Seismic switch
First Claim
1. An emergency control system comprising:
- a set of accelerometers that generate electronic signals in response to vibrations caused by an earthquake or an explosion;
a controller operationally coupled with the set of accelerometers and configured to receive the electronic signals and to determine whether the electronic signals represent an earthquake or an explosion;
a first switch operationally coupled with the controller and with a door control circuit, wherein the controller toggles the first switch upon detection of an earthquake to release the door control circuit; and
a second switch operationally coupled with the controller, with the door control circuit and with an emergency call circuit, wherein the controller toggles the second switch upon detection of an explosion to release the door control circuit and to activate the emergency call circuit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A seismic switch is a programmable device capable of distinguishing between seismic movements due to an earthquake or an explosion, which is used to send a signal to control panels for security doors. The device uses accelerometers and a microcontroller for the detection and signal analysis of the seismic movements. In the event of an explosion or earthquake, the device produces a loud sound which serves as an audible alarm. Other proposed applications, with minor modifications to the device or software code, include monitoring of freight handling, emergency shut-off controller for industrial control systems and machinery, a by-pass system for electronic access control panels, and as a theft-deterrent or a component of a security system for automated teller machines and other valuable devices or items.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. An emergency control system comprising:
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a set of accelerometers that generate electronic signals in response to vibrations caused by an earthquake or an explosion;
a controller operationally coupled with the set of accelerometers and configured to receive the electronic signals and to determine whether the electronic signals represent an earthquake or an explosion;
a first switch operationally coupled with the controller and with a door control circuit, wherein the controller toggles the first switch upon detection of an earthquake to release the door control circuit; and
a second switch operationally coupled with the controller, with the door control circuit and with an emergency call circuit, wherein the controller toggles the second switch upon detection of an explosion to release the door control circuit and to activate the emergency call circuit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A door control system comprising:
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a means for detecting an earthquake;
a means for detecting an explosion;
a means for releasing a door;
a means for signaling an alarm;
a means for initiating signals to a remote monitoring center;
a control circuit operationally coupled with the means for detecting an earthquake, the means for detecting an explosion, the means for releasing a door, the means for signaling an alarm, and the means for initiating signals to a remote monitoring center, wherein when the means for detecting an earthquake detects an earthquake then the control circuit activates the means for releasing a door and the means for signaling an alarm but not the means for initiating signals to a remote monitoring center, and wherein when the means for detecting an explosion detects an explosion then the control circuit activates the means for releasing a door, the means for signaling an alarm and the means for initiating signals to a remote monitoring center. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of responding to an emergency comprising the steps of:
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generating an electronic signal in response to a seismic event;
converting the electronic signal to a digital representation;
determining whether the seismic event was an earthquake or an explosion by comparing the digital representation to a table of data;
signaling a control circuit in response to the step of determining that the seismic event was either an earthquake or an explosion; and
activating signals to a remote monitoring center circuit only in response to the step of determining that the seismic event was an explosion but not in response to the step of determining that the seismic event was an earthquake. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification