Abstract: An alarm system for detecting popular home emergency conditions employs cooking, fire, and burglar sensors. Either or all of these sensors can activate the alarm. The system can produce distingushable alarm signals according to different violated conditions detected by different sensors. Additional functions of fire panic, burglar panic, timing, and using cooking sensor for fire sensing, are provided for convenience. The cooking sensor is equiped with an arm to sense the temperature of a cooking container. Automatic reset and turn off functions are provided for burglar alarming.

Abstract: Alarm system apparatus and method for optically transmitting information indicative of system operational status from an alarm detection unit to a remote receiver. The alarm detection unit includes a light emitting element for optical transmission of diagnostic and other data to the receiver. The light emitting element is pulse activated in accordance with a specified protocol to optically transmit data serially to the receiver, and the receiver is adapted for decoding of the serially transmitted data to provide an output indication to a system user indicative of detection unit operational parameters. One embodiment of the invention includes a bar graph indicator to provide a visual indication of selected operational parameters as an aid to a user in assessing system performance characteristics.

Abstract: A supervising arrangement for a transmission system, having an alarm system which displays alarm signals from different apparatus by indication lamps. All the indication lamps which are lit are extinguished by operation of a central key to effect alarm suppression. The indication lamps of still existing alarms light up and go dark again after further operation and release of the key.

Abstract: A new type of a copying machine which is easy to operate and particularly indicates the operator of how to use the copying machine from time to time. There is provided a copying machine having a plurality of detectors monitoring the operating condition of the copying machine and a memory for previously storing therein operational statements indicative of the operation and the condition of the copying machine. Respective ones of the statements are selected from the memory according to the outputs of the detectors for converting the selected ones of the statements into audible sounds or typically synthesized voices.

Abstract: An alarm console is provided which selectively generates audio signals in an ordered priority basis when there is a simultaneous request for two or more tone signals. The priority is from voice paging, highest priority; test mode, to test individually selected alarm tones; keyboard tone selection; automatic priority tone in response to a detected condition; automatic non-priority signal tone in response to a detected condition; and a lowest priority signal which typically comprises background music.

Abstract: This invention is an intrusion detector which uses codirectionally coupled CW leakly cable sensor techniques. Successive sensors are connected serially through R.F. decouplers, and each is polled and is sent power from a control unit via the serial cables, through the decouplers. The detector thus provides both intrusion detection and a secure data link.

Abstract: A system for transmitting status information from a first location to a remote second location includes a monitoring device at the first location for monitoring the state of a plurality of relays or other devices that are capable of being in either an active or inactive state. The monitoring device produces a digital signal representative of the state of the relays. A first memory storage device contains a table of digital codes arranged so that a unique code is associated in a predetermined manner with each relay in each state. A processor is provided for processing the digital signal from the monitoring device and for accessing the table to retrieve the code associated with the present state of each relay. The processor also produces a first signal indicative of a change of state of any relay from the inactive to the active state. A transmitter transmits the codes retrieved from the processor in a predetermined sequence.

Abstract: A fault indicator apparatus employs a single indicating device such as a light emitting diode (LED) to provide an indication of all zones within a plurality of zones which exhibit a predetermined condition being monitored. In particular, the invention is employed in a multi-zone intrusion system where a single indicator provides an output indicative of all zones which are not secure. The apparatus causes the indicator to blink the zone numbers in a continuous sequence and for example, if zones 2 and 5 were not secure the indicator would provide two flashes indicative of zone 2 and then provide a predetermined pause while then providing 5 flashes indicative of zone 5. The user by counting the flashes can then immediately determine which zones in the plurality of zones have been violated.

Abstract: Transient change in heat flux due to ultrasmall variation in flow conditions (say from no-flow to flow) within a series of relief flowlines to pinpoint sources of plant upset, is achieved by carefully positioning (in each flowline closely adjacent to an associated relief valve) a transducer-meter for sensing transient heat flux from a selected location completely exterior of the line; and recording in sequence: (i) a base line signal indicative of a no-flow, steady state condition at each selected location along the flowline, and (ii) a transient signal indicative of a flow condition. Both types of signals are generated by a plurality of thermocouples (a thermopile) attached to each flowline in a heat flux sensing relationship that takes into account the type of fluid being monitored and the temperature gradient existing across the relief valve.

Abstract: Transient change in heat flux due to ultrasmall variation in flow conditions (say from NO-FLOW-to-FLOW) within a series of flowlines to pinpoint sources of plant upset is achieved, by carefully positioning a series of M transducer-meters for sensing transient heat flux, each meter being disposed at a selected location completely exterior of a flowline, and recording in sequence at a central control center for each of the M meters at least a transient signal indicative of a FLOW condition. For each meter, signals are generated by a thermopile attached to each flowline in a heat flux sensing relationship. Location takes into account the type of fluid being monitored, and the temperature gradient existing across the relief valve. Recordation of the sensed signals is via a series of M recorders and alarm circuits at the control center.

Abstract: In a central station alarm system the alarm sensors associated with a particular subscriber's premises are monitored by a local control unit associated with those premises and controllable by the subscriber. The local control unit automatically reminds the subscriber when he is supposed to close the premises and turn on the system. The local control unit allows the subscriber to change his expected closing time. The local control unit may also perform various other functions such as automatically cutting off power to low priority alarm sensors during a prolonged power failure, automatically cancelling any audible alarm indication silence commands when there are no alarms to silence, and automatically forming a bridge connection between the remote ends of two communication circuits when there is a break in either circuit.

Abstract: A device for indicating the triggering of a signal transducer in, for example, thread surveillance and monitoring systems.

Abstract: A multiple function alarm (10) for the security of an individual within a preselected area, the alarm (10) having substantially all its electrical components mounted to a board (12), includes a switch (14) for selecting the function the alarm is to perform; a smoke detector (16) for optically detecting the presence of smoke including a light source (72) for generating light and a light sensor (73) both mounted on the board (12); intrusion detector (15) for detecting an unauthorized intrusion into the selected area, a visual alarm (18) and audio alarm (19) for communicating to the individual the presence of a potential security threat; and a plate assembly (13) for housing switch (14), the intrusion detector (15) and the alarms (18, 19) in operative association with the electrical components mounted to the board (12).

Abstract: In a central station alarm system the alarm sensors associated with a particular subscriber's premises are monitored by a local control unit associated with those premises and controllable by the subscriber. The local control unit automatically reminds the subscriber when he is supposed to close the premises and turn on the system. The local control unit allows the subscriber to change his expected closing time. The local control unit may also perform various other functions such as automatically cutting off power to low priority alarm sensors during a prolonged power failure, automatically cancelling any audible alarm indication silence commands when there are no alarms to silence, and automatically forming a bridge connection between the remote ends of two communication circuits when there is a break in either circuit.

Abstract: Two condition sensors of two entirely different types are selected and monitored by a single condition sensor interface means. The interface means provides for selection of the sensor to be activated, or can be operated in a mode to repetitively sample both sensors. The sensors rely on a hybrid type device utilizing an integrated circuit, discrete components, and a mounting substrate. The sensors may be mounted on the substrate for temperature stability.

Abstract: A digital controller used in regulating the output of a power supply including a diagnostic circuit for sensing the failure of a component in the power supply. Upon the occurrence of a fault, signals are generated locating the component which caused the shutdown of the power supply. The fault signals are inputted into a plurality of encoders which determine the priority between two or more simultaneous occurring faults and which further outputs binary signals identifying the faulty component. The binary signals are then latched and displayed in a LED display which may be actuated any time after the fault has occurred by the operation of a switch member.

Abstract: A telemetry system for reporting the status of a number of physical parameters occurring during operation of industrial equipment, such as the monitoring of refrigeration/air conditioning safety controls and anticipatory refrigeration controls. Activation of the safety or anticipatory controls generate electrical signals to activate a four input alarm transmitter, which automatically dials a pre-programmed telephone number and reports the status of the various inputs to a special monitor receiver at a remote location. An interface board is coupled to the safety and anticipatory controls, and multiplexes the signals therefrom into four transmitter inputs. An indicator panel connected to the interface board provides a maintained visual indication of which input(s) have caused a transmission. The anticipatory controls are set to trip before the safety controls, which latter controls effect shut-down of the system, and provide anticipatory signals warning of impending system problems.

Abstract: An electrical arrangement for a handbag including a switch unit having at least one electrical terminal on its exterior, a magnetically resposive switch in its interior connected to the terminal, and a battery in the handbag connected to the terminal and to the magnetically responsive switch. The terminal is adapted to receive either an illumination device or an alarm device at the option of the handbag owner. A magnet is utilized in conjunction with my novel switch unit, with the switch unit being mounted on one interior wall of the handbag, and the magnet being mounted on another interior wall of the handbag in a position opposite, and in substantial alignment with, the switch unit. The magnet is supportable in at least two different positions on its mounting such that when in a first position it can interact with the magnetically responsive switch as the handbag is opened or closed, thus causing the illumination of a bulb or sounding of the alarm as the handbag is opened.

Abstract: A fully integrated alarm, communication, and building management system has a central control station and a plurality of remotely located sensing and controlling devices. Each remote device has an individual digital address, which is a parallel address present on a plurality of parallel lines. The parallel address is converted to a serial address and sent to the various remote locations where it is then reconverted to a parallel address and decoded to determine the specific device being interrogated. A multiple amplifier system is provided at the central control unit and provides communication capability involving remotely located loudspeakers and microphones. The amplifiers are provided in a dual channel arrangement so as to provide a fail-safe arrangement and a failure detector is located in each channel such that if a selected amplifier channel fails, the back-up or redundant channel is immediately switched into use.

Abstract: A wireless smoke alarm system in which each detector includes a local smoke detector and an alarm. These are coupled to a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter and receiver are within range of similar units so that an alarm sounded by one unit causes those within range to sound their respective alarms. In sounding their respective alarms, the local units also cause their transmitters to transmit alarm signals thereby overlapping and reinforcing the first unit. A master control is coupled between the alarm detection and local alarm portion and the transceiver to disconnect the unit when the alarm is ended and to transmit a signal to other units, causing each to discontinue their respective alarms.

Abstract: A voice warning system for an automotive vehicle such that warning information is first indicated to the driver in voice form when car-radio sound volume is reduced, and next in alarm sound form, without reducing the car-radio sound volume, until the driver takes a proper action. The system thus improved comprises a discriminator having a memory, a coincidence counter, a gate, AND circuits, and OR circuits, and an alarm generator, in addition to sensors and a voice output unit.

Abstract: The system contains a number of monitoring devices, such as bedside units for monitoring parameters of patients, and a central station in star connection. Each monitoring device contains a signal generator and a display device for the display of monitored parameters. The central station contains a central display device and a central multiplexer. The multiplexer has a separate signal input for receiving the output signals of each signal generator, and a first and second number of multiplexer outputs. The output signals of the signal generators each contain undelayed and delayed signal data. The first multiplexer outputs can be connected to the central display device. Thereby, the undelayed signal data contained in the output signals of selected monitoring devices can be displayed in the central station. These signal data represent all parameters monitored by the selected device.

Abstract: A multifunction electronic meter for a vehicle can display selectively plural measured informations of fuel amount, cooling water temperature, oil pressure, battery voltage and the like of a vehicle on a single display section, the displayed informations being accompanied respectively with combinations of symbolmarks and surrounding frames thereof for identifying and warning those informations.The principal information of, for instance, fuel amount is ordinarily displayed, while the remaining informations are displayed selectively as occasion demands, for instance, in response to the occurrence of an emergency. When plural emergencies are simultaneously caused, the information corresponding to the lastly caused emergency is displayed intermittently together with the symbolmark, while only the symbolmarks and the frames of the informations corresponding to the previously caused emergencies are displayed continuously.

Abstract: A system for detecting a fire emergency condition employs three separate and diverse sensors; a heat detector, a smoke detector, and an infrared radiation detector. Either or all of these detectors can activate the alarm. Additionally, the infrared radiation detector can be used to control the energization of the room's artificial illumination means. All sensors are mounted in a common housing and a mirror or lens arrangement is provided to focus the infrared radiation upon the appropriate detector.

Abstract: A fire detecting system which is capable of successively controlling the forecasting of a fire, setting off alarms and activating fire-extinguishing equipment. The system includes a detector adapted to produce an electric impedance corresponding to an amount of a fire generated object present, such as smoke density, light or heat. An amplifier element has a controlling electrode connected to the detector so as to amplify the change in the electric impedance transmitted by the detector. A voltage-differential actuated element is connected at its one input terminal to the connection terminal of the amplifier element. To the reference input terminal of this voltage-differential actuated element, connected is a reference operation voltage changing means which is controlled by a time constant circuit which is adapted to determine the duration or time length of the output from the voltage-differential actuated element.

Abstract: A disaster alert system for a public area, building or the like, each area of which is provided with a sensor responsive to a localized disaster such as a fire with a circuit for each sensor connected to an audio/visual device identified with a specific area, the circuits being connected together so that the response of a sensor in a specific area activates the associated audio/visual device to provide an alerting output which indicates the location of the disaster and measure to be taken at all of the interconnected audio/visual devices.

Abstract: A fire detection system includes a single conductor pair for both supplying the energizing voltage to all of the fire detectors in the protected area and receiving back status information regarding the individual detector operation. The system provides individual, successive alarm outputs to regulate successive functions such as "evacuate the area", "dump the fire extinguishing material", and "call in the local fire department", as successive ones of the detectors are alarmed. The system includes a voltage regulator for supplying a well regulated voltage to the detectors, which regulator is switched into a current limiting mode to prevent an inaccurate first alarm signal if the conductor pair is short circuited. This system also provides a trouble-indicating output signal if the system loses supply voltage or experiences a ripple voltage beyond a preset amplitude.

Abstract: The invention consists of applying a signalling condition to a telephone subscriber line to prime a common burglar alarm arrangement provided at the telephone exchange, which arrangement is activated by the removal of the signalling condition from the line by, for example, a burglary detection device. The equipment at the telephone exchange automatically identifies the subscriber line when the signalling condition is removed and activates an event recording alarm equipment in a Police or Security central station, giving a print out of the identity of the subscriber whose premises have been entered. The major advantage of the system is that the cutting of the telephone line causes the tripping of the common alarm equipment.

Abstract: In a danger alarm system, such as a fire alarm system, the availability of the system is increased by decentralization of the system intelligence. For this purpose, the entire system is subdivided into small system modules which are fully functional in and of themselves. Each system module has connection installations for one or more alarm circuits or one or more subordinate system modules, a programmed control for interrogation and evaluation of alarm signals, as well as connections for display operation and registration elements. One of the system modules serves as the central station, as the remaining system modules are subordinate to the central station in one or more hierarchical levels.

Abstract: A deviation indicator interface for simultaneously providing an indication of the deviation of the process value from the set point for each loop of a multi-loop controller is disclosed. The deviation indicator interface includes a plurality of deviation indicators, each deviation indicator providing an indication of the loop deviation of a single loop. Each deviation indicator includes a first, second and third indicator portion. The first indicator portion produces a visible signal whenever the loop process value exceeds the loop set point by at least a first amount, the first amount being adjustable. The second indicator portion produces a visible signal whenever the loop process value is less than the loop set point by at least a second amount, the second amount being adjustable.

Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of remotely monitoring outputs of Geiger-Mueller tubes including cables for connecting individual Geiger-Mueller tubes to a central monitoring station wherein electronics for sensing the output of each tube is located at the central station rather than juxtaposed with each tube. The electronics are used to trigger individual alarms and a general alarm whenever radiation levels sensed by the Geiger-Mueller tubes pass a predetermined threshold. The apparatus and method are especially useful for monitoring levels of materials in hoppers, or the like, by sensing the impingement of or absence of beams of radiation on Geiger-Mueller tubes.

Abstract: A switchless circuit malfunction sensor utilizes only two leads, connecting open circuit sensors in parallel across the leads and closed circuit sensors in series in line with the leads. A continuity module at one end of the sensor line permits the wiring status of the monitored circuit to be constantly monitored for breaks or shorts. The continuity module can be coupled to an alarm system to activate an audio or visual signal if a circuit malfunction is sensed.

Abstract: A supervisory control system and apparatus used in a fire prevention system, a burglar alarm system, a remote control system, etc., in which progressive operation by continual selective signals is performed using a series of operating units in order to supervise and control each unit.

Abstract: An improved fire detector has both ionization chamber and photoelectric type products of combustion sensing devices, both of which must detect combustion for an alarm to be generated. The sensing devices are each adjusted to a quiescent sensitivity, but upon combustion being detected by one of the devices the sensitivity of the other device is automatically increased. In this manner, the detector operates very reliably to generate an alarm in the very early stages of a fire irrespective of whether the combustion process generates primarily visible or generally invisible type products of combustion, yet spurious generation of false alarm is minimized.

Abstract: A conditions monitor circuit for repetitively displaying the condition of a plurality of sensors which recognize different conditions includes a plurality of gates that are divided into groups which specify conditions for their respective sensors. The gates in each group are connected to a particular sensor and there is a clock for sequentially enabling each group of gates. The enabling clock pulse for each group of gates is also connected to a driver circuit to indicate which sensor is being interrogated. The gates in each group are connected to all of the conditions indicating driver circuits through diodes. There are display means connected to the driver circuits for indicating both the particular sensor being scanned and the condition of that sensor.

Abstract: A danger alarm system, for example, fire alarm system, utilizing a plurality of detectors which are connected to a central exchange over respective call circuits, the central exchange is provided with a memory in which characteristic data for each connectable detector can be stored. Data is cyclically sampled from the respective individual detectors and simultaneously therewith rated values for the corresponding detector are formed from the stored data and compared with the sampled data and, if necessary, alarm or trouble signals are derived from the comparison results.

Abstract: An instrument panel assembly having a plurality of indicating elements and a test switch for concurrently indicating the operability of the individual indicating elements. A plurality of electrical devices is connected in association with the test switch and indicating elements so as to prevent false concurrent operation of the indicating elements. The assembly may include circuitry for causing an intermittent alarm as an additional test indication during the testing of one or more of the indicating elements.

Abstract: A modular alarm system includes a plurality of sensing devices, each of which is adapted to sense the presence or absence of a particular condition, specifically a fire or over heat condition (hereinafter referred to merely as a fire condition), and the presence or absence of a fault including a short circuit or open circuit. The system also includes a detector module for producing an equal plurality of identical logic output signals indicative of and in response to the presence of the particular condition being monitored at the various sensing devices and a single, identical logic output signal indicative of and in response to the presence of a fault at any of the sensing devices.

Abstract: A circuit for distinguishing between two classes of alarms on a single loop. An alarm of a first class causes an impedance of a first predetermined value to be added in the loop; and an alarm of a second class causes a much larger additional impedance, or an open condition, to be inserted in the loop. The loop is bridged across an element of a voltage divider and, therefore, the loop characteristics, including the changed characteristics due to the impedance change in response to an alarm of either class, controls the potential of a test point of the voltage divider. Voltage comparators monitor the potential of the test point relative to control potentials, and cause relays to provide a no alarm signal, a first alarm signal, or a second alarm signal when there is no alarm condition on the loop, an alarm of the first class, or an alarm of the second class, respectively, on the loop.

Abstract: An automatic washing machine which automatically carries out the steps of washing, rinsing and dehydrating in accordance with a preselected program, comprises an indication means for indicating the occurrence of abnormal operation if it occurs in the steps of washing, rinsing and dehydrating, in such a manner that the indication mode differs from cause to cause of the occurrence of the abnormal operation.

Abstract: An alarm device and system which is adaptable to a variety of uses and conditions for protecting homes, equipment, buildings and the like by alerting or informing distant or nearby personnel to changes of conditions from within predetermined limits.

Abstract: Alarm devices are provided with circuit means for permitting interconnection of the alarm devices into an alarm system in which each of the alarm devices continually senses for an adverse condition, such as smoke in a smoke detection alarm system, and in which all of the alarm devices signal an alarm in response to the sensing of an adverse condition. The interconnections for the alarm devices are such that the alarm devices not directly coupled to operative sources of electric power will, nevertheless, sense adverse conditions and signal alarms when any one of the alarm devices senses an adverse condition.

Abstract: An improvement in fault detection and stop motion systems in which an electronic circuit is capable of sensing and displaying any one of a number of malfunctions on each of a plurality of parallel operating members on a machine and interrupting operation thereof upon detection of any such malfunction.

Abstract: A system for giving warning of the existence of an undesirable state of one or more of a plurality of monitored operating conditions of an engine-powered vehicle. Three degrees of warning are given, depending upon the criticality of the monitored condition. Individually energizable low-intensity warning indicators are provided for each of the monitored conditions, and a multiplexing circuit is provided for staggered pulsing of these indicators. The existence of any critical fault will cause an intermittent operation of a more intense warning device, while the existence of a highly critical fault will give an additional intermittent warning of a still greater degree of intensity.

Abstract: At least two sensors are used, providing electrical output signals to indicate alarm conditions, one of the sensors being a bipolar ion sensor having a shielded ion chamber formed to slow or brake atmospheric currents therethrough, and a second sensor which operates essentially in unipolar mode having an ion chamber freely accessible to atmospheric flow therethrough.

Abstract: A device for monitoring equipment failures within a process plant. The device determines the following condition of a two-state contact (1) Normal; (2) Off-normal due to an abnormal condition; and (3) Off-normal due to a normal condition and functions to alert a plant operator or automatically initiate a corrective action whenever a device, piece of equipment or an electrical motor has abnormally stopped or failed to complete a commanded operation without being operator initiated or initiated by some other normal function.In the preferred embodiment the device comprises an alarm module of the type having a memory circuit connected to a logic circuit which is connected in parallel to at least two alarm circuits. The alarm circuits comprise a flasher circuit and a time delay circuit with a third output of the device comprising a driver circuit. The flasher circuit is designed to transmit a pulsating output signal alternating between a high and a low state.

Abstract: Repetitive defect signals are produced, for example, by bar or rod inspection equipment whenever any one of plural roll sets in a rolling mill develops a roll crack. Defect signal repetitive rate differs for each roll's relative speed. Selective correlator electronics process the defect signals with plural repetitive rates and produce an output signal indicative of which roll set in the mill has a cracked roll.

Abstract: In order to test at least one of the operating and capacitating conditions of an automotive vehicle, plural parallel circuits are included in a test circuit associated with sensors for each condition to be tested. These parallel circuits contain at least one pilot lamp and at least one switching unit. The switching unit may have simple switch contacts or may contain an electronic switching element. During normal operating conditions, the switching units are closed to provide a conductive path therethrough. During non-normal operating conditions and/or capacity conditions, the switching units open. For testing any condition, an individual test switch, which energizes each pilot lamp in the plural parallel circuits, is connected in series with the switching contacts and/or the conductive electronic switching elements of the switch units and with the pilot lamps in the plural circuits.

Abstract: Gyrocompass heading step-by-step repeater amplifier channels are provided with protection from damage by accidental short-circuits occurring in one or more compass step-by-step data repeaters or in the cables extending to such repeaters. Total shut-down of the affected channel or channels is effected by fast-acting thyristor pulse control circuits and the channels are automatically reset when the fault is removed. A cooperative latching short-circuit alarm is provided.

Abstract: An audible alarm system provides for a manually operated switch by which the location of an emergency can be manually coded into a storage medium. An audible alarm is sounded in response to the operation of such switch, indicating an emergency. Following this alarm, a plurality of successive audible tones are sounded to indicate the location of an emergency, one such tone being sounded for each operation of the manually operable switch.