Fail-safe Patents (Class 340/507)
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Patent number: 6518882Abstract: An improved key fob and key combination allows the mechanical key to be removed from the key fob and given to a valet attendant. The key is provided with a mechanical latch which may be easily removed from the key fob. When the key is removed, secured areas on the vehicle are locked. Moreover, the vehicle has limited operation when the mechanical key is not received with the key fob. In a second feature of this invention, a locator function on the key fob provides an indication of an approximate direction to a vehicle in a parking area. The key fob relies upon RF transmissions from the vehicle to determine an approximate direction to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive CorporationInventors: Susan Johnson, Tejas Desai, Deborah Marie Lambert, Jonathan Clark, Jeralyn Reese
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Patent number: 6512458Abstract: The temperature of a bypass diode of a solar cell module is measured by a temperature detector from the exterior of the solar cell module, and the results of temperature detection of each bypass diode are mutually compared to detect the presence or absence of failure in the solar cell module. Also at least one solar cell in the solar cell module is covered with a light shielding plate, then a current flowing in the bypass diode bypassing to the covered solar cell is detected, and a failed solar cell module is detected from the result of the current detection. Also the solar cell module is provided with a temperature detector capable of detecting the temperature of the bypass diode and the temperature of an internal portion of the solar cell module other than the bypass diode. In this way, it is possible to detect a failure in the solar cell module easily and precisely, and also to detect short circuit failure in the solar cell.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1999Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takuma Kobayashi, Naoki Manabe, Nobuyoshi Takehara
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Patent number: 6509838Abstract: In a flame ionization sensor type gas combustion control apparatus, the sensor is provided with a power supply which will increase the voltage as contamination build up occurs on the in-flame sensor electrode thereby keeping a constant sensor current and enabling the sensor to perform as intended even though insulative contaminant build up is present on the electrode.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2000Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Inventors: Peter P. Payne, Stephan E. Schmidt, Kristin Powers Goppel, Darrell J. King, Stephen M. Tobin, J. Thomas Fowler
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Publication number: 20020171554Abstract: The present invention involves a methodology for the interconnection of safety control modules used for the safeguarding of personnel around points and areas of hazardous machine operation. The system includes one or more safety control modules connected together so that the safety control modules communicate with each other using actively diverse safety control signals. The safety control modules are also connected to the machine safety control circuit so that the safety control modules can stop machine operation when one or more safety control modules are activated. The use of actively diverse safety control signals provides a control reliable system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2001Publication date: November 21, 2002Applicant: Banner EngineeringInventor: Dane Weber
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Publication number: 20020163428Abstract: The present invention provides a smart wireless fire site notifying device, which comprises a plurality of fire sensors, a plurality of route indicators, and at least a remote control master. The fire sensor gives an alarm and outputs a wireless alarming signal to other fire sensors when detecting abnormal situations. The route indicator receives the wireless alarming signal, discriminates the signal, and determines and displays the fire site and the best escape route. The remote control master sets the address serial code of each fire sensor and mutual learning of digital codes of the fire sensors and the route indicators to let them receive the wireless alarming signal simultaneously. The present invention not only has learning and regular self testing functions, it can also inform the users of the fire site and situation and the best escape direction and route to exactly ensure their properties and safety.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2001Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventor: Linsong Weng
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Publication number: 20020080026Abstract: A method and device for controlling operational sequences, in particular in a vehicle, a functional unit being connected to a bus system, the functional unit and/or the bus system being monitored by a monitoring unit, and the monitoring unit disconnecting, by an access operation, the connection of the functional unit to the bus system in a reliability case, the monitoring unit's access or operation being configurable by the functional unit so that the access path of the monitoring unit is interruptable by a configuration apparatus, arrangement or structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventors: Horst Wagner, Jens Graf, Edwin Eberlein
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Patent number: 6407672Abstract: A device is provided which allows a personal computer user to monitor the operational parameters of the central processing unit's cooling fan. This device, called the CPU cooling fan speed monitor, characterizes the normal operating speed range of the CPU fan and the fan speed and provides warnings of improper fan speed. The fan speed monitor is a microcontroller-based device which has two principle modes of operation: the characterization mode; and the monitor mode. In the characterization mode, the fan speed monitor determines the “normal” operating speed range of the cooling fan. In the monitor mode, the fan speed monitor provides audible and visual indication of the operating speed of the CPU cooling fan.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1999Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Inventors: Steven A. Grenz, Donald D. Harter
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Patent number: 6392592Abstract: A car locator system includes a hand held locator which receives information with regard to the location of a vehicle and then stores that information for display on the hand held locator. The hand held locator could be a key fob having buttons to command operation to the vehicle. When a command signal is transmitted to the vehicle, the vehicle then transmits its position location to the hand held location for storage. In this way, an operator will be able to have an indication of the location of the vehicle. The vehicle can communicate with GPS satellites to determine its location, or may communicate with ground based local transmitters. The ground based local transmitters can be programmed to provide an indication of the location of the vehicle within a parking lot.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Siemens Automotive CorporationInventors: Susan Johnson, Tejas Desai
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Patent number: 6392537Abstract: A maintenance station monitors and maintains a plurality of automatic door systems at remote locations. Each door system includes a control unit for controlling the operation of an automatic door, and a self-diagnosing arrangement which operates in conjunction with the control operation of the control unit, to inspect the automatic door system for malfunctioning or broken part of the door system. When a failure is found in the automatic door system, the self-diagnosing arrangement of that door system sends information identifying that door system and information identifying the malfunctioning or broken part to the maintenance station via modems and telephones.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1999Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Nabco LimitedInventors: Soichi Tazumi, Koji Kakuyama
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Patent number: 6392541Abstract: A theft-deterrent outdoor lighting fixture having an auger that is connected to the lowermost end of the lighting fixture by means of a one-way clutch mechanism. The one-way clutch mechanist engages or locks the auger relative to the fixture when turned in the same direction of the thread of the auger but free-wheels in the reverse direction to preclude removal of fixture. In another embodiment, the theft-deterrent outdoor lighting includes an electronic design that detects movement representative of theft and sounds an alarm to draw attention to the theft while in progress. In still another embodiment, the theft-deterrent outdoor lighting includes a wiring harness that is destructively severed should the lighting fixture be pulled from the ground, thereby rendering the lighting inoperable in the case of theft.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: King of Fans, Inc.Inventors: John C. Bucher, Charles E. Bucher, Tien S. Lowe, Chad J. Ricker
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Publication number: 20020057198Abstract: A danger signalling system, including a multiplicity of detectors (M1 to Mn) and other line members, in case of need, which respond to at least one danger criterion and are connected to a two-wire line (line A), a control center connected to the line (line A), which has a voltage supply and a central processor in which the addresses of the detectors are stored for individually addressing and polling the detectors as well as a program for monitoring the status of the detectors. A testing circuitry is disposed in the control center for checking the working order of the network formed from the line and the detectors or line members by means of a testing unit wherein the testing circuitry includes a testing processor which, in turn, has an evaluation software, and a switch assembly controlled by the testing processor is provided for selectively connecting the at least one testing unit to the line (line A).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2001Publication date: May 16, 2002Inventor: Gerhard Ropke
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Patent number: 6366215Abstract: The members of a multi-processor communication system can be loaded with a common set of control programs. Subsequently, the functionality of the various processors can be specified by providing linking information to the respective processors. The linking information specifies which control programs, in which order, are to be executed by a respective processor. Processors can be associated with or bound to a respective system using encrypted control codes. The functional integrity of one or more modules at a respective processor can be verified.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1998Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Pittway CorporationInventors: Lee D. Tice, Steven W. McCuen, Edward J. Kurtz, Daniel C. Hawkinson
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Patent number: 6356191Abstract: A process fluid temperature transmitter includes circuitry that improves compensation of error due to the presence of one or more non-associated voltage sources in a resistance temperature device (RTD) circuit. A method of compensating for such error is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventors: William R. Kirkpatrick, Eric D. Rotvold
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Patent number: 6356202Abstract: A circuit is described for monitoring the faultless state and/or for detecting the faulty state of a cable railway or chairlift system, with a plurality of monitoring and detection devices (1) and with at least one control and evaluation unit (2), the monitoring and detection devices (1) being series-connected to one another and to the control and evaluation unit (2) and having the potential to be interrogated with respect to their state, especially with respect to their operating state. To be able to meet safety requirements which are as high as possible and at the same time to require only a small installation space, each monitoring and detection device (1) has several different influence areas (3) and several signal outputs.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignees: i f m electronic GmbH, Doppelmayr Seilbahn-Produktionsgesellschaft m.b.HInventors: Reinhard Albrich, Karl Herrmann, Jean-Luc Lamarche, Manfred Strobel
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Patent number: 6351212Abstract: A system for monitoring the operability of fire event sensors having a programmable logic circuit which automatically and continuously analyzes whether readings obtained from fire event sensors satisfy multiple predetermined parameters. Parameters defining operability may include the mere receipt of a signal from a sensor, elapsed time between a request for data by the circuit and receipt of said data, substantive quality of signals, sensor sensitivity, strength of power source, or other parameters. The parameters are modifiable to facilitate many different types of sensors without the addition of any additional circuitry. The system also monitors operability of the self-checking routine itself as well as checking the circuitry of a fire detection unit and strength of power source.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Inventor: Adam Q. Lynch
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Patent number: 6310546Abstract: A stereo type vehicle monitoring apparatus with a fail-safe function comprises a pair of cameras 1, 2, a stereo image producer 3, 4, 5, a calculator 12 and a fail decision unit 12. The pair of cameras 1, 2 take pictures of scenes outside of a vehicle. The stereo image producer 3, 4, 5 produces a first image and a second image respectively based on pictures; taken by the cameras 1, 2. The calculator 12 calculates a level of brightness of a first monitor area in the first image produced by the stereo image producer 3, 4, 5 and a level of brightness of a second monitor area in the second image produced by the stereo image producer 3, 4, 5. The fail decision unit 12 determines a failure of the vehicle monitoring apparatus when a difference between the brightness level of the first monitor area and the brightness level of the second monitor area exceeds a predetermined value. The second monitor area positionally corresponds to the first monitor area.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Itaru Seta
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Patent number: 6294991Abstract: To ensure that the distributed restoration process of a DRA provisioned network proceeds only in response to true failures, the present invention DRA network provisions to each of the ports of the nodes a timer mechanism for ascertaining whether an alarm is a genuine alarm. This is done by presetting the timer with an expiration period so that an alarm is validated as a failure only upon the expiration of the timer. When validated, the value of a counter is incremented. The value of the counter is reflective of the sum of validated alarms, and is compared against a preset threshold value. And it is only when the value of the summed validated alarms exceeds the preset threshold value would the DRA process be initiated. When a validated alarm ceases, the reverse process takes place. That is, the ending of the alarm has to be validated by another timer, which could be the same timer as used for validating an alarm.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1998Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: MCI Communications CorporationInventors: John David Allen, Lee Bengston, Jasvantrai Shah
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Patent number: 6281791Abstract: A fire alarm system is obtained which can simplify the structure and reduce the costs by specifying the number of terminal devices in a supervision region and setting a plurality of fire zone indications in correspondence with the terminal devices of the specified number by one to one, and which can finely supervise the contents of a standby power supply and improve the reliability of the equipment. In a fire alarm system in which such as a plurality of terminal devices 251 for fire supervision to which different addresses are allocated, respectively, are connected to a fire control and indicating equipment 101, and the fire control and indicating equipment calls the terminal device by its address to collect fire information from the called terminal device, the fire control and indicating equipment includes a plurality of fire zone indicator lamp 112 corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices by one to one.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Nohmi Bosai, Ltd.Inventor: Shuichi Murao
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Patent number: 6265970Abstract: An event detection device comprising a sensing means for generating an output signal in response to the detection of an event, the device comprising a fault monitoring system which comprises: comparator means for comparing the output signal with a threshold signal and for activating a timed sequence processor when the output signal exceeds the threshold signal on a first occasion, the time sequence processor being adapted to activate a fault indicating circuit after a predetermined time interval unless the sensing means generates an output signal in response to the detection of an event on a second occasion within the predetermined time interval.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1998Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Pyronix LimitedInventor: Matthew Whitehead
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Patent number: 6256569Abstract: An actuator controller includes a control unit including a main part carrying out a preprogrammed processing of an input signal and being disposed in a first position of a motor vehicle and a drive part integrated with an actuator unit and being disposed in a second position of the motor vehicle distant from the first position for forming a drive signal in accordance with a processing result of the main part, and a communication wire connected to the main and drive parts. The main part provides the processing result as a communication signal by a serial communication, and the drive part converts the communication signal received into the drive signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1998Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Unisia Jecs CorporationInventor: Hitoshi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6252502Abstract: An alarm detection apparatus includes a plurality of alarm detectors detecting and/or cancelling alarms for identical and different error rates. The plurality of alarm detectors are grouped into a major detector unit made up of alarm detectors which detect major error rates, and a minor detector unit made up of alarm detectors which detect minor error rates. The major detector unit and the minor detector unit output detection outputs corresponding to specified detection rates thereof. A predetermined alarm detector corresponding to a part of the minor detector unit has a specified detection rate overlapping a specified detection rate of the major detector unit being controlled, so that a detection function or a detection output of the predetermined alarm detector is disabled.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Masaki Kubo, Masaru Kameda, Shigeyuki Kobayashi, Junichi Ishiwatari, Shuniti Nakayama, Hideo Sunaga, Nobuyuki Nemoto
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Patent number: 6252504Abstract: The alarm system has an alarm unit for ready access at a point of entryway which communicates with a line seize module located in a secure location. The alarm unit has a transmitter receiver, a control panel function, a key pad, and an input/output port for connection to telephone wiring for communicating with the line seize unit. The line seize module includes its own input/output communication port connected to the wiring of the local telephone line and as such, is in direct communication with the alarm unit. Communication is separate and distinct from normal telephone communication and preferrably is at a high frequency above the audible range. This allows the alarm system to communicate between components while still allowing full conventional use of the telephone lines. The line seize module also includes control logic, a line seize arrangement and an automatic dialer.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2000Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.Inventor: James Parker
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Patent number: 6246318Abstract: A modular safety switching device is set up such that various signaling devices in a set of possible connectable signaling devices can be connected. In this case, a typical combination of inputs and outputs that are used is provided for each signaling device. The nature of the connection of the signaling device is unique for each signaling device within the set, by which the safety switching device can identify during startup, on the basis of the electrical connections that are made, which type of signaling device is connected and what function is required for identical signaling devices. The safety switching device automatically changes itself to the required operating mode in accordance with this association.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Pilz GmbH & Co.Inventors: Richard Veil, Winfried Gräf
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Patent number: 6239699Abstract: Redundant alarm messages generated by a plurality of Network Elements (NEs) in a Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) or Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) subnetwork are suppressed by a filter incorporated within a Subnetwork Controller (SBNC). In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the SBNC filter collects and logs all alarm messages reported by the subnetwork NEs during a correlation period. After the period is completed, the filter determines whether at least one alarm that was reported during the period directly indicates a failure within the subnetwork and, if so, suppresses all other alarms arriving during the period that indicate conditions symptomatic of this failure. The correlation period persists for no longer than a maximum specified time period, and only so long as alarm messages continue to be reported during the interval.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventor: U. George Ronnen
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Patent number: 6166633Abstract: An additional logic algorithm is employed in the process for reducing motion-type false alarm of security alarm system automatically or manually, wherein the preset time period of the delaying period of the verification condition is reduced to a shorter first adjusted time period when a second alarm trigger is occurred after the first alarm trigger during the preset time period. If a third alarm trigger is occurred during the first adjusted time period, the delaying period is further reduced to a second adjusted time period shorter than the first adjusted time period. The delaying period will be further reduced when subsequent alarm trigger occurred. However, if there is no third alarm trigger occurred during the first adjusted time period, or there is no subsequent alarm trigger occurred after the last alarm trigger during the latest reduced adjusted time period, the delaying period will be reset to the preset time period.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Inventor: Randall Wang
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Patent number: 6150935Abstract: An alarm system which incorporates a plurality of highly sensitive, early warning, smoke detectors incorporates functionality for distinguishing between detector signals in response to ambient smoke and detector signals in response to the presence of non-smoke, fibrous materials. Detectors are spatially arranged in predetermined regions. Information concerning the arrangement of detectors is stored in the common control unit. Additionally, a performance history for each of the detectors is also stored in the control unit. If one of the detectors exhibits a relatively large output which is large enough to indicate a possible fire, a previously stored history from the outputs of that detector is analyzed. If the previously stored history indicates a fire related profile, such as a relatively gradual increase in smoke level over a period of time, the signal from that detector is regarded as being indicative of smoke and an alarm is indicated.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1997Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: Pittway CorporationInventor: Donald D. Anderson
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Patent number: 6137402Abstract: A method of arming a security system comprising one or more send-only RF sensor. The method comprises the steps of receiving a request to arm the system from a keypad, determining if a faulted status exists in the receiver/controller, if a faulted status does exist, then changing the faulted status to a restored status, and arming the security system when there are no faulted statuses in the receiver/controller.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Pittway Corp.Inventor: Francis C. Marino
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Patent number: 6127932Abstract: A flame sensor for sensing flame produced by the burner of a furnace. The sensor includes a closed end tube having a photosensitive element located therein. The photosensitive element is sealed off from any external light so as to only respond to infrared wavelengths of light emitted from the end of the tube when subjected to a flame produced by the burner of the furnace.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1998Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Larry E. Wilson, Gary D. Wedlake
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Patent number: 6081195Abstract: A system for monitoring the operability of fire event sensors having a programmable logic circuit which automatically and continuously analyzes whether readings obtained from fire event sensors satisfy multiple predetermined parameters. Parameters defining operability may include the mere receipt of a signal from a sensor, elapsed time between signals, substantive quality of signals, sensor sensitivity, strength of power source, or other parameters. The parameters are modifiable to facilitate many different types of sensors without the addition of any additional circuitry. The system also includes manual testing of the self-checking routine itself as well as checking the circuitry of a fire detection unit and strength of power source. Means for resetting the system is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1999Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Inventor: Adam Q. Lynch
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Patent number: 6011465Abstract: A backup arrangement for alarm system includes an electronic switch circuit, a DC power source, a build-in electronic Hi-sounder, and a chargeable resistor. The electronic switch circuit, which is a IC control system, has a power input connected to an auxiliary power output of a control panel of a burglary alarm system installed in house or vehicle, and an alarm input connected to an alarm output of the control panel. The electronic switch circuit further includes a normally opened switch and a normally closed switch. The normally closed switch is coupled in series with the alarm output of the control panel and the input of the build-in electronic Hi-sounder. The DC power source has an output connected in series with the normally opened switch and the input of the build-in electronic Hi-sounder. An alert output is connected to a system warning device of the burglary alarm system.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1998Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Inventor: Randall Wang
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Patent number: 5999094Abstract: An in-building telephone distribution system has a multi-conductor telephone distribution cable, starting at the point where the telephone utility lines enter the building and extending from there to each location at which a telephone outlet is wanted, at which a smoke alarm is wanted, and/or at which one of numerous other devices (e.g., door chime) might be wanted. At a suitable point along the cable, a first pair of the cable's conductors is connected with the power output terminals of a Class-2 (or Class-2-equivalent) DC power supply, whose power input terminals are connected with an ordinary electric utility power line. Thus, at any point along the cable, the first pair of conductors may be accessed and used as a Class-2 DC power source. A second pair of the cable's distribution conductors is used for distribution of the telephone signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1993Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Inventor: Ole K. Nilssen
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Patent number: 5966311Abstract: A fail-safe fluid transfer control apparatus has full redundancy in the response to various inputs such as overfill probe signals, ground detection signals, and the like. Independent microprocessor controllers independently evaluate the inputs and each output control signals to close a respective relay when the inputs indicate that fluid transfer may commence. The relays are arranged in series such that both must be closed for a fluid transfer to commence. The control signals from each controller include a static signal and an alternating signal, both of which must be properly output to close its respective relay. Each controller monitors the state of each relay, and discontinues its control signals if either relay appears to be malfunctioning. Each controller runs an different, independently written firmware program to process the detected inputs to prevent a common firmware error.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1998Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Scully Signal CompanyInventors: Francis V. Stemporzewski, Jr., Arthur W. Shea, Gary R. Cadman, Richard O. Beaulieu, Stephen F. Tougas
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Patent number: 5966069Abstract: A system for testing the electrical integrity of an illuminated exit sign alternately powered by a battery, rechargeable from a source of alternating current power. The system includes an alarm for indicating an electrical failure, precluding the illumination of the exit sign. A circuit tests the presence of battery electrical power for illuminating the exit sign. In addition, the circuitry periodically tests for the provision of adequate battery power to achieve the same function. Moreover, the system periodically tests and retests for adequate recharging of the battery during a preselected period of time and includes an alarm for indicating failure of the recharging system.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1998Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Prescolite-Moldcast Lighting CompanyInventors: Greg Zmurk, Steve Buckser
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Patent number: 5917409Abstract: A process for reducing motion-type false alarm of security alarm system includes the steps of merely activating the local warning system to produce local audio and/or video warning signals when any one of the motion sensors detects a motion everytime within the respective motion detecting area; delaying to activate the control panel as well as the phone dialing system which is built in the control panel for a predetermined period of time, wherein the security alarm system is in a verification condition; activating the control panel to normally respond by activating the local warning system and the built-in phone dialing system to transmit digital signals to a central station for dispatching to a designated police resource when at least one more detecting signal is sent from any one of the pre-designated motion sensors that detects another motion within the respective motion detecting area during within the predetermined period of time; and resetting the security alarm system to the original standby conditionType: GrantFiled: September 2, 1998Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Inventor: Randall Wang
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Patent number: 5896082Abstract: An intelligent fire detection system is disclosed which includes a control panel and a plurality of detectors distributed throughout the building being protected. The software of the panel treats the detectors as being in one or more groups. All the detectors in a group can be in the same room. The detectors are set so as to be sensitive to small concentrations of smoke eg 0.3% per meter obscuration. Only if all the detectors in a group, or a predetermined lesser number of the detectors in a group, have smoke concentrations at or above the threshold level does the panel establish an alarm condition. The panel can also establish an alarm condition when the presence in any single detector of smoke at a higher concentration eg 3% per meter obscuration is detected. The system can alternatively include detectors sensitive to other emissions from a fire eg heat, ionized particles or carbon monoxide.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1996Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: Ziton SA (Proprietary) LimitedInventor: Robert Kenneth MacFarlane
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Patent number: 5872512Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing errors in a battery powered sensing circuit uses two pull-up resistors. The first resistor has a value selected to minimize battery drain and the second resistor has a value selected to reduce dendrite or other parasitic parallel resistance. The resistors are selectively connected to the circuit based on a predetermined sequence and/or time interval.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1996Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Assignee: Interactive Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gerald M. Kackman, Robert E. Brunius
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Patent number: 5867096Abstract: A method for signal degradation alarm detection in a digital microwave system, includes the steps of: summing code violation values from cells of a given buffer except for one of the cells currently indicated in the given buffer to calculate a code violation sum value of a corresponding provision, and setting a code violation limit value to a previously defined value; comparing the code violation sum value with the code violation limit value; setting a signal degradation alarm flag to detect an alarm when the code violation sum value is greater than or equal to the code violation limit value; adding the code violation sum value to a next code violation sum value of a lower buffer to obtain a new code violation sum value when the code violation sum value is less than the code violation limit value; setting the signal degradation alarm flag to detect the alarm when the new code violation sum value is greater than or equal to the code violation limit value; and ending performance of the method without setting thType: GrantFiled: October 21, 1996Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Woon-Shin Park
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Patent number: 5844481Abstract: An intrusion detector for security systems includes a stationary host unit and a transponder unit secured to a movable door, window or the like. The host unit is secured to a stationary frame in alignment with the transponder unit. A pair of electromagnetic coupling elements are supported upon the host unit and are aligned with a corresponding mirror image pair of electromagnetic coupling units supported on the transponder unit. The host unit provides a burst of power signal which is magnetically coupled to the transponder unit and rectified therein to provide operative power for the transponder unit. The host unit further provides a data signal magnetically coupled to the transponder unit which communicates a random number to the transponder unit. The transponder unit calculates a pseudo-random number using a predetermined algorithm and communicates the random number back to the host unit. The host unit performs an identical calculation upon the random number to provide a reference pseudo-random number.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1997Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Inventors: John J. Quintus, Louis J. Finkle
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Patent number: 5831525Abstract: 058315250 The present invention provides for removable cartridge devices including removable cartridges having fan assisted cooling for housing data storage devices and brackets adapted for removably mounting the cartridges. Various features of these cartridge systems include temperature dependent fan speed control, fan failure alarms, data storage device identification number LED display and air filtration systems. Methods are provided for removably mounting these cartridges in a computer.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Inventor: James C. Harvey
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Patent number: 5831540Abstract: A system to determine the usage of loading dock equipment such as a dock leveler, a vehicle restraint and a barrier gate to provide an output indicative thereof. For each loading dock component mounted at a loading dock in an operable configuration whose operation is to be monitored, sensor outputs are used to provide data accumulated by PLC's located in a control panel associated with the loading dock. When operation of a piece of equipment is initiated the occurrence delivers an output signal to the PLC. A counting circuit accumulates a count of the output signals. The panel has displays in the form of lights and screens and the data maybe read out by means of a hand held unit for display and/or programing or delivered to a remote PC by appropriate cable.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1995Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: United Dominion Ind., Inc.Inventors: Vincent Sullivan, James C. Alexander
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Patent number: 5796933Abstract: A back-up method for equipment settings of electronic equipment, especially telecommunications equipment, in which a plurality of parallel board units are located in a subrack or the like. Set data of each board unit are stored in that board unit. A back-up copy of the set data of each board unit is stored initially, the storing taking place in such a way that the addresses of a first and a second other board unit in the equipment are stored in the set values for each respective board unit in such a way that the first address indicates the board unit in which is stored a back-up copy of the set values of the board unit in question, and the second address indicates the board unit for which a back-up copy of its set values is stored in the board unit in question.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Nokia Telecommunications OyInventor: Aarto Aitoniemi
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Patent number: 5786756Abstract: A fire alarm system comprises detectors with sensors for monitoring fire index quantities. The sensors generate corresponding sensor signals which are delivered to an analysis stage, in which the probability of a future false alarm is assessed and, if a defined magnitude of probability exists, an information signal is produced.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1994Date of Patent: July 28, 1998Assignee: Cerberus AGInventor: Bernhard Piller
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Patent number: 5777550Abstract: A high reliability instrument system includes means for applying a test condition to the instrument and for determining whether the instrument properly responds to the test condition, and means for inhibiting the generation of an instrument output in response to such testing. This provides verification that most of the instrument system components, but not the system output, are properly functioning. The system further includes means for overriding the output-inhibiting function when it is desired to test the entire instrument system including the system output. The instrument system may include a gap-type ultrasonic instrument, with the test condition comprising a pulse applied to one crystal, the effects of which are detected at the other crystal to determine sensor integrity. The system is preferably configured as a two-wire on-off instrument system, in which application of the test condition at a transmitter is controlled by signals applied to the two-wire signal loop at a remote receiver.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1997Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Drexelbrook Controls, Inc.Inventors: Frederick L. Maltby, Glen L. Mitchell, Mort Gorowitz
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Patent number: 5757265Abstract: A field bus system may be used in which transmission ability of the system can be maintained even if communication error occurs due to noises or failure of a transmission line. The system can be easily shifted at a lower cost from a conventional system to the field bus system without degrading the high reliability thereof. The transmission line is constituted by a multiple-cable transmission line having at least three transmission cables. An external power supply supplies power to field devices through a pair of transmission cables of the multiple-cable transmission line. The field devices are connected to the transmission cables through a transmission line switching unit constituted by a plurality of rectifier elements, so that the field devices are supplied with current flowing in one predetermined direction when any of the pairs of transmission cables is selected.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1996Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Kogure, Koji Tomaoki, Toshimitsu Tsuchihashi
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Patent number: 5754103Abstract: A transmission line-monitoring apparatus which is able to detect the occurrence of a short circuit even when a line has a large resistance and also to speedily disconnect the short-circuited transmission line upon detection of a short circuit. When a short circuit occurs between branched transmission lines on the output side of the apparatus, a short-circuit detection circuit contained in the transmission-line monitoring apparatus detects this short circuit so as to send a short-circuit detection signal to a line-disconnecting control circuit. Then, the control circuit is operated so as to cause a constant current circuit to interrupt the supply of a base current to a transistor, thereby disconnecting a short-circuited output branched transmission line from a corresponding input branched transmission line.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1995Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Assignee: Nohmi Bosai Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu Kanai, Toshihiko Shino, Ryuji Oouchi
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Patent number: 5745032Abstract: In large multi-tiered hierarchical alarm systems for high capacity telecommunications transmission systems, it is important to notify the maintenance craft of only the highest alarm, and to notify only when the alarm has been validated by persisting for a sufficiently long time. Advantageously, this is accomplished by timing alarms and freezing the timing when a higher level alarm is detected. If the higher level alarm is no longer present, timing on the lower level frozen alarm signal continues until there is a timeout. A timed out alarm is reported to the maintenance craft.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1996Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventor: Douglas Walter Sturm
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Patent number: 5745041Abstract: A system for dissipating heat from a power supply enclosed within a housing having an air inlet and outlet. The system includes fans disposed in a plenum structure adapted to fit over the housing to thereby establish air communication between the fans and the housing inlet so that operation of the fans causes air to flow through the inlet, the power supply, and out through the outlet, thereby dissipating heat from the power supply. Each fan is operable independent of any other of the fans. The relationship between the fans may be serial, parallel, or a combination of serial and parallel. The fans are monitored to detect failure of any of the fans and, upon such detection, an alert is activated.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1997Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Dell U.S.A., L.P.Inventor: David L. Moss
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Patent number: 5742230Abstract: An apparatus for triggering a warning device, in particular in a vehicle with an on-board controller to influence braking pressure and/or engine torque and/or steering as a function of the movement behavior of the vehicle wheels and/or of the vehicle, is described. In the event of a fault in the controller, ground is applied to the warning device by a control unit of the controller and the fault is thereby indicated. At least one comparator is provided, to which on the one hand a comparison voltage and on the other hand a further voltage can be applied, such that the comparator becomes conductive and applies to the warning device the ground applied to it, if the further voltage is less than a first comparison voltage and/or if the further voltage is greater than a second comparison voltage.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1996Date of Patent: April 21, 1998Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Karl-Friedrich Kuhner, Thomas Beitler, Thomas Schneider, Gerhard Walter
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Patent number: 5675317Abstract: A residual pressure sensor for verifying that a residual pressure is zero, and to a monitoring apparatus for monitoring for faults in the residual pressure sensor. In order to detect that a residual pressure has completely gone, the residual pressure sensor detects change conditions in the output therefrom, and an output for no residual pressure is not generated while there are changes. Moreover, an electrical power supply condition to a drive solenoid (21) of a solenoid valve for opening/closing a pressure supply line, is monitored using a fail-safe current sensor (21) which outputs a logic value "0" when the presence of a current is detected, and which outputs a logic value "1" when the presence of a current is not detected. Fault monitoring of the residual pressure sensor is then carried out based on the monitoring output conditions of the current sensor and the output conditions of the residual pressure sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1996Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignees: Nagano Keiki Seisakusho, Ltd., The Nippon Signal Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masato Ichikawa, Koichi Futsuhara, Masayoshi Sakai
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Patent number: 5654691Abstract: The present invention provides an auxiliary backup device of burglary alarm system, connected with an alarm output and an auxiliary power output of a burglary control panel and an alarm device, comprises in combination an electrical circuit having a relay means and a DC power source. The relay means comprises a diode connected in parallel with an operating coil which induces a normally opened switch and also a normally closed switch. The two terminals of the diode are connected to the auxiliary power output of the control panel. The normally opened switch is coupled in series with the alarm output of the control panel and the input of the alarm device, such as an audible and visual warning devices. The output of the DC power source is connected in series with the normally closed switch and the input of the alarm device.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1995Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Inventor: Randall Wang