Phone-activated emergency visual signaling system with low power consumption signal light
First Claim
1. A visual signaling apparatus for connection to a telephone line, comprising:
- a) a control unit operatively connected to said telephone line, said control unit being adapted to provide an output signal when a predetermined telephone number is dialed by a telephone also operatively connected to said telephone line, said control unit comprising a field-programmable micro controller having a dynamic memory device, and a digital DTMF receiver connected to the telephone line through isolation and signal conditioning circuitry;
b) a visual signal means operatively connected to said control unit, comprising a high intensity, low voltage LED device, said visual signaling means being responsive to and powered by said output of said control unit;
an internal, rechargeable battery adapted to provide back-up power to said control unit; and
an RJ-11 connector having a low voltage class first conductor, a low voltage class second conductor, a low voltage class third conductor, and a low voltage class fourth conductor, wherein said first conductor and said second conductor are communications conductors connected to the telephone line and said third conductor and said fourth conductor are connected to conduct power to said internal, rechargeable battery and ultimately to said LED device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention features a self-contained, programmable, telephone-activated emergency visual alert system. Low energy consumption LED visual alert "strobe" signal is directly powered from the inventive control unit. Multiple emergency telephone numbers may be programmed into the control unit making the inventive system highly effective for use in areas without standard "911" emergency dispatch service. In an alternate embodiment, the visual indicator may be located some distance away from the controller unit and be activated by means of an rf or other wireless control link. A small, inexpensive battery at the remote indicator may power the receiver and indicating lamp for long periods of time without the need for battery replacement. Programmable integrated circuits form the basis of the control circuitry allowing low component count, low power consumption and, ultimately, low cost and long term, reliable operation. An audible alert device such as a siren may also be attached to and activated by the inventive system.
83 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A visual signaling apparatus for connection to a telephone line, comprising:
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a) a control unit operatively connected to said telephone line, said control unit being adapted to provide an output signal when a predetermined telephone number is dialed by a telephone also operatively connected to said telephone line, said control unit comprising a field-programmable micro controller having a dynamic memory device, and a digital DTMF receiver connected to the telephone line through isolation and signal conditioning circuitry; b) a visual signal means operatively connected to said control unit, comprising a high intensity, low voltage LED device, said visual signaling means being responsive to and powered by said output of said control unit; an internal, rechargeable battery adapted to provide back-up power to said control unit; and an RJ-11 connector having a low voltage class first conductor, a low voltage class second conductor, a low voltage class third conductor, and a low voltage class fourth conductor, wherein said first conductor and said second conductor are communications conductors connected to the telephone line and said third conductor and said fourth conductor are connected to conduct power to said internal, rechargeable battery and ultimately to said LED device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification