Abstract: A wireless, battery-operated detection system of a plurality of RF-interconnected detectors is operable over a CSMA-type network and intended to detect the occurrence of a local phenomena and transmit at least one signal to at least one other detector to remotely sound an alarm. Each detector includes a sensor for sensing local phenomena, a transmitter for transmitting RF messages indicative of the phenomena, a receiver for receiving the RF messages, an alarm circuit for sounding an audible alarm indicative of the phenomena and a controller operable to control the mode of operation of each detector, wherein each controller is operable to control all the detectors in the system in response to a stimulus and to control multiple and conflicting signals transmitted among the detectors. The controller includes a prioritization circuit for determining the relative priority of the received RF signals and stimuli indicative of a particular condition to enable the appropriate mode of operation.

Abstract: When a technical process is monitored, messages from an automation system are continually transmitted to an operating and observation system. The messages are evaluated in the operating and observation system and displayed on a monitor. When a fault is recognized in the automation system, the location of the fault is displayed in a type of hierarchical progression. For this purpose, at least the important planning and design data of the automation system are accessible from the operating and observation system.

Abstract: An early warning detection and notification network for monitoring environmental conditions comprising a plurality of remotely located environmental sensors having a communications uplink to one or more earth orbiting satellites or other wireless transmission means, a downlink interface to a database server having one or more data tables holding environmental data and a communications interface between the database server and the Internet wherein the sensors periodically upload environmental condition data to the satellite, the satellite downloads the condition data to the database server, the communications interface provides access to the condition data through the Internet. End-users access the system through the Internet and retrieve real-time data on various environmental conditions based on a database query. The query results may be grouped by the geographic region, the type of environmental data or a combination of both.

Abstract: A multiplexing apparatus multiplexes between processing units and a battery unit of a vehicle which are connected to one another by wire harnesses, by grouping a variety of on-board controlled objects into a plurality of neighboring controlled objects and controlling each of respective processing units. The wire harness has electric conductors of which the outer peripheral portion are covered with a first insulating layer, an electric conductivity layer which covers the electric conductors, a second insulating the peripheral portion of the electric layer which covers conductivity layer, a circuit for applying an electric potential to the electric conductivity layer, and a monitor for the electric potential of the electric conductivity layer.

Abstract: An ambient condition detector includes a sensor for a first ambient condition and a second, sensor which is responsive to a second ambient condition not necessarily correlated to the first condition. Control circuitry, coupled to both sensors, processes an output from the first sensor to reduce transients and/or noise therein which are not correlated to the first ambient condition. Processing characteristics are altered in response to an output from the second sensor. The processing can take place at the detector or, in part, at the detector and, in part, at a displaced, common control element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for detecting defective seams in cans having metal lids. The apparatus is mounted in cooperation with a conveyor to evaluate the cans being conveyed in a continuous operation. The apparatus includes a detecting device which has a pair of electrical contacts positioned to cooperate with a seam on the can. The electrical contacts are spaced apart a distance to contact a bulge in the seam which completes an electrical circuit between the contacts. A signal is then produced indicating a defective can, and the defective can is removed from the conveyor.

Abstract: An auto synchronous output module for use at a plurality of zones in a fire alarm and detection system consisting of a power source and output devices selectively coupled to the power source so as to provide audible and visual signals, and a microprocessor within the module for coupling to a data line so as to enable transmission of data signals to and from a loop controller. Moreover, there is within the processor, responsive to an activate command from the loop controller for applying the power source to the output devices responsive to an alarm condition. In addition, within the processor, responsive to a synchronize command, sent subsequently to the activate command, from the loop controller, for applying power to the output devices in synchronism with application of other power sources to output devices at other respective modules.

Abstract: An alarm/facility management unit including a housing having a front side and a rear side. The front side includes a liquid crystal display for displaying two lines of up to twenty alphanumeric characters. The front side also includes four control keys which enable a user to access a software program contained within the alarm/facility management unit and perform a number of functions through the program. The front side of the alarm/facility management unit also includes a serial port for enabling communications with a personal computer. The rear side of the alarm/facility management unit includes at least two slots which can receive alarm/facility contact input cards, contact output cards, or serial port expansion cards. These slots can receive alarm/facility cards that provide real-time alarm/facility status on up to sixteen discrete alarm/facility contact inputs. The alarm/facility management unit is scalable from 16 to 128 discrete alarm/facility contact inputs.

Abstract: A test fixture for testing the operation of a device having components installed at a first location. The components are connected to associated apparatus installed at a separate second location, and the components collectively have electrical inputs and outputs connected to a control at the second location. The test fixture has a housing and a plurality of output conductors at the first location. First ends of selected ones of the plurality of output conductors are connectable to selected ones of the inputs and outputs of the components. A power supply and a plurality of switches are mounted to the housing. Each of the plurality of switches has one contact connected to the power supply and another contact connected to a second end of respective one of the plurality of output conductors, whereby actuating one of the switches causes a respective one of the components to operate.

Abstract: An electrical fire sensing and fire prevention/extinguishing system which senses properties of electrical fires in cabinets having electrical circuits or circuit boards and detects sparks for detecting an electrical short in the electrical circuits or circuit boards. Upon detecting a spark, power to the electrical circuits or circuit boards is turned off to prevent a fire from developing within the cabinet. Furthermore, the electrical fire sensing and fire prevention/extinguishing system senses heat increases and smoke for activating a fire extinguishing device to extinguish a fire and turning off power to the electrical circuits or circuit boards.

Abstract: A circuit monitors both digital and analog sensor readings by polling them from a single wire bus multiplex system. The circuit operates to sequentially address a plurality of smart sensor interfaces, each having an associated sensor, connected to the single wire bus. A voltage signal is supplied on the line that produces a current corresponding to the presence of a sensor at the polled interface and a current corresponding to a sensed digital or analog value where the sensor is of the digital or analog type, respectively. The currents on the bus are copied in a current mirror whose current output is applied to a resistor to produce a voltage, which in turn is converted into a digital number to be analyzed to determine the presence of a sensor at the addressed interface and its status. The current in the circuit is also measured to produce a voltage corresponding to circuit component variations and one corresponding to the contributions of the currents from the power supplies of the interfaces.

Abstract: In a dangerous condition sensing alarm system which includes a plurality of interconnected dangerous condition sensing units, such as smoke detectors, of the general type in which each unit responds to an apparently sensed dangerous condition by issuing an audible alarm and also by transmitting, from an input/output terminal, a signal to the other units (received as an external alarm signal at corresponding input/output terminals of the other units) so that an alarm condition sensed by any one of the units results in alarms being sounded by all the units, a unit initiating an alarm (which may be false) is marked by an alarm origination circuit. The alarm origination circuit includes a visual indicator (such as an LED) and a latch device (such as an SCR) connected in-circuit such that, when the SCR is turned "on", the LED is activated and remains lit until the SCR is turned "off".

Abstract: A system and method for communicating an orthopedic parameters signal between a remote communication unit and a central site monitoring station is provided. The orthopedic signal includes a value representative of a total torque output by an individual over a period of time as measured by a personal orthopedic restraining device. The restraining device is restrains movement of a first flexibly connected body portion relative to a second body portion. Communication is accomplished by receiving the orthopedic parameters signal at the remote unit from the orthopedic device. Subsequently, the received signal is protected from potential transmission errors through encoding. The encoded signal is prepared for transmission through modulation. Finally, the modulated signal is transmitted over a communication channel from the remote unit to the central station such that movement of flexibly connected body portions can be monitored. In addition, the operations of the central site monitoring station are described.

Abstract: A controller which controls the operation of the solenoid valve that regulates the flow of gas to the burner within a fuel-gas fired burner system is disclosed. The controller performs a number of diagnostic tests on the system components and provides an output in the form of a series of pulses having a specific code"embedded" therein to identify a fault condition when it occurs. The series of pulses is applied to a light emitting diode. A code reading device having an optical sensor and a liquid crystal display is provided to intercept the light pulses emitted by the light emitting diode and to"translate" the code embedded therein so that the specific fault condition can be identified and displayed on the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: An alarm apparatus includes two sensor circuits. One of the circuits is configured to emit an audible warning upon the sensing of an adverse condition. The other circuit functions to scan for a radio signal and, when one is detected, transmit a further radio signal. The apparatus can be used alone or together with a series of other similar apparatuses to create a warning system. When used as part of a system, once one apparatus is activated due to the existence of, for example, a fire, the apparatuses produce a alarm signal and transmit a radio signal. Transmission of the subsequent radio signal is sensed by the other apparatuses of the system which, in a cascade fashion, also become activated.

Abstract: A method of operating an intruder detector system comprising deploying plural intruder sensors in or adjacent a region to be protected, transmitting signals from each sensor to a processor, the signals relating to at least one local environmental ambient condition, processing the signals to determine a common ambient condition associated with the intruder sensors, transmitting a control signal to each of the sensors, and automatically adjusting the sensors in response to the control signal to substantially vary detection parameters thereof.

Abstract: A device for reducing the possibility of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) comprises a position-indicating device effectively coupled to a signal-producing circuit and attached to the clothing of the infant. The position-indicating device provides signals varying in response to prone and other positions assumed by the infant during sleep, allowing an associated alarm device to be activated in response to the infant's assuming a SIDS-dangerous prone or side-lying position. In one embodiment, the position of the infant can be determined by an optical sensor interacting with a reflective or other marker adhered to the infant. Gravity or pressure switches may also be used to provide position-responsive signals. A signal generated upon assumption of the SIDS-dangerous prone or side-lying positions is transmitted to a remote receiver located proximate the infant's care-giver whereupon an alarm is generated to indicate the need to reposition the infant.

Abstract: A device, and a method for using the device, to generate discrete information about an environmental event includes an array of sensors. All sensors in the array have a determinable detection capability and, preferably, some of these detection capabilities are redundant while others are overlapping. The individual sensors are positioned in the particular environment to detect characteristics of the event from different perspectives. The outputs which are generated by the various sensors in the array are selectively segmented and joined to create a convolved pattern of data which explicitly and implicitly includes information about the characteristics of the event. The convolved pattern is then presented to a pattern recognition unit, such as a neural network, where the characteristics are interpreted from the convolved pattern to generate the desired discrete information about the environmental event.

Abstract: A remote-controlled safety control system includes: an information transceiver for checking and controlling disorders for safety control, a controller for receiving alarm signals received from the information transceiver, generating alarm data after analyzing the alarm signals and then generating an alarm generation control signal, and an alarm unit, which is remotely located, for receiving the alarm generation control signal from the controller and for generating an alarm. An alarm signal processing method for maintaining a remote-controlled safety monitoring system includes the steps of: analyzing the alarm signals generated from information transceiver to generated alarm data; and checking periodically related X.25 processors and upon system disorders, generating alarm data and generating an alarm by transmitting the alarm data serially to a remotely located alarm unit.

Abstract: There is provided an alarm system for detecting and warning of the presence of alarm and trouble conditions in a plurality of zones. The system comprises a control panel having a central processing unit and a plurality of alarm devices, each having a microprocessor, that are electrically coupled to the control panel. In particular, the present invention is a two-tier monitoring system such that each alarm device monitors its zone for a shorter rolling time period and the control panel monitors the same zone of the alarm device for a longer rolling time period. An electronic circuit of the alarm device, including the microprocessor, reads and processes data received from various sensors of the alarm device. Periodically, the alarm device updates a first reference value stored in its memory based on the data received from the sensors during the shorter rolling time period.

Abstract: This invention provides a new and improved emergency alarm system comprising a central control unit which is directly or indirectly connected to every other component of the emergency alarm system. The central control unit triggers and stops a visual alarm generator and an audio alarm generator, either simultaneously or separately, upon receiving signals from other components of the emergency alarm system. A portable control element and a signal-generating detection means are used for starting and stopping the central control unit, which in turn triggers a power supply means to cause a change, through the visual alarm generator, in color of a visible outdoor board and to commence, through the audio alarm generator, an alarm. A hidden sensing circuit can serve as the signal-generating detection means. The present invention also presents a method of application of said emergency alarm system.

Abstract: A portable communication device with battery conservation capability is capable of sensing (223) its power source and suppressing a battery conservation circuit depending on an actual voltage determined (225) from an analog-to-digital converter. Two or more voltage ranges are defined (227) such that battery conservation is disabled when an external power source is operated in one of the predetermined voltage ranges.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and alternatively adjusting the electrical energy input and output of remotely located corrosion protection rectifiers on a section of a longer pipeline includes three elements. The first element is a monitoring unit which monitors electrical input, output voltage, output amperage and level of applied cathodic protection of the electrical energy provided to the pipeline by a rectifier. This data on electrical energy is then transmitted to the second element, a low-level communication satellite. The low-level communication satellite then retransmits the data to the third element, a management data center. The information received at the management data center may be monitored, recorded or transformed into adjustment signals which are then retransmitted via the low-level communication satellite back to the rectifier on the pipeline.

Abstract: An alarm system for detecting and warning of the presence of alarm and trouble conditions in transponders located in a plurality of zones consisting of a loop controller having a plurality of input signal and power supply lines connected to the respective transponder units, and having a plurality of initiating and indicating devices in a respective plurality of circuits. Further, the system has a module, including a microcontroller, connected in each of the transponder units to the plurality of input lines and to the plurality of circuits, the module being capable of initiating communication of the conditions of the circuits to the loop controller. Moreover, it includes a plurality of smoke detectors, which are connected in the circuits and to respective modules. A load shed arrangement is provided for sensing the alarm conditions of the smoke detectors and reporting their conditions to the loop controller.

Abstract: A monitoring and detection system that continually monitors a person(s) presence passing through areas such as rooms, homes, buildings and the like. The system can include multiple operating modes such as a home mode for greeting visitors and normal facility users as well as a secure mode for protecting the facility and occupants from intruders. The novel system provides for multi-task control of all electrical functions in a home such as air conditioning, lights, power and the like. The system can operate events via completely timed static events(i.e. for preselected time periods). The invention can also be used to activate or deactivate events through sensor detection. The preferred embodiment uses ultrasonic sweep sensors which can be programmed to automatically detect person(s) animal(s) that cross protected areas over certain times of the day, week, month based on different conditions, as well as dry contact sensors such as contact switches for doors and windows and the like.

Abstract: An infant monitoring device includes a sensor connected to an alarm for alerting a parent when an infant is in a predetermined position. In a second embodiment, the alarm is activated only if the same body position is detected by the sensor for the duration of a delay determined by a timer. In a third embodiment, a wireless transmitter is connected to the sensor for communicating with a wireless receiver and activating a remote alarm. In a fourth embodiment, a timer is connected between the sensor and the wireless transmitter to reduce false alarms. In a fifth embodiment, a plurality of sensors are connected to a multi-channel wireless transmitter for sensing a plurality of positions, and communicating with a multi-channel wireless receiver for activating a remote alarm. In a sixth embodiment, a timer is connected between the sensors and the multi-channel transmitter for reducing false alarms.

Abstract: A fire detection system provides multiple levels of signal processing so as to minimize the effects of noise from various sources. In a first level of processing any DC bias in signals received from detectors is removed. In a second level of processing, signal values from current sample times for a given detector are compared to one or more prior sample values from that detector for purposes of removing large transient pulses due to dust particles and the like. In a third level of processing, high frequency noise, perhaps from electrical sources, is filtered from the representation of the signal. Finally, the fully processed signal value is compared to one or more threshold values so as to make a determination as to the presence or absence of a pre-alarm or a fire condition.

Abstract: A fire detection system contains several detectors connected to a control center, some of which are fitted with at least two sensors for monitoring different fire parameters. Preferably, one sensor is a thermal sensor and another is an optical sensor. An arrangement for processing the sensor signals is located within each of the detectors. It contains a microcontroller for conditioning the sensor signals and for signal processing, with the aim of generating alarm signals. The alarm signals are obtained in a neural network.

Abstract: In large multi-tiered hierarchical alarm systems for high capacity telecommunications transmission systems, it is important to notify the maintenance craft of only the highest alarm, and to notify only when the alarm has been validated by persisting for a sufficiently long time. Advantageously, this is accomplished by timing alarms and freezing the timing when a higher level alarm is detected. If the higher level alarm is no longer present, timing on the lower level frozen alarm signal continues until there is a timeout. A timed out alarm is reported to the maintenance craft.

Abstract: In a multi-processor parallel processing computer environment different communication modes are available for performing an information distribution operation (e.g., a broadcast) between processors. The technique comprises automatically selecting an optimal communications mode at operation run-time. The selection decision utilizes hardware parameters of the system (e.g., communication speed between processors) and run-time parameters (e.g., number of nodes to broadcast a message to). The communication mode selection decision seeks to optimize factors such as time required to execute or work space requirements of the distribution operation.

Abstract: When updating the data of an EEPROM, wherein set data such as interlock data showing the interlock relationship between fire detectors and controlled equipment, data on correspondence between terminal addresses and places where the terminals are installed, display data to be shown on a display unit of the fire protection receiver, and receiver function data showing the functions of the fire protection receiver is stored, a fire protection receiver according to the present invention employs a memory pack comprised of an IC card or the like, which is disconnectably attached to the fire protection receiver, connects a memory pack, which stores data for updating set data, into the receiver, reads it, and writes it to the EEPROM.

Abstract: A control is provided for allowing a user to actuate various home security systems such as garage door openers, home alarm systems, lights, etc., remotely. A transmitter is provided with encryption logic such that its signal is not easily duplicated. In a preferred embodiment, the transmitter is provided with separate channels for each of several systems which are to be actuated by the transmitter. Receivers are provided with logic to recognize the encrypted signal. The encrypted signal varies sequentially on each actuation of the transmitter. In another preferred feature of this invention, add-on receivers may be incorporated into the existing circuitry for the systems that are to be controlled by the inventive transmitter. In this way, existing systems may be utilized with the inventive transmitter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a calculated protective action zone, such as a safety zone which can be used for evacuation purposes, using simplified input methods and systems and simplified internal calculation methods to model the chemical data. Yet, it uniquely retains a significantly high degree of accuracy corresponding to more expensive, complicated, time consuming state of the art models for the chemical releases as described above. It may be used for dense gas dispersion and other releases. To accomplish this, the methods and systems of the present invention may use a post-processed modeled data base and selected multi-variable equations combined with qualitative and quantitative input and may include default values for various factors. The system may include a small, hand-held electronic calculating element such as a palmtop computer, with extended battery life for portability, although it is equally applicable for high end processors on stationary computers.

Abstract: An interface unit interposed between a central alarm panel and a string of smoke detectors interconnected by a three-wire bus. Two wires of the bus carry AC power and the third wire is an interunit signalling wire. When an individual detector senses a smoke condition, it places a voltage on the signalling wire. The other detectors sound their alarms upon detecting this voltage. The interface unit senses this voltage and notifies the central alarm panel, with the sensing circuitry having a variable high input impedance and being powered solely from the signalling wire. The interface unit includes a test button which, when actuated, disables communications to the central alarm panel for a predetermined period of time. During this time, the interface unit places a periodic signal on the signalling wire, which causes all of the detectors to "beep" while that signal is present. The interface unit also senses the absence of AC power on the bus for notifying the alarm panel of such AC power failure.

Abstract: A transmitter in a process control system includes input/output circuitry for coupling to a process control loop. A first sensor having a first impedance is responsive to a first sensed parameter. A second sensor having a second impedance is responsive to a sensed parameter. First and second excitation signals are applied to the first and second sensors. A summing node sums the outputs of the first and second sensors. An analog to digital converter provides a digital output representative of the summed signals. Digital signal processing circuitry coupled to the analog to digital converter provides an output related to the outputs of the first and second sensors to the input/output circuitry for transmission over the process control loop.

Abstract: An emergency information offering system collects and offers information of lifeline facilities upon emergency properly by combining information infra-structures and public infrastructures. In the system, a center monitoring apparatus detects abnormality on the basis of information of the lifeline facilities collected by distributed monitoring apparatuses and meter apparatuses. A risk management apparatus grasps abnormal states and determines countermeasures of abnormality in accordance with the detected abnormality to produce the determined information. A guidance information management apparatus automatically prepares guidance information on the basis of the information and transmits the guidance information to a customer in response to an inquiry.

Abstract: The personal computer security apparatus of the present invention provides a security architecture embedded within the personal computer itself to provide a practical level of security to thereby discourage theft of the personal computer. Apparatus are provided to monitor the continuity of the connection to the telephone line to which the personal computer is connected. Loss of voltage continuity on the telephone line for greater than a predetermined period of time is indicative of an individual unplugging the personal computer from the phone jack in order to enable the person to move the personal computer. Motion sensor switches are optionally provided to detect physical movement of the personal computer in excess of a predetermined minimum allowable range of motion. The apparatus generates an audible alarm in response to the detection of a person's attempt to relocate the personal computer without properly disabling the security software via the keyboard.

Abstract: In a system where the same alarm is held and displayed in different apparatuses, alarm information held in either an alarm detection apparatus or an alarm processing apparatus for a predetermined time is subjected to synchronization with respect to transmission (holding), the alarm information being displayed in a display/transfer part.

Abstract: Outputs from a smoke detector and non-fire sensors such as temperature and humidity can be combined to produce a delay in a signal from the smoke sensor indicative of a potential fire condition. The signals can be combined locally and all of the sensors can be carried in a single housing. Alternately, the sensors can be carried in separate housings and combined at a remote control panel. The value output from the humidity and temperature sensor can be used in determining whether or not to produce a delay. Alternately, the rate of change of either or both parameters can be used to determine whether a delay is necessary.

Abstract: An alarm termination apparatus includes: a bi-directionally accessible random access memory for storing alarm bits sampled from a plurality of parallel inputs at memory locations; a flip-flop circuit for temporarily storing a first alarm bit read from one of the memory locations of the memory and for outputting the first alarm bit to an output transmission line; and a selector for receiving a second alarm bit sampled from the parallel inputs and for receiving the stored first alarm bit from the flip-flop circuit, the selector selectively outputting the second alarm bit or the first alarm bit to the above one of the memory locations of the memory in accordance with a value of a select pulse, wherein the temporary storing of the first alarm bit from the memory into the flip-flop circuit and the selective outputting of the first alarm bit or the second alarm bit to the memory by the selector are controlled to sequentially take place.

Abstract: A warning system for a vehicle obtains image data by three-dimensionally recognizing a road extending ahead of the vehicle and traffic conditions, decides that driver's wakefulness is on a high level when there is any one of psychological stimuli to the driver or that driver's wakefulness is on a low level when there is not psychological stimulus to the driver, estimates the possibilities of collision and off-lane travel, and gives the driver a warning against collision or off-lane travel when there is the high possibility of collision or off-lane travel.

Abstract: A fire alarm system includes a control unit which communicates with a plurality of spaced apart smoke detectors by a bi-directional communications link. The smoke detectors are separate from one another, and spaced apart, and are associated together in different, overlapping groups. Each group of detectors is physically arranged with the members of the group adjacent to one another in a relatively localized area. Signals from the detectors are transmitted to the control element for processing. The control element squares each of the signals for a given group, sums those signals and then takes a square root. The resultant processed value is associated with a selected one of the detectors of the group. Similar processing takes place for each of the groups. As a result of the processing, each of the detectors has associated therewith a processed smoke value which takes into account not only values received from the associated detector, but also values received from one or more adjacent detectors in a group.

Abstract: A noise immune detection system includes a plurality of detectors that generate respective indicia representative of adjacent ambient conditions. A communications link extends between the detectors. A control element is coupled to the link to receive and process the indicia and to adjust an alarm threshold level in response to noise levels in the system. Respective indicia are filtered twice by the control element. In the presence of noise, as reflected in relative values of the filtered values of the indicia, the threshold value is automatically increased.

Abstract: A controller for an electrical switching device such as a motor starting contactor including separable contacts, an operating mechanism for operating the separable contacts and a control mechanism responsive to a plurality of control sources for controlling the operating mechanism, includes a plurality of light emitting diode indicators each of which corresponds to one of the control sources; a membrane pushbutton; and a selection circuit, responsive to the pushbutton for selecting one of the control sources, including a circuit for detecting actuation of the pushbutton; a circuit responding to the actuation for sequentially indicating representations of at least some of the control sources on the corresponding ones of the indicators; and a circuit for detecting de-actuation of the pushbutton to select one of the control sources the representation of which is indicated on the corresponding one of the indicators at the time of the de-actuation.

Abstract: An alarm system in a plant for outputting a plurality of alarms with respect to devices constituting the plant and monitor information with respect to the devices. In the system, there is provided a unit for storing a table for correspondingly relating a plurality of alarm items to suppression reason items indicating that the display of the alarms can be suppressed. A generated alarm item and a generated event are specified by receiving the plurality of alarms and monitor information. A decision is made by reference to the table as to whether the generated alarm suppression reason item exists in the monitor information, the kind of generated alarm, and the generated event for each generated alarm item. An instruction is given to a display unit to suppress the display of alarms in which a decision is made that the suppression reason item exists.

Abstract: An alarm collection apparatus for use in an exchange system has a plurality of local offices, a central maintenance office, a toll switch, and an alarm link. The local offices include an enhanced local office and a conventional local office, the enhanced local office having enhanced features with respect to the number of alarm collection points, a display function thereof, and a man-machine alarms interface. An alarm collection shelf collects alarm information from the conventional local office in the same manner as from the enhanced local office, by converting the data format used for the conventional office to one which corresponds to the data format used for the enhanced office. The alarm collection shelf also collects alarms from a radio base office.

Abstract: An alarm information transfer system used in a digital transmission device can overcome a problem that all communications are stopped when a clock signal, which is sent from a master unit to slave units, is disconnected. In this system, the master unit sends ID numbers sequentially for specifying slave units, and alarm information is sent to the master unit from a slave unit specified by an ID number. The other slave units which are not specified by the ID numbers sent from the master unit store the alarm information sent from the specified slave unit, and one of the slave units detecting the disconnection of the clock signal from the master unit becomes a master unit to continue communication.

Abstract: An improved environmental alarm system has centralized control of local sensor display capabilities displays, on the sensor itself, a variety of sensor data including sensor address, and detected levels of one or more environmental conditions. Alphanumeric characters are displayed at individual sensors in response to commands from a master microprocessor directing local sensor display content and timing. A local microcontroller within each sensor interprets the detected signal and prepares a resulting data signal that is available for downloading into the alphanumeric display in compliance with a coded message from the master microprocessor.

Abstract: A leak detector is provided for detecting and indicating a leak opening of seam in a mortar increment container or the like. This will work with porous or non-porous materials. The leak detector includes a plurality of thermistors arranged to sense selective portions of the seam, and a process circuit for receiving respective signals from the thermistors for identifying and displaying a leak condition or a no-leak condition or a bad-thermistor condition.

Abstract: A supervisory image communication system by an ISDN includes a parent station and a plurality of child stations connected to the parent station by way of an ISDN basic interface and an ISDN switched network. Any of the child stations transmits call originating information to originate a call to the parent station, and the parent station supervises, in response to the call originating information, the state of the child station in accordance with image information subsequently inputted thereto from the child station. When a child station detects an emergency condition and tries to notify this to the parent station, a call originating reason representative of information of the emergency condition is added as sub-address information to call originating information to be transmitted. Upon acceptance of such call originating information from the child station, the parent station detects the sub-address information thus transmitted thereto and identifies the call originating reason.