US3877005A - Detecting means for fire alarm box - Google Patents

Abstract

Described is a detecting system for a fire alarm box including a housing containing an alarm circuit connected to a switch which simultaneously actuates a television camera and an identifying spray device when the fire alarm handle is pulled to operate the switch. Means are provided in the housing to direct the spray on the hand and wrist of the person operating the alarm.

Description

United States Patent 1 1 in] 3,877,005 pgar 1 A r. 8, 1975 1 DETECTING MEANS FOR FIRE ALARM BOX Inventor: John C. Apgar, Plainfield, NJ.

Lawrence PeskaAssociates, lnc., New York, NY. a part interest Filed: May 2, 1974 Appl. No.: 466,485

Assignee:

US. Cl. 340/304; 178/D1G. 38'. 340/407.

346/107 C Int. Cl. G08b 15/02 Field of Search 340/304, 221, 297;

178/D1G. l. DlG. 38; 346/107 R, 107 C References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 10/1959 Zaltmun 340/407 Primary Examiner-Thomas B. Habecker [57] ABSTRACT Described is a detecting system for a fire alarm box including a housing containing an alarm circuit connected to a switch which simultaneously actuates a television camera and an identifying spray device when the fire alarm handle is pulled to operate the switch. Means are provided in the housing to direct the spray on the hand and wrist of the person operating the alarm.

4 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures 22 20 ALARM l.

CIRCUIT 24 ACTlVATlNG SWITCH I DETECTING MEANS FOR FIRE ALARM BOX BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a lire alarm signal system incorporating photographic or television apparatus and means for spraying detectable liquid on the person operating the alarm.

In recent years. more and more false alarms have been turned in by lawless persons to harass fire fighting organizations for a variety of unlawful or senseless reasons. This has resulted in increased expenditure for fire departments and in many needless deaths of firemen responding to false alarm calls.

2. State Of The Art Various attempts have already been made to deter persons from turning in false alarms. Thus the art to which this invention relates already is aware of US. Pat. Nos. 2.30] .98); 1.861.243; L8) l .242; and 2.769.]66. Some of the structures proposed in these patents include photographic apparatus while others are equipped with means for attaching the operator of an alarm box until released by firemen or others. Though the practice presumably is not patented. it has also been suggested to sprinkle phosphorescent or fluorescent paint on alarm handles. None ofthese practices however has met with widespread acceptance.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a device or article of this character which combines simplicity. strength and durability in a high degree. together with inexpcnsiveness of construction.

Other objects ofthis invention will in part be obvious and in part hereinafter pointed out.

The invention accordingly consists inthc features of construction, combinations of elements. and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described. and of which the scope of application will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawing. in which is shown one of the various possible illustrative.embodiments of this invention. wherein like reference character identify the same or like parts:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a fire alarm box embodying the features of this invention; and

FIG. 2 is a view along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing operation of the device.

With reference to the drawing. there is shown and illustrated a fire alarm system constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention and designated generally by reference character 10.

As shown. the system according to the invention includes housing 12 which is adapted for mounting on a suitable support of usual construction, such as a post. Housing 12 has a front wall 14. upper and lower walls I6 and 18 and back wall 20.

An activating switch 22 is mounted in an electric circuit in the housing and is operatively connected to bandle 24 which is pivoted at 26 to the front wall 14 of housing 12. Also connected in the same electrical circuit are photographic or television camera 28 mounted on top wall l6 and spray device 30.

(amera 28 is secured at an angle to top wall 16 so that its objective lens might focus on the face of the person operating the alarm. The lens in question has in front of it window 32. In wall 14 camera 28 can be hooked upelosed circuit television system monitored from a central station or it can be movie or photographic camera.

Spray device 30 is an electrically actuated device containing a harmless. fluorescent or phosphorescent paint device 30 has an elongated spout member 34 with downwardly directed tip 36 protruding out of housing l2 under cover 38. Q

When the circuit is closed by pulling alarm handle 24. an alarm is emitted by alarm circuit 40. At the same time camera 28 is actuated to take a photograph of the person operating the alarm. Simultaneously. spray device 30 sprays a detectablcliquid on the hand or glove or part of the sleeve of the person. The individual thus is positively identified by photograph and by the detectable liquid.

The above described invention can also be used in connection with various security systems and with police call boxes.

The operation and use of the invention hcreinabove described will be evident to those skilled in the art to which it relates .from a consideration of the foregoing.

It will thus be seen that there is provided a device in which the several objects of this invention are achieved. and which is well adapted to meet the conditions of practical use.

As various possible embodiments might be made of the above invention. and as various changes might be made in the above invention. and as various changes might be made in the embodiment above set forth. it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawing is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

1. An alarm station. comprising. in combination. a housing having a window. opening. a handle below said opening; an electric circuit in'said housing. an actuating switch closed by operating said handle. an alarm producing means. a camera with an objective lens looking out said window; a device for projecting detectable liquid out of said opening whereby upon closing said circuit there if obtained-ta permanent pictorial record of the operator who also is sprayed with said liquid.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said spray device has an elongated spout with a downwardly directed tip protruding out of said opening for spraying the hand of the operator.

3. The combination of claim I, wherein said camera is part of a closed circuit television system.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said camaera is a photographic camera.

Claims (4)

1. An alarm station, comprising, in combination, a housing having a window, opening, a handle below said opening; an electric circuit in said housing, an actuating switch closed by operating said handle, an alarm producing means, a camera with an objective lens looking out said window; a device for projecting detectable liquid out of said opening whereby upon closing said circuit there if obtained a permanent pictorial record of the operator who also is sprayed with said liquid.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said spray device has an elongated spout with a downwardly directed tip protruding out of said opening for spraying the hand of the operator.

3. The combination of claim 1, wherein said camera is part of a closed circuit television system.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said camaera is a photographic camera.

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