GB2149168A

GB2149168A - Automatic time sequence alarm

Info

Publication number: GB2149168A
Application number: GB08427900A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Henry Marshall
Original assignee: Marshall & Co R H
Current assignee: Marshall & Co R H
Priority date: 1983-11-04
Filing date: 1984-11-05
Publication date: 1985-06-05
Also published as: GB8427900D0; GB2149168B; GB8329482D0

Abstract

An interrupted time sequence alarm system comprises a timing unit (10) adapted to initiate an alarm signal once a predetermined time period has elapsed after energisation of the system, alarm means (12) responsive to said alarm signal, and switching means (14) adapted to interrupt and reset the timing unit (10). The alarm system may be used to monitor the mobility of the elderly or the infirm. For example, if the switching means (14) is adapted to be actuated by a toilet being flushed, the alarm means (12) will be activated if the toilet is not flushed within a predetermined period (e.g. 24 hours). If the toilet is flushed, however, the timing unit (10) is reset and a new time period commences. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Automatic time sequence alarm The present invention relates to an interrupted time sequence alarm system and is intended particularly, but not exclusively for use in monitoring the mobility of the elderly and/or infirm.

There are various alarm systems currently available for indicating when an elderly person requires assistance. Most existing systems, however, are complex and expensive and are only effective if the elderly person is able to reach an alarm switch.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the aforesaid disadvantages.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an interrupted time sequence alarm system comprising timing means adapted to initiate an alarm signal once a predetermined time period has elapsed, alarm means responsive to said signal, and switching means adapted to interrupt and reset said timing means.

It is particularly preferred that the switching means is actuated by operation of a WC cistern.

Preferably, the timing means comprises a microprocessor or hard-wired logic circuit programmed to initiate an alarm signal at the end of a variable time period within a twenty four hour cycle.

Preferably also, a manual override facility is provided for activating said alarm means.

Preferably also, the system incorporates early warning indicator means which is activated by the timing means a short period before the alarm means.

Preferably also, the alarm means may be activated by input signals from other sources such as smoke sensors or intruder detectors.

Preferably also, said switching means comprises a hermetically sealed mercury tilt switch suitably fastened to the flushing mechanism of a WC toilet cistern. Alternatively, a pressure sensitive switch may be attached to the cistern handle.

Preferably also, the alarm means comprises a local buzzer or bell or flashing light. The alarm signal could also be relayed to a police station, a warden's or caretaker's station, or a relative's house by means of a keyed telephone number or by radio transmission.

The system may be powered by a dry cell battery or by the mains supply via a suitable transformer.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing which shows a block diagram of an interrupted time sequence alarm system in accordance with the present invention.

Referring now to the drawing, an alarm system according to the present invention essentially comprises a timing unit 10, alarm means 1 2 and switching means 14. The timing unit 10 may be a microprocessor or a hard-wired logic circuit adapted to initiate an alarm signal once a predetermined time period has elapsed. The alarm signal in turn activates the alarm means 12. If, however, the switching means 14 is actuated before the end of the predetermined time period, the timing sequence of the timing unit 10 is interrupted and reset and a new time period commences.

The system may be used to monitor the mobility of an elderly or infirm person if, for example, the switching means is adapted to be actuated by the toilet being flushed. If the elderly person is mobile, the toilet would normally be used and flushed at least once every twenty four hours. The timing unit 10 could therefore be set to initiate the alarm signal at the end of twenty four hours unless it is reset by the toilet being flushed. In this case the switching means 1 4 might suitably be a hermetically sealed mercury tilt switch fastened to the flushing mechanism of the toilet cistern. For safety reasons it would of course be necessary to ensure that a very low power supply is employed. Alternatively, a pressure sensitive switch could be attached to the cistern handle.

The alarm means may comprise a local alarm such as a bell, buzzer and/or flashing light 15, possibly located on the exterior of the house, or the alarm signal could be relayed to a police station 16, a caretaker's or warden's station 18, or a relative's house 20.

It is also desirable to incorporate a manual override facility for activating the alarm means in case of an emergency. This could be in the form of easily accessible switches 22 such as pull cords positioned around the house.

An early warning system may also be included to warn the elderly person that the alarm means 1 2 is about to be activated. This may take the form of a delay unit 24 connected between the timing unit 10 and the alarm means 12, and indicator means 26 such as a buzzer inside the house. Thus, when the predetermined time signal has elapsed, the alarm signal activates the buzzer but there is a delay of, say, five minutes before the alarm means 1 2 is activated. This allows the elderly person a short time to reset the system thereby avoiding false alarms. The buzzer also serves to confirm to the elderly person that the alarm has been activated in the event of a genuine emergency.

The timing unit 10 may further be provided with auxiliary inputs 28 to which devices such as smoke sensors or intruder detectors can be connected.

The system may be powered from the mains via a transformer (possibly with a dry cell battery backup), or from a dry cell battery which may be provided with a trickle-charger.

The timing sequence of the timing unit 10 may be made more sophisticated. For example, the predetermined time period could be set to three hours during the day and eight hours during the night. Also, the switching means 14 need not be located in the toilet, but may be positioned anywhere where the switch will be actuated by the routine movement of the elderly person. Pressure pads under the carpet might be employed for example.

The invention thus provides an alarm system which can be installed in the homes of the elderly and/or infirm for monitoring the mobility of such persons and which will be activated if the person is immobilised by accident or illness.

Claims

1. An interrupted time sequence alarm system comprising timing means adapted to initiate an alarm signal once a predetermined time period has elapsed, alarm means responsive to said signal, and switching means adapted to interrupt and reset said timing means.

2. An alarm system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said switching means is actuated by operation of a WC cistern.

3. An alarm system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein said timing means comprises a microprocessor or hard-wired logic circuit programmed to initiate an alarm signal at the end of a variable time period within a twenty four hour cycle.

4. An alarm system as claimed in any preceding claim and including a manual override facility for activating said alarm means.

5. An alarm system as claimed in any preceding claim and including early warning indicator means adapted to be activated by the timing means a short period before the alarm means.

6. An alarm system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said alarm means may be activated by input signals from other sources such as smoke sensors or intruder detectors.

7. An alarm system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said switching means comprises an hermetically sealed mercury tilt switch suitably fastened to the flushing mechanism of a WC toilet cistern.

8. An alarm system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 wherein said switching means comprises a pressure sensitive switch attached to the handle of a WC toilet cistern.

9. An alarm system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the alarm means comprises a local buzzer or bell or flashing light.

1 0. An alarm system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the alarm signal is relayed to a police station, a warden or caretaker's station, or a relative's house by means of a keyed telephone number or by radio transmission.

11. An alarm system as claimed in any preceding claim and powered by a dry cell battery or by mains electricity via a suitable transformer.

1 2. An interrupted time sequence alarm system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.