Abstract: An integrated security and communications system combines a security system to either or both of a telephone system interface and a data interface. Users have access to voice-mail or other PBX-type telephone functions, many or all of which can be accessed not only at telephone sets, but also at keypads of the security system. Data functions such as electronic mail and possible partial or full World Wide Web access may also be provided at the keypads, as well as at connected personal computers or computer terminals. The system keypads may be enhanced to better accommodate some of the added functions. A central communications station could be used to maintain secure, shared private key encrypted communications with each premises system, using a redirector arrangement or relay to allow each premises system to communicate securely with a central monitoring station and with other systems. The secure communications system could be used without a security system to allow secure computer-to-computer communications.

Abstract: A supervisable multi-processor communication system includes circuitry and executable instructions for evaluating the communication capability of a plurality of branches in the system. Branches which exhibit a non-communicating condition, such as an open circuit can be identified. By conducting communications with electrical units on identified branches, the location of an open circuit, relative to one of the electrical units can be established.

Abstract: An ambient condition detector incorporates a common radiant energy source to carry out a first, sensing, function and a second, information transmitting function. The source can generate a beam to implement a fire sensing function. In addition, modulated radiant energy emitted from the source can be remotely sensed to determine detector status or internal parameter values. In an alternate embodiment, a source of radiant energy can be configured at an exterior periphery of the detector and information can be wirelessly transmitted therefrom using one or more analog modulation processes.

Abstract: A communication protocol facilitates transmission at maximum rates for various types of cables. The protocol can be used to transmit information between a common control unit and a plurality of spaced apart devices coupled thereto. Alternately, the protocol can be used for transmission of information between devices. One control unit or device transmits clock pulses, while in a low impedance state. The devices respond to the clock pulses and transmit data on the communications link, in a low impedance state, when the source of clock pulses assumes a high impedance state. One or more features of transmitted signals can be used to implement one or more synchronized functions.

Abstract: A software driven, audible output control module can carry out bi-directional communications with an alarm system using the same common link as is used by ambient condition detectors, such as smoke or gas detectors. The audible control module can store characteristics of a plurality of predetermined outputs. The system control can download an audible output originating command. Alternately, such information from detectors can be directly read off the link by the respective modules.

Abstract: A multi-candela output device for indicating alarm conditions has an output section, visible after installation, and a mounting section not visible after installation. A candela output level can be set by positioning a manually adjustable member on the mounting section. An indicator of the setting is visible on the output section.

Abstract: A low profile, low volume smoke chamber displaces a light source, such as a light emitting diode or laser diode, and a sensor, such as photodiode or phototransistor, to the exterior of the sensing volume. A symmetrical sensing volume results which can be coupled to symmetrical input/output ports via a generally U-shaped flow path. A two part sensing chamber housing is formed with a lower cylindrical base portion and an upper cylindrical cover portion which slideably engage one another. At least the upper cylindrical portion carries a plurality of grooves for suppression of reflections and collection of dust. An exterior end of the upper portion carries a plurality of spaced apart openings which can be filled with a screen. A reduced sensing volume in combination with a selected screen size produces an acceptable signal to noise ratio and response rate while still excluding insects and other non-smoke related particulate matter.

Abstract: A communication protocol facilitates transmission at maximum rates for various types of cables. Signal to noise characteristics are improved by using voltage waveforms. The protocol can be used to transmit information between a common control unit and a plurality of spaced apart devices coupled thereto. Alternately, the protocol can be used for transmission of information between devices. The common control unit transmits clock pulses, while in a low impedance state. The devices respond to the clock pulses and transmit data on the communications link, in a low impedance state, when the common control unit has assumed a high impedance state. Clock signals and data signals are separated to improve signal to noise characteristics by transmitting same with opposite polarities. A clock detection circuit responds to the polarity of the clock pulses. A data detection circuit responds to the polarity of the data pulses.

Abstract: A multi-mode electrical device for a communications system exhibits at least two different modes manually selectable at the device. A mode setting switch carried by the device has at least two states. One state is associated with a normal operational mode. A second state is associated with a different operational mode. A movable member carried by the device's housing can be used to select the mode.

Abstract: An electrical unit, such as an ambient condition detector, incorporates pattern discrimination circuitry. A received pattern is analyzed and, if it is in accordance with a predetermined pattern, the unit outputs an audible and/or visible indicium synchronized with the incoming pattern for the duration thereof. The unit also includes circuitry for emitting a corresponding output signal pattern to at least one other detector. A system which incorporates a plurality of electrical units, at least one of which has the pattern discrimination circuitry produces at least one synchronized audible or visible output indicative of a predetermined condition throughout the system. Patterns can include predetermined tonal alarm indicating output patterns as well as predetermined visible alarm indicating output patterns.

Abstract: A fluid flow detector test system includes a flow conduit and a pump for providing a test fluid flow at the detector. A test unit includes a programmed processor coupled to the pump by a drive circuit such as a solid state switch or a relay. The detector's output is coupled to an input port of the processor. To initiate a test, executable instructions, coupled to the processor, enable the processor to energize the pump, creating a test fluid flow. The processor senses the detector's output to evaluate its test performance. An alarm system having a plurality of detectors can include a plurality of such test systems, one coupled to each detector.

Abstract: An event detection system has a control element coupled to a plurality of detectors, such as smoke detectors. The control element can be implemented with a programmed processor. The detectors can include a base which removably receives a separable detector housing and electronics. Group boundaries can be specified by incorporating boundary defining electrical elements, such as switches or resistors, into either a respective detector base or into the detector itself. The control element can include instructions for carrying out an automatic addressing process with respect to the detectors. Topology information obtained during the automatic addressing process in combination with the location of the boundary defining elements specifies one or more groups for the control element. In an alternate embodiment, groups can be defined based exclusively on the topology information. In this embodiment, boundary defining electrical elements are not needed.

Abstract: A multi-unit monitoring system includes a plurality of units coupled to a communication medium. The system can also incorporate a common control element coupled to the medium. The individual units include control circuitry which is capable of carrying out verification, confirmation, or entry/exit delay processing. While the control element can receive messages from the various units indicative of their status, the units themselves carry out the respective timing functions.

Abstract: A security system comprising a plurality of remote wireless units, a central control unit and an adaptive console for translating messages in radio frequency signals into messages in signals suitable for transmission over a wire in order to augment the wireless capability of the system. The adaptive console has a wireless receiver for receiving the radio frequency signal, which includes identification and status information from a wireless remote units. The adaptive console also has a processing unit which translates the identification and status information from the radio frequency signal to corresponding function data derived from a mapping of valid identification and status information to function data, the function data representative of a function to be performed by the security system. The adaptive console also has a transmitter which transmits a signal over a wired connection which includes the corresponding function data to the central control unit or a wired security unit.

Abstract: An energy efficient, easily manufacturable, multi-sensor detector incorporates a smoke sensor and a thermal sensor. A single die programmed processor with integrally formed storage circuits for programs and parameters senses sensor signals, from different types of sensors, during a common activation cycle and processes those signals during the same cycle. The processor can also monitor the condition of an energy supplying battery and provide modulation signals to an audible output device. Other detector functions can be interleaved between output device modulation signals to minimize the cost of the programmed processor and thereby provide the required functionality very cost effectively.

Abstract: A software driven monitoring system includes a common control element coupled to a plurality of monitoring devices. The devices can indicate to the control element that a predetermined condition has been detected. Where the control element transmits a status inquiry command to the devices, those devices exhibiting the status provide the same indication to the control element as is indicative of the predetermined condition. One indication is a shunt or a short circuit of a medium between the common control element and the devices. An existing system can be upgraded by installing the control element, or upgrading an existing control program. Alternately, the devices can be installed in a system wherein the control element does not issue the status inquiry command. In those installations, the monitoring devices never issue a status reply as the required command is never received.

Abstract: A multi-function detector has at least two different sensors coupled to a control circuit. In a normal operating mode the control circuit, which could include a programmed processor, processes outputs from both sensors to evaluate if a predetermined condition is present in the environment adjacent to the detector. In this mode the detector exhibits a predetermined sensitivity. In response to a failure of one of the sensors, the control circuit processes the output of the remaining operational sensor or sensors so that the detector will continue to evaluate the condition of the environment with substantially the same sensitivity.

Abstract: A communication protocol facilitates transmission at maximum rates for various types of cables. Signal to noise characteristics are improved by using voltage waveforms. The protocol can be used to transmit information between a common control unit and a plurality of spaced apart devices coupled thereto. Alternately, the protocol can be used for transmission of information between devices. The common control unit transmits clock pulses, while in a low impedance state. The devices respond to the clock pulses and transmit data on the communications link, in a low impedance state, when the common control unit has assumed a high impedance state. Clock signals and data signals are separated to improve signal to noise characteristics by transmitting same with opposite polarities. A clock detection circuit responds to the polarity of the clock pulses. A data detection circuit responds to the polarity of the data pulses.

Abstract: A pull station for an alarm includes a housing with a handle mounted for sliding movement within the housing. The housing includes a window for a user to access the handle for forcibly sliding the handle in a vertical direction. A latch is rotatably mounted to the handle and spring biased to rotate to a locked position upon sliding movement of the handle. The latch has a portion which moves to bear against a stationary element of the housing to establish the locked position. The housing can be opened to reset the handle without changing the state of the alarm. Closing of the housing automatically resets the alarm. An attached terminal block includes a plurality of U-shaped terminal elements each having a screw terminal, a solder lug and a press pin.

Abstract: The members of a multi-processor communication system can be loaded with a common set of control programs. Subsequently, the functionality of the various processors can be specified by providing linking information to the respective processors. The linking information specifies which control programs, in which order, are to be executed by a respective processor. Processors can be associated with or bound to a respective system using encrypted control codes. The functional integrity of one or more modules at a respective processor can be verified.