US3623048A - Condition change alarm system - Google Patents

Condition change alarm system Download PDF

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US3623048A
US3623048A US811306A US3623048DA US3623048A US 3623048 A US3623048 A US 3623048A US 811306 A US811306 A US 811306A US 3623048D A US3623048D A US 3623048DA US 3623048 A US3623048 A US 3623048A
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alarm
condition
switch
responsive
acknowledgment
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US811306A
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Logan D Haddock
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United States Steel Corp
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United States Steel Corp
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/18—Status alarms

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  • HADDOCK Br 2% 4 M Allorney CONDITION CHANGE ALARM SYSTEM This invention relates to an alarm system activated by a changed condition and, more particularly, to such a system that requires acknowledgement each time an alarm indicates a change in condition.
  • Gas from blast furnaces is commonly used in steel mills to fire powerhouse boilers. Since the production of gas fluctuates more than the demand, holders, such as piston-operated steel tanks, are used on a gas line to smooth out the fluctuations. Because a holder may be damaged if it contains too much or too little gas, warning devices are provided to indicate either abnormal condition so that a gas operator may take the necessary corrective action.
  • Another object of my invention is a system where an indicator shows the status of the condition and the status of an acknowledgment.
  • Still another object is to provide such a system where more than one set of conditions may be monitored in one indicator.
  • the single FIGURE is a schematic diagram of my invention.
  • reference numeral 2 indicates a condition alarm switch which, for example, may close when a gas holder in the gas line between a blast furnace and a boiler house contains too much gas, thereby requiring corrective action by an operator.
  • One side of switch 2 is connected to the negative side of a direct-current source 4.
  • the positive side of source 4 is connected to an audible alarm 6 such as a horn or bell and to a visual alarm 8 which is an incandescent lamp as hereinafter described.
  • a first silicon controlled rectifier 10 has its anode connected to lamp 8, its cathode connected to switch 2 and its gate connected to switch 2 through a resistance 12.
  • a second silicon controlled rectifier 14 has its anode connected to lamp 8 through a resistance 16, its cathode connected to the negative side of source 4, a resistance 18 connected between its gate and cathode, and a capacitance 20 connected between its gate and switch 2.
  • a capacitor 22 is connected from the anode of rectifier 14 to a push button 24a, resistance 26, and a capacitor 28.
  • Push button 24a is also connected to the negative side of source 4.
  • Resistance 26 is also connected to a push button 24b and the positive side of source 4.
  • Push button 24b is also connected to the gate of rectifier 10 through a resistance 30.
  • Push buttons 24a and 24b are connected to operate together as an acknowledge switch 24.
  • a diode 32 and a test switch 34 are connected in series between lamp 8 and the negative side of source 4.
  • a transistor 36 has its emitter connected to switch 2, its collector connected to lamp 8 through a diode 38 and its base connected to the collector of a transistor 40 through a resistance 42.
  • the emitter of transistor 40 is connected to the positive side of source 4 and the base of transistor 40 is connected to switch 2 through a resistance 44 and to the collector of transistor 36 through a resistance 46 and a capacitor 48.
  • Alarm 6 is connected to capacitor 28 and the anode of a silicon controlled rectifier 50.
  • the cathode of rectifier 50 is connected to the negative side of source 4 through a diode 52 and to a capacitor 54 through a diode 56, and its gate is connected to the negative side of source 4 through a resistance 58 and to capacitor 54 through a diode 60.
  • Capacitor 54 is also connected to switch 2.
  • Block 62' is an alarm system with the same components as block 62 except that the condition alarm switch is connected to close when there is insufiicient gas in the holder.
  • Transistor 36 is thus timed on and off at about one second intervals, turning lamp 8 on and off through diode 38.
  • the positive charge on capacitor 54 is transferred to the gate of rectifier 50 driving the cathode of rectifier 50 negative with respect to the gate and turning rectifier 50 on.
  • This also energizes audible alarm 6.
  • Capacitor 28 is now charged through resistance 26, rectifier 50 and diode 52. The operator is now alerted to the changed condition by the audible alarm 6 and a flashing visual alarm 8.
  • switch 2 When the condition again changes, such as a return to normal gas level, switch 2 will open. This turns rectifier 10 off. Capacitor 20 then charges through resistance 18, resistance 44, resistance 46, capacitor 48, diode 38 and lamp 8. This turns on rectifier 14 which energizes lamp 8 at half brilliance through voltage dropping resistance 16. Capacitor 22 re then charges through resistance 26. Capacitor 54 recharges. The resultant voltage spike turns rectifier 50 on. Alarm 6 then turns on recharging capacitor 28 and alerts the operator that the condition has returned to normal.
  • Test switch 34 and diode 32 are provided to test visual alarm lamp 8 without disturbing the rest of the circuit.
  • the second condition alarm system 62 functions in the same manner as the first system 62. Any number of systems may be used to turn off audible alarm 6, each one of which may turn off the audible alarm without affecting the operation of the other systems.
  • alarms 8 and 6 are shown as visible and audible, respectively, it is obvious that these alarms could be other than the type indicated provided the circuit requirements for charging and discharging the capacitors are fulfilled.
  • An alarm system requiring acknowledgment for each change in position of a condition responsive switch comprising a condition responsive switch having an open and a closed position, a power source, a first alarm means, first means responsive to a change in position of said switch for energizing said first alarm means by said power source, a second alarm means having a first, a second, a third and a fourth indicating conditions, second means responsive to the closing of said switch for energizing said second alarm means in said second condition by said power source, third means responsive to the opening of said switch for energizing said second alarm means in said fourth condition by said power source, said switch opening also deenergizing said second responsive means, acknowledgment means for deenergizing said first responsive means and said first alarm means, said acknowledgment means also actuating means for shunting said second responsive means to change said second alarm means from said second condition to said third condition when said switch is closed and said acknowledgment means also deenergizing said third responsive means and said shunting means to change said second alarm means from said
  • An alarm system in which said first alarm means is a horn and said second alarm means is an incandescent lamp which is off in said first condition, flashing on and off in said second condition, on at full intensity in said third condition and on a reduced intensity in said fourth condition 3.
  • An alarm system which includes a plurality of condition responsive switches each having an open and a closed position, a plurality of second alarm means, second responsive means, third responsive means and acknowledgment means each associated with one of said switches and means connecting said plurality of switches, second alarm means, second responsive means, third responsive means and acknowledgment means to said first alarm means and said first responsive means whereby each of said switches and its associated acknowledgement means will operate said first alarm means and its associated second alarm means.

Abstract

A dual alarm system for monitoring a switch position requiring alarm acknowledgment. When the switch closes, a first alarm goes on steady and a second alarm goes on pulsating. Acknowledgment turns off the first alarm and changes the second alarm from pulsating to steady. When the switch opens, the first alarm again goes on and the second alarm changes to reduced intensity. A second acknowledgment then turns off both alarms.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventor Logan D. Haddock 2,730,703 l/1956 Ross 340/2131 Provo, Utah 2,824,295 2/1958 Zaruba 340/2131 [21] Appl.No. 811,306 2,840,804 6/1958 Rodgers 340/2131 [22] Filed Mar. 28, 1969 3,392,379 7/1968 Thomoson... 340/2131 [45] Patented Nov. 23, 1971 3.480938 11/1969 Martin 340/2131 [73] Asslgnee United States Steel Corporation Primary E mminer Thomas B. Habecker Attorney-Rea C. Helm [54] CONDITION CHANGE ALARM SYSTEM 3Clalms l Drawmg ABSTRACT: A dual alarm system for monitoring a switch [52] U.S.Cl 340/2l3.l, position requiring alarm acknowledgment. When the switch 307/243 closes. a first alarm goes on steady and a second alarm goes on [51] 1nt.Cl ..G08bl9/00, pulsating. Acknowledgment turns off the first alarm and G08b 29/00 changes the second alarm from pulsating to steady. When the [50] Field of Search 340/2131 switch opens, the first alarm again goes on and the second alarm changes to reduced intensity. A second [56] References C'ted acknowledgment then turns off both alarms.
UNITED STATES PATENTS 2.730.704 1/1956 Warren 340/2131 24a 24b EYCE'SS 6A; j twa 24 T l g l x I l I 26 wsuAL l Aw/BLE I ALARM l ALARM l i 1 a I I T I I FM 30 10 l 32-5! 38 4 I 06 l 40! I SOURCE I [a as l 2 so C, l 20 l 42 I lit l L T i cow/now 54 55 ALA/m 34 7557 SWITCH 7 sw/m/ l 50 T52 T l l l INSUFF/C/ENT GAS "82' PATENTEUunv 23 \an INVENTOR LOGAN 0. HADDOCK Br 2% 4 M Allorney CONDITION CHANGE ALARM SYSTEM This invention relates to an alarm system activated by a changed condition and, more particularly, to such a system that requires acknowledgement each time an alarm indicates a change in condition.
Gas from blast furnaces is commonly used in steel mills to fire powerhouse boilers. Since the production of gas fluctuates more than the demand, holders, such as piston-operated steel tanks, are used on a gas line to smooth out the fluctuations. Because a holder may be damaged if it contains too much or too little gas, warning devices are provided to indicate either abnormal condition so that a gas operator may take the necessary corrective action.
However, in alarm systems with which I am familiar and particularly where the operator has considerable other responsibilities and duties, the operator may miss a return of the abnormal condition to normal or he may not be sure of the status of a prior required acknowledgment of an abnormal condition signal. This can be aggravated with multiple condition alarm systems.
It is, therefore, an object of my invention to provide an alarm system for changes in condition with audio and visual indicators where one indicator shows acknowledgment.
Another object of my invention is a system where an indicator shows the status of the condition and the status of an acknowledgment.
Still another object is to provide such a system where more than one set of conditions may be monitored in one indicator.
These and other objects will become more apparent after referring to the following specification and drawing, in which:
The single FIGURE is a schematic diagram of my invention.
Referring now to the drawing, reference numeral 2 indicates a condition alarm switch which, for example, may close when a gas holder in the gas line between a blast furnace and a boiler house contains too much gas, thereby requiring corrective action by an operator. One side of switch 2 is connected to the negative side of a direct-current source 4. The positive side of source 4 is connected to an audible alarm 6 such as a horn or bell and to a visual alarm 8 which is an incandescent lamp as hereinafter described. A first silicon controlled rectifier 10 has its anode connected to lamp 8, its cathode connected to switch 2 and its gate connected to switch 2 through a resistance 12. A second silicon controlled rectifier 14 has its anode connected to lamp 8 through a resistance 16, its cathode connected to the negative side of source 4, a resistance 18 connected between its gate and cathode, and a capacitance 20 connected between its gate and switch 2.
A capacitor 22 is connected from the anode of rectifier 14 to a push button 24a, resistance 26, and a capacitor 28. Push button 24a is also connected to the negative side of source 4. Resistance 26 is also connected to a push button 24b and the positive side of source 4. Push button 24b is also connected to the gate of rectifier 10 through a resistance 30. Push buttons 24a and 24b are connected to operate together as an acknowledge switch 24. A diode 32 and a test switch 34 are connected in series between lamp 8 and the negative side of source 4.
A transistor 36 has its emitter connected to switch 2, its collector connected to lamp 8 through a diode 38 and its base connected to the collector of a transistor 40 through a resistance 42. The emitter of transistor 40 is connected to the positive side of source 4 and the base of transistor 40 is connected to switch 2 through a resistance 44 and to the collector of transistor 36 through a resistance 46 and a capacitor 48.
Alarm 6 is connected to capacitor 28 and the anode of a silicon controlled rectifier 50. The cathode of rectifier 50 is connected to the negative side of source 4 through a diode 52 and to a capacitor 54 through a diode 56, and its gate is connected to the negative side of source 4 through a resistance 58 and to capacitor 54 through a diode 60. Capacitor 54 is also connected to switch 2.
The parts of my alarm system for excess gas monitored by switch 2 are enclosed in block 62. Block 62' is an alarm system with the same components as block 62 except that the condition alarm switch is connected to close when there is insufiicient gas in the holder.
To activate my alarm system, it is first assumed that the system is deenergized and all capacitors are discharged. As soon as source 4 is energized, capacitor 54 is charged from source 4 through lamp 8, diode 38, capacitor 48, resistance 46, resistance 44, diode 60 and resistance 58 to source 4. Charging capacitor 54 results in a voltage spike of sufficient magnitude at the gate of rectifier 50 to turn rectifier 50 on. This activates audible alarm 6 and charges capacitor 28 through resistance 26, rectifier 50 and diode 52. The operator must then momentarily press reset button 24 to turn alarm 6 off. Closing contacts 24a discharges capacitor 28 through rectifier 50 and diode 52 which turns rectifier 50 and alarm 6 off while capacitor 54 remains charged. The alarm system is now ready to operate.
Assume now that there is an excess of gas which closes switch 2. This activates transistors 36 and 40 which together with capacitor 48 and resistances 42, 44 and 46 form a conventional oscillator. Transistor 36 is thus timed on and off at about one second intervals, turning lamp 8 on and off through diode 38. The positive charge on capacitor 54 is transferred to the gate of rectifier 50 driving the cathode of rectifier 50 negative with respect to the gate and turning rectifier 50 on. This also energizes audible alarm 6. Capacitor 28 is now charged through resistance 26, rectifier 50 and diode 52. The operator is now alerted to the changed condition by the audible alarm 6 and a flashing visual alarm 8.
The operator acknowledges the changed condition by momentarily closing acknowledge switch 24. Closing of contact 24a discharges capacitor 28 through rectifier 50 and diode 52 which turns off rectifier 50 and the audible alarm 6. Closing of contact 24b provides a positive potential to the gate of rectifier 10 from voltage divider resistances l2 and 30 turning on rectifier 10. This shunts out the oscillator circuit changing lamp 8 to steady on. So long as switch 2 is closed, lamp 8 will remain on to remind the operator of the acknowledged changed condition.
When the condition again changes, such as a return to normal gas level, switch 2 will open. This turns rectifier 10 off. Capacitor 20 then charges through resistance 18, resistance 44, resistance 46, capacitor 48, diode 38 and lamp 8. This turns on rectifier 14 which energizes lamp 8 at half brilliance through voltage dropping resistance 16. Capacitor 22 re then charges through resistance 26. Capacitor 54 recharges. The resultant voltage spike turns rectifier 50 on. Alarm 6 then turns on recharging capacitor 28 and alerts the operator that the condition has returned to normal.
The operator acknowledges this by momentarily closing acknowledge 24 a second time. Closing of contacts 24discharges capacitor 28 through rectifier 50 and diode 52 which turns off rectifier 50 and the audible alarm 6. Closing of contact 24also discharges capacitor 22 through rectifier l4 turning off rectifier l4 and lamp 8. Capacitor 54 now recharges. The alarm system is now ready to receive another change in condition. Capacitor 20 is discharged through resistance 18 as soon as switch 2 is closed.
Test switch 34 and diode 32 are provided to test visual alarm lamp 8 without disturbing the rest of the circuit.
The second condition alarm system 62 functions in the same manner as the first system 62. Any number of systems may be used to turn off audible alarm 6, each one of which may turn off the audible alarm without affecting the operation of the other systems.
While alarms 8 and 6 are shown as visible and audible, respectively, it is obvious that these alarms could be other than the type indicated provided the circuit requirements for charging and discharging the capacitors are fulfilled.
While one embodiment of my invention has been described, it will be apparent that other adaptations and modifications may be made.
I claim:
I. An alarm system requiring acknowledgment for each change in position of a condition responsive switch comprising a condition responsive switch having an open and a closed position, a power source, a first alarm means, first means responsive to a change in position of said switch for energizing said first alarm means by said power source, a second alarm means having a first, a second, a third and a fourth indicating conditions, second means responsive to the closing of said switch for energizing said second alarm means in said second condition by said power source, third means responsive to the opening of said switch for energizing said second alarm means in said fourth condition by said power source, said switch opening also deenergizing said second responsive means, acknowledgment means for deenergizing said first responsive means and said first alarm means, said acknowledgment means also actuating means for shunting said second responsive means to change said second alarm means from said second condition to said third condition when said switch is closed and said acknowledgment means also deenergizing said third responsive means and said shunting means to change said second alarm means from said fourth condition to said first condition when said switch is open.
2. An alarm system according to claim I in which said first alarm means is a horn and said second alarm means is an incandescent lamp which is off in said first condition, flashing on and off in said second condition, on at full intensity in said third condition and on a reduced intensity in said fourth condition 3. An alarm system according to claim 1 which includes a plurality of condition responsive switches each having an open and a closed position, a plurality of second alarm means, second responsive means, third responsive means and acknowledgment means each associated with one of said switches and means connecting said plurality of switches, second alarm means, second responsive means, third responsive means and acknowledgment means to said first alarm means and said first responsive means whereby each of said switches and its associated acknowledgement means will operate said first alarm means and its associated second alarm means.
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 ,623 048 Dated November 23, 1971 Invent0 Logan D. Haddock It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:
Column 2, line 13, cancel "press reset button" and insert close acknowledge switch line 46, after "22" delete "re"; line 52, after "acknowledge" insert switch line 53, "24" should read 24a line 55, "24" should read Signed and sealed this 14th day of November 1972.
(SEAL) Attest:
EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR.
ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents DRM PO-IDSO (10-69) USCOMM-DC BO37B-F'69 9 U 5 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 199 03662134 Liir

Claims (3)

1. An alarm system requiring acknowledgment for each change in position of a condition responsive switch comprising a condition responsive switch having an open and a closed position, a power source, a first alarm means, first means responsive to a change in position of said switch for energizing said first alarm means by said power source, a second alarm means having a first, a second, a third and a fourth indicating conditions, second means responsive to the closing of said switch for energizing said second alarm means in said second condition by said power source, third means responsive to the opening of said switch for energizing said second alarm means in said fourth condition by said power source, said switch opening also deenergizing said second responsive means, acknowledgment means for deenergizing said first responsive means and said first alarm means, said acknowledgment means also actuating means for shunting said second responsive means to change said second alarm means from said second condition to said third condition when said switch is closed and said acknowledgment means also deenergizing said third responsive means and said shunting means to change said second alarm means from said fourth condition to said first condition when said switch is open.
2. An alarm system according to claim 1 in which said first alarm means is a horn and said second alarm means is an incandescent lamp which is off in said first condition, flashing on and off in said second condition, on at full intensity in said third condition and on a reduced intensity in said fourth condition
3. An alarm system according to claim 1 which includes a plurality of condition responsive switches each having an open and a closed position, a plurality of second alarm means, second responsive means, third responsive means and acknowledgment means each associated with one of said switches and means connecting said plurality of switches, second alarm means, second responsive means, third responsive means and acknowledgment means to said first alarm means and said first responsive means whereby each of said switches and its associated acknowledgement means will operate said first alarm means and its associated second alarm means.
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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3984825A (en) * 1974-06-21 1976-10-05 Izumi Denki Company Limited Condition monitoring apparatus
US4177459A (en) * 1977-05-24 1979-12-04 Westinghouse Air Brake Company Fail-safe acknowledging circuit
US5077673A (en) * 1990-01-09 1991-12-31 Ryan International Corp. Aircraft traffic alert and collision avoidance device
US20110012740A1 (en) * 2009-06-22 2011-01-20 General Atomics Charged capacitor warning system and method

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2730703A (en) * 1954-03-05 1956-01-10 American Instr Co Inc Multi-station condition-responsive alarm system
US2730704A (en) * 1955-02-14 1956-01-10 Howard C Warren Annunciator system
US2824295A (en) * 1956-02-13 1958-02-18 Gen Telephone Lab Inc Annunciator system
US2840804A (en) * 1956-12-11 1958-06-24 Marco Ind Company Multiple indicator and warning light switching system
US3392379A (en) * 1964-10-05 1968-07-09 Monsanto Co Static logic annunciator
US3480938A (en) * 1965-02-05 1969-11-25 Beta Corp Annunciator system

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2730703A (en) * 1954-03-05 1956-01-10 American Instr Co Inc Multi-station condition-responsive alarm system
US2730704A (en) * 1955-02-14 1956-01-10 Howard C Warren Annunciator system
US2824295A (en) * 1956-02-13 1958-02-18 Gen Telephone Lab Inc Annunciator system
US2840804A (en) * 1956-12-11 1958-06-24 Marco Ind Company Multiple indicator and warning light switching system
US3392379A (en) * 1964-10-05 1968-07-09 Monsanto Co Static logic annunciator
US3480938A (en) * 1965-02-05 1969-11-25 Beta Corp Annunciator system

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3984825A (en) * 1974-06-21 1976-10-05 Izumi Denki Company Limited Condition monitoring apparatus
US4177459A (en) * 1977-05-24 1979-12-04 Westinghouse Air Brake Company Fail-safe acknowledging circuit
US5077673A (en) * 1990-01-09 1991-12-31 Ryan International Corp. Aircraft traffic alert and collision avoidance device
US20110012740A1 (en) * 2009-06-22 2011-01-20 General Atomics Charged capacitor warning system and method
US8576074B2 (en) * 2009-06-22 2013-11-05 General Atomics Charged capacitor warning system and method

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