Honeywell International Inc.

Pittway Corporation

Simon Ha

Daniel C Scheffler

Daniel J Austin

Charles F Fisler

Andy Chud

Lee D Tice

Manley S Keeler

Robert Asinjo

An audible output device, of a type usable in a fire alarm system, incorporates a multi-frequency waveform generator. The generator produces a plurality of frequencies with predetermined duty factors during various time intervals on a repetitive basis. The multi-frequency drive signal is in turn coupled to an audible output device such as a piezoelectric horn or the like. The multi-frequency audio output provides an indicator to persons adjacent to the device of the presence of an alarm condition.

Multi-frequency fire alarm sounder

A strobe unit responds to a selected candela output by selecting an optimal capacitor charging frequency to minimize current requirements at the selected candela output. A plurality of charging frequencies can be stored and associated with available input power and selected candela output.

Self-adjusting strobe

A control module usable to drive audible or audible/visible output devices in an alarm system can generate a modulated pulse sequence in accordance with a desired output function. Sequence initiating pulses can be transmitted to output devices with a predetermined, substantially constant period. Additional pulses can be coupled to the output devices, between the initiating pulses, and later in time based on functions to be carried out by the output devices. The output devices in turn demodulate the received pulse train and determine the requested function which is then implemented to provide a desired audible or visual alarm indicating output.

Multi-function control system

A selectable candela strobe alarm unit includes an energy storage circuit to reliably discharge a gas filled output device. The circuit includes a primary energy storage capacitor and a secondary energy storage capacitor. The capacitors can be configured in series or in parallel to produce a selected candela output from the gas filled output device.

Variable candela strobe

Strobe control circuitry combines several approaches to limit in-rush current. One circuit limits initial circuit response to an applied voltage that has been switched from an inactive to an active state. Other circuitry switches from a high input impedance state to a low input impedance state a predetermined period of time after the applied voltage has switched to an active state.

Processor based strobe with feedback

A strobe light responds to both an input voltage range of about 8-40 volts and a selectable candela output. A programmed processor stores a plurality of electrical parameters which correspond to respective selectable candela. For repetitive fixed periods, the light is repetitively driven by a variable duty cycle signal that takes into account both applied voltage and selected candela output.

Processor controlled strobe

A fluid flow detector test system includes a flow conduit and a pump for providing a test fluid flow at the detector. A test unit includes a programmed processor coupled to the pump by a drive circuit such as a solid state switch or a relay. The detector's output is coupled to an input port of the processor. To initiate a test, executable instructions, coupled to the processor, enable the processor to energize the pump, creating a test fluid flow. The processor senses the detector's output to evaluate its test performance. An alarm system having a plurality of detectors can include a plurality of such test systems, one coupled to each detector.

Zone check test system

A flow detector includes solid state delay circuitry coupled to a flow indicating device. In response to flow being indicated, the delay circuitry is enabled. After a preset delay interval, if flow is still being indicated, an output signal can be generated. The flow indicating device can be a two-state mechanical switch. A mode setting element can be used to configure the detector for different types of installations.

Multi-mode waterflow detector with electronic timer

A flow detector includes solid state delay circuitry coupled to a flow indicating device. In response to flow being indicated, the delay circuitry is enabled. After a preset delay interval, if flow is still being indicated, electrical energy can be provided by a short circuit to an output device for the duration of indicated flow. The flow indicating device can be a two-state mechanical switch. A short circuit supplying switch can be implemented as a solid state or mechanical latching relay. The flow detector circuits can be used independently to provide local alarms. Alternately they can provide alarm indicating signals to a common alarm control panel.

Waterflow detector with electronic timer

Electrical modules which incorporate multiple state input circuitry limit the in-rush current thereto when electrical energy is initially applied. The input circuitry exhibits a high impedance and subsequently a very low impedance state. When electrical energy is first applied, the high impedance state limits the in-rush current to an acceptable predetermined maximum value. Subsequently, in response to either elapsed time or an electrical parameter such as current flow, the circuit switches to a low impedance state which results in its having no material effect on the operation of the module. The module can incorporate a visual alarm indicating output device, an audible alarm indicating output device or both. The output indicating devices can be synchronized by applied control signals. The output devices can be controlled independently by means of either pulse width modulated control signals or by means of patterns of control pulses.

Alarm systems and devices incorporating current limiting circuit

A pulse detection circuit to be used in combination with a generator of a train of synchronizing pulses. The detection circuitry remains in a first, inactive state in the presence of an ongoing sequence of synchronization pulses. In the event of a detected absence of synchronizing pulses for a predetermined period of time, the detection circuitry changes state and generates an electrical output signal indicative of one or more missing synchronizing pulses. The detection circuitry can incorporate either digital or analog timing circuitry.

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Aurora, IL, United States of America

Simon Ha