Abstract: A system for measuring a status of a detection device having a component transformable between a plurality of configurations includes a fiber optic cable for transmitting light. The at least one fiber optic cable defines a node arranged in communication with the component. A control system is operably coupled to the fiber optic cable such that scattered light reflected from the component and returned to the node is transmitted to the control system. The control system analyzes the scattered light to determine the configuration of the component.

Abstract: A sound button devices, systems, and methods for sound buttons capable of emitting sound using less power, greater sound transmissibility, and/or greater resistance to damage and that allow for training both non-humans and humans to communicate more effectively than previously possible In typical embodiments, the sound button may comprise a shell, a switch operably connected to a printed circuit board (“PCB”), a button cap assembly operably coupled to the shell, the button cap assembly comprising a button cap having at least one recess, the at least one recess having a hole; and a speaker facing toward the button cap, where, when a force is applied to the button cap, the button cap and the speaker move together to actuate the switch, thereby causing the speaker to emit a sound.

Abstract: A system for notifying occupants of a structure that a pet is proximate to an opening of a structure. The system may include a pet unit wearable on the pet's body and including a transmitter configured to transmit a wireless proximity signal from the pet unit. The system may further include an exit unit positionable at an exit of the structure. The exit unit may include a receiver configured to receive a said wireless proximity signal transmitted by a pet unit, with the receiver being configured to produce an alert signal when a said wireless proximity signal is received. The exit unit my also include an alerting assembly configured to provide a presence alert when the receiver receives a said wireless proximity signal. T alerting assembly may comprise a perceptible alerting mechanism configured to produce a perceptible presence alert which is perceptible to a sense of a human.

Abstract: A pet-activated signaling device, a pet-activated signaling system, and a method of a pet signaling a human is provided. The pet-activated signaling device includes a belt, a transducer, and multiple bells. The transducer, which emits an electromagnetic signal, and bells, which emit an audible signal, are attached to the belt. The pet-activated signaling system includes the signaling device and a receiving device which emits an alert when a signal is received from the signaling device. The method of a pet signaling a human includes pawing at the pet-activated signaling device suspended from a door handle to activate the transducer and the bells. The invention is particularly useful for use on an exterior door, allowing a dog to use a familiar method of alerting a human to open the door even if the bells are not heard by the human.

Abstract: The facility security system comprises a central station and a plurality of bracelets. The central station broadcasts a message over a wireless communication signal to the plurality of bracelets. Each message broadcast by the central station identifies an emergency situation within a facility that requires a plurality of previously identified individuals within the facility to respond to. Each of the plurality of bracelets is worn by a previously identified individual selected from the plurality of previously identified individuals. There is a one to one correspondence between the plurality of bracelets and the plurality of previously identified individuals. Each bracelet selected from the plurality of bracelets: a) receives the message broadcast by the central station; and, b) generates a visual, audio, and tactile alert to the previously identified individual to take their specified actions in response to the emergency situation identified by the broadcast message.

Abstract: A winder unit for winding cutting line, for vehicle glazing panel removal, has a rotatable spindle shaft for winding the cutting line and a ratchet device mounted to the spindle shaft by means of a one-way rotational bearing or clutch. Typically the ratchet device has a component mounted to rotate in unison with the one-way rotational bearing or clutch. The improvement provides a rotational directional control providing 2 one-way rotational control devices in concert.

Abstract: Alert device, system and method for alerting hearing-impaired persons through a sensory of a sound and the location of such sound. The device extends to the tracking of an object within a predefined perimeter, outside of which an alert is triggerable. The device includes a wearable unit having a plurality of differently colored LEDs and a plurality of differently colored sound-detecting units, with each of the differently colored sound-detecting units corresponding to the same colored LED's on the wearable unit thereby to color code the wearable unit to the sound-detecting units. When a sound is detected by one or more of the sound-detecting units being higher than a predetermined threshold sound, a sound event signal is triggered on the wearable unit activating a vibration and blinking of the LED's corresponding with the respective sound detecting unit, consequentially alerting a user of the location where the sound-detecting unit was previously positioned.

Abstract: Systems and methods of security system settings adjustment are provided, including receiving an alert communication for a predetermined area with a communications interface of a security system, transmitting a notification message from the security system to a pre-selected device in response to the received alert communication, and changing at least one security setting of the security system in response to at least one of the received alert communication.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for providing audio notification. A system for providing audio notification comprises a communication device configured to communicate with a delivery arrival detection system, a doorbell coupler configured to couple to a stationary doorbell device, and a control circuit coupled to the communication device and the doorbell coupler. The control circuit being configured to receive a delivery notification from the delivery arrival detection system via the communication device and cause the stationary doorbell device to produce an audible sound via the doorbell coupler.

Abstract: A game alert system includes a device mountable on a game feeder that detects motion in a target area and automatically sends an electronic signal to a user, or a hunter, in a remote location to notify the hunter of movement in the area, without alerting or startling animals that triggered the device.

Abstract: A game alert system includes a device mountable on a game feeder that detects motion in a target area and automatically sends an electronic signal to a user, or a hunter, in a remote location to notify the hunter of movement in the area, without alerting or startling animals that triggered the device. The system may include one or more cameras (which may be 360 degree cameras) and/or one or more GPS systems for obtaining photographs and/or video and/or collecting geographic data. The system may further include multiple motion sensors and a hub which wirelessly communicate with one another and which may communicate wirelessly with a user device such as a smartphone, tablet, night vision equipment, or other device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transferring alarm information by sending an alarm message containing information about an alarm. The alarm message includes an alarm counter indicator that indicates whether an alarm status has changed from a previous alarm message. The alarm message also includes one or more indications of alarm conditions indicating an alarm state or an alarm source. Furthermore, the alarm message includes an alarm length that indicates a number of alarm conditions included in the alarm message.

Abstract: A game alert system includes a device mountable on a game feeder that detects motion in a target area and automatically sends an electronic signal to a user, or a hunter, in a remote location to notify the hunter of movement in the area, without alerting or startling animals that triggered the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using state machines to manage alarming states and pre-alarming states of a hazard detection system are described herein. The state machines can include one or more sensor state machines that can control the alarming states and one or more system state machines that can control the pre-alarming states. Each state machine can transition among any one of its states based on raw sensor data values, filtered sensor data values, and transition conditions. Filters may be used to transform raw sensor values into filtered values that can be used by one or more state machines. Such filters may improve accuracy of data interpretation by filtering out readings that may distort data interpretation or cause false positives. For example, smoke sensor readings may be filtered by a smoke alarm filter to mitigate presence of steam.

Abstract: A game alert system includes a device mountable on a game feeder that detects motion in a target area and automatically sends an electronic signal to a user, or a hunter, in a remote location to notify the hunter of movement in the area, without alerting or startling animals that triggered the device.

Abstract: An alarm sensor can be located at a premises, for example a smoke detector mounted to a wall or ceiling of a building. In response to an alarm event, such as detection of a level of smoke indicative of a fire hazard, the alarm sensor can send a wireless notification directly to a remote recipient that is offsite from the premises. The recipient could be a smart phone or other handheld cellular device carried by a homeowner on vacation, for example. The alarm sensor can be either originally manufactured with remote notification capabilities or retrofitted after installation for remote notification. In some cases, the alarm sensor can be networked with other alarm sensors located at the premises. For example, an alarm sensor having remote notification capabilities can receive alarm notifications from other alarm sensors for relay to the remote recipient.

Abstract: A signaling device includes an audio signaling unit for emitting an acoustic signal and a light signaling unit for emitting a visual signal. A base housing body is provided, upon which the signaling device is arranged on an accommodating body. An upper housing part is provided, arranged on the base housing body, for forming a receiving space. The base body of the light signaling unit is formed of a light-transparent signal cap, that includes a base area which is spanned by a connection frame. The light signaling unit further includes an electrical switching unit, which is disposed in the connection frame. The base housing body includes a side wall, and the signal cap is attached to the outer side of the side wall with the base area and is disposed on the base housing body.

Abstract: A system and method provides updated personnel count information for offshore locations for daily use and use during emergencies that is coordinated with a cloud database. The system allows persons not at an offshore rig or installation to monitor the presence, excuse, or absence of personnel at fixed mustering stations and moveable mustering stations such as lifeboats and the launch status of particular lifeboats. The system provides simplified touch screen information that is intuitively available to obtain user profiles for persons missing, present and excused from being present at mustering stations as well as participation in drills or emergency situations.

Abstract: The anti-identity theft and information security system process includes storing secure information in association with an electronic device having a communication circuit for sending and receiving data. Biometric information is read with a scanner so that the identity of a user can be authenticating in connection with the supplied biometric information. Once approved, a data communication line is established with a remote device and access to the secure information is unlocked. Thereafter, the secure information may be transmitted between the electronic device and the remote device.

Abstract: A signaling device for emitting an acoustic and/or visual signal includes a base housing body, and an upper housing part. The upper housing part can be connected to the base housing to form a receiving space, in which at least one electrical component assembly for generating signals is disposed and from which at least a first electrical line can be guided into the signaling device. A line connection mechanism is provided and disposed in the base housing body to which the electrical line can be connected. The electrical component assembly for the signal generation is disposed on the upper housing part.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for providing access to a network via a first one of a plurality of network access nodes in the network. The network access nodes each have a network address associated therewith which is unique on the network, the first network access node having a first network address associated therewith. The first network address is associated with a first computer while the first computer is connected to the first network access node thereby providing access to the network. When implemented at a hospitality structure such as a hotel, as a guest is checking in or in response to some other appropriate event, information regarding the guest's room environment and other preferences in a database record is transmitted from a head-end module to the network access node in the guest's assigned room. The assigned room is then automatically configured to suit the guest's preferences.

Abstract: There is described a system and method for informing passengers of a public transport vehicle of a door lock status, the method comprising: optically coupling a light source to an at least partially see-through modesty panel for propagating light therein, the modesty panel being positioned within the transport vehicle adjacent to a door for separating the passengers from the door; receiving a signal indicating that the door is unlocked; and illuminating at least a portion of the modesty panel using the light source, thereby informing the passengers that the door is unlocked.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided. The method includes the steps of connecting a rerouting processor to a communication port of an alarm panel, the connected processor capturing an alarm notification sent from the alarm panel through the communication port, said alarm notification including a destination telephone number of a first central monitoring station, the connected processor altering the captured alarm notification by deleting the destination telephone number from the captured alarm notification and the connected processor routing the altered alarm notification to a second central monitoring station that is different than the first monitoring station.

Abstract: A method for guiding, controlling or warning people, particularly for controlling and guiding people to a desired route, e.g. an emergency exit, in a dangerous situation, in which method, a person is guided by means of audio sources. In the method, audio sources (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h) arranged successively at a distance from each other are activated to produce sound, in which the audio sources successively arranged in the space guide the direction of an exit route by producing an audio signal with the audio source against the travel direction of the guided route (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for tracking and indicating the status of a lock, comprising: a movement sensing device for sensing movement of a key related to said lock and providing information about said movement; a controller for reception of said information about said movement, processing said information and identifying a key rotation event that is associated with a lock status; and an indication unit being connected to said controller; providing an indication of the lock status according to control signals that are provided by said controller.

Abstract: A verbal language based output system includes data defining a geometrical region, such as a building, configuration data relative to various detectors in the region, and a plurality of event inputs associated with the detectors. Verbal language generation software, in response to the data and the event inputs, produces verbal descriptions of developing events. Such verbal descriptions can be audibly output for use by personnel needing to enter the region to address the events.

Abstract: A device for providing a representation of the presence state of a remote party, the device being responsive, when the presence state of a remote party changes, to move from a first mechanical configuration to a second mechanical configuration, the device preferably comprising a puppet portion in the form of a humanoid which can be moved between a standing and another position.

Abstract: Muster apparatus for registering the arrival of a person at a location includes detector means for detecting the arrival of the person at the location and a controller, the detector means being in signal communication with the controller. The apparatus includes output means for communicating information from the controller to an operator. The apparatus is arranged so that the information communicated is dependent on the arrival of the person at the location.

Abstract: An appliance network comprising an appliance in communication with an audio communication accessory to effect communication therebetween.

Abstract: A plurality of directional sounders located in a region being monitored can be synchronously and sequentially activated in various patterns to establish an audibly defined exit route from the region. Emitted audio, from a respective sounder, can be different than the audio emitted by other activated sounders to provide a path and direction for evacuation to individuals in the vicinity of the exit route.

Abstract: An alert system for a communications network has a plurality of client devices and a plurality of alert servers each adapted to provide alerts to a respective subset of the client devices to provide scalability. Users at the client devices subscribe to receive alerts by selecting a scope of distribution of alerts. The selection involves selecting a type of alert to receive, a level of severity of alerts to receive, and a geographic scope. In response to receiving a request to issue an alert, an alert server notifies the other alert servers of the alert. Each alert server determines which client devices of the respective subset of client devices are to receive the alert. Each alert server then sends an alert message to its client devices that are to receive the alert.

Abstract: A voice bulb, which is adapted for detachably mounting to an electric bulb socket, includes a supporting housing, an illumination unit, and an audio unit. The supporting housing includes a supporting base and an electric head extended therefrom for detachably connecting to the bulb socket. The illumination unit is extended from the supporting base for providing an illumination effect. The audio unit includes an audio outlet provided on the supporting base, and an audio circuit disposed in the supporting base to electrically connect to the electric head, wherein the audio circuit is selectively activated to produce a sound effect through the audio outlet to coordinate with the illumination unit so as to provide an audio-visual effect of the voice bulb.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electrical device comprising a housing, a tamper resistant switch disposed in the housing, and an electrical component disposed in the housing. In this case, the tamper resistant switch can be in electrical communication with the electrical component to selectively electrically connect the electrical component with at least one electrical contact such as a power input. The electrical component can be in the form of a receptacle outlet, a motion sensor, an indicator light or additional tamper resistant switches. In one embodiment, the electrical component can be coupled in series with the tamper resistant switch to be selectively turned on. For example there can be a tamper resistant switch disposed in a housing along with a motion sensor or light sensor. In the case of a motion sensor, the tamper resistant switch can be turned to an on position to activate the motion sensor.

Abstract: A fire suppression and annunciation system using a flexible conduit and a wire rope is provided. The wire rope may be connected to a knob assembly at a universal pull station and to a release mechanism of the fire suppression system. An operator may pull a handle of the knob assembly at the universal pull station, thereby activating the release mechanism to release fire suppression agent. A flexible conduit may house the wire rope along at least a part of the connection from the universal pull station to the release mechanism. A material on the liner of the flexible conduit and/or on the wire rope may be used to reduce the coefficient of friction of wire rope in the flexible conduit. The fire suppression system may further include a pulley block system connected to the universal pull station. The pulley block system may comprise bearings, and may lower the force necessary to activate the release mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting a low voltage alternating current (AC) wiring circuit to a high speed data communications link, comprising a primary coupling circuit and a secondary coupling circuit. The apparatus provides low voltage AC power to a data device and couples data signals between the data device and the AC power line via the converted low voltage AC wiring circuit. An example is provided for retrofitting a door chime system to a high speed data link such as a video camera system.

Abstract: Described is a cellular security system for monitoring an asset from a remote monitoring site without utilizing a signal modulating device or a cellular voice service. The cellular security system includes a detector, a display device, a cellular telephone that includes a camera and email capabilities, and a remote email device. When the detector detects an occurrence, the display device is activated such that the display device indicates the status of the detector. The cellular telephone captures a photo-image of the activated display device and composes an email and attaches the captured photo-image to the email. The cellular telephone sends the email to a remote email device, which is located at the remote monitoring site. From the remote monitoring site, the photo-image is viewed using the remote email device such that the status of the detector of the cellular security system is revealed.

Abstract: A programmable event driver/interface has timekeeping and scheduling functions and tone and voice capabilities. A software-based interface allows for direct communication with individual annunciators and dynamic grouping of annunciators by zone. System state of health can be ascertained periodically for each annunciator, displayed in a visual summary, stored, and time tagged. Both tones and audio signals such as voice and radio can be commanded to be output by individual annunciators as well as by zones and by all annunciators at once. Schedules, including time-of day, day-of week, and date for annunciator outputs can be programmed for any or all annunciators.

Abstract: Muster apparatus for registering the arrival of a person at a location includes detector means for detecting the arrival of the person at the location and a controller, the detector means being in signal communication with the controller. The apparatus includes output means for communicating information from the controller to an operator. The apparatus is arranged so that the information communicated is dependent on the arrival of the person at the location.

Abstract: A portable alarm having an intelligent communications interface is provided. The portable alarm may transmit digital wireless data wirelessly to a location external to the portable alarm. Methods of transmitting alarm data from a portable alarm are provided. The alarm data may be converted to wireless digital data and transmitted wirelessly.

Abstract: A non-invasive underground arc fault detection apparatus is for an underground electrical conductor. The apparatus includes an electric circuit having an opening for admitting the electrical conductor therethrough. The electric circuit includes one or two transducers adapted to output a first signal representative of current flowing in the electrical conductor and a second signal. An arc fault detection circuit cooperates with the electric circuit to output a third signal derived from the first signal. The third signal is representative of an arc fault of the electrical conductor. An audible annunciator cooperates with the arc fault detection circuit to annunciate the third signal. A power supply cooperates with the electric circuit and is adapted to power the arc fault detection circuit and the annunciator from the second signal.

Abstract: An automation system for programming appliances having programmable controllers, programmable devices and trigger devices that communicate over a communication link. The user programs the programmable devices by placing the programmable controller in its training mode, activating the trigger device to generate a trigger signed and places select programmable devices in their programmed state. After all of the desired programmable devices have been put in then programmed states, the user takes the programmable controller out of its training mode. When the programmable controller is out of its training mode, it monitors the communication link for the trigger event. Upon detecting the trigger event, the programmable controller sends messages to the selected programmable devices instructing them to go to their programmed state.

Abstract: An evacuation system, which provides enhanced operational control to an operator. In an embodiment, each voice point module capable of playing evacuation messages is implemented as an addressable unit, and an operator can cause different messages to be played on different voice point modules using a central station. The central station enables the operator to play live messages by capturing the voice of the operator and forwarding the voice in the form of voice data. Protocols such as H.323 may be supported on both voice point modules and the central station such that control data can be sent from the central station to the voice point modules. The control data can be used as a basis to provide features such as changing the volume level, storing messages locally in the voice point modules, specifying specific stored message to be played, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for wireless doorbell and security control panel interaction is provided. The system includes a wireless doorbell, a security control panel, and at least one control panel activation device having a transmitter and a manually activated switch or button. The control panel is in communication with the at least one control panel activation device by way of the transmitter. The control panel includes a receiver for receiving signals transmitted from the at least one control panel activation device via the transmitter. A security keypad having a speaker device for broadcasting an alarm or message related to functions of the security system is in communication with the control panel as well. At least one auxiliary security device is also in communication with the control panel. The auxiliary security device may include an assortment of devices that perform ancillary functions that enhance the functionality of the security control panel.

Abstract: A wireless alarm network which detects smoke or toxic gas or fire or other abnormal environmental conditions within and in the vicinity of a structure wherein the detector at the source of the abnormal environmental condition emits an audible alarm and communicate the abnormal condition to the other members of the alarm network remote from the location of the abnormal condition by coded radio frequency signals. All alarm devices within the network comprise of radio frequency receivers and upon receiving a trouble message they issue their own audible alarm to alert people in remote areas from the trouble who otherwise would not hear the alarm sounded at the site of the trouble. Once people are notified of the trouble in all areas of the structure they have an option of using a handheld radio transmitter provided to disable alarms from locations remote from the location of the actual trouble to aid in the localization of the actual trouble spot.

Abstract: An automation system for programming appliances having programmable controllers, programmable devices and trigger devices that communicate over a communication link. The user programs the programmable devices by placing the programmable controller in its training mode, activating the trigger device to generate a trigger signed and places select programmable devices in their programmed state. After all of the desired programmable devices have been put in then programmed states, the user takes the programmable controller out of its training mode. When the programmable controller is out of its training mode, it monitors the communication link for the trigger event. Upon detecting the trigger event, the programmable controller sends messages to the selected programmable devices instructing them to go to their programmed state.

Abstract: In a building fire alarm system, the light strobes of a network of strobes are synchronized to flash simultaneously. Each strobe has a charging circuit to charge a capacitor which discharges through a flash tube. Once a capacitor is charged, the charging circuit is disabled. A synchronization pulse is applied through common power lines to trigger discharge of each strobe capacitor through the flash tube followed by recharging of the capacitor.

Abstract: A method for alerting and monitoring a quiescent person may include recording a personal alert message and, in response to receiving an alarm, playing the personal alert message, detecting the removal of a safety device from a cradle and, in response, sending a message to a remote monitoring system. A system for alerting and monitoring a quiescent person may include a cradle to transmit a safety device absent signal, a communications interface to send a safety device absent message to a remote monitoring system, an audio input to record a personal alert message, playback the personal alert message, and transmit an alert signal in response to the detection of an audible alarm, an audio output, coupled to the audio input, to play the personal alert message through a speaker, and a processor, coupled to the cradle, the communications interface, the audio input, the audio output, and a power supply.

Abstract: An ambient condition detector can provide verbal feedback to a user or consumer indicative of an alarm condition being sensed beyond the existence of a predetermined alarm condition and/or location. Information pertaining to developing alarm conditions whether gas or fire, that are being sensed can be verbally fed back to the consumer either automatically or in response to incident infrared control signals directed to the detector by the consumer. Additional status and/or parametric information can be provided by the consumer in response to incoming infrared command signals.

Abstract: In a building fire alarm system, the light strobes of a network of strobes are synchronized to flash simultaneously. Each strobe has a charging circuit to charge a capacitor which discharges through a flash tube. Once a capacitor is charged, the charging circuit is disabled. A synchronization pulse is applied through common power lines to trigger discharge of each strobe capacitor through the flash tube followed by recharging of the capacitor.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to control at least one function of a bed located in a room from a remote location outside of the room. The apparatus includes a controller configured to control the at least one bed function, an interface device coupled to the controller, and an input device located at the remote location. The input device is configured to generate a message signal to control the at least one bed function. The message signal is transmitted from the input device to the interface device and from the interface device to the controller to control the at least one bed function from the remote location.