Abstract: In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, a system and method for enabling preview, editing, and transmission of emergency notification messages is provided. The system includes a controller, a microphone, and a speech-to-text engine for receiving an audio message input to the microphone and for convert the audio message to a text message. The resulting text message is displayed on a local display, where a user can edit the message via a text editor. Text and/or audio notification devices are provided for displaying the edited text data as a text message. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring usage and predicting failure of visual notification appliances are disclosed. The visual notification appliances may be strobe lights, which can be provided with an internal counter circuit that obtains a cumulative tally of the number of times the strobe has flashed. Since strobe service life is directly proportional to the number of flashes, monitoring the number of flashes enables proactive repair or replacement of the strobe prior to failure. Flash counts can be stored in the appliance and periodically transmitted to a remote location such as a fire panel or remote monitoring center. Flash counts can also be locally displayed, or can be readable by a user with a handheld device. Alarms or other indications may automatically be generated to alert building or service personnel when an end of life condition is approaching for one or more strobes. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, a system and method for enabling preview, editing, and transmission of emergency notification messages is provided. The system includes a controller, a microphone, and a speech-to-text engine for receiving an audio message input to the microphone and for convert the audio message to a text message. The resulting text message is displayed on a local display, where a user can edit the message via a text editor. Text and/or audio notification devices are provided for displaying the edited text data as a text message. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring usage and predicting failure of visual notification appliances are disclosed. The visual notification appliances may be strobe lights, which can be provided with an internal counter circuit that obtains a cumulative tally of the number of times the strobe has flashed. Since strobe service life is directly proportional to the number of flashes, monitoring the number of flashes enables proactive repair or replacement of the strobe prior to failure. Flash counts can be stored in the appliance and periodically transmitted to a remote location such as a fire panel or remote monitoring center. Flash counts can also be locally displayed, or can be readable by a user with a handheld device. Alarms or other indications may automatically be generated to alert building or service personnel when an end of life condition is approaching for one or more strobes. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, an alarm system is provided. The alarm system includes a system controller coupled to at least one initiation device. At least one textual notification device such as for example a signboard is coupled to the system controller. In one embodiment, the textual notification device is a multi-line signboard having an alarm input and a secondary input. The textual notification device is supervised, controlled, and powered integrally with the system controller. In an additional embodiment, an audible generator can be provided that provides an audible message in conjunction with the visual message on the textual notification devices.

Abstract: A hazard alarm system includes a hazard alarm notification appliance, and a warning detector which detects a warning alert message from an external source (such as a governmental organization). The hazard alarm system processes the warning alert message and issues an alarm system alert via the notification appliance. In issuing the alarm system alert, the hazard alarm system determines whether, how, what, where, and/or when to issue the alarm system alert using the notification appliance.

Abstract: A fire alarm system includes a fire alarm notification appliance, and a warning detector which detects a warning alert from an external source. The fire alarm notification appliance provides notification of the warning alert in response to detection of the warning alert.

Abstract: A fire alarm system includes a fire alarm notification appliance, and a warning detector which detects a warning alert from a military agency. The fire alarm notification appliance provides notification of the warning alert in response to detection of the warning alert.

Abstract: An improved welding torch holder including a flat longitudinal member having clamping means to hold a welding torch, a block member having an arm to attach to a gantry or welding fixture, the block member having defined internally therein a passageway for slidably receiving the longitudinal member therethrough, means cooperating with said block member and said longitudinal member to provide reciprocation therebetween, a friction bar interposed in said passageway between said longitudinal member and said block member, means carried by the block member to urge the friction bar against one surface of the longitudinal member to cause secure retention of the longitudinal member at any desired position.

Abstract: A method for concentrating and separating microbial pathogens present in a blood sample is provided. Initially, a blood sample is injected into a closed evacuated space within an elongated centrifugation receptacle which comprises a smooth continuous surface at one end thereof. The centrifugation article is then subjected to centrifugation causing any microbial pathogens present in the blood sample to move toward the end of the elongated centrifugation receptacle which comprises the smooth continuous surface and collect thereon. After centrifugation, the major portion of the residual blood sample is removed from the centrifugation receptacle and the separated and concentrated microbial pathogens can then be removed for quantitative and qualitative analysis.