GB2302194A - Retrofit conversion kit for pullcord systems - Google Patents

Abstract

A Retrofit conversion kit (RFU) Comprises of a : Low power receiver Mounted on a pcb board , when the receiver is activated by means of a transmitter a relay is activated causing the alarm to be switched on. The benefit of the retrofit unit is that it is an upgrade suitable for most warden control or nurse call systems where there are still pull cords or push buttons. A Retro fit unit can be boxed and fixed to the existing unit or fitted internally. Due to the units very low power consumption there is no limit to the number of units that may be fitted in parallel. For example a whole scheme of sheltered housing flats can be converted without any power problems. All of these units can be operated by various remote Transmitting devices as illustrated and shown in drawings.

Description

Low Power Pullcord System Conversion Kit Pages: 1 Technical Field of Invention.

Summary of Invention.

2. Brief Description Of Drawings.

Detaliec Description of Drawings.

4 to 12 Drawings.

LOW POWER CONVERSION SYSTEMS FOR NURSECALL OR WARDEN CONTROLLED SYSTEMS TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates generally to a low power conversion unit, for converting existing pullcord systems into standard press button activated alarm systems, or Fallcall (Patent applied for) automatic triggering.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION The present invention proposes a Low Power receiver unit (see fig 1), which is fitted internally to the existing "PULLCORD" call box (see Fig 2). The retro fit unit comprises in itself a low power radio receiver of variable specifications (see Fig 8 and 9) in order to comply with the varying power requirements of the differing systems. A relay which activates the existing circuitry of the call system, and a remote trigger transmitter of either standard or Fallcall specification. (Fig 6 and 7).

The purpose of the invention is to enable the elderly and the physically and mentally disadvantaged to be able to operate the existing warden controlled system remotely, rather than having to pull a cord, a method which is outdated and not at all effeclive in the event of an emergency, as they ,my not be able to reach the cord in order to pull it. The invention allows the use of remote trigger activation, without having to replace the whole hard wired system. The invention MAKES USE of the existing hard wired system.

A single pulse signal is transmitted from the transmitter, which may be of a standard type, or may be of the Fallcall Automatic activating type (see fig 6, & 7,) to the alarm receiver activating a relay, which is connected to the existing alarm box circuit, and will override the pullcord circuit, and operate the existing unit and notify the warden control that a problem exists. (see Fig 5).

The warden then checks the nature of the problem by speaking down the system to the person's wall Call Box unit, in which the low power receiver is installed.

The existing unit may one of several makes, and supplied by such organisations as Shorrock, Wolsey, or any other system which still supports a pullcord operated alarm system.

(see fig 2).

The retrofit alarm receiver means is arranged to receive a unique identification code, which is transmitted by the triggering devices (figs 6, 7,).

The Low power Retrofit conversion kit allows for an inexpensive, but very efficient method os upgrading the old hard wired Pullcord alarm systems presently used by many sheltered Housing schemes and hospitals, etc. (Fig 4).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.

The following description of drawings referred to therein are included by way of non limiting example in order to illustrate how the invention may be put into practice. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a photographic representation of the Low power receiver showing top and bottom view. The representation is to scale.

Figure 2. Illustrates a photographic representation of a typical call box (Manufactured by others) which supports the PULLCORD. This also shows the Fallcall low power receiver externally for scale.

Figure 3 illustrates how the alarm receiver would be fitted into this typical unit, in order to activate it's circuitry when the invention receives an encoded signal from a transmitter.

Figure 4. Depicts a typical existing system layout and operation.

Figure 5. Illustrates mode and use, ie how the system will operate with the invention fitted.

Figure 6. Shows a photographic representation of the Fallcall trigger.

Figure 7. Illustrates Diagrammatically how the Trigger operates.

Figures 8. and 9. Are the typical specifications of the Low power receiver.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The Low power receiver unit shown in (fig 1) shows the circuitry layout, connections for input and output and the relay which when activated acts as a switch, and switches on the Call Unit as if the Pullcord had been pulled. Therefore it allows for remote trigger operation.

The Low power unit is a 1 channel receiver and is the integral part of the Retrofit system (the invention).

Low power consumption is the key to the receivers design as this eliminates the need for increased power supply capacity at the main station in order to support a number of receivers in parallel.

Two versions of the receiver have been produced. The first has a typical stand by current of < 150uA and is intended for 12V battery operation. The second has a standby current of 3mA and is intended for distributed 24V Nursecall systems.

Fig 3. In two wire systems both the power connections will be made across the existing switch n/o contact. Whenever the unit is triggered the power supply will be momentarily shortened as if the contact itself was activated. (as if the Pullcord had been pulled).

In two wire n/c systems a battery or separate power supply will have to be provided, connections to the n/c contact will have to be soldered.

An example of these specifications are shown in figures 8 and 9.

The receiver provides a stand by LED, and low power LED. Also it is possible to add an LED which signals that the unit is activated.

The low power receiver is fitted into the existing call box, a typical unit is show in fig 2.

The receiver takes its power from the existing unit. The call box is the unit which if a pullcord is pulled takes the signal and passes it along a hard-wired line to the warden, who when seeking the alert, calls down the same hard-wired line to the active unit and asks through the two way speech facility if everything is O.K., and can hold a two-way conversation trough the call box. This is shown in fig 4.

When the retrofit system (The invention) is incorporated. The caller does not need to pull a cord, but rather he either presses the button on the remote trigger, which is worn around the neck, or clipped onto the belt, or if that is not possible and the caller has the Fallcall option trigger, (Fig 6 & 7) and he/she falls the floor, and lies in the prone position for more than 8 to 10 seconds, the trigger activates itself automatically and sends an encoded signal to the receiver now fitted to the call unit. The signal is a single pulse signal which is sent once and then has to be reset by pressing the manual push button twice. The trigger itself may also be fitted to zimmer walking frames. When the signal is received by the receiver it determines which trigger has transmitted, and then activates the call system much in the same way as if the pullcord had been pulled.

Low Power, 1-Channel Receiver The Low Power 1-Channel receiver, has been specifically developed, at the request of Fall-Call Systems Limited, in supported of their patented process of retro-fitting a alarm receiver within an existing nurse call station, permitting its upgrade to respond to alarm signals from the Fall-Call Radio Pendant of clip-on triggers.

Low power consumption has been the key to the receivers design as this eliminates the need for increased power supply capacity at the main central station.

Two versions have been produced. The first has a standby current of < 150uA and is intended for 12V battery operation. The second has a standby current of 3mA and is intended for distributed 4V, nurse call systems.

Specification: 12V (10 - l4V) version:

Power Consumption Standby 110uA Power Consumption Peak (Relay 13mA Operating) Dimensions L,W,H 65mm, 35mm, < 15mm Mounting 2 x 3.5mm Dia Addresses 16 4-Way switch Receiver frequency 418MHz Receiver type Superhet Data decoder HT-12-D Relay (n/o contacts) 5A 240V ac 5A. 30V dc LED's Alarm + Trigger low battery.

24V (1 to 28V )Version:

Power Consumption Standby 3mA Power Consumption Peak (Relay 15mA Operating) Dimensions L,W,H 65mm, 35mm, < 15mm Mounting 2 x 3.5mm Dia Addresses 16 4-Way stitch Receiver frequency 418MHz Receiver type Superhet Data decoder HT-12-D Relay (n/o contacts) SA 240V ac 5A, 30V dc LED's Alarm + Trigger low battery.

Operational Considerations: In two wire systems both the and power connections will be made across the existing panic switch n/o contact. When ever the unit is triggered the power supply will bc morentarily shorted as if the the contact itself was activated.

In two wire n/c system a battery or separate power supply will have to be provided.

Connections to the nt contact will have to be soldered to the relay.

Claims (6)

1.A Low power receiver relay unit(RFU) which when connected to existing warden call or nurse call units can upgrade them from manual 'Pull cord' or'Push Button',to Remote Trigger activation.

2. Due to the very low power consumption of the Low Power Receiver Relay (RFU), There is no limit to the number of units that may be used in paral let where previously the maximum number ofunits that may be used in parallel was 8, this is a big innovative step.

3. The RFU can be used with existing mains power or with battery power thus enabling it to be very flexible.

4.Due to its flexibility a limitless number of controllers can be wired in parallel in an environmental system (such as lights, switches), and each controlled remotely.

5.The RFU is claimed to have the lowest power consumption of any receiver relay.

6. The RFU is claimed to be the only unit to be able to upgrade more than 8 warden or nurse call units using a simple conversion .(Examples shown in illustrations and drawings ).