Abstract: A plurality of fire, smoke, security or other detectors of the type which respond to the existence of a predetermined condition are each connected to an input module which monitors the state of the detectors. The input module is connected to an alarm module and when a predetermined number of detectors simultaneously detect the existence of fire, smoke or a breach in security or the like, the alarm module provides a suitable pre-selected command to sound an alarm, commence an interlock and/or activate a predetermined management decision to activate other devices for fire or security protection, such as the automatic discharge of an extinguishing agent, etc. The alarm module may provide different commands depending upon the number of detectors which are simultaneously triggered. In addition, certain preselected detectors may cause the alarm module to provide a command signal regardless of the number of detectors which are simultaneously triggered.

Abstract: A plurality of fire, smoke, security or other detectors of the type which respond to the existence of a predetermined condition are each connected to an input circuit. Each input circuit is connected to one indicator circuit and when a detector is triggered, the input circuit associated with that detector generates a signal which in turn actuates and latches on the corresponding indicator circuit. The indicator circuit remains latched on even after the detector returns to an untriggered condition and the input circuit signal is removed. A first release circuit is provided to release all indicator circuits which have been latched on. When a predetermined number of detectors simultaneously respond to their respective predetermined conditions, an alarm signal generates an input to by-pass the first release circuit, thus precluding the first release circuit from releasing the plurality of indicator circuits.

Abstract: A method of charging or recharging one or more agent storage containers which may be located at suitable locations about a high value room or area which is to be protected from fire or explosions. Some of the agent storage containers may be placed in relatively inaccessible locations and one or more can be discharged in response to the detection of combustion to immediately suppress or extinguish the fire or deflagration-type rapid combustion. Each type of container must be properly charged with a relatively precise predetermined mass of fire extinguishing fluid agent, such as bromotrifluoromethane or the like, for effective operation. The method of the present invention eliminates or greatly reduces the time, expense and safety hazards involved in prior charging methods by no longer requiring that the agent storage container be removed from its location and placed on a scale during the charging operation.

Abstract: A highly sensitive first stage fire detector which does not use the system's battery power responds to the detection of a predetermined condition indicative of a possible fire in a protected area to energize a relay. The relay closes a first switch to supply battery power to a relatively more accurate, battery-powered, second stage detector and if the second stage detector verifies or affirms the existence of an actual fire, an alarm may be initiated or a fire-extinguishing system discharged, as desired. Since only the second stage detector draws power from the battery, it is normally kept isolated to conserve its charge unless the first stage detector energizes the relay. The circuit may also include a latching timer which insures that the relatively more accurate second stage detector has sufficient time to verify or disaffirm the existence of a fire even if the first stage detector were to immediately return to its normal condition.