U.S. patent number 3,886,534 [Application Number 05/321,933] was granted by the patent office on 1975-05-27 for security system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Polar Corporation. Invention is credited to Anthony J. Nicolini, Norwood Rosen.
United States Patent |
3,886,534 |
Rosen , et al. |
May 27, 1975 |
Security system
Abstract
A security system for monitoring predetermined alarm conditions
at multiple locations. Security units are provided at each
monitored location with each unit including an emergency d.c. power
source for providing power during a.c. power line failure. In the
event of an alarm condition, an amplitude modulated radio frequency
carrier signal having a modulation frequency indicating the
location of an alarm condition is superimposed on an a.c. power
line for detection at a remote monitoring location. A method is
provided for checking the operability of the individual security
units by the user of the unit without indicating an alarm condition
at the monitoring location. A two modulation frequency method and
system is provided for two alarm conditions.
Inventors: |
Rosen; Norwood (Pompano Beach,
FL), Nicolini; Anthony J. (Lighthouse Point, FL) |
Assignee: |
Polar Corporation (Pompano
Beach, FL)
|
Family
ID: |
23252687 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/321,933 |
Filed: |
January 8, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/517; 340/525;
340/538; 340/514; 340/528; 340/574; 340/545.9; 340/693.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08B
29/14 (20130101); G08B 25/06 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G08B
29/00 (20060101); G08B 25/06 (20060101); G08B
29/14 (20060101); G08B 25/01 (20060101); G08b
017/06 () |
Field of
Search: |
;340/213,214,216,310,410,412,416,333,276,152T,172,31A ;325/185 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Caldwell; John W.
Assistant Examiner: Lange; Richard P.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Burns, Doane, Swecker &
Mathis
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A security system for use with an a.c. power line connected
between a plurality of locations comprising:
a plurality of security units, each including a sensor for
detecting the opening of a portal and a sending unit responsive to
said sensor for coupling to the a.c. power line an amplitude
modulated radio frequency signal identifying the location of the
security unit at which said predetermined condition exists, each of
said sending units including:
a radio frequency oscillator for generating a carrier signal having
a predetermined frequency common to a plurality of said sending
units, and
means for amplitude modulating said carrier signal, the combination
of the predetermined frequency and the amplitude modulation being
unique to each of said security units,
one of said sending units includes switch means biased to couple
said amplitude modulated radio frequency signal to said a.c. power
line and manually operable against said bias to uncouple said
amplitude modulated signal to said a.c. power line,
said one sending unit being disposed in sufficient proximity to the
portal to permit the manual operation of said switch means
simultaneously with the manual opening of the portal to permit the
opening of the portal without the coupling of said amplitude
modulated signal to said a.c. power line,
the bias of said switch means being sufficient to couple said
amplitude modulated signal to said a.c. power line in the event
that the open condition of the portal persists beyond the manual
operation of said switch means so that the natural act of stepping
away from the portal upon the forceable entrance of an intruder
through the portal couples said condition responsive signal to said
a.c. power line; and,
a monitor unit coupled to said a.c. power line at a location remote
from said plurality of security units and responsive to the
coupling of amplitude modulated radio frequency signals on the a.c.
power line for indicating at which of said security units said
sensed predetermined condition exists; said monitor unit including
a plurality of modules,
each of said modules associated with a predetermined group of said
security units having a common carrier frequency different from the
carrier frequency of all of the remaining ones of said security
units,
each of said modules having means for indicating at which of the
security units in an associated group said predetermined condition
exists, and
each of said modules including a plurality of switch means
responsive to a different frequency of modulation to actuate said
indicating means.
2. The security system of claim 1 wherein power from the a.c. power
line is utilized for the normal operation of the system, and
including:
an independent source of power for each of said security units and
for said monitor unit; and,
means responsive to a loss of power on said a.c. power line for
connecting said independent sources of power to said security units
and to said monitor unit.
3. The security system of claim 1 wherein said sending unit further
includes tuning fork means for establishing the modulation
frequency for each of said security units.
4. The security system of claim 1 wherein each of said modules
includes means for demodulating an amplitude modulated radio
frequency carrier signal coupled to the a.c. power line
comprising:
crystal controlled radio frequency amplifying means including
crystal controlled filter means tuned to the frequency of said
carrier signal;
transformer means coupled to said a.c. power line for applying
signals to said crystal controlled radio frequency amplifying
means, said transformer means being tuned to the frequency of said
carrier signal for removing a.c. power line signals from the signal
applied to said crystal controlled radio frequency amplifying
means;
means for amplifying the output signal from said radio frequency
amplifying means; and,
crystal controlled detector means for generating an output signal
having a frequency corresponding to that of said carrier
modulation, said detector means including crystal controlled filter
means tuned to said carrier frequency for removing carrier
frequency signal components from signals applied to said detector
means.
5. The security system of claim 1 wherein each of said security
units includes a plurality of sensors; and,
wherein said sending unit is responsive to each of said plurality
of sensors to couple to the a.c. power line an amplitude modulated
signal having a predetermined frequency identifiable with one of
said plurality of sensors.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to security systems and more particularly to
a security system in which the occurrence and location of a
predetermined alarm condition is monitored at a point remote
therefrom.
Security systems for monitoring conditions at multiple locations
are well known. However, due to the danger of theft and the
sophistication of the burglaries committed, especially in
multiple-unit dwellings, there is a necessity for a reliable,
tamper-proof alarm system. Many alarm systems operate on power
delivered by a.c. power lines, in which the system may be simply
inactivated by causing a power loss to occur. This may be done
either by disconnecting the power line at its source or, even more
simply by shorting out the power line, in which case the power is
interrupted by blown fuses or circuit breakers. Moreover, power to
components of the security system may be interrupted without
interrupting power to the rest of a building by merely shorting out
the power lines to the component thereby blowing the associated
fuses without indicating, by a general blackout, that a burglary is
taking place.
For the complete integrity of a security system, the operability of
the components thereof must be periodically established.
Heretofore, it was necessary for an attendant or security guard to
make rounds and individually check each of the components while in
communication with another security guard at a monitoring station.
This is a cumbersome procedure involving additional personnel.
There is, therefore, a need for a simple system by which each
occupant can test the component of the security system protecting
his premises or apartment prior to retiring for the night or
leaving the premises.
Moreover, there is an overall reliability problem associated with
security systems in which a number of security units are utilized
to indicate the existence of a predetermined alarm condition as
well as the location thereof. For instance, in multi-wire systems
for connecting individual security units to a monitor unit, the
frequency of system failure is a function of the number of
interconnecting wires. Thus if individual wire pairs extend from
monitored locations to the monitor, the integrity of each pair
determines the integrity of the entire system. When a single cable
system is used, the integrity of the system depends on the
integrity of only one cable. In single cable systems modulated
signals may be impressed on the cable to indicate a predetermined
alarm condition and the location thereof. However, the more areas
monitored, the more complicated and less reliable becomes the
modulation system.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to obviate
many of the deficiencies of prior known systems and to provide a
novel and improved method and system for reliably monitoring
predetermined alarm conditions at multiple locations to indicate
the fact of a security breach as well as the location of the
breach.
It is another object of this invention to provide an improved
security system having independent emergency powered security units
whereby the operation of the system is not impaired by a general
loss of power.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide an improved
method and apparatus for testing security systems in which an
individual component of the system may be selectively tested
without indicating an alarm condition at the monitoring
location.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel
and improved security system which utilizes an a.c. power line
between monitoring and monitored locations.
It is still a further object of this invention to provide improved
modulation for a security system in which a predetermined condition
is sensed and a modulated carrier signal is superimposed on the
signal carried by an a.c. power line to indicate the existence of
the predetermined condition and in the location thereof.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide an improved
demodulator for use in a security system in which a modulated
carrier indicating a security breach and the location thereof is
impressed on an a.c. power line.
It is important in some situations to distinguish between the fact
of an alarm condition and the identity of the alarm condition. For
example, it may be desirable to distinguish between the
unauthorized entry of a space and the removal of an object
therefrom such as a TV set from a motel. Alternatively, it may be
desirable to distinguish between entry and a fire, or between a
fire and the pressure of a harmful gas.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a
novel two or more alarm condition method and system.
These and many other objects and advantages of the subject
invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art to
which the invention pertains from the claims and from the following
detailed description when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the system of the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of the monitor unit of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of one of the sending units of FIG.
1;
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the sending unit
of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the monitor unit of FIG. 2;
and
FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of one of the demodulator
units of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIG. 1, a security system may include a plurality of
security units 10 each coupled to an a.c. power line 12. Each of
the security units 10 may be located at a different location to
detect a predetermined alarm condition thereat. A monitor unit 14
may be coupled to the a.c. power line 12 at a position remote from
each of the security units 10 for monitoring the detection of a
predetermined alarm condition by any one of the security units
10.
Each of the security units 10 may include a sensor 16 for detecting
a predetermined alarm condition and for providing an output signal
indicative thereof. This alarm condition may be the opening of a
portal, the overheating of a stove, a fire, the presence of
flooding or the like. The output signal from the sensor may be
applied to a sending unit 18 for superimposing on the a.c. power
line 12 a signal indicating the detection of the alarm condition
and the location thereof. In one embodiment, each of the sending
units 18 may include means responsive to the detection of the
predetermined alarm condition for coupling onto the a.c. power line
12 an amplitude modulated radio signal identifying by the frequency
thereof the location of the security unit 10 at which the
predetermined alarm condition is detected.
As will be described hereinafter, the monitor unit 14 may include
means for demodulating and/or decoding the superimposed signal and
for actuating a corresponding indicating element for indicating the
detection of and location of the predetermined alarm condition.
In an apartment house or multiple-unit dwelling, the number of
security units may be large. When a large number of security units
are utilized, a number of security units may be grouped to
facilitate signal processing. Grouping of security units may be
accomplished by providing that the sending units 18 associated with
a group of security units generate carrier signals of the same
frequency. The individual sending units of the group may then
modulate the carrier signal at different discrete frequencies to
identify the individual sending unit with the group. The carrier
frequency in combination with the modulation frequency may thus
indicate the location of the security unit which is
transmitting.
By way of example and as illustrated in FIG. 1, two groups of
security units, Group A and Group B, may be connected to the a.c.
power line 12. Should a predetermined alarm condition occur in the
vicinity of the security unit 10A.sub.1, the sensor 16 associated
with that security unit may generate a signal which may be applied
to the associated sending unit 18. Upon receipt of a signal from
sensor 16, the sending unit 18 of the security unit 10A.sub.1 may
be activated to generate a carrier signal having a frequency
C.sub.A. This carrier signal may be modulated at a frequency
f.sub.1 which indicates that a predetermined alarm condition exists
at the first security unit of the A group, i.e., 10A.sub.1. The
signal generated by the sending unit 18 of the security unit
10A.sub.1 is coupled by the a.c. power line 12 to the monitor unit
14 where the signal is demodulated and/or decoded and an
apppropriate indicating element actuated to indicate the existence
and location of the detected alarm condition.
In a like manner, when the predetermined alarm condition exists at
any of the other security units in Group A, a carrier signal may be
generated having a carrier frequency C.sub.A and a modulation
frequency f.sub.2 . . . f.sub.N corresponding to the security unit
in Group A at which the predetermined alarm condition is
detected.
In the same manner, a predetermined alarm condition at any one of
the security units in Group B may activate the associated sending
unit to generate a carrier signal having a frequency C.sub.B with a
modulation frequency f.sub.1, F.sub.2 . . . f.sub.N corresponding
to the security unit in Group B at which the predetermined alarm
condition is detected.
In one embodiment, the monitor unit 14 may be in modular form in
which a number of modules 20 as illustrated in FIG. 2 may be
connected to the a.c. power line 12 at a location remote from the
security units 10 of FIG. 1. Each of the modules 20 may be provided
with a panel containing a number of elements 22 and indicia located
adjacent each indicating element for indicating the location of the
security unit at which a predetermined alarm condition is detected.
The monitor unit 14 may also be provided with a control panel 24
which includes a "Power-on" indicator 26, an audible alarm 28, a
reset button 30, and a key slot 32.
The monitor unit 14 may thus include a number of modules, each
module corresponding to a group of security units and each module
responsive to a carrier signal of a predetermined frequency. Each
one of the modules may include separate frequency discrimination
circuits responsive respectively to each of the discrete carrier
modulation frequencies of the individual security units within the
group for activating an indicating element identifying the security
unit at which the predetermined alarm condition is detected.
The grouping of security units and the modular construction of the
monitor unit provides an "add-on" capability when, for instance, it
is desirable to increase the number of locations monitored.
In operation, and with the "Power-on" indicator 26 indicating power
to the monitor unit 14, an audible alarm may be sounded upon the
detection of an alarm condition at one of the security units.
Simultaneously, an indicator element 22 may be actuated to indicate
the detection of the alarm condition and the location thereof. The
audible alarm may be designed to attract the attention of a guard
who then must insert a key into the key slot 32 and turn the key to
shut off the audible alarm. At the time the guard shuts off the
audible alarm, he will be in a position to note the location of the
predetermined alarm condition by looking at the monitor panel. The
guard may then reset the monitor unit by pressing the reset button
30 and take action appropriate for the alarm.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, if the predetermined alarm condition is
the opening of a portal, such as a door 33, then the sensor 16 may
include a set of contacts 34 located on the inside of a door jamb
36. The door 33 may carry a shorting strip or bar 38 such that when
the door is closed, electrical contact is established between the
contacts 34. Thus the opening of the door 33 will open the
electrical circuit through the contacts 34 and the bar 38 and
thereby interrupt the power applied to a relay or other switch
indicative of the alarm condition.
The sending unit 18 of FIG. 1 may include an indicator element 38,
a key slot 40, a system check button 42, and an "enter" button 43,
as hereinafter explained in detail in connection with FIG. 3.
THE SENDING UNIT
One embodiment of the novel sending unit of the present invention
for coupling an amplitude modulated radio frequency signal on the
a.c. power line 12 is illustrated in FIG. 4. In this embodiment,
the sending unit 18 may be coupled across an a.c. power line at
terminals 50 and 52. The terminal 52 may be connected to one side
of the primary winding of a transformer T.sub.1 through normally
closed switches 56 and 57. The terminal 50 may be connected to the
other side of the primary winding of the transformer T.sub.1
through a capacitor 58. The switch 56 may be opened by an interrupt
and delayed reconnect circuit 60 which is actuated in response to
the closing of the aforementioned system check button 42 by the
closing of a switch 62 to a reference potential such as a ground
potential.
The interrupt and delayed reconnect circuit 60 may be any suitable
and conventional time delay and relay circuit activated when the
switch 62 is closed to open the switch 56. In one embodiment an
internally contained relay (not shown) may be actuated for a
predetermined time interval, starting with the closing of the
switch 62. This time interval may be sufficiently long for the
completion of system testing and the exit of the apartment by the
occupant as will be subsequently explained.
The switch 57 may be opened by depressing the "enter" button 43 to
permit the opening of the door 33 while the sending unit is
actuated without the generation of an alarm signal on the a.c.
power line. The sending unit may be in close proximity to the door
33 to permit depression of the button 43 while opening the door.
Should the person at the door be an intruder, the occupant, by
stepping away from the door and releasing the button 43, causes the
normally biased switch 57 to close thereby to couple an alarm
signal to the a.c. power line.
With continued reference to FIG. 4, the terminals 50 and 52 may be
connected across a diode bridge circuit 64 for providing a direct
current to a relay coil 66 from an output terminal 68 thereof. A
diametrically opposite output terminal 70 of the diode bridge
circuit 64 may be provided to provide the aforementioned reference
potential. The output terminal 68 of the diode bridge circuit 64
may also be connected to a terminal 72 of a single pole, double
throw switch 74. An independent emergency d.c. power supply 78,
such as a conventional storage battery, may be connected between
the other terminal 80 of the switch 74 and ground potential.
The presence of power to the unit, i.e., an a.c. signal across the
terminals 50 and 52, will provide direct current through the coil
66 to actuate the switch 74 and connect the terminal 72 to the
terminal 76 against the bias provided by a spring 77. Loss of a.c.
power will deenergize the relay coil 66 and permit the spring 77 to
connect the contacts 80 and 76 of the switch 74 to thereby energize
the unit with the emergency power supply 78.
The common terminal 76 of the switch 74 may be connected through a
key operated switch 82 to one terminal of a grounded incandescent
lamp 84 or other indicating element such as a light emitting diode.
The lamp 84 may serve as the indicator element 38 on the sending
unit panel as will be described. The common terminal 76 of the
switch 74 may also be connected through the key operated switch 82
and a switch 89 actuated by the sensor 16 of FIG. 1 to the power
supply terminals of an oscillator 86 and a modulator 88.
The oscillator 86 may be a conventional radio frequency signal
generator, amplitude modulated by an input signal applied from the
modulator 88. The modulator 88 may also be conventional and may
generate an output signal having a frequency determined by a
resonating tuning fork (not shown). The output signal from the
oscillator 86 may be applied across the secondary winding of the
transformer T.sub.1.
In operation and with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the key closing
of the switch 82 energizes the unit to apply power to the switch
89. Upon the closing of the switch 89 by the detection of a
predetermined alarm condition, d.c. power from the terminal 76 is
applied to the oscillator 86 and the modulator 88. Thereafter, the
oscillator generates a carrier signal which is amplitude modulated
in accordance with the signal from the modulator 88 and coupled
onto an a.c. power line through the transformer T.sub.1 and the
capacitor 58, with the capacitor 58 serving to isolate the sending
unit from the a.c. power line.
TESTING METHOD
When the system check button 42 of FIG. 3 is depressed, the switch
62 associated with the interrupt and delay reconnect circuit 60 is
closed thereby opening the switch 56 to disconnect the sending unit
from the a.c. power line. The opening of the switch 56 also
deenergizes the relay coil 66 so that the d.c. power supply 78 is
connected into the circuit. The continued illumination of the lamp
84 (indicator 38) indicates that the emergency d.c. power supply to
supplying power and that the predetermined alarm condition has not
been detected.
The occupant may then create the predetermined alarm condition to
effect the closing of the switch 89 to supply power to the
oscillator 86 and the modulator 88. The closing of the switch 89
also reduces the current through the lamp 84 and dimming thereof
indicates that the oscillator and modulator are energized, i.e., an
alarm condition has been detected. A predetermined time after the
system check button is released, the circuit 60 may close the
switch 56 to reconnect the sending unit to the a.c. power line and
to reenergize the relay coil 66. The time delay may be long enough
for the occupant to test the sending circuit and exit the premises
after ascertaining that his particular unit is working
properly.
Taking, for example, the opening of a door or portal as an alarm
condition, the sending unit 18 of FIG. 3 may be tested by closing
the door 33 to establish the absence of the alarm condition and
thereafter using the key to energize the unit. If the unit is
working properly, the indicator element 38 will indicate the
availability of power to the sending unit 18 and the absence of the
predetermined alarm condition.
After ascertaining the delivery of power to the sending unit, the
occupant of the apartment may then temporarily disconnect the
sending unit from the a.c. power line by means of the system check
button 42. The system check button may not only disconnect the
sending unit from the a.c. power line, but also may activate a
separate d.c. power supply for the sending unit. If the separate
d.c. power supply is not operative, the indicator element 38 will
indicate an inoperative condition.
The occupant of the apartment may then cause the predetermined
alarm condition to occur, e.g., by opening the door, while the
sending unit is disconnected from the a.c. power line. The
indicator element 38 may then indicate that the predetermined alarm
condition has occurred and that a signal is being transmitted
responsively thereto. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, this indication
may be a visible dimming of the incandescent lamp 84. Thus, the
availability of power and the operability of the security system
may be indicated without superimposing a signal indicating the
occurrence of the predetermined alarm condition on the a.c. power
line.
The sending unit 18 may be provided with the delayed reconnect
circuit 60 of FIG. 4 such that the occupant may have time to exit
the premises after ascertaining that his particular unit is working
properly before the sending unit is again connected to the a.c.
power line. Because of the delay, the alarm condition is terminated
by closing the door prior to the reconnection of the sending unit
to the a.c. line and thus the alarm signal is not coupled to the
a.c. line. The reopening of the door by the occupant upon his
return will couple an alarm signal to the a.c. power line and it
will be necessary at that time for the occupant to phone the
personnel at the monitoring station to cancel the alarm
indication.
MONITOR UNIT
Referring now to FIG. 5, the monitor unit 14 may include a group of
demodulators 90 coupled in parallel to the a.c. power line 12. Each
demodulator may be connected to an associated bank of decode units
92 in turn connected to an associated group of indicating elements
98.
In operation, each of the demodulators 90 may respond to a carrier
signal of a different frequency corresponding to a different one of
the aforementioned groups of sending units such that each module
responds to only the carrier frequency of that group. Each
demodulator may effectively remove any a.c. power line signals and
may generate a signal having a frequency corresponding to the
modulation frequency of a predetermined carrier signal as will
hereinafter be described.
The output signal from each demodulator 90 may be applied to the
plurality of decode units 92 associated therewith. Each decode unit
92 may include conventional frequency responsive switches and relay
means, including a relay coil 94 and a relay actuated switch 96,
for actuating an associated indicating element 98 by completing a
power supply circuit thereto. Additionally, each of the decode
units may include means for maintaining the actuation of the
switches 96 until the switches are manually reset.
The monitor unit 14 may be provided with its own separate power
supply 100 which may be applied in parallel to one side of all of
the indicating elements 98 and through a normally closed switch 102
to an audio oscillator 104. The oscillator 104 may be actuated
simultaneously with the actuation of any of the indicating elements
98 associated with any of the modules by a relay actuated switch
106 for generating an audio alarm signal. The audio alarm signal
may be applied to a speaker 108 for indicating the existence of an
alarm condition at any one of the aforementioned security units
until such time as the entire monitor unit 14 is reset by
interrupting the power to the relay coils 94 to operate the
switches 96 and 106.
Referring now to FIG. 6, one of the demodulators 90 of FIG. 5 may
include an input stage 110, a crystal control r.f. amplifying stage
112, an amplifier stage 113, and a crystal controlled detector
stage 116.
The input stage 110 may include a transformer T.sub.2 having a
secondary winding S across which is connected a capacitor 118. One
end 119 of the secondary winding S may be connected to ground
through a parallel connected RC filter network including a resistor
120 and a capacitor 122. The end 119 of the secondary winding S may
also be connected through a resistor 124 to a source V of positive
potential.
The other end 125 of the secondary winding S may be connected to
the base electrode of an NPN transistor Q.sub.1 which is part of
the crystal controlled r.f. amplifying circuit 112. The emitter
electrode of the transistor Q.sub.1 may be connected through a
resistor 126 to ground potential and also through a crystal
controlled filter which may include a capacitor 128 and a crystal
130 tuned to the carrier frequency for the associated demodulator.
The collector electrode of the transistor Q.sub.1 may be connected
through a resistor 132 to the source V and may be coupled to an
amplifier 134 through an input resistor 136. The amplifier 134 may
include a feedback network including a capacitor 138 and a resistor
140 coupled and parallel therewith. An output terminal 142 of the
amplifier 134 may be connected through a resistor 144 to the source
V and through a capacitor 146 and a resistor 148 to the crystal
controlled detector circuit 116.
The crystal controlled detector circuit 116 may include an NPN
transistor Q.sub.2 having a base electrode connected to an input
terminal 150, with the other end of the resistor 148 being
connected thereto. The input terminal 150 may be connected to
ground potential through a resistor 152 and a capacitor 154 in
parallel with a crystal controlled filter including a diode 156 and
a crystal 158 tuned to the carrier frequency. The collector
electrode of the transistor Q.sub.2 may be connected to the source
V through a resistor 160 and may be connected to an output terminal
162 through a resistor 164. Feedback for the detector is provided
from the output terminal 162 through a resistor 166 and the
resistor 152. A capacitor 168 may be connected between the output
terminal 162 and ground potential. As mentioned hereinbefore, the
output terminal 162 may be connected in parallel to the input
terminals of a plurality of decode units 92.
In operation, signals from the a.c. power line appear across the
secondary winding S of the transformer T.sub.2 and may include
substantial noise in addition to the a.c. power signal. The
secondary winding S of the transformer T.sub.2 and the capacitor
118 form an LC circuit which is tuned to a carrier frequency. In
addition, the filter circuit comprising the resistor 120 and the
capacitor 122 serve to filter out any a.c. power line components.
The signal applied to the base of the transistor Q.sub.1 is thus an
amplitude modulated carrier signal with other carrier signals and
a.c. line noise substantially attenuated.
The crystal controlled r.f. amplifier 112 is provided with a filter
including the crystal 130 tuned to the particular carrier frequency
desired so that the amplifier including the transistor Q.sub.1 will
amplify only carrier signals having a frequency corresponding to
that of the crystal 130. The output signal at the collector of the
transistor Q.sub.1 is thus an amplitude modulated radio frequency
signal having the desired carrier frequency. This signal is
amplified by the amplifier 134 and applied to the crystal
controlled detector 116. The carrier signal components are shunted
away from the base of the transistor Q.sub.2 by the filter circuit
comprising the crystal 158 and the diode 156. The resulting signal
at the output terminal 162 is a signal having a frequency related
to the modulation frequency of the desired carrier signal.
A TWO ALARM SYSTEM
As explained above, the number of sending units may be infinitely
expanded. It is, however, also possible to modify a single sending
unit 18 for two or more alarms.
With reference again to FIG. 4 where a sending unit 18 is
illustrated, the sensor 16 responsive to one alarm condition may
operate the switch 89 as earlier described and may in addition
operate a switch 200 to connect the modulator 88 to the oscillator
86.
In the event that a second alarm condition is to be monitored, a
second sensor 202 responsive thereto may be added. The sensor 202
may be utilized to operate the switch 89 which applies power to the
oscillator 86 and the switch 204 which connects a second modulator
206 to the oscillator 86. As is readily apparent, each additional
sensor must operate the power switch 86 and control the modulator
selection so that a different modulation frequency may be imposed
on the carrier frequency of the oscillator 86.
Rather than add entire modulators, a different tuning fork or other
frequency controlling element may be selectively switched into the
modulator circuit.
No modification of the monitor unit 14 need be made for this two
alarm condition embodiment since, as earlier indicated in
connection with FIG. 5, there are a plurality of decode circuits
for each carrier frequency.
ADVANTAGES AND SCOPE OF THE INVENTION
It will be appreciated that the security system thus described is
reliable due to the frequency discrimination afforded by the tuning
fork modulation system described and is also tamper-proof in the
sense that a.c. power failure will not inactivate the security
system. Moreover, the security system described provides a user or
occupant with a simple method for the occupant to check his
component of the security system before leaving the premises
without transmitting an alarm signal.
An intruder may trigger the sending unit without being advised of
that fact since an audible alarm is not used at the premises
protected, thereby increasing the opportunity for apprehension of
the intruder. The system is moveover fail-safe in that it cannot be
deactivated externally but requires communication by the occupant
with the monitoring personnel.
The occupant may depress the temporary entry button while opening
the door secure in the knowledge that a forceable entry will force
the occupant back from the door necessitating the release of the
entry button and instantly coupling the alarm signal to the a.c.
power line.
When equipped with two sensors, the present system may be utilized
to distinguish between alarm conditions and to convey other
intelligence as well. For example, the second alarm may be a button
on the sending unit which may be depressed by a maid to indicate to
the office of a hotel or motel that a room is ready for
occupancy.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics
thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the
scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which
come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are
therefore intended to be embraced therein.
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