Alarm system backup with cut line detector

• US 5,737,391 A
• Filed: 09/06/1995
• Issued: 04/07/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 09/06/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Richard J. Dame
• Original Assignee: Richard J. Dame
• Inventors: Immeke, Kenneth A., Dame, Richard J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kuntz, Curtis
• Assistant Examiner(s): PALAN, STEPHEN C
• Application Number:
  US08/524,424
• Time in Patent Office: 944 Days
• Field of Search: 379/32, 379/33, 379/37, 379/46, 379/50, 379/51, 379/90, 379/44, 379/49, 379/42
• US Class Current: 379/37
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 29/08 Signalling of tampering with the line circuit
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/04 with alarm systems, e.g. fire, police or burglar alarm systems

Abstract

A security system backup device which provides a system that recognizes when an outdoor telephone line near the building has been severed and provides a means by which a distress message can be sent over the operable part of the outdoor telephone lines. The system utilizes a signal generator connected to a phone line inside of the building and a signal detector connected to the outdoor phone line outside of the building in a discreet and hard to reach location. When the signal no longer appears on the line, a telephonic calling unit, which is located with the signal detector, places a distress call.

Claims

1. An impaired telephone line warning system comprising:

a signal generation device operably connected to an interior telephone line, wherein said signal generation device includes a mechanism for status signal over said interior telephone line to a distally connected outdoor telephone line that runs from a building containing said interior telephone line to a telephone company service line;

a signal detection device operably connected to said outdoor telephone line, wherein said signal detection device includes a mechanism for detecting said status signal; and

a telephonic calling unit operably connected to said outdoor telephone line and to said signal detection device, said calling unit including a mechanism for dialing out and transmitting a warning message over said outdoor telephone line.

2. The warning system of claim 1 further comprising a line select switch, said line select switch capable of disabling telephone service along said outdoor telephone line leading to said interior telephone line.

3. The warning system of claim 1 further comprising a filter operably connected to said outdoor telephone line, said filter suitable for eliminating said status signal.

4. The telephonic calling unit of claim 1 wherein said unit comprises a dialing apparatus for dialing at least one preset telephone number.

5. The telephonic calling unit of claim 4 further comprising a redialing apparatus for redialing one of said at least one preset telephone numbers.

6. The telephonic calling unit of claim 1 wherein said unit comprises a transmission device capable of transmitting a stored data stream.

7. The telephonic calling unit of claim 1 wherein said unit comprises a transmission device capable of transmitting a prerecorded message.

8. The warning system of claim 1 further comprising a spark gap.

9. The warning system of claim 1 further comprising a cellular backup transmitter for use in the event said telephonic transmission device fails.

10. The signal generation device of claim 1 wherein said generated status signal is a continuous sinusoidal signal above 20 kilohertz.

11. A telephone security system comprising:

an indoor telephone line system;

an outdoor terminal block operably connected to said indoor telephone line system;

an outdoor telephone line connecting said outdoor terminal block to a telephone company service line;

a signal generation device installed along said indoor telephone line system, said signal generation device capable of generating a status signal to said outdoor terminal block and along said outdoor telephone line;

a signal detection device electrically coupled in series with said outdoor telephone line, said signal detection device capable of sensing said status signal; and

a telephonic transmitter unit installed along said outdoor telephone line, said unit capable of dialing and transmitting telephone data via said outdoor telephone line to said telephone company service line.

12. The telephone security system of claim 11 further comprising a line select switch, said line select switch capable of disabling access to said outdoor terminal block and enabling access to said telephonic transmitter unit.

13. The telephone security system of claim 11 further comprising a filter suitable for removing said status signal from said outdoor telephone line before said status signal reaches said telephone company service line.

14. A backup alarm system comprising:

a detection device connectable to an outdoor telephone line at a first point distally away from a building receiving telephone service via said outdoor telephone line, said detection device having a mechanism for detecting a break in said telephone line anywhere between said detection device and a point at which said outdoor telephone line enters said building; and

a telephonic transmitter unit connectable to said outdoor telephone line and proximately located near said detection device, said unit including a mechanism for dialing and transmitting data along a telephone company service line via said outdoor telephone line.

15. The backup alarm system of claim 14 further comprising a signal generation device connectable to an interior telephone line, said signal generation device providing a status signal readable by said detection device.

16. The backup alarm system of claim 14 further comprising a line select switch connectable to said outdoor telephone line.

17. The backup alarm system of claim 14 further comprising a filter connectable to said outdoor telephone line at a fourth point anywhere between said detection device and said telephone company service line.