Abstract: A controller including a processor is coupled to a transceiver head pair respectively operative as a transmitter and as a receiver of infrared energy to controllably project a beam of infrared energy therebetween through a projected region. The controller is operative to de-sensitize the beam against potential electrically interferring effects present along the beam path. Plural alarm thresholds are operator selectable to provide enhanced confidence detection, and particularized signal indications are provided to readily and quickly identify possible alarm and trouble conditions.

Abstract: A modular transceiver head including cooperative cover and base members operable as a transmitter or as a receiver of infrared energy. A controller including a processor is coupled to a transceiver head pair respectively operative as a transmitter and as a receiver of infrared energy to controllably project a beam of infrared energy therebetween through a protected region. The controller is periodically operative in a self-test mode to reduce the intensity of the projected-beam to simulate a smoke condition. Plural alarm thresholds are operator selectable to provide enhanced confidence detection, and particularized signal indications are provided to readily and quickly identify possible alarm and trouble conditions.

Abstract: A control and display system for an electronic security system which comprises a thin flat multilayer panel which provides a touchpad for entry of data and display areas for the selective display of messages and legends. The system is contained within a small wall mounted housing which includes a microprocessor controller cooperative with the panel. The system operates as a data terminal in communication with a master control unit and is operative in response to touchpad actuation for providing data to the remote unit, and it is operative in response to data received from the remote unit for actuating displays and associated annuciators. The system is programmable via the front panel, and input and display modes can be tailored to suit particular operational requirements.

Abstract: A modular transceiver head including cooperative cover and base members operable as a transmitter or as a receiver of infrared energy. The cover member includes a window defining a comparatively wide field of view in azimuth and in elevation. An optical train including a gimbaled specular member that is mounted to the base member readily allows both rough and fine adjustment of the pointing direction of the specular member anywhere within the field of view of the cover member window. A controller including a processor is coupled to a transceiver head pair respectively operative as a transmitter and as a receiver of infrared energy to controllably project a beam of infrared energy therebetween through a protected region. The controller is operative to de-sensitize the beam against potential electrically interfering effects present along the beam path. The controller is periodically operative in a self-test mode to reduce the intensity of the projected-beam to simulate a smoke condition.

Abstract: Apparatus and technique for providing series electrical connection between a conductor and an electrical component or unit in a rapid and automatic manner without the necessity for manual manipulation or preparation of the conductor. A pair of spaced walls are provided each containing a pair of wire-guiding slots through which a wire can be looped, with the loop end extending outside one of the walls. A pair of insulation displacement connectors is provided between the walls with wire receiving grooves in alignment with the slots in the spaced walls. A knife edge is provided between one of the walls and the connectors. A cover or other element is fitted over the walls and, during closure, causes the wire to be forced into the connector grooves to make electrical connection with the respective connectors, and also causes severing of the loop end of the wire by the knife edge, thereby to provide a series electrical connection.

Abstract: The motion detector of the present invention, together with associated AC switching circuitry form a lighting control system which turns on room lights when the room is occupied, and extinguishes the lights when unoccupied. The detector sensitivity or threshold is adjusted in response to the previously detected conditions, providing reliable indication of both entry and continued presence in the controlled area, and producing few false alarms. The present embodiment of the invention has two threshold levels of detection, the higher level being used to detect initial entry into the room. After entry is detected, the motion detector lowers the threshold to detect the weaker signals usually occurring for continued presence in the area of the detector. When the occupant leaves the area, the motion detector threshold or sensitivity returns to the original value after a timeout period.

Abstract: A system for detection of smoke by measuring changes in the contrast of a multi-contrast target disposed remotely from a photoelectric sensor. The obscuration of the detection path causes a reduction in the contrast of the sensed target, and a change of predetermined magnitude is employed to trigger an alarm. The target has one or more relatively darker and one or more relatively lighter areas which are viewed by the sensor. The sensor can be composed of a plurality of photosensors each viewing a respective area of the target. Or, the sensor can be a single scanning sensor such as a video camera. Only a single line or segment of a line of the video frame pattern need be employed to monitor the target. The video camera can be employed on a shared basis for providing smoke monitoring and detection, together with other functions, such as intrusion detection, access control, or visual surveillance of an area.

Abstract: A hot weather hat is disclosed having a solar-powered Peltier-effect thermoelectric device mounted to a headpiece such that the cold surface of the thermoelectric device is in communication with the forehead of the wearer and the hot surface of the thermoelectric device is in communication with ambient atmospheric air. A thermally conductive strip provides conductive heat transport between the forehead and the cold surface. A finned radiator provides radiative and convective heat transport between the hot surface and ambient air.

Abstract: An optically-based coded card identification system is provided in which a card having an access code defined by adjacent differently-polarized elements used in a transmissive or reflective mode is interrogated through a deep red or near infrared transmissive filter as the card is pased by a source of illumination. The use of polarization coupled with the adjacency of the differently-polarized elements makes the code nearly invisible to the naked eye, with the code being made more invisible due to the low visible light transmission of the filter on the face of the card. In one embodiment, coding for the cards is provided by overlying layers of material polarized in different directions, with portions of the layers provided with offset apertures so that light through an aperture in one layer is polaried by an unapertured portion of the adjacent layer immediately thereunder.

Abstract: A security system continuously monitoring a plurality of spatially diverse events which are reportable to a central monitoring facility, the system including a controller for sequencing the performance of reporting and monitoring tasks according to the requirements of the events. The system also performs the tasks according to a predetermined priority, in particular, alarm message queuing. In addition, alarm conditions and system operation are verified by specified communication procedures and redundancies. Furthermore, system communications capabilities include keyboard entry and output display and an interrupt facility.

Abstract: A multi-zone alarm system operative with a two-wire alarm loop and having a simple network at each alarm sensor for providing a coded signal indicative of sensor identity and relatively simple circuitry at a central location for interrogation of the remote sensors and determination of those sensors providing an alarm signal.

Abstract: Zone indication is provided for a facility monitoring and control system by providing the system's sensors and control unit with counters which are simultaneously incremented with clock pulses delivered to the sensors via the multi-wire interconnect cable from the system's control unit. Each sensor output circuit has enabling circuitry connected, as with jumper pins, to a counter output corresponding to a predetermined number or count, and this number or count identifies the sensor. In one embodiment, each sensor output is enabled only during the occurrence of the corresponding count or number from its counter as the counters are incremented through their cycle. When the sensors are used to sense alarm conditions, the sensor sending an alarm signal is identified when an alarm condition signal exists simultaneously with a particular count from the counter at the control unit, with the particular count indicating which sensor is sending the alarm signal.

Abstract: An infrared imaging system is disclosed which provides a two-dimensional visible image of the temperature profile of a radiating infrared source remotely located from the system. The invention is preferably implemented as a small hand-held instrument which can be held at a user's eye for sighting at a source of radiation and for viewing the temperature profile thereof. The system comprises an objective lens operative to focus an infrared image of a radiating source onto a surface of a liquid crystal structure, with the opposite surface of the structure being visually viewable by way of an eyepiece. The liquid crystal structure is biased preferably by a closed loop temperature control to be sensitive to an intended infrared spectrum of interest and to be substantially non-responsive to ambient temperatures.

Abstract: A multi-zone alarm system operative with a two-wire alarm loop and having a simple network at each alarm sensor for providing a coded signal indicative of sensor identity and relatively simple circuitry at a central location for interrogation of the remote sensors and determination of those sensors providing an alarm signal.

Abstract: An intrusion detection sensor is mounted to a wall outside a vault, strong room, safe or protected area to detect both airborne indications of activity in the vicinity of the vault and also structure-borne indications of forced entry attempts. In one embodiment, one or more transducing elements are used to detect airborne and structurally-conducted signals, with the outputs thereof processed for producing an alarm indication when either type of signal exceeds an alarm threshold. Two detection channels are provided with one responsive to high band audio for detecting sounds and vibrations, whether airborne or structure-borne, indicating movement or activity immediately outside the vault or protected area, and the other responsive to airborne or structure-borne impulses and intermittent high level vibrations indicative of attempts at forced entry.

Abstract: A multi-zone alarm system operative with a two-wire alarm loop and having a simple network at each alarm sensor for providing a coded signal indicative of sensor identity and relatively simple circuitry at a central location for interrogation of the remote sensors and determination of those sensors providing an alarm signal.

Abstract: An adapter for a multiwire security and surveillance system which permits the connection of redundant sensors at one location, without affecting the operation of non-redundant sensors at other locations. In one embodiment each of the redundant sensors is coupled to the adapter, such that individual sensor alarm currents are prevented from being applied to the signal wire. In response to simultaneously occuring latched output signals from the redundant sensors, a circuit within the adapter couples to the signal wire the same type alarm condition signal which is provided by the individual sensors. A voltage driver/current sensor circuit is interposed between an associated redundant sensor and the signal line to both sense an alarm condition at the corresponding redundant sensor and to isolate the sensor from the signal line, with the adapter coupling control signals through the associated voltage driver/current sensor circuit to the associated redundant sensor.

Abstract: A multiple zone intrusion detection system in which a plurality of intrusion sensors can be readily converted into the system without system modification, and in which mode control signals from a central control unit and alarm signals from the sensors are both conveyed on a single conductor of the system cable. Each sensor has an associated interface module which permits coupling of different types of sensors to the system and sharing of a single conductor for mode control signals and alarm signals.

Abstract: A passive infrared intrusion detection system is provided in which one or more Fresnel lenses are employed to focus received infrared energy onto a detector element which provides an electrical output signal indicative of the level of received radiation. The Fresnel lens is preferably formed of a plastic material which is translucent to visible light such that visible light is not focussed onto the detecting element while infrared radiation is.

Abstract: An electronic sounder employs a pair of piezoelectric oscillators tuned to different frequencies to provide loud raucous sound. The sounder is especially suited for providing audible indications of an alarm condition which is sensed by an associated alarm system.