Testing Patents (Class 340/514)
  • Publication number: 20140340215
    Abstract: A method for self-testing notification appliances in an alarm system, including the steps of measuring ambient noise at a notification appliance, comparing the measured ambient noise to a threshold ambient noise level, and performing a self-test of the notification appliance if the measured ambient noise does not exceed the threshold ambient noise level. The method may further include the step of recording a fail result for the notification appliance if the measured ambient noise exceeds the threshold ambient noise level. Performing the self-test of the notification appliance may include the steps of activating a notification feature of the notification appliance, measuring output of the notification feature, comparing the measured output to a predefined value, recording a pass result for the notification appliance if the measured output exceeds the predefined value, and recording a fail result for the notification appliance if the measured output does not exceed the predefined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventors: Joseph Piccolo, III, David Dahlstrom
  • Patent number: 8890678
    Abstract: A plug-and-play sensor peripheral component includes an electrically conductive physical connector; an electrical connector; a transformer; and an RF communication and data storage circuit. The electrical connector is electrically connected to the physical connector by a first conductive path. The transformer is electrically connected to the RF communication and data storage circuit. The transformer and the RF communication and data storage circuit are electrically isolated from the physical connector and the electrical connector. Electrically connecting the physical connector to the electrical connector by other than the first conductive path inductively couples the RF communication and data storage circuit to the first conductive path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence Edward Holmstadt
  • Patent number: 8890697
    Abstract: Mobile devices may minimize the radiation exposure to users by controlling the distance between the user, specifically the groin area, and the mobile device to a minimum distance. The reduction in exposure is realized due to the operation of the Inverse Square Rule on electromagnetic signal from the mobile device recognizing there is a steep fall off of signal strength resultant from increased distance between the head of the user and the source of the signal. Embodiments alert the user to a mobile device in the users pocket is in a transmission mode and thus should be removed from the users pocket to maintain operational distance between the user and the device to reduce signal absorption of the users reproductive organs. Enabled mobile devices detect the transmission mode and the acceleration of the device in determining whether to alert the user. Embodiments influence the user to maintain a minimum distance via alerts, interruptions and warnings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Green Swan, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry V. Lehmann
  • Patent number: 8878552
    Abstract: A system includes a capacitor, a plurality of notification devices connected in parallel with the capacitor, and a controller. The controller is capable of determining capacitance of the capacitor during charge-up of the capacitor, and the controller is capable of determining the wiring impedance of the emergency notification circuit during discharge of the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: UTC Fire and Security Americas Corp., Inc.
    Inventors: Andres Cordoba Galera, William Edwards, Joseph Peter Calinski, Donald Becker, Antonio Gonzalez Requejo, Miguel Angel Perez Gandara
  • Patent number: 8880054
    Abstract: A remote asset management system comprising a network of programmable wireless modules, each having an antenna and an identification module and configured to communicate via a radio communication protocol. The system further includes a plurality of assets each linked to one of the wireless modules and configured to be managed by the linked wireless module. A remote system server service platform is configured to receive remote asset data from the wireless modules, pass the remote asset data to and from the wireless modules, send messages to at least one of the wireless modules, monitor the wireless modules by requesting and receiving current mode information, and remotely program the wireless modules. A data processing module located within the wireless module(s) and configured to process messages received by the wireless module, authenticate said message, analyze authenticated messages, and carry out asset management instructions included in the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: M2M Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Philip Bernard Wesby
  • Patent number: 8872648
    Abstract: A fire detector having a fire sensor device for detecting a fire and for outputting a fire signal. The fire detector also has an environmental sensor device for detecting bodies in the environment of the fire detector and for outputting an environmental signal. A control device sets a normal state and an alarm state of the fire detector on the basis of the fire signal, the fire detector additionally being in the form of a man-machine interface, and the control device checking whether the environmental signal can be deemed to be a user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Oppelt, Bernd Siber, Muhammed Ali Narin
  • Patent number: 8860562
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that allow an electronic device to autonomously adapt one or more user alerts of the electronic device. For example, some embodiments may include a method for operating a haptic device including driving a haptic device using a control signal, measuring a frequency related to the operation of the haptic device and comparing the measured frequency with a target frequency. A control signal is adjusted based on the comparison to drive the haptic device to the target frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Hill
  • Publication number: 20140292506
    Abstract: A processing unit in a dual-mode lighting fixture receives, via a light pipe of the lighting fixture, a test command signal from a remote control and initiates, based on the test command signal, testing for emergency condition lighting of the lighting fixture. The processing unit receives, via the light pipe, a control command signal from the remote control and controls, based on the control command signal, normal condition lighting of the lighting fixture. The processing unit also monitors feedback loops from a battery, a charger, or a set of LED lamps in the lighting fixture and presents, via the light pipe, a status color indication based on the monitored feedback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Radu C. Rapeanu, Zhi Gang Xing, Michel Lambert, Mohamed Elzayed, Chantal Dorval
  • Publication number: 20140266676
    Abstract: A method for self-testing notification appliances in an alarm system by determining whether the performance of the notification appliances has degraded over time. The method may include the steps of measuring and recording initial output levels of notification features of the notification appliances at a first time, measuring test output levels of the notification features at a second time after the first time, and comparing the test output levels to respective threshold output levels that are derived from the initial output levels. The method may further include recording a pass result for notification appliances whose notification features produced test output levels that exceeded the respective threshold output levels, and recording a fail result for notification appliances whose notification features produced test output levels that did not exceed the respective threshold output levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SIMPLEXGRINNELL LP
    Inventors: Joseph Piccolo, III, David Dahlstrom
  • Publication number: 20140266678
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining at least one operational condition of a premises based system including at least one premises device. The apparatus includes a processor configured to perform a diagnostic procedure. The diagnostic procedure includes determining operational data of the premises based system, the operational data indicating at least one of a premises device and the apparatus is operating outside a failure range and performing predictive analysis based at least in part on the received operational data. The predictive analysis indicates whether the at least one of premises device and apparatus is likely to operate within the failure range within a predefined period of time. The diagnostic procedure includes causing a notification alert to be transmitted to at least one of a user interface device and remote monitoring center based on the predictive analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ADT US HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Steven SHAPIRO, Raymond NORTH, Timothy Albert RADER, Jorge PERDOMO, Anne-Marie ROUSE, James Timothy BLACK
  • Publication number: 20140266675
    Abstract: A method for inspecting notification appliances in an alarm system. The method may include placing the alarm system in an inspection mode, whereby a verification indicium on each notification appliance being inspected is activated. The method may further include performing a physical inspection of a notification appliance, as well as actuating an input device on the notification appliance whereby the verification indicium on the notification appliance is deactivated. A first alternative method may include placing the alarm system in a test mode, whereby a verification indicium on each notification appliance being inspected and tested is activated. The first alternative method may further include performing a physical inspection of a notification appliance, as well as actuating an input device on the notification appliance whereby the verification indicium on the notification appliance is deactivated and a notification feature of the notification appliance is activated for a predefined amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph Piccolo, III, David Dahlstrom
  • Publication number: 20140266677
    Abstract: A method for testing notification appliances in an alarm system and creating a record of such testing including the steps of placing an alarm system in a test mode, actuating an input device of a notification appliance in the alarm system a first time, whereby a notification feature of the notification appliance is activated for a test period, and automatically entering a waiting period after expiration of the test period. The method may further include actuating the input device of the notification appliance a second time during the waiting period, whereby a pass signal is transmitted from the notification appliance, and creating a record of the pass signal. The method may further include transmitting a fail signal from the notification appliance after expiration of the waiting period if the input device of the notification appliance was not actuated during the waiting period and creating a record of the fail signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SIMPLEXGRINNELL LP
    Inventors: Joseph Piccolo, III, David Dahlstrom
  • Publication number: 20140253318
    Abstract: A system for obtaining performance information is provided and includes a condition detector configured to output the performance information as an optical signal, an optical probe wirelessly disposed in signal communication with the condition detector, the optical probe including a photodiode configured to receive the optical signal and to output an electrical signal accordingly, a data converter, which is coupled to the optical probe and configured to convert the electrical signal into data representative of the performance information and a computing device, which is coupled to the data converter and configured to allow for analysis, display and/or storage of the data representative of the performance information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Stan Burnette, Ken Fasen
  • Patent number: 8810387
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Apollo America Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Hall, Peter Stouffer
  • Patent number: 8791813
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes a testing apparatus and a display control apparatus connected to the testing apparatus. The testing apparatus includes a plurality of testing locations and a collection module connected to the plurality of testing locations. Each of the plurality of testing locations receives a tested product, which is tested by the testing apparatus. The collection module collects testing states of the tested products. A display apparatus is connected to the display control apparatus. The display control apparatus controls the display apparatus to show a plurality of indicating blocks corresponding to the plurality of testing locations. The display apparatus is adapted to display the plurality of indicating blocks to match the plurality of testing locations. The display control apparatus controls each of the plurality of indicating blocks to show the testing state of the tested product in each the plurality of testing locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong Chen
  • Publication number: 20140145843
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing device for a security system comprises an extinguisher mount, an interface, a power supply, a working condition verifier, a signaling device. The extinguisher mount configured to support an extinguisher for putting out a fire. The interface configured to connect the fire extinguishing device to a security system control unit over a wireless connection. A power supply for supplying power to the fire extinguishing device. The working condition verifier for detecting an operating fault of the fire extinguishing device. The signaling device for signaling the operating fault of the fire extinguishing device at the location of the fire extinguishing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Finsecur
    Inventors: Laurent Pichard, Stephane Di Marco, Jacques Lewiner
  • Patent number: 8725434
    Abstract: A method for diagnostics of a high integrity protection system (HIPS) for protection of a pipeline downstream of a wellhead includes: monitoring for initiation of an automatic trip or manual safety shutdown or full shut-off test; determining the process safety time (PST) that elapses between the time at which the upstream pressure reached the trip setpoint and the time at which the upstream pressure reaches the maximum allowable piping pressure (MAPP) of the downstream pipeline; and verifying that the safety critical isolation valves stroked to the fully closed position within ½ PST and that the downstream pressure did not exceed the MAPP. If the verification shows that either of those parameters are not met, then the HIPS signals an alarm to operators, and in the case of a manual safety shutdown or full shut-off test, resets the pressure trip setpoint to a lower level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Patrick S. Flanders
  • Patent number: 8710995
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus of the present invention includes: a light source; a power source unit arranged to power the light source; a detector unit arranged to detect the deterioration of ability of the power source unit to power the light source; and a determination unit arranged to determine the life of the power source unit in response to the detector unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahide Tanaka, Mitsunori Nagashima, Akinobu Sawada
  • Patent number: 8704650
    Abstract: To test whether a trailer is coupled to a tractor when the tractor ignition switch is off, a test switch in the trailer connects a high-impedance power source in a trailer to a line carrying energy from the tractor ignition switch to the trailer's electrical load, and measures the voltage at the line. A high voltage indicates a connection only to the electrical load in the trailer and thus a decouple. A low voltage indicates a measurement of the electrical loads in both trailer and tractor and hence a coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Startrak Information Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Herbert Perten, Robert Schicke
  • Patent number: 8698613
    Abstract: An improved system and method are disclosed for providing test functionality for fire and security system monitoring networks. An operator at a workstation node can place points into a “test-mode” while those points remain “live” (i.e., the system remains operational). For points placed in test-mode, if/when such points transition into a non-normal state (e.g., an alarm state), no flashing or other indication requiring a manual acknowledgement from the operator of the workstation node will occur. In addition, for systems employing banners, active lists, automatic printouts or graphics icons that indicate events, no such indications will occur at the workstation node. The disclosed system and method can also generate documentation verifying completion of system testing in accordance with local jurisdictional requirements. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventor: Dennis McEvoy
  • Publication number: 20140070941
    Abstract: A security alarm system having a plurality of features. Among other features, the security alarm system includes a plurality of secondary sensors, which refers to sensors that sense conditions outside of the location. These sensors can provide data pertaining to conditions outside of the location, and may include radiation sensors, insect sensors, earthquake sensors, water level sensors, rain sensors and the like. Data can be obtained from a network of such sensors at various remote locations for purposes of forecasting, analyzing, planning, warning and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: LIVEWATCH SECURITY, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Bradford Morehead
  • Patent number: 8659416
    Abstract: An alarm system with an integral high-intensity illumination means comprising reflective beads for increased visibility is intended to provide alarm notification for the hard-of-hearing or deaf individuals. The illumination means on the bottom provides visual notification to deaf or hard of hearing building occupants and those who may outside of the building. To aid in the visual observation of the illumination means, a series of reflective beads are hung from the bottom of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Victor M. Higgins
  • Patent number: 8659183
    Abstract: Methods for controlling irrigation devices coupled to and receiving operational power from a multi-wire interface of an irrigation system, and related irrigation devices, are provided. In some forms, the methods define initialization of the irrigation devices having received operational power, including the timing of charging, discharging and recharging of the irrigation devices in order to provide a time staggered recharging of the energy reserves of the irrigation devices. In some forms, the methods involve the use of different delay periods at different irrigation devices coupled to irrigation valves to place multiple irrigation valves into a known position. In some embodiments, these methods spread out the usage of charging energy drawn from the multi-wire interface by the irrigation devices coupled thereto to reduce inrush currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Crist, Kenneth J. Dietz
  • Patent number: 8639411
    Abstract: Methods for diagnosing a fault of an oil piston cooling jets valve of an internal combustion engine are provided. A method includes sensing a pressure value in a main oil gallery and checking whether the oil piston cooling jets valve is commanded in a state for opening a communication between the main oil gallery and an auxiliary oil gallery or in a state for closing the communication. A pressure value in the auxiliary oil gallery is checked to as to whether it exceeds a predetermined threshold value thereof, above which a jet nozzle of the auxiliary oil gallery automatically opens. A fault of the valve is identified if the pressure value in the main oil gallery exceeds the predetermined threshold value by a predetermined quantity and if a pressure value in the auxiliary oil gallery is different than expected on a basis of the state of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Morena Bruno, Michele Bilancia
  • Patent number: 8638215
    Abstract: A sensor unit that includes at least one sensor configured to measure an ambient condition is described. The controller can be configured to receive instructions, to report a notice level when the controller determines that data measured by the at least one sensor fails a report threshold test corresponding to a report threshold value. The controller can also be configured to obtain a plurality of calibration measurements from the at least one sensor during a calibration period and to adjust the threshold based on the calibration measurements. The controller can be configured to compute a first threshold level corresponding to background noise and a second threshold level corresponding to sensor noise, and to compute the report threshold value from the second threshold. In one embodiment, the sensor unit adjusts one or more of the thresholds based on ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Publication number: 20140015668
    Abstract: A photoelectric smoke detector 1 for detecting smoke particles 4 is disclosed, the smoke detector 1 comprising: a light emitting element 5, a light receiving element 6 for receiving light 8 emitted by the light emitting element 5 and scattered by the smoke particles 4 and for outputting a detection signal 12 obtained by photoelectrical converting the received light 10, 11, an amplifier circuit 13 for amplifying the detection signal 12 and providing an amplified output signal 14, wherein the amplified output signal 14 may be divided into an offset-signal 20 and an amplified detection signal 21, whereby the photoelectric smoke detector 1 is adapted to operate in a pulsed mode, so that the detection signal 12 comprises high-frequency components, whereby the amplified detection signal 21 is determined by high-frequency components of the detection signal 12 and that the offset-signal 20 is determined by low-frequency components of the detection signal 12 and/or by low-frequency components of at least an intermedia
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Hanses, Gerhard Gruener, Wolfgang Werkmeister, Joerg Tuermer
  • Patent number: 8599009
    Abstract: Configuration technologies for cost-effectively monitoring indicia of regimen compliance or noncompliance in response to one or more indications of symptoms or actions or other data on data-bearing media or in wireless transmissions, such as implementing techniques for providing or preventing access or otherwise acting on or communicating incremental or definitive indicia of compliance or noncompliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130307680
    Abstract: An intrusion alarm system with a self-testing function contains a controller, at least two intrusion detectors, a timer and an indicator. At least one of the intrusion detectors is installed at an entry/exit way while the remaining intrusion detectors are installed at other locations. The intrusion detectors send a trigger signal to the controller when triggered. Upon receiving a trigger signal from an intrusion detector installed at an entry/exit way, the controller starts the timer, and upon receiving a trigger signal from an intrusion detector installed at another location, the controller stops the timer. When the timer stops, the controller indicates by means of the indicator information from any intrusion detector installed at another location that has not received a trigger signal. Without imposing any additional burden on users, the alarm system guarantees that all detectors contained in said system remain in a valid state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Shaochang Deng
  • Patent number: 8577359
    Abstract: A system for autonomously monitoring and managing consumer device assets includes a plurality of consumer device assets registered with a remote computer server platform. The remote computer server platform is configured to execute software applications for monitoring and managing the consumer device assets. The consumer device assets communicate operational status information and consumer usage information to the remote computer server platform automatically as a result of pre-programmed conditions and/or instructions received from the remote computer server platform. The remote computer server platform monitors the consumer device assets by processing the operational status information and consumer usage information automatically according to preprogrammed conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: M2M Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Philip Bernard Wesby
  • Patent number: 8577358
    Abstract: A system for autonomously monitoring and managing consumer device assets includes a plurality of consumer device assets registered with a remote computer server platform. The remote computer server platform is configured to execute software applications for monitoring and managing the consumer device assets. The consumer device assets communicate operational status information and consumer usage information to the remote computer server platform automatically as a result of pre-programmed conditions and/or instructions received from the remote computer server platform. The remote computer server platform monitors the consumer device assets by processing the operational status information and consumer usage information automatically according to preprogrammed conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: M2M Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Philip Bernard Wesby
  • Patent number: 8552849
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of verifying a component coupled to an output of a power supply includes measuring a frequency response from a control input of the power supply to the output of the power supply. The method also includes comparing the frequency response to a predetermined metric based on the measuring. The component is determined to be valid if the frequency response falls within the predetermined metric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Scherr
  • Patent number: 8552859
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that allow an electronic device to autonomously adapt one or more user alerts to the current operating environment of the electronic device. For example, some embodiments may include a method comprising providing a plurality of alert devices in an electronic device, determining an operating environment of the electronic device using a sensor of the electronic device, and actuating at least one of the plurality of alert devices that corresponds to the determined operating environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Pakula, Matthew Hill, Ethan Larry Huwe, Fletcher Rothkopf, Richard Hung Minh Dinh
  • Patent number: 8537031
    Abstract: An audible blind spot indicator for a motor vehicle having a blind spot detection system is provided. The audible blind spot indicator can include an audible module that has a first tone generator operable to generate a first tone frequency and a second tone generator operable to generate a second tone frequency that is different than the first tone frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Niel
  • Publication number: 20130214922
    Abstract: An electrical safety monitor for monitoring electrical energy potentials of one or more electrical power input lines of an A.C. circuit. The electrical safety monitor including one or more detector circuits, each including one or more capacitors corresponding to one or more electrical power input lines arranged to charge responsive to an electrical energy potential on the corresponding line and a discharge circuit electrically communicating with the one or more capacitors to cause a capacitor discharge at a predetermined capacitor voltage. A plurality of solid-state light-emitting devices disposed in a human-viewable arrangement, each light emitting device electrically communicating with a selected capacitor and producing a light output responsive to capacitor discharge of the corresponding capacitor. A testing circuit generates a test current through the one or more detectors circuits providing verification of the electrical safety monitor integrity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Roger S. Clarke
  • Publication number: 20130201017
    Abstract: A fire detector having a fire sensor device for detecting a fire and for outputting a fire signal. The fire detector also has an environmental sensor device for detecting bodies in the environment of the fire detector and for outputting an environmental signal. A control device sets a normal state and an alarm state of the fire detector on the basis of the fire signal, the fire detector additionally being in the form of a man-machine interface, and the control device checking whether the environmental signal can be deemed to be a user input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Robert Bosch GmbH
  • Patent number: 8504007
    Abstract: A system for autonomously monitoring and managing consumer device assets includes a plurality of consumer device assets registered with a remote computer server platform. The remote computer server platform is configured to execute software applications for monitoring and managing the consumer device assets. The consumer device assets communicate operational status information and consumer usage information to the remote computer server platform automatically as a result of pre-programmed conditions and/or instructions received from the remote computer server platform. The remote computer server platform monitors the consumer device assets by processing the operational status information and consumer usage information automatically according to preprogrammed conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: M2M Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Philip Bernard Wesby
  • Patent number: 8493203
    Abstract: An alarm device includes: a wireless circuit section which wirelessly exchanges event signals with an other alarm device; an alert section which outputs an alarm; an operation section which accepts predetermined operations; a sensor section which issues an abnormal condition detection signal when an abnormal condition occurred is detected within a monitoring area; an abnormal condition monitoring section which, upon receiving the abnormal condition detection signal from the sensor section, outputs an abnormal condition alarm as a linkage source from the alert section, and transmits an event signal indicating an abnormal condition to the other alarm devices, and conversely, upon receiving an event signal indicating an abnormal condition from the other alarm device, outputs an abnormal condition alarm as a linkage destination from the alert section; a communication test transmission processing section which, at a predetermined timing, transmits an event signal indicating a communication test to the other alarm
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Hochiki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Egawa, Hidenari Matsukuma
  • Patent number: 8466784
    Abstract: An alarm device includes: a wireless circuit section which wirelessly exchanges event signals with an other alarm device; an alert section which outputs an alarm; an operation section which accepts predetermined operations; a sensor section which issues an abnormal condition detection signal when an abnormal condition occurred is detected within a monitoring area; an abnormal condition monitoring section which, upon receiving the abnormal condition detection signal from the sensor section, outputs an abnormal condition alarm as a linkage source from the alert section, and transmits an event signal indicating an abnormal condition to the other alarm devices, and conversely, upon receiving an event signal indicating an abnormal condition from the other alarm device, outputs an abnormal condition alarm as a linkage destination from the alert section; a communication test transmission processing section which, at a predetermined timing, transmits an event signal indicating a communication test to the other alarm
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Hochiki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Egawa, Hidenari Matsukuma
  • Publication number: 20130147620
    Abstract: An emergency system includes a plurality of emergency notification devices, a control device, and a system controller. The control device is capable of wirelessly communicating with the plurality of emergency notification devices. The system controller is capable of communicating with the plurality of emergency notification devices over a wire pair. The control device is also capable of communicating with the system controller over a communication path that includes a wireless communication path between the control device and the notification device and a wired communication path between the notification device and the system controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: UTC FIRE & SECURITY AMERICAS CORPORATION, INC.
    Inventors: Donald Becker, Morris Stoops, Martin Camins, Martin Paul Robotham
  • Patent number: 8457622
    Abstract: A remote asset management system comprising a network of programmable wireless modules, each having an antenna and an identification module and configured to communicate via a radio communication protocol. The system further includes a plurality of assets each linked to one of the wireless modules and configured to be managed by the linked wireless module. A remote system server service platform is configured to receive remote asset data from the wireless modules, pass the remote asset data to and from the wireless modules, send messages to at least one of the wireless modules, monitor the wireless modules by requesting and receiving current mode information, and remotely program the wireless modules. A data processing module located within the wireless module(s) and configured to process messages received by the wireless module, authenticate said message, analyze authenticated messages, and carry out asset management instructions included in the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: M2M Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Philip Bernard Wesby
  • Publication number: 20130106600
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: APOLLO AMERICA
    Inventor: Apollo America
  • Patent number: 8433834
    Abstract: A module for controlling integrity properties of a data stream input into a device, such as a machine for manufacturing or a management system related to such machines. A plurality of control items are registered in a database. At least one activable control means executes a control of one integrity property according to one of several registered control items. A list is attached to the database with selectable links for activating at least one of the control means. Configuration means perform on at least one of the links a chronological selection according to a predefined management profile on integrity properties of the data stream in order to introduce a selectable relative time delay between activations of control items. Due to that configuration, the integrity control thus obtained is provided with high reliability as well as in a very flexible manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiegesellschaft
    Inventor: Ornella Tavani
  • Patent number: 8427352
    Abstract: An A/D converter circuit includes first to fourth pulse circulation circuits and first and second counters and configured to provide high conversion accuracy irrespective of a temperature change. The first pulse circulation circuit operates with a difference voltage of a specified voltage and an analog input voltage. The first counter outputs a difference of the number of pulse circulation in the first and the second pulse circulation circuits. The third pulse circulation circuit operates with a difference voltage of the specified voltage and a set voltage. The fourth pulse circulation circuit operates with the set voltage. The second counter outputs a difference of the number of pulse circulation in the third and the fourth pulse circulation circuits. When an output value of the second counter reaches a specified value, an output value of the first counter at that time is outputted as A/D conversion data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Yukihiko Tanizawa
  • Publication number: 20130076506
    Abstract: A glass break detector can be tested using a smart phone and a downloaded test application. The recommended test procedure can be implemented by interacting with the phone and the executing application. The phone can emit a selected audio test signal to which the detector can respond. Advantageously, the installer does not need to read a test procedure from a manual and does not need to use a special test tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Alan Smith, Kevin G. Piel, John M. Kovach
  • Patent number: 8378806
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventor: Joseph Piccolo, III
  • Patent number: 8374555
    Abstract: A method for compensating the axial ratio of an antenna for testing radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags and an apparatus using the method are provided. The method includes the following steps. An initial location of the RFID tag (or a tagged product) is set to obtain an initial vector. The RFID tag and the antenna are respectively rotated with a first axis and a second axis to detect characteristics of the RFID tag in all directions, and the first axis and the second axis are perpendicular. A polarization angle of the RFID tag is calculated according to the initial vector of the RFID tag and a location of the RFID tag after rotation. A compensation value is obtained through a look up table according to the polarization angle, so as to compensate for the axial ratio of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Min-Kao Hong, Po-Kuang Chang, Shang-Sian You
  • Patent number: 8334764
    Abstract: Before semiconductor units are shipped to customers, each unit is electrically tested for ensuring its functionality. However, when a unit is stuck in a test area of a testing equipment, subsequent units are thereafter not properly tested. A reflective sensor is used to check for a stuck unit within the test area. The reflective sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver. In each test cycle, a signal is transmitted toward the test area. An alert indicating a stuck unit is generated when: (1) the reflectivity and/or color of the transmitted signal is different from a bare test area reflectivity and/or color, (2) a reflected signal is received outside a window of the receiver or is not received by the receiver, or (3) the reflected signal has the same light intensity as the transmitted signal. Embodiments of the present invention protect untested units from being inadvertently shipped to customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: UTAC Thai Limited
    Inventors: Suweat Nuanwan, Prayoch Tayaphat, Apichai Itdhiamornkulchai
  • Patent number: 8319623
    Abstract: A brake monitoring system and method for a vehicle having multiple axles and a plurality of brake actuators and an engine control module, each brake actuator being associated with one of the axle. The system include sensors for measuring, in real-time, brake pressure and brake lining wear, and generating first and second signals. The first and second signals are received and stored in a chassis communications module. The chassis communications module detects fault condition of the brakes as a function of the first and/or second signals and for recording the fault condition, the fault condition being one of a brake monitor warning and a brake lining warning and provides an indication of status via warning lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: MGM Brakes
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Wallace, Richard J. Rink, Mark David Chandler
  • Publication number: 20120286946
    Abstract: A method of testing audio emergency notification apparatuses which are provide to alert occupants of a building that an emergency condition which requires action is occurring, includes activating a control panel manually or automatically to test an audio apparatus, instructing the control panel to test the audio apparatuses either one by one, sequentially or simultaneously and generating a test signal for testing the apparatuses which is sent via closed circuit or radio frequency to each audio apparatus. The test signal causes each apparatus to generate an audio signal, the level or frequency of which from each apparatus is measured with a calibrated microphone and is sent to a selected destination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas F. Karl, Jorge D. Hevia
  • Patent number: 8299911
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Minimax GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Matthias Buss