Abstract: A method for teaching a switching circuit is provided. The method includes presenting a target within a sensing range of a sensor of the switching circuit for a pre-determined duration and acquiring an identification code of the target via the sensor. The method also includes storing the acquired identification code for operating the switching circuit and locking the switching circuit against learning identification codes of any other target prior to reaching an allowed number of reteaching attempts.

Abstract: An image sensor and method, which includes a switching device for establishing a connection between at least one column line and one of at least two analog-to-digital converter blocks, where at least one of the at least two analog-to-digital converter blocks is connectable to at least two rows of a plurality of unit pixels. An image sensor and method, where, if a row line is odd, column outputs from odd column lines of an active pixel sensor array are connected to a first correlated double sampling block and column outputs from even column lines of the active pixel sensor array are connected to a second correlated double sampling block and if the row line is even, column outputs from odd column lines of the active pixel sensor array are connected to the second correlated double sampling block and column outputs from even column lines of the active pixel sensor array are connected to the first correlated double sampling block.

Abstract: An improved retractable tamper resistant annunciator that can be mounted flush in a supporting structure is described. The annunciator mechanism includes a housing that has an actuatable cover. Signaling devices are enclosed within the housing, and can be selectively actuated when the cover is opened. A mechanism to open and close the cover to expose the signaling devices or to cover the signaling devices include a reversible motor structure. Alternative mechanisms to open and close the cover include biasing structures to move the cover in a first direction and an electrical device to move the cover in a second direction.

Abstract: A pull box for an emergency alarm system is disclosed having a modular construction that accommodates one or more optional modules in order to provide a wide variety of possible configurations. Also, the basic design of the pull station provides for its resetting without requiring a cover of the pull station to be open. As part of the optional modules, the pull station may be configured to provide both local and general alarm signals, with the general alarm signal capable of being activated only by authorized personnel.

Abstract: A pull station having a housing of unitary construction with integral cover and base portions, the cover portion having a handle so that the cover portion can be pulled away from the base portion when a signal, such as an alarm signal, is to be generated, a break glass holder provided on one of the portions for receiving a glass structure to be broken when the cover portion is pulled away from the base portion, a glass breaker provided on the other of the portions, the glass breaker having a camming surface to ride over the glass structure when the portions are closed and having a breaking surface for breaking the glass structure when the cover portion is pulled away from the base portion, and a signal generator for generating a signal when the cover portion is pulled.

Abstract: A remote signaling box uses no glass or breakable parts. The signal box has an unbreakable door that protects a sliding panel and activator which constrains the internal alarm switch. When the door is closed, a foolproof interlock in the sliding panel prevents functioning of the switch. The sliding panel has an opening so that when it is pulled down a spring-loaded activator is released into the opening which allows the internally contained spring-loaded switch to function. No replacement parts are required after the box has been operated. A two-step operation is required for alarming to prevent inadvertent activation. The first step is to open the door which removes the foolproof interlock from the sliding panel. The second step is to pull down the sliding panel. The device is easily reset by moving the sliding panel to its original position and closing the door.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire alarm system in which the fire alarm is located in an enclosure which must be entered by the operator of the fire alarm, and the door to the enclosure, or opening through which the operator passes, must be closed in order to initiate the actuation of the fire alarm. The fire alarm within the enclosure has a fire alarm switch located to be covered by a door or plate which must be moved in order to have access to the fire alarm switch. Circuits are provided which upon the closing of the door cause a circuit to be energized while the movement of the cover for the alarm switch allows the alarm switch lever to be moved only if the operator is located in the enclosure containing the fire alarm. The alarm switch actuates a door lock and a timing device which will hold the operator within the enclosure for a given length of time sufficient for the firemen to reach the scene of the alarm.