Abstract: A safety system receives inputs from safety related input devices such as smoke detectors and the like and provides triggering outputs to notification appliances such as bells and the like and/or safety functions such as door releases. To facilitate testing of the input devices the system incorporates a timer operative to disconnect the output devices for a period of time during which testing may be achieved, automatically reconnects the output devices at the end of the time, records the number of triggering outputs received at the outputs during that period.

Abstract: Timeline presentations of process control system alarms are described. An operator interface apparatus for a process control system is described that includes an operator display module to present an operator application on a display. The operator interface also includes an alarm presentation interface to be presented on the display via the operator application. The alarm presentation interface includes a timeline to graphically indicate a temporal relationship of a plurality of active alarms of the process control system.

Abstract: A method for controlling a water supply amount and a refrigerator using the same are disclosed. The method includes receiving information regarding a water supply amount selected by a user, counting a duration after starting water supply, and checking whether an error in a water supply amount measurement unit exists. When the water supply amount measurement unit is normal, an actual water supply amount is determined based on a signal from the water supply amount measurement unit, and, when a fault exists, a water supply amount is determined based on correlation between a stored water supply amount for normal operation and a water supply duration. Water supply is stopped when the selected water supply amount and the determined water supply amount are equal. When the water supply amount measurement unit is normal, the signal from the water supply amount measurement unit and information regarding a water supply duration are stored.

Abstract: A plurality of hazard alarm devices are in spatially diverse locations and coupled together with an input-output bus. An interconnect protocol enables non-originating alarm devices to synchronize their audible alert tone pulses with audible alert tone pulses from an originating alarm device in a local hazard alarm condition. Hence, all audible alert tone pulses start sounding substantially together with allowances for signal contention and arbitration between the spatially diverse alarm devices. The originating alarm device continuously sounds its pattern of audible alert tone pulse groups without interruption, while the non-originating alarm devices periodically pause sounding a group of their audible alert tone pulses. The originating alarm device may be found by listening for the alarm device that is continuously sounding audible alert tone pulse groups without pause.

Abstract: An fire monitoring apparatus for large storage tanks of combustible fluids permits wireless communication between a Linear Heat Detector system and a Fire Control system. The system comprises a Communication Unit and a Remote Unit. The Communication Unit relays status and control signals between the Fire Control system and the Remote Unit. The communication between the Communication Unit and the Remote Unit is wireless. The Remote Unit is self-powered using solar cells, batteries, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A portable alarm device includes a portable enclosure, a wireless communication system disposed in the portable enclosure and configured to receive a signal from a monitoring device. The device further includes a processor in communication with the wireless communication system and wherein the processor is configured to initiate an alert when the signal indicates that the portable enclosure is beyond a pre-determined distance from the monitoring device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for notification of alarms in security systems. A packetized alarm message is received from a security system associated with a network address. The network address is associated to a notification address. A communication to the notification address is initiated to alert of an alarm from a security system.

Abstract: A code bit level redundancy method for a computer interlocking system is provided. The method includes: (1) controlling the output in parallel, and (2) sharing the collected information.

Abstract: A security system comprises a system control panel for arming and disarming the security system. A door sensing unit comprises a first radio frequency (RF) transceiver interconnected with the system control panel over a network. The first RF transceiver is mounted proximate to a door that defines at least a portion of a perimeter around an area to be monitored by the security system. The first RF transceiver has an RF detection field proximate to the door. A disarm device comprises a second RF transceiver that automatically transmits a disarm device packet. The first RF transceiver receives the disarm device packet when the second RF transceiver is within the RF detection field. The first RF transceiver sends a disarm message to the system control panel over the network to disarm the security system based on at least the disarm device packet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically testing microwave instruction detection modules of a security system. The method includes the steps of detecting intruders within a protected space by monitoring a Doppler output of a signal extraction circuit coupled to a microwave transceiver module, varying a frequency of direct current power pulses applied to the microwave transceiver module, detecting a difference in magnitude of the Doppler output of the signal extraction circuit over the varied frequency and comparing the detected difference with a fault threshold level.

Abstract: The portable heat and smoke detection system includes a detecting means that is portable and remotely located with respect to an alarming means. The alarming means informs the end user to the detection of smoke, fire, or carbon monoxide via the detecting means. The detecting means may or may not include a light and audible alarm; whereas the alarming means may include a light, audible alarm, cellular telephoning capability, text messaging capability, and/or an e-mail capability.

Abstract: System which is constituted by one or more positioning devices (2), one or more localizers (1), one or several communication networks and one or several control centers (3). The localizers (1) and the positioning devices (2) have two or more communication interfaces and two or more positioning systems. The positioning devices (2) can calculate the position through some of the positioning systems and send their position via one of the communication interfaces, avoiding inoperability if one of the positioning systems or one of the communication interfaces fails to work. The localizers can perform the function of nodes (4) and forward the data of the position of a positioning devices and make them reach the localizer which has requested that information. Both the positioning devices and the localizers are mobile units. The control centers can monitor the position of the positioning devices if necessary.

Abstract: A pseudo non-addressable alarm system that uses addressable notification appliances and/or detectors is disclosed. In one aspect, the addressable notification appliances and/or detectors may be entirely automatically (or partially automatically) grouped. One manner of automatic grouping is to use the wiring of the pseudo non-addressable system in order to automatically form the groupings of notification applications, such as grouping the notification appliances based on the signal line circuit to which they are connected. In another aspect, labels for the notification appliances and/or detectors in the pseudo non-addressable system may be entirely automatically (or partially automatically) generated. The labels may be automatically generated based on wiring of the pseudo non-addressable system and/or based on grouping information (such as grouping based on the particular signal line circuit to which the notification appliance is connected).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing automated processing of a switched voice alarm on a switched and/or Internet Protocol (IP) network are disclosed. For example, the method receives an alarm associated with a switched voice service, and retrieves a Local Routing Number (LRN) or Primary Inter-exchange Carrier (PIC) information from a switch serving a call associated with a caller's telephone number. The method determines if the alarm is due to one or more service degradations, and notifies a work center responsible for one or more of the service degradations if the alarm is due to the one or more service degradations.

Abstract: A testing device for hazard alarm systems, particularly fire alarm systems, having a hazard alarm control panel connected with a variety of devices via a device loop configured as a ring bus system, and has at least one communication circuit for communication with the individual devices. The communication circuit comprises multiple functional units. The current measurement unit is checked and monitored by a device simulation unit that is completely integrated into the communication circuit and is controlled by a control unit configured as a microcontroller.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a NAC (Notification Appliance Circuit) is provided. The monitoring system includes a system controller, and a NAC comprised of one or more notification appliances that may be in a series. The NAC and its appliances may be operatively coupled to the system controller. The system controller is operable to determine whether a notification appliance has sufficient voltage at a low voltage operation. The system controller may control the voltage to the NAC in order to provide power to simulate operation of the NAC using battery power. A voltage may be measured during the simulation (such as at one end of the NAC). The measured voltage may be compared with a predetermined minimum operating voltage for the notification appliance. Based on the comparison, it may be determined whether the one or more appliances on the NAC may operate properly when the NAC is operated using battery power.

Abstract: An alarm trend summary display system and method can utilize an alarm trend list that works together with an alarm summary list. A set of rows in the alarm trend list can be organized in a top-to-bottom manner. A set of alarm indicators within each row in the alarm trend list can be arranged in a right-to-left horizontal arrangement. The set of alarm indicators can be aligned with most recent alarms appearing on a right side of the alarm trend list. The specific alarm indicators can be selected in the alarm trend list, so that a corresponding item can be highlighted in the alarm summary list, if the alarms are active. Hence, the system and method can allow an operator to see when alarms occur, their sequence, relations and priority, which aid the operators cope with inevitable alarm floods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gauging system, comprising a gauge configured to sense a process variable and to provide process data representative of the process variable, a processing unit connected to the gauge, the processing unit comprising power supply circuitry configured to receive power from a remote external power source and to provide regulated power, and first circuitry configured to receive process data from the gauge and to superimpose the process data onto the regulated power forming a power signal, and a wireless communication unit electrically connected to the processing unit by means of a two-wire control loop, the wireless communication unit comprising second circuitry configured to receive the power signal and to separate the process data from the regulated power, an antenna, and radio frequency (RF) communication circuitry being powered by means of the regulated power from the second circuitry, configured to receive process data from the second circuitry, and to transmit RF signals re

Abstract: Methods and systems for a vital bus system for communicating data in a control system are provided. The system includes a plurality of data communication buses configured in a multiple redundant orientation and at least one safety supervisor module including a database including a plurality of logic rules. The logic rules are programmed to receive data from the plurality of data communication buses and to determine the validity of the received data from each bus using one or more of the plurality of the logic rules. If the received data is invalid, the logic rules are programmed to restore the validity of the data using one or more of the plurality of the logic rules. If the data can not be restored the logic rules are programmed to transmit an alert to the control system. Otherwise, the logic rules are programmed to transmit the validated data to an intended destination.

Abstract: A filter-information transmitting/receiving unit transmits path information with the filter information when the filter information is set by a filter setting unit, and receives the path information when the filter information is set in other network device. A filter-combining determining unit determines whether redundant filter information with the other network device is to be combined or deleted, based on the filter information and the path information. A filter control unit issues a filter-setting request or a filter release request based on a result of determination by the filter-combining determining unit.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is provided that prevents a recognition error of the RFID tag due to the occurrence of a shadow region. The RFID tag includes a first tag performing communication with an RFID reader and a second tag connected to the first tag and suitable for use with a different communication type from the first tag. Thus, when information stored in the first tag can not be read, the second tag is activated and externally transmits information and when information stored in the first tag can be read, the second tag is deactivated and does not externally transmit information. A communication method of an RFID system including an RFID reader communicating with an RFID tag is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote control (160) operates fail-safe. The remote control comprises a safety filter (150) in order to provide a fail save operation. The present invention also relates to an adjustable patient table (100) comprising a fail-safe wireless remote control for controlling an actuator to adjust the table.

Abstract: A fire detection system comprises a detection unit (2A) able to measure an electrical quantity between a first (BOA) and a second (B1A) terminal, and a first detector (11A) connected to the first and second terminals (BOA, B1A) and able to form a first value of the electrical quantity in a determined state of the first detector, for example in the event of the detecting of a fire in a first zone (Z). A second detector (12A) connected to the first and second terminals (BOA, B1A) is able to form a second value of the electrical quantity in said determined state, that is to say for example in the event of the detecting of a fire in a second zone, and a third value of the electrical quantity in another state different from the determined state, that is to say for example during normal operation. The first value and the third value are different from the second value.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a NAC (Notification Appliance Circuit) is provided. The monitoring system includes a system controller, and a NAC comprised of one or more notification appliances that may be in a series. The NAC and its appliances may be operatively coupled to the system controller. The system controller is operable to determine whether a notification appliance has sufficient voltage at a low voltage operation. The system controller may control the voltage to the NAC in order to provide power to simulate operation of the NAC using battery power. A voltage may be measured during the simulation (such as at one end of the NAC). The measured voltage may be compared with a predetermined minimum operating voltage for the notification appliance. Based on the comparison, it may be determined whether the one or more appliances on the NAC may operate properly when the NAC is operated using battery power.

Abstract: A wireless system includes a semiconductor device including a plurality of functional circuits each having the same function, and a communication device. The semiconductor device modulates and transmits a processing result of each functional circuit using subcarriers each having different frequencies. The communication device extracts a normal response by majority decision from a processing result of each functional circuit received. In this manner, a wireless system with high durability can be provided at low cost.

Abstract: An interface device for interfacing a set of wayside systems with a radio transmitter includes a plurality of input ports each having at least one input for receiving a signal representing a state of a corresponding wayside system and first and second parallel data paths coupled to the plurality of input ports. Each data path includes input protection circuitry coupled to the inputs of the input ports for preventing short-circuit and open-circuit conditions from triggering a false input state, a multiplexer for selecting between the input port; and a processor for scanning the input ports with the multiplexer to determine the state of current signals appearing at the inputs. In response to determining the state of the current signals appearing at the inputs, the processor generates a message communicating a current state of the wayside systems for delivery to the radio transmitter.

Abstract: An improved optic system for measuring and/or controlling displacement, force, pressure, position, or chemistry is disclosed. This apparatus allows for more accurate, robust, and economical communication between the transducer (or control input element) and the reader device (or control output), allows the use of a single optic fiber and/or or a gap for the communication link, and produces substantial insensitivity to attenuation due to mechanical, chemical, thermal, and radiation effects acting on the optic fiber or open space in which the signal propagates. It is also significantly immune to interference from electromagnetic radiation, since the link can be easily produced as a non-conductor which will not propagate unwanted electrical energy or lightning, and is intrinsically safe from igniting fires or explosions. It also facilitates use on rotating machinery and remote location of the transducer by the ability to transmit the signal across a large gap or air space.

Abstract: A highly reliable and inexpensive wireless system, which includes a communication device and a semiconductor device having a plurality of functional circuits with the same function, is provided. The semiconductor device transmits the processing results of the functional circuits to the communication device by a time-division system.

Abstract: A security system comprises a system control panel for arming and disarming the security system. A door sensing unit comprises a first radio frequency (RF) transceiver interconnected with the system control panel over a network. The first RF transceiver is mounted proximate to a door that defines at least a portion of a perimeter around an area to be monitored by the security system. The first RF transceiver has an RF detection field proximate to the door. A disarm device comprises a second RF transceiver that automatically transmits a disarm device packet. The first RF transceiver receives the disarm device packet when the second RF transceiver is within the RF detection field. The first RF transceiver sends a disarm message to the system control panel over the network to disarm the security system based on at least the disarm device packet.

Abstract: A field device for use in an industrial process control or monitoring system includes terminals configured to connect to a two-wire process control loop. The loop carries data and provides power to the field device. RF circuitry in the field device is provided for radio frequency communication. A power supply powers the RF circuitry using power received from the two-wire process control loop.

Abstract: An alarm filter (22) for use in a security system (14) to reduce the occurrence of nuisance alarms receives sensor signals (S1-Sn, Sv) from a plurality of sensors (18, 20) included in the security system (14). The alarm filter (22) produces an opinion output as a function of the sensor signals and selectively modifies the sensor signals as a function of the opinion output to produce verified sensor signals (S1?-Sn?).

Abstract: A signaling device for a safety circuit has an input part for receiving an external state variable, at least one switching element and a control part. The control part controls the at least one switching element as a function of the external state variable, such that a signal applied to the input is communicated to the output. According to one aspect of the invention, the input of the switching element is internally connected to a fixed potential, preferably a fixed High potential. In a safety circuit for turning off a hazardous installation, such signaling devices are connected in series with one another to a safety controller. In such an arrangement, the control part of the downstream second signaling device also controls its switching elements as a function of the output of the first signaling device.

Abstract: A method for reducing power consumption of sensors (2) within a sensor network (1), wherein a central controller (3) calculates a transmission schedule for said sensors (2) on the basis of a correlation between sensor data transmitted from said sensors (2) to the central controller (3).

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for identifying potentially redundant alarms based on a statistical correlation calculated between categories of alarms are provided. Each alarm in a compilation of alarm history data is assigned to an alarm category. A coefficient of correlation is computed between each distinct pair of alarm categories that indicates the probability that an alarm assigned to the second category of the pair occurs coincidentally within the alarm history data with an alarm assigned to the first category of the pair, given that an alarm assigned to the first category has occurred. Finally, a list of potentially redundant alarms is created consisting of pairs of alarm categories having a coefficient of correlation equal to or exceeding a threshold value.

Abstract: There is described a method for motion monitoring of a machine, comprising a sensor, wherein a sensor signal is transmitted from the sensor to a controller and/or to a drive device, a failsafe controller or drive device being employed as controller or drive device. The controller or drive device comprises three independent monitoring devices in which the sensor signal is formed from a first and a second redundant actual position value.

Abstract: A method of comparing output information from dissimilar processors includes storing a task in a first memory and storing the task in a second memory at substantially the same time as the first memory. The time of the storing being is controlled by a first arbitration logic and a second arbitration logic. The method also includes receiving the task by a first processor from the first memory and receiving the task by a second processor from the memory at substantially the same time as the first processor. The time being received is controlled by a first arbitration logic and a second arbitration logic. The second processor being dissimilar to the first processor. The method further includes computing a first output by the first processor based on the task and computing a second output by the second processor based on the task. The method still further includes, synchronizing the first and second outputs so that the first and second outputs are output at substantially the same time.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing or otherwise determining defective operation of an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU may be a vehicle or non-vehicle ECU having any number of modules configured to provide and/or support any number of operations. The defective ECU operations may be determined as a function of a voltage drop across a shunt included on the ECU.

Abstract: A communication system that provides communication of information between an end user device and a remote end user. The system includes a communication node mounted on the upper part of a utility pole, and drawing its power from the utility pole through a standard NEMA Locking 3 Pole Receptacle, and adapted to communicate with a nearby user device using the low-power communication protocol, such as the ZigBee protocol (ANSI IEEE 802.15.4) or Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) technology, and also adapted to communicate with a neighborhood mesh network of nodes mounted on utility poles. The neighborhood mesh network is capable of communicating, through a regional computer network, with the remote end user.

Abstract: The invention concerns a redundant computerizing system comprising additionally to a master programmable automaton and a standby programmable automaton, a computerized monitoring device enabling a memory image of the comparison process concerning a certain number of output signals of the computerizing system to be set up.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data from at least one sensor to a control unit is described, a value range, which is available for encoding the data to be transmitted, being divided into three portions. The first portion is used for the sensor values. The second portion is used for status signals and error signals, and the third portion is used for sensor identification data, the three portions being separated from one another and following in succession.

Abstract: A monitoring system for detecting faults in an apparatus, such as a ski lift, employs a communication network onto which a sensor bus controller periodically transmits a safety message and receives a echo of each safety message. Different sensors are coupled to sensor adapter modules that in turn are connected in a series to the communication network. After the last sensor adapter module in the series, each safety message is echoed back along the communication network. Each sensor adapter module, upon receiving a safety message, increments a count in that message and transmits the resultant safety message to another module. When a sensor indicates a fault condition, the associated sensor adapter module blocks propagation of safety messages along the communication network. The sensor bus controller determines, in response to a failure to receive the echo and to the count in the echo, whether a fault occurred.

Abstract: In order to safeguard a hazardous area, in particular the hazardous area of an automatically operating machine, images of the hazardous area are recorded with at least a first and a second image recording unit that are arranged offset from one another. The images of the scene are subjected to three-dimensional scene analyses using different three-dimensional scene analysis methods, and the hazardous area is safeguarded when at least one of the scene analysis methods detects a foreign object.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for identifying potentially redundant alarms based on a statistical correlation calculated between categories of alarms are provided. Each alarm in a compilation of alarm history data is assigned to an alarm category. A coefficient of correlation is computed between each distinct pair of alarm categories that indicates the probability that an alarm assigned to the second category of the pair occurs coincidently within the alarm history data with an alarm assigned to the first category of the pair, given that an alarm assigned to the first category has occurred. Finally, a list of potentially redundant alarms is created consisting of pairs of alarm categories having a coefficient of correlation equal to or exceeding a threshold value.

Abstract: A security system can detect if a first network is compromised and automatically access a second network to communicate an alert to a monitor. The second network could be a wireless network of a neighbor. An incentive could be provided to the neighbor to allow the security system to access the neighbor's network and communicate an alert to at least one monitor. The monitor could include an emergency responder, a security monitoring service, and a cellular telephone of an entity of the security system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring remotely located objects with a system comprised of at least one master data collection unit, any number of remote sensor units, and a central data collection server are described. The master unit is configured to monitor any object, mobile or stationary, including monitoring multiple remote sensor units associated with the objects being monitored. The master unit may be in a fixed location, or attached to a mobile object. The master unit is configured for monitoring objects that enter and leave the area where it is located. The master unit may act as a parent controller for one or more child devices, wherein the child devices can be remote sensors or monitors of various measurable conditions including environmental conditions, substance identification, product identification and biometric identification. The master unit is able to discover new remote sensor units as they enter or leave the area where the master unit is located.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring remotely located objects with a system comprised of at least one master data collection unit, any number of remote sensor units, and a central data collection server are described. The master unit is configured to monitor any object, mobile or stationary, including monitoring multiple remote sensor units associated with the objects being monitored. The master unit may be in a fixed location, or attached to a mobile object. The master unit is configured for monitoring objects that enter and leave the area where it is located. The master unit may act as a parent controller for one or more child devices, wherein the child devices can be remote sensors or monitors of various measurable conditions including environmental conditions, substance identification, product identification and biometric identification. The master unit is able to discover new remote sensor units as they enter or leave the area where the master unit is located.

Abstract: The present invention provides a redundant data path system for transmitting an alarm signal between a monitored facility and a destination facility, said system comprising: alarm signal receiving means adapted to receive the alarm signal; destination facility identifying means adapted to identify the destination facility to which the alarm signal was directed by the monitored facility; destination facility monitoring means adapted to determine, at regular intervals, whether the destination facility is able to receive an alarm signal, either directly from the monitored facility or at all and alarm signal transmission means adapted to selectively transmit the alarm signal either to the identified destination facility, when said monitoring means indicates that the destination facility is not able to receive said alarm signal directly from the monitored facility, or to an alternate destination facility, when said monitoring means indicates that the destination facility is not able to receive said alarm signal at

Abstract: Methods of automatically configuring a power monitoring system based upon the locations of the monitoring devices in a hierarchy representing the spatial interrelationships of the monitoring devices. The power monitoring system includes a host computer communicatively coupled to a plurality of monitoring devices arranged in a hierarchy in an electrical system.

Abstract: A wireless adapter for use with a two-wire process control loop is configured to couple to a process field device in an industrial process control system. The wireless adapter is coupled to the two-wire process control loop and provides wireless communication to the process field device. The adapter includes first and second loop terminals configured to couple in series with the two-wire process control loop. Wireless communication circuitry is coupled to the first and second loop terminals and is adapted to provide wireless communication to the process field device. Loop current bypass circuitry is electrically connected between the first and second loop terminals and is configured to provide a loop current path therebetween in response to an open circuit in wireless communication circuitry.

Abstract: A system, device and method for detecting an audible alarm are provided. In one embodiment, the method may include the steps of receiving an audio input, determining that the audio input has at least a threshold magnitude, determining that the audio input includes one or more a target frequencies, determining that the audio input is received for a minimum duration; and wirelessly transmitting a first notification. The transmission may be received at a second device that may transmit an alert notification to a remote device, which may be, for example, the user or remote emergency system.