Abstract: A tag testing device uses an infrared camera to take an image of a plurality of radio frequency identification tags, compares the image with a stored standard tag pattern image storage, and detects defective tags based on the comparison. A radio wave transceiver bulk reads the tags using anti-collision, a tag response counter counts a number of tag responses, and a defective tag detector compares a number of heat emitting tags based upon the image processing with a number of tag responses counted by the tag response counter. If the number of heat emitting tags does not match a number of responsive tags, a number of the tags tested are changed by partially shielding the tags and the radio wave transceiver repeatedly bulk reads the tags using the anti-collision function while a shielding range is gradually changed, thereby narrowing down other possible defective but heat emitting tags.

Abstract: A field device system having a transmission line, includes a diagnostic module that detects whether or not a failure of the transmission line is present. Also, the diagnostic module has at least one measuring portion for measuring electric characteristics of the transmission line, and the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely testing the operational status of a remediation system installed within a building or structure are disclosed. An illustrative remote monitoring system can include a sensor adapted to sense at least one characteristic of the remediation system, an interface in communication with the sensor, a gateway in communication with the interface, and a remote computer located away from the building or structure. The interface can be configured to convert sensor signals received from the sensor into an output signal having a format or platform supported by the gateway. The remote computer can include an interface that can be used by a servicing agent to transmit and receive signals to and from the gateway for monitoring and testing the operation of the remediation system.

Abstract: A system and method for optimally placing radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas. The system varies the placement of RFID tag and interrogator antennas with respect to each other and a stationary object or objects. A signal generator sends a known reference signal to the one or more RFID interrogator antennas. The signal is received by the one or more RFID tag antennas and is displayed upon an oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer or other multipurpose signal measuring device. By this method, the system finds the optimal placement of the antennas with respect to each other and the object or objects.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for synchronously controlling the testing of pluralities of devices, comprising a server, a switch coupled to the server, and a testing instrument coupled to the server. Pluralities of computers are coupled to the server respectively, wherein the pluralities of devices are respectively connected to the pluralities of computers and the switch under testing. The parameters of the pluralities of devices include a first type test item that is testable by the pluralities of computers, and a second type test item that is testable by the testing instrument. The switch includes a RF switch. The server is connected to the testing instrument by a GPIB cable (or other instrument control interface and the server is connected to the pluralities of computers via local area network (LAN) such as Ethernet.

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 method is provided to monitor operation of a sensing system for a motor vehicle equipped with inter-vehicle communications capability. The method comprises comparing analogous signals communicated from a plurality of vehicles in close proximity thereto.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for monitoring an emergency frequency at a ground station for detection of an emergency signal and, upon detecting an emergency signal, determining whether the emergency signal represents an emergency event. If an emergency event is detected, the emergency event is reported. Determining whether the emergency signal represents an emergency event may include testing validity of the emergency signal to eliminate false positives. Reporting the emergency event may include sending an emergency event message to a remote server. The emergency event message may include time information and signal strength information associated with the detected emergency event and location information associated with the ground station.

Abstract: A vehicle battery electrical system tester with a hand-held remote control can include a vehicle battery electrical system tester with a radio frequency transceiver and a remote control unit with a radio frequency transceiver. Preferably, the vehicle battery electrical system tester and the remote control unit both include a radio frequency integrated circuit transceiver microchip. In addition, each can include a microcontroller coupled to the transceiver to control the transceiver. Furthermore, each can include an antenna, preferably an integrated circuit antenna. The remote control unit can include a visual display device, such as an LCD display, and an input device, such as a keypad.

Abstract: An integrated circuit 300 includes a functional circuit 320 and a diagnostic circuit 330. The integrated circuit comprises a signal interface controller 320 operable to monitor a signal associated with at least one of the functional circuit and the diagnostic circuit to control selective communication of a diagnostic signal and a functional signal for communication across a signal interface in dependence upon the monitored signal. A further integrated circuit has a signal interface providing a communication path and communicates a functional signal having at least one multi-bit value in which at least one bit is replaced by data of a diagnostic signal.

Abstract: A device for providing grip strength feedback and alerting users when gripping strength fails used. The device comprises a trigger wire, two switches, an alerting means associated with the switches and a battery. A first end of the trigger wire is connected to one of the switches and a second end of the trigger wire is connected to the other switch. The device is secured on a handle of the walker such that the trigger wire is located below the handle of the walker and is grasped by the user and the ulna side and radial sides of the hand of the user are associated with the first and second ends of the trigger wire, respectively. The alerting means sends an audible alarm when the grasping strength of the user is weakened or completely lost.

Abstract: A warning device in a vehicle includes at least one output unit for outputting at least one warning. A training mode for calling up warnings may be started via an input unit, in which the warnings are output following a call-up without a situation, for which a warning should be output, actually having to exist. Due to this fact, the driver may intuitively inform him/herself about the warning outputs.

Abstract: A notification appliance and an alarm system are provided. The notification appliance comprises an alarm indicator and a control module, which is configured to perform notification applications by turning on/off the alarm indicator. The control module receives at least one of command instructions and notification signals, and directs the operation of the alarm indicator based on the command instructions and notification signals. The power condition of the notification appliance within the alarm system may be determined by comparing the notification signal and a predefined operating range for the notification signal. A fault indicator indicates a relationship between the notification signal and the predefined operating range.

Abstract: A detector for a test system having multiple indicators uses position sensitive light detection by multiple light detecting elements to produce a measured signal vector. The measured signal vector, which may include fewer components than there are indicators, has a magnitude and a direction that can identify how many and/or which set of the indicators are active. Analysis of the measured vector signal can use vector composition/decomposition techniques.

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: A portable, preferably hand-held device is provided which may be used to test device loops in fire safety systems for short circuits, open circuits, ground faults and can test the response of the devices in the loop before or after the device loop is connected to the system.

Abstract: A vehicle-to-trailer light-connection verification tester (10) designed to be located within a towing vehicle (20), a towed trailer (30) or within a cable adapter (24) that is connected between the vehicle (20) and the trailer (30). The tester (10) features an electronics circuit (12) that includes a plug (P1), a receptacle (J2), a three-position mode switch (S1), a plurality of isolation diodes (D1-D4), and a loudspeaker (LS1). The mode switch (S1) has a vehicle test position V, a trailer test position T, and a normal lighting position N. When the switch (S1) is in the vehicle test position the rear vehicle lights are tested and when the switch (S1) is in the trailer test position (T) the rear trailer lights are tested. If each light in either the vehicle (20) or the trailer (30) is operational the loudspeaker (LS1) produces an audible sound. Conversely, if a particular light is not functioning no sound is heard.

Abstract: A method for verifying operation of notification appliances on a notification appliance network during low input voltage conditions is provided. An output voltage is supplied to a network and is measured at a control panel. An input parameter is measured at a notification appliance connected to the network. A supply line impedance is calculated for the notification appliance based on at least one of the output voltage and the input parameter. At least one of the supply line impedance, the output voltage and the input parameter are used to determine a pass/fail condition for the notification appliance during a low voltage condition.

Abstract: An ambient condition detector includes a time delay function whereby a user initiates a functionality test of the detector and has time to move away from the vicinity of the detector before a potentially hearing damaging, audible report is issued from the detector under test. Multiple ways to set the time delay interval are included in the various embodiments. The sensors of the ambient condition detector may include fire sensors, smoke sensors, gas sensors, motion sensors, vibration sensors and multiple combinations of these sensors.

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 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: An emission prevention system for use on an open-ended line includes an end-cap and a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor is preferably configured to detect a change in the extent of engagement between the end-cap and the open-ended line. A method of monitoring the engagement of the end-cap and the open-ended line includes the steps of measuring the engagement between the end-cap and the open-ended line with a proximity sensor, producing a position signal representative of the engagement between the end-cap and the open-ended line and transmitting the position signal to an operator terminal. A monitoring network may be established by monitoring a plurality of emission prevention systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide radio frequency identification (RFID) communication techniques for RFID devices. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a RFID communication system includes a transmission system that provides a radio frequency signal to an RFID device and a detector circuit that detects a response to the radio frequency signal from the RFID device. A controller determines whether the RFID device is operational based on whether the response was detected by the detector circuit. The RFID communication system may be implemented within a handheld device, a manufacturing test system, or any device requiring RFID communication functionality, such as a printer or an applicator for RFID devices.

Abstract: A system and method of verifying the installation and data path used by a tank level monitor is provided. Once an installer completes the installation of the tank level monitor, the monitor is activated. The monitor performs a self test and transmits information to a data center. Preferably, the transmission is via a cellular communication network. Once the data center receives the information from the newly installed tank level monitor, the data center generates a text based message that is sent to the installer to verify that the installation was successful. The message from the data center is preferably an email message that can be delivered to a wireless messaging device held by the installer. The generation and transmission of the verification message should be approximately immediate, and certainly within five minutes to provide rapid feed back to the installer.

Abstract: Audible status indications available at a local information handling system, e.g. beep codes, are used to notify a remote information handling system of the local information handling system's status. The remote information handling system then generates a visual or audible indication of the local information handling system's status.

Abstract: This invention relates to a two stage push button control device, in which the push button (9) has at least one of its inputs (A, C) connected to the output of a processing organ (15) and its two outputs (B, D) connected to two inputs (E1, E2) of this processing organ (15).

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-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 back drafting alarm assembly is designed to detect back drafting in combustion fired appliances. The assembly includes a temperature sensor unit that is attached to the diverter bonnet of a water heater or furnace to measure the temperature at all times. The sensor is connected to an alarm assembly that sounds an alarm when the temperature of the bonnet reaches or exceeds 130 degrees F. for a predetermined time period. The preferred time period is three (3) minutes. The alarm assembly also includes a reset button to shut off the alarm and a test button to make certain that the device functions when installed. A microprocessor provides the additional capability to record the total number of excursion events over a longer monitoring period. The alarm operates on direct current from a battery, or standard 110 volts AC with a suitable AC/DC transformer. A battery backup feature provides uninterrupted power when using 110 volts AC as a power source.

Abstract: A deactivator having a deactivation antenna coil and a capacitor to store energy. The deactivator converts the stored energy to an alternating current over a deactivation period to generate a deactivation magnetic field when driven through the deactivation antenna coil during the deactivation period. The alternating current defines a ring down envelope during the deactivation period. An energy recovery module having an electrical impedance is coupled to the deactivator to recover a portion of the energy converted to the alternating current during a portion of the deactivation period based on the impedance. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Mis-wired addressable loops are determined by enabling all loops and identifying all devices communicating on all loops. A list of all identified devices is recorded. One at a time, each loop is disconnected, a list of devices that are disabled is determined and recorded for the disconnected loop, and the loop is reconnected. When all of the loops have been processed, the lists of disabled devices are compared and those devices that are wired improperly are determined.

Abstract: A method of testing the operational status of remotely distributed hazardous condition detectors is provided. The method utilizes the detector's self-test button to initiate a detector self-test. Once the self-test is complete, the detector's alarm is silenced and a remote self-test signal is sent to the interconnected remote hazardous condition detectors. The remote detectors, on receipt of this signal, will initiate a self-test of their own as if a user had depressed their test button. The user, with the local detector's alarm now silenced, is better able to hear the remotely interconnected detector's alarm. To verify that the remote self-test signal is received, thus verifying the operational integrity of the communications link, the remote detectors may sound an alarm pattern indicative of the receipt of the signal before initiating their self-test.

Abstract: A method for testing the installation of a box includes the steps of closing the lid of the box, transmitting a signal from the box; noting the absence of an annunciation; and variously repositioning the box relative to a receiver, replacing a battery, or replacing the box.

Abstract: A premise-monitoring alarm system has a base transceiver for a control panel and numerous distributed remote transceivers servicing the numerous distributed remote alarm-event sensors. Given remote transceivers are enhanced with a user-sensible indicator as well as a user interface. For installation purposes, a remote transceiver responds to a manual trigger through the interface with transmission of a test signal. The base transceiver responds to any within-range test signal with sending a reply signal. In turn, the sending-remote transceiver responds to reception of the reply signal with output of a user-sensible indication through the user-sensible indicator. That way, during installation, a single installer can determine when the two transceivers are within range without help from additional persons or equipment.

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 gas safety detector having a self-detection function includes a base board, an electromagnet, a gas device, a magnetically attractive plate, and a sensor. Thus, the gas safety detector has a self-detection function. In addition, when the electromagnet stops operating due to a malfunction or electric shutoff, the magnetically attractive plate is released to release the hook portion which releases the nozzle of the gas device, so that the retractable nozzle of the gas device is returned to the original position immediately so as to stop flow of the gas, thereby preventing the gas from leaking outward so as to provide a protective effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to testing equipment 20 for a fire alarm 1. It includes a testing pole (21), a range spacer (23) connected to the testing pole (21), and a reflective means and/or scattering means situated in the inside of the essentially pot-shaped designed range spacer (23).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system of walk through testing a fire alarm system without disrupting the building occupants. A communications channel is setup between a control panel and a communicator carried by a human tester. The tester triggers an alarm or trouble condition in a device. The control panel detects the address of the device and automatically returns to the communicator, over the communications channel, the location of the device.

Abstract: A method and system for testing a plurality of RFID devices disposed on a common carrier. In one embodiment, the RFID devices are evenly spaced along the length of the carrier, and the system comprises a short-range tester, a long-range tester and a computer, the short-range tester being coupled to the computer and having a short-range testing position, the long-range tester being coupled to the computer and having a long-range testing position, the long-range testing position being spaced downstream from the short-range testing position by a known number of device positions. In use, an RFID device of interest is first positioned at the short-range testing position, and the short-range tester reads a unique identifier for that RFID device and communicates the identifier to the computer. The carrier is then advanced so that subsequent RFID devices are read by the short-range tester.

Abstract: A device for generating a sensor signal suitable for an in-operation test of a signal path from a sensor cell to an evaluation location. The sensor cell provides a sensor cell output signal depending on a physical magnitude to be detected which is changed in a changer for changing the sensor cell output signal according to a predetermined change regulation based on a test signal in order to obtain the sensor signal. A signal derived from the sensor signal is detected by a device for an in-operation test of the signal path and is evaluated.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for indicating valid data in a removable memory media. In an embodiment of the invention, an alert may be employed with the removable media, such as NVRAM, to indicate that the battery backup is functional and that the memory content may be valid. One type of alert may be a blinking light source, such as a blinking light emitting diode (LED). In a another aspect of the present invention, contents of an appliance, such as a computer or storage controller, may be arranged so that an alert employed on the removable memory media in accordance with the present invention may be visible to an administrator without opening the chassis of the appliance.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods provide for enhanced management of components of fire safety systems. Components are identified which require action to ensure compliance with a schedule associated with the components. User and/or electronic output is generated that identifies components and required actions, such actions including inspections, functional testing, maintenance and calibration activities. A record of the identified components may be stored in a system log along with maintenance information. The system log may be reviewed against the schedule based on conformance to ordinances or maintenance requirements. Required actions may be annunciated for the identified components, and the system log may be updated to indicate actions performed on system components. Components may be identified that will require action within a predetermined timeframe and an alert or report may be generated for components that are not in compliance with their associated schedule.

Abstract: A method of testing the interconnect between remotely distributed hazardous condition detectors is provided. The method utilizes the detector's self-test button to initiate a detector self-test. Once the self-test is complete, the detector's alarm is silenced and an interconnect test signal is sent to the interconnected remote hazardous condition detectors. The transmission of this signal continues so long as the test button remains depressed. The remote detectors, on receipt of this signal, sound their alarm. The user, with the local detector's alarm now silenced, is better able to hear the remotely interconnected detector's alarm.

Abstract: A method for establishing an association in a remote computer database between an asset and an electronic device monitoring the asset, while minimizing the chances of an error in the association. The method is capable of being implemented by one user largely automatically. Establishing the association enables reliable remote monitoring of the asset.

Abstract: An intelligent thermostat communicates with threat detectors to allow periodic remote testing of the detector. The real-time clock and calendar functions of the thermostat allow the consumer to program the day, time, and frequency of the testing. The thermostat then communicates a test control signal to each of the detectors to initiate the self-test. The communication may be wired or wireless. During testing the thermostat displays a detector test screen. Upon completion of the self-test, the thermostat displays a test results screen for user confirmation. This results screen will indicate that the test passed or failed along with any diagnostic information provided by the detector. The thermostat also provides a test initiation screen from which the consumer may initiate a detector self-test manually. Loss of communications with a detector is also communicated to the user, as is the location of the detector that first identified a threat.

Abstract: A system and method for optimally placing radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas. The system varies the placement of RFID tag and interrogator antennas with respect to each other and a stationary object or objects. A signal generator sends a known reference signal to the one or more RFID interrogator antennas. The signal is received by the one or more RFID tag antennas and is displayed upon an oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer or other multipurpose signal measuring device. By this method, the system finds the optimal placement of the antennas with respect to each other and the object or objects.

Abstract: A method for testing wireless communication devices in stages in a production line for the assembly of said devices, comprises assembling each respective wireless communication device such that each device includes an interactive test component for interactively testing the device; and testing each device using the interactive test component at an interactive test stage of the production line. The testing maybe performed at the interactive test stage without an external test system. A test result may be stored to the device for storing to an external testing database at a subsequent testing stage and for controlling the performing of subsequent testing.

Abstract: A detector for smoke, heat or the like, which has test function circuitry capable of initiating verification of the detector operation, including testing of a communication path between the detector and a central control unit. The test is actuated on receipt of a signal initiated at the detector, which indicates success by illuminating the detector's LED. An operator is able to initiate the test by means of a laser pointer.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a parent unit (receiver) of an infant monitor includes an electronics housing, an antenna, a speaker, and a visual light display portion. In one embodiment, the light display portion is mounted on the front surface of the monitor. In another embodiment, the light display portion is mounted in conjunction with the antenna. The light display portion may include elongate light display members associated with individual light sources (LEDs). Also in accordance with the present invention, a parent unit of an infant monitor includes an LED test or LED “try-me” switch which allows the parent to both test the visual output of the light display portion of the parent unit (prior to purchase) and test the functioning of the light display portion (after purchase and removal from the packaging) without actually receiving actual sound-representative signals from the infant unit (transmitter).

Abstract: A system for facilitating training of a tire pressure monitoring system on a vehicle by providing an indication to the exterior of the vehicle. The system includes a receiver circuit configured to detect a wireless message including a tire sensor identifier, a memory configured to receive and store a number of tire sensor identifiers, at least one external indicator on the vehicle configured to provide an indication to the exterior of the vehicle, and a control circuit configured to provide a control signal to the external indicator on the vehicle to indicate to a user to actuate a tire sensor transmitter.