Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.

Abstract: A cost-effective system architecture and apparatus for programmable automatic power supply testing. The system utilizes board level interface between various system testing modules and an Automatic Test Controller (ATC). The ATC receives coded test requests from the software on an industrial PC and control the various testing modules inside ATC to execute the tests. Test results were sent back to the PC and saved in a result file. A single industrial PC can control two or more ATC's and test two or more power supply units simultaneously. The ATC based test system is lower cost than the conventional Automatic Test Equipment which uses device level interface and standardized test devices.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a walk test for an alarm system having an alarm panel and at least one zone, each zone having at least one sensor, having steps of placing the alarm panel in an engineering mode, establishing a communications channel between the alarm panel and a communication device and remotely placing the alarm panel in an appropriate state for each walk test, selecting a zone, triggering an alarm for each sensor in the selected zone, and using the communications channel to report the triggered alarm to the communication device, and remotely placing the alarm panel in an appropriate state for the next walk test after triggering all of the sensors in the zone. The system and method can also include user input to the alarm panel to indicate the desired communications channel.

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 cell phone based test capability enables a tester to audibly communicate with a fire alarm control unit. A detector can be selected and tested. Test results can be audibly communicated to the tester via the cell phone. The tester can initiate the next test via the cell phone.

Abstract: A voltage substitution device and method of use thereof, wherein the voltage substitution device may include at least two voltage meter modules, a variable DC to DC converter, at least two leads, a switch, a variable resistor and at least two power supplies. One power supply provides power to the voltage meter modules, while the other power supply provides power for the variable DC to DC converter. The leads may be attached to alarm sensor wires, and one voltage meter module displays the voltage across the sensor wires. The output voltage of the variable DC to DC converter may be displayed on the second voltage meter module. The variable resistor may be adjusted to vary the output voltage of the DC to DC converter to match the voltage across the sensor wires. Once the voltages are matched, the switch may be closed to place the output voltage of the DC to DC converter onto the leads and in parallel with the sensor wires.

Abstract: A detector comprises a detector base and a sensor, first and second resistors connected in series, a DC voltage source (Vref) connected to the resistors, and means for monitoring the voltage at the midpoint of a potential divider constituted by the series-connected resistors. The first and second resistors are rated so that the midpoint voltage is indicative of the date of manufacture of the sensor.

Abstract: A gas sensor system includes a gas sensor capable of producing an output signal responsive to the concentration of a specific gas component in measurement gas, a gas concentration determination device that makes electrical connections to the gas sensor and determines the concentration of the specific gas component according to the output signal of the gas sensor, a failure detection device that detects a potential failure in any one of the electrical connections, a sensor temperature determination device that judges whether the gas sensor has been cooled to a predetermined temperature or lower with reference to a sensor temperature parameter and a failure identification device that, when the gas sensor has been cooled to the predetermined temperature or lower, outputs a diagnosis signal to the gas sensor, measures potentials of the electrical connections under the diagnosis signal and identifies in which of the electrical connections the potential failure is occurring based on the measured potentials.

Abstract: Apparatus includes an arc wave generator for testing an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) for use in a test system for testing whether or not an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) is operating normally, in which a false arc is generated for use in testing the arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI). The arc wave generator includes a rectifier which receives a commercial power source as an input source and rectifies alternating-current voltage of the commercial power source to generate a rectified signal. A drop resistor drops the voltage of the rectified signal to generate a voltage-dropped signal. A mono-stable multivibrator adjusts a voltage level and a pulse width of the voltage-dropped signal and generates a pulse signal which is used to generate a false arc for testing the arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI). Thus, a false arc is generated with a simple circuit to accurately test the actions of the arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI).

Abstract: According to the method a temperature module is defined, simulating the thermal behavior in the electric motor (1), based on a multi-mass model. The rotational speed (n) and the current (i) for the electric motor (1) are continuously recorded as input parameters for the temperature model and at least one bearing power loss and/or bearing inner temperature (TIL1?), corresponding to a bearing (8,9), is continuously derived from the temperature model. A first warning signal (W1) is given when a computer-determined bearing power loss exceeds a given comparative value. Furthermore, a second warning signal (W2) is given when a computer-determined bearing inner ring temperature exceeds a given temperature difference (?T) from a corresponding computed bearing outer ring temperature (TAL1?). The thermal behavior of non-accessible components, in particular, the bearing (8, 9), can thus advantageously be determined by mere evaluation of the current (i) and the rotational speed (n).

Abstract: A method, apparatus, remote accessory and authentication server are provided for facilitating operations such as an authenticated test of life safety equipment having components including a control panel and sensors. The life safety equipment requires testing according to a fire code. An access procedure is conducted to identify equipment and testing requirements and to establish a communication session between the equipment and an authentication server during an authenticated test. Another access procedure is conducted to provide access for a remote device for facilitating the authenticated test and to establish a communication session between the remote device and an alarm system or authentication server, or the like.

Abstract: An exemplary system for testing a buzzer (110) associated with a computer (100) includes a buzzing module (122) for controlling the buzzer to sound continuously according to a reference frequency value and a reference amplitude value; a recording module (124) for storing the buzzer sound recorded by an audio receiving device as a recorded audio data file into the computer; an analyzing module (126) for analyzing the recorded audio data file to obtain a real frequency value and a real amplitude value of the buzzer sound; and a determining module (128) for comparing the real frequency value and the real amplitude value with their reference values to determine whether the buzzer is in good working condition. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of operating a security system includes activating a security device and transmitting a first status report from the device in response to the activating step. A second status report is transmitted from the device after the first status report has been transmitted. The second status report is indicative of a status of an input of the security device. It is determined whether the first status report indicates a status different than the status indicated by the second status report. A third status report is transmitted from the device after the second status report has been transmitted. The third status report is indicative of the input of the security device being in an alarm condition and/or a trouble condition. Dependent upon whether the first status report indicates a status different than the status indicated by the second status report, an alarm and/or a trouble warning are issued in response to the third status report.

Abstract: An apparatus and method adapted to detect a failure in at least one lamphead of an emergency lighting system includes a signal generator and a failure sensor. The lamphead receives power from a power connection. The signal generator generates a monitoring signal having a voltage, which is operatively coupled to the power connection. The failure sensor detects a failure in the lamphead and modifies the voltage of the monitoring signal. The emergency lighting system may also include a plurality of lampheads. In this case, the failure sensor may detect a failure in at least one of the lampheads, and identify which of the plurality of lampheads has failed. The failure sensor may also be adapted to reduce the voltage of the monitoring signal in response to detection of the failure.

Abstract: A gas sensor diagnostic method (or apparatus) is arranged to periodically obtain sensor output values of a gas sensor such as an oxygen sensor for an internal combustion engine, and to determine local extreme values from the sensor output values obtained during a period of interruption of fuel supply to the engine. Moreover, the local extreme values are compared with a first predetermined threshold level. When the number of the local extreme values reaches a predetermined first number, a diagnosis is performed to determine whether the gas sensor is in an improper condition or not, in accordance with results of the comparison of the local extreme values with the first threshold level.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a security device for residential and/or commercial buildings. A motion detector is installed on a fixture such as a wall or ceiling. A wireless remote is used after installation of the motion detector to set the motion detector to a walk test mode, eliminating the need for the installer to open up the motion detector to switch it to a walk test mode. After walk testing the motion detector, the wireless remote is used to set the motion detector back to a normal mode, eliminating the need for the installer to open up the motion detector and avoiding the problem of the installer forgetting to switch it back to a normal mode. The motion detector can also switch back to a normal mode after a predetermined amount of time by use of a timer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for configuring a safety sensor such as a application-specific basis, wherein an operator control unit equipped with input means is provided, which operator control unit is connected to the safety sensor under automatic interface and sensor identification, and the parameters on an application-specific basis are set using the input means, wherein a feedback message of the set parameters is simultaneously and automatically displayed in a visualized manner on a display unit (10) of the operator control unit. The present invention further relates to a corresponding operator control unit and to a method for monitoring a safety sensor with parameters which can be set on an application-specific basis.

Abstract: A sensor unit includes at least one sensor configured to measure an ambient condition. 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.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating customized labels having electronic circuitry such as RFID circuitry. A printing system generates the label by selectively transfer printing elements (e.g., electronic circuitry, physical components, etc.) and donor layers (e.g., conductive materials, non-conductive materials, etc.) from a ribbon to a receiver (e.g., an item that receives the indicia). In addition, the printing system can program and test the label or indicia thereof, thereby providing the ability to customize each label according to predetermined criteria and to ensure that each label functions properly.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and device suitable in which historical process measurement values are evaluated and used for the generation of alarm suppression rules. In connection with predetermined requirements, alarm configuration parameters are tested, evaluated and optimized. The historical process measurement values are further used to identify predictive alarms. Results obtained in generating the alarm suppression rules and/or evaluating the alarm configuration parameters are utilized for the configuration of optimized alarm configuration parameters and alarm suppression rules in control systems.

Abstract: An emergency warning system includes a plurality of emergency annunciators for installation in a physical zone, a zone controller and a master controller. Each emergency annunciator is operable to independently and periodically perform a self-test for verifying its capacity to annunciate an emergency and to transmit a report of the self-test result. The zone controller is operable to receive the reports from each emergency annunciator and generate and transmit a zone report representing a consolidation of the received reports. The zone controller can also transmit an activation command to the emergency annunciators based on a received zone activation command. A master controller is operable to receive the zone report and generate therefrom a user notification indicative of the self-test results as well as to transmit the zone activation command in response to a trigger condition. The system may be easily installable through addition of the above components to an existing computer networking infrastructure.

Abstract: A method for testing the free entrance of gas into a measuring cavity of a warning alarm device via at least one opening, wherein an acoustic signal is generated in the measuring cavity and the change of the resonance behaviour of the measuring cavity is measured in order to emit an error signal when the resonance behaviour has changed in a measurable degree, wherein the number of the oscillations of the acoustic signal is measured after the termination of the acoustic signal, and is compared with a preset value.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for testing the functionality of a sensor (1) of a fire detector during operation thereof. The method comprises applying a current-limited test signal to the sensor (1), the test signal being such that the impedance of the sensor is such as to absorb the current-limited test signal when the sensor is operating normally; and applying the output of the sensor to a test signal detector (7). The arrangement is such that the test signal passes the output terminal of the sensor (1) only when the sensor is not operating normally.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for testing detectors has a cup or chamber (30) supported within a mid-cap (40) by a support ring (50). An adjustable cap (70) attaches at one end to a mid-cap (40) and at the other end to a step-adjust cap (80) via bayonet mounting. A handle (60) is pivotally connected to pivot pins (46) located on the mid-cap (40). An external ring (200) attaches to the distal rim (34) of the chamber (30) and has legs (202) for covering notches (35) formed in the chamber (30). An identifier reader or receiver/PDAs (500,516) is used in the system to communicate with the detector to identify the detector and/or transmit the test results to a central location.

Abstract: The present invention is an access control door controller which utilizes three relays, 16 alarm inputs, tamper switch, a Weigand reader, a RS 232 reader and a IP core module to enable access control alarm monitoring, inter locking of doors and/or energy management for a room with the help of a software. The present invention utilizes a distributed communication (peer to peer) thus creating a door access controller System network with a truly distributed intelligence permitting exchange of information between all controllers which may be situated in a single site or over multiple sites connected on a common network. The full system can be configured on the widely used TCP/IP network thus avoiding the need for extensive wiring traditionally required for Access Control System. The controller, with its associated software can support multiple types of readers and can directly interface IP cameras for an integrated TCP/IP based Access Control/CCTV Solution.

Abstract: An industrial process sensor having a sensor component exposed to process fluid detects when the sensor performance has been degraded by a sensor coating buildup from the process fluid. A baseline statistical metric, such as standard deviation of the process parameter sensed by the sensor, is determined during an initial operating period when the sensor component is clean. During continued operation of the sensor, the statistical metric is continually updated and monitored. An alarm output indicating that sensor coating has degraded sensor performance is produced when the current value of the statistical metric varies from the baseline value by an amount indicating degraded sensor performance.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the voltage or current applied to sensitive components on a circuit board by an assembly tool protects the sensitive components from damage caused by the voltage or current applied to the circuit board.

Abstract: An aircraft emergency lighting system including: a plurality of units having communication devices arranged to communicate wirelessly with a master controller, wherein each unit is wired to a common power supply for powering the unit in a first mode of operation and has its own back-up battery power supply for powering the unit in a second mode of operation, and wherein the device is provided for off-load testing the back-up battery power supply of each unit and indicating if the unit is operational.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a walk test for an alarm system having an alarm panel and at least one zone, each zone having at least one sensor, having steps of placing the alarm panel in an engineering mode, establishing a communications channel between the alarm panel and a communication device and remotely placing the alarm panel in an appropriate state for each walk test, selecting a zone, triggering an alarm for each sensor in the selected zone, and using the communications channel to report the triggered alarm to the communication device, and remotely placing the alarm panel in an appropriate state for the next walk test after triggering all of the sensors in the zone. The system and method can also include user input to the alarm panel to indicate the desired communications channel.

Abstract: A method is provided by which a position of a marine vessel can be determined relative to a stationary object, such as a dock. Two position sensors are attached to a marine vessel and a microprocessor, onboard the marine vessel, computes various distances and angular relationships between the position sensors on the marine vessel and stationary transponders attached to the fixed device, such as a dock. The various dimensions and angular relationships allow a complete determination regarding the location and attitude of a marine vessel relative to the dock. This information can then be used by a maneuvering program to cause the marine vessel to be berthed at a position proximate the dock.

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 programmable wireless modules and configured to be managed by the linked programmable wireless module. A remote system server service platform is configured to receive remote asset data from at least one of the programmable wireless modules, pass the remote asset data to and from the wireless modules, send messages to at least one of the programmable wireless modules, monitor the programmable wireless modules by requesting and receiving current mode information, and remotely program the programmable wireless modules.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the performance of an application comprises a computer system having one or more speakers and means for running an application, the computer system being configured to perform the steps of determining an output of an application that requires monitoring, assigning an audible sound to the output, running the application and allowing the application to reach a state of equilibrium, determining a baseline for the output when the application is in the state of equilibrium, monitoring the output to detect a change relative to the baseline, emitting the audible sound assigned to the output through at least one of the one or more speakers when the detected change varies from the baseline by a predetermined amount, and adjusting configurable parameters of the audible sound to indicate the existence of the detected change, the magnitude of the detected change relative to the baseline, and the degree of deviation from the baseline.

Abstract: Field devices are commonly used in unprotected environments, which means that these field devices and the conductor pairs connecting the field devices to the input modules/output modules of an automation installation are exposed to significant climatic and environmental factors. These factors have a detrimental effect on the transmission quality of the signals to be transferred between field devices and modules, which may result in erroneous measurements and dangerous operating states during control of a technical process. Measures to simplify monitoring of the transmission medium are proposed.

Abstract: A self-contained backup power source such as a battery is provided for components within an electrically powered device such as a storage controller, photocopier or the like, to maintain diagnostic status data and to power a service indicator aid, or diagnostic indicator, such as an LED. A switch selects the backup power source when a primary power source of the electrically powered device is no longer available to the component, such as when the component is removed from the electrically powered device, the primary power source is disconnected as a safety precaution when servicing or replacing the component, or a higher-level assembly, in which the component is provided, is removed from the electrically powered device. The diagnostic indicator may be powered separately from the data storage device.

Abstract: A wireless sensor system according to the invention has a wireless sensor device for detecting something and a wireless base station for exchanging data with the wireless sensor device by wireless. The wireless sensor device 2 has a sampling signal transmitting portion for transmitting a sampling signal, and the wireless base station has a sensitivity detecting portion for detecting a receive sensitivity of the sampling signal, and a sensitivity transmitting portion for transmitting a result detected thereby to the wireless sensor device. And, the wireless sensor device has at least one of a LED and a buzzer for informing of the receive sensitivity on the basis of data from the sensitivity transmitting portion. A worker who tries to locate the wireless sensor device can easily know the best place for location with the LED or the like.

Abstract: A system for testing RFID devices is introduced. The system includes a carrier plate configured for carrying an RFID device, a cable configured for supporting the carrier plate, a pulley apparatus configured for transporting the carrier plate along the cable, and a controller configured for adjusting test parameters in testing the RFID device.

Abstract: A method of installing a security system includes placing a security device at an installation location. An air-borne signal is transmitted to the security device. An indication of a quality of the signal as received by the security device is displayed on the security device.

Abstract: A system, method, computer program product, and carrier are described for accepting user-response-indicative data and environmental-regularity-indicative data from an environment and configuring a distillation recording of the environmental-regularity-indicative data and a distillation recording of the user-response-indicative data.

Abstract: Embodiments include apparatus and method of detecting radiation. One embodiment comprises device for detecting radiation. The device comprises a sensor configured to generate an electrical signal in response to radiation and a test circuit configured to provide an electrical signal to the sensor. Certain embodiments are configured as nuclear event detectors that are configured to detect radiation from a nuclear event.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the performance of an application comprises determining an output of an application that requires monitoring, assigning an audible sound to the output, running the application and allowing the application to reach a state of equilibrium, determining a baseline for the output when the application is in the state of equilibrium, monitoring the output to detect a change relative to the baseline, emitting the audible sound assigned to the output when the detected change varies from the baseline by a predetermined amount, and adjusting configurable parameters of the audible sound to indicate the existence of the detected change, the magnitude of the detected change relative to the baseline, and the degree of deviation from the baseline. The amplitude of the audible sound may be adjusted to indicate the magnitude of the detected change from the baseline, and the pitch of the audible sound may be adjusted to indicate a positive change or a negative change from the baseline.

Abstract: An alarm for detecting radiation and/or pollutants such as smoke, carbon monoxide or the like has a housing (500), an alarm circuit (400) including a detector (DET1) for detecting said radiation and/or pollutants, first electrical connections (PL1, PL2) connectable to an external power supply for supplying power to the alarm circuit, and a control circuit (300) responsive to receipt of a preselected number of pulses over a preselected time period to apply a preset control signal to the alarm circuit (400). The alarm circuit (400) is responsive to the preset control signal to reset or test the alarm in dependence on the preset control signal.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a smoke detector includes adjusting the sensitivity of the smoke detector to get a consistent predetermined response over the expected operating range. The sensitivity is generally consistent for all detectors and an independent offset value is determined for each detector. This offset value basically corresponds to the signal from the detector in a clean atmosphere. The sensitivity of the smoke detector is determined by measuring the response at different levels of obscuration and then appropriately adjusting the output of the light source of the detector. This process is repeated until the desired sensitivity is achieved. Thereafter, the offset value is measured or calibrated and stored in the smoke detector for use in setting alarm values.

Abstract: A sensor monitoring system is described that identifies inaccurate or degraded sensor data and corresponding sensors. The system analyzes a plurality of sensors to determine reliable sensors and isolate or reinterpret unreliable sensor data. An analysis component analyzes a traffic representation that varies as context varies and determines the probability that current sensor data is invalid. Learning and reasoning are performed from a case library of sensor failure data to build predictive models of sensor health that can provide inferences about the output of sensors. Resulting inferences about sensor reliability can be employed in base-level inferences and predictions about traffic flow.

Abstract: A system for locating an impairment in a coaxial cable network comprises an encoder, an impairment detector, and a decoder. The encoder couples to the network at a predetermined encoding point, upstream of the impairment. The encoder automatically encodes an identification code on a signal originating downstream of the encoding point and associated with the impairment. The impairment detector couples to the network at an access point, upstream from the encoding point, and receives signals from the network. The detector is adapted to detect from the received signals the signal associated with the impairment and generate a detected version of the signal. The decoder is adapted to decode the identification code from the detected version of the impairment signal. Once the identification code is determined, the encoder and encoding point are identified, and the location of the impairment is determine to be downstream of the encoding point.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for parallel testing one or more wireless devices using a single wireless command, each device including a processor and memory coupled to the processor. The system includes a tester adapted to exercise the wireless devices, including: a transceiver adapted to communicate with each wireless device; and a computer coupled to the transceiver, the computer adapted to test all wireless devices in parallel by issuing a single test command using a wireless signal, the computer adapted to store test patterns and test results.

Abstract: A light source of testing a sensor, a test apparatus and a method are disclosed. The test apparatus includes a light source, a photo-mask and a sensor bearing area. The light source includes a plurality of light emitting diodes with parallel connection for emitting a test light. The light source is disposed in a photo-mask. The photo-mask has a diffuser interface. The test light is then diffused to the outside of the photo-mask through the diffuser interface. The sensor bearing area is for bearing the sensor. The sensor bearing area is disposed at the outside of the photo-mask and locates at a position to enable the test light to reach. Therefore, the test light emitted by the light source is used to test the sensor.

Abstract: A self testing fault detector having a line side and a load side and a conductive path there between, said apparatus is provided. The self testing fault detector includes a controller, adapted to perform periodic status tests on a protection circuit of the self testing fault detector without interrupting power to the load.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that performs a real-time root-cause-analysis for a degradation event associated with a component under test. During operation, the system monitors a telemetry signal collected from the component, and while doing so, attempts to detect an anomaly in the telemetry signal. If an anomaly is detected in the telemetry signal, the system performs a failure analysis on the telemetry signal in real-time while the telemetry signal is degrading. Next, the system identifies a failure mechanism for the component based on the failure analysis.

Abstract: A monitoring system, including an interface configured to communicate with a building device, a sensor, and a memory. The monitoring system includes a processor configured to communicate with the memory and the interface. The processor is configured to transmit a test signal to at least one of the building device and the sensor. The processor is further configured to receive a return signal from at least one of a building device signal and a sensor signal. Further, the processor is configured to associate the building device to the sensor based on the return signal.

Abstract: A hazard detector monitoring system comprises one or more smoke detectors each provided with an electronic device containing information unique to the detector so as to identify the detector. A testing device is located at the end of a pole and held adjacent the detector to read and write to the electronic device through a wireless communication link. The testing device causes the detector to carry out a predetermined operation and the result of the operation is read by the testing device from the electronic device using the wireless communication link together with the identity of the detector.