Abstract: An event detection device comprising a sensing means for generating an output signal in response to the detection of an event, the device comprising a fault monitoring system which comprises: comparator means for comparing the output signal with a threshold signal and for activating a timed sequence processor when the output signal exceeds the threshold signal on a first occasion, the time sequence processor being adapted to activate a fault indicating circuit after a predetermined time interval unless the sensing means generates an output signal in response to the detection of an event on a second occasion within the predetermined time interval.

Abstract: An alarm detection apparatus includes a plurality of alarm detectors detecting and/or cancelling alarms for identical and different error rates. The plurality of alarm detectors are grouped into a major detector unit made up of alarm detectors which detect major error rates, and a minor detector unit made up of alarm detectors which detect minor error rates. The major detector unit and the minor detector unit output detection outputs corresponding to specified detection rates thereof. A predetermined alarm detector corresponding to a part of the minor detector unit has a specified detection rate overlapping a specified detection rate of the major detector unit being controlled, so that a detection function or a detection output of the predetermined alarm detector is disabled.

Abstract: In a failsafe method and apparatus for signalling theft for a motor vehicle, an item of theft-signalling information is produced as a function of the signal state of at least one of a plurality of monitoring signals, which are indicative of vehicle states. According to the invention, the theft-signalling information is produced only if the signal states of a plurality of monitoring signals are present in one of one or more prescribed theft-signalling combinations. Each theft-signalling combination comprises one or more signalling conditions, which succeed one another in a specific time sequence and which signalling conditions themselves comprise one or more theft indicative combinations of jointly interrogated signal states of associated monitoring signals.

Abstract: An additional logic algorithm is employed in the process for reducing motion-type false alarm of security alarm system automatically or manually, wherein the preset time period of the delaying period of the verification condition is reduced to a shorter first adjusted time period when a second alarm trigger is occurred after the first alarm trigger during the preset time period. If a third alarm trigger is occurred during the first adjusted time period, the delaying period is further reduced to a second adjusted time period shorter than the first adjusted time period. The delaying period will be further reduced when subsequent alarm trigger occurred. However, if there is no third alarm trigger occurred during the first adjusted time period, or there is no subsequent alarm trigger occurred after the last alarm trigger during the latest reduced adjusted time period, the delaying period will be reset to the preset time period.

Abstract: A PC-based home security system for monitoring the environment surrounding a PC in order to detect suspicious or uncharacteristic events. The PC-based home security system first monitors the environment, listening and watching for a threshold event. When a threshold event is detected, the PC-based home security system then conducts close surveillance of the environment in order to detect and characterize additional events. When the accumulated detected events exceed some threshold value, the PC-based home security system determines that a suspicious or uncharacteristic set of events has occurred, diagnoses those events, and takes a remedial action appropriate to the diagnosed set of suspicious circumstances.

Abstract: This device for giving and controlling a vehicle U-turn signal comprises a U-turn signal indicator (1) and a control circuit. The U-turn signal indicator (1) can consist of an array of LEDs which makes a loop circuit with an arrow. One can be mounted on the front plate (2) of a vehicle, and another one can be mounted on the back plate. The control circuit consists of a rectifier, a first integrator, a second integrator, a counter, a switching transistor, and a relay. The output of the rectifier is connected to the inputs of the first and second integrators of which the outputs are connected to the CLK and to the RST of the counter respectively. The outputs of the counter and the rectifier are connected to the inputs of the NAND which controls the on or off working state of the switching transistor and the relay, to activate the U-turn indicator. The input of the rectifier is connected to the turn signal pulses of a vehicle. When certain pulse patterns are generated, the U-turn signal indicator is activated.

Abstract: A battery operable dangerous condition warning device adapted to issue an alarm when a sensed dangerous condition exceeds a predetermined status incorporates a monitoring device circuit including: a processor, a dangerous condition sensor, a horn, a battery condition monitoring procedure cooperating with the processor to periodically check the integrity of the battery for detecting a first battery integrity condition in which battery failure can be expected after a relatively long period and a second battery integrity condition in which battery failure is imminent. The circuit further implements an audio low battery warning generator adapted to drive the horn to issue a distinctive audio warning (e.g.

Abstract: Faults occurring in a telecommunications system are monitored identifying their time of onset and reporting them to an operator through an interface if they have not cleared within a predetermined interval. Transient faults, which do clear within that interval, are not reported directly, but only if such faults occur more frequently than a predetermined rate. This is determined by establishing a scan interval, and an analysis period equal to a plurality of scan intervals, monitoring the system continuously for the occurrences of faults, and storing their times of occurrence in a store. At the end of each scan interval, the number of occurrences of the fault during the analysis period which ends at the end of the scan interval are counted by a counter. If the number of occurrences of the fault in the analysis period is equal to or greater than a threshold value selected by user input an alarm indicator is activated.

Abstract: An alerting device generates a variable alert that is varied to indicate the amount of time that has elapsed since the alert began. The alerting device has an alert signal detector, a timing unit, an alert signal generator and an alert unit. The alert signal detector responds to an activation signal to activate the timing unit, and the alert signal detector responds to a deactivation signal to reset the timing unit. The timing unit generates timing information to the alert signal generator indicating the elapsed time since the occurrence of the activation signal. The alert signal generator responds to the activation signal and to the timing information to generate an alert signal that indicates the elapsed time since the occurrence of the activation signal. The alert signal generator further responds to the deactivation signal to disable the alert signal. The alert unit responds to the alert signal to generate an alert that reflects the elapsed time since the occurrence of the activation signal.

Abstract: The positions of position-controlled members provided on a car, for example, the driver's seat, steering wheel and mirrors, are controlled by a host position control unit through a plurality of position control units which are controlled on the basis of control signals transmitted from the host position control unit. After receiving the signal transmitted from the host position control unit, each position control unit sends a 1-pulse answer signal to the host position control unit through a returning unit. When the returning unit sends no answer signal in response to a control signal transmitted from the host position control unit, an abnormality recognizing device recognizes the fact that there is an abnormality in the communication system. Accordingly, any abnormality occurring in the communication system is promptly detected and it is therefore possible to quickly cope with the abnormal situation.

Abstract: A system to determine the usage of loading dock equipment such as a dock leveler, a vehicle restraint and a barrier gate to provide an output indicative thereof. For each loading dock component mounted at a loading dock in an operable configuration whose operation is to be monitored, sensor outputs are used to provide data accumulated by PLC's located in a control panel associated with the loading dock. When operation of a piece of equipment is initiated the occurrence delivers an output signal to the PLC. A counting circuit accumulates a count of the output signals. The panel has displays in the form of lights and screens and the data maybe read out by means of a hand held unit for display and/or programing or delivered to a remote PC by appropriate cable.

Abstract: An automobile multiplex data communication system includes: a plurality of child stations; a parent station for controlling a multiplex data communication established with the plurality of child stations; and a signal transmission path for mutually connecting the parent station with said plurality of child stations.

Abstract: Ordinary alarm conditions are escalated into a critical alarm condition by first accumulating the ordinary alarm conditions. Upon each ordinary alarm condition, a number of previously accumulated alarm conditions are deleted in accordance with the elapsed time since the last alarm condition. When the number of accumulated alarm conditions (less those deleted) exceeds a threshold, a critical alarm condition is then generated.

Abstract: In a battery-powered sensor such as a smoke detector, a passive report of unacceptable battery condition is first given while an active report of such condition is inhibited. Then, after the lapse of a period of time after the unacceptable battery condition is first detected, the active report is given.

Abstract: Device and method for administering timed orders for the remote control of apparatus, comprising a clock (4) adapted to mark the time, an adjuster (5) for the clock, a programmer (6) permitting selecting an absolute wake up time, a comparator (7) for comparing the clock time and the absolute time, and a control (10) which can have either an active condition in which it sends information for starting the apparatus and to which it is brought by the coincidence of the clock time with the absolute time, or an inactive condition in which it authorizes no operation of the apparatus in the absence of such coincidence. The control (10) is subordinated to a corrector (11 ) for the absolute time which retards or advances a predetermined time relative to the selected absolute time so as to fix a relative time. The control (10) then passes to its active condition at this relative time. The programmer (6) comprises an automatic device (12) for positioning the relative time with respect to the programmed absolute time.

Abstract: A multisensor intrusion detection system having greatly improved immunity to false alarms is disclosed. This system employs a first sensor for sensing an intrusion in a volume of space by a first physical phenomenon and a second sensor for detecting an intrusion in the volume of space by a second physical phenomenon different from the first physical phenomenon. The first sensor generates a first signal in response to the detection of an intrusion into the volume of space, and the second sensor generates a second signal in response to a detection of an intrusion. A microcontroller generates an alarm signal upon the occurrence of one first signal and one second signal within a first interval, the occurrence of another first signal within a subsequent second interval and the occurrence of another second signal within a third subsequent interval.

Abstract: A communication system comprising at least one working system for receiving a signal from a source, at least one protection system for receiving the signal from the source, a detection part for detecting an alarm state of the signals received via the working system and the protection system and for outputting an alarm signal if the alarm state is detected in at least one of the working system and the protection system, a switching part for selectively outputting the signal received via one of the working system and the protection system in response to a control signal which determines a connection of the switching part, and a control part for supplying the control signal to the switching part based on the alarm signals from the detection part. The control part disregards the alarm signals if the alarm signals are generated from the detection part with respect to the working system and the protection signal approximately at the same time.

Abstract: A responder for electronic article surveillance apparatus is made by subjecting a plurality of magnetizable elements to heating in the presence of a magnetic field and maintaining the field at a different intensity for each element as it is cooled to provide different magnetic characteristics so that when the responder is subjected to a cyclically varying magnetic interrogation field its several elements produce spaced apart pulses in each cycle.

Abstract: The system includes optical detectors, a control microprocessor, and an alarm. The detectors optically detect the presence of cartons within the shelf exit openings and emit carton-present signals upon such detection. The microprocessor is responsive to the signals and activates an alarm when a preselected detector signal pattern is observed. In the preferred embodiment, the alarm patterns include four signals within 15 seconds or one signal having a duration of 6.5 seconds.

Abstract: The system includes optical detectors, a control microprocessor, and an alarm. The detectors optically detect the presence of cartons within the shelf exit openings and emit carton-present signals upon such detection The microprocessor is responsive to the signals and activates an alarm when a preselected detector signal pattern is observed. In the preferred embodiment, the alarm patterns include four signals within 15 seconds or one signal having a duration of 6.5 seconds.

Abstract: An anti-pilferage alarm system for a cigarette carton display case. The system includes optical detectors, a control microprocessor, and an alarm. The detectors optically detect the presence of cartons within the shelf exit openings and emit carton-present signals upon such detection. The microprocessor is responsive to the signals and activates an alarm when a preselected detector signal pattern is observed. In the preferred embodiment, the alarm patterns include four signals within 15 seconds or one signal having a duration of 6.5 seconds.

Abstract: A multi-sensor intrusion detection system having improved immunity to false alarm is disclosed. The sensor being less susceptible to the generation of false alarm has its output signal processed and held. The held signal is supplied to a logic gate which receives directly the signal from the other sensor. The output of the logic gate generates an alarm signal.

Abstract: A signal detection system with dynamically adjustable detection threshold includes a signal detection comparator having a dynamically adjustable threshold which adjusts the detection sensitivity of the comparator from a quiescent value to a value which is dependent upon the value of an event trigger signal, thus anticipating the amplitude of a second, confirming event trigger signal. Additionally, an alarm window timer activated by an event signal which exceeds the quiescent signal detection comparator threshold, assures that an alarm activator will be enabled only after a second, confirming event trigger signal exceeds the adjusted detector threshold, and which occurs during the active period of the alarm window timer.

Abstract: A multizone intruder detection system comprises a supervisory circuit for verifying, while the system is disarmed, that each of a plurality of intrusion sensors is, indeed, functional. The supervisory circuit inhibits rearming of a disarmed system until it determines that each sensor has successfully operated within a relatively brief time interval just prior to the time an attempt is made to arm the system. A timing circuit, activated by a preliminary arm signal, operates to establish a time window (e.g. 10 minutes) within which the operability of each sensor must be verified (i.e. walk-tested) as a precondition to system arming. Preferably, the timing circuit is reset by each sensor alarm output, whereby the system user is given the full time window to walk-test each sensor. By virtue of the invention, sensor sabotage in a disarmed system can be mitigated.

Abstract: A multizone intruder detection system comprises a supervisory circuit for verifying, from normal traffic or activity in each of the zones of protection while the system is disarmed, that each of the intrusion sensors is, indeed, functional. In the event one or more sensors does not trip (i.e., sense activity) during the disarm period, the supervisory circuitry inhibits re-arming of the system until the non-tripped senso(s) is "walk-tested" to verify that it is still functional. According to the invention, a programmable timer enables re=arming of the system for a predetermined (preferably brief) time interval immediately following disarmig of the system. This feature offers the edvantage of allowing the user to re-enter the protected premises "after hours" for a brief period of time without having to walk-test all zones of protection before re-arming the system.

Abstract: An anti-theft alarm device for portable articles is disclosed. The device comprises a motion sensing component for sensing movement of the device and for generating an alarm actuating signal in response to such movement. A conductive tether is attached to the device and extends around the article, holding the article in a predetermined position in relation to the device, and for generating an alarm activating signal upon disconnection of the cable to permit movement of the article from a predetermined position. A microprocessor is provided to receive alarm activating signals from the motion sensing component and the conductive tether, and to receive input signals entered by digital code entering means connected to the microprocessor.

Abstract: A method of monitoring to anticipate the triggering of an alarm, wherein: an awaited profile is available which represents awaited values of the signal over a predetermined period; the awaited profile is used to estimate the future development of the signal as a function of its values on past dates; the estimated value of the signal is compared for at least one future date at a threshold; and an alarm is triggered if the estimated value is higher than the threshold.

Abstract: A security system includes a plurality of sensors each capable of providing a detection input signal adapted to cause activation of the alarm system, a circuit for inhibiting activation of the alarm system as a result of a first detection input signal, and a circuit for removing the inhibition and allowing activation of the alarm system in response to a second detection input signal from any one of the sensors, including the sensor that provided the first detection input signal. A first alarm device is located essentially indoors on the premises to be protected and a second alarm device is located outdoors on the premises to be protected. The inhibition circuit allows activation of only the indoor alarm device, but a further detection input signal from one of the sensors within a predetermined time activates the outdoor alarm device.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of sensing and indicating errors in a dosing circuit, in which a pumping device (1) pumps a fluid via a conduit system out to at least one dosing device (3) located nearby a dosing place. The dosing device (3) measures and discharges intermittently a predetermined volume of the fluid through a pressure controlled non-return valve (16) to the dosing place, when the pressure in the conduit system is increased from a low pressure to a high pressure during a certain limited time.

Abstract: System for protecting a group of location of a network by anticipating an act of vandalism. A monitoring apparatus connected to detection apparatus on the location in order to establish in real time a modification of the state of a location as a result of an act of vadalism, a storage apparatus for storing the fixed characteristics of each location, a processing apparatus and a display for displaying the result supplied by the processing apparatus. This processing apparatus is able to communicate with the monitoring apparatus so that it can be informed in real time of an act of vandalism affecting a location, store the characteristics of the vandalized locations, determine the trajectories of the vandals, extrapolate said trajectories to forecast a location liable to be vandalized and inform an operator by supplying using the display means information in such a way as to protect a location liable to be vandalized by anticipating the trajectory of a vandal.

Abstract: A fire alarm system employing multiple sensors can accurately and quickly respond to real fires with an alarm signal and prevent issuance of a false alarm due to noise or the like. A pair of decision circuits in a fire signal receiver receive fire detection signals from respective sensors and produce fire occurrence signals representing a first level of probability that a fire has occurred and decision signals representing a second lower level of probability that a fire has occurred. A fire alarm is issued when a fire occurrence signal has been outputted by any one of the decision circuits or when a decision signal is simultaneously outputted by both decision circuits.

Abstract: A multiple-sensor status monitoring system for monitoring the status of an area while avoiding false alarms and detecting and identifying faulty sensors. The system uses a timer and logic to avoid false alarms by generating an alarm signal only if two sensors give a response within a preselected interval of time. The system employs latching storage elements to keep a record of which of the sensors have made spurious responses, and a visual display to give a trouble warning respecting those sensors.

Abstract: A temperature control and indicating arrangement comprises an electric heating element; a thermostat connected in series with the heating element and responsive to the heat generated thereby; and structure responsive to the operation of the thermostat for indicating when the temperature in the region of the thermostat reaches a value determined by the thermostat. Included are a resettable electronic counter; a circuit for resetting the counter each time a power supply is connected to the arrangement; a detector for detecting cyclically repetitive switching operations of the thermostat and for causing the counter to count such operations immediately following each resetting of the counter; and counter-stop circuit for stopping the counter at a given count position corresponding to a count value greater than unity. The indicating structure includes a visual indicator electrically coupled to the counter to provide a visible indication when the counter is in the given count position.

Abstract: An information display is provided to denote both (1) specific events, such as alarm of a smoke detector or unauthorized entry into a building, and (2) the time elapsed between successive events. The event identification data are stored in conjunction with data representing the time elaspsed since the occurrence of the previous event. The display can be cleared, and reconstituted at a rate related to the original rate at which the events occurred, selected by the viewer. The information regarding events and time differences can be stored and saved in a memory external to the timed-replay portion of the system.

Abstract: In a microprocessor controlled fire alarm system, a chain of continuous pulses is generated by the microprocessor. The chain of continuous pulses is monitored, and if there is an interruption in the chain of continuous pulses a signal is generated to automatically reset the microprocessor.

Abstract: Circuitry for qualifying a series of randomly occurring alarm events to avoid erroneous indications. Alarm events occurring in a surveillance system or the like are counted over a selected time interval, and final alarm output is effected only if a selected 1+n number of events has been counted within the interval. Both the repetitive time intervals and the event number are variable in accordance with the exigencies of the alarm application.

Abstract: An intrusion detection system which reliably detects intrusions while minimizing false alarms by time-analyzing significant signals indicative of intrusions. The time length of each significant signal is measured, the time lengths of successive significant signals are accumulated, and an intrusion signal is generated if the accumulated time length reaches a first preselected time length. The time length between successive significant signals is also measured, and the accumulated time length is reset to zero if the time length between successive significant signals reaches a second preselected time length.

Abstract: An intrusion monitoring apparatus wherein horizontal and vertical sync signals separated from the video signal generated by a monitor television camera are used to produce window pulses having respective timings and lengths corresponding to discrete spots on the video frame screen, said window pulses being used for gating the input video signal, sudden level change of the respective gated video signal portions being detected to provide an audible and/or visual alarm.

Abstract: For use in an alarm system, a security switch is provided, the transition state of which is detected by an associated circuit and a coded signal transmitted along a communication path indicative of the transition state, this coded signal being received and decoded to provide an output indication of the switch state.

Abstract: An automotive abnormality forecasting and warning method and system for issuing a voice and visual alarm when a signal representing the condition of an automotive inspection item exceeds a predetermined value, which comprise steps of calculating the cooling water temperature change rate in variable cycles, determining a calculation cycle corresponding to the detected water temperature and the calculated change rate from a memory storing the cooling water temperature, water-temperature-change rate and calculation cycle in a predetermined relation, judging whether the detected water temperature and the calculated change rate are in a predetermined water overheat region, and issuing a voice alarm on an overheating trend in response to more than a predetermined number of the judging operations.

Abstract: An intrusion warning system for protecting a wall or fence, in particular a chain-link fence, against intrusion by cutting through and/or climbing over same. A small-diameter shielded electrical cable, e.g. a coaxial cable or a shielded twisted pair is mounted on the fence and the vibrations of the fence detected by sensing the small electrical field generated when the dielectric material between the conductors of the cable is stressed by the minute flexing of the cable caused by such vibrations. The sensed electric field signal is AM detected, shaped and then processed as to duration and persistence. An alarm indicating an attempted cut-through type of intrusion is activated if a preselected number of signals of very short duration, indicating abrupt disturbances of the fence, are detected.

Abstract: A water vapor generator having electrodes in a vaporization vessel is disclosed. Current passed through the water between electrodes causes water in the vessel to heat and boil off as steam, make-up water being added when the current drops below a preset minimum value. The make-up water is cut off when a preset maximum value is reached. Thus, the generator operates through successive cycles each containing a descending "boil" leg and an ascending "fill" leg. As water is boiled, its mineral content becomes more and more concentrated, causing increasing its conductivity. To return the water conductivity to its design value the frequency of the boil/fill cycles is measured over several cycles and compared with a predetermined value. If the measured frequency is higher, this indicates a higher than desired water conductivity and a drain cycle is initiated by operating a drain valve. The amount of water drained out of the vessel is proportional to the deviation of frequency from the predetermined value.

Abstract: Tire pressure monitors are incorporated in vehicles having penumatic tires (14) to continuously or periodically measure the air pressure within the tires and to alert the driver should the pressure in one of the tires fall below a predetermined value. A self-contained battery powered rf transmitter unit (10) is affixed within the drop center (22) of each wheel (12) and includes a pressure sensing switch (84). The battery is contained within a housing (20) mounted to the external surface of the wheel adjacent a fill valve (30) through which electrical wires (50) are routed to the transmitter (11). The transmitter emits a pulse every 33 seconds when the air pressure within the tire is above a prescribed value. A receiver (13), located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, receives the signal(s) from the transmitters and counts the number of signals received over a given time period established by an internal pulse generator.

Abstract: Apparatus for a monitoring and signalling system such as a home health care system. The monitoring and signalling system includes apparatus operative to monitor routine activities performed by an individual in his or her residence and to monitor operation of a user-actuated signalling device in an accident, disability or emergency situation. In the event the monitored activities of the individual are not performed over a prolonged period of time, or the individual actuates the signalling device, an alarm sequence is initiated. This alarm sequence, in a typical implementation, commences with a pre-alarm period (e.g., 1 minute) during which simultaneous steady audible and visual alarm indications are produced and during which the entire alarm sequence can be aborted by the individual.

Abstract: An electromagnetic system is provided to monitor the activity of a ferrous debris detector of the type which uses electric discharges to automatically disintegrate magnetically concentrated accumulations of micron sized wear particles in hydraulic systems. The data provided are used to detect instances of abnormal wear as shown by either an unusually large number of such discharges or an excessive rate of discharge. Where such abnormality occurs the monitor will provide an audiovisual alarm to warn of the problem in time to prevent catastrophic failure of the system.

Abstract: An electrode steam boiler includes a water-receiving shell and water-heating electrodes supported in the shell so as to be partially immersed in the water to be heated. The boiler also has first and second water-handling means arranged, respectively, for supplying feed water to, and withdrawing water from, the boiler shell, and a current responsive means responsive to the current flowing in one of the electrodes for actuating the two water-handling means. Finally, the boiler has means for monitoring the number of actuations in a pre-set period of at least one of the two water-handling means, and means responsive to this monitoring means for actuating a safety means when this number of actuations in a pre-set period of at least one of the water-handling means exceeds a predetermined value. The safety means may take the form of an audible and/or visual alarm or a device for shutting down the boiler.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for detecting an individual becoming drowsy is provided comprising a wave emitter mounted on an eyeglasslike frame for emitting a wave along a path directed to pass close to the individual's eyeball without impinging the latter such that said wave is interrupted by the eyelashes when the eyelid is quivering, and detecting means on the frame for generating a signal in response to the wave being interrupted. Signalling means is provided to produce an alarm signal a predetermined time after the last eyelid quivering.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with a system for monitoring the rate of operation of a cyclically operating machine or process or the rate of cyclically recurring events. The system monitors the rate by sensing each cycle occurring during a sampling time interval or duration and generating a signal which is taken as a standard value representing a standard rate. Either the length of time required for a specific number of events is measured, or the number of events occurring in a specified time is measured. The measured value is compared with the standard value and an indication is made of the comparison.