Abstract: A tobacco smoke detector has a gas-sensitive semiconductor sensor device (in particular, GasFET sensor) with a first gas-sensitive layer which reacts to tobacco smoke and a second gas-sensitive layer which reacts to fire products. An evaluation unit (e.g. microchip) analyzes the signals supplied by the first and the second gas-sensitive layer and determines whether tobacco smoke is present. Optionally, the tobacco smoke detector contains an interface for providing a connection using signals or data technology to a hazard detector and/or a hazard control unit and/or an output device, in particular for transmitting information as to whether tobacco smoke is present. Optionally, the tobacco smoke detector can be operationally integrated into a conventional hazard detector (e.g. fire alarm).

Abstract: A smoke detector or, more generally, a danger detector, operates in an area with increased radioactive radiation disposition danger detector has at least one detector unit for detecting at least one danger characteristic, a semiconductor component and other electrical components, at least for outputting an alarm signal. The danger detector also has a temperature control circuit. The temperature control circuit is configured to control the temperature of the at least one semiconductor component. The danger detector may be embodied as a linear smoke detector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fire hose coupling apparatus for self powered lighting of an area where a fire fighter is engaged in fires suppression with a fire hose, and for providing real time environmental data to fire fighters.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, a smoke detector determines the presence of smoke particles outside its housing based on measurements of light detected at different wavelengths and corrected based on an ambient light level.

Abstract: A method for determining the displacement of or the tampering with a device is provided. The method includes determining an effective displacement in an X direction of a device, determining an effective displacement in a Y direction of the device, and determining an effective displacement in a Z direction of the device. The method also include determining if any one of the effective displacement in the X direction, the effective displacement in the Y direction, or the effective displacement in the Z direction is greater than a predetermined threshold, and when at least one of the effective displacement in the X direction, the effective displacement in the Y direction, and the effective displacement in the Z direction is great then the predetermined threshold, determining that the device has been displaced.

Abstract: A toxic gas detector including ductwork, an enclosure, and a toxic gas sensor. The ductwork communicates with a heating source of a forced hot air heating system. The enclosure is attached directly to, and communicates with, the ductwork, and is disposed directly adjacent to the heating source. The toxic gas sensor is disposed in the enclosure, communicates with the ductwork, and is disposed directly adjacent to the heating source so as to allow the toxic gas sensor to detect a toxic gas at the heating source before the toxic gas has a chance to be distributed through the ductwork and infiltrate all outlets of the ductwork, and when the toxic gas sensor detects the toxic gas at the heating source, the toxic gas detector automatically shuts down the heating source.

Abstract: A sensor unit that includes at least one sensor configured to measure an ambient condition is described. The controller can be configured to receive instructions, to report a notice level when the controller determines that data measured by the at least one sensor fails a report threshold test corresponding to a report threshold value. The controller can also be configured to obtain a plurality of calibration measurements from the at least one sensor during a calibration period and to adjust the threshold based on the calibration measurements. The controller can be configured to compute a first threshold level corresponding to background noise and a second threshold level corresponding to sensor noise, and to compute the report threshold value from the second threshold. In one embodiment, the sensor unit adjusts one or more of the thresholds based on ambient temperature.

Abstract: An emergency notification and response system is linked to a fire alarm system, a security system and to a communication network over which it sends and receives emergency messages to and from building occupants and to emergency response personnel. The emergency notification and response system comprises a notification module which operates to receive signals from a fire detection system and send one or more messages to building occupants to investigate the validity of a possible fire event, and to respond to the message with an indication that a fire event is in progress or not. Depending upon information received in the response, the notification module sends an evacuation message to a selected sub-set of the building occupants that includes instructions for evacuating the building.

Abstract: A capacitor having air dielectric between its plates may be used to detect the presence of smoke and other contaminants in the dielectric air passing over the plates of the capacitor. Smoke from typical fires is mainly composed of unburned carbon that has diffused in the surrounding air and rises with the heat of the fire. The permittivity of the carbon particles is about 10 to 15 times the permittivity of clean air. The addition of the carbon particles into the air creates a change in the permittivity thereof that is large enough to measure by measuring a change in capacitance of the capacitor having the air dielectric through which the air laden carbon particles pass through.

Abstract: A light receiver device, which is particularly suited for a smoke detector, has a flat substrate, a light receiver mounted on a front side of the substrate, and a shielding device present on at least a back side of the substrate opposite the front side. The shielding device is configured to at least partially shield against electromagnetic interference radiation impinging on the light receiver through the substrate. False alarms are thereby reduced, while the sensitivity of the light receiver is simultaneously increased. The shielding device is formed with a metal strip inserted through the substrate from the front side to the back side, and bent over a recess on the back side provided therefor, so that the light receiver is protected against interference radiation even on the back side. There is also provided an assembly method for producing a light receiver device.

Abstract: A fire fighting guiding system is employed in a building where there is at least one fire extinguisher. The fire fighting guiding system includes a fire detecting module, a storage module, a communication module and at least one projection module corresponding to the at least one fire extinguisher. The fire detecting module detects if there is a fire in the building and sends a fire signal when there is a fire. The first storage module stores images respectively related to each of the at least one fire extinguisher. The communication module transmits the images according to the fire signal. Each projection module receives the image related to the fire extinguisher corresponding to the projection module and project the received image on a wall adjacent to the fire extinguisher.

Abstract: A sensor unit that includes at least one sensor configured to measure an ambient condition is described. The controller can be configured to receive instructions, to report a notice level when the controller determines that data measured by the at least one sensor fails a report threshold test corresponding to a report threshold value. The controller can also be configured to obtain a plurality of calibration measurements from the at least one sensor during a calibration period and to adjust the threshold based on the calibration measurements. The controller can be configured to compute a first threshold level corresponding to background noise and a second threshold level corresponding to sensor noise, and to compute the report threshold value from the second threshold. In one embodiment, the sensor unit adjusts one or more of the thresholds based on ambient temperature.

Abstract: A fire detector having a fire sensor device for detecting a fire and for outputting a fire signal. The fire detector also has an environmental sensor device for detecting bodies in the environment of the fire detector and for outputting an environmental signal. A control device sets a normal state and an alarm state of the fire detector on the basis of the fire signal, the fire detector additionally being in the form of a man-machine interface, and the control device checking whether the environmental signal can be deemed to be a user input.

Abstract: A multi-feedback fire alarm system incorporating a wearable signal notification article is provided. The system detects fire threats and notifies users of specific threat types, even when the user is not in proximity to a detection unit. The system includes one or more detection units and one or more wearable signal notification articles. When the detection unit perceives danger, it sends an activation signal and an alarm signal to the signal notification article to alert the user that a threat is present. The wearable signal notification article comprises a flexible bracelet-style housing, and an integrated alert circuit module with a sensor chip, an antenna, multiple light sources, a vibrator, and a battery. Different illumination and vibration patterns occur depending upon the type of threat present and the associated alarm signal received. In this way, the device provides specific threat type information to hearing impaired users.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tester and test method for smoke amount of electrical cigarette. The tester includes a collect device, a testing device, a control device as well as an input and output device. The input and output device is used to set test parameters, alarm and display a value of smoke amount and a test result whether qualified. The collect device, used to collect smoke, can precisely control a pumping smoke time and a pumping smoke capacity by introducing a step motor. The testing device, utilizing a light emitter and receiver, test a smoke amount. If the smoke amount tested is less than a predetermined smoke amount, an alarm system alarms by way of display and/or sound. The invention quantifies smoke amount of electronic cigarette, which can be adopted in the manufacture field of electronic cigarette to test smoke amount.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an emergency message transmission method and an electronic device implementing the method. The electronic device stores a reference voltage value and comprises a smoke assessing unit. The method includes steps: capturing air composition around the electronic device, assessing whether the air composition has changed, if the air composition has changed, detecting an electrical current of the smoke assessing unit, amplifying the electrical current and converting the amplified current to a voltage value, comparing the converted voltage value with the reference voltage value, judging whether the converted voltage value reaches the reference voltage value, and if the converted voltage value reaches the reference voltage value, outputting a signal including an emergency message.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for image-based determination of concentration of CO and CO2 in a vehicle's exhaust gas in an emissions testing environment. In one embodiment, the present method involves receiving an IR image of the exhaust plume of a motor vehicle intended to be tested for CO and CO2 concentrations. The IR image has been captured using a mid-wave infrared camera with at least one optical filter tuned to the infrared absorption band of CO and CO2. The images are pre-processed to isolate pixels which contain the exhaust plume. The intensity values of pixels in those isolated regions are normalized and concentrations of CO and CO2 are determined via a calibration curve which relates pixel intensities to concentrations. The concentrations are compared to an emissions standard set for the vehicle to determine whether the vehicle is a gross polluter.

Abstract: A system that includes, a carbon monoxide detector and first and second connectors, the carbon monoxide detector connected across the first and second conductors, the first and second conductors having a voltage imposed on the conductors that supply power to the carbon monoxide detector, the carbon monoxide detector signals detected carbon monoxide by clamping the first and second conductors to a first voltage less than the imposed voltage; and the carbon monoxide detector signaling a fault within the carbon monoxide detector by clamping the first and second conductors to a second voltage less than the imposed voltage where the second voltage is different than the second voltage and also different than the first voltage.

Abstract: A smoke detector employs a receiver and a remote transmitter to silence the audible alarm of the smoke detector in the event the detector was triggered by nuisance smoke. The receiver and transmitter circuits are designed to operate in a no-power or low-power consumption mode until the alarm is activated or the remote transmitter is actuated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a system of fans in a facility from a central system controller are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system of fans can be configured to shut down automatically during an emergency condition or event. For example, a fan system controller can be connected to the system of fans and provide a signal to each of the fans. While each of the fans receives the signal, power is connected to a motor on each of the fans. Upon detection of an emergency condition, the fan system controller disconnects the signal to the fans, thereby automatically simultaneously shutting down the entire system of fans.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a smoke and carbon monoxide detector paired and concealed within a light fixture. More particularly, the invention encompasses an apparatus where at least one smoke detector and at least one carbon monoxide detector are paired or coupled and are also positioned within a light fixture, and preferably inside a light fixture. The invention further comprises a paired or coupled smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector that are electrically coupled to a light bulb and are securely positioned inside a light fixture. The light source fixture may be coupled to a spring activated switch, the spring activated switch would be coupled to a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detectors to test the presence of electrical power.

Abstract: An H2S (hydrogen sulfide) monitor includes a hydrogen sulfide sensor and a moisture sensor. In some examples, the H2S monitor emits a moisture alarm if the moisture sensor detects liquid water in an amount that exceeds or approaches a moisture tolerance limit of the hydrogen sulfide sensor. In some examples, the moisture sensor prevents the hydrogen sulfide sensor from triggering a false H2S alarm caused by moisture contaminating the hydrogen sulfide sensor.

Abstract: A safety shut-off system and method for eliminating power to a load in the event of smoke detection. The system may comprise a device located at the appliance for detecting a signal from a smoke detector, and cutting power to the appliance only when the appliance is in use. The device may be synchronized with any standard smoke alarm signal to reduce the number of false positive shut-offs. The system may also comprise a smoke alarm hard-wired to a circuit breaker, for shutting off power to all appliances on a particular breaker upon receipt of a signal from the smoke alarm, and only when the appliances on the breaker are in use. The system may also have the ability to shut off one breaker, multiple breakers, or all breakers at different time increments to actively prevent and reduce the damages caused by fires.

Abstract: An emergency lighting system for a building includes at least one LED-based light. An emergency detector is operable to detect an emergency. The emergency detector produces an emergency signal in response to the emergency. A controller is operable to control the at least one LED-based light in response to the emergency signal.

Abstract: A gas analyzer includes: a gas measuring portion which performs a measurement on a gas; a case which houses the gas measuring portion; a liquid separator which includes a reservoir for storing a liquid component separated from the gas; a holder portion which holds the liquid separator; and a rotation mechanism which mounts the holder portion to the case.

Abstract: An alarm system for a smoke or fire barrier, including alarm circuits have a normally closed switch position. A control circuit connected to the alarm circuits applies a voltage to create a non-activation situation or remove a voltage to create an activation situation when the switch is open. The alarm circuit further including either a series connected resistance or a normally open switch position in parallel to the normally closed switch position, to create a “fault” condition in the absence of detection of the resistance, or an open switch position and a closed switch position.

Abstract: A detector includes a smoke detecting section that includes a light-receiving unit at a position at which the light-receiving unit does not directly receive light emitted by a light-emitting unit in a chamber in which a labyrinth for preventing light from directly entering from the outside and an insect net covering the rim of the labyrinth are provided, the light-receiving unit receiving light scattered by smoke flowing into the chamber. An opening hole is formed open in the surface of the cover receiving hot air current, of the detector. In the cover behind the opening hole, an electrochemical gas sensor is placed to bring gas generated by a fire through the opening hole into contact with an electrolyte solution to detect the gas by an electrode.

Abstract: An object, for example a building, is divided into different sections. Each section comprises a plurality of computers, each controlling an individual escape route display or a group of escape route displays. The computers are controlled by monitoring sensors of the object section. The blueprint of the object section and a control algorithm for the safest escape route from the object section is stored in the computers. The invention further relates to an escape route display that can be used for a device of said kind.

Abstract: Low frequency alarm tones emitted by life safety devices are more likely to notify sleeping children and the elderly. Disclosed herein is a life safety device equipped with a novel, compact, circumferential resonant cavity which increases the low frequency (400-600 Hz square wave) acoustic efficiency of an audio output apparatus formed by acoustically coupling an audio output transducer to the resonant cavity. The resonant cavity is a compact circumferential acoustic resonator with a captured mass of air within a ring shaped cavity significantly reducing the overall size of the resonator, thereby permitting the audio output apparatus to fit within the housing of conventional size life safety devices such as, but not limited to, residential and commercial smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. The compact resonator is an acoustic compliant cavity with internal passages transforming axial traveling sound waves to circumferentially traveling sound waves thereby yielding a very compact geometry.

Abstract: An extension cord with environmental condition sensing ability has a plug for connecting to a power source, and includes a main body, a sensor unit, and a current control unit. On the main body, there are provided a first socket group and a second socket group, which are electrically connected to the power source via the plug. The sensor unit is electrically connected to the second socket group for sensing an environmental condition and thereby generating a signal. The current control unit and the sensor unit together form an electric circuit, and the current control unit receives the signal generated by the sensor unit and turns on or cuts off electric current being supplied to the second socket group according to the received signal.

Abstract: A notification appliance enclosure that facilitates convenient attachment and removal of a housing. The enclosure may include a mounting plate having a catch lip and a retaining wedge projecting from a surface thereof. The catch lip and the retaining wedge may be spaced apart to define a retaining pocket therebetween, and the catch lip may have a latch release aperture formed therethrough. A housing may fit over the mounting plate and may have a latch tongue extending from a surface thereof fits within the retaining pocket. A release latch may extend from a surface of latch tongue and may fit within the latch release aperture. The engagement between the release latch and the latch release aperture prevents the housing from being pulled away from the mounting plate. The retaining wedge resists movement of the latch tongue and thereby resists disengagement of the release latch from the latch release aperture.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring usage and predicting failure of visual notification appliances are disclosed. The visual notification appliances may be strobe lights, which can be provided with an internal counter circuit that obtains a cumulative tally of the number of times the strobe has flashed. Since strobe service life is directly proportional to the number of flashes, monitoring the number of flashes enables proactive repair or replacement of the strobe prior to failure. Flash counts can be stored in the appliance and periodically transmitted to a remote location such as a fire panel or remote monitoring center. Flash counts can also be locally displayed, or can be readable by a user with a handheld device. Alarms or other indications may automatically be generated to alert building or service personnel when an end of life condition is approaching for one or more strobes. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A CO detector includes a sensor configured to detect a presence of CO and generate a signal indicative of the presence of CO, and a controller in signal communication with the sensor. The controller is configured to measure a level of detected CO in response to receiving the signal generated by the sensor. The controller is further configured to detect a first trouble condition representative of an end-of-life condition of the sensor, and a second trouble condition different from the first trouble condition.

Abstract: A method for fire detection in enclosed environments (1) subject to explosion protection regulations out of which an air-dust mixture is filtered while the concentration of dust of the air-dust mixture is lowered to under the explosion limit by a filter (2) and the aspirated air-dust mixture is checked for burning characteristics and if appropriate a fire alarm is triggered, in which the function of the filter (2) is monitored, the fire detection is carried out by use of an aspirating smoke detector system (7) not approved for use in potentially explosive areas but instead is deployed outside the ex-zone and if the filter (2) is destroyed a signal processing unit (15, 15.1) of a malfunction monitoring sensor (14) generates a signal which initiates a subsequent action preventing aspirated air-dust mixture with an elevated concentration of dust from entering the aspirating smoke detector system (7).

Abstract: A gas analyzer includes: a gas measuring portion which performs a measurement on a gas; a case which houses the gas measuring portion; a liquid separator which includes a reservoir for storing a liquid component separated from the gas; a holder portion which holds the liquid separator; and a rotation mechanism which mounts the holder portion to the case.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for smoke detection are disclosed. In one embodiment, a smoke detector uses linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to determine whether observed conditions indicate that an alarm is warranted.

Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a cantilevered element including a coating material having an affinity for at least one compound. The apparatus further includes a first capacitive plate and a second capacitive plate that are each spaced from and capacitively coupled to the cantilevered element. The first capacitive plate is configured to induce a vibration in the cantilevered element at a frequency related to a mass of the cantilevered element. A frequency detector is coupled to the second capacitive plate to detect a change in vibrational frequency of the cantilevered element as a result of at least one particle of the at least one compound coupling to the coating material.

Abstract: A system and method of reducing the incidence of false alarms attributable to dust in smoke detection apparatus. The method includes obtaining at least two sample air flows, subjecting a first airflow to particle reduction and measuring the level of particles in the first airflow and generating a first signal indicative of the intensity. The method also includes measuring the level of particles in the second airflow and generating a second signal indicative of the intensity. The first signal is compared to a predetermined alarm level and, if the alarm level is achieved, the first and second signals are subsequently compared and an output signal is generated based on the relative difference between the first and second signals.

Abstract: A method includes reading a digital signal from a sensing device in an area of a structure, where the digital signal is configured to be present periodically. A trailing edge of the digital signal is determined. An analog signal from the sensing device is read, where the analog signal includes an output from a sensor included in the sensing device, and where the sensor is configured to detect an aspect of an environment. The analog signal is read after the trailing edge of the digital signal.

Abstract: A light scattering type smoke sensor includes a sensor body, light-emitter for emitting light toward an open smoke-sensing space and outputting a light-received signal according to the amount of scattering light received, and a fire judging unit for judging whether fire occurs or not on the basis of the amount of received light determined on the basis of the outputted light-received signal.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled hazardous condition detection system with volatile and non-volatile memory containing a sensor package and an alarm element associated with the sensor package through a microprocessor, wherein a clean air value is loaded into the volatile memory; where the microprocessor receives periodic readings of predetermined environmental conditions from the sensor package, stores the periodic readings in the volatile memory, calculates an average of a plurality of said periodic readings and generates a new clean air value by shifting the clear air value loaded into said volatile memory by a differential between the calculated average environmental reading and the established clean air value and generates an alarm if the difference exceeds an established threshold.

Abstract: A non-addressable fire alarm system, with a fire alarm control panel and one or more non-addressable devices, is provided. The fire alarm control panel sends a broadcast command to the one or more non-addressable devices in the fire alarm system. In response thereto, the one or more non-addressable device modify at least one aspect of one or more communication lines in the fire alarm system. For example, the non-addressable device may generate an open circuit, a closed circuit, or put a current on the one or more communication lines. As another example, the non-addressable device may send a communication back to the fire alarm control panel.

Abstract: A smoke alarm comprises smoke detection circuitry for detecting smoke and generating a detection signal responsive thereto. Proximity detection circuitry generates a proximity detection signal responsive to detection of an object within in a selected distance of the smoke alarm. Alarm generation circuitry generates an audible alarm responsive to the detection signal. The audible alarm may be deactivated for a predetermined period of time responsive to at least one proximity detection signal.

Abstract: Various inventive features are disclosed for efficiently generating regulation-compliant audible alerts, including but not limited to 520 Hz square wave alert/alarm signals, using an audio speaker. One such feature involves the use of a non-linear amplifier in combination with a voltage boost regulator to efficiently drive the audio speaker. Another feature involves speaker enclosure designs that effectively boost the output of the audio speaker, particularly at relatively low frequencies. These and other features may be used individually or combination in a given alarm-generation device or system to enable regulation-compliant audible alerts to be generated using conventional batteries, such as AA alkaline batteries. Various examples of efficiently generated regulation-compliant audible alerts and further enhancing such audible alerts by utilizing speaker enclosure designs are provided.

Abstract: A smoke detector device featuring a base for mounting to a ceiling, wall, or fixture. The base has three grooves disposed in its outer surface. Rings can wrap around each groove on the base. Each ring has at least two modules with an inner chamber and a door, wherein the inner chamber of each module can hold an item. The base can move between an expanded position wherein the three grooves are exposed and a collapsed position wherein only one groove is exposed. Flanges and set screws can secure the base in the expanded position.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for rapidly detecting smoke or other particles or aerosols generated in any one or more compartments of a multi-compartment electronics enclosure. The herein disclosed system includes a particle sensor and an airflow controller that pulls air and particles from the one or more compartments through fluid pathways and into the particle sensor.

Abstract: The present smoke detection system uses a single sensor to quickly detect both fast flaming fires and smoldering fires while further reducing nuisance and false alarms. In the present detector, the sensor is preferably an ionization sensor. Specifically, a first algorithm is used to detect flaming fires and second algorithm is used to detect smoldering fires. An alarm is sounded when either algorithm generates an alarm condition. In each embodiment, the first algorithm generates an alarm condition when a sensor output signal exceeds a first threshold. The alarm condition is generated for the second algorithm when the sensor output signal: (1) exceeds a second threshold for T time.; (2) rate of change exceeds a predetermined rate of change threshold; (3) change between time Tn and time Tn-1 exceeds a predetermined change threshold; or (4) sensor signal exceeds an historic standard deviation of the signal multiplied by a predetermined constant.

Abstract: A battery operated smoke detector with a system for lowering the battery of the smoke detector is disclosed. The smoke detector is of the type that is mountable from the ceiling of a structure. The battery of the smoke detector is part of a battery pack that is connected to a battery wire that is mounted on a spool. An engagement mechanism that allows the lowering of the spool and battery pack in response to a low-voltage condition controls the lowering of the battery pack. An electric motor is connected to the spool, and is used for raising the battery pack once a battery that is charged is connected to the system.

Abstract: A system and method provide determining a wildfire risk associated with home and identifying mitigatable features located on and around the home. An inspection list of questions is presented to a user through a mobile computing device, and images are captured by a camera included in the mobile computing device. In an embodiment, an image can be captured using augmented visual assistance through a mobile application. A wildfire risk associated with the home can be determined at least based on answers to the questions in the inspection list and captured images. In another embodiment, a virtual reality game for simulating a wildfire behavior is provided. The wildfire behavior can be re-simulated during the game after removing or modifying mitigatable features on or around the home. In yet another embodiment, a system and method for determining a building status and location is provided in real-time during an active fire.