Abstract: Apparatus for a signalling system. The apparatus includes a plurality of remote control units each of which is arranged to store self-check timing data therein. This data has a value representing a predetermined period of time the expiration of which corresponds to a predetermined time of day differing from the times of day associated with at least some of the other remote control units. At or following this particular time of day, a self-check operation is initiated for communicating a self-check message, including identification number data identifying the remote control unit, to a centralized communications center. A computer at the communications center receives and processes self-check messages produced by the remote control units and operates in response to each message from a remote control unit to note the identification number data therein and, using this data, to derive self-check timing data for use by the remote control unit in the next self-check operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for a signalling system. The signalling system includes a remote control unit arranged to communicate with a centralized communications center. The remote control unit operates at or following a specified time of day to initiate a self-check call and to communicate data to the communications center. The communications center includes a disc unit which stores therein self-check timing data specifying the time of day at which the remote control unit is scheduled to initiate a self-check call. A computer at the communications center receives data from the remote control unit and operates in response thereto to update the self-check timing data in the disc unit to specify the time of day at which the next self-check call is to be initiated by the remote control unit. In the absence of data from the remote control unit, there is no updating of the self-check timing data.

Abstract: A variable timing system including a remote control unit employed in the residence of an individual and interconnected with a centralized communication system by a telephone network. The remote control unit includes a plurality of storage devices arranged to store count data for use by the remote control unit in the performance of its operations and representing particular periods of time. The centralized communications center includes a disc storage unit which is also arranged to store count data therein representing particular periods of time. An operator-controlled unit at the communications center may be used in conjunction with a computer to selectively vary the value of any one or more of the count data stored in the disc unit thereby to correspond to increased or decreased periods of time. Under prescribed conditions the remote control unit operates to establish communication with the communications center for the purpose of transmitting specified data to the communications center.

Abstract: Apparatus for a signalling system, includes a microprocessor operative to process data words and command words within first and second message intervals. During the first message interval, the microprocessor operates to generate and apply data words in succession to an output terminal and to receive and test command words received in succession at an input terminal. During the second message interval, the microprocessor operates to receive and test data words received in succession at the input terminal and to generate and apply command words in succession to the output terminal. Each command word includes flag data specifying the word as a command word and command data representing either a "send" command or a "retransmit" command. Each data word includes flag data specifying the word as a data word.

Abstract: Apparatus for a monitoring and signalling system such as a home health care system. The system includes a remote control unit in the residence of an individual and interconnected with a centralized communications center by a telephone network. A plurality of sensors located within the residence of the individual operate to monitor the occurrence of particular activities performed by the individual and to produce signals in response to monitoring the occurrence of the activities. A microprocessor in the remote control unit receives and processes signals produced by the sensors and accumulates sensor activity data representing a running tally of the number of times each sensor has monitored its associated activities. On a daily basis, the sensor activity data is transmitted to the centralized communications center. A disc storage unit at the communications center stores sensor presence data therein specifying the presence of each of the sensors within the system.