VWGoA - Ex. 1003
`Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., Petitioner
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`> U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 3, 1991
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`Sheet 1 of6
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`5,070,320
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`Patent
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`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 3, 1991
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`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 3, 1991
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`U.S. Patent
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`‘Dec. 3, 1991
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`Dec. 3, 1991
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`ALARM SYSTEM
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`sible and preferably portable transmitter to one or more
`intermediate alarm signal receivers and retransmitters
`which receive and retransmit the alarm signals in se-
`quence. Some of the intermediate signal receivers/-
`transmitters also provide local alarm signals to identify
`the problem area for security personnel responding to
`the distress signal.
`In addition, my invention contemplates the use of
`coded radio frequency signals, such as conventionally
`used in residential garage door openers for example, to
`thwart
`improper use of the portable distress signal
`transmitters, to identify and locate the site or source of
`the distress signal, to control activation/deactivation of
`a distress alarm in a moving vehicle, and for other pur-
`poses to be described. Still further, my invention con-
`templates a locking switch mechanism for a transmitter
`which renders the transmitter inoperable after a se-
`lected number of uses (e.g. one use thereof) until it is
`reset by authorized security personnel.
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`With the security alarm system as set forth hereinbe-
`low, highly reliable security for individuals, their homes
`and their automobiles can be readily achieved. Re-
`sponse effectiveness of emergency personnel also can be
`greatly enhanced. In addition, unauthorized use of the
`system such as by a housebreaker to thwart operation
`thereof by setting off decoy emergency signals in areas
`other than the area targeted by the housebreaker, or use
`by pranksters or other misanthropic sorts, is effectively
`deterred.
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`It is therefore one object of the present invention to
`provide a novel and improved security alarm system
`wherein coded signals transmitted from a transmitting
`unit are utilized to provide differing functional opera-
`tions in a receiving unit.
`A further object of the invention is to provide a secu-
`rity alarm system with a locking alarm signal transmit-
`ter that renders the transmitter inoperable after a single
`use thereof until reset by authorized personnel.
`These and other objects and further advantages of the
`invention are more fully described in the following
`detailed description in the accompanying drawings, in
`which:
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`FIG. 1 is a generally schematic illustration of a secu-
`rity alarm system according to one presently preferred
`embodiment of the instant invention.
`FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an alarm
`signal transmitter for the system of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a sectioned side elevational view of a push
`button actuator switch for the transmitter of FIG. 2;
`FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an alternative
`push button actuator switch for the transmitter of FIG.
`2;
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`FIG. 5 is a generally schematic illustration of another
`alarm signal transmitter for the alarm system of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 6 is a generally schematic illustration of an
`intermediate receiver/retransmitter for the system of
`FIG. 1;
`FIG. 7 is a generally schematic illustration of an
`alternative receiver/retransmitter for the system of
`FIG. 1; and
`FIG. 8 is a generally schematic illustration of a vehi-
`cle alarm unit for use in cooperation with the receiver
`retransmitter of FIG. 7.
`A security and personal protection system for use
`both inside and outside dwellings or other facilities is
`described herein. In its preferred form, this system is
`primarily a radio controlled system which allows a
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`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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`The present invention relates generally to a security
`alarm system which detects a distress signal or the like
`transmitted from a remote transmitter to one or more
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`intermediate monitoring stations, and optionally to a
`‘ central dispatch station thus bringing prompt response
`as indicated immediately to the site of the distress signal
`to deal with the problem at hand.
`'
`The prior art of alarm systems is replete with alarm
`signal generators and receivers which are intended to be
`effective as warning devices for any sort of emergency
`situation requiring prompt response from public safety
`or security authorities such as the police, fire depart-
`ment, emergency medical system personnel, or the like.
`Any sort of event calling for prompt response from
`these or other public safety and security personnel re- '
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`quires, upon its occurrence, immediate communication
`of a distress or emergency alarm to a central dispatcher
`with indication of the location of the emergency event
`to be dealt with. Such emergencies might include, but
`are not limited to, any medical emergency of any cause
`whatever, street crime such as assaults or muggings,
`other unauthorized intrusions upon one’s person or
`property such as break-ins or auto theft, and especially
`emergencies in the home such as fire, domestic vio-
`lence, the like.
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`Examples of security alarm systems from the prior art
`include U.S. Pat. No. 4,241,332 which discloses a com-
`bined portable visual and audible alarm which requires
`actuation of a key lock switch to deactivate the same.
`U.S. Pat. No. 3,891,986 discloses a warning system
`' which provides for common operation of a motor vehi-
`cle horn and light signal. U.S. Pat. No. 2,101,209 dis-
`closes a conventional “fire box” type alarm system for
`signaling a central dispatcher. U.S. Pat. No. 2,213,100
`discloses a residential or similar warning system in
`which an actuating signal provides a visual warning by
`reversing the on/off state of conventional lighting with
`those lights that are on being turned off or dimmed and
`those lights that are off being turned on by the actuating
`signal.
`U.S. Pat. No. 2,206,556 discloses a railway signaling
`system. U.S. Pat. No.—2,942,249 discloses a conventional
`wired system for remote to central station signaling.
`U.S. Pat. No. 2,663,864 discloses a burglar alarm system
`having plurality of establishments which are potential
`burglary targets connected in a common alarm system
`such that, when the system is actuated in one of the
`establishments, the warning alarm is actuated in all the
`establishments except the one where the actuation sig-
`nal originated. U.S. Pat. No. 4,764,757 discloses a secu-
`rity system which contemplates a plurality of indepen-
`dent local alarms spaced from one another and actuat-
`able by portable transmitters within the receiving range
`of individual ones of the independent vocal alarms.
`Upon actuation by a transmitter, the independent local
`alarm receiving the transmission provides a local alarm
`and in addition provides to a central response or control
`unit a signal which is unique to the independent local
`alarm sending it.
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`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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`My invention contemplates an improved emergency
`or distress signaling system which provides for wireless
`communication of distress signals from a readily acces-
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`person to signal an alarm from a variety of locations in
`the home or from a remote location. The alarm will
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`alert others in the immediate vicinity to the existence of
`a problem, thus assisting them or security personnel in
`quickly finding the location of the problem. The system
`includes built-in protection against misuse, interdiction
`by unauthorized users, and false alarms caused by spuri-
`ous radio transmissions.
`Referring to FIG. 1, a local alarm initiator 10 is in-
`tended to be used in a fixed location such as in a dwell-
`ing or other enclosed facility 11. Preferably, initiator 10
`is a small battery powered, hand-held or wall mounted
`radio transmitter that will transmit an individually as-
`signed coded signal on an assigned frequency when
`actuated. It may be actuated by a push button, for exam-
`ple, to cause the signal transmission to occur. Altema-
`tive actuators may include low power switches such as
`on a matrix switch panel, magnetically operated reed
`switches on windows or doors, break-in frequency de-
`tectors, infrared motion sensing devices or the like, to
`offer the protection desired by the occupants of the
`dwelling.
`Thus, an initiator 10 may be installed with a number
`of actuators just as in conventional home security sys-
`tems. Alternatively, a number of individual initiators 10
`may be installed, one for each desired actuator.
`A portable remote alarm initiator unit 12 is operable
`outside the dwelling or facility 11, such as by a person
`walking along a street, visiting in the neighborhood,
`engaging in yard work or gardening, and the like. Re-
`mote initiator 12 preferably is a small, battery powered,
`hand-held radio transmitter and receiver unit that trans-
`mits and receives signals on assigned frequencies. Each
`remote initiator 12 is individually set to transmit and
`receive assigned codes. It offers protection for individu-
`als while outsidepthe dwelling or facility 11 by permit-
`ting transmission of an alarm code for a pre-set time
`period directly to a fixed area alarm 14.
`Remote initiator 12 also incorporates a radio receiver
`that is utilized for several purposes, one of which is to
`allow the initiator 12 to receive a re-set code from reset-
`ting equipment accessible only to security personnel.
`Another purpose of the receiver in the initiator 12 is to
`allow it to receive an identification code from any fixed
`area alarm 14, which thus allows the initiator 12 to reset
`its transmission code to match the individual receive
`code of the particular fixed area alarm 14. The remote
`initiator 12 thus can transmit an alarm signal that is
`compatible with the.respective fixed area alarm 14.
`Persons responding to ,a distress signal from an actu-
`ated fixed area alarm 14 will know immediately the
`approximate whereabouts of the individual who has
`initiated the alarm from a remote initiator 12 as that
`person must be within transmission range of the actu-
`ated fixed area alarm 14.
`The remote alarm initiator 12 also incorporates a
`locking actuator, for example in the form of a locking
`push button actuator that is operative when actuated to
`lock so that the initiator 12 cannot be subsequently used
`to initiate a further alarm until the lock is released by
`security personnel. This locking feature prevents misuse
`of the initiator 12, as for example in triggering a number
`of fixed area alarms by a prankster or a house breaker
`seeking to create decoy signals.
`A fixed facility alarm retransmitter 16 is operative to
`receive alarm transmissions from the initiator 10, and to
`retransmit these alarm transmissions to be received by
`the nearest fixed area alarm 14. Retransmitter 16 also
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`locally annunciates the receipt of an alarm signal from
`initiator 10 with a light and an audible alarm. The re-
`transmitter 16 is mounted on dwelling or facility 11,
`preferably externally thereof, and includes a radio re-
`ceiver and a transmitter unit to accept a coded signal
`from the initiator 10 such that an alarm such as a red
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`light or an audible alarm is initiated only when a prop-
`erly coded signal is received thereby.
`The fixed area alarm 14 is similarly operable to pro-
`vide local audible and visual alarms whenever an alarm
`code is received thereby, thus to alert persons in the
`area to the problem and to guide them to the problem
`area. Fixed area alarm 14 may be mounted to existing
`utility poles or other elevated structures. Each fixed
`area alarm 14 is comprised of a radio receiver and a
`transmitter unit to receive alarm codes from initiators
`12 or facility alarm retransmitters 16 and, if the signal is
`from one of initiators 12, to provide a return signal
`incorporating a unique input code to the actuated initia-
`tor 12 for identification purposes.
`A mobile security controller 18 is used by authorized
`security or maintenance personnel to provide, among
`other functions, unlocking transmission signals for initi-
`ators 12, testing of units 14 and 16, and a means of inter-
`rogation and testing of the security system generally.
`Mobile security controller 18 includes a radio receiver
`and transmitter unit which is operable to provide multi-
`ple coded frequency transmissions as may be required in
`the area of operation to carry out the desired unlocking,
`testing, interrogation and maintenance functions.
`Referring to FIG. 2, the local alarm initiator 10 pref-
`erably is a small, hand-held or wall mounted and battery
`powered unit used for initiation of an alarm. It is com-
`prised of a long shelf life battery 20 which supplies
`power to the alarm transmitter circuitry of the initiator
`10 when connected thereto by normally open switch
`contacts 22. A low battery detector circuit 24 is coupled
`between the positive and negative poles of battery 20 to
`detect battery condition and exhibit a local alarm, a
`chirp signal and/or a small LED indicator for example,
`upon detection of a low battery charge condition.
`A code select module 26 is connected across the poles
`of battery 20 and is operative to allow transmission
`codes to be preset in the initiator 10. The large number
`of codes that can be made available allows each initiator
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`10 to have an individual code, thus identifying it to the
`receiver units. Code select module 26 preferably is con-
`figured such that it can be preset only by authorized
`factory or maintenance personnel, and a distinctive
`code is thus assigned and recorded for each initiator 10
`placed in service.
`Also connected across the poles of battery 20 is an
`encoding module 28 which accepts the code selection of
`the code select module 26 via connections 30. Encoding
`module 28 transmits a coded signal to a transmitter 32 at
`a predetermined timing and sequence. The transmitter
`32 modulates the coded signal received from encoding
`module 28, converting it to a radio transmission signal
`which emanates from an antenna 34. Transmitter 32 is a
`low power unit suitable for transmission within a dwell-
`ing or facility 11.
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`Various means of actuation of initiator 10 are contem-
`plated. For example, FIG. 3 shows a simple push button
`36 which directly operates switch contacts 22. A return
`spring 38 returns push button 36 to its unactuated posi-
`tion upon release thereof. As an alternative, a combina-
`tion of two push buttons with corresponding switches
`could be arranged with the switch contacts in a series
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`connection. Both push buttons would have to be de-
`pressed to complete the circuit to the transmission ele-
`ments. This would provide added assurance that a false
`alarm is not generated by mishandling or improper
`storage of the initiator 10.
`FIG. 4 shows another actuator for initiator 10 as a
`low power switch device 40 such a conventional matrix
`switch unit in which a relay operates the power switch-
`ing. The switch unit 40 is shown as a laminate of four
`layers comprised of a formed cover having a dome 42,
`a layer 44 containing a deposited or etched electrical
`wiring trace and contact material, an insulating layer
`and a second layer 46 containing a deposited or etched
`wiring trace and contact material. This switch structure
`is connected to an associated relay coil 48 which, when
`energized, closes the normally open switch contacts 22.
`More specifically, the conductive trace in layer 44 is
`connected to battery 20 and the conductive trace in
`layer 46 is connected to relay coil 48. When the dome of
`cover 42 is depressed, it depresses the contact materials
`of layers 44 and 46 together thus completing the circuit
`and energizing relay coil 48 to close contacts 22 and
`cause the initiator 10 to transmit the coded signal.
`Other means of actuation of the switch 22 can be
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`utilized to provide other modes of protection for prop-
`erty and personnel. For example, magnetically operated
`reed switches used for door and window protection,
`temperature detectors,
`infrared motion detectors, as
`well as other similar devices may be used to actuate the
`initiator 10.
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`Remote alarm initiator 12 is a portable, preferably
`hand-held transmitter/receive. The operation of remote
`initiator 12 is such that when activated the switch actua-
`tor used to activate the initiator 12 is locked in an actu-
`ated state. The remote initiator 12 thus will initially
`transmit a coded radio signal to a nearby fixed area
`alarm 14 for a short, predetermined period of time. The
`receiver section of the initiator 12 will then listen for a
`response from the fixed area alarm 14, and if received,
`will alter its transmitted code to be suitable for the
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`specific fixed area alarm unit 14 from which the re-
`sponse is received.
`lnitiator 12 then retransmits the
`altered alann code for another short, predetermined
`period of time. Once actuated, initiator 12 will continue
`to receive signals until a properly coded signal is re-,
`ceived to unlock the actuating switch 50 and reset the
`initiator 12.
`Referring to FIG. 5, remote alarm initiator 12 has a
`transmitter section, similar to that described for the
`local alarm initiator 10 and comprised of a long shelf life
`battery 20, a low battery level detector and annunciator
`circuit 24, normally open switch contacts 22 which
`when closed supply power to the remaining compo-
`nents of the unit, a code select module 26, an encoding
`module 28 connected to code select module 26 by con-
`nections 30, and a transmitter 32 for transmitting a mod-
`ulated encoded signal via an antenna 34. These compo-
`nents of remote initiator 12 function essentially as above
`described with reference to the corresponding compo-
`nents of initiator 10.
`The remainder of the transmitting section of initiator
`12 differs from the local alarm initiator 10 in that the
`actuation of the switch contacts 22 is achieved by a
`locking push button 50 or other locking switch struc-
`ture so that when the push button is depressed it locks
`into the depressed position, keeping switch contacts 22
`closed until they are reset by unlocking of the actuator.
`This locking action may be incorporated, for example,
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`by a spring loaded plunger 54 that will engage a lip or
`flange of the depressed push button 50 to hold it in the
`actuated position. More specifically, when the push
`button 50 is depressed and a bottom lip 52 of the push
`button shaft moves past the end of axially movable
`plunger 54, a spring 56 forces plunger 54 to extend and
`lock over the edge of the lip 52. Unlocking is achieved
`by providing power to a solenoid coil 58 which will pull
`plunger 54 into the coil housing 60 and disengage the
`plunger 54 from the locking lip 52 of push button 50.
`Push button 50 is then reset by the action of a return
`spring 62.
`The transmitter portion of initiator 12 also differs
`from the local alarm initiator 10 in that, when activated,
`encoding module 28 will signal transmitter 32 to send a
`single coded transmission, then pause to listen for a
`received signal. The initiator 12 can be set to repeatedly
`send the single coded transmission, once in each of a
`succession of predetermined time periods, until
`the
`initiator 12 is reset by unlocking pushbutton 50 or the
`battery 20 is exhausted.
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`Initiator 12 also includes a receiver section which is
`comprised of the shared antenna 34, a receiver/-
`demodulator 64, two decoding modules 66 and 68, and
`two code select modules 70 and 72. One decoding net-
`work comprised of decoding module 66 and code select
`module 70 will, when it receives a valid coded reset
`signal from receiver/demodulator 64, unlock push but-
`ton switch 50 by energizing a relay coil 76 to close
`switch contacts 78 and thereby supply power to coil 58
`in the switch lock mechanism. Coil 58 retracts plunger
`54 against the bias of spring 56.
`The other decoding network comprised of decoding
`module 68 and code select module 72 will, when it
`receives a valid coded signal from receiver/demodula-
`tor 64, interpret a new coded signal requirement as
`indicated thereby, and supply an encoded signal via
`connection 74 to transmitter 32 for retransmission of the
`new coded signal for purposes as set forth hereinbelow.
`The fixed facility alarm retransmitter 16 is mounted
`preferably in a sealed enclosure protected against the
`elements and unauthorized intrusion, and is located on
`the outside of dwelling or facility 11. It is comprised of
`a power supply, a radio receiver and radio transmitter,
`decoding and encoding units, an alarm (e.g. an audible
`alarm), or a light, circuitry to latch on the alarm and
`light until reset, and interrogation circuitry to allow
`outside units to interrogate its alarm code.
`More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, an uninterrupt-
`able power supply 80 provides battery power to facility
`retransmitter 16. Power supply 80 includes a ready
`circuit which detects the proper operation and supplies
`power to an externally visible light 82 such that obser-
`vation of light 82 will be a valid check of power supply
`operation. Power is supplied to power supply 80 from
`the AC power source 84 of facility 11 to recharge its
`batteries; however, power supply 80 has the capacity to
`operate the facility retransmitter 16 for several days
`without external power.
`A radio receiver 86 receives signals on a prescribed
`frequency from an antenna 88 and demodulates the
`signals suitable for use by decoding modules 90, 92 and
`94. These decoding modules use respective associated
`presettable code select modules 96, 98 and 100 to re-
`spond only to the proper code for their individual func-
`tions.
`Decoding module 90 is the primary ‘reception de-
`coder. It is preset to respond only to a specific code, as
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`set by its associated code select module 96. When it
`receives the proper coded signal from receiver 86, it
`will energize a relay coil 102 which will then close
`normally open switch contacts 104. Contacts 104 supply
`power to an audible alarm 106, an encoder unit 108, a
`latching unit 110 and a light 112.
`The latching unit 110 will latch up upon the receipt of
`power,
`thus continuing to illuminate light 112 to
`thereby indicate receipt of an alarm by facility retrans-
`mitter 16. Encoder unit 108 will, when energized, send
`a proper coded signal established by an associated code
`select module 126 totransmitter 128. Transmitter 128
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`will transmit a radio signal to the fixed area alarm 14 via
`an antenna 130. The code select module 126 thus is set
`to the correct code for the closest fixed area alarm 14.
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`The above described functions of light 112 and trans-
`mitter 128 continue so long as contacts 104 are closed.
`In addition, when contacts 104 are closed, alarm 106 is
`energized to emit an audible alarm.
`A latching circuit 114 is provided in facility retrans-
`mitter 16 to keep relay coil 102 energized for a predeter-
`mined period of time. This time period is controlled by
`a time out module 116 which, after a preset time, will
`cease to supply power
`from closed contacts 104
`through switch 118 and normally closed contacts 120 to
`relay coil 102. Switch 118 is a normally closed manual
`switch. When opened by a maintenance person, it will
`open the latching power feed to relay coil 102 thus
`tapening contacts 104 in turn and discontinuing power
`feed to audible alarm 106 and the remaining connecting
`elements as above described.
`Decoder module 92 also receives a demodulated sig-
`nal from receiver 86 which, if the signal agrees with the
`preset code of the code select module 98 associated
`with decoder module 92, will energize a relay coil 122
`to open contacts 120 and thereby unlatch relay 102 to
`de-power the associated circuitry. Thus, contacts 104
`may be opened by either remote or manual means.
`A jumper 124 is provided in parallel with time out
`module 116 to allow installation personnel to select
`whether the time out module 116 will be used in the
`system, or whether the system will instead be set up to
`continuously sound an alarm until it is reset manually
`via switch 118 or by a suitable reset signal processed by
`decoding module 92 and fed to relay 122.
`Decoder 94, when it receives a coded signal which
`agrees with the setting of the associated code select
`module 100, will cause an encoder unit 132 to determine
`the alarm code set in code select module 96, and to
`transmit a signal through a time out module 134 to
`transmitter 128. Time out module 134 continues feeding
`the signal from encoder unit 132 to transmitter 128 for a
`short, preset period of time. Therefore, the reception of
`a suitably coded query signal to the facility retransmit-
`ter 16 can be used to cause the unit to transmit a re-
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`sponse such as one identifying its alarm code, without
`initiating any other function thereof. This will allow
`maintenance testing of the facility retransmitter 16 from
`the ground without setting off any alarms, and will also
`allow other uses such as two way communication be-
`tween units as may be desired.
`The fixed area alarm 14 (FIG. 7) is similar in structure
`and function to fixed facility alarm retransmitter 16, and
`in fact the two units could be identical in many respects.
`Accordingly, extensive repetition of the description
`here of those elements and functions of the fixed area
`alarm 14 which are identical to those of the facility
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`retransmitter 16 as above described is believed unneces-
`sary.
`In addition to the structure and function of the fixed
`area alarm 14 as described hereinabove, each fixed area
`alarm 14 receives alarm signals from both those fixed
`facility alarm retransmitters 16 which have their encod-
`ers 108 preset to the proper code for a particular fixed
`area alarm 14, and in addition from any remote alarm
`initiator 12. Thus, to actuate a given fixed area alarm 14
`the alarm signal from a fixed facility alarm retransmitter
`16 must be coded to the same alarm code as established
`by the code select module 96 of the given fixed area
`alarm 14. When an alarm is generated, the fixed area
`alarm 14 will carry out its function to provide fixed area
`alarm annunciation by providing an audible alarm, a
`latched-on alarm light, and the choice of automatic,
`manual or radio reset as above described for the facility
`retransmitters 16.
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`The alarm signal from a remote alarm initiator 12
`typically may not be in the proper alarm code to actuate
`a fixed area alarm 14, and a series of transmissions and
`receptions thus will occur to assure a valid alarm code
`signal as follows. When a coded signal is received from
`a remote alarm initiator 12 by a fixed area alarm 14, the
`signal will be interpreted by the decoder module 94 of
`the fixed area alarm 14, which is preset by the code
`select module 100. Decoder module 94 will then acti-
`vate the encoder module 132 which reads the alarm
`code set in code select module 96. The encoder module
`132 then transmits the alarm code of code select module
`96 through time out module 134 to transmitter 128 for
`transmission via antenna 130. The remote alarm initiator
`12 will receive this transmitted signal and will then
`determine and retransmit the proper alarm code to actu-
`ate decoding module 90 of the fixed area alarm 14 via
`operation of code select module 72 and decoding mod-
`ule 68 of the remote initiator 12 as above described.
`Actuation of decoding module 90 in the fixed area alarm ’
`14 closes contacts 104 as above described thus actuating
`in unison audible alarm 106, visual alarm 112 and radio
`transmission from transmitter 128, which is monitored
`by a central dispatcher or similar entity with access to
`emergency facilities. Of course, the same occurs upon
`actuation of a fixed area alarm 14 by a facility alarm 16.
`The above described retransmission feature may also be
`used by security or maintenance personnel to check for
`proper operation of the system.
`The mobile security controller 18 is a portable, pref-
`erably hand-held unit that is used for a multiplicity of
`tasks. The circuitry contained therein is a combination
`of that previously described or otherwise commercially
`available instruments and further detailed description
`thereof thus is not believed necessary.
`The remote security controller 18 can be pro-
`grammed to receive or transmit any code available on
`the various system components as above described,
`with push buttons or other suitable controls pro-
`grammed for a multiplicity of fixed transmit and receive
`testing functions. The mobile controller 18 can also
`detect signal strength from other system components
`having transmitters to thereby detect the need for main-
`tenance or calibration of such transmitter units. The
`mobile controller 18 functions as the primary means for
`security and maintenance checks of the system.
`From the above description, operation of the system
`may be readily understood. Alarm initiators 10 are
`coded to initiate a response upon actuation thereof in
`respective fixed facility retransmitters 16. Because initi-
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`11
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`11
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`5,070,320
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`9
`ators 10 are coded, only the corresponding fixed facility
`retransmitter 16 mounted on the same building will
`respond to a signal from the initiator 10 assigned to that
`building. Thus, with initiator 10 the user is able to pro-
`vide a visual and/or audible alarm at the building as
`well as retransmission of an alarm signal to the proper
`fixed area alarm 14. Because retransmitters 16 are coded
`to actuate only a specific fixed area alarm 14, they will
`not actuate more than one alarm 14 in the same way that
`initiators 10 will not actuate more than one facility
`alarm 16. Accordingly, both area identification and
`building identification are established by actuation of
`the initiator 10.
`‘
`.
`
`The audible/visual alarms provided by facility alarms
`16 and area alarms 14 attract the immediate attention of
`people already in the vicinity. Thus, to the extent it may
`be available, immediate assistance is attracted to the
`person who has initiated the alarm.
`Optionally, the fixed area alarm 14 may also retrans-
`mit the alarm signal to a central dispatch point, to iden-
`tify the fixed area alarm from which the signal comes,
`so that security personnel will have immediate indica-
`tion of the problem and the area where the problem
`exists. Like others already in the area, they will also
`have immediate verification upon approching the area
`in question, and audible/visual alarm on the building
`where a problem exists to guide them to the location of
`the problem.
`The initiators 12, being portable, are coded to actuate
`any nearby fixed area alarm 14 in a manner that the
`initiator 12 can read a signal transmitted from any fixed
`area alarm 14 and then retransmit the proper coded
`signal to initiate an alarm by the same fixed area alarm
`14. Accordingly, the initiators 12 will not set off nearby
`fixed facility alarms 16.
`The alarm system as above described can be supple-
`mented to provide additional protection against crimes
`using vehicles or the theft of vehicles. In the modified
`system, the fixed area alarm unit is modified and a vehi-
`cle alarm unit is added to provide increased system
`capability and protection. The fixed area alarm unit, as
`described, has added logic and coding circuitry which
`is operative when it received an alarm signal from a
`remote alarm initiator unit to transmit another preset
`coded signal for a period of time; This signal will be
`received and decoded by a vehicle alarm unit which
`will then sound an audible alann and/or flash the vehi-
`cle lights, or provide other visual alarm.
`This modified system could be used in the event of a
`witnessed kidnapping, mugging or vehicle theft, such
`that the witness could initiate an alarm through a nearby
`fixed area alarm unit and could also cause the vehicle
`I alarm unit to alert area personnel, police and security
`personnel to the problem.
`More specifically,
`the modified fixed area alarm
`(FIG. 7) is mounted in a sealed enclosure and protected
`against the elements and unauthorized intrusion, and is
`mounted on a power pole or other common location
`serving several dwellings or protected facilities. It is
`comprised of a power supply, a radio receiver and
`transmitter, several decoding and encoding units, an
`audible alarm, an alarm light, and circuitry to latch on
`the alarm and light until reset. Many salient features of
`the modified fixed area alarm shown in FIG. 7 are iden-
`tical to corresponding features of the fixed area alarm
`described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 6. Ac-
`cordingly, in FIGS. 6 and 7 like elements have been
`assigned like identifying numerals. Reference is made
`
`10
`hereby to the above description of FIG. 6 for descrip-
`tion of all like numbered elements of FIG. 7 as it is not
`bel