Abstract: A data transmission network uses a cellular network as a primary telecommunications link and a backup telecommunications link. The system continuously monitors the links and switches to the back up link if the cellular link is not operative. A software package is included in the computer at a monitoring station for effecting integrity checks of the links, and RF fault modules are also included.

Abstract: An alarm system suitable for use in a telecommunications network in which a central switching system is capable of selectively providing a signal of a predetermined polarity to a plurality of remotely located stations without being dependent upon or impeding the ability of the central switching system to process relatively high volume communications traffic. Each of the remote stations is connected to the telecommunications network by an electrical conduction path. The stations are substantially unresponsive to the predetermined polarity signal. In response to an alarm indication signal, the system effects a reversal in the polarity of the signal provided to a selected subset of the remote stations. Each station in the selected subset responds to the polarity reversal by indicating an alarm condition.

Abstract: A surveillance system which integrates voice identification with a passive monitoring mechanism is described. The surveillance system comprises a central station, located at the appropriate supervising authority, and a plurality of remote voice verification units, each of which is located at a designated locality for an individual under surveillance and connected to the central station via telephone lines. The central station initializes and retrieves information from each voice verification unit. Each voice verification unit conducts a voice verification test of a respective individual according to a test schedule outlined by the central station and continuously monitors the presence of the respective individual at the designated locality. The results of the voice verification tests and the physical monitoring during a defined surveillance period are transmitted to the central station periodically or on an exigent basis depending on the application.

Abstract: A security system which includes a master unit for communication with a central control station by telephone and provides for a plurality of remote detectors located in different zones of a secured area to be selectively wired. The remote detectors communicate through the main power supply with a master unit which is powered by the mains. Microphones in the remote detectors can be selectively operated through the master unit as activated by the central control station to listen in to different zones to permit for identification of a security breach in different zones. A high-volume output mode speaker phone is provided to the master unit. Feedback circuitry generates audible signals when the system is armed or disarmed remotely. Separate activation of interior and perimeter detectors can be effected.

Abstract: A portable fire detector and alarm system includes a rechargeable battery power supply and circuitry that monitors a string of up to forty smoke detectors and signals a telephone auto-dialer and prerecorded message unit whenever an alarm occurs. The distal end of the detector line is fed back to the monitor which then detects any loss of continuity in the lines or input AC power and then signals a trouble signal through the auto-dialer.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled integrated alarm and touch tone telephone system which allows the alarm system to be accessed, programmed, and reported upon through a touch tone telephone, either locally or remotely. Under most circumstances, the telephones on the premises can be operated in a normal manner. However, the alarm system selectively monitors the telephone activities for coded touch tone instructions specifically for the alarm system, and responds thereto by issuing synthesized voice reports on the status of the alarm system. A touch tone decoder circuit decodes dialed touch tones, such that the telephone can be utilized similar to a normal keyboard panel to access and control the alarm system. An internal power supply is provided for the telephone for supplying electrical power thereto independently of the outside telephone lines which normally supply power, in the event the outside telephone lines are inoperative.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained device for monitoring an area and reporting conditions automatically over standard telephone lines is disclosed. The device communicates through a modem in digital code with digital terminals or in synthetic speech when a digital terminal is not used.

Abstract: The invention concerns a remote security and operating system. A user can dial remote systems for spot checks of system sensors, or different systems can dial the user on fault detection. Once the user is connected with the system, the user enters a code and command signals. For instance, a set of normally open sensor switches can be shut down, while a set of normally closed switches are monitored. Each system identifies itself to the user by a series of tonal bursts. The user, by pressing a telephone push-botton, can enter a new telephone number the system will call on fault detection. A set of remote microphones can be activated, their audio signals being fed to the user, through nulling amplifiers which the system would otherwise try to interpret. A tonal OK circuit signal is sent to the user upon testing if the system is working, followed by a different tone if a selected sensor switch detects a fault.

Abstract: A multi-subscriber warning system can, in instances where emergencies are impending, apply ringing current to the "ring" lines of one party systems, to the "ring" lines of "ring" two party systems, and to the "tip" lines of "tip" two party systems. Those ringing signals will actuate the "ringers" of all instruments which are not in use, and will cause a buzzing sound in the reproducers of all instruments which are in use. Further, if a subscriber hears the "ringers" and raises the receiver from the cradle, a buzzing sound will be heard; and then the ringing sound will resume when the receiver is placed on the cradle. Conversely, if a buzzing sound is heard by a subscriber using the instrument, a ringing sound will be heard when the instrument is placed on the cradle; and the buzzing sound will resume when the receiver is again removed from the cradle. The duration and number of ringing sounds can be varied; and preferably will be different from the normal ringing sounds used to "call" a subscriber.

Abstract: In activating a unit for monitoring a remote instrumentality, a tone-responsive circuit operates in accordance with an established duty cycle wherein, for a major portion of each cycle, current is drawn from the telephone lines servicing the system at a rate which is within the range permitted by prevailing telephone regulations, to charge a capacitor over time, and wherein, for a minor portion of each cycle, the charge stored by the capacitor is used to briefly operate a tone detection circuit which is capable of determining whether or not the remote instrumentality is being interrogated. If no such tones are detected, the circuit continues its periodic operation as previously described. If tones indicating a desired interrogation are detected, the tone-responsive circuit activates the monitoring unit which is used to poll the instrumentality.

Abstract: A plurality of smoke (or heat) detector-transmitter units (17, 19) and/or a plurality of intrusion detector-transmitter units (21) are mounted at various positions throughout a premises to be protected (11a, 11b, 11c . . . ). The units are wireless and transmit a signal whose code relates to whether the unit is a smoke (or heat) detector-transmitter unit (17, 19) or an intrusion detector-transmitter unit (21). Also located on the protected premises (11a, 11b, 11c . . . ) is a receiver-alarm unit (23) that receives and decodes the signals produced by the smoke (or heat) detector-transmitter and intrusion detector-transmitter units (17, 19, 21). Upon receipt of a coded signal, the receiver-alarm unit (23) automatically seizes the telephone line (13a, 13b, 13c . . . ) running from the protected premises (11a, 11b, 11c . . . ) to a central location (15) and produces an "operator" dial signal.