Abstract: A wide angle viewing device comprising a viewing head, a plurality of sensors, and a detector. The sensors are connected to the viewing head with each sensor positioned facing a unique direction such that the combination of sensors effectively views and entire volume, such as an entire room. The sensors collect radiation from the volume and deliver it to the detector. In one embodiment, the viewing device is used in a flame detector for detecting the presence of a fire in the viewed volume.

Abstract: An infrared spectrometer is adapted to capture spectral data at high frequency and includes an aperture defining slit and tuning fork chopper for periodically admitting infrared radiation. A lens and a plurality of mirrors direct the infrared radiation through pair of calcium fluoride prisms that split the infrared radiation into spectral components. The spectral components are directed by an additional mirror and lens to an array of lead selenide pixels that generate a set of data indicative of the spectral component intensities. Data collection circuitry coupled to the pixel array and coupled to the tuning fork chopper collects the set of data at a selectable rate at least once during each opening of the aperture. A serial output on the data collection circuitry provides a list of data values representative of the spectral intensity at each pixel which can be then stored in a mass storage device as well as immediately analyzed based on selected criteria.

Abstract: Laser sheet tomography is employed to determine flow field statistics in non-steady and steady flow at high repetition rates. The laser sheet tomography system is divided into two independent optical portions, the laser illuminator and the laser imager. As an absorption instrument, the laser illuminator can be shone directly into the laser imager, or if desired, the two portions can be positioned orthogonally to each other with the laser imager observing the scattered light. The observed light is correlated with known variations in laser intensity of the imager to generate transmittance data from which asymmetry ratios and probability density functions of local absorption coefficients can be computed at time repetition rates of 200 Hz and greater.

Abstract: A fire and smoke detector utilizes a statistical analysis of the near infrared radiation incident on it. The spectral radiation intensities incident on the fire detector are continuously measured at two near-infrared wavelengths, and a time series of apparent source temperatures is obtained from these measurements. The power spectral density and the probability density function of the apparent source temperatures are sufficient to determine the presence of a fire in the vicinity of the detector. The detector can indicate the presence of a fire in an adjoining room from the radiation which is incident on it due to reflections from common building materials. The present invention relates to fire and/or smoke detection methodology and associated apparatus. The detector utilizes fiber optic as a viewing and absorption/scattering detection means.

Abstract: A device for supervising movable articles or objects has a supervising member which can be attached thereto. The device includes a connector disposed in a housing. The housing includes an aperture and a rotary blocking member positionable between the connector and the aperture of the housing. The supervising member is coupled to the connector. The blocking member prevents the supervising member from being recoupled to the connector after it has been removed from the housing. An alarm system is also provided. The alarm system includes ambient condition detectors in communication with a control unit.