Auto synchronous output module and system

• US 5,959,528 A
• Filed: 07/01/1998
• Issued: 09/28/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 07/01/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: GE Security Incorporated (Carrier Global Corporation), ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc. (Exxon Mobil Corporation)
• Original Assignee: General Signal Corporation (SPX Corporation)
• Inventors: Braam, Jan A., Morrow, Keith, Rock, Dennis, Montgomery, Peter, Right, Robert, Costa, Hilario S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Pope, Daryl C.
• Application Number:
  US09/108,722
• Time in Patent Office: 454 Days
• Field of Search: 340/506, 340/531, 340/517, 340/508, 340/511, 340/519, 340/520, 340/521, 340/522, 340/523, 340/825.06, 340/825.05
• US Class Current: 340/506
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 26/001 with individual interrogation of substations connected in parallel

Abstract

An auto synchronous output module for use at a plurality of zones in a fire alarm and detection system consisting of a power source and output devices selectively coupled to the power source so as to provide audible and visual signals, and a microprocessor within the module for coupling to a data line so as to enable transmission of data signals to and from a loop controller. Moreover, there is within the processor, responsive to an activate command from the loop controller for applying the power source to the output devices responsive to an alarm condition. In addition, within the processor, responsive to a synchronize command, sent subsequently to the activate command, from the loop controller, for applying power to the output devices in synchronism with application of other power sources to output devices at other respective modules.

Claims

1. An auto synchronous output module for use at a plurality of zones in a fire alarm and detection system comprising:

a power source and output devices selectively coupled to the power source so as to provide audible and visual signals;

a microprocessor within the module for coupling to a data line so as to enable transmission of data signals to and from a loop controller;

means within the processor, responsive to an activate command from the loop controller for applying the power source to the output devices responsive to an alarm condition; and

means within the processor, responsive to a synchronize command sent, subsequently to the activate command, from the loop controller, for applying power to the output devices in synchronism with application of other power sources to output devices at other respective modules.

2. A module as defined in claim 1, in which the means for applying power to particular output devices in synchronism with applying power to output devices at other respective modules includes means for interrupting power to all the devices for a predetermined interval and then reapplying power.

3. A system for synchronizing the power supplied to alarm output devices at different zones in a life safety system, wherein the output devices are controlled by auto synchronous output modules at the respective zones and wherein the output devices are supplied with power from different power sources comprising:

a loop controller at a central location;

the modules including a power source and output devices;

the modules being connected in groups along a data loop for receiving activate commands in the form of control signals from the loop controller so as to activate the output devices responsive to alarm conditions at the zones;

the modules including means operative when an activate command is received for suspending the application of power to the output devices for a predetermined time interval until a subsequent, synchronize command is received, whereby all activated output devices are then synchronized.

4. A system as defined in claim 3, wherein all activated output devices are synchronized by a synch pulse signal, including means for responding to the synch pulse signal so as to interrupt the connection of the power sources to their respective output devices.

5. A system as defined in claim 3, further including means for responding, following initial synchronization at predetermined modules, to the subsequent synchronization at other modules wherein said predetermined modules are then operative to resynchronize the application of power to their alarm output devices.

6. A system as defined in claim 3, further comprising means for providing resynchronization of all already synchronized modules after the passage of a predetermined period.

7. A system as defined in claim 4, wherein said means for responding to the synch pulse signal includes a relay connected to said microprocessor for receiving said signal therefrom.

8. A system as defined in claim 1, in which there are eight groups of said modules in each data loop, sixteen modules being in each group.