Abstract: An overheat detector comprises an optical fiber connected at one end to a light source and at the other end to a photodiode for monitoring the light level transmitted through the fiber. When the light level falls below a predetermined threshold due to melting of the fiber, an alarm signal is output. The temperature at which the alarm signal is output depends upon the material of which the light conducting part of the fibre is constructed.

Abstract: A security unit is to be fitted to a goods container to be secured, normally to the load doors, and will transmit a radio signal when it is interfered with to a radio receiver which gives the alarm. Where the container is part of or is loaded on a vehicle, then in addition to this security for the container itself, the alarm system will have to be immobilized by an authorized driver before the vehicle can be driven by inserting two different keys in a predetermined time sequence before the vehicle can be operated.

Abstract: A security system comprising a signal-carrying member and a detector for detecting a change in the resistance of the conductive path surrounding a core of the signal-carrying member. The conductive path comprises inner and outer layers of semi-conductive tape separated by an insulating layer but interconnected at one end. The semi-conductive tape of at least the outer layer is made of fibrous material such as carbon-leaded PTFE such that when a sharp object pierces the outer layer and the insulating layer, semi-conductive fibers are dragged from the outer layer into contact with the inner layer and form a conductive bridge between the layers.

Abstract: An impact detection apparatus (10) includes a device that utilizes multiple sensor elements (11) to determine whether or not a ball lands in or out on a tennis court (12). The sensor positions (13-134) are adjacent to the various boundary lines of the tennis court (12). The sensor elements (11) are layered devices which, when compressed, generate an electrical impulse. The impulse is then analyzed through various signal processing means so that an impact caused a sensor (11) to be compressed may be characterized as being a ball, a footstep, or some other object. In this way, near-simultaneous impacts of a ball and a footstep can be distinguished. If the impact is characterized as a ball that has landed out, a control console (206) will give a visual and/or audible signal so that players, and officials if present, are informed that the ball was out.

Abstract: A monitor for detection of temperature and/or steam conditions indicative of sterilization. The monitor comprises means for creating a remotely detectable response upon interrogation by an electromagnetic field and means for changing the response upon exposure to a predetermined set of temperature and steam conditions. The remotely detectable response is preferably produced through the interaction of an electromagnetic interrogation field with magnetic components of the monitor, wherein the characteristic harmonic response generated by the magnetic components is either inhibited or enabled by the change in configuration of one or more elements of the detector. Sterilization conditions are detected through one or more compounds known to have melting points which are above the temperature used in the sterilization process. Melting of the chemical compound produces the change in configuration of the element or elements of the monitor.

Abstract: A user-programmable sensor system for generating an alarm signal upon detection of an alarm event is disclosed. The system is particularly suited for use in vehicle security systems. The system employs a three axes accelerometer as a shock/motion detector, and the transducer outputs are summed and the composite signal filtered to provide several channels, each covering a specific frequency or frequency band. The outputs of the channels are digitized and processed by a microprocessor. An event is characterized by seveal signal parameters with an alarm event triggered by the simultaneous occurrence of several predetermined conditions, and not just one condition. The limit values for the signal parameters which are required to qualify a shock/motion event as an alarm event may be readily programmed by the user at any time or place.

Abstract: A fire alarm and heat detection system and apparatus employs a thermoplastic film tape, of a plastic material which may or may not be heat shrinkable, e.g., polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, rubber hydrochloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyester, or nylon, having a substantial drop in tensil strength at a predetermined temperature. A conductor wire is supported on and extends for the entire length of the tape. The wire may be round in cross section or a flat foil and embedded in the tape or formed of two separate film tapes, heat sealed or adhesively laminated together or supported, by printing or the like, on the surface of a single tape. The tape and wire are supported across a supporting frame or yoke having supporting members spring loaded apart to apply a predetermined tension which may be preselected whereby the tape and wire will break on occurrence of a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An alarm locator module for use in association with a picket fence having a plurality of picket elements disposed along a tubular rail, each picket being armed with an intrusion detection device connected to a three line supervised conductive loop contained within said rail and in constant communication with the intrusion locator module. The intrusion locator module supplies voltage and current down a first line of the loop, having a plurality of resistive elements disposed in spaced apart relationship along a portion of its length. Current normally flows back up the loop via a return line to ground, unless an intrusion is detected, in which case the intrusion detection device causes a short between the first line and a second line of the loop thereby causing current to flow through the second line back to the intrusion locator device, which is capable of detecting and reporting the intrusion.

Abstract: A simple, compact and inexpensive battery powered fire alarm unit has a normally closed spring-loaded electrical contact which is held open by a cermet metal strip, or the like, which is constructed to melt and fail at a predetermined high temperature level indicative of a fire condition. When the strip fails, the contact closes and connects an electrically activated sounder across the battery.

Abstract: The work area advanced warning system is for use on the work site to give warning of impending danger in order to give time for workers and others to avoid the danger before the damage. Dangers are sensed by the use of contained exploding charges, smoke and horns or sirens activated by remote control to create unnatural comotion thus alerting the senses to potential loss.

Abstract: There is disclosed a condition responsive detection system and method comprising a length of optical fiber including a core-cladding material which has a modal dispersion ratio less than a predetermined number. The fiber is placed in the area to be monitored and is illuminated on one end by a source of radiant power. Electronic circuitry including a photocell are positioned at the receiving end of the fiber and detect when the radiant power transmitted by the fiber is reduced below a nominal level when the cladding material is altered, as for example by a fire or an overheat condition in the area being monitored. The reduction in radiant power received is due to the alteration of the cladding material such that the reflected radiant power is lost through the alteration in the material.

Abstract: A glazing unit alarm system includes a light transmitting electrically conductive coating which extends over at least most of the area of a glazing panel and forms part of an alarm circuit. Changes in the resistance of the coating, occasioned by breakage or attempted breakage of the glazing panel, trigger an alarm. The alarm system is characterized by the electrically conductive coating being constituted by an emissivity coating, e.g. a low-emissivity coating, for modifying the effect of incident electromagnetic radiation on the glazing panel over different wavelengths.

Abstract: A heat seal monitoring device for a container, such as one containing a calogenic material, includes one or more seals, placed on a container surface element and having a plurality of electrically interconnected resistive components enclosed in a structure having a first material acting as a physical protection and a second material acting as a thermal insulation. Each initial cap seal is able to supply an electric signal representing the heat flux exchanged between the surface element and the seal.

Abstract: A device for monitoring environmental exposure includes an element whose electrical properties change, in a predetermined way, in response to the environmental exposure. The element may be part of a tuned circuit or of a shield for a tuned circuit. In either case, when the tuned circuit is interrogated, preferably by an r.f. or microwave signal, it emits a signal whose intensity depends on the electrical properties of the element. Thus, an incremental environmental exposure can be measured by a change in the signal intensity. The device is particularly useful for monitoring the condition of perishable materials, because it can be located with the perishable inside a packaging material during both storage and interrogation.

Abstract: A temperature controller with a remote sensor having a high temperature cutoff with circuit means to prevent operation of the unit if tampered with to bypass a safety function. A remote sensor has a thermal fuse and diode feeding a pulsating D.C. voltage to a control circuit having a capacitor and an impedance means to which pulsating D.C. is fed. If the sensor unit is bypassed the thermal fuse in the controller burns out to render the controller inoperative.

Abstract: A heat sensitive air/gas sampling device including an apertured housing for connection to a pipe leading to a smoke detector device the housing including a blocking device for preventing air/gas to enter the housing, the blocking device being ineffective to prevent ingress of air/gas when the surrounding temperature exceeds a predetermined maximum for a predetermined period of time. The blocking device may be held by, or composed of, a low melting point wax. The blocking device may be comprised of a bimetallic strip.

Abstract: A material wear indicator for a disc brake lining or clutch pad or any other erodible part comprises a vapor substance. Erosion of the part to a predetermined level exposes the substance to an ambient environment or other chemical means. The substance begins to exude an invisible vapor with a specific scent or oder. Alternatively or in combination with a scent emission, visible vapor can be color coded for a fretted part identification or erosion level thereof. The presence of the vapor immediately alerts service personnel of the danger and necessity to replace the worn-out part. The vapor emitting wear indicator does not require any electrical, hydraulic, sound or mechanical connection to any gauge or system and therefore represents one of the cheapest, reliable and most effective ways to indicate the selected level of material abrasion.

Abstract: A warning device particularly for use in a coverall worn by a person in a controlled environment warns if the person has unfastened the garment. The garment has fasteners such as a zipper for opening and closing the garment. A pair of electrical contacts are mounted in the zipper track for contact by the zipper head as the zipper head moves along the zipper track. The zipper head establishes continuity through the contacts as it is drawn past. This provides a signal to a transmitter mounted to the coveralls. The transmitter provides a radio frequency signal to a receiver located in a monitoring area. The receiver provides a warning upon reception of the signal.

Abstract: A protection device for interrupting power to a load connected to a pair of terminals when the temperature of a terminal exceeds a predetermined threshold comprises an alloy having a eutectic at the predetermined threshold and a neon gas-filled glow tube electrically coupled in parallel with the thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is electrically serially connected between the terminal and the load and thermally coupled to the terminal so that an excessive temperature rise at the terminal causes the fuse to melt, thereby removing power from the load and causing the glow tube to be lit.

Abstract: An improved fire detector appropriately vented to atmosphere is provided, the detector comprising a base supporting a diaphragm enclosing a space between the base and diaphragm, a shell secured to the base enclosing the diaphragm, and a fin for collecting heat from the ambient atmosphere, secured by a ferrule to the shell. A vent aperture is provided through the base from the space between the diaphragm and the base to the back of the detector and which detector is covered by a closure cap. The fin is secured to the shell by a ferrule by causing peripheral portions of the end of the ferrule proximate the central aperture of the fin through which the ferrule is inserted to be forced to be indented to cause metal from such peripheral portions to flow radially over portions of the fin.

Abstract: First and second head portions are movably urged toward a closed position, a fusible link holding the head portions in an open position. Electrical contacts are mounted on the head portions for making electrical contact when the head portions are in the closed position to energize an electric circuit for producing an alarm signal (e.g., turning on the lights in the room and ringing the doorbell of the building) when the head portions are in the closed position.

Abstract: Signalling apparatus in which a sensed change in condition, e.g. a window opened by an intruder or a valuable art object moved, causes the free end of a cantilevered spring to be snapped or twanged. A piezoelectric film bonded to the spring generates a pulsating voltage which energizes a transmitter, independently of any external power source. Remotely, a receiver which is selectively responsive to the transmitted pulsating signal generates an output signal indicating the change in condition, e.g. for initiating an alarm.

Abstract: A fire alarm system and method utilizes a heat-shrinkable material, such as a sheet of polyethylene plastic film, to break a thin foil conductor attached thereto and thereby activate an alarm.

Abstract: An electrical protection system including a plurality of suppressor units each activatable by either a first or a second electrical current responsive activator to suppress abnormal condition. The system further includes a supervisory electrical current source, an activation electrical current source, a first connector circuit connecting all of the first activators in series and a second connector circuit connecting all of the second activators in series. A control circuit connects the supervisory source in parallel with the first and second connector circuits so as to provide in each a predetermined supervisory current that is insufficient to energize the activators.

Abstract: A communication system useful for fire detection which transfers data/commands bidirectionally between a controller and connected transponders on a real time, interactive basis. This system makes possible accurate data recovery, whether a transponder has its output shorted, or although multiple transponders are replying and makes possible the remote determination and constant monitoring of transducer sensitivity, at the controller. The sensitivity can be adjusted remotely at the controller, and different transducers can have different thresholds simultaneously, which can be changed collectively or individually to different settings manually or automatically at the controller. The system transmits reference data for supervision of system accuracy. Compensation for long-term changes is provided for both transponders and reducers in this system.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing apparatus and an actuating system. The actuating system includes a plurality of actuators connected in parallel and a source of electrical signal for said actuators. Each actuator is connected in parallel with a device whose resistance decreases with increasing current through the device.

Abstract: A self-monitoring heat tracing system including a heating conductor, a monitor conductor, and a control circuit which monitors the integrity of the heat tracing conductor and provides alarm signals to indicate abnormal temperature conditions in the heating system or discontinuities in the monitor circuit.

Abstract: A functional electric device is described, which device comprises a functional material layer, and a pair of electrodes separated from each other and electrically contacting with the functional material layer. At least one of the pair of electrodes is made of copper or an alloy of copper and a copper inactivating agent is present between the functional material layer and the at least one of the paired electrodes. The functional electric device includes heat-sensitive, fusing and photovoltaic elements.

Abstract: A temperature profile detector shown as a tubular enclosure surrounding an elongated electrical conductor having a plurality of meltable conductive segments surrounding it. Duplicative meltable segments are spaced apart from one another along the length of the enclosure. Electrical insulators surround these elements to confine molten material from the segments in bridging contact between the conductor and a second electrical conductor, which might be the confining tube. The location and rate of growth of the resulting short circuits between the two conductors can be monitored by measuring changes in electrical resistance between terminals at both ends of the two conductors. Additional conductors and separate sets of meltable segments operational at differing temperatures can be monitored simultaneously for measuring different temperature profiles.

Abstract: Temperature profiles at elevated temperature conditions are monitored by use of an elongated device having two conductors spaced by the minimum distance required to normally maintain an open circuit between them. The melting point of one conductor is selected at the elevated temperature being detected, while the melting point of the other is higher. As the preselected temperature is reached, liquid metal will flow between the conductors, creating short circuits which are detectable as to location.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device for very high design temperatures (to 2,000.degree. C.). The device comprises a homogenous base structure preferably in the form of a sphere or cylinder. The base structure contains a large number of individual walled cells. The base structure has a decreasing coefficient of elasticity within the temperature range being monitored. A predetermined quantity of inert gas is confined within each cell. The cells are dimensionally stable at the normal working temperature of the device. Increases in gaseous pressure within the cells will permanently deform the cell walls at temperatures within the high temperature range to be measured. Such deformation can be correlated to temperature by calibrating similarly constructed devices under known time and temperature conditions.

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.

Abstract: A freezer alarm sensor has a body in which there is an elongated vertically extending chamber. Contactors connectable in an alarm energizing circuit, normally insulated from one another, are exposed in the chamber, near one of its ends and diametrically opposite one another. A current conducting slider is freely slidable in the chamber between a raised position spaced from the contactors and a dropped position engaging the contactors and electrically connecting them. The chamber is partially filled with material that is solid at temperatures below a predetermined value and by which the slider is bound to the body and thus held in its raised position, but said material melts at temperatures above that value, releasing the slider to fall to its dropped position. Also disclosed are a heat sensor and a flood sensor embodying principles of the invention.

Abstract: A chimney fire detector has a pair of entwined conductors mounted at the outlet of the chimney. A sensing device can detect electrical contact between these conductors. An insulating spacer is mounted between these conductors for separating them. This spacer is formed of material which allows the conductors to pass through the material and touch in response to temperatures in excess of a predetermined magnitude. This predetermined magnitude corresponds to the temperature at the outlet of the chimney during a chimney fire.

Abstract: In fluid flow systems corrosion of the fluid flow passages occur as a result of the action of the fluid on the passage walls as it flows through the system. The present invention provides a corrosion indicator for use in such systems and which includes among other things a novel switch having a member which is responsive to a corrosive condition within the system to self-destruct thereby to cause actuation of a signal to indicate the condition at a time to alert the user that remedial attention to the system is necessary.

Abstract: For the early detection of an abnormal rise in the temperature in an enclosure to be protected, a large number of micro-containers are arranged in the enclosure. These micro-containers are, for example, incorporated in the paint coating the walls of the enclosure. The micro-containers are filled with an extinguishing gas and produce when they burst a characteristic noise which is detected by microphones. The installation also comprises for the purpose of avoiding false alarms and achieving an adequate discrimination of the useful signal from that produced by the normal surrounding noise, a filtering and processing circuit which operates in an essentially digital manner.

Abstract: A shaft speed and hot bearing indicating apparatus is described having a transducer actuating means mounted on the shaft immediately adjacent the supporting bearing for actuating an electrical transducer to produce an electrical pulse as the transducer actuating means is rotated during each revolution of the shaft. The transducer pulse is processed by an electronic mechanism for multiplying the transducer pulse by sixty by a phase-locked loop network and then counting the number of multiplied pulses occurring during each one second of time interval in a BCD counting mechanism. The total count is displayed each second on a decimal digital display. The apparatus also has means for activating an alarm when the sensed speed falls below a preset speed. The transducer activating means is responsive to the temperature of the bearing and is rendered ineffective when a preset temperature is reached.

Abstract: A system for detecting faults in the wall of a high-temperature pressure vessel, such as a fuel gasifier. The wall comprises an outer metallic shell having an inner refractory lining, together with cooling tubes extending along the refractory lining. In order to detect a fault, such as a rupture in a cooling tube and resultant melting of the refractory in the vicinity of the fault, one or more electrical conductors are embedded in the refractory and connected at their opposite ends to an external energizing circuit such that when the refractory melts, so also will the conductor, thereby breaking the circuit to indicate the existence of the fault.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed of metallic carboxylate, a resinous carrier, and a solvent. The composition is applied to a portion of an electrical apparatus which is exposed to a gas stream. The solvent in the composition is evaporated to produce a thermoparticulating coating. When the electrical apparatus overheats the metallic carboxylate in the coating forms particles in the gas stream which are detected by a monitor.