GB2519523A - Intruder Alarm - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an intruder alarm 100 suitable for positioning within a multiple glazed sealed unit. The intruder alarm 100 comprises an alarm unit 101 having a pair of locating arms 103,103, extending from opposed ends of said alarm unit 101. Arm 103 extends vertically from the bottom edge of one end face 102 of the unit 101, whilst arm 103 is attached to the other end 102 of the unit 101, and extends parallel to the other end 102 of the alarm unit. The arms 103,103 are inserted into a spacer bar 22 of the window during manufacture in order to locate the unit at a desired position within the multiple glazed sealed unit. The arms 103,103 may include blades 104 on their underside to ensure secure positioning of the arms within the spacer bar 22. The alarm unit 101 may include a pressure sensor and a transmitter, whereby upon the sensor detecting a change in pressure greater than a predetermined threshold, the transmitter is arranged to transmit a signal to a central computer.

Description

INTRUDER ALARM

This invention relates to an alarm apparatus for detecting the presence of intruders.

GB 2467102 describes a wireless pressure sensor alarm for fitting in a double glazed unit. The alarm may be positioned anywhere Mthin a standard rectangular or square unit and will be held in place by adhesive or other fixing means for example.

According to the invention there is provided an intruder alarm suitable for positioning within a multiple glazed sealed unit, comprising an alarm unit, and at least one locating arm, extending from one end of said alarm unit to locate said alarm at a desired position within said multiple glazed sealed unit.

Preferably, said intruder alarm further comprising a second locating arm extending from 1 5 the other end of said alarm unit.

Preferably, said at least one locating arm extends substantially vertically from said end of said alarm unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention said second locating arm extends substantially parallel to said other end of said alarm unit.

Preferably, one or more of said locating arms are provided with one or more blades on the underside of the arm to ensure secure positioning of the alarm in the sealed unit.

Further preferably, one or more of said locating arms and said alarm unit are made of the same material.

Preferably, said locating arms are shaped to be a snug fit in a spacer bar for a multiple glazed sealed unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention said aarm unit comprises a pressure sensor; and a transmitter; in which the pressure sensor sends a signal to the transmitter in the event that a pressure chance creater than a predetermined threshold occurs causing the transmitter to transmd a signal of a first predetermined frequency.

Preferabiy, in the event that a pressure rise greater than a predetermined threshold occurs within a predetermined time causes the transmitter is used to transmit a signal of a first predelermined frequency Preferably, said alarm further comprises a battety and a solar powered cell to provide power to said sensor and said transmitter.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention there is provided a pressurised unit comprising: at east two panes of glass sealed to enclose a space; and an intruder alarm as described above enclosed within said space.

Preferably, said alternative embodiment further comprises at east one spacer bar means for receiving and securing said at least one locating arm.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is also provided an alarm system comprising: a pressurised unit as described above; a central computer connected to a receiver [or receiving said signal and arranged to send data to said central computer in the event that an intruder alert signal of the first predetermined frequency is received.

Preferably, said further embodiment further comprises an audible alarm for sounding the alarm in the event that said intruder alert signal is received.

DescriDtion of the drawings The present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure I is an illustration of an alarm system in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of part of a double glazed unit, Figure 3(a) shows a perspective view of an intruder alarm fitted into spacer bars prior to insertion into a double glazed unit: Figure 3(h) shows a side view of the intruder alarm fitted into spacer bars prior to insertion into a double glazed unit; and Figure 4 shows a circuit diagram of an intruder alarm lOt) according to the present invention.

Specific Description

Figure I shows an alarm system I which comprises a central computer 15 used to manage and control the operabon of the alarm system 1 The password protected central computer 15 is administered by a supervisor who has total authority. The central computer 15 is initially configured by adding uniquely identified intruder alarm 100 to the central records and recording the ocation of each intruder alarm 100. It is possible to delete references to particular intruder alarm 100 if desired. The central computer 15 stores records (in a database) of all events which occur in the alarm system, such as receipt of intruder alarms, cancellation of intruder alarms, possible faults in the system etc. A plurality of intruder alarms 100 (which will he described later in more detail): are configured to transmit an intruder alert signal when an intruder event is detected. The intruder alert signal is transmitted as a radio frequency signal and is received by a receiver 12. In order to increase the range of the sgnal and to provide sonic back up a repeater 14 also receives the signal.

Upon receipt of the signal the repeater 14 sends a second signal which is received by a receiver 16. lJpon nceipt of an intruder alert signal both receivers 12, 16 send a signal to the Central computer 15 to indicate that an intruder event has been detected. The particular frequencies used are user configurable so that radio communication rules in different countries or other local conditions can be taken into consideration.

Central computer 15 receives and records signals from the receivers 12, 16 and determines the type of these signals (different types of signal will he discussed later). In response to an alarm signal from either or both receivers 12, 16 the central computer 15 displays an alarm event on the screen, and also sets a status display 17 and sounds an audible alarm 19.

Repeater 14 also serves as a vicious signal detector and is used to detect any jamming signal. This is to prevent a potential intruder from jamming an intruder alert signal thus preventing the central computer iS being informed of a potential intruder situation, In the event that a jamming signal is detected by the repeater 14 then the central computer iSis informed accordingly by transmission of a signal at a norHammed frequency.

Each intruder alarm 100 has a unique identifier. When the system is configured the central computer 15 records the location of each intruder alarm 100. Upon receipt of an intruder alert signal the location of the intruder alarm 100 generating the intruder alert signal is displayed on the central computer screen. The display may be textual, or may show the location oF the alarm on a two or three dimensional visual representation.

One or more intruder alerts Fray be sent out to one or more remote pagers II via a pager controUer 13 in dependence upon parameters configured by the central computer 15. This would aHow somebody remote from the location of the audible alarm (even out of the country), and hence out of earshot, to be made aware ol an h [ruder alert.

An intruder alarm 100 may he switched off, either at the central computer 15, or by receipt of a signal from one of the pagers 11 via the pager controller 13. in the embodiment as illustrated the Harm is sent to a conventional pager, however, the alarm may also be sent via an email message or an SMS message to a designated mobile phone or email account or other mobile device or personal computer For system robustness, the central computer 15 polls the receivers 12, 16 and the pager control 13 ata set interval. [no response is received a possible fault a recorded. The repeater 14 sends a beacon signal at a set interval, lithe central computer 15 has not nceived a beacon signal for a defined period then a possible fault is recorded.

The central computer 15 may be connected to an external network (for example the Internet) via a wireless connection in order to allow remote connection to the central computer.

This would allow remote monitoring of t.he alarm status, and would allow alarm statistics to be uploaded to a central server..

In this case it would be possible for the central computer to act as a client and in fact run the software on a remote server.

In e]ther case of receipt of an ntruder alert by a remote pager, or by a remotely connected monitor it would be possible to send an emergency response as a result.

Double glazed units suitable for use in household or commercial windows will now be described with reference to Figure 2.

Figure 2 illustrates a cross section of part of a side of a double glazed unit 20 in a preferred embodiment, comprising two panes of 4mm glass 21 which are separated by a spacer 22 partially or completely filled with desiccant 23 and so-.led with a sihcone seal 24. the space between the panes is preferably in the range 14mm -28mm.

Double (or even triple) glazed units, often reFerred to as insulated glazing units, are commonly used in buildings to improve heat insulation by improving the thermal performance of a window in which the unit is instafled.

A set of two or more panes of glass are spaced apart and hermetically sealed to tbrm a glazed unit with an air (or gas) space between the planes of glass. it is the air space between the glass layers that provides the insulation. The space between the panes may be filled with air or an inert gas such as argon or krypton which would provide better insulating performance.

Such units may be framed in a sash orframe, for example. Insulating glazed units are often used when replacement windows are requEred.

Typically the space between the panes is provided with desiccant l.o prevent condensation and improve insulating performance. in modern double or triple glazed units, most of the air or gas is removed, leaving a partial vacuum, which drastically reduces heat transfer through convection and conduction. This is called evacuated glazing, and is used in the preferred embothment of the present nvention where a unit is first evacuated and then argon is injected to a pressure which is substantially below that of atmospheric pressure.

Typically, the spacer bar, 22 (sometimes known as a profile) is a continuous hollow frame that separates the two glass panes 21 in a double glazing window, and is positioned around the entire inner circumference of the window. However, in some cases the spacer bar 22 may alternately only be provided around part of the inner circumference. The spacer bar 22 is bonded to the glass panes via a primary and secondary seal creating an airtight cavity which is filled with air or gas. The spacer bar 22 itself is typically filled with a desiccant to absorb any residual moisture within the cavity and thus prevent condensation within the double glazing window.

Spacer bars 22 are an important contributor to a double glazing window's energy ratings.

Typically, spacer bars 22 made from aluminium are currently the most commonly used in standard double glazing windows. Aluminium is a light but strong material and the flexibility of spacer bars made from Aluminium means that they can be formed into a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Of course, the spacer bars 22 may be made of other materials such as plastic or different types of metal.

Although this invention is described with reference to double glazed units it will be appreciated that any sealed unit having an internal pressure different from (i.e. either greater than or less than) an external pressure such as atmospheric pressure may be used in the present invention. It particular, lie alarm is also suitable for use ri triple glazed units. or other multiple glazed units.

Figures 3(a) and (b) Ulustrate an intruder alarm 100 positioned between two perpendicular spacer bars 22 for insertion into the window between the two panes of glass, in a corner of a double or triple glazed unit 30. For clarity, the spacer bars 22 are shown as transparent, but as mentioned above, these are typically made from aluminium. As shown, the intruder alarm 100, has a central alarm unit 101, with two arms 103. 103'' extendng from the opposed ends 102 of the alarm unit 101. As iflustrated, arm 103 extends substantially vertically from the bottom edge of one end face 102 of alarm unit 101, whereas arm 103' is attached to the other end 102 ofalami unit 101, and then extends substanUally parallel to the other end 102 of alarm unit 101. The arias 103, 103' are inserted into the spacer bar during the window manufacture. As illustrated three blades 104 extend downwardly from the underside of arm 103, 103', to contact the underside interior of the spacer bar 22. The blades 22 hold the intruder alarm 100 in position in the spacer bar 22 and prevent arms 103, 103' from being accidentally or easily removed from inside the. .spacer bar 22. Blades 104 also allow circulalion of air beiween them and within the spacer bar. In this embodiment of the invention, the arms have three blades, but the arm may not he provided with blades, or with one or more blades according to the type of window the intruder alarm 100 is to befitted to. Preferably, the arms 103, 103' are inserted into spacer bars 22 and held in position due to the snug fit between them, and the extra contact provided by blades 104. However, for additional security it is possible that the arms 103, 103' are fixed with adhesive or other fixing means to be permanently attached to the spacer bar 22.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the alarm unit is substantially rectangular and measures approximately 1 30mm x 20 mmx3l mm and the arms 103, 103' are approximately 35mm x 20mm x 5mm. However these measurements are only examples, and any parlicular part of the alarm, for example the body or the arms may he longer or shorter than described. In this way, by fitting the locating arms 103, 103' into the spacer bars 22, the intruder alarm 100 is relatively unobtrusive when installed during manufacture of a standard double glazed unit. Of course, the alarm unit may be differently shaped, for example if it is to be fitted into a double or triple glazed unit that is not a standard rectangular unit, then the alarm unit may be shaped to have a similar profile lo the window it is to be fitted into, and may only he provided with a single locating arm, again, that extends from one end of the alarm and is shaped according to the profile of the window, and the spacer bar into which it will be inserted.

Preferably, the body of alarm unit 101 and the arms 103. 103' are made from plastic but they may alternatively be made from other materials such as metal or example. Typically, the body of the alarm unit 101 and the arms 103, 103' are made of the same material, but in some embodiments of the invention they may be made of different materials.

Furthermore, the arms 103, 103' may be lormed integrafly with the body of alarm unit 101 (which may be formed by iniection moulding or other methods used for' Forming plastics they may be formed separately from the alarm unit and then secured to the ends of the alarm unit 101 at a !ater stage in the manufacture of the intruder alarm.

Referring now to Figure 4, a preferred mode of operation of an intruder alarm 100 wfll he described in more detaiL The intruder alarm 100 is preferably powered by a battery power source which, in the preferred embodiment of Ihe invention will have a ten-year lifetime. Additior.lly a solar power source may be included in the alarm. This will provde power to maintain charge in the battery (dependent on the ambient Ught conditions). When the intruder alarm 100 is receiving po'ver a status Light Emitting Diode (LED) 45 is illuminated. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the status LED 45 is coloured green.

A pressure sensor 41 monitors the pressure around the intruder alarm 100. A measurement of the pressure is sent to a processor 44. The processor 44 regularly compares the pressure measurement to a predetermined threshold. If the measured temperature changes from a value lower than the predetermined threshold to a value higher than the threshold within a predetermined period of time, then a signal is sent to a radio transmitter 43. The processor 44 also sends a pressure alert signal to an alarm LED 46 to turn the LED on. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the LED is coloured red.

The predetermined time and pressure are set to a user defined value, and in the preferred embodiment of the invention the pressure threshold is set to 0.5 atmospheres and the predetermined time s set to a one second.

A tamper switch 43 is also included, which will send a tamper signal to the processor 44 in the event that the switch is released from the closed position.

The radio transmitter 43 transmits a signal at a predetermined frequency. A signal transmitted by the radio transmitter 43 comprises a predetermined identifier which uniquely identifies each intruder alarm 100 in an alarm system and the signal may be one of a predetermined number of Lypes for example" alarm" when a pressure alert signal is received from the processor 44." tamper". when stamper alert signal is received. The signal types may also include "interconnection" which is simply a heartbeat signal which is regularly sent to assure a monitor that the intruder alarm 100 is still active. Use of a heartbeat signal is optional as [there are a large number of intruder alarm lODe in a system then there may be interference with one another. The predetermined frequency is territory dependant In one embodiment of the invention the intruder alarm 100 also includes a temperature sensor (not shown) which causes the radio transmitter 43 to send a temperature alarni signal in the event that a temperature change greater than a predetermined threshold is sensed within a predetermined time. Again, the predetermined threshold and the predetermined time are user defined when the intruder alarm 100 is configured.

A useful feature of the intruder arm 100 is that there is no on-off switch and there are no physical connection requirements so the intruder alami 100 can he built into a double or trple glazed unit at the time of manufacture. The intruder alarm remains dormant until activated wirelessly by a dedicated control unit (not shown) within the factory where the windows are made and the alarm instaUed, and once the unit has been activated in this way it cannot be switched off An additional benefit of the alarm is that it can also be used to detect leaks from the window, if the window seal is defective for example. In this case, the indow may not have been broken, but if the seal is defective, the pressure within the window will change as the gas within the window leaks out through the defective seal. As described above, the alarm monitors the change in pressure and can alert the control unit that the window is apparently defective.

It is appreciated Ihal certain features of the invention, which are. for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be. provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are. for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provded separately, or in any suitable combination.

For example, the locating arms as described with respect to figure 3, may be used on window alarms that have a different mode of operation to that described with respect to figure 4.

It is to be recognised that various alteratEons. modEfications. and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts described above without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (17)

1. CLAIMS1. An intruder alarm suitable for positioning within a multiple glazed sealed unit, comprising an alarm unit, and at least one locating arm, extending from one end of said alarm unit to locate said alarm at a desired position within said multiple glazed sealed unit.
2. 2. An intruder alarm according to claim I further comprising a second locating arm extending from the other end of said alarm unit.
3. 3. An intruder alarm according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said at least one locating arm extends substantially vertically from said end of said alarm unit.
4. 4. An intruder alarm according to claim 2 or 3 wherein said second locating arm extends substantially parallel to said other end of said alarm unit.
5. 5. An intruder alarm according to any preceding claim wherein one or more of said locating arms are provided with one or more blades on the underside of the arm to ensure secure positioning of the alarm in the sealed unit.
6. 6. An intruder alarm according to any preceding claim wherein one or more of said locating arms and said alarm unit are made of the same material.
7. 7. An intruder alarm according to any preceding claim wherein said locating arms are shaped to be a snug fit in a spacer bar for a multiple glazed sealed unit.
8. 8. An intruder alarm according to any preceding claim wherein said alarm unit comprises a pressure sensor and a transmitter; in which the pressure sensor sends a signal to the transmitter in the event that a pressure change greater than a predetermined threshold occurs causing the transmitter to transmit a signal of a first predetermined frequency.
9. 9. An intruder alarm according to claim 8, in which, in the event that a pressure rise greater than a predetermined threshold occurs within a predetermined time causes the transmitter is used to transmit a signal of a first predetermined frequency.
10. 10. An intruder alann according to claim 8 or claim 9 further comprising a solar powered cell to provide power to said sensor and said transmitter.
11. 11. An intruder alarm according to any of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a temperature sensor and in which the temperature sensor sends a signal to the transmitter in the event that a temperature change greater than a predetermined threshold occurs within a predetermined time the transmitter is caused to transmit an intruder alert signal at said first predetermined frequency.
12. 12. An intruder alarm according to any one of claims 8 to 11 further comprising a tamper switch, and in which in the event that the tamper switch is activated the transmitter is caused to transmit a tamper alert signal at said first predetermined frequency.
13. 13. A pressurised unit comprising: at least two panes of glass sealed to enclose a space; and an intruder alarm according to any one of the preceding claims enclosed in said space.
14. 14. A pressurised unit according to claim 13 further comprising at least one spacer bar means for receiving and securing said at least one locating arm.
15. 15. An alarm system comprising: a pressurised unit according to claim 13 or 14; a central computer connected to a receiver for receiving said signal and arranged to send data to said central computer in the event that an intruder alert signal of the first predetermined frequency is received.
16. 16. An alarm system according to claim 15 further comprising an audible alarm for sounding the alarm n the event that said intruder alert signal is received.
17. 17. An alarm system according to claim 15 or 15, further comprising a repeater for receiving said intruder alert signai and in the event an iniruder alert signal is received the repeater is arranged to transmit an intruder alert signal at a second predetermined frequency, and in which the central computer is arranged to activate the audible alarm in the event that an intruder alert signal of the first predetermined frec:uency or an intruder alert signal of the second predetermined frequency is received.lB. An alarm system according to claim 17, in which the repeater is arranged to detect a amming signal and to transmit a jamming alert signal at a frequency other than a jammed frequency in the event that a jamming signal is detected.19. An alarm system according to any one of claims 15 to 18, further comprising a pager controller in which the central computer requests the pager controller to send a message to one or more pagers, mobile phones by SMS or Email in the event that an intruder alarm signal is received.20. An alami system accorthng to any one ci claims 151o 19, comprising a plurahty oF pressurised units and in which each of said un;ts has a unique identifier and further comprising a dsplay for thsplayng the status of sac one or more unts.21. An alarm system according to any one of daims 15 to 20 in which the pressurised unit is a double glazed unit.22. An intruder alarm substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.23. A pressurised unit substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings 24. An alarm system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings