Abstract: This invention covers electronic time-temperature indicators with a visual output, and other devices and methods by which the thermal history of a material may be monitored, and the subsequent fitness for use of the tracked material may be quickly ascertained. In particular, the invention discloses a rapidly reprogrammable electronic time-temperature tag that may be easily customized with the thermal time-temperature stability profile of an arbitrary material, using electronic data transfer methods. Using this device, a single, low-cost, generic time-temperature tag may be mass-produced, and then subsequently programmed to mimic the stability characteristics of nearly any material of interest.

Abstract: An electrical cooking appliance has at least one cooktop with cooking zones becoming hot in a switched-on state, an optical residual heat indicator indicating hot cooking zones when line voltage is applied to the cooking appliance, a counter system switching off the residual heat indicator with a time delay after the switching-off of the cooking appliance connected to line voltage occurs, and a line voltage detector for detecting a presence of the line voltage at the cooking appliance. Information is stored in a memory of the counter system as long as a counter reading is greater than zero, and, after a line voltage interruption, the residual heat indicator remains activated for a certain period of time, in dependence on the inquired memory content, if the information in the memory indicates a counter value greater than zero.

Abstract: A method and a fire-alarm system controls stationary fire-extinguishing systems. The fire-alarm devices of the fire-alarm system are equipped with one or more detectors. If at least one pre-adjustable alarm threshold of a fire identification characteristic is reached, the fire-extinguishing device is activated and the fire detectors are selectively switched to a higher stage of sensitivity. The detectors to be switched are locally selected depending on the actual development of the fire in terms of space. The dynamic adaptation of the sensitivity of the detectors to the development of a fire permits analyzing the development of the fire through the generated smoke, water vapor or extinguishing-water mist, and to influence the fire-extinction process in a targeted manner.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained, self-powered, autonomous, consumer alarm device within the appliance unit utilizing three visual indicator means and one audible indicator means for providing an indication of normal operation and 4 alarm conditions. The alarm device provides visual and/or audible indications in the event 1) the appliance air temperature is normal; thereby, below the maximum temperature as recommended by the USDA for storage of food, 2) the appliance door is open/ajar for more than five minutes, 3) the appliance air temperature is greater than 40 degrees F., the maximum temperature recommended by the USDA for storage of food, 4) the appliance air temperature has been greater than 40 degrees F. for a period of more than 2 hours, thereby surpassing the USDA guidelines for food which should be consumed by humans, 5) the appliance air temperature has been elevated for “X” amount of time, wherein “X” equals the quantity of hours and 6) battery voltage is low.

Abstract: A vehicle compartment occupancy detection system is operable to detect a presence of a person or animal within a vehicle compartment, such as a vehicle cabin or trunk space, by detecting a change in an electric field within the compartment. The detection system includes an electric field generator and an electric field sensor which is operable to detect changes in the electric field generated within the compartment. The detection system may further be operable to activate an accessory in response to one or more inputs and the electric field sensor. The detection system may be operable in response to one or more inputs which are indicative of a hazardous condition within the vehicle compartment. The detection system may then be operable to take corrective action to at least partially alleviate the hazardous condition and/or to communicate to a person exteriorly of the vehicle that the hazardous condition exists.

Abstract: A machine to turn on the occupancy sensor(s) of a motor vehicle using a temperature sensing element. The temperature element senses a dangerously high temperature in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and energizes the occupancy sensors. The occupancy sensors energize for a time period sufficient to determine the presence or absence of an occupant. If no occupant is detected, the occupancy sensors de-energize after a set period of time. If an occupant is detected, an audible alarm is enabled to draw attention to the motor vehicle. Once the alarm is active, a key must be used to reset it. If no occupant is detected each operation of a door switch will cause an additional sensing provided the temperature remains dangerously high. This logic is only energized or enabled when a passenger compartment is dangerously high.

Abstract: A method for detecting fires is proposed that serves to avoid false alarms, by providing that an alarm threshold is determined as a function of signal parameters derived from at least one sensor signal. False alarms are thus advantageously precluded. This is still further improved by setting up an alarm interval for which the alarm threshold must be exceeded, if an alarm is to be indicated. The alarm interval can also be determined adaptively as a function of the signal parameters. An upper threshold and a e lower threshold are provided for the alarm interval and the alarm threshold, respectively, in order to build in a certain safety, so that the alarm threshold and alarm interval will not assume values that put a function of the fire detector at risk. It is also possible to use more sensor signals, in which case signal parameters can be generated by linking the sensor signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of an electrical power transformer includes a processor with input transducers for providing to the processor inputs indicative of electrical current in a winding of the transformer and ambient temperature outside the transformer. The processor is arranged using an algorithm based upon heat transfer to repeatedly calculate a first prediction, based upon the present values of electrical current and ambient temperature, of a time period before the hot spot temperature exceeds a pre-set allowable maximum and a second prediction, based upon the current value of power, of a time period before the accumulated loss of life exceeds a pre-set allowable maximum. If the shorter time period of the two calculations is less than a pre-set value, for example one half hour, the processor generates an alarm signal and a display counting down the time remaining in the period, together with a second alarm signal at a shorter second time of for example one quarter hour.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the operating temperature within a card shelf having a plurality of discrete electronic cards includes receiving a first temperature indicative of an operating temperature of an item on one of the electronic cards. A second temperature indicative of an ambient temperature in which the electronic card is operating is also received. Based on the first and second temperatures, a temperature controller determines whether the item is operating within specified limits.

Abstract: A swathing guidance system includes a controller storing data defining a desired vehicle path, a position detector subsystem such as a differential GPS receiver, and a display to graphically display current spatial parameters and corrective steering actions to place the vehicle on the desired path or to maintain it on the path. The controller periodically selects a future intercept point on the path and calculates a steering correction angle to point the vehicle toward the intercept point. The display includes a steering guide which displays the steering correction angle relative to the current heading and the current track error or distance from the desired path. The steering correction angle can alternatively be applied to an automatic steering mechanism to automatically maintain the vehicle on the desired path. In agricultural applications, the system is applicable to both parallel and contour cultivation modes.

Abstract: A system for specifying a trigger logic condition, including an interface device, a simple condition editor module in communication with the interface device for permitting definition of a condition region relative to a multi-dimensional coordinate system via the interface device using a set of attribute commands, and for recognizing a multi-parameter condition associated with the condition region based on the attribute commands used to define the condition region, and a complex condition editor module in communication with the interface device for permitting definition of the trigger logic condition on the interface device as an arrangement of a plurality of tiles defining a logical relationship for the tiles according to a predefined notation, wherein at least one tile represents one of a multi-parameter condition recognized by the simple condition editor module and an action to be performed, and for recognizing the trigger logic condition associated with the arrangement based on the predefined notation.

Abstract: A monitor of a body parameter of an infant, comprises at least one monitoring station having at least one sensor arranged to sense a body parameter of an infant, a controller responsive to the sensing of the body parameter of the infant by the at least one sensor to generate a signal that is either indicative of the sensed body parameter or indicative of a result from a comparison of the sensed body parameter with at least one value, and a transceiver arranged to transmit the signal in response to direction from the controller and at least one companion station having a further transceiver and having an output device and being spaced from the at least one monitoring station, the further transceiver being responsive to receipt of the signal to transmit the signal to the output device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for recognizing potential overheating of an object. For this purpose the temperature of the object is measured by means of temperature sensors. A signal processing arrangement determines the temperature gradient from the measured temperature values. A comparator compares the determined value of the temperature gradient with a threshold value generated by a threshold value generator. When the threshold value is exceeded, a warning signal generator triggers a warning signal. This warning signal can be an acoustical or optical signal. In addition or alternatively, the warning signal can activate a protective measure arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting fire with light section image to sense smoke. Infrared radiation arrays (1) and infrared cameras (2) are provided in a monitored area. The images of the infrared light spots transmitted by the infrared radiation arrays (1) are converted into video signals by the infrared cameras (2), and transferred to a video switcher (3). The video switcher sends the video signals received from the infrared cameras to a computer (4) one by one. The computer processes the signals. If fire is sensed, the computer controls the alarm unit (5) to alarm by a linkage.

Abstract: A method and a fire-alarm system controls stationary fire-extinguishing systems. The fire-alarm devices of the fire-alarm system are equipped with one or more detectors. If at least one pre-adjustable alarm threshold of a fire identification characteristic is reached, the fire-extinguishing device is activated and the fire detectors are selectively switched to a higher stage of sensitivity. The detectors to be switched are locally selected depending on the actual development of the fire in terms of space. The dynamic adaptation of the sensitivity of the detectors to the development of a fire permits analyzing the development of the fire through the generated smoke, water vapor or extinguishing-water mist, and to influence the fire-extinction process in a targeted manner.

Abstract: An improved fire alarm system capable of reliably detecting the presence of fire caused by different sources. The fire alarm system detects a smoke density (S) as well as a temperature difference (&Dgr;T) within a predetermined time interval, and has primary criteria of (i) whether the smoke density (S) exceeds a smoke threshold [e.g., S>5%/m]; (ii) whether the temperature difference (&Dgr;T) exceeds a temperature difference threshold [e.g., &Dgr;T≧18 C]; and (iii) whether a combination of S and &Dgr;T satisfies an inequality [e.g. 2S+&Dgr;T≧12] which is based upon a decreasing function of &Dgr;T with an increase of S. The detected smoke density and the temperature difference are examined with reference to the primary criteria so as to provide a fire warning signal indicating a possible fire presence when anyone of the above primary criteria is satisfied.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring the food product of a remote food product retailer. The system includes a management center in communication with the remote food product retailer via a communication network. The communication network is accessible via a user interface that may be located at any of the management center, the remote location or some other location. The management center gathers food product temperature information and uses that information to determine whether the shelved food product is within acceptable food safety and quality limits. If the food product exceeds these limits, an alarm is sounded at either the management center and the remote location. The user interface is operable to monitor the status of the food product via a selection of screens and remotely respond to the alarms.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for configuring a tunnel fire detection system including a linear heat sensor. The fire detection system is configured based on a plurality of tunnel parameters describing the tunnel, a plurality of sensor parameters describing the linear heat sensor, and a plurality of partial fire models describing aspects of fire development. The system and method calculates fire development based on the plurality of tunnel parameters, the plurality of sensor parameters, and the plurality of partial fire models. The system and method can set the fire alarm time, the installation point of the sensor cable and the alarm limit values of the detection system such that a potential fire is quickly and reliably detected.

Abstract: An automotive docking station includes user interface keys, an interface to a GPS receiver, an interface to a hand held processor, and a power interface to a vehicle. A method of using a docking station includes reading a current location from a GPS receiver integrated onto the docking station, and sending the current location to a hand held processor integrated onto the docking station to display a local map.

Abstract: A control method using power to prevent overheat inside of an electric equipment includes a setting unit, a sensing unit, a central processing unit, an alarm unit, a power cut-off protection unit, and s control unit. The detecting values are supplied by the sensing members of the sensing unit into the central processing unit to be compared with the setting temperature value. The central processing unit then outputs a corresponding control signal to the control unit which controls the loads to perform actions of unload or reload. When the temperature values of the detected members reach the setting temperature values, the central processing unit outputs a control signal to the alarm unit to send an alarm while the power cut-off protection unit cuts off the power of the electric equipment, thereby preventing the detected members from being overheated so as to increase the used lifetime, and thereby assuring the operational functions of the detected members.

Abstract: An electronic candy and oil thermometer includes a housing having a visual display for displaying indicia associated with a plurality of candy cooking stages and a plurality of fried foods. The housing includes a controller having operating protocols and a memory for storing predetermined optimal temperature ranges for each said candy cooking stage and each said fried food. The electronic thermometer also includes a temperature sensing probe projecting from the housing for obtaining temperature readings and transmitting the temperature readings to the controller, and a control interface provided on the housing and in communication with the controller for selectively activating either a first of the operational protocols for monitoring temperatures associated with the candy cooking stages or a second of the operational protocols for monitoring temperatures associated with the fried foods.

Abstract: A heat protection apparatus includes a heat sink adapted for mounting to a computer chip for dissipating heat generated thereby, the heat sink having a base defining a channel peripherally thereabout. A cooling fan is mounted to the heat sink for dispersing the dissipated heat. The apparatus includes a logic circuit capable of evaluating resistance input data and capable of energizing an alarm upon a programmed condition. The apparatus includes a temperature sensitive polymeric tape spanning between a pair of conductors connected to the circuit. The conductors and polymeric tape are mounted in the channel. The circuit energizes the alarm if the resistance data indicates a temperature greater than a predetermined critical temperature parameter or if the data indicates a temperature rate of rise greater than a critical rate of rise parameter. The alarm may be audible or provide a visual indicator to a computer display.

Abstract: An electronically controlled appliance capable of automatically adjusting a contrast level of a data display module is disclosed. The device includes an appliance, an intelligent control electrically connected to the appliance and adapted for controlling the appliance, a data display module capable of contrast adjustment and electrically connected to the intelligent control, a data storage medium electrically connected to the intelligent control storing software instructions for monitoring the amount of time the appliance is in an active state and instructions for compensating for the temperature change associated with the amount of time by adjusting the contrast level of the data display module.

Abstract: Providing an animal shield having two halves snapped together around an electrical bushing and connector. The animal shield has a multiplicity of closely spaced apart openings substantially covering its body. An infrared camera is aimed at the animal shield and the temperature output of the electrical bushing and connector are recorded. If the temperature reading shows a temperature output of more than 5° F. over ambient, a report is made so that the bushing and connector can be serviced by appropriate personnel.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a high impedance load on an output of a driver circuit having a power switching circuit providing output signals to a coil. Each output signal results from a drive signal that has a waveform comprising a higher magnitude initial peak period followed by a lower magnitude hold period. The driver circuit has a feedback circuit providing a difference signal as a function of a difference between an output signal and a corresponding drive signal. A diagnostic circuit connected to the driver circuit provides a high impedance error signal in response to detecting the difference signal crossing a threshold magnitude during a higher magnitude initial peak period of a drive signal.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring the food product of a remote food product retailer. The system includes a management center in communication with the remote food product retailer via a communication network. The communication network is accessible via a user interface that may be located at any of the management center, the remote location or some other location. The management center gathers food product temperature information and uses that information to determine whether the shelved food product is within acceptable food safety and quality limits. If the food product exceeds these limits, an alarm is sounded at either the management center and the remote location. The user interface is operable to monitor the status of the food product via a selection of screens and remotely respond to the alarms.

Abstract: An incipient failure indication apparatus for an environmental control system which includes a heat exchanger through which air flows and a temperature control thermostat. The indication apparatus includes an indicator having an alarm in communication with a control board, the control board in communication with the thermostat. The alarm has a visual indicator and/or an aural indicator, whereby the attention of a person is attracted to the indicator upon activation of the alarm. A first temperature sensor is disposed on the upstream side of the heat exchanger and a second temperature sensor is disposed on the downstream side of the heat exchanger, whereby the temperature sensors respectively sense the temperature of the air upstream and downstream of the heat exchanger. The first and second temperature sensors are in communication with the control board, and the control board has means for comparing the temperatures sensed thereby.

Abstract: A method and structure for preventing damage to an electronic device. The structure includes a sensor outputting signals indicating environmental conditions experienced by the electronic device, a non-volatile memory storing ones of the signals that exceed a limit, and an output device outputting signals stored in the non-volatile memory, thereby providing a history of the environmental conditions experienced by the electronic device that exceed the limit.

Abstract: An energy efficient, easily manufacturable, multi-sensor detector incorporates a smoke sensor and a thermal sensor. A single die programmed processor with integrally formed storage circuits for programs and parameters senses sensor signals, from different types of sensors, during a common activation cycle and processes those signals during the same cycle. The processor can also monitor the condition of an energy supplying battery and provide modulation signals to an audible output device. Other detector functions can be interleaved between output device modulation signals to minimize the cost of the programmed processor and thereby provide the required functionality very cost effectively.

Abstract: A smoke alarm device has an ASIC (1) with an integrated photo detector (3) and control circuit. The photo detector output is compared every ten seconds with an alarm threshold level in a comparator circuit (10), with a sensitivity-decrease threshold in a comparator circuit (11), and with a sensitivity-increase threshold in a comparator circuit (12). A logic block (2) causes sensitivity to be increased or decreased in which decreases take place at intervals of six hours and increases take place after 40 secs. The logic block (2) provides for least sensitivity at power-up with rapid increases to the appropriate level according to the level of back-scatter caused by dust contamination. The logic block (2) maintains a high signal on an interconnect terminal (9) for four seconds after a test button (7) is pressed so that a maintenance person can hear remote interconnected devices after the local device has stopped sounding.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining at least one boil phase of a liquid is provided. The boil phase is determined from an acoustic signal generated by the liquid during heating, the acoustic signal is measured by an acoustic sensor. The apparatus comprises at least one filter connected to the acoustic sensor. The at least one filter receives and filters the acoustic signal to eliminate excess variation and to eliminate high frequency noise from the acoustic signal producing a filtered acoustic signal. At least one derivative estimation filter is also provided and is connected to the at least one filter. The at least one derivative estimation filter estimates at least one derivative of the filtered acoustic signal. A processor is provided and is connected to the at least one filter and the at least one derivative estimation filter. The processor identifies the at least one boil phase of the liquid using at least the filtered acoustic signal and at least one derivative of the filtered acoustic signal.

Abstract: The system includes a sensor for each junction box in the building to be guarded, e.g., the residence, and a display panel showing the temperature of any junction box that is heated above the danger point. Another display panel shows the name of the resident and address of the residence, and the location of the heated junction box by room number and junction box number and the shape of the junction box. A plurality of residences are connected with a central station, such as a fire station, by a single telephone line to each residence. A single processing unit is located in each residence, and a single such unit is located in the central display station. A display panel is located in the central station identical with each display in a residence.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of an electrical power transformer includes a processor with input transducers for providing to the processor inputs indicative of electrical current in a winding of the transformer and ambient temperature outside the transformer. The processor is arranged using an algorithm based upon heat transfer to repeatedly calculate a first prediction, based upon the present values of electrical current and ambient temperature, of a time period before the hot spot temperature exceeds a pre-set allowable maximum and a second prediction, based upon the current value of power, of a time period before the accumulated loss of life exceeds a pre-set allowable maximum. If the shorter time period of the two calculations is less than a pre-set value, for example one half hour, the processor generates an alarm signal and a display counting down the time remaining in the period, together with a second alarm signal at a shorter second time of for example one quarter hour.

Abstract: A temperature monitor for monitoring a temperature of an electrically operated fluid dispenser having a coil mounted adjacent an armature within the dispenser. The coil selectively generates an electromagnetic field to move the armature between opened and closed positions. The temperature monitor includes current measuring apparatus for measuring a current in the coil and a comparator for comparing a measured current value to a desired current value. An indicator provides an indication representing a relationship between the measured current value and the desired current value. The temperature monitor also has different indicators for providing different indications representing different values of the measured current relative to a desired current value.

Abstract: An alert device for providing a warning of a baby's condition which may lead to the onset of SIDS. The alert device includes a receiver for receiving a signal, which has an element for warning a person proximate to the receiver of the baby's condition. A transmitter for transmitting a signal to the receiver includes a device for connecting the transmitter to a baby and is located remotely from the receiver. A transducer includes a device for connecting the transducer to a baby's chest, with the transducer further including a pressure-sensitive and/or a temperature-sensitive activation element to be located on the baby's chest.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the operating temperature within a card shelf having a plurality of discrete electronic cards includes receiving a first temperature indicative of an operating temperature of an item on one of the electronic cards. A second temperature indicative of an ambient temperature in which the electronic card is operating is also received. Based on the first and second temperatures, a temperature controller determines whether the item is operating within specified limits.

Abstract: A process fluid temperature transmitter includes circuitry that improves compensation of error due to the presence of one or more non-associated voltage sources in a resistance temperature device (RTD) circuit. A method of compensating for such error is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method of predicting a life time of a device and determining a life time left for the device, includes a temperature sensor, disposed proximate to the device, sensing temperatures of the device at a plurality of time intervals; a memory, coupled to the sensor, recording the sensed temperatures from the sensor; and a controller, coupled to the memory, determining life time points of the device corresponding to the temperatures, calculating accumulated life time points of the device on account for the time intervals to predict the life time of the device. In operation, given a measured temperature, a life time left for the device is determined. Accordingly, the device can be replaced by a new device before it fails, thereby improving reliability of a system, such as a communication system at BTS (Base Transceiver Station).

Abstract: An indexed database alarm and monitor, for assigning each unit of a multiple unit system a labeled index of pre-selected designations, and or descriptions of use by voice-playback and reporting, by voice-playback of first detecting units designation and or description of use by each unit in the system. Being comprised of the following components, a fire sensor, an alarm IC with piezo horn and detection I/O, a multiple position encoder, a 8-bit dip switch, a radio frequency decoder transmitter and receiver encoder with antenna switch and antenna, a voice-playback device with speaker and a microcontroller all housed within one unit. A complete system being comprised of a plurality of said units, equal to the number of positions on the multiple position encoder, each units multiple position encoders position being different and generating a different index.

Abstract: In a control unit for a torque converter with a lockup mechanism, the surface temperature of a clutch friction material in a lockup clutch is calculated with a surface temperature calculation unit B3, the surface temperature of the clutch friction material so calculated is compared with a predetermined first allowable temperature with a surface temperature comparison unit B4, and when the surface temperature of the clutch friction material is judged to have reached or exceeded the first allowable temperature, a friction material temperature reduction operating unit B5 is started to operate to reduce the surface temperature of the clutch friction material.

Abstract: An electronic device for monitoring the cold chain of a product, which measures the temperature, carries out the product of the measured temperature by a determined coefficient depending on the temperature, successively adds the products and records the running total obtained, and which includes a visual control. The measuring of the temperature is carried out at regular time intervals.

Abstract: The present temperature monitor is comprised of a thermistor and a reference resistor connected to a capacitor in parallel. The capacitor is charged through the thermistor by a microcontroller to determine the thermistor charging time, discharged, and then charged through the reference resistor to determine a reference charging time. The thermistor charging time is divided by the reference charging time to determine the thermistor value, which is converted into an actual temperature by using a conventional algorithm. The microcontroller is programmed to activate various indicators to show the ambient temperature relative to one or more acceptable ranges, whether the temperature has reached the acceptable ranges within an acceptable time period, and whether the temperature has had an upward trend prior to reaching the acceptable ranges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for recognizing potential overheating of an object. For this purpose the temperature of the object is measured by means of temperature sensors. A signal processing arrangement determines the temperature gradient from the measured temperature values. A comparator compares the determined value of the temperature gradient with a threshold value generated by a threshold value generator. When the threshold value is exceeded, a warning signal generator triggers a warning signal. This warning signal can be an acoustical or optical signal. In addition or alternatively, the warning signal can activate a protective measure arrangement.

Abstract: A brake shoe assembly includes a backing plate and a brake lining. The brake lining has an interface surface abutting the backing plate and a frictionally engaging surface that frictionally contacts a vehicle. The brake lining is provided with a temperature measuring system embedded therein which may measure the temperature directly on the frictionally engaging surface of the brake lining material by way of a heat pipe. The temperature measuring device communicates with a control that activates a signal when a predetermined abnormal degree of heat is generated on the frictionally engaging surface of the brake lining. Thus, a fault in the braking mechanism is indicated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to use the temperature of a transmitting radio to prevent transmission of radio waves outside of an assigned frequency band. More specifically, if a transmitter exceeds a specified temperature the transmitter will be automatically disabled to prevent temperature caused frequency shifts outside the approved frequency transmission band for the transmitter. The transmitter has a temperature sensor that senses temperature and compare the operating temperature against a preselected temperature limit. It the operating temperature either is too hot or too cold the transmitter will be disabled and will not transmit until the temperature falls or rises to an acceptable level.

Abstract: A method and system for warning of an abnormal water supply in a washing machine first determines whether cool and hot water supply valves are opened or closed, and then detects a temperature of water being supplied to the washing machine when one of the cool and hot water supply valves is opened. Next, a temperature type of water according to the detected temperature of the water is identified and it is determined whether the water is normally supplied or not by comparing opened/closed states of the cool and hot water supply valves with the temperature type of water identified. Finally, an alarm of an abnormal water supply is given when the water is abnormally supplied.

Abstract: For storing identification number information of terminals in a reception unit such as a fire control and indicating equipment, it is unnecessary to replace a memory with another at a factory or an installation site. Moreover, a man-made error accompanying a modification work is prevented. In a fire alarm system, a plurality of fire supervising or control terminals are connected to the reception unit. Identification number information that varies depending on the type of a terminal is assigned to the plurality of terminals. The reception unit includes an electrically rewriteable nonvolatile memory, an acquisition device, and a rewriting device. The identification number information of the plurality of connected terminals is stored in the nonvolatile memory that is electrically programmable. The acquisition device acquires identification number information from the plurality of terminals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining and communicating a need for water heater clean out based on scale deposit buildup is disclosed in which a sensed increase in average reheat time is employed as a measure of deposit buildup and to initiate a clean out alert.

Abstract: A temperature determining apparatus produces a predetermined reference voltage from an operating voltage supplied thereto from the outside, divides the reference voltage with a pair of resistance values having different temperature-resistance characteristics to produce a first divided voltage and divides the reference voltage with a pair of resistance values having the same temperature-resistance characteristic to produce a second divided voltage, and compares the first and second divided voltages to determine a threshold temperature. Since the reference voltage is constant as long as an ambient temperature is not changed even when the operating voltage is changed, the first and second divided voltages are not changed depending on the operating voltage, thereby allowing the determination of an ambient temperature with favorable accuracy in a wide range of operating voltages.

Abstract: A fire detector assembly comprises a base (1) and a sensor (5) adapted to fit the base. The base (1) is provided with passive means, such as pins (6) or contacts arranged in a pattern to represent an address of the detector. When the sensor (5) is fitted to the base (1), reading means in the sensor reads the address code and thereby conditions the sensor to receive appropriate signals from a control unit.