Abstract: Apparatus for a monitoring and signalling system such as a home health care system. The monitoring and signalling system includes a plurality of ac-based sensors powered by an ac voltage and operative to monitor the occurrence of activities performed by an individual in his or her residence and to produce signals indicative of the occurrence of the monitored activities. Signals produced by the sensors during the presence of the ac voltage are processed by a microprocessor. A loss or absence of the ac voltage and the subsequent restoration of the ac voltage causes the ac-based sensors to produce signals falsely indicating the occurrence of monitored activities. In accordance with the present invention, the microprocessor operates to monitor the state of the ac voltage to detect a loss or absence of the ac voltage and a subsequent restoration thereof and, upon detecting the restoration of the ac voltage, to refuse to accept for processing, for a two-second interval, signals received from the sensors.

Abstract: A security system for alerting an intrusion disturbance at an entry point to a residence, or alerting as to other emergency conditions, such as fire is disclosed. In the system, a primary monitoring unit having intrusion detection sensors for placement at entry points to a residence produces an audible acoustic alarm signal upon the occurrence of an intrusion disturbance. The acoustic signal is detected by a secondary monitoring unit which in response transmits an electronic signal through the wiring in the residence. A central monitoring unit receives the transmitted electronic signal and activates an alerting alarm and automatic telephone dialer. The system may further include a portable alarm switch for transmitting a coded radio frequency signal to the central monitoring unit to provide remote activation of an alerting device.

Abstract: A carrier current security monitoring and control system utilizes the alternating current power distribution system for residential, commercial, and industrial applications employs a synchronously gated, stable radio frequency carrier. A continuously supervised remote monitoring system comprising a central module and a plurality of remote modules, operating in a full duplex transmission mode for maximum reliability and integrity in a hostile transmission environment is provided.

Abstract: An AC power line communications system includes means for transmitting data to and receiving data from a plurality of transceivers over a conventional AC power distribution network. A central procession unit is provided to poll a plurality of room control units which are placed in each room or designated area of a hotel, hospital or building complex. The central processing unit conducts this polling sequence by periodically transmitting, over the neutral and ground lines of the power distribution network, and interrogation signal having an address portion and a data portion. Each room control unit is arranged to receive the interrogation signal and to compare the address portion of this signal with an address previously programmed into the unit. If the address portion of the interrogation signal corresponds with the programmed address of the room control unit, the unit transmits a return signal to the central processing unit.

Abstract: A multiple annunciation system for a building, including a master unit and a plurality of remote units connected to the master unit by electric power wiring extending throughout the building. Each remote unit generates a characteristic code signal, and transmits this signal to the master unit over the power wiring. The master unit is programmed with a series of reference values corresponding to the individual remote units in the building, and the incoming code signals from the remote units are compared and checked against the corresponding reference values. Absence of an incoming code signal, due to an interruption in transmission of a remote unit, produces an alerting signal identifying the particular remote unit which has ceased to transmit.

Abstract: A system for providing perimeter security, intra-building communication and control functions, utilizes a pair of single wire loops placed about the periphery of the building, and spaced from one another. At least one facilities unit, for fire detection, appliance control and the like functions, has the powering battery thereof series-connected in one of the perimeter loops, and with that loop being connected to battery trickle-charging circuitry. Each of the unit batteries is bypassed by a capacitive element, selected for the frequency, partly determined by the capacitance between the pair of loops, of an oscillator for detecting proximity of intruders adjacent to the building periphery. The proximity-detection oscillator includes a transformer for coupling a data transceiver to and from the remaining loop, whereby voice and/or digital communications may be modulated upon a magnetic field extending throughout the interior of the building for communications to and from independent units therein.

Abstract: Power line communication over plural residential branch circuits is accommodated by creating a signal coupling inductive impedance in a tie conductor electrically interconnecting the grounded neutral bus, to which the branch circuit neutral conductors are commonly terminated, and a ground bus commonly terminating the branch circuit ground conductors, such as to support voltage signals propagating on the ground conductors with respect to the neutral conductors of the branch circuits. This inductive impedance is created either by a signal coupling transformer linked with the tie conductor and driven by a signal transmitter, with signal receivers capacitively coupled across the branch circuit neutral and ground conductors, or is of a passive nature, with both transmitters and receivers capacitively coupled across the branch circuit ground and neutral conductors.

Abstract: The security of manufactured apparatus is enhanced through reducing the motivation for theft by partitioning the design of the manufactured apparatus so as to provide a component essential to the operation that is destroyed both in function and in appearance on moving the apparatus, is clearly distinguishable from a common article of commerce and cannot be singly, economically produced. The security is enhanced because theft is not profitable since a cost equal to any profit is incurred to replace the destroyed part and chance of detection is increased. Small apparatus theft, such as occurs with a typewriter, is rendered impractical by providing a power cord that is distinctive in appearance, not economically singly replaceable, that is so fastened that it must be fractured in order to remove the apparatus.

Abstract: A system for transmission of binary signals between components of an alarm installation and across a transmission path, including an external wire network, comprises a converter for converting each of two logical conditions of two binary signals into respective signal frequencies, a coupler for coupling the alarm installation to the external wire network, a clamping circuit for clamping both binary signals to the same amplitude, providing the binary signals representing the two logical conditions with respective signal frequencies within a given range of frequencies and with a given frequency separation, and a band pass filter circuit at the receiving end of the transmission path for detecting the information signals, and exhibiting a narrow band pass responsive characteristic which is symmetrical with respect to the mean frequency of the two binary signals. Components of the system include a modulator, transmitting point, coupler, band pass filter, demodulator, and associated amplifiers.

Abstract: A security system has a locality station sensing security risks such as fires, electrical faults and break-ins, being powered by a single line from a central station. The loading on the power supply is determined by logic circuits to give direct remote indications of the security state at the locality station. The power supply is a square wave which is altered in waveform to give alternative commands to the locality station, e.g. to sound a warning or to operate a fire sprinkler, while continuing to supply power. To enable maximum use of the single line and single square wave, the latter is treated as two separate signals in that loading by the locality station is selective as regards the polarities. Similarly the alternative commands available are doubled by using separate control of the durations of the positive and negative square wave portions, while continuing to supply power.

Abstract: A data transmission system utilizing a power line transmits a data signal of a plurality of bits in a serial fashion in synchronism with the cycles of the alternating current of a power supply. A start signal, channel section signal, control data signal and end signal are sequentially generated to transmit the control data to a selected receiver to control a desired output. Each cycle is divided into at least two phase sections, the one being used for a busy signal and the other being used for a data signal. The data transmission system includes a plurality of transmitters and a plurality of receivers coupled to the power line. Each of the transmitters comprises a receiving circuit for receiving a busy signal from other transmitters, a transmitting circuit for transmitting a data signal, a key input switch for operation, a selecting switch for selecting a channel which receives the transmitted data signal, and a memory for storing the key input signal.

Abstract: A powersaving room security system including a switch connected to a door locking system which generates a lock signal congruous to proper locking of the door. A central control unit produces control signals which can be transmitted through the room AC lines. The control signal corresponds to the existence of the lock signal. Module units are respectively connected to each of the various electrical wall switches and receptacles in the room and respond to the control signals for correspondingly controlling the respective receptacles and wall switches. In this way, lights and appliances in the room can only be permanently energized from the room AC lines when the door of the room is properly locked. At the same time, the system provides an energy saving system by turning off all appliances and lights which the guests may have left on without leaving the room.

Abstract: A method for transmitting binary signals having two logical states over a foreign wiring network, in particular for transmitting signals between structural elements of an alarm installation over an electrical supply wiring network. At least one of the two logical states of the binary signals is converted into a particular frequency, provided to the foreign network, and selected on a receiving end by filtering devices. The method includes the steps of recovering the binary signals on the receiving end, and passing the recovered binary signals through first and second differentiating networks which form an interference trap to identify and block interference pulses present in the signal.

Abstract: A noise trap circuit which suppresses noise in a communication system of the type used in hotels and motels to transmit encoded communication signals such as room status information. The communication signals are transmitted on the neutral and ground lines of the AC power distribution network of the building. The noise trap circuit is an LCR circuit connected between the hot and neutral lines. The capacitor and inductor of the LCR circuit pass the communication signal band width, and the resistor has an impedance equal to the line impedance with the offending noise sources active. The communication system normally has a remote controller in each room of the building, and each remote controller is equipped with a noise trap circuit.

Abstract: A system for detecting fires in a barn or similar structure includes rate of rise heat detectors and temperature sensing cable. Upon detection of a predetermined rate of rise or a predetermined temperature the control circuitry of the system produces an output signal that activates an audible alarm mounted outside the barn. The control circuitry also produces an FM signal that travels through the power lines servicing the farm. The FM signal activates an audible alarm plugged into an electrical outlet in the home.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: A domestic protective system which utilizes existing household AC power lines to conduct system signals between remote stations or zones and a master receiver. The system signals are established by a single carrier frequency and include a data pulse of this frequency under normal conditions, and no data pulse under malfunction conditions. Locations of zones originating system data signals are identified by time delays established prior to data transmission from each zone, this delay triggered and synchronized by data transmissions transmitted from other zones.

Abstract: A primary load, such as a conventional household light bulb, is series connected to a power source. The conventional light switch is replaced by a series connected circuit to the source and lamp. The circuit has an energy storage capacitor and a diode. A secondary load, such as an alarm, is coupled across the capacitor through an SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier). A sensing circuit, such as a smoke detector, is also connected across the capacitor and triggers the SCR upon detection of an alarm condition. A timing circuit is coupled between the SCR output and the diode to intermittently control the light bulb operation at a predetermined frequency upon smoke detection or other alarm. A switch selectively places in the circuit a neon night light or dimmer circuit for the primary load. In an alternative circuit the primary load is operated at near full power during periods of non-alarm.

Abstract: Line security apparatus for a direct-wire alarm system utilizes a transmitter at the remote premises to impose on the direct current a small amplitude carrier frequency which is on/off modulated by a clocked, continuous progression of pseudo-random digital bits. A receiver, tuned for the carrier frequency, is utilized at the monitoring station to recover the progression of digital bits, if received at the monitoring station. A microprocessor at the monitoring station produces an identical and initially synchronous sequence of digital bits, compares the produced sequence to the progression of bits received, and effects a temporary alarm signal indicating that the line security is disrupted if the bits do not correspond. Because the lack of correspondence may be due to deviations of the transmitter and microprocessor clocks, the microprocessor seeks correspondence by shifting the produced sequence and, if successful, continues the comparison as shifted.

Abstract: A time multiplexed sensor monitoring system. A plurality of remote sensor units are connected to a central control unit by a two-wire bus line. Power is supplied to the remote unit sensors by the central control unit. Synchronization of the remote units is provided through momentary interruptions in the power supplied to the remote sensor units. The use of a single two-wire bus line for both application of DC signals to the respective remote sensor units and communication of data from the remote sensor units to the central control unit is facilitated by use of double tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signalling techniques.

Abstract: A self-contained modular chip within an induction motor housing detects and develops a motor operation signal, such as loading from motor characteristics such as slip analysis, and couples it by carrier current techniques to the power line for final processing in an external signal processing and meter display unit without necessitating wiring connections internally or externally to the motor.

Abstract: An alarm system for transmitting an alarm signal between remote locations utilizing frequency shift keying over conventional power lines. The alarm system includes a transmitter having a nominal frequency and circuitry for modulating the transmitter frequency. Upon detection of an alarm condition the modulating circuitry is disabled. A receiver is provided and has circuitry for detecting the presence or absence of modulation of the transmitter frequency. The receiver generates an alarm signal upon detection of absence of modulation and power failure of the system. The alarm signal is time-delayed to prevent nuisance alarms.

Abstract: Burglar alarms utilizing ultrasonic waves in which ultrasonic waves transmitted from a wave transmitting oscillator are reflected by such objects as doors, windows, floors, walls, etc. and such reflected ultrasonic waves will be received by a wave receiving oscillator. Then, when those received ultrasonic waves are disturbed by an illegal intruder, a change in signal will be detected and become an input signal for actuating alarms. Remote units each consisting of an amplifier, wave transmitting oscillator, wave receiving oscillator, etc. will be installed directed at doors, windows, etc., and such remote units are connected to a main unit consisting of a high-frequency voltage generator installed in an watching room or a control room.

Abstract: A simply installable, economical, room of a motel or hotel unit is provided in each room and an electrical device to be protected is connected to the room unit without the need for any modification of the device. The room unit is of sufficient sensitivity to sense various conditions indicative of an attempted theft, including the difficult to sense condition of cutting the power cord of the electrical device when the device is off. Each room unit is responsive to the detection of a condition indicating an attempted theft to produce a unique alarm signal which is coupled back to the AC power lines. The power supply lines of a plural phase AC power system customarily provided in the hotel or motel are used to transmit the alarm signals from the room units to receiving means for detection, and spare telephone lines which are customarily also available are used to transmit the detected alarm signals from the receivers to a central monitoring location.

Abstract: A line of 2-wire pilot devices using current level as a signal for implementing solid state control systems. A variety of alternative pilot devices such as flag type limit switch, magnetic type proximity switch, capacitance type proximity switch and temperature responsive switch, in addition to pushbutton switch, are usable as logic inputs to the system based upon two intermediate current levels. Shorted lines and open lines are detected by zero voltage and zero current levels, respectively. A variety of alternative outputs such as logic output and relay output are also useable in the system. In addition, tachometer and motion transducer systems with pulse inputs and pulse integrator and non-volatile memory outputs, respectively, are further possible modifications of the system.

Abstract: Both power to and detection signals from a remotely located condition monitoring device are provided via a single wire with return through the vehicle frame. A load switching circuit connected and responsive to the output of the condition monitoring device causes a particular current to be drawn from the line when the device and signal status are normal than when either is not. An indicator circuit connected into the line and responsive to the current drawn by the device and loading circuit provides a failsafe indication to the operator of the monitored condition and/or operational status of the system circuitry.