Daniel Hawkinson

US Patent:

6462653, Oct 8, 2002

Filed:

Dec 13, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/459969

Inventors:

Steven L. Scorfield - Glendale Heights IL
Daniel C. Hawkinson - Elburn IL
Mark C. Bohanon - Lisle IL

Assignee:

Pittway Corporation - Chicago IL

International Classification:

G08B 2900

US Classification:

340506, 340505, 340510, 340511, 340514, 340518, 340 1031

Abstract:

An event detection system has a control element coupled to a plurality of detectors, such as smoke detectors. The control element can be implemented with a programmed processor. The detectors can include a base which removably receives a separable detector housing and electronics. Group boundaries can be specified by incorporating boundary defining electrical elements, such as switches or resistors, into either a respective detector base or into the detector itself. The control element can include instructions for carrying out an automatic addressing process with respect to the detectors. Topology information obtained during the automatic addressing process in combination with the location of the boundary defining elements specifies one or more groups for the control element. In an alternate embodiment, groups can be defined based exclusively on the topology information. In this embodiment, boundary defining electrical elements are not needed.

US Patent:

6366215, Apr 2, 2002

Filed:

Dec 4, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/205462

Inventors:

Lee D. Tice - Bartlett IL
Steven W. McCuen - Vernon Hills IL
Edward J. Kurtz - St. Charles IL
Daniel C. Hawkinson - Elburn IL

Assignee:

Pittway Corporation - Chicago IL

International Classification:

G05B 1902

US Classification:

34082522, 340505, 340514, 340507, 3408255

Abstract:

The members of a multi-processor communication system can be loaded with a common set of control programs. Subsequently, the functionality of the various processors can be specified by providing linking information to the respective processors. The linking information specifies which control programs, in which order, are to be executed by a respective processor. Processors can be associated with or bound to a respective system using encrypted control codes. The functional integrity of one or more modules at a respective processor can be verified.