Abstract: A wireless communications system incorporates a plurality of synchronized wireless units. Each unit minimizes energy requirements by entering a low current, inactive, state between synchronizing signals. The unit automatically enters an active state prior to receipt of the next synchronizing signal.

Abstract: A gas detector with a compensated electrochemical sensor exhibits altered sensitivity in response to decreasing stochastic noise in an output thereof. A gain parameter can be adjusted to alter sensitivity. A life-time estimate can be made based on sensitivity.

Abstract: An ambient condition detector incorporates an audio transducer for discrimination between alarm and non-alarm conditions. The transducer can provide occupancy information. In addition, a monitoring system can graphically present information as to the location of individuals, such as fire fighters, in the region.

Abstract: A system for monitoring health related parameters of an individual can determine the existence of one or more health related conditions that may need attention. Verbal messages, responsive to the determined condition, can be automatically transmitted via one or more communications networks to displaced recipients.

Abstract: A directional sounder emits audible outputs in a first direction. Audible outputs in a second direction are canceled. Two transducers can be carried in a common housing configured to emit outputs in the first and second directions respectively.

Abstract: A residential monitoring system incorporates a plurality of physiological sensors that can provide information as to the condition of an individual. That information can be coupled to a local computer which can carry out more extensive analysis and engage in more complex interactions with both the individual and a displaced care giver.

Abstract: An ambient condition detector has a housing that carries a sensor of an airborne constituent such as a gas, and a condenser for minimizing an inflow of moisture into the sensor. A filter can be used to reduce fluid flow velocity prior to passing through or by the condenser.

Abstract: A residential monitoring system incorporates both physiological sensors and activity sensors. Some of the sensors can be in wireless communication with control circuitry. One or more activity profiles can be established for a resident to expand upon and supplement information from the physiological sensors.

Abstract: A physiological condition monitor can provide substantially real-time feedback to an individual being monitored. The feedback can be in the form of graphical displays of real-time trends. Both audible and visual warnings can be provided to the individual in response to results of trend analysis.

Abstract: A system for monitoring conditions associated with an individual in a region includes at least one speech input transducer and speech processing software coupled thereto. Results of the speech processing can initiate communications with a displaced communications device such as a telephone or a computer to provide a source of feedback.

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: Control circuitry is coupled to one or more local televisions. Programs or displays being presented on the televisions can be interrupted with displays or information from the control circuitry. Interrupting displays can include medication reminders, or indicators of a condition needing attention.

Abstract: A monitoring system for one or more physiological conditions includes at least one sensor couplable to an individual whose condition is being monitored. The sensor is in real-time wireless, continuous communication with a displaced unit, which could be local to the individual. The displaced unit evaluates incoming signals from the sensor to determine if the individual or other caregivers need feedback as to a sensed condition.

Abstract: Multiple parameter fire detection uses outputs from one or more radiant energy sensors in combination with outputs from smoke or thermal sensors to shorten response times to alarm while minimizing nuisance alarms. The radiant energy related outputs can be used to alter parameters of the smoke or thermal sensors. The various sensors can be displaced from one another in an alarm system.

Abstract: Wide area camera vision systems can respond to variations in light beams projected into a region being monitored. The variations are indicative of the presence of smoke in the region. In addition to providing viewable images of the region being monitored, analysis software can be used to evaluate the extent of smoke in the region or regions being monitored.

Abstract: Multiple parameter fire detection uses outputs from one or more radiant energy sensors in combination with outputs from smoke or thermal sensors to shorten response times to alarm while minimizing nuisance alarms. The radiant energy related outputs can be used to alter parameters of the smoke or thermal sensors. The various sensors can be displaced from one another in an alarm system.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for receiving and processing noisy communications signals automatically varies multiple processing parameters to both improve signal-to-noise ratio and to minimize delays in responding to changes in the incoming signal. The signal-to-noise ratio is improved with relatively stable signals by increasing the number of samples used in forming a processed signal value. In response to changes in signal input, the number of samples used in processing is substantially decreased while the sampling rate is substantially increased until the incoming signal exhibits an increased degree of stability. As the incoming signal becomes more stable, the number of samples used in performing a processed signal value is increased toward maximum and the sample rate is decreased.

Abstract: A non-dispersive infra-red gas detector includes a condensation eliminating heater. The heater can be intermittently energized in response to a signal received from an environmental sensor. Signals from a gas sensor in the detector can be processed to determine when to energize the heater.

Abstract: Outputs from a plurality of different ambient condition sensors are cross correlated so as to adjust a threshold value for a different, primary, sensor. Cross-correlation processing can be carried out locally in a detector or remotely. To minimize false alarming, the alarm determination can be skipped if the output from the primary sensor does not exhibit at least a predetermined variation from an average value thereof.

Abstract: A gas detector with a compensated electrochemical sensor exhibits altered sensitivity in response to decreasing sensitivity relative to both gas exposure and non-gas exposure. A sensitivity adjustment can be established in response thereto.