Modular emergency or weather alert interface system

• US 5,444,433 A
• Filed: 03/07/1994
• Issued: 08/22/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 03/07/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Daniel R. Gropper
• Original Assignee: Daniel R. Gropper
• Inventors: Gropper, Daniel R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Peng, John K.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LIEU, JULIE BICHNGOC
• Application Number:
  US08/207,537
• Time in Patent Office: 533 Days
• Field of Search: 340/601, 340/539, 340/309.15, 455/38.2, 455/38.4, 455/67.7, 455/57.1, 379/37, 379/38, 379/39, 379/40, 379/41, 379/48, 379/49, 379/50, 379/51, 381/119
• US Class Current: 340/601
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/10 responsive to calamitous events, e.g. tornados or earthquakes
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 27/008 with transmission via TV or radio broadcast

Abstract

This invention relates to an automatic, emergency or weather alert interface system between a first communication system, on which an emergency alert signaling tone is transmitted to indicate the occurrence of an emergence condition, and a second communication system, different from the first communication system. In operation, an emergency alert signaling tone is received from the first communication system by the emergency alert interface system which causes a prerecorded alert message to automatically be transmitted on the second communication system for an adjustable number of cycles wherein the audio from the prerecorded alert message is mixed with the audio from the second communication system so as to permit both audio messages to simultaneously be transmitted on the second communication system. Additional features taught herein include the transmission of a subaudible signaling tone on the second communication system to permit listeners on the second communication system to filter out all non emergency communication on that system until the subaudible signal is transmitted and the ability to permit a second communication system listener to access and link and the first communication system to the second communication system to permit immediate access to the alert message on the first communication system through the second communication system.

Claims

1. A weather or emergency alert interface system comprising:

a. a first communication system;

b. a signaling tone transmitted on said first communication system;

c. a receiver, tuned to said first communication system, further comprising a detector to detect said signaling tone, wherein said detector generates a changed logic level output in response to detecting said signaling tone;

d. an alert cycle timer, having a controlled logic level output, wherein said alert cycle timer is activated by said changed logic level output from said detector, and wherein said logic level output of said alert cycle timer changes for a set period after said alert cycle timer has been activated by said changed logic level output from said detector;

e. an alert message timer, having a controlled logic level output, wherein said alert message timer is activated by said changed logic level output from said alert cycle timer, and wherein said logic level output of said alert message timer periodically pulses at preset intervals during the period when said alert cycle timer has been activated;

f. an audible prerecorded alert message, having an adjustable outgoing audio level, wherein said audible prerecorded alert message plays a complete message cycle in response to each logic pulse from said alert message timer;

g. a second communication system for transmitting an outgoing message, further comprising means for adjusting the audio level of said outgoing message;

h. means for mixing said adjustable outgoing audio levels of said audible prerecorded alert message and said outgoing message on said second communication system in such a manner as to enable listeners to said second communication system to simultaneously hear both audio messages;

i. means, electronically initiated by the activation of said alert message timer, for automatically keying the transmitter of said second communication system during the period when said audible prerecorded alert message is playing; and

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j. means for transmission of said audible prerecorded alert message, mixed with said second communication system audio, on said second communication system, when said second communication system is keyed, for the duration of the activation of said alert cycle timer in time periods determined by said alert message timer.

2. A weather or emergency alert tone interface system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said first communication system is radio.

3. A weather or emergency alert tone interface system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said second communication system is radio.

4. A weather or emergency alert tone interface system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said alert cycle timer is an electronic timer.

5. A weather or emergency alert tone interface system, as recited in claim 4, wherein said alert cycle timer is based on a 555 timer.

6. A weather or emergency alert tone interface system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said alert message timer is an electronic timer.

7. A weather or emergency alert tone interface system, as recited in claim 6, wherein said alert message timer is based on a 555 timer.

8. A weather or emergency alert tone interface system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said audible alert message is electronically recorded.

9. A weather or emergency alert tone interface system, as recited in claim 8, wherein said audible alert message is electronically recorded on a digital voice recorder.

10. A weather or emergency alert tone interface system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said alert message further comprises an outgoing subaudible signaling alert tone.

11. A weather or emergency alert tone interface system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said second communication system is a maritime radio frequency.

12. A weather or emergency alert tone interface system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said second communication system is a public address system.

13. A weather or emergency alert tone interface system, as recited in claim 1, wherein audio information from said first communication system may be accessed by listeners on said second communication system through said second communication system.

14. A weather or emergency alert tone interface system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said second communication system is a public safety communication system.

15. A weather or emergency alert tone interface system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said second communication system is a public utility communication system.

16. A weather or emergency alert tone interface system, as recited in claim 1, further comprising a listener activated alert cycle timer reset switch.

17. A weather or emergency alert tone interface system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said first communication system is NOAA weather radio.

18. A weather or emergency alert tone interface system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said second communication system is land mobile radio.

19. A weather or emergency alert tone interface system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said signaling tone has a frequency of 1050 hertz.

20. A weather or emergency alert tone interface system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said audible prerecorded alert message may be changed by the system control operator.