoring station by the subscriber station. The subscriber station transmits an alert message to the monitoring station over the communication link if the subscriber fails to reset clock logic via a reset switch or activity sensor within a predetermined time interval. An annunciator may be activated at the subscriber station coincident with transmission of the alert message. If the subscriber fails to activate a reset switch or a selected activity sensor within a predetermined period, the monitoring station provides an inactivity alarm indication to an operator who will take appropriate action.

Abstract: The present invention provides a small portable radio transmitter unit which can be worn on the wrist or suspended from a neck chain to provide immediate access in the event of an emergency condition and without interfering with the normal day-to-day activities of the wearer. The unit is contained within a watertight housing having a resilient membrane depressible by finger pressure to actuate a button switch within the housing for actuation of the transmitter. The housing is vented to the atmosphere to provide equalization of internal and ambient pressure in a manner providing isolation from water or other liquid entry to thereby maintain a watertight enclosure.

Abstract: A closed-loop system for monitoring the condition of a person in a residence. A digital dialer-transceiver at the residence is connected to a telephone line and may be triggered by an emergency button or the running out of a timer. It transmits identification and alarm codes to a compatible digital transceiver at a central station and at the same time emits an alarm signal at the residence. The central station digital receiving unit acknowledges the communication, means being provided in response to this acknowledgement for changing the "alarm" signal at the residence to a "call received" signal. The central station operator calls emergency responders previously recruited for that residence. The responder arriving at the residence presses a reset button on the unit which transmits an "all clear" signal to the central station and changes the "call receive" mode of the residence signal to an "all clear" mode.

Abstract: An alarm system for automatically sending a telephone message or other remote signal in case help is needed for a person residing alone. In one version, a timer cyclically activates a magnetic tape player which begins slowly to dial the number of the station at which help is available, and then transmit a prerecorded message. The timer simultaneously activates an audible warning signal so that the resident can abort sending of the message if no help is needed. The timer is automatically reset each time the resident lifts the handset in normal telephone usage so that it is unnecessary under ordinary circumstances for him to worry about resetting the timer each day. Should the audible signal be activated but there is no need for help, the signal may be shut off, the message sending aborted and the timer reset merely by lifting the handset. A manual emergency bypass switch is provided.