Abstract: A flexible multi-processor communications system supports variable message lengths and variable groups and application designations at respective processors. The receiving processors determine what action, if any, needs to be taken in response to the combination of group and application information in the messages. The receiving processors can include pluralities of pre-stored groups and applications along with associated priorities and the functions to perform.

Abstract: A flexible multi-processor communications system supports variable message lengths and variable groups and application designations at respective processors. The receiving processors determine what action, if any, needs to be taken in response to the combination of group and application information in the messages. The receiving processors can include pluralities of pre-stored groups and applications along with associated priorities and the functions to perform.

Abstract: A flexible multi-processor communications system supports variable message lengths and variable groups and application designations at respective processors. The receiving processors determine what action, if any, needs to be taken in response to the combination of group and application information in the messages. The receiving processors can include pluralities of pre-stored groups and applications along with associated priorities and the functions to perform.

Abstract: A flexible multi-processor communications system supports variable message lengths and variable groups and application designations at respective processors. The receiving processors determine what action, if any, needs to be taken in response to the combination of group and application information in the messages. The receiving processors can include pluralities of pre-stored groups and applications along with associated priorities and the functions to perform.

Abstract: A multi-unit ambient condition detecting system incorporates either a wired or a wireless communication medium wherein the units are in bi-directional communication with one another. Units can incorporate programmed processors and ambient condition sensors such as smoke or gas sensors. In response to detected local ambient conditions, the respective units can transmit messages indicative of the level of sensed ambient condition to other units in the system. The units can maintain running totals of levels of ambient conditions received from other units in the system and combine those received indicators, along with one or more locally generated indicators, to determine that a selected condition, such as fire or gas is present in at least a portion of the region being monitors. Output devices coupled to the communication medium can provide human discernable audible or visible indicators of the presence of one or more selected conditions.

Abstract: A multi-processor communication system includes a plurality of processors in bidirectional communication with one another. One processor can transmit a message to an intended recipient. The message can be correctly received by other processors. In the event that the intended processor does not correctly receive the message and transmits a failure indicating message, the other processors, upon detection of the failure will retransmit the message. Ambient condition sensors can be coupled to some of the processors.

Abstract: A frame (10) for holding an electrical component (34) that is to be mounted on a printed circuit board is provided. A board (12) is folded to form a pocket (20) having sidewalls (22 and 24) and a floor (26). The board is further folded to form flaps (28 and 30) connected to the sidewalls and lying adjacent the sidewalls outside the pocket. A plurality of terminal wires (14.sub.1 -14.sub.n and 15.sub.1 -15.sub.n) are inserted into a plurality of spaced apart hole pairs (16.sub.1 -16.sub.n and 17.sub.1 -17.sub.n) located in the flaps. Ends (40.sub.1 -40.sub.n and 44.sub.1 -44.sub.n) of the terminal wires are connected to lead wires (36.sub.1 -36.sub.n and 37.sub.1 -37.sub.n) of the electrical component contained in the pocket. Other ends (42.sub.1 -42.sub.n) of the terminal wires may be connected to a printed circuit board. The other ends (42.sub.1 -42.sub.n and 46.sub.1 -46.sub.n) are spaced apart a predetermined distance.