Abstract: There is disclosed an addressable device for receiving address coded signals from a central control unit. The device includes an electrical unit that is detachably connected to a base. The electrical unit has a switch for setting the address of the electrical unit. The base has an addressable key that is insertable into an opening in said switch when the addresses of the key and switch match and is not insertable when the addresses do not match. Alternatively, there is an addressable lock on one of the electrical unit and base and a separate addressable key on the other of the electrical unit and base.

Abstract: One or more supplemental, pulsed energy sources can be used in combination with a pulsed, primary energy source which provides energy to a plurality of spaced apart loads. The loads are coupled to the pulsed, primary source by a pair of conductors. Each supplemental energy source includes circuitry for repetitively storing a predetermined quantity of supplemental energy and circuitry for detecting a start of a primary energy pulse and in response thereto, for discharging the restored supplemental energy into the conductors. Between primary energy pulses, the supplemental energy quantity is automatically restored.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing an alarm threshold for each member of a plurality of detectors or sensors includes storing a value returned from each detector indicative of a clear air condition. A second value returned from each detector indicative of a test condition is stored. The stored values are combined with a common detector characteristic value to produce a unique alarm theshold for each detector. The determined alarm thresholds can be stored for subsequent use. Subsequently, a value returned from a detector indicating a current ambient condition can be compared to that detector's previously determined alarm threshold. If the currently returned value from the detector exceeds the predetermined alarm threshold, an alarm condition can be indicated.

Abstract: A smoke and fire detection system wherein a central controller transmits data to remote transponders on a voltage supply line by pulse code modulation (PCM) of the supply voltage, and the transponders communicate with the controller by pulse width modulated (PWM) current pulses over the voltage supply line. A transmitter in the controller supplies a nominal operating voltage to the transponders and transmits a data word comprising a plurality of data bits to the transponders over the line. The transmitter generates each data bit by switching the voltage supplied to the line from the nominal operating voltage to a first voltage corresponding to a first logical level or a second voltage corresponding to a second logical level. A decoder in each transponder derives the transmitted data word.

Abstract: A smoke and fire detection system wherein a central controller transmits data to remote transponders on a voltage supply line by pulse code modulation (PCM) of the supply voltage, and the transponders communicate with the controller by pulse width modulated (PWM) current pulses over the voltage supply line. A transmitter in the controller supplys a nominal operating voltage to the transponders and transmits a data word comprising a plurality of data bits to the transponders over the line. The transmitter generates each data bit by switching the voltage supplied to the line from the nominal operating voltage to a first voltage corresponding to a first logical level or a second voltage corresponding to a second logical level. A decoder in each transponder derives the transmitted data word.

Abstract: A lamp dimming module includes a lamp receptacle in series with a triac across the AC line, and a power supply for a processing unit, the processing unit supplying firing signals for the triac to control the dimming. The module plugs into the AC line. The power supply is connected in series with the lamp receptacle and in parallel with the triac, and includes cascaded transistors coupled to the AC line for providing charging current to a capacitor. Drive current is provided at the base of one of the transistors through a current-limiting resistor to drive the transistors into saturation for passing maximum current to the capacitor when the triac is open-circuited. A Zener diode is connected to the transistor base and breaks down when the capacitor is fully charged to provide a gating current to an SCR which drains the base drive from the transistor, shutting it off.

Abstract: A plurality of series inductors and shunt capacitors are provided between a radio transmitter and an antenna. The inductors and capacitors are arranged in binary increments and are inserted in, or withdrawn from the circuit via provided reed relays. A microprocessor activates the relays in one of several modes until the required degree of match is provided. The status of the relays is stored in provided memory such that upon tuning of the transmitter to the same channel a proper match condition can be established without resort to the matching program.