Abstract: A method and system for providing a telematics readiness mode including receiving a first readiness mode input at a telematics unit, initiating a readiness mode responsive to the received first readiness mode input, receiving a second readiness mode input at the telematics unit while in the readiness mode, and determining a readiness action based on the received second readiness mode input. A computer usable medium with suitable computer program code is employed for providing a telematics readiness mode.

Abstract: A system is provided for implementing a series interlock loop. An example of the interlock system includes a series interlock loop, a data table, and a control module. The series interlock loop has an overall electrical characteristic. The series interlock loop includes first and second safety interlocks electrically coupled in series. Each interlock includes a switch coupled in parallel with an impedance value. The data table is configured to store values corresponding to the impedance values. The control module is communicatively coupled to the data table and configured to receive an indication of the overall electrical characteristic and to compare the overall electrical characteristic to the values in the data table to thereby identify an open one of the first and second safety interlocks.

Abstract: A method and system that limits the use of a communication device present in an area controlled by an intelligent controller. The intelligent controller detects any present communication devices in the area and conducts an inventory providing information about each detected device. The intelligent controller compares that information to a standard of use data, which specifies the conditions need to be present for allowing the usage of a communication device. If such conditions are not met, the intelligent controller sends commands to the communication device to restrict its functionality. Else if, the intelligent controller is incapable of restricting the communication device, it can notify authorities of unauthorized usage of a communication device in the restricted area.

Abstract: This application for patent for Forest Fire Control Systems (FFiCS) describes an invention for prevention and control of forest fires (FF). The system comprises strategically located Ignition Detection and Uplink Signaling Towers (IDUSTs), equipped with the Global Positioning System (GPS) and a suitable optical/infrared Scanner and Detector Assembly (SDA), to continually scan the forest region to instantly detect the onset of the initial flames and sparks of any fire (f/s) within the region. The SDA may optionally utilize a Scanner and Accurate Location Calculator (SALC). Upon detecting an f/s, the IDUST instantly transmits relevant data to a Regional Forest Fire Control System (RFFCC) via a suitable communications means, optionally utilizing the Super-Efficient Satellite and Wireless Antenna System (SSWAS).

Abstract: An industrial control system includes a machine, a machine controller, and a safety controller. The machine controller is operable to identify a need for a human interaction, place the machine into a ready state for the human interaction, and generate a ready message responsive to placing the machine into the ready state. The safety controller is operable to receive the ready message, place the machine into a safe state responsive to receiving the ready message, and provide a human interaction indication responsive to placing the machine into the safe state.

Abstract: A safety belt includes a connecting member including a rope, an attaching portion connected to a first end of the rope and arranged to be attached to a body belt worn around a body of a worker, a hook connected to a second end of the rope, and a load detection portion arranged to detect whether or not a load is applied to the connecting member and to output a load detection signal. The safety belt also includes a control device that includes a receiver unit arranged to receive the load detection signal, a control unit arranged to determine a status of the worker or a status of the safety belt based on the load detection signal, and a notification unit arranged to provide a notification in accordance with control by the control unit corresponding to the determined status.

Abstract: A smoke/heat detector and alarm system for shutting off power to a heat generating appliance (gas or electric powered) when smoke/heat is detected. The system includes a smoke/heat detector that responds according to a selected one of four selectable modes. The system also includes a library of telephone numbers with corresponding emergency telephone numbers that are automatically dialed in response to reception of a Smoke alarm signal. The system is designed to avoid confusion that might otherwise be encountered when a plurality of such systems are operating in close proximity to one another.

Abstract: An alarm control apparatus which collects alarms from an equipment of a plant and handles the alarms includes a support information collecting section which adds support information for managing the equipment to the alarms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alarm engineering aiding system for aiding engineering of an alarm generated in a plant. There are provided an alarm generating scenario file in which types of pseudo alarms and generation timings are defined, a plant instrumentation information DB for storing instrumentation information of the plant, and a pseudo alarm generating section for generating the pseudo alarm based on the alarm generating scenario file, and adding instrumentation information of the plant while referring to the plant instrumentation information DB when the pseudo alarm is generated.

Abstract: An apparatus for implementing an emergency machine off circuit of a fabrication system, includes: at least one safety switch adapted for shunting an operation enable signal from a piece of equipment selected for removal from service, the switch also removing from service supplemental devices for the selected equipment. A semiconductor fabrication system and a method for removing equipment from service are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle that has a propulsion mechanism capable of causing injury to a bystander located proximate to the propulsion mechanism when the propulsion mechanism is started comprises an activation switch, a speaker, and a sound controller. The activation switch is accessible to an operator of the vehicle. The sound controller is operative to cause the speaker to emit an audible warning in response to an activation of the activation switch prior to the propulsion mechanism being started.

Abstract: A system and a method are described for providing one or more messages associated with driving hazards to a driver of a vehicle, comprising: i. providing data derived from more than one driving sessions driven by the driver, and storing data that relate to a plurality of driving events associated with that driver; ii. identifying at least one event that might constitute a potential hazard in future driving sessions of that driver; and iii. sending one or more messages based on the at least one identified event.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting failure of a protective barrier between a first object and a second object is provided. The apparatus includes a transmitter assembly for transmitting an alternating electrical signal through the first object and a receiver assembly, wherein the receiver assembly is configured to receive the alternating electrical signal through the second object upon breach of the protective barrier. In a preferred embodiment, the first object is a patient undergoing surgery and/or medical treatment, the second object is a healthcare worker such as a surgeon and the protective barrier is a glove such as a surgical glove. The transmitter and/or receiver assemblies typically include transmitter or receiver electronics and signal connections, and optionally, the electronics and connections can together form integral transmitter and/or receiver assemblies. A return path can be provided for the transmitted signal.

Abstract: A rechargeable smoke and carbon monoxide detector is provided. The base of the detector has a battery formed therein that is charged when connected to a power source, such as a 110-volt light bulb socket. The detector is further configured to receive a 110-volt light bulb so as to not eliminate the use of the light socket as a light source. Additionally, the detector may include one or more warning devices such as an ionization or photoelectric sensor, speaker, or light source. A power indicator LED, a smoke indicator LED, and a carbon monoxide indicator LED all provide visual notification that the detector is functioning properly.

Abstract: A monitoring system for detecting faults in an apparatus, such as a ski lift, employs a communication network onto which a sensor bus controller periodically transmits a safety message and receives a echo of each safety message. Different sensors are coupled to sensor adapter modules that in turn are connected in a series to the communication network. After the last sensor adapter module in the series, each safety message is echoed back along the communication network. Each sensor adapter module, upon receiving a safety message, increments a count in that message and transmits the resultant safety message to another module. When a sensor indicates a fault condition, the associated sensor adapter module blocks propagation of safety messages along the communication network. The sensor bus controller determines, in response to a failure to receive the echo and to the count in the echo, whether a fault occurred.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes an interventional instrument and a switched, segmented transmission (Tx) line which ensures safety during an MRI protocol while the interventional instrument is located in the system. The transmission line includes at least two electrically conductive Tx line segments separated by a non-conductive gap. An electrically conductive bridge, having an open and a closed state, and a parallel connected impedance bridge, having a known impedance which suppresses RF current between the line segments, bridge the non-conductive gap. A measurement unit measures the impedance across the Tx line while the conductive bridges are open. The line segments are verified to be decoupled if the measured impedance of the line is substantially equal to that of the impedance bridge.

Abstract: A system is provided for implementing a series interlock loop. An example of the interlock system includes a series interlock loop, a data table, and a control module. The series interlock loop has an overall electrical characteristic. The series interlock loop includes first and second safety interlocks electrically coupled in series. Each interlock includes a switch coupled in parallel with an impedance value. The data table is configured to store values corresponding to the impedance values. The control module is communicatively coupled to the data table and configured to receive an indication of the overall electrical characteristic and to compare the overall electrical characteristic to the values in the data table to thereby identify an open one of the first and second safety interlocks.

Abstract: An electrical device for performing a particular function includes a system circuit for performing the function, and a dedicated power supply for providing power to the circuit. Both the system circuit and the power supply are hermetically sealed within a housing. The device within the housing is intended to be sterilized using high temperature, reaching a sterilization temperature. According to the invention, the device includes a thermal switch which is electrically connected between the system circuit and the power supply. The thermal switch is switchable between an open position wherein the system circuit is electrically isolated from the power supply and receives no power therefrom and a closed position wherein the system circuit is electrically connected to the power supply and receives power therefrom. The thermal switch switches from its closed position to its open position in response to the temperature within the housing rising to a predetermined switch-open temperature value.

Abstract: A machine-tool safety device for a machine tool having a transmitting unit for transmitting an outgoing signal and a receiving unit for receiving an incoming signal. The machine-tool safety device has an adjusting unit for at least semi-automatically adjusting the outgoing signal to be transmitted.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a carrier substrate having thermochromatic materials are described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a carrier substrate has a visible surface, and a thermochromatic material is disposed near the carrier substrate. The thermochromatic material produces a visual change of the visible surface when an activation temperature of the thermochromatic material is reached.

Abstract: A patient identification device is disclosed. The device includes a first sensor, a second sensor, and a processor. The first sensor may be configured to be positioned on the patient's finger. The device may include a camera. The device may include an identifier. The identifier displays a randomly generated alphanumeric code for further identification of the patient.

Abstract: In an air compressor which can cope with an item to be replaced which is not a manufacturer's recommended item so as to enhance the safety, there is provided, as an example, an air compressor comprising a compressor body for compressing air, an item to be replaced (in detail, for example, a suction belt, a suction filter, a separator element and an oil filter) used during the operation of the compressor body, comprising a control device for computing a service time of the item to be replaced, from an operation time of the compressor body, discriminating whether the item to be replaced is a manufacturer's recommended item or not, determining whether or not the service time of the item to be replaced, which is discriminated as a manufacturer's recommended item, exceeds a preset first reference time, but determining whether the service time of the item to be replaced, which is discriminated as the one which is not the manufacturer's recommended item, exceeds a second reference time which has been preset so as to

Abstract: A smoke detection and escape indication system includes a master controller in communication a base unit and a satellite unit. The base unit and the satellite unit are each in wireless communication with one another and include a wireless receiver, a wireless transmitter, a sensor for detecting a hazard and an escape indication mechanism. The base unit and the satellite unit cooperate to indicate an escape route by coordinating respective escape indication mechanisms in the event that one of the units detect a hazard.

Abstract: A monitoring system for detecting faults in an apparatus, such as a ski lift, employs a communication network onto which a sensor bus controller periodically transmits a safety message and receives a echo of each safety message. Different sensors are coupled to sensor adapter modules that in turn are connected in a series to the communication network. After the last sensor adapter module in the series, each safety message is echoed back along the communication network. Each sensor adapter module, upon receiving a safety message, increments a count in that message and transmits the resultant safety message to another module. When a sensor indicates a fault condition, the associated sensor adapter module blocks propagation of safety messages along the communication network. The sensor bus controller determines, in response to a failure to receive the echo and to the count in the echo, whether a fault occurred.

Abstract: A smoke detector system having a base unit and multiple satellite units is provided. The base unit detects various hazards, i.e., smoke or carbon monoxide, and broadcasts a radio frequency signal to activate warning devices on the various satellite units. The satellite units include a radio frequency receiver to receive the signal broadcasted by the base unit. The warning devices include a laser cannon, a speaker, a strobe light, and a wireless camera separately or in combination with other warning devices. Alternatively, each base unit may include one or more of the warning devices and a radio frequency receiver, and each satellite unit may include the detection devices and a radio frequency transmitter. In this way, each device in the system may activate warning devices in each other device in the system when a hazard is detected.

Abstract: When a person believes that he/she is having a heart attack, a pendant (or other communications device) can be activated to communicate an emergency services request signal to an emergency services notification station (e.g., that houses an AED). Once the emergency services notification station receives the emergency services request signal, the emergency services notification station can notify anyone in the area of the pending emergency (e.g., by sounding a siren and/or flashing a light and/or vibrating). The emergency services notification station can utilize an address display such that someone passing by is informed of the address of the person that needs assistance.

Abstract: Task—To provide a two-hand switch device that requires only a small load for each operation cycle. Means to Achieve the Task—The device comprises a left hand RF antenna placed in such a position as to enable a communication with the first RFID tag worn on the pre-determined position of the left hand of the worker only when the left hand of the worker is placed in a pre-determined left hand safe position, a right hand RF antenna placed in such a position as to enable a communication with the second RFID tag worn on the pre-determined position of the right hand of the worker only when the right hand of the worker is placed in a pre-determined right hand safe position and an output signal generating means for generating an output signal according to signals received by the left hand RF antenna and the right hand RF antenna.

Abstract: An emergency shut off system for a workspace enclosure system, wherein the shutoff system comprises an emergency shut-off module disposed within a workspace enclosure. A plurality of sensors are disposed within the workspace enclosure to detect the presence of undesirable gases or other undesirable conditions within the workspace enclosure. A control module external to the workspace enclosure is coupled to receive output signals from the plurality of sensors, and in response thereto to selective initiate a shut-down of operations taking place within the enclosure. In one example, the control module sends control signals to the emergency shut-off module causing the latter to close one or more valves restricting the flow of gases from external gas supply canisters. A blower is provided to create a flow of air into the enclosure, thereby maintaining a positive pressure within the enclosure. An air intake/sensor module is connected via a closed conduit or the like to the intake of the blower.

Abstract: A security apparatus using a telecommunication device is disclosed. A telephone microprocessor is used for sending a predefined security message to a security telephone number preprogrammed in the telecommunication device. A sensing device associated with the telecommunication device is used for detecting an undesired activity around or in association with the telecommunication device. The sensing device directs the telephone microprocessor to send the predefined security message to alert the undesired activity.

Abstract: An apparatus for implementing an emergency machine off circuit of a fabrication system, includes: at least one safety switch adapted for shunting an operation enable signal from a piece of equipment selected for removal from service, the switch also removing from service supplemental devices for the selected equipment. A semiconductor fabrication system and a method for removing equipment from service are provided.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a system for safety to personnel is disclosed comprising: identifying at least one operating parameter of a first subcomponent of said product; identifying an inherent hazard of said first subcomponents based on an analysis of the at least one operating parameter; identifying features of the structure or operation of the subcomponent corresponding to the inherent hazard; identifying design modifications for the identified features that would mitigate the inherent hazard; identifying safety instrumented control functions and their probability of failure requirements that would mitigate the inherent hazard; prioritizing the identified features with respect to the effect that each of said features has on safety of the product; and determining whether an unsafe condition could result from the inherent hazard.

Abstract: A console box for heavy equipment having a safety bar with a function sound device is provided, which generates a function sound when an operator rotates a safety bar to be in a horizontal/vertical direction, so that the operator can accurately recognize the rotation state of the safety bar.

Abstract: An internal pressure explosion-proof system is provided that is capable of detecting high-pressure abnormality of an internal pressure explosion-proof mechanism, urging a check of gas/air apparatus by providing a means for notifying a user of abnormality, and decreasing excessive pressure of an internal pressure chamber. A high-pressure abnormality detector and a pressure regulating valve are provided in an air discharging portion for releasing the gas/air discharged from the internal pressure explosion-proof mechanism. The working pressure of the high-pressure abnormality detector is set to be lower than the working pressure of the pressure regulating valve. The high-pressure abnormality detector sends a signal when the pressure becomes higher than the set pressure to make the alarm give a warning and makes the open valves open to decrease the pressure of the internal pressure chamber of the internal pressure explosion-proof mechanism which became excessive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety switching device for a hazardous area defined by motor-driven components, the device being switchable into at least two control stages, wherein in a first control stage at least some of the motor-driven components can be switched into a state of reduced risk potential and in at least one second control stage at least some of the motor-driven components can be shut off, and wherein the safety switching device comprises an apparatus for determining the position of the safety switching device inside the hazardous area.

Abstract: A safety controller includes a function block and a mapping block. The function block executes a function inherent to the safety controller. The mapping block converts data used in a control system among data handled by the function block into a data format which can be directly handled by the control system and also assigns a common tag to these data. Also, the mapping block performs calculation based on data handled by the function block and outputs a signal instructing whether to transmit a process alarm according to the calculation result. Also, the mapping block assigns a common tag to this signal. As a result, in the control system, it is possible to recognize that these data groups are related to one another.

Abstract: A method and system for reliably detecting structure and water system leaks incorporates motion-sensing for determining whether there is activity in a building is occupied and measures humidity of the inside of the building. If there is no activity in the building, and an unexpected level of humidity or sudden change in humidity is detected, an alarm is generated and the building water system can be disabled by an electrically controlled valve. Current consumed by water-consuming and/or water vapor generating appliances can be detected and used to qualify the generating of an alarm or interruption of the water system, so that false alarms are not generated and the water supply is not interrupted due to operation of those appliances.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a fieldbus system, in particular for use in an explosion-hazard area. The fieldbus system, in at least one embodiment, has a plurality of bus line sections with bus lines; an isolating element, by which in each case two of the plurality of bus line sections are coupled to one another and which galvanically isolates the bus lines of the two bus line sections from one another such that this prevents any direct current flowing between the bus lines of the two bus line sections and communication signals are transmitted between the two bus line sections; and a supply source for each of the bus line sections, in order to provide an electrical power supply for field devices which can be connected to the respective bus line section.

Abstract: A communications system is provided for emergency services personnel that includes a plurality of portable devices and a base station. The portable devices are configured to be carried by emergency services personnel while at an emergency site. The portable devices each have a first transceiver configured to communicate over a first network and a second transceiver configured to communicate over a second network, where the first and second networks operate independent of one another. For example, they may have at least one of different first and second carrier frequencies, protocol, channels and the like. The base station has at least one transceiver for communicating with the portable devices over at least one of the first and second networks. Optionally, the first and second networks may have different transmission characteristics, such as different transmit ranges, power levels and the like.

Abstract: The invention achieves secure data transmission in a communications system (1) employed to control safety-relevant processes, through the provision of cooperating evaluators (212, 222) arranged in a shared manner in communications stations (21, 22) in order to evaluate safety-oriented data in a simple and cost-effective way. Accordingly, the invention provides a method in which a data report is transmitted from a first station (21), by means of a communications system (1) designed for serial data transmission, to a second station and said data report is checked by means of a second evaluator (222) arranged in the second station (22). Depending on the results of the check of the data report, an acknowledgement report is transmitted from the second station (22) to the first station (21), which [acknowledgement report] likewise is checked by the evaluator (212) arranged in the first station (21). Furthermore, the invention provides for a system to carry out the method.

Abstract: An intrinsically safe communication and tracking system comprising an overlapping series of intrinsically safe WIFI units wherein said WIFI units contain one or more radio cards and one or more antennae, and said system further comprises communication devices, TAGs, and a CPU unit to monitor the system. Alternatively, intrinsically safe communication and tracking system may be used peer-to-peer. The system may contain client devices at least one client device chosen from the following: tracking software, voice recording, audio recording, signal strength testers, Ethernet capability, gas detector, digital camera, thermal imaging camera, temperature sensing equipment, and text messaging. The CPU may also have additional capabilities at least one additional capability chosen from the following: ability to patch into external communication systems, housing of records, monitoring of employees as they enter or leave an area, encryption of communications, and sending a signal to a satellite.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating point of sale (POS) data with electronic article surveillance (EAS) data, comprising a general-purpose computer for receiving and processing POS and EAS data is disclosed. The system and method preferable comprise reporting analyzed and collated data to a user.

Abstract: A personal multimedia communication system and network for emergency services personnel includes a plurality of personal communication systems linked together and to a base station in a network. Each personal communication system includes a PDA device mounted on a PASS control console, a video camera mounted on the PDA device, a GPS unit, a microphone, and other electronic devices. The various electronic devices are all communicatively connected to the PDA device. Data from the various devices may be collected in the PDA device and wirelessly transmitted to any other node or device in the network, including other personal communication devices. Each personal communication device may serve as a repeater, thus providing a wireless communications link between a device located out of range of the base station.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification connector connects a radio frequency identification device to an elongate member such as a safety cable.

Abstract: There is provided a system that includes an AC power input port for connection to an AC power line, an AC power output port for providing power from the AC power line, an AC power surge suppression circuit for limiting voltage at the AC power output port, a data port, a capacitive data coupler for coupling a data signal between the AC power input port and the data port, and a data port surge suppression circuit for limiting voltage at the data port.

Abstract: Adaptations to the OptiVol™ alert algorithm are disclosed which may reduce the number of false positive alerts while retaining the desired sensitivity. Some embodiments monitor fluid levels in patients. Some embodiments reset a cumulative index when a short-term impedance value is greater than a baseline impedance value minus a predetermined positive hysteresis value.

Abstract: A personal multimedia communication system and network for emergency services personnel includes a plurality of personal communication systems linked together and to a base station in a network. Each personal communication system includes a PDA device mounted on a PASS control console, a video camera mounted on the PDA device, a GPS unit, a microphone, and other electronic devices. The various electronic devices are all communicatively connected to the PDA device. Data from the various devices may be collected in the PDA device and wirelessly transmitted to any other node or device in the network, including other personal communication devices. Each personal communication device may serve as a repeater, thus providing a wireless communications link between a device located out of range of the base station.

Abstract: A method of data transmission from a sensor to a control unit and a sensor and control unit are described, the sensor transmitting both differential values and absolute values. The differential values are analyzed in the control unit to perform the function provided, and the absolute values are analyzed for the plausibility check of the function.

Abstract: The Alarm Shut Off System is an invention that will detect when there is smoke and shut off the supply of gas or electric power from the appliance to prevent the smoke from growing into a fire. This invention will save lives and property.

Abstract: Real-time condition data indicative of conditions is collected from at least one sensor at a particular location or from a plurality of sensors at different locations over time. The data collected from different locations is time-synchronized to produce data indicative of conditions at the different locations at one or more times. Real-time position data indicative of the location(s) of the sensor(s) are also collected over time. The collected real-time condition data are correlated with the collected real-time position data to produce correlated data indicative of conditions at the one or more locations over time. At least a portion of the collected and correlated data is analyzed to determine conditions at the one or more locations over time.

Abstract: An emergency shutdown test system, wherein the emergency shutdown test system includes an emergency shutdown device controller and sensors to provide data to the controller, the controller having a processor, a memory coupled to the processor and an auxiliary input, wherein an emergency shutdown test is stored in the memory, and the auxiliary input is adapted to receive a binary signal and sensor data. Routines are stored in the memory and are adapted to be executed on the processor to cause the emergency shutdown test to be performed in response to the receipt of the binary signal at the auxiliary input and to cause sensor data to be recorded in the memory during the emergency shutdown test.