Abstract: Systems and methods for extinguishing a fire on an exterior surface of a building are disclosed. A fire detection system identifies the presence of a fire and in response a valve is actuated to direct water through a fluid channel out of an orifice and onto an exterior surface of the building. The water is delivered such that it flows down the exterior surface without ejecting away from the building.

Abstract: In an example, monitoring circuitry includes a first and a second coupling to electrically connect the monitoring circuitry to a monitored circuit having a resistance. The resistance of the monitored circuit may be indicative of a status, and the monitored circuit may be connected in series between the first and second coupling. The first coupling comprises a plurality of galvanically separated connection elements which are to form an electrical connection with a common connection element of the monitored circuit. The monitoring circuitry further comprises a monitoring apparatus to determine the resistance of the monitored circuit via the first coupling and the second coupling. The monitoring apparatus is to acquire a plurality of electrical values and to use the plurality of electrical values to determine a value of the resistance of the monitored circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting excess absorption of therapeutic radiation at a bend in a fiber, and the possibility of imminent fiber failure, by monitoring stimulated radiation emission by phosphors in a coating of the fiber, the stimulated emission being caused by leakage of an aiming beam through the cladding into the coating. To accomplish the detection, a conventional monitoring method and equipment are modified to detect the absence of, or an interruption in, the stimulated emission, which is caused by separation of the coating from the cladding in the area of the bend as a result of the excess absorption.

Abstract: A blister pack for dispensing medication comprises a substantially flat backing, blisters formed on the backing, breakable resistive traces, conductive traces, a power source for applying electrical power to the traces, and a controller. The blisters and the backing form cavities for containing the medication, and each blister is coupled with another blister to form pairs of blisters. Resistive traces are applied to the backing under each blister. For each pair of blisters, the resistive traces under a first blister of the pair of blisters is connected in parallel by the conductive traces with the resistive traces under a second blister of the pair of blisters. The controller detects breakage of the resistive traces under the blisters for each pair of blisters by measuring the voltage across the resistive traces under each pair of blisters, and communicate the status to a remote server for instant analysis and reporting to parties of interest.

Abstract: A package comprises a body, and an electrically conductive pattern supported by said body. An interface portion is configured to receive a module to a removable attachment with the package. The electrically conductive pattern comprises, at least partly within said interface portion, a wireless coupling pattern that constitutes one half of a wireless coupling arrangement.

Abstract: In a power conversion apparatus that is configured to cool switching elements by using a boiling-refrigerant-type cooling device that uses a boiling phenomenon of a refrigerant included therein, an inverter control unit that controls the switching elements (Su to Sz) by generating a gate command capable of stabilizing boiling of the refrigerant includes a modulation-mode selection unit that determines stability of the cooling device based on an element-temperature estimation value that is an estimated temperature of the switching elements (Su to Sz), and that decides and selects a modulation mode PM for controlling the switching elements (Su to Sz) based on a determination result, and a gate-command generation unit that generates a gate command G based on the modulation mode PM selected by the modulation-mode selection unit.

Abstract: A method for scanning and securing a container including a plurality of at least partially composite panels defining an interior volume is disclosed. The method includes: storing unique identification information in an identification element within container; sealing the container; monitoring the container for intrusion; without breaching the seal of the container, remotely identifying the container based on the unique identity information without breaching the seal of the container; without breaching the seal of the container; scanning the identified container to determine the presence or absence of a nuclear weapon in the interior volume; and if the scan determines no nuclear weapon is present remotely storing certificate information associated with the identity of the container in a remote monitor unit.

Abstract: The inventive concept provides MIT devices molded by clear compound epoxy and fire detecting devices including the MIT device. The fire detecting device is supplied with a power source from a power control device. The fire detecting device includes a MIT device including a MIT chip molded by a clear compound epoxy, a diode bridge circuit supplied with the power source from the power control device for providing a non-polar power source, a notice circuit supplied with the non-polar power source from the diode bridge circuit for warning of a fire alarm in response to a detecting signal from the MIT device, and a stabilization circuit for maintaining the detecting signal for a certain period.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes an output pad, an alarm output pad, and a test mode output pad. A first multi-bit register is programmable to store programmable data such as data that identifies a customer for whom the integrated circuit has been manufactured. A second multi-bit register is programmable to store customer specified threshold data. A first circuit selectively couples the first and second multi-bit registers to the output pad. The first circuit is operable responsive to the integrated circuit being placed into a test mode to perform parallel-to-serial conversion of either the customer identification data stored in the first multi-bit register or the customer specified threshold data stored in the second multi-bit register and drive the converted data for output through the output pad. The integrated circuit further includes a tamper detection circuit operable responsive to the customer specified threshold data to generate a tamper alarm signal.

Abstract: The Med-ic™ Electronic Compliance Monitor (ECM) addresses the problem of patient non-compliance with prescribed medication. The Med-ic™ ECM provides precise information about the patient's use of blister-packaged medication in clinical research and general pharmacy settings. Using an on-board central processing unit (CPU), the Med-ic™ ECM records the time each tablet or capsule is expelled from the blister package, keeping a record for later analysis. At the time of refilling or follow-up visit, the information is downloaded to the research assistant's, physician's or pharmacist's computer where it can be displayed graphically. The data can be stored for later analysis. Production of a Med-ic™ ECM Tag involves numerous steps. These steps incorporate certain methods and technologies to accomplish their objective, the steps being detailed in the specification.

Abstract: A tape seal includes electronic circuitry to detect tamper- and manipulation events relating to sealed items in various embodiments. A complex impedance is formed in a continuous seal. The seal is designed in such a way, that any attempt to break or remove the seal results in a change of the complex impedance. An electronic module in connection with the seal quantifies a complex impedance, and when a change is detected above a programmed threshold, this is treated as a tamper event. In one embodiment, the inclusion of reference impedances are applied to allow a more precise detection of a tamper event and allow for automatic calibration of natural variations of the complex impedance. In a further embodiment, a method of determining tampering with a sealed item is disclosed.

Abstract: A design structure embodied in a machine readable medium used in a design process includes a circuit that employs an anti-tamper sensor. The circuit employs an anti-tamper sensor that includes a circuit element that is responsive to a first input and to a second input. A selective coupling element couples the circuit element to the first input and is responsive to the anti-tamper sensor. The selective coupling element has a first state that allows the circuit element to operate normally when the anti-tamper sensor does not detect a tamper condition and is configured to enter a second state that causes the circuit element to become inoperable when the anti-tamper sensor detects a tamper condition. A decoy coupling element is disposed between the second input and the circuit element and has an appearance corresponding to the selective coupling element.

Abstract: Indicator devices and systems for explosion proof enclosures are described. The indicator devices include a sleeve, a dome-like transparent member, a connector body, a first and second contact, a means for preventing the first contact from contacting the second contact, and an indicator. Upon an increase in a temperature or a pressure near the means for preventing (for example, within the enclosure), the means for preventing allows the first and second contacts to contact, thereby completing an electrical circuit from a power source to the indicator (such as a light or an alarm). The indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to an explosion proof enclosure containing critical equipment.

Abstract: A circuit that employs an anti-tamper sensor includes a circuit element that is responsive to a first input and to a second input. A selective coupling element couples the circuit element to the first input and is responsive to the anti-tamper sensor. The selective coupling element has a first state that allows the circuit element to operate normally when the anti-tamper sensor does not detect a tamper condition and is configured to enter a second state that causes the circuit element to become inoperable when the anti-tamper sensor detects a tamper condition. A decoy coupling element is disposed between the second input and the circuit element and has an appearance corresponding to the selective coupling element. The decoy coupling element will cause the circuit element not to operate normally if the decoy coupling element has a selected physical property of the selective coupling element in the first state.

Abstract: An anti-tamper system is provided. The anti-tamper system comprises a clamshell protective encasement adapted to encapsulate at least one device on a single circuit board such that at least one electrical connector of the single circuit board is accessible. The anti-tamper system also comprises one or more sensors embedded inside the clamshell protective encasement, the one or more sensors being adapted to detect unauthorized attempts to tamper with the clamshell protective encasement.

Abstract: An improved system and method for protecting sensitive electronic equipment or components against unauthorized access, by detecting and also reacting to unauthorized intrusions into the enclosures for the sensitive electronic equipment or components is disclosed. For example, a protective system for protecting sensitive electronic equipment or components against unauthorized access is disclosed that includes a fiber optic cable mesh or network attached to, or embedded in, the walls of the enclosure for the electronic equipment or components. A continuous signal or burst is applied to the fiber optic cable, which is coupled to an optical signal detection device. Thus, any attempt to remove or penetrate the walls of the enclosure interrupts the signal in the fiber optic cable, and the interruption of the signal is detected by the optical signal detection device.

Abstract: A high-frequency dielectric heating device includes: a microwave output unit including an inverter unit using a semiconductor switching element, heat-radiating fins for radiating the heat generated by an IGBT, and a printed board having a thermistor for detecting the temperature of the semiconductor switching element, The thermistor is soldered to a leg portion of the semiconductor switching element or near to the leg portion thereof on the side of the soldering surface of the printed board. The device also includes: a booster transformer, a high-voltage rectifier unit, and a magnetron; and a heat-cooking chamber fed with microwaves radiated from the magnetron. When the thermistor has assumed a predetermined resistance, a power-down control operation is effected by greatly decreasing the power fed to the semiconductor switching element. Then, permitting the power fed to the semiconductor switching element to vary depending upon the resistance of the thermistor.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a temperature of a structure, comprising: one or more electrically conductive loops adapted to be affixed to the structure, each including first and second elongate connection strips each made of a first metal composition having a first melting point, and a temperature sensitive band connected between the first and second connection strips and made of a second metal composition having a second melting point less than the first melting point. The apparatus further comprises a monitor, connected to respective ends of the first and second connection strips spaced-apart from the temperature sensitive band, configured to detect an open-circuit in the one or more electrically conductive loops caused when the temperature sensitive band separates from either of the connection strips.

Abstract: Movement of a movable barrier (10) such as, for example, a vertically-dropping fire door, can be controlled in an informed manner and with greater flexibility regarding the manner of movement via, in one embodiment, use of a motor (20) as a generator to resist the downward movement of the barrier. One or more dummy electrical loads (22) can be used in combination with the generator mode of operation to influence the degree of braking proffered by the motor. In various embodiments, one or more sensors (25, 26, 27) can be used to detect local and remote conditions of interest to thereby at least partially inform the barrier movement decision process. A display (90) (or displays) can serve to provide various kinds of information to authorized personnel and an operator control (120) can serve, at least under some operating circumstances, to permit a person to locally cause a closed barrier to move to at least a partially opened position.

Abstract: A replicate can be secured to a blister package intended to contain articles, such as pills, and is used to record the removal of individual articles from the blisters. To remove an article from a blister one will usually press against the blister to push the article through a frangible closure seal, breaking the seal in the process. The replicate includes a backing sheet which carries a plurality of traces alignable with corresponding blisters so that when the article is removed from the blister it will not only break the seal but it will also break the corresponding trace. All of the traces are connected to an integrated circuit which may also be formed or provided on the backing sheet, as is a power source for the integrated circuit. The breaking of the trace is an event that is recorded in the integrated circuit for later accessability. The replicate may be secured to the blister package after the package has been produced by conventional form-fill-seal equipment.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus that determines the location of an impermissible tamper on an object, such as an impermissible attempt to gain access to a manhole system or an attempt to steal a work of art, includes a housing disposed adjacently to the object. A fiber optic cable runs through the housing. The object includes a portion that cooperates with internal components of the housing to maintain the fiber optic cable in a non-attenuated state. Upon the impermissible tamper, that portion of the object no longer cooperates with the internal components of the housing. An elastic force internal to the housing cooperates with more internal housing components to create a microbend to the fiber optic cable. Using known optical time domain reflectometer technology, the location of the microbend along the fiber optic cable is readily discerned.

Abstract: A tamper sensing circuit is provided for an electrical device wherein an enclosure may be opened to access data by a user that does not possess the ability to achieve normal access by satisfying data security measures such as use of a password. A screw used to secure enclosure halves together is connected by a conductive coating at the enclosure member surface into which the screw is threaded to connect a tamper sensing circuit to the device ground potential. A tamper sensing circuit output node is maintained at the circuit ground potential as long as the screw is in electrical contact with the enclosure conductive coating. When the screw is disengaged from the enclosure member threaded opening, the output node is no longer grounded and rises to a supplied electrical potential indicating tampering and enabling appropriate corrective action.

Abstract: A fault detection system detecting malfunctions or deteriorations, which may result in an inverter fault, is provided. The system has a temperature sensor installed on a semiconductor module to monitor a temperature rise rate. It is judged that an abnormal condition has occurred if the thermal resistance is increased by the deterioration of a soldering layer of the semiconductor module or by drive circuit malfunctions and, as a result, the relation between an operation mode and the temperature rise rate falls outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: An electric motor control apparatus of this invention estimates changes in temperature of a semiconductor device to compute temperature change amplitude 108 based on an output current signal 105 computed from a current flowing through the semiconductor device of a switching circuit 5, an operating frequency signal and a carrier frequency signal by a temperature change estimation part 11, and makes conversion into the number of power cycles 110 corresponding to the temperature change amplitude 108 from power cycle curve data stored in a power cycle curve data storage part 14 and computes a thermal stress signal 111 by a thermal stress computation part 13, and does life estimation of the semiconductor device based on the thermal stress signal 111 and produces an output to a display part 16 as a life estimation result signal 112 by a life estimation part 15a.

Abstract: The medical alert mat and the accompanying pager unit is a device utilized primarily for those providing primary care for patients or loved one requiring continual supervision and assistance who are bedridden or medicated to the point where the patient or loved one requires assistance to perform tasks outside of the bed confinement, including toilet access, walking to a chair or general movement, the device having a mat on the floor in a chosen location, the mat having contact plates activated by any pressure on the surface of the mat, sending a wireless signal to a base unit plugged into any 120 volt AC outlet, the base unit having a receiving source activating an audible alarm within a connected or disconnected paging unit sounding the audible alarm when pressure has been applied to the mat. This device may also be used in front of the door of a child's room to indicate the child departure from their room and also serve as a portable security system to detect intruders either at home or during travel.

Abstract: A miter saw having a base and an arm that pivots toward the base is disclosed. A blade is supported by the arm, and is designed to cut workpieces resting on the base when the arm and blade pivot downward. The saw includes a detection system configured to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the blade, such as when a person accidentally touches the spinning blade, and the saw includes a reaction system to stop the downward movement of the blade and arm when the dangerous condition is detected.

Abstract: A miter saw having a base and an arm that pivots toward the base is disclosed. A blade is supported by the arm, and is designed to cut workpieces resting on the base when the arm and blade pivot downward. The saw includes a detection system configured to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the blade, such as when a person accidentally touches the spinning blade, and the saw includes a reaction system to urge the arm and blade away from the base when the dangerous condition is detected.

Abstract: System and method for wearable electronic devices and smart clothing that includes integrating an electronic circuit into one or more fastening devices on an article of clothing. One or more electronic devices integrated with or attached to the clothing are controlled or monitored based on a position of the fastening device where the position relates to how much the fastening device is fastened.

Abstract: A fault detection system detecting malfunctions or deteriorations, which may result in an inverter fault, is provided. The system has a temperature sensor installed on a semiconductor module to monitor a temperature rise rate. It is judged that an abnormal condition has occurred if the thermal resistance is increased by the deterioration of a soldering layer of the semiconductor module or by drive circuit malfunctions and, as a result, the relation between an operation mode and the temperature rise rate falls outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: A fault detection system detecting malfunctions or deteriorations, which may result in an inverter fault, is provided. The system has a temperature sensor installed on a semiconductor module to monitor a temperature rise rate. It is judged that an abnormal condition has occurred if the thermal resistance is increased by the deterioration of a soldering layer of the semiconductor module or by drive circuit malfunctions and, as a result, the relation between an operation mode and the temperature rise rate falls outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: A sensor system is for detecting forces which, particularly in the case of a motor vehicle, lead to a deformation of components, e.g. body parts as the result of an accident. The sensor system includes a number of contact elements which are arranged on the component staggered one behind the other in a possible deformation direction, compressible insulation layers being disposed between the contact elements. The contact elements are electroconductively connected to an electronic evaluation circuit by which a contacting and/or de-contacting of adjacent contact elements, caused by a deformation, is able to be detected and converted into control and or regulating signals.

Abstract: An electrical thermal glass ampoule for fire fighting sprinkler is disclosed. The ampoule(200) according to the present invention comprises a closed hollow cylindrical glass casing(100), an electrically heating coil(120) installed inside of said glass casing, a negative electrode(140) provided on outer surface at bottom end of said casing and electrically connected with one end of said coil, a positive electrode(142) provided on outer surface at side wall of said casing and electrically connected with the other end of said coil, and heat expansive gas(G) entrapped inside the casing. The glass ampoule(200) can be precisely manufactured as a single body integrated with a thermal coil(120) inside of the casing, have good install handiness due to no necessity of coil being wound around the ampoule and has long term duration because the coil(120) is installed inside the glass casing(100) and, thus can be prevented from corrosion.

Abstract: A fire event detection system includes a programmable logic circuit which evaluates electrical resistance input data and energizes an alarm upon programmed conditions. The system includes a temperature sensitive polymeric tape spanning between a pair of conductors connected to the circuit. The conductors and tape define a plurality of notches for redirecting current transversely across the tape between the for enhancing responsiveness to a temperature increase at a particular location along the tape. 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 tape may include notched and unnotched portions such that the circuit energizes the alarm if the rate of rise at a particular location is greater than the rate of rise of the tape as a whole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-theft element in an anti-theft device which is intended to be attached to a theft-attractive article such that said device can only be removed from the article with the aid of a special release device. The anti-theft element includes a fouling-substance ampule which contains a fouling substance and which is disposed in the anti-theft element so as to be broken, crushed or otherwise destroyed or opened so as to release said fouling substance if an attempt is made to release the anti-theft device from the theft-attractive article without the aid of said special release device. The ampule (2) encloses a first fouling substance (B; D; G) having a specific fouling property, and at least one second fouling substance (C; E, F; H) having a fouling property which differs from the fouling property of the first fouling substance (B; D; G).

Abstract: A high-temperature warning indicator is provided for attachment to a firefighter's helmet. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the indicator is in the form of a dual-color LED mounted in the tip of a highly insulated, lightweight housing. A microprocessor located within the housing and coupled to a temperature sensor activates the light, changes it from solid to flashing modes, and changes the color of the light as various temperature/time thresholds are reached. A clamp or similar mounting device is provided for securing the device to the brim of the firefighter's helmet.

Abstract: A stove emergency cutoff system (16) comprising a stove (18) having a front wall (20), a rear wall (22), a top wall (24), laterally spaced side walls (26), a plurality of burners (28) in the top wall (24) and a plurality of control knobs (30) for the burners (28) in the front wall (20). A facility (32) is for deactivating any control knob (30) that is turned on when food (34) in a cooking utensil (36) on one of the burners (28) is on fire and is producing a large flame (38), so as to shut down the stove (18), and as a result will cause the fire to go out.

Abstract: A vehicular accident locator system is provided including a plurality of sensor assemblies each including a brittle conductive element. The sensor assemblies are mounted throughout the body and the elements thereof are connected in series via insulated wires. As such, an activation signal is transmitted upon the breaking of any one of the elements by way of an accident. A transmitter housing has a transmitter connected to the elements of the sensor assemblies for transmitting a coded signal upon receipt of the activation signal. Finally, a receiver base is positioned distant the vehicle and adapted to receive the coded signal to triangulate the exact location of the vehicle such that an emergency vehicle may be dispatched.

Abstract: A honk strip comprising an electrical power source, electrical leads, electrically conducting members and an alarm. The honkstrip being useful for detecting vehicular impact with other objects and signaling a vehicle operator that an impact has occurred.

Abstract: A remote sterilization indicator is described. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need to visually inspect the indicator.

Abstract: A sensor for monitoring a cooling liquid circulating in a circuit of a heat exchanger of an automobile, for example, includes a support for mounting the sensor on a pipe of the circuit so that the liquid is in contact with at least a part of the sensor, a corrodible membrane in contact with the liquid, and a visual indicator reacting to the degree of corrosion of the liquid. The visual indicator includes a piston movable under the combined effect of the breaking of the corrodible membrane and of the pressure difference between inside and outside of the pipe, at least one seal mounted on the movable piston, and the visual indicator protruding from the pipe and/or from the support when the membrane is corroded.

Abstract: An apparatus for ensuring the proper existence and location of wire harness retainers along the length of a wire harness is provided. The apparatus is adapted to receive a wire harness retainer and, once the retainer is inserted, to generate a signal indicating the retainer has been inserted.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive alarm trigger is used to set off a fire alarm system. The alarm circuit is triggered either when a resistance across two sensor leads, between which the alarm trigger is connected, falls below the rated trigger resistance or when an emf of a certain strength is produced between two electrodes of the trigger. The heat-sensitive alarm trigger comprises a laminate structure which includes an optionally perforated first electrode layer and a second electrode layer. A hydrated material layer is disposed between the two electrode layers. When the hydrated material is heated above a given alarm trigger temperature, moisture is given off and the barrier layer becomes sufficiently conductive so as to trigger the alarm. This is either caused by lowering the resistance of the hydrated material to below the rated trigger resistance or by producing a sufficient emf between the electrodes which have different electrode potentials.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive alarm trigger is used to set off a fire alarm system having an alarm circuit with a rated trigger resistance. The alarm circuit is triggered when a resistance across two sensor leads, between which the alarm trigger is connected, falls below the rated trigger resistance. The heat-sensitive alarm trigger comprises a laminate structure which includes an optionally perforated first electrode layer and a second electrode layer. A barrier material layer which is disposed between the two electrode layers has a resistance above the rated trigger resistance. A layer of hydrated material is disposed on the perforated electrode layer. When the hydrated material is heated above a given alarm trigger temperature, moisture is given off through the holes in the first electrode and, as a result, the barrier layer becomes sufficiently conductive so as to lower a resistance across the electrodes to below the rated trigger resistance.

Abstract: Anti-theft device comprising a flexible and deformable elongated assembly (1) which is capable of forming a loop and is provided at one end with a male closure member (2, 64) and at the other end with a female closure member (3, 2) adapted to receive and releasably lock the male closure member (2, 64). One of the closure members (3, 62; 2, 64) is provided with a closure device which can be opened by a key in order to release the other closure member. The elongated assembly (1) is made up of elongated elements (8, 41) undetachably assembled together in interengaged relation in the form of a chain.

Abstract: A fire alarm which consists of a housing, an alarm assembly and a switch assembly. A driving spring in the alarm assembly is used for storing driving energy. As soon as a nylon string in the alarm is burnt and broken, the driving spring will drive small hammers to hit a bell cup to send out a warning signal to warn people that a fire is taking place. At the same time, a switch is closed to actuate an electric alarm to provide a persistent alarm as long as electric power is available.

Abstract: A self contained smoke actuated fire extinguishing flooding system is comprised of: a dual battery powered source, a smoke detecting device, a spring load plunger actuated valve, audio alarm, and a built-in test system which utilizes a blended halogenated fire extinguishing agent that is intended for use in enclosures for electronic, electrical, and others.

Abstract: A personnel monitoring system includes a tag worn by each monitored person. The tag repeatedly emits digital radio signals, and a predetermined bit in the signal changes with time according to a predetermined pattern. Monitoring apparatus detects the radio signals and sends an absence alarm signal if the signals cease. The monitoring apparatus detects spurious, forged signals which do not replicate the predetermined pattern of variation and provides a forgery alarm signal. The tag may be attached to the person by a strap bearing parallel electrical conductors. Attempts to remove the tag by servering the strap cause electrical contact between the conductors. Such contact triggers a detector, which in turn alters the ratio signal.

Abstract: Device for detecting the exceeding of a temperature threshold incorporating a first mobile part (5) in a sealed chamber (4) containing a material melting at the temperature of the threshold and a second mobile part (8) outside the chamber. In the armed position, the two parts exert forces on one another tending to move them apart, but the first part is blocked by the solidified material and the second is immobilized by the combination of shapes (12, 13) in case (9). The melting of the material frees the first part, whose displacement frees the second part, which then operates an alarm system (18). This displacement leads to the return of the first part to the initial position, which permits rearming when the material has resolidified.

Abstract: Whether a compound will thermoparticulate, that is, decompose to produce particles detectable by an ion chamber monitor or a condensation nuclei monitor and, if so, at what temperature, is predicted by determining the decomposition products of the compound, eliminating the compound if none of its decomposition products are greater than 25 .ANG., and using the temperature at which the decomposition products greater than 25 .ANG. have a vapor pressure of 10 millimeters as an estimate of the temperature at which the compound will decompose to produce products detectable by the monitor. Also disclosed are compounds which have been found to thermoparticulate at low temperatures.

Abstract: A monitor system for sensing the failure of a rupture disc and activating an alarm in response to such a failure. The system also senses potential failure of a rupture disc. The system includes a failsafe signal carrying loop which is broken when the rupture disc fails, thereby interrupting the signal. The system also includes a signal sensor which recognizes a signal interruption or substantial modification in the signal and initiates and cooperates with an alarm device to provide notice to an operator or a safety device that the rupture disc has failed.