Patent · US Expired

System for monitoring switch locations

US4970508A · kind A · utility

1Cited by
9References
26Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJun 5, 1989
Grant dateNov 13, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 5, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG08B25/14
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A system is provided for electronically monitoring a group of sensor switches employed at remote locations in security or alarm systems. To monitor the status of individual switches, a matrix of conductors is employed. The matrix has a predetermined number of send conductors by a predetermined number of return conductors. Switch circuits each having a diode connected in series with one of the sensor switches are connected at selected crosspoints of the matrix of conductors between respective send and return conductors. Line selection circuitry responsive to an input signal from a computer selectively permits the supply of a sourcing voltage potential to at least a selected one of the send and return conductors and the supply of a sinking voltage potential to at least a selected one of the remaining send and return conductors. Monitoring circuity senses current flow through the selected send and return conductors supplied with the sourcing and sinking voltage potentials to monitor the status or change in status of any selected switch or conductor.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.