Detection and alarm system

Claim 2

A detection and alarm system utilizing high frequency signals transmitted over existing wiring in a building or the like, comprising, a. a fire-detecting transmitter circuit located for sensing a dangerous fire condition and transmitting signals, b. a fire alarm receiver circuit located remotely from the firedetecting transmitter circuit for receiving signals transmitted by the fire detecting transmitter circuit and indicating a fire condition, c. a supervisory transmitter circuit associated with the firedetecting transmitter circuit and normally energized to transmit signals when the fire-detecting circuit is in operative condition, and d. a warning receiver circuit located adjacent the fire alarm receiver circuit for normally receiving signals from the supervisory transmitter circuit and indicating a warning on failure to receive.

Claim 3

A detection and alarm system as defined in claim 1, wherein the fire-detecting transmitter includes fire detection means for sensing a dangerous fire condition, and a transmitter energizable responsive to the detection means in event of said condition for transmitting signals.

Claim 4

A detection and alarm system as defined in claim 1, wherein the fire alarm receiver circuit includes a receiver for receiving signals when transmitted by the fire-detecting transmitter, and an indicator energizable responsive to the alarm receiver when receiving.

Claim 5

A detection and alarm system as defined in claim 1, wherein the supervisory transmitter circuit includes a transmitter for sending signals when energized, and a power supply common to the fire-detecting transmitter circuit and the supervisory transmitter circuit for normally maintaining the supervisory transmitter energized in the absence of power failure.

Claim 6

A detection and alarm system as defined in claim 1, wherein the warning receiver circuit includes a receiver for receiving signals when transmitted by the supervisory transmitter, And an indicator energizable responsive to the warning receiver on failure to receive.

Claim 7

A fire detection and alarm system for utilizing high frequency signals transmitted over existing wiring in a building or the like, comprising, a. a fire-detecting transmitter adapted to be connected to the existing wiring for power supply including means for sensing a dangerous fire condition and means responsive to the sensing means for transmitting signals of a first predetermined frequency over the existing wiring indicative of the fire condition, b. a fire alarm receiver adapted to be connected to the existing wiring for power supply and located remotely from the fire-detecting transmitter including means for receiving signals of said first frequency from the existing wiring transmitted by the fire-detecting transmitter and means responsive to the receiving means for issuing an alarm indicating a fire condition, c. a supervisory transmitter associated with the fire-detecting transmitter and adapted to be connected with the existing wiring for power supply including means normally energized thereby to transmit signals of a second predetermined frequency over the existing wiring when the power supply to the fire-detecting transmitter is operative, and d. a warning receiver associated with the fire alarm receiver and adapted to be connected to the existing wiring for power supply including means for normally receiving signals of said second frequency from the existing wiring transmitted by the supervisory transmitter and means responsive to the receiving means for issuing a warning indicating trouble on failure to receive.

Claim 8

A fire detection and alarm system for utilizing high frequency signals transmitted over existing wiring in a building or the like, comprising, a. a fire-detecting transmitter adapted to be connected to the existing wiring for power supply including means for sensing a dangerous fire condition and means responsive to the sensing means for transmitting signals of a first predetermined frequency over the existing wiring indicative of the fire condition, b. a fire alarm receiver adapted to be connected to the existing wiring for power supply and located remotely from the fire-detecting transmitter including means for receiving signals of said first frequency from the existing wiring transmitted by the fire-detecting transmitter and means responsive to the receiving means for issuing an alarm indicating a fire condition, c. a supervisory transmitter associated with the fire-detecting transmitter and adapted to be connected with the existing wiring for power supply including means normally energized thereby to transmit signals of a second predetermined frequency over the existing wiring when the power supply to the fire-detecting transmitter is operative, and d. a warning receiver associated with the fire alarm receiver and adapted to be connected to the existing wiring for power supply including means for normally receiving signals of said second frequency from the existing wiring transmitted by the supervisory transmitter and means responsive to the receiving means for issuing a warning indicating trouble on failure to receive.

Claim 9

A combination as defined in claim 6, said sensing means including a normally open sensing switch in circuit with a normally deenergized high current relay controlling said transmitting means of the first frequency, said supervisory transmitter including a normally energized low-current relay controlling said transmitting means of the second frequency and in circuit with a source of power and the high-current relay, and a relatively high resistance in parallel with the normally open sensing switch, so that the supervisory low-current relay is normally energized in the absence of failure of the power source and is deenergized on failure of the power source, and the detecting low-current relay is normally deenergized and becomes energized on closure of the sensing switch.

Claim 10

A detection and alarm system as defined in claim 6, said fire-detecting transmitter including an oscillator in circuit with a normally open switch, a normally deenergized high-current relay coil controlling said normally open switch, and a normally open fire-detecting switch in circuit with the normally deenergized relay coil and adapted to be closed in response to a dangerous fire condition to energize the relay coil, thereby to close the relay switch and energize the oscillator to transmit signals to the fire alarm receiver.

Claim 11

A combination as defined in claim 8, said supervisory transmitter comprising an oscillator in circuit with relay switch contacts, and a normally energized low-current relay coil holding the switch contacts closed in the absence of power failure.

Claim 12

A combination as defined in claim 9, said fire detection transmitter and said supervisory transmitter including a common control circuit having said relay coils in series circuit and in series with at least one normally open fire detection switch, and a relatively high resistance in parallel with the fire detection switch and completing a circuit to maintain the supervisory relay normally energized in the absence of power failure, the arrangement being such that on closure of the fire detection switch the resistance is shunted and the detecting relay is energized.

Claim 13

A combination as defined in claim 6, wherein the warning means in the warning receiver includes a battery normally connected with the existing wiring for charGing, an indicator and a normally nonconductive switching device in circuit with the battery and means controlled by the warning receiver for rendering the switching device conductive on failure to receive, said alarm means in the alarm receiver comprising an indicator and a normally nonconductive switching device in circuit with the existing wiring, and means controlled by the fire alarm receiver for rendering the switching device conductive on receiving.

Claim 14

A combination as defined in claim 6, including a local alarm associated with the fire alarm detecting transmitter including an indicator and a normally nonconductive switching device in circuit with the existing wiring together with means controlled by the transmitter for rendering the switching device conductive during transmission, and a local alarm associated with the supervisory transmitter including a battery in circuit with the existing wiring to normally be charged thereby, an indicator and a normally nonconductive switching device in circuit with the battery together with means responsive to the supervisory transmitter for rendering the switching device conductive on failure to transmit.

Claim 15

In an alarm system for protecting a plurality of different areas in a building or the like and indicating trouble at a single remote location and identifying the area of trouble, a. a rotary switch associated with each area including means for advancing a movable contact one or more increments to a stationary contact located at a different increment for each area, b. a trouble-indicating switch in each area in circuit with the advancing means and with a source of power and operable for energizing the advancing means in event of trouble, c. an interruptor associated with each advancing means operable to stop the movable contact at the stationary contact located at a different increment for each area, d. a transmitter associated with each rotary switch and energized once for each increment of movement of the associated movable contact for transmitting a signal, e. a receiver energizable responsive to signals from any of the transmitters, f. an annunciator at an indicating station having means responsive to receiver energization for advancing a movable contact relative to a plurality of stationary contacts a distance of one stationary contact for each receiver energization, and g. a plurality of indicating devices in circuit respectively with the stationary annunciator contacts each for indicating trouble in a different area and identifying the area.

Claim 16

In an alarm system for protecting a plurality of different areas in a building or the like and indicating trouble at a single remote location and identifying the area of trouble, a. a rotary switch associated with each area including means for advancing a movable contact one or more increments to a stationary contact located at a different increment for each area, b. a trouble-indicating switch in each area in circuit with the advancing means and with a source of power and operable for energizing the advancing means in event of trouble, c. an interruptor associated with each advancing means operable to stop the movable contact at the stationary contact located at a different increment for each area, d. a transmitter associated with each rotary switch and energized once for each increment of movement of the associated movable contact for transmitting a signal, e. a receiver energizable responsive to signals from any of the transmitters, f. an annunciator at an indicating station having means responsive to receiver energization for advancing a movable contact relative to a plurality of stationary contacts a distance of one stationary contact for each receiver energization, and g. a plurality of indicating devices in circuit respectively with the stationary annunciator contacts each for indicating trouble in a different area and identifying the area.

Claim 17

In an alarm system for protecting a plurality of different areas in a building or the like and indicating trouble at a single remote location and identifying the area of trouble, a. a plurality of stepping switches one associated with each area, each including means for advancing a movable contact relative to a plurality of stationary contacts, b. a trouble-indicating switch in each area in circuit with the advancing means and with a source of power and operable for energizing the advancing means in event of trouble, c. an interrupt switch in circuit with each advancing means and operable to deenergize the same, d. an interruptor for each area operable at a different position of the movable contact for each area to actuate the interrupt switch, e. a signal switch associated with each stepping switch actuated repeatedly once for each stationary contact traversed by the movable contact, f. a transmitter in circuit with each signal switch to be momentarily energized on each switch actuation for transmitting a signal, g. a receiver energizable responsive to signals from any of the transmitters, h. an annunciator at an indicating station having means responsive to receiver energization for advancing a movable contact relative to a plurality of stationary contacts a distance of one stationary contact for each receiver energized, and i. a plurality of indicating devices in circuit respecTively with the stationary annunciator contacts each for indicating trouble in a different area and identifying the area.

Claim 18

In an alarm system for protecting a plurality of different areas in a building or the like and indicating trouble at a single remote location and identifying the area of trouble, a. a plurality of stepping switches one associated with each area, each including means for advancing a movable contact relative to a plurality of stationary contacts, b. a trouble-indicating switch in each area in circuit with the advancing means and with a source of power and operable for energizing the advancing means in event of trouble, c. an interrupt switch in circuit with each advancing means and operable to deenergize the same, d. an interruptor for each area operable at a different position of the movable contact for each area to actuate the interrupt switch, e. a signal switch associated with each stepping switch actuated repeatedly once for each stationary contact traversed by the movable contact, f. a transmitter in circuit with each signal switch to be momentarily energized on each switch actuation for transmitting a signal, g. a receiver energizable responsive to signals from any of the transmitters, h. an annunciator at an indicating station having means responsive to receiver energization for advancing a movable contact relative to a plurality of stationary contacts a distance of one stationary contact for each receiver energized, and i. a plurality of indicating devices in circuit respecTively with the stationary annunciator contacts each for indicating trouble in a different area and identifying the area.

Claim 19

In an alarm system for protecting a plurality of different areas in a building or the like and indicating trouble at a single remote location and identifying the area of trouble, a. a plurality of stepping relays one associated with each area, each including a coil for stepping a movable contact relative to a plurality of stationary contacts, b. a trouble-indicating switch in each area in contact with the stepping coil and with a source of power and operable for energizing the stepping coil in event of trouble, c. an interrupt switch in circuit with each stepping coil operable to deenergize the same, d. an interrupt coil for each area in circuit with a different stationary contact for each area energizable to actuate the interrupt switch at a different position in each area, e. a signal switch with each stepping relay actuated once for each stationary contact traversed by the movable contact, f. a transmitter in circuit with each signal switch and energized momentarily on each switch actuation for transmitting a signal, g. a receiver energizable momentarily responsive to each signal from any of the transmitters, h. a control switch operated momentarily responsive to each receiver energization, i. an annunciator relay at an indicating station having a stepping coil controlled by said receiver switch for advancing a movable contact relative to a plurality of stationary contacts a distance of one stationary contact for each control switch actuation, and j. a plurality of indicating lamps in circuit respectively with the last-recited stationary contacts each for indicating trouble in a different area and identifying the trouble area.

Claim 20

In an alarm system for protecting a plurality of different areas in a building or the like and indicating trouble at a single remote location and identifying the area of trouble, a. a plurality of stepping relays one associated with each area, each including a coil for stepping a movable contact relative to a plurality of stationary contacts, b. a trouble-indicating switch in each area in contact with the stepping coil and with a source of power and operable for energizing the stepping coil in event of trouble, c. an interrupt switch in circuit with each stepping coil operable to deenergize the same, d. an interrupt coil for each area in circuit with a different stationary contact for each area energizable to actuate the interrupt switch at a different position in each area, e. a signal switch with each stepping relay actuated once for each stationary contact traversed by the movable contact, f. a transmitter in circuit with each signal switch and energized momentarily on each switch actuation for transmitting a signal, g. a receiver energizable momentarily responsive to each signal from any of the transmitters, h. a control switch operated momentarily responsive to each receiver energization, i. an annunciator relay at an indicating station having a stepping coil controlled by said receiver switch for advancing a movable contact relative to a plurality of stationary contacts a distance of one stationary contact for each control switch actuation, and j. a plurality of indicating lamps in circuit respectively with the last-recited stationary contacts each for indicating trouble in a different area and identifying the trouble area.

Claim 21

A combination as defined in claim 15, each stepping relay including a pawl and ratchet device having a pawl attractable by said stepping coil and a ratchet actuated by the pawl for advancing the movable switch contact responsive to operation of the trouble-indicating switch, a stepper switch in circuit with the stepper coil and operated by the pawl on each actuation of the latter thereby to deenergize the coil, and means for returning the pawl to close the stepper switch thereby to reenergize the stepper coil for the next step.

Claim 22

A combination as defined in claim 15 wherein said annunciator relay includes a pawl and ratchet device having a pawl attractable by said stepper coil and a ratchet actuated by the pawl for driving the movable contact, and means for returning the pawl on deenergization of the stepper coil.

Claim 23

In an alarm system for protecting a plurality of different areas in a building or the like and indicating trouble at a single remote location and identifying the area of trouble, utilizing high frequency carrier signals transmitted over existing wiring, a. a rotary switch associated with each area including means for advancing a movable contact one or more increments to a stationary contact located at a different increment for each area, b. a trouble-indicating switch in each area in circuit with the advancing means and with a source of power and operable for energizing the advancing means in event of trouble, c. an interruptor associated with each advancing means operable to stop the movable contact at the stationary contact located at a different increment for each area, d. an alarm transmitter associated with each rotary switch and energized once for each increment of movement of the associated movable contact for transmitting a signal, e. an alarm receiver energizable responsive to signals from any one of the alarm transmitters, f. an annunciator at an indicating station having means responsive to alarm receiver energization for advancing a movable contact relative to a plurality of stationary contacts a distance of one stationary contact for each alarm receiver energization, g. a plurAlity of indicating devices in circuit respectively with the stationary annunciator contacts each for indicating trouble in a different area and identifying the area, h. means connecting each alarm transmitter to the existing building wiring for power supply, i. means connecting the alarm receiver to the existing wiring for power supply, j. a supervisory transmitter connected to the existing wiring for power supply adjacent the most remote alarm transmitter and normally energized to transmit signals when the power supply is operative, and k. a supervisory receiver connected to the existing wiring for power supply adjacent the alarm receiver for normally receiving signals from the supervisory transmitter and indicating a warning on failure of power supply to the supervisory transmitter or supervisory receiver.

Claim 24

In an alarm system for protecting a plurality of different areas in a building or the like and indicating trouble at a single remote location and identifying the area of trouble, utilizing high frequency carrier signals transmitted over existing wiring, a. a rotary switch associated with each area including means for advancing a movable contact one or more increments to a stationary contact located at a different increment for each area, b. a trouble-indicating switch in each area in circuit with the advancing means and with a source of power and operable for energizing the advancing means in event of trouble, c. an interruptor associated with each advancing means operable to stop the movable contact at the stationary contact located at a different increment for each area, d. an alarm transmitter associated with each rotary switch and energized once for each increment of movement of the associated movable contact for transmitting a signal, e. an alarm receiver energizable responsive to signals from any one of the alarm transmitters, f. an annunciator at an indicating station having means responsive to alarm receiver energization for advancing a movable contact relative to a plurality of stationary contacts a distance of one stationary contact for each alarm receiver energization, g. a plurAlity of indicating devices in circuit respectively with the stationary annunciator contacts each for indicating trouble in a different area and identifying the area, h. means connecting each alarm transmitter to the existing building wiring for power supply, i. means connecting the alarm receiver to the existing wiring for power supply, j. a supervisory transmitter connected to the existing wiring for power supply adjacent the most remote alarm transmitter and normally energized to transmit signals when the power supply is operative, and k. a supervisory receiver connected to the existing wiring for power supply adjacent the alarm receiver for normally receiving signals from the supervisory transmitter and indicating a warning on failure of power supply to the supervisory transmitter or supervisory receiver.

Claim 25

A combination as defined in claim 18 including a normally open sensing switch in each area in circuit with a normally deenergized high current relay controlling the associated trouble-indicating switch.

Claim 26

A combination as defined in claim 19 including a normally energized low-current relay controlling the supervisory transmitter and in circuit with the high current relay in the most remote area and the existing wiring for power supply, a relatively high resistance in parallel with the normally open sensing switch in the most remote area so that the supervisory low current relay is normally energized in the absence of failure of the power source and is deenergized on failure of the power source, and the detecting low-current relay is normally deenergized and becomes energized on closure of the sensing switch.

Claim 27

In an alarm system for protecting a plurality of different areas in a building or the like and indicating trouble at a single remote location and identifying the area of trouble, a. a transmitter associated with each area for sending signals therefrom, b. means for energizing each transmitter momentarily a different number of times to indicate trouble and the source thereof by the number of signals sent, c. a receiver energizable responsive to signals from any of the transmitters, d. an annunciator at an indicating station having means responsive to receiver energization for advancing a movable contact relative to a plurality of stationary contacts a distance of one stationary contact for each receiver energization, and e. a plurality of indicating devices in circuit respectively with the stationary annunciator contacts each for indicating trouble in a different area and identifying the area.

Claim 28

In an alarm system for protecting a plurality of different areas in a building or the like and indicating trouble at a single remote location and identifying the area of trouble, a. a transmitter associated with each area for sending signals therefrom, b. means for energizing each transmitter momentarily a different number of times to indicate trouble and the source thereof by the number of signals sent, c. a receiver energizable responsive to signals from any of the transmitters, d. an annunciator at an indicating station having means responsive to receiver energization for advancing a movable contact relative to a plurality of stationary contacts a distance of one stationary contact for each receiver energization, and e. a plurality of indicating devices in circuit respectively with the stationary annunciator contacts each for indicating trouble in a different area and identifying the area.

Claim 29

In an alarm system for protecting a plurality of different areas in a building or the like and indicating trouble at a single remote location and identifying the area of trouble, a. a rotary switch associated with each area including means for advancing a movable contact one or more increments to a stationary contact located at a different increment for each area, b. a trouble-indicating switch in each area in circuit with the advancing means and with a source of power and operable for energizing the advancing means in event of trouble, c. an interruptor associated with each advancing means operable to stop the movable contact at the stationary contact located at a different increment for each area, d. a transmitter associated with each rotary switch and energized once for each increment of movement of the associated movable contact for transmitting a signal, e. a receiver energizable responsive to signals from any of the transmitters, f. a plurality of indicating devices each for indicating trouble in a different area and identifying the area, and g. means responsive to the receiver for selectively energizing the indicating devices depending on the number of signals received.

Claim 30

In an alarm system for protecting a plurality of different areas in a building or the like and indicating trouble at a single remote location and identifying the area of trouble, a. a rotary switch associated with each area including means for advancing a movable contact one or more increments to a stationary contact located at a different increment for each area, b. a trouble-indicating switch in each area in circuit with the advancing means and with a source of power and operable for energizing the advancing means in event of trouble, c. an interruptor associated with each advancing means operable to stop the movable contact at the stationary contact located at a different increment for each area, d. a transmitter associated with each rotary switch and energized once for each increment of movement of the associated movable contact for transmitting a signal, e. a receiver energizable responsive to signals from any of the transmitters, f. a plurality of indicating devices each for indicating trouble in a different area and identifying the area, and g. means responsive to the receiver for selectively energizing the indicating devices depending on the number of signals received.

Claim 31

In an alarm system for protecting a plurality of different areas in a building or the like and indicating trouble at a single remote location and identifying the areA of trouble, a. a transmitter associated with each area for sending signals therefrom, b. means for energizing each transmitter momentarily a different number of times to indicate trouble and the source thereof by the number of signals sent, c. a receiver energizable responsive to signals from any of the transmitters, d. a plurality of indicating devices each for indicating trouble in a different area and identifying the area, and e. means responsive to the receiver for selectively energizing the indicating devices depending on the number of signals received.

Claim 32

In an alarm system for protecting a plurality of different areas in a building or the like and indicating trouble at a single remote location and identifying the areA of trouble, a. a transmitter associated with each area for sending signals therefrom, b. means for energizing each transmitter momentarily a different number of times to indicate trouble and the source thereof by the number of signals sent, c. a receiver energizable responsive to signals from any of the transmitters, d. a plurality of indicating devices each for indicating trouble in a different area and identifying the area, and e. means responsive to the receiver for selectively energizing the indicating devices depending on the number of signals received.