초록 ▼

In order to facilitate determination of which of a plurality of dangerous condition warning devices is issuing an audio failing battery signal, the device incorporates a circuit including: a processor, an audio annunciator such as a horn, at least one visual indicator such as an LED and a processor

In order to facilitate determination of which of a plurality of dangerous condition warning devices is issuing an audio failing battery signal, the device incorporates a circuit including: a processor, an audio annunciator such as a horn, at least one visual indicator such as an LED and a processor controlled, periodically invoked battery condition determining procedure to check the output voltage of the battery under load. If a low battery condition is detected, the horn is driven to issue an audio warning (e.g., a pulse of about 10 milliseconds duration every minute) and the LED is driven to issue a distinctive series brief flashes (e.g., five flashes of about 10 milliseconds each spaced about 500 milliseconds apart), the first flash being issued in coordination with the issuance of each brief audio warning. Thus, the single device having the failing battery can be quickly identified by the visual indication, thereby eliminating the uncertainty which is experienced when only an audio failing battery indication is employed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A dangerous condition warning device adapted to issue an alarm when a sensed dangerous condition exceeds a predetermined status, which dangerous condition monitoring device is operable from a battery, said dangerous condition monitoring device comprising a dangerous condi

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A dangerous condition warning device adapted to issue an alarm when a sensed dangerous condition exceeds a predetermined status, which dangerous condition monitoring device is operable from a battery, said dangerous condition monitoring device comprising a dangerous condition monitoring device circuit including:A) an audio annunciator;B) at least one visual indicator;C) a processor which periodically reads at least one dangerous condition sensor, which processes information and which selectively issues enabling signals to said audio annunciator and to said visual indicator to provide sensory condition indications, the processor being fully operative to process information with both a first operating voltage which is required to power said audio annunciator and with a second operating voltage which is less than the first operating voltage;D) a DC-to-DC converter for selectively converting energy from the battery to the first and second operating voltages for energizing the dangerous condition monitoring device circuit;E) battery test mode means in the dangerous condition monitoring device circuit for issuing a first voltage level signal when the battery is to be tested and a second voltage level signal when the first operating voltage is not necessary;F) DC-to-DC converter output voltage setting means responsive to:1) the first voltage level signal for controlling the DC-to-DC converter to issue the first operating voltage; and2) the second voltage level signal for controlling the DC-to-DC converter to issue the second operating voltage;G) battery condition monitoring means cooperating with said processor to periodically check the output voltage of the battery under load with said DC-to-DC converter controlled to issue the second operating voltage;H) means for issuing an indication that a low battery condition has been detected;I) audio low battery warning means adapted to drive said audio annunciator to issue a brief audio warning periodically in response to the issuance of the indication; andJ) visual low battery indicator means adapted to drive said visual indicator to issue a distinctive series of flashes in coordination with the issuance of each brief audio warning.