WO2008089575A1

WO2008089575A1 - Building communications system

Info

Publication number: WO2008089575A1
Application number: PCT/CA2008/000163
Authority: WO
Inventors: Calvin H. Woosnam
Original assignee: Resilient Emergency Network, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-01-26
Filing date: 2008-01-28
Publication date: 2008-07-31
Also published as: US20130277523A1; US20120105289A1; US20160210831A1; US20080211730A1; US20160321890A9; US20090042513A1; US20080205324A1; US9094089B2; US20150288051A1; US10055955B2; US20080238671A1; WO2008089584A1; US20130250848A1; US20140099882A1

Abstract

A building communications system comprises a building and a terrestrial communication element disposed within the building. A non-terrestrial communication means is in bi-directional wireless communication with the terrestrial communication element. A retransmission means disposed within the building. The retransmission means is in communication with both the terrestrial communication element and a control console. Preferably, the terrestrial communication element is in communication with the control console via a custom cable assembly a power transmission line and a data transmission line. A thermal shroud surrounds both the power transmission line and the data transmission line. A structural jacket enclosing the thermal shroud, the power transmission line, and the data transmission line.

Description

1716P01PC

BUILDING COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a communications system for a building or structure. More particularly, the present invention relates to a communications system for building a fault tolerant intra-communications and inter-communications system.

Description of the Related Art

[0002] Most, if not all, modern buildings, such as residential towers and commercial towers or any large building have internal systems to control and monitor security access, and various other building status information that would be relevant in emergency situations. Many such systems are linked through land lines to a central monitor responsible for one or more buildings.

[0003] However in emergency situations, the transfer or transport of data to the building control system and/or occupants, and/or First Responders, and the transfer or transport of important data out to the central monitor can, be compromised, and lives can be unnecessarily lost if the appropriate emergency response is delayed. Following most major catastrophic events of the past, telecommunications have been severely hampered, and in some cases destroyed during a time when proper communications could have mitigated loss. Furthermore, some buildings do not provide an effective means to notify occupants of an emergency situation either within their building, or in a nearby geographic location, that may affect their safety. [0004] Another problem with present building systems is the unreliable analog RF communications used by emergency personnel, such as First Responders, first due to their dependence on surrounding terrestrial based power and infrastructure and secondly due to the physical structure of the building which impedes RF signal transmission. Therefore, maintaining communications between personnel located at different floors, or even on the same floor of a building can be lost.

[0005] It is, therefore, desirable to provide a building communications system for a building that can maintain robust communications within the building and maintain reliable and robust communications to external sources without becoming dependant on existing failure prone terrestrial infrastructure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one disadvantage of previous building communications systems.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a building communications system. The building communications system includes a fixed terrestrial communication element in bi-directional wireless communication with a non-terrestrial communications means, and a retransmission means disposed within the building in communication with the both fixed terrestrial communication element and a control console. Preferably, the terrestrial communication element is in communication with the control console via a custom cable assembly a power transmission line and a data transmission line. A thermal shroud surrounds both the power transmission line and the data transmission line. A structural jacket enclosing the thermal shroud, the power transmission line, and the data transmission line. [0008] In a second aspect the present invention provides a fault tolerant emergency communications system for buildings or structures which operations do not depend on any existing ground based infrastructure to continue operating and form a first line of communications in cases of disaster.

[0009] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present invention will be more readily understood from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof given, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 shows a building communications system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 2 shows an optional gimbaled mount system for a communications satellite according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 3 shows a CommPuter Cabinet with optional motorized dish assembly;

[0014] Figure 4 shows a SACA Junction Box junction box with uniquely thermally and mechanically protected SACA cabled input/output according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0015] Figure 5 shows a SACA EWT functional diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 6 shows a diagram of plug-in repeater;

[0017] Figure 7 shows a detailed construction of SACA cable types T, W and Lite;

[0018] Figure 8 shows UWB Parabolic Fractal High Gain Antenna design;

[0019] Figure 9 shows typical a PSECS variation of BCS for Airport Installation;

[0020] Figure 10 shows typical MSTS - Mine Safety Tracking System use in mine;

[0021] Figure 11 shows cable in a rigid tube housing mounted on a floor or wall assembly;

[0022] Figure 12 shows a cable in a heavy gauge flexible steel housing mounted on a floor or wall assembly;

[0023] Figure 13 shows a cable in a heavy gauge flexible steel housing mounted on a support;

[0024] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a SACA cable;

[0025] Figure 15 shows an end finishing of a steel cable;

[0026] Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional view of a SACA cable;

[0027] Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view of SACA cable types T, W and Lite; [0028] Figure 18 shows an elevation, partially in section, view of a SACA cable.

[0029] Figure 19 shows a cross-sectional view of SACA cable types T, W and Lite;

[0030] Figure 20 shows a first internal drawing of a SACA Junction Box;

[0031] Figure 21 shows a second internal drawing of a SACA Junction Box;

[0032] Figure 22 shows a third internal drawing of a SACA Junction Box;

[0033] Figure 23 shows a schematic of a Resilient Data Center;

[0034] Figure 24 shows a flow chart of a Early Warning System;

[0035] Figure 25 shows a typical PSECS variation of BCS for Airport Installation;

[0036] Figure 26 shows BCS for Oil Pipe Line Installation;

[0037] Figure 27 shows a RTI Segmented Addressable Cable Assembly;

[0038] Figure 28 shows a BCS Gimbal Mount System; and

[0039] Figure 29 shows a mechanical flow diagram for SACA Cooling System.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] The Building Communications System or (BCS) disclosed herein is a relatively low cost integrated satellite based device, capable of broadband digital communications. The BCS rooftop unit is comprised of a dish or antenna assembly, a self-stabilizing mount or an automated mount, and a controller section containing radio frequency transceiver, called the Early Warning Transceiver (EWT). The EWT is capable of variable power levels which allow it to be totally compliant with IEEE/ ITU FCC compliant 802.15.4 for public LAN use and also IEEE / ITU FCC compliant 802.15.3 for emergency / military use. The BCS is further connected via a custom non-destructible cable assembly known as the SACA cable to a Command Console. The length of the SACA cable is made inconsequential with the use of fiber optics and the custom media converter created to move data rather than wire, yet still be wire or wireless compatible for the client connection. From the BCS Command Console an operator can initiate a broadband connection via satellite with a central monitor site known as the Resilient Communications Data Center or CDC. The Resilient COG will provide complete interconnection via its networks with all BCS units connecting them to their respective Disaster Coordination Centers, Emergency Operation Centers (EOC) or 911 Dispatch Centers or even conventional PSTN and conventional emergency communications systems. Also employed is the stand alone Early Warning Detector (EWD) Commercial and

Residential extending the EWS coverage to non-BCS equipped buildings or structures, both commercial and residential through a common replacement Smoke Detector system. All of the above features incorporate to make the Early Warning System (EWS).

[0041] The BCS configuration forms the design origination of an emergency communications system which can be adapted to application specific requirements making it an superior solution for many robust broadband oriented communications systems required today and tomorrow. The Public Security and Emergency Communications System or PSECS is and example of SACA cable deployment overcoming installation and distribution problems in a public transit environment. The Mine Safety Tracking System or MSTS is yet another adaptation of the BCS allowing the robust resilient communications system to be use in the harsh hostile mining environment. Each of the design elements revealed in this document reveals how the writer and inventor has addressed these needs or threats which normally incapacitate today's communications systems. [0042] The emergency communications system as disclosed herein is also able to utilize with much lower infrastructure cost providing building management services through a separately defined and operated FairWeather Services.

[0043] Accordingly, disclosed is a communication system which can maintain/establish robust data links between terrestrial communication elements and non-terrestrial communications elements. Terrestrial communication elements can include mobile and fixed elements, each with an automatic alignment capability to maintain its primary data links to the non-terrestrial communication elements. Secondary data links can be established between the terrestrial communication elements, and between terrestrial communication elements and geographically localized agents. Since all terrestrial communication elements and geographically localized agents communicate wirelessly, and can operate with their own power supplies, bi-directional data communication can be maintained at all times. According to the present embodiments, a non-terrestrial communication element can include a communications satellite, fixed communication elements can include building top mounted satellite dish communication systems, and mobile communication elements can include vehicle mounted satellite dish communication systems. Since vehicles may be positioned at a location non-conducive for communicating with the satellite, a mobile repeater can be deployed to establish the communications link with the satellite, if the vehicle cannot/should not be repositioned. An alternative can also be the inter-linking of close proximity fixed terrestrial or mobile communications elements.

[0044] Geographically localized agents can include fixed commercial and residential warning devices, to provide notifications relevant to their specific location. Other agents can include personnel monitoring devices with transceivers for maintaining communications with other terrestrial communication elements.

[0045] A central monitor, such as Resilient Emergency Networks Inc. central site, acts as the nerve centre for the communication system, to process information, legitimize and confirm information and their sources. The central monitor also disseminates any data that may need to be shared with the associated communication elements.

[0046] Generally, the present invention provides a system for maintaining robust communications to areas within a building and for maintaining robust communications to areas external to the building.

[0047] The Building Communications System (BCS), is a relatively low cost integrated satellite based device, capable of broadband digital communications in the time of disaster and is part of the Life+Link Systems products line. The BCS is includes a round or elliptical

18 -24 inch by 36-inch satellite dish, either mounted on a gimbaled mounting system, which uses gravity to keep the orientation vertical and the dish mount parallel to the horizontal plane. Furthermore, BCS can utilize either a KU Band format or KA Band format satellite system for wide area broadband connectivity. For severe weather, such as snow conditions, a motorized self aligning mount mechanism can be used instead. Should the building be damaged or cut-off from the outside world during an earthquake or major windstorm, the BCS will remain operational as it is self powered and self-contained.

[0048] As shown in Figure 1, the BCS rooftop unit is comprised of three major sections; the dish assembly, a self-stabilizing mount or optional motorized mount, and a controller section containing radio frequency transceiver, called the Early Warning Transceiver (EWT). The EWT is capable of variable power levels which allow it to be totally compliant with IEEE / ITU 802.15.4 for public LAN use and also IEEE / ITU 802.15.3 for emergency / military use, all under direct or indirect software control. The BCS is further connected via a custom cable assembly, known as a Segment Addressable Communications Assembly or

SACA cable system, to a control console, or BCS Command Console, located usually on the second or mezzanine floor in a location deemed by emergency personnel as being the most likely to survive a major disaster, within the building. [0049] From the BCS Command Console the operator can initiate a broadband connection via satellite with a remote central monitor, such as a Resilient Emergency Networks Inc. central site. The central monitor will provide complete interconnection via its networks with all BCS units connecting them to their respective Disaster Coordination Centers, Emergency Operation Centers (EOC) or 911 Dispatch Centers. The central monitoring site is known in the overall system as the Early Warning System Communications Data Center. Full interconnectivity to any outside or public data or voice network is also possible through digital bridging.

[0050] The digital radio frequency transceiver, EWT, controlled through the Early Warning

System (EWS), located on the roof, is entirely software controlled and under the command of the central monitor. The BCS combined with the EWT form the heart of the EWS, capable with minimal shared infrastructure cost, of reaching most homes and offices with advanced warning signals received by another Life+Link product known as the Early Warning Detector or EWD to be described later in this document.

[0051] The Building Communications System (BCS) provides a fault tolerant broadband satellite link from the roof of any commercial building. Through the integration of multiple components within the BCS both Life+Link services and FairWeather Services (available from Resilient Emergency Networks Inc.) are implemented. The BCS is able to maintain a constant alignment with the chosen satellite using one of two types of mounting systems. The first and most cost effective is a tilt compensation mechanism that automatically maintains horizontal attitude of the receiver transmitter dish through an auto aligning gimbaled mount system. Figure 2 shows drawings of a gimbaled mount according to an embodiment of the present invention. This system requires manual initial alignment to become operational. No power is required to maintain alignment once initial alignment is completed. An alternate mounting system is motorized and used where high snow load may be a problem or multiple or automatic satellite selection may be desired. Figure 3 shows drawings of a commercially available motorized mounting system. [0052] The BCS can be coupled with a radio frequency transceiver called an Early Warning Transceiver (EWT), which is capable of re-broadcasting selected digital broadband transmissions received by the BCS satellite system to other similar compatible receivers disposed internally or externally to the building. EWT utilizes Ultra Wide Band - (UWB) technology which can penetrate walls and floors unlike conventional radio waves.

[0053] The BCS also provides a vertical or horizontal integration of services through a direct proprietary cable connection to be described later, called a SACA cable, to a command console located internally, within the building, for use during an emergency when normal terrestrial communications have been incapacitated.

[0054] The BCS can also run on its own electrical power source. The unit can be interfaced to an existing in-building wiring system or remote data acquisition system and is used for issuing alerts or monitoring sensors installed throughout the building. An optional radiation, chemical, bio-hazard, explosive or seismic, or remote controllable sensor system can also be installed, reporting back automatically through a central monitor to a local Emergency Operations Center (EOC) or 91 1-Call Center authority for immediate action or reporting back non emergency situations to a third party.

[0055] The 3CS forms an integral part of the Life+Link system. During normal every day events however, the BCS system also forms the heart of the Fair Weather building monitoring and control system using remote management products, like the Full-Control System (FCS) and Light-Control System (LCS) to be described later, systems for remotely monitoring and controlling building systems. Access to commercial buildings, environmental, lighting, and mechanical systems can be as close as your personal computer, telephone, cellular phone or even PDA with easy WEB page enabled management.

[0056] The BCS Command Console is powered by multiple Un-interruptible Power Supply (UPS) and provides primary power also to the roof top CommPuter portion of the BCS. Cabling between the rooftop portions of the BCS and the Command Console portion is through an armored mechanically and thermally protected cable with a section ally addressable access points, previously referred to as Segment Addressable Communications Assembly (SACA). The SACA cable can be used as a tuned interior antennae system within the building with individual floor diversity. The BCS Command Console is capable of interconnecting with the building or "house" wiring, thereby further extending the benefits of a resilient communications link to the outside world.

[0057] During non-emergency times FairWeather Services provides services comprised of environmental, security, facilities management and remote utilities control, use the central monitor facilities via direct connection to the BCS in equipped buildings. BCS units can also act as relay stations with their attached EWT transceivers to provide broadband re-direct-able connections to emergency vehicles through EWT equipped mobile communications system

(MCS) units, should they not have clear site of a satellite. BCS units equipped with EWTs form the hub for the emergency Early Warning System network.

[0058] Optional secondary proprietary RF links can be installed in the BCS Command Console via an auto relaying IEEE / ITU 802.15.4 Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology system. Instead of remote Bio-Hazard, Radiation, Explosive, Seismic or FCS systems having to run wires back to the BCS Command Console, a secondary IEEE / ITU 802.15.4/ UWB enabled bridge components can be installed at the remote location within the building and effortlessly relay their signals back to the Command Console for immediate response. The UWB Bridge components are an integral part of the BCS system making installation simpler than previous wired systems. Enhanced reliability is also achieved since there are no wires to be severed by fire or other physical damage.

[0059] Optional connectivity to the BCS services through the SACA cable and its attached SACA Junction Boxes as picture in Figure 4, allows for the installation of WiFi IEEE /ITU 802.1 la/b/g addressable repeater system. Services such as private network devices as well as Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services can be supplied wirelessly with all services using the primary BCS system for signal transport.

[0060] The SACA cable system as depicted in detail in Figure 7 is custom constructed in fixed length segments to match the requirements of the end installation. This allows this mechanically and thermally protected cabling system to be used in widely diverse applications extending from any size vertical building to any size horizontal structure, including subways, mines or any other large man made or natural occurring structure. The SACA cable as depicted in Figure 7 is constructed of entirely of Underwriters Laboratories approved components where is the summation of the construction affords immensely more protection to the functionality of the SACA cable system than any other application of these components could previously achieve. The SACA cable and its components comply with Underwriters Laboratories - UL Circuit Integrity (CI) compliance and are deemed Fire Hardened Integrity Tested (FHIT). See attached new proposed FHIT Abstract, when constructed as laid out in this document.

[0061] The SACA cable can not only be made in any length as depicted in Figure 7, it may also be made in any interior configuration using the same methodology meeting any desired application requirement. Detailed specifications of the components must be maintained to meet Underwriters Laboratories FHIT standards and exceed their end requirements. Fiber optic connectivity can be expanded or reduced to any complying requirement, subject to component availability. Power management components can increased or decreased to meet end power reαuirement needs. Cable stress release can be reduced or increased based on size of the internal stress member installed, currently configured for 2800 pounds of longitudinal force.

[0062] The spiral metal construction, or BX type or flexible steel cable, segments of the assembly have multi-conductor connectors at both ends of a variable length armored cable assembly. An addressable SACA Junction Box with mating multi-conductor cable plugs act as the junction device for this cable. The cables as well as having primary power conductors and fiber-optic data channels, may also have a coaxial cable within the SACA cable assembly. The final protection of the cable is provided by wrapping the entire contents in a highly heat resistant blanket material known as Pyrogel™ Type material (6250,6350 or 2450). This material is applied in a 50% overlapping 4mm spiral wrap of the entire contents of the SACA cabling system. The SACA Junction Box terminates the cable conductors, both optical and electrical for both signal and power and as well as providing connectivity to the mating multi-conductor cable that meets up with the next section of the cable assembly. For optical connectivity 3M Volition TM VF-45 connectors are used reduced space requirements yet reduce signal loss associated with multi-connector systems. The SACA Junction Box junctions each power sections of the Cable Assembly, while tapping off 110 volts as required, then converting it to low voltage DC for use by the associated optical amplifiers, address decoding, digital routing and RF linear amplifier components.

[0063] Although the primary use of the cable is connection between roof and command console, the ability to address output ports at various lengths along the cable, whether they be vertical or horizontal, allows periodic or separately addressable sections to re-broadcast either a digital UWB or WiFi signals, or a RF signal that has been injected by the provided connector at the Command Console.

[0064] The Building Command Console or BCC can include a ruggedized notebook computer, or standard desktop computer, along with its own UPS power supply, Power Management and Communications routing box, and another EWT transceiver as shown in Figure 1.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 4, SACA is a serial transmission cable linking two separate control points, namely a BCS rooftop unit and a corresponding Command Console, while also allowing segmented sections of the cable at fixed intervals to be used for retransmission through free space RF or Digital radio signals to be sent to non-directly associated devices. The core of the SACA cable assembly is in fact comprised of a power conduit and reference ground system, along with multiple primary optical path connectivity routed between the BCS and Command Console. Optical signal connectivity can prevent line loss, or length limitations, associated with TCP/IP over conventional CAT-S or CAT-6 wired cabled connections. A secondary signal buss periodically connects with an addressable adapter, SACA JUNCTION BOX that can interconnect to an external device for the purpose of retransmitting data or bridging the gap during a disaster between two associated SACA Junction Boxes.

[0066] As previously discussed, SF communications signals can fail to reach the intended destinations due to any number of factors. The repeater system provided by the SACA can periodically regenerate those signals in order to insure that they reach their intended destination(s). The intention of SACA is to repeat not only emergency communications carried on the central monitor communications system, but also to assist local emergency personnel with their current specific types of RF equipment, thereby not repeating the problems experienced in the World Trade Center "9/11" disaster.

[0067] More specifically, Analog Radio Frequency (SF) signals, which normally are inhibited by physical structures, can be injected through a provided connector at the Command Console from the antenna output of any portable wireless communicator. By removing the antenna from a handheld device and connecting the provided SACA connection cable, the Radio Signal is injected into the cable assembly and through software control accessible from the Command Console, can be periodically repeated at multiple SACA Junction Box points. Addressable coaxial switches, along with a linear amplifier, facilitate analog RF processing within the SACA Junction Box. Linear amplifiers within the

SACA Junction Box devices can not only repeat and pass along to the next SACA Junction Box device, but also connect to a local antenna attached and begin radiating the signal from that antenna. [0068] The Gimbaled Mount System, as depicted in Figure 2, is designed to rest on a roof top of a commercial building, and regardless of the condition of the roof surface following a major disaster event, the mounting system without human intervention can adjust for changes in attitude of the surface by being as much as 30 degrees off parallel to the earths surface. Wind loading is also compensated for with the provision of an automatic tensioning system as detailed in the drawing. Minimal or normal expected snow loading can be also cleared by an integral thermostatically controlled heater system for the dish and Gimbaled Mount System.

[0069] Optionally in areas where high snowfall may be expected, that otherwise might cover or impede the normal operation of the Gimbaled Mount System, a DataStorm™ dish can be used. This dish when activated from the Remote Command Console can easily self clean in case of most heavy snowfall conditions, minimizing the need for operator intervention. An example of such a dish is shown in Figure 3.

[0070] Details of the SACA Junction Box are now discussed as depicted in Figures 4, and 5. The SACA Junction Box is a multi-function junction box. Primarily designed as a tap out point for signal repeating, it is also a power junction point and link out to the next section. Custom versions in fact can have one down stream feeder and multiple upstream branches. An example would be a multi-story structure with multiple wings off a single core. In such a case, the SACA Junction Box would be located 10-20 feet apart vertically and then could be branched out on each floor to a horizontal distance of 500 or more feet. Adaptation in such an application could see this well suited for subterranean applications such as mining and subway systems. The entire contents of the SACA Junction Box, housed in a heavy minimum, #14 gauge water tight metal box are thermally protected from outside heat by having all walls lined with a 4mm layer of Pyrogel™ type material (6250, 6350 or 2540 material). Pyrogel¹™ is both thermally non conductive as well as Hydrophobic for no water transference rffect. [0071] The SACA cable comprises a structural jacket in the form of a spiral corrugated wrapped metal housing commonly available as BX type or flexible steel cable, with power transmission line in the form of a electrical power line, a data transmission line in the form of a fiber-optic cable, and a RG-6U coaxial cable wrapped in thermal shroud comprising a Pyrogel™type material (6250, 6350 or 2450 type) 4mm 50% overlapping insulation wrap.

[0072] The SACA EWT transmitter, as shown in Figure 5, is a plug in card to the SACA Junction Box. The card plugs into a mating connector located inside the SACA Junction Box. The SACA EWT unit relays specific information addressed to it, out as WiFi or UWB transmissions at a pre-selectable power level. At low power setting or normal operation, the units UWB transmission complies with FCC and IEEE/ ITU 802.15.4 standards for in building use. However the addressing capability of the SACA Junction Box allows for individual power levels to be adjusted to the output port for the SACA-EWT facilitating it to not only change frequency bandwidth but to also ramp up its power output, which is controlled by an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) or power stepping circuit, thereby penetrating exterior walls and floors to facilitate emergency communications needs.

[0073] Another feature of the SACA-EWT plug-in device is an optional antenna diversity module that can be added to support up to four antennas being driven by each SACA Junction Box location, as shown in Figure 6. In fact, the SACA -EWT extension is actually

Four UWB transmitters plugging into a common addressable feed point on the SACA Junction Box. In this case only the digital Ethernet type signal and power is fed through the parallel interface to now drive up to four (4) UWB transmission modules, each with their own position sensing fractal antenna unit or high gain directional antenna as depicted in Figure 8. Such an application is preferably used for large horizontal structures. Those of skill in the art will understand that the plug-in device can be deployed every 4 to 10 floors, depending upon the type of SF communications being used. For longer distances in non FCC compliance areas, a high gain directional parabolic fractal antenna as depicted in Figure 8 and shown in Picture 8B, may be used to maximize distance and signal strength. The high gain directional parabolic as depicted in design philosophy in Figure 8 and constructed as in Picture 8B proved to be able to increase range at low power and high power settings from 50 and 100 feet normal respectively, to 500 andlOOO feet outdoors. [00411 Another application of the BCS concept planned and provided for in this modular expandable design is the ability to better serve both Airport, Subways and Public transportation systems with a product we call PSECS. The Public Safety Emergency Communications System as shown in Figure 9 is designed, like the BCS, to survive any disaster and facilitate emergency communications while providing every day broadband communications for both services like Plasma screens and security like cameras and tracking. The multi-channel capability also permits optional services to be added that cannot necessarily be predicted at time of installation.

[0074] Although the industry is rapidly expanding and recognizing the benefits of UWB technology, they must, however get Un-Licensed approval from the FCC and to maintain frequency and power levels that are aimed at "in-premise" or "in-building" Local Area

Network (LAN) use. These ruling as laid out in IEEE/ ITU, FCC endorsed, 802.15.4 rulings; do not apply to "military and emergency communications applications". In these particular applications IEEE / ITU 802.15.3 conditions apply and permit higher power and distance usage.

[0075] Because of the dual nature of above described network components, the SACA EWT along with the EWT equipped devices can not only satisfy the applications defined within "FairWeather" brand products but also change their profile entirely to comply with the needs of the "Life+Link" products. This is accomplished in some, but not all cases, by addition of 802.15.4 specific chipset designed for short range high bandwidth data transmission capability. Example 1

[0076] Wall or floor assembly - Min 2 hour rated concrete or masonry wall or concrete floor. Through opening in wall or floor shall be firestopped using an approved firestop system. See Through-Penetration Firestop Systems (XHEZ) category for presently classified firestop systems. Coring holes through floors shall be no larger than outer diameter plus 1 /8th inches of SACA cable attached T&B fitting. Proper approved fire stop material must be applied to all cored and filled holes.

[0077] 2. Fire Resistive Cables ^{( l )} — Rated conservatively at 3+ hours at 600⁰F or 1 hour at 1200⁰F is constructed as follows: Three internal UL Style 1330 #10 AWG 37 strands of 26 AWG Tin Plated Copper wire, FEP Teflon insulated, minimum average wall thickness of 0.020" and be 600V 200C rated conductors or any other size separately UL file E93768 Certified to THHN or THWN-2 standard or similarly approved power conductors capable of carrying the required load over the overall SACA cable length without adverse power drop based on the loads versus distance attached. Hourly fire rating applies only to continuous lengths of cable passing completely through a fire zone and terminating at a recognized SACA Junction Box with a mm of 12 in. beyond the fire rated wall or floor bounding the fire zone. This rating applies to the fire integrity rating of the flexible steel type RWS, UL rated material.

[0078] The flexible steel metal conduit type RWS or UL DXUZ interlocking conduit for non-jacketed or the jacketed liquid tight type UL DXHR code unless otherwise described in this system.

[0079] The #10 AWG conductors and remaining conductors as specified are spirally 50% overlapping wrapped in Pyrogel™ 2450 or 6350 4mm type Aerogel ^<2) material. [0080] To prevent the risk of electric shock to personnel, the SACA cable sheaths shall be grounded by surface preparation of the fitting opening on the interior side to be clear of any paint or coating surface. Ground-fault circuit interrupters are recommended for use with these cables.

[0081] ^{(1 )}Southwire Type THHN or THWN-2* or MTW (also AWM) meets or exceeds all applicable ASTM specifications, UL Standard 83, UL Standard 1063 (MTW), CSA, Federal Specification A-A-59544, and requirements of the National Electrical Code.

[0082] ⁽²⁾Aspen Aerogel Inc. — Pyrogel 4mm type 2450, or 6350, UL 1709 rated insulating fire proof material when used in a 50% overlapping spiral wrap of contents of the defined cable assembly.

[0083] 2A. Fire Resistive Cables* Components —Three internal UL Style 1330 #10

AWG 37 strands of 26 AWG Tin Plated Copper wire, FEP Teflon insulated, minimum average wall thickness of 0.020" and be 600V 200C rated conductors or any other size separately UL file E93768 Certified to THHN or THWN-2 standard or similarly approved power conductors capable of carrying the required load over the overall SACA cable length without adverse power drop based on the loads versus distance attached. Three or any other combination of, General Wire, 3M VolitionTM compatible style, PNR fiber type, OFNR, CSA FT-4, ANSI/TINEIA 568B.3, ICEA S-83-596, ETL Verified, GR-409 rated, Part # CGOO2IPNR Underwriters Laboratories marked UL 1666, Underwriters Laboratories type DUXZ, OAYK, fiber optic single mode or multi-mode optical transmission lines. Hourly fire rating applies only to continuous lengths of cable passing completely through a fire zone and terminating at a recognized SACA Junction Box with a mm of 12 in. beyond the fire rated wall or floor bounding the fire zone. [0084] The Dekoron Unitherm or Southwire RWS or UL type DXHR cable shall be installed in accordance with all provisions of the National Electrical Code unless otherwise

described in the system. The outer steel metal clad flexible cable may be pre-manufactured as depicted in the following numbers or custom fabricated for near zero clearance, no compression, interlocking wrap by a qualified cable fabricator such as Dekoron Unitherm, Southwire Corp., or Eastern Wire Corp.. This rating applies to the fire integrity rating of the flexible steel type RWS, UL rated material.

[0085] All power handling conductors along with any other combined conductors copper or fiber shall be wrapped in a 50% overlapping wrap of Pyrogel** 6350 4mm insulation material.

[0086] To prevent the risk of electric shock to personnel, the copper cable sheaths shall be grounded. Due to the increase in leakage current within the cables under fire exposure condition, the use of ground-fault circuit interrupters are not recommended for use with these cables.

[0087] ⁽³⁾ Southwire Type THHN or THWN-2* or MTW (also AWM) meets or exceeds all applicable ASTM specifications, UL Standard 83, UL Standard 1063 (MTVV), GSA,

Federal Specification A-A-59544, and requirements of the National Electrical Code.

[0088] ⁽⁴⁾ Aspen Aerogel Inc. — Pyro gel 2450, 6350 UL 1709 rated insulating fire proof material when used in a 50% overlapping spiral wrap of contents of the defined cable assembly.

[0089] 2B. Additional Data I Control Components — The SACA Cable as well as Carrying power will also contain fiber optic data cabling also additionally UL Plenum rated. PNR type Volition™ grade. [0090] ⁽⁵⁾ Volition is a registered trademark of 3M and defines a detailed set of specifications which improve both the signal handling capability of Fiber as well as the installation and servicing of Fiber.

[0091] 3. Strength Reinforcement of Flex cables — Standard flex cable construction is not regarded as resistant to damage when any pull has been placed on spirally wrapped Cable, even if it is interlocked. This factor is overcome and the resulting flex cable assembly is made more robust than a solid metal conduit style enclosure with no threat of decoupling. The SACA cable assembly has a steel multi-core stress cable added to the pre-manufactured internal cable assembly before wrapping and insertion in a Flex cable conduit (see drawing #4). Preparation during manufacture of the predetermined lengths of SACA cable will insure that the multi-core 5x7, 7x19, or 1x19 Loos Company* steel cable extends adequate length beyond the trimmed flex cable housing to allow for a loop to be formed as in drawing #5 and securely fastened inside the associated terminating box.

[0092] ⁽⁶⁾The Loos Company, 1x19 cable part number GC 12519L cable or 5x7 version, or Gl 15729 7x19 version alternately, rated at 2800 lbs load test

[0093] 3. Supports — Supports on Wall Assembles — Dekoron Unitherm or

South wire type^{(1 )} RWS or DXHR cable can be supported directly on wall assembly (Item 1) using any of the clamps described in Item 4. Support spacing should not exceed 48 inches OC horizontally and 72 inches O. C. vertically. For RWS or DXHR cable supported by steel channel, the channel must be mm 14 gauge, by 1-1/2 in. wide or 1-5/8 in wide, painted or galvanized, slotted steel channels with hemmed flange edges. Channel bottom with or without holes. Lengths of slotted steel channels 5 ft and less shall be secured to the wall or floor with a mm of two 1/4 in. diameter (or larger) by 2-1/4 in. mm long concrete screws, or 1/4 in. diameter (or larger) by 1 -3/4 in. long mm steel masonry anchors. One screw or anchor is to be located at each end of the slotted steel channel. Lengths of slotted steel channel in excess of 5 ft require a mm of three screws or anchors, one at each end of the channel and one centrally located within the length of the channel. Supports for single and multiple conductor cables shall be spaced 48 in. O. C. maximum horizontal and 72 in. O. C. maximum vertical.

[0094] ⁽⁷⁾Dekoron Unitherm assembler and Southwire Corporation manufacturer of flexible off the shelf steel and aluminum flexible interlocking steel cables and custom wrap steel and aluminum protective conduit systems.

[0095] 3 A. Supports - In lieu of Item 3. Mm 14 gauge, by 1 - 1 /2 in. wide or 1 -5/8 in. wide, painted or galvanized, slotted steel channels with hemmed flange edges. Suspended horizontally, trapeze style, by mm 3/8 in. diameter threaded steel rods with 1-1/2 in. steel washers and steel nuts. Trapeze style supports used with either cable with outer jacket or cable without outer jacket and with appropriate style clamp as specified in Item 4 and 4A.

[0096] 4. Clamps - Type Southwire RWS cable without an outer jacket. Two hole steel strap (not shown) or two piece 16 gauge mm steel single bolt type pipe clamp. Size of clamps to correspond with the outside diameter of the cable.

[0097] 4A. Clamps - Type DXHR cable with outer jacket. Kmndorl® J-800 series interlocking straps by Kindorf® J-851 locking bracket. The inside diameter of each interlocking strap shall be sized to correspond with the outside diameter of the cable, to provide a secure mount with the strap of the clamp in complete contact with the outside of the cable.

[0098] 5. Cable Tray* - (Not Shown) - In lieu of supports and clamps, solid bottom, open ladder or ventilated trough type steel cable tray rigidly secured to the wall or floor. The cable tray and cables shall be installed in accordance with the National Electric Code. [0099] 6. Conduit**- (Optional, Not Shown). Cables, Items 2 and 2A, may be installed within steel electrical metallic tubing (EMT), intermediate metal conduit (IMT), or rigid metal conduit. When employed, conduit shall be supported with Items 3 and 4A, 60 in. OG. max. Lengths of conduit shall be secured together with steel couplings**. The conduit and cables shall be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code. Conduit sizing will allow for entire SACA insertion or individual component cable fill with Pyrogel™ wrap to not exceed 60% on a straight run in accordance with American National Standards ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.

[0100] ⁽⁸⁾American National Standards Institute, ANSI, defines with Standards notes

TIA/EIA -568-B and TIA/EIA-569-B standards for and including proper cable fill for after manufacturing filling of conduit structures.

[0101] 7. Protective Thermal Wrap*** -Flexible cable Contents will be protected with a double 3-4mm wrap of Aspen Aerogel Inc.'s Pyrogel™. Wrap must be tight as to not add more than 8 mm to overall diameter of internal cable bundle. Resulting overall bundle for pull purposes only will not exceed 70% for a straight line assembly.

[0102] 7A. Custom Metal Fabrication - An alternate method of mechanically protecting the internal thermally protected wrapped cable bundle, bypassing maximum fill parameters dictated by ANSI/NFPA 70, Chapter 9 (50% for a single cable pull) is to have a company such as Dekoron Unitherm Inc, Southwire Corp., or Eastern Wire Corp., perform a near zero clearance, no compression, interlocking wrap of the appropriate gauge metal band, around the specific thermal cable bundle described within this document.

[0103] 8. Proper SACA Cable Termination - All SACA cables must be terminated in approved SACA Junction Boxes as described here in, and detailed in other submission documents. The SACA Junction box is comprised of a dedicated perforation type steel #14 Gauge metal enclosure with screw down top. The SACA Junction Box only permits openings for incoming and outgoing SAGA cable segments and dedicated termination devices. The SACA Junction box must have non-flammable or no paint finish. SACA Cable fittings are Thomas & Betts style.

[0104] Description of SACA Methodology

[0105] The Segment Addressable Cable Assembly (SACA) is integrally protected by the assembled components method as depicted in Figures 11 to 15. The cable gets it name from the fact that pre-manufactured segment lengths are joined together to meet the individual length needs of the specific application.

[0106] Mechanical stress is contained by the use of a heavy gauge flexible steel housing (2A) with flexible steel as shown in Figure 12 being more resilient than rigid tube (2) as depicted in Figure 11. To begin, the outer protective housing is derived from the ribbed construction of a heavier than normal gauge flexible steel cable housing. The typical 1.00 inch, but not limited to diameter flexible steel MRC type housing (2A) is made of 14 gauge steel. Although the flexible steel, interlock structure reinforces against lateral intrusion forces, it has a historic longitudinal stress weakness. The second stage of mechanical reinforcement is now accomplished by removing the longitudinal stress that is induced when a stronger than normal pull is placed on the outer flexible cable assembly. This force can be supplied by either pulling on the mid section of the cable between two anchored ends, or simply pulling on one of the anchored ends so that the coupling exerts sufficient force to begin separation of the interlocked loops. The normal net result is not only the decoupling of the flexible cable housing but also the transference of excessive energy to the enclosed conductors. If the enclosed conductors are of an optical fibre nature, then this stress results in rapid conductor destruction. To remove this longitudinal stress, the transference of the longitudinal stress force is accomplished by installing a high tensile strength multi-strand rust resistant steel cable rated well in excess of the highest anticipated destructive force which may be exerted on the cable. Typical reinforcing cable is a 1/8 — 5/32 inch, 5x9 or 1x19 stainless steel cable typically used in airplane control lines, ship lanyards, and light weight towing cables. This cable is typically rated at 2100 lbs maximum load strength. The Loos Company model GC12519L cable that we use has a melt point of approximately 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. Cable end is finished in a loop as detailed in drawing 5, looping 6 inches from Cable Clamp fitting facing surface. This provides adequate length to slip over Strain

Relief Stud mounted inside SACA Junction Box.

[0107] The next item of difference in the SACA beyond any current construction of a multi-core cable is the mixture of both high power conducting lines and optical fibers for highest and longest broadband transmission. The SACA uses multiple strands, typically 3 number AWG #10 multi-strand wires. Cable ends are Vi inch bare wire, tinned finished.

[0108] Exception to Plenum Rating Standard:

[0109] The Plenum Rating standard as defined in UL 2043 only goes as far as to limit or control the smoke creation or emission from a component while used in a confine air space such as a Plenum. Given that the material used and enclosed in the cable in question, is proved to be non flammable and subject to passing the UL 1709 Fire Hardened test for more than 1 hour, then the highest rating FHIT.1 7 standard does not apply and only establishes a new standard by which this product or methodology will be judged.

[0110] The Nature of Passing Test:

[0111] The nature of the Passing Certification Test of a cable is usually limited first to its functional type and secondly to no more than two different exposures to threatening forces.

With the SACA cabling system we take the experiences gained from past exposure to catastrophic loss situations and formulate a design parameter which will take these worse case scenarios into consideration and form a barrier to all, if not any, normally feasible force majeures which may be encountered. [0112] A properly constructed thermally and mechanically protected SACA cable section cable will withstand a 4 hour duration exposure to an elevated temperatures of 600 degrees Fahrenheit when exposed to a section of the cable 12 inches from either section terminus. Full functionality of both electrical power delivery capability as well as data handling capability of the cable will be maintained.

[0113] The next level of the Passing Test was done in conjunction with Southwest Research Laboratories under both IEEE and Local Fire Marshall supervision. Following an initial test for four hours at 600 degrees Fahrenheit the SACA cable will be subjected to an elevated thermal test. The test SACA cable was subject to a controlled temperature for intermediate section of the cable passing through a 1200 degree Fahrenheit furnace and continued to operate for the entire Test Period of 2 hours. This test raises the survivability of both a power but also control and communications cable to level well in excess of any other UL listed cable.

[0114] * Bearing the UL Classification Mark

[0115] ** Bearing the UL Listing Mark Individual Product Information:

General Cable Technologies Company site for PNR fiber:

http://wwwgeneralcable.com/NR/rdonlyres/AEEI3EE7-AC l A-44FC-8 1 FO- 748A43C27F4EB/0/Pgl8 TphtBffroistRiser.pdf

Loos Company product site:

http.///oosco.thomasnet. corn/item/wire -rope-other-cables/x 19-preformed-galvanized-cable- good-imported-grade/gl-15679?&seo=l 10 Aspen Aerogel — Pyrogel 6350 site:

http://vtww.aerogel.com/products/pdf/Pyrogel 635Q DS .pdf

[0116] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

SACA Cable Product Sheet

Segment Addressable Fire Hardened Communications Assembly

The SACA cable is a Fire Hardened Integrity Rated power and communications cabling system, soon to be certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA). It is constructed to the highest engineering standards with space-age materials. Mechanically the flex-cable housing has been combined with Resilient's Patent Pending Strain Relief System (SRS) to withstand extreme lateral forces associated with collision, as well as longitudinal force damage typically associated with excessive force pulling on a flex-cable. The SACA cable is manufactured in various configurations and lengths, all of which are designed to withstand temperatures higher than Plenum rating (600 degrees Fahrenheit) for periods in excess of the expectations of conventional Plenum rated cables. This proprietary thermal protection layer is a standard feature. The Patented Pyrogel, NASA derived material, allows the SACA cable to withstand a temperature of 600 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 hours, or for more than 1 hour at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. SACA cables can be exposed to short duration temperatures of up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit and will continue to function and carry mission critical emergency communications and power. The cable high Crush resistance and impact resistance factors are enhanced by the heavier 14 Gauge plated steel encasement, which can even withstand a blow of a K>

OO Fireman's Axe.

The SACA Cable is available in the following configurations as a standard part number. Custom configurations can be engineered for any customer requirements.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A building communications system comprising:

a building;

a terrestrial communication element disposed within the building;

a non-terrestrial communication means in bi-directional wireless communication with the terrestrial communication element;

a retransmission means disposed within the building, the retransmission means being in communication with both the terrestrial communication element and a control console.

2. The building communications system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the terrestrial communication element is a satellite dish.

3. The building communication systems as claimed in claim 1 wherein the terrestrial communication element is in communication with the control console via a custom cable assembly, the custom cable assembly comprising:

a power transmission line;

a data transmission line;

a thermal shroud surrounding the power transmission line and the data transmission line; and

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91.1) a structural jacket enclosing the thermal shroud, the power transmission line, and the data transmission line.

4. The building communications system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the control console is disposed on a second floor of the building.

5. The building communications system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the control console is disposed on a mezzanine floor of the building.

6. The building communications system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the retransmission means is a radio frequency transceiver which is capable of re- broadcasting transmissions received by the terrestrial communication element.

7. The building communications system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the control console can initiate a broadband connection with a remote central monitor.

8. The building communications system as claimed in claim 1 further including an electrical power source.

9. The building communications system as claimed in claim 1 further including a sensor system.

10. The building communications system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the sensor system includes at least one radiation, bio-hazard, explosive, or seismic sensor.

11. A custom cable assembly comprising:

a power transmission line;

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91. 1) a data transmission line;

a structural jacket enclosing the thermal shroud, the power transmission line and the data transmission line.

12. The cable assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein the thermal shroud is thermally non-conductive.

13. The cable assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein the thermal shroud is hydrophobic.

14. The cable assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein the power transmission line is an electric power line.

15. The cable assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein the data transmission line is a fibre optic cable.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91.1)