Abstract: A system for mounting two alarm-indicating or condition-sensing modules side-by-side onto a junction box provides installation flexibility to locate a particular module on the right or left side of the respective other module. A loudspeaker module can be centered on the junction box and a strobe light module can be placed either on the right side or the left side of the junction box by 180.degree. rotation of a common elongated rectangular frame and 180.degree. rotation of the strobe light module with respect to the frame. The loudspeaker module includes fastener receiving holes aligned with fastener engagement holes of a standard 4".times.4" junction box for securing the loudspeaker module and the common frame with the strobe light module attached thereto, to the junction box. The frame includes a recessed region to receive and support the strobe light module.

Abstract: A duct mountable smoke detector includes a smoke sensor, an alarm indicating output relay, and an air flow control relay. In the presence of an alarm condition, the alarm indicating relay is energized thereby producing an alarm indicating signal. The air flow control relay is also energized thereupon changing an operative state of the respective air flow control element. Finally, a signal is coupled to an input/output interconnect port and, via an interconnect link, to other detectors coupled to the link. Other detectors coupled to the link which receive an alarm indicating interconnect signal energize the respective air flow control relays thereby changing operative state of the respective air flow control devices. The other detectors do not enter an alarm state. This allows for easy determination of the detector that initiated the alarm.

Abstract: A method for testing the signal margin of an alarm system during installation of the alarm system and during the alarm system supervision time. The alarm system comprises a plurality of remote transmitting devices and a receiver/control unit. The receiver/control unit comprises a receiver with at least one antenna apparatus and processing apparatus for processing messages received from each of the remote devices. Both the install mode and the supervision mode cause the receiver/control unit to receive signals at a lower level than normal by selecting an associated antenna configuration. When entering the installation mode, the processor switches the antenna apparatus to a "no antenna" state, and when entering the supervision mode, the processor switches two or more antenna apparatus to an "on" state.

Abstract: A flow detector includes solid state delay circuitry coupled to a flow indicating device. In response to flow being indicated, the delay circuitry is enabled. After a preset delay interval, if flow is still being indicated, electrical energy can be provided by a short circuit to an output device for the duration of indicated flow. The flow indicating device can be a two-state mechanical switch. A short circuit supplying switch can be implemented as a solid state or mechanical latching relay. The flow detector circuits can be used independently to provide local alarms. Alternately they can provide alarm indicating signals to a common alarm control panel.

Abstract: A family of covers having identical indented base regions for receiving a plurality of diverse alarm indicating and/or condition-sensing modules thereon. The alarm indicating modules each have a common "footprint" for being snugly received into the indented base region of each cover. A family of covered modules thus assembled, achieves an architecturally pleasing, universal design, and reduces tool and manufacturing costs by producing common parts among the varied alarm indicating devices.

Abstract: Electrical modules which incorporate multiple state input circuitry limit the in-rush current thereto when electrical energy is initially applied. The input circuitry exhibits a high impedance and subsequently a very low impedance state. When electrical energy is first applied, the high impedance state limits the in-rush current to an acceptable predetermined maximum value. Subsequently, in response to either elapsed time or an electrical parameter such as current flow, the circuit switches to a low impedance state which results in its having no material effect on the operation of the module. The module can incorporate a visual alarm indicating output device, an audible alarm indicating output device or both. The output indicating devices can be synchronized by applied control signals. The output devices can be controlled independently by means of either pulse width modulated control signals or by means of patterns of control pulses.

Abstract: A device for supervising movable articles or objects has a supervising member which can be attached thereto. The device includes a connector disposed in a housing. The housing includes an aperture and a rotary blocking member positionable between the connector and the aperture of the housing. The supervising member is coupled to the connector. The blocking member prevents the supervising member from being recoupled to the connector after it has been removed from the housing. An alarm system is also provided. The alarm system includes ambient condition detectors in communication with a control unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in wireless alarm systems is provided which enable the simultaneous sounding of any or all alarm devices in the system upon sensing of an alarm condition by at least one of the alarm devices. The alarm devices are battery powered and include a reduced power transmitter which transmits an alarm signal, with an optional address corresponding to the initiating alarm device. The alarm signal is received by a central receiver in communication with a central control unit. The central control unit transmits a broadcast signal to any or all alarm devices in the system via the central transmitter. The broadcast signal optionally includes address information regarding the alarm devices to be activated. Reduced power receivers in the alarm devices receive the broadcast signal, determine if the address corresponds to its own and activates alarm notification and illumination systems accordingly.

Abstract: Disclosed are three major aspects relating to wireless transmission of encrypted data messages in a security system wherein the receiver stores locally an encryption key utilized by the transmitting device to encrypt the data message and the receiver uses the encryption key to decrypt an encrypted data message, and wherein a sequence number generator is used to synchronously track the message sequence at both the transmitter and receiver. A first major aspect involves encrypted device registration (learning) methods that are user-friendly and immune from detection by technically skilled intruders with special RF equipment, and periodic user-friendly changing of the encryption key per encrypted transmitting device in the system. A second major aspect involves encrypted device de-registration (unlearning, or deletion) that is likewise user friendly.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically locating detectors in an ambient condition monitoring system incorporate a normally closed contact for open circuiting the associated communication link. A command can be issued to the detectors and which identifies a specific detector. In response to the command, at least some of the detectors open circuit the communication link. The specific detector transmits neighbor identification signals in each direction on the communications link. These neighbor identification signals are sensed and stored in each neighbor detector. Information identifying detectors which are neighbors to a selected detector can then be analyzed to establish locations of the various detectors relative to one another in the system.

Abstract: A dynamically adjustable communication system and method automatically adjust transmission rates of discontinuous waveforms from one signal level to another for the purpose of optimizing a quality parameter of a transmitted signal. Circuitry coupled to the transmission medium provides feedback to transmitter circuitry for the purpose of adjusting at least one of a rise time and a fall time parameter of a transmitted signal for the purpose of enhancing transmission quality. Transmission rate can also be automatically adjusted to maximize data rate and minimize errors.

Abstract: An ambient condition detector includes a sensor for a first ambient condition and a second, sensor which is responsive to a second ambient condition not necessarily correlated to the first condition. Control circuitry, coupled to both sensors, processes an output from the first sensor to reduce transients and/or noise therein which are not correlated to the first ambient condition. Processing characteristics are altered in response to an output from the second sensor. The processing can take place at the detector or, in part, at the detector and, in part, at a displaced, common control element.

Abstract: A dual mode fire suppression system includes first and second, different, fire suppression nozzles. Each nozzle is coupled to a fire suppressing medium. A fire detector is coupled to at least one of the nozzles. The detector monitors an adjacent region, and, is insensitive to the medium associate with the coupled nozzle. In the presence of a detected first fire condition, the detector activates the coupled nozzle which releases the respective medium. The detector continues to monitor the adjacent region and in the absence of the first fire condition, the first nozzle is deactivated. In the presence of a detected second fire condition, different from the first condition, the second nozzle is activated.

Abstract: A modular door access control system incorporates a plurality of wireless door modules. Access request signals are transmitted to a remote access control unit. The control unit transmits access authorizing control signals to a respective one of the modules. A newly installed module, in a selected mode, enters into communication with the unit. The unit in turn transmits an identifier to the module for use in identifying itself to the unit subsequently in response to a received access request.

Abstract: A wall-mountable strobe unit emits radiant energy over a one hundred eighty degree arc in a horizontal plane and over a ninety degree arc in a vertical plane when so mounted. The unit includes a reflector and an elongated light source. The elongated light source is symmetrically positioned on the reflector with one end thereof carried on the reflector with the light source extending in the horizontal plane when so mounted. The reflector includes first and second planar elements symmetrically located with respect to the light source. The planar elements are joined by symmetrically located curved elements formed of partial parabolic surfaces. The partial parabolic surfaces extend from the planar elements first rising a predetermined amount from the planar elements and then falling back toward the planar elements.

Abstract: An aspirated-type detector includes a housing with an internal ambient condition sensing region and a sensor carried therein. The housing is perforated with ambient atmosphere inflow ports. A fan or similar device lowers the pressure in the internal region thereby producing a positive inflow of adjacent, external ambient atmosphere into the sensing region. Alternatively, the fan can be operated to inject exterior ambient atmosphere into the sensing chamber under positive pressure. The fan can also be modularized. The detector can incorporate control circuitry for supervisory or signal processing purposes.