Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method including detecting a select hazardous condition by at least one triggering alarm unit of a plurality of interconnected hazardous condition alarm units. An actuatable latch in the triggering alarm unit is switched from an unlatched state to a latched state. An audible alert is generated in all of the interconnected alarm units. A test switch is actuated to identify the triggering alarm unit. Actuating the test switch disables the audible alert in each alarm unit having an actuatable latch in the unlatched state. A reset switch is actuated in only one of the alarm units to reset the actuatable latch in each of the alarm units to the unlatched state.

Abstract: An extended smoke alarm system and related methods are disclosed. In particular, embodiments of an extended smoke alarm system having wireless-signal-send-and-receive functionalities wherein the system includes one or more flashlights having at least wireless-signal-receiving functionality are detailed. Related methods for system use are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to computer systems, and more specifically, to a premise monitoring system. In one embodiment, the invention includes operations of receiving one or more signals containing a device identifier and a device condition from one or more remote alarm monitoring systems; retrieving enhanced information based on the device identifier and/or the device condition; determining one or more communication methods and/or communication destinations based on the device identifier and/or the device condition; and dispatching the enhanced information to the one or more communication destinations using the one or more communication methods.

Abstract: The photoelectric smoke sensor includes a casing member 1 having an internal space S formed by a labyrinth wall 1b and an opening 6 communicating with the internal space S on a setting-face side; and a printed board 8 placed on the setting-face side of the casing member 1 and having a hole 8a opposed to the opening 6 of the casing member 1. The light emitting element 2 and the light receiving element 4 are mounted on the printed board 8 in such a fashion that the optical axes of the light emitting element 2 and the light receiving element 4 cross each other on one plane that is substantially parallel to an opening plane of the opening 6. The photoelectric smoke sensor can be reduced in both size and cost with a simple construction.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled hazardous condition detection system containing a sensor package, the sensor package containing sensors exposed to the ambient environment. The system also includes an alarm means coupled to the sensor package through a microprocessor having volatile and non-volatile memory. The microprocessor includes a memory storage device containing a plurality of alarm thresholds stored therein. Each of the plurality of alarm thresholds is associated with a predetermined set of ionization levels in the ambient environment. The microprocessor receives periodic ionization readings from the sensor package, and conditions the received readings by removing a selected amount of noise and attenuation therefrom. The microprocessor accumulates the conditioned ionization readings, selects and employs an optimized alarm threshold from the plurality of stored alarm thresholds, based on a set of the accumulated ionization readings.

Abstract: A system for detecting and suppressing a fire condition in a storage unit may include a transmitter associated with the storage unit and configured to transmit a first signal upon detection of the fire condition, at least one receiver configured to detect the first signal and configured to provide a second signal indicating detection of the fire condition, and a fire suppression device configured to discharge a fire suppressant material into the storage unit upon detection of the fire condition.

Abstract: To provide a sounder that outputs alarm sound to notify an abnormality in a monitored region. The sounder includes: a sound source that outputs alarm sound when a pulse signal is applied to the sound source; a pulse signal application unit that applies the pulse signal to the sound source; a storage unit that stores plural combinations of a frequency and a pulse width that the pulse signal can take; and a pulse signal control unit that controls the pulse signal application unit so that the pulse signal corresponding to the combination of the frequency and the pulse width stored in the storage unit is applied to the sound source.

Abstract: A system and a method for operating an intruder deterrent system by which a smoke screen is generated in response to an intruder being detected, a smoke screen generator operatively linked to the intruder detecting. To achieve an intruder deterrent system that can operate for a longer period after interruption in the power supply, latent heat is stored in a heat storage, and smoke can be generated by transferring the latent heat from the heat storage to a liquid, which liquid is evaporated. The use of the heat storage has led to the unexpected result that the smoke generator can operate independently of power to the heating elements for a very long period.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing smoke or other emissions are provided. An image is analyzed and processed to identify characteristics associated with the emission, such as color, densities, dispersion rates, fuel mixture characteristics, and other suitable analysis factors. If the analysis indicates that abnormal conditions exist or that any user-defined alerts are warranted, a message is sent to an operator terminal. The system and method may continue to capture subsequent images and thus provide real-time data. The data may be stored in memory and collected over time. The data may be associated with a digital signature and used to create reports for company quality control boards, regulatory control agencies, and the public. The system and method thus provide a cost effective, reliable, and repeatable mechanism for real-time analysis of smoke stacks and other environmental changes.

Abstract: A smoke detector has a housing, a smoke sensor in the housing capable of detecting smoke therein, and an alarm connected to the sensor signaling when the smoke sensor detects smoke. A partition subdivides the housing into separate first and second chambers, and the housing is formed with first and second smoke holes allowing air from the exterior into the first and second chambers. The partition has a sensor port provided with a sensor for detecting air flow through the sensor port and a fan port having a fan for drawing air from one of the chambers and forcing it into the other chamber. A controller connected to the fan and to the air-flow sensor operates the fan means to move air from the one chamber through the fan port into the other chamber and generates an output when air flow through the sensor port exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for assisting rescue personnel attending a residential building having an entry way and residents living therein. The system includes an information kiosk mountable to a wall inside the building. The kiosk has a base portion mountable to the wall and a decorative picture frame mounted to the base portion. The kiosk further includes an information sheet mounted between the picture frame and the base portion, the information sheet containing a plurality of fields for recording information about the residential building and the residence there in. The system also includes a reflective sticker mountable on an outside surface of the building, said reflective sticker having indicia indicating that the kiosk is mounted to a wall inside the building adjacent the entry way.

Abstract: A smoke detecting method and device are provided. The smoke detecting method and device capture a plurality of images; determine one of the plurality of images as an analyzable image when the one of the plurality of images is identified to have a moving object; analyze a chrominance variation of the analyzable image; analyze at least one of an edge blur and a flickering frequency of the analyzable image; compare at least one of analyzed results from the analyzing steps with a corresponding predetermined feature; and determine the moving object is a smoke when at least one of the analyzed results conforms to the corresponding predetermined feature.

Abstract: A combined smoke detector and lighting unit includes a smoke detector sensor mounted to a housing, a light source mounted to the housing, and an electrical interface mounted to the housing. The electrical interface is in electrical communication with the smoke detector and the light source.

Abstract: A multi-function LED lighting device includes a light-sensitive switch on a housing; light sources including a light sensor and first LEDs wherein one light source further has second LEDs; and a controller including a CDS member, a detector, and an on/off switch. The detector may receive a signal from each light sensor and send same to the on/off switch for activation. Each light sensor may sense a predetermined area of a room and provide a signal to the detector in response to a detection of a presence of a person in the predetermined area, the detector is enabled by the signal to activate one of sections of the on/off switch electrically connected to the first LEDs of one light source. The light-sensitive switch may turn on and activate the CDS member in response to a dark environment, and the activated CDS member may enable the second LEDs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrically operated device for generating synthetic smoke and also to a hazard detector tester utilizing such a device. The device comprises a collapsible container provided with vaporisable liquid and a tube, one end of which is immersed in the liquid and the other end of which is provided with an electrical heater for vaporising the liquid in the other end of the tub in order to generate smoke. A peristaltic pump is used to pump the liquid through the tube.

Abstract: A fire exit alert system, preferably integrated into an exit device or automatic fire exit door closer, uses sound and light to signal the location of a fire exit in darkness and smoke-obscured rooms. The alert system includes a voice signal, such as “EXIT LOCATED HERE,” to signal that the location of the voice is also the location of the exit. A white noise signal generator is used to supplement the voice signal and produces a sound that is particularly localizable by the human ear. A strobe light and a laser are used to produce a visual guide to the location of the exit. The strobe light is flashed when the word “HERE” is used in the voice signal. The laser is used to produce a cone of light that points towards the fire exit alert system.

Abstract: A smoke detector having a structure in which, at a time of performing smoke detection, an S/N ratio of a signal of a light receiving element is improved, to thereby accurately detect the occurrence of a fire. At opposite end portions of an inside of an optical case (21) having a substantially cylindrical shape, a light emitting element (11) and a stray light portion (22) are arranged. In the stray light portion (22), a light trap (23) is provided. Further, in the vicinity of the light emitting element (11), a condenser lens (24) is provided to allow light L to be incident on a curved surface of the light trap (23). At the time of smoke detection, light scattered by smoke particles in a smoke detection portion (25) is received by a light receiving element (12). However, the light that is incident on the light trap (23) is reflected on the curved surface a plurality of times to be attenuated in each reflection, so the light is not received by the light receiving element (12).

Abstract: The present invention is an ASIC-controlled alarm unit. The ASIC circuit performs all the necessary control functions to provide audible and visual signaling when used with external horn and strobe circuits.

Abstract: An aspirated smoke detector includes a smoke sensor, an aspirator and variable speed control circuits. As the concentration of smoke increases, the speed control circuits can increase aspirator speed from a first, nominal value to a second, higher value.

Abstract: A detection device and detection device system are provided, wherein the detection device includes a housing, a first detector device and a second detector device. The first detector device is configured to detect at least one smoke particle. A second detector device configured to detect at least one gas particle, wherein the first detector device and the second detector device are substantially enclosed in the housing. The detection device further includes an audible enunciator configured to emit an audible noise when at least one of the first and second detector devices detect at least one smoke and gas particle, and a test button, wherein the audible enunciator emits an audible sound when the detection device is operating improperly and the test button is activated.

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 smoke detector replaces the americium source of alpha particles with a field emission device using carbon nanotubes as the field emitters, or some other field emitter, in order to provide an ionization of the air potentially caring smoke particles through the smoke detector.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system for suppressing fires on cook stoves, fryers or other heating or heated devices with fire suppressant dispensed through nozzles is powered by batteries which provide current for both a detection circuit including a pair of heat sensors and control circuitry and current for a gas or electric house current shut-off. The appliance shut-off device is operated by the standard hardwired interconnect cable that provides a signal between the control board and shutoff device or by an optional sonic receiver assembly that is acoustically tuned to detect an audible alarm emitted by a signal from the main control board. Preferably, the heat sensors are diodes, but in alternative embodiments may be thermistors or active temperature sensors. Mounting of heat sensors and nozzles are facilitated by tees and 90 degree elbows.

Abstract: A smoke detector comprises a first housing to face an area in which to detect smoke, a second housing secured to the first housing, electronics to detect smoke within the area, and a flameproof barrier positioned between the first and second housings.

Abstract: In order to enable supply of a sampling air to a smoke detection portion at a stable flow velocity, the present invention provides a smoke detector including: a black box (21) including a smoke detection portion (25) having an inflow port and an outflow port; a sampling pipe (30) laid in a monitor space; a gas flow pipe (P) connected to the sampling pipe and which houses a fan (3) therein; a flow path branching portion (33) provided to the gas flow pipe on a secondary side of the fan and connected to the inflow port of the smoke detection portion; and a flow path merging portion (32) which is provided to the gas flow pipe on the secondary side of the fan and connected to the outflow port of the smoke detection portion, and at which a pressure of a fluid flowing through the gas flow pipe is lower than a fluid flowing through the gas flow pipe at the flow path branching portion.

Abstract: A smoke detection method for identifying, in a current input image, an area indicative of the presence of smoke, there being a sequence of two or more input images, the method comprising the steps of: storing a background estimation for a current input image; and comparing the current input image with the background estimation to detect a partial obscuring of the background estimation indicative of the presence of smoke in the current input image.

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: A building safety alarm system comprising: a central controller having a dynamically addressable wireless data communication router, a plurality of remote devices each having a dynamically addressable wireless communication router and a wireless mesh communications network wherein the central controller is in wireless communication with the plurality of remote devices via a mesh network for sending and receiving instructions and data communications.

Abstract: A multifunctional portable electronic device includes a smoke sensing device, a controlling module, a positioning module, an alarm module; and a wireless transmitting/receiving module electrically connected together. The smoke sensing device senses the smoke concentration in the air. The controlling module determines whether the smoke concentration exceeds a preset smoke concentration threshold; and when the smoke concentration exceeds a preset smoke concentration threshold, the controlling module controls the positioning module to identify the position of the portable electronic device. The alarm module converts the position information to alarming information, and the alarming information is sent to a preset object via the wireless transmitting/receiving module.

Abstract: An apparatus for fire detection in an electrical equipment rack includes a suction pipe system which communicates with the rack monitored through at least one suction opening and through which a representative air sample is drawn from the rack, an early fire detection module having at least one detector unit for detecting at least one fire parameter in the air sample extracted through the suction pipe system, and a controller for issuing an early fire detection signal in response to the result detected with the at least one detector unit. The early fire detection module is configured as a rackmount to be inserted into the rack.

Abstract: A rechargeable smoke and carbon monoxide detector is provided. The base of the detector has a battery formed therein that is charged when connected to a power source, such as a 110-volt light bulb socket. The detector is further configured to receive a 110-volt light bulb so as to not eliminate the use of the light socket as a light source. Additionally, the detector may include one or more warning devices such as an ionization or photoelectric sensor, speaker, or light source. A power indicator LED, a smoke indicator LED, and a carbon monoxide indicator LED all provide visual notification that the detector is functioning properly.

Abstract: A system for adjusting parameters of ambient condition detectors in a regional monitoring system is coupled to or includes fire modeling processing. Based on outputs from the processing, selected parameters of respective detectors can be adjusted to shorten detector time to alarm. As a fire condition develops, different detectors can be adjusted dynamically and in real-time.

Abstract: A scattered light smoke detector containing an optoelectronical assembly for measuring scatter signals detected below at least one forward scatter angle and at least one backscatter angle and evaluation electronics for determining an alarm value in accordance with the difference between the scatter signals. Smoke signals are produced from the scatter signals by means of a pre-processing step and a measured value is obtained from the smoke signals. The measured value is formed by a linear linking of the sum of the smoke signals to the difference between the smoke signals BW, FW or by establishing the value for the difference between the smoke signals. The linear linking is calculated according to the formula k1(BW+FW)+k2(BW?FW), in which BW and FW are smoke signals and k1 and k2 represent two constants that are influenced among others by an application factor that is dependent on the environmental conditions in the installation location of the detector.

Abstract: A method of facilitating access by an operator for the purpose of carrying out one or more operator functions of a hazardous condition alarm device mounted on or near the ceiling, the method including: lowering the height above the floor at which the operator functions can be carried out.

Abstract: A dual channel aspiring smoke detector includes ultrasonic flow sensors associated with each channel. The detector can make determinations of smoke levels associated with respective channels as well as rates of flow through each channel. Respective alarm or trouble indicators can be output in response to determined smoke levels as well as determined flow rate. The detector can be used as a stand alone device or part of a fire alarm system.

Abstract: A system for detecting smoke in a monitored area includes: (a) a video device for capturing a series of successive video images of the monitored area as a series of two-dimensional bitmaps having a specified number of pixels, (b) a processing device having memory capability for storing said series of images and processing capability for analyzing the series of images, and (c) an analysis algorithm that runs on the processing device and has: (i) an identification portion for examining this series of bitmaps to identify indicator areas in successive bitmaps of adjacent pixels that have the potential for being used as indicators for the existence of smoke in the monitored area, (ii) a tracking portion for identifying the trends in the growth and movement of the indicator areas, and (iii) a trend comparison portion for comparing the identified trends to determine which of the trends are consistent with those produced by a smoke cloud.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a hazardous condition includes an optical module for measuring scattered light caused by the hazardous condition, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a processing unit coupled to receive signals from the optical module, the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor. The processing unit processes the signals to determine criteria to distinguish deceptive phenomena from a hazardous condition in order to limit false alarms. The processing unit uses the criteria for adjusting an alarm threshold value that is a function of a reference function, a function based on temperature criteria, a function based on at least one of the temperature criteria and a ratio criterion, and a function based on humidity criteria.

Abstract: A fire detection network employs an implicit data backup and recovery system. The implicit data backup system allows fire detection units within a network to be automatically reprogrammed with configuration data. The detection units can store backup data and can access the stored backup data when necessary.

Abstract: A disaster warning system including a weather radio, a tornado acoustic signature detector combined with a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector. The disaster warning system includes a central control unit and peripheral alarm unit, which report the alarm signals generated by the control unit.

Abstract: An emergency alerting device for a Christmas tree utilizing a sheath having a housing forming an open chamber which is capable of encompassing the top of a Christmas tree. The decorative element is connected to the sheath and includes a smoke detector mounting to the surface of the decorative element. An alarm receives a signal from the smoke detector which sets off a perceivable audio noise. A source of power linked to the audio alarm activates the auto alarm.

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: In a smoke warning system ambient conditions are included in the evaluation of the smoke warning transmitter statuses, or the internal signal evaluation in the smoke warning transmitter is influenced. In this procedure the alarm threshold of the system is raised under certain ambient conditions so that the smoke warning transmitter per se is set so as to be less sensitive.

Abstract: A holiday tree ornament that incorporates a number of internal lights along with a smoke alarm that is connected to a power source is disclosed. The holiday tree ornament includes an outer housing, which is hollow, and a cover that can be placed atop the housing. The outer housing is fabricated from a base and a plurality of walls, with the outer housing preferably having the shape of a star. Within the outer housing is located a plurality of lights that are connected via lengths of wiring. In addition, a smoke alarm is connected to the wiring. A number of air holes are located on the base to ensure free air flow from the outside air to the air within the holiday tree ornament. The lights and the smoke alarm are connected to a power source, which preferably is standard household current.

Abstract: A hazard detection and suppression apparatus and a single-action discharge valve for discharging a vessel's contents. The valve has a valve body with a passage therethrough through which the contents are discharged, a frangible seal held within the valve body and sealing the passage while the seal is intact, and a solenoid including an armature moveable from a first to a second position. A thermopile or a thermopile matrix senses near-infrared energy to detect a fire hazard and actuate the valve. Amplifiers for the thermopile's signal are monitored for failure. A thermostat or a manual pushbutton can also actuate the valve, and an operator's panel monitors failure conditions. Other hazard detectors may be used including a petroleum detector, a chemical sensor, a moisture detector, a radiation detector, a gas detector, and a moving body detector.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes an image capturing unit, a processor unit connected to the image capturing unit, and an alarm unit connected to the processor unit. The image capturing unit captures outside images, the processor unit detects if there is any smoke near the portable electronic device according to the images and measuring relative parameters of detected smoke, and the alarm unit alarms when at least one parameter of detected smoke is out of predetermined acceptable ranges.

Abstract: The present invention is a battery powered, portable microprocessor based early warning alarming smoke detector. It provides the user two different time limited unattended alarms, as well an alarm for a tipped smoke detector; an alarm for a bumped smoke detector; an alarm based on nearby or lower elevation smoke by either of the two smoke detection devices; and a low power alarm. It offers “full protection” for most of the likely scenarios encountered by residential users that could result in a fire. Since the device is microprocessor controlled, the timing intervals and magnitude of the different alarm notifications can be preprogrammed as well as the sensitivity of the smoke detector devices.

Abstract: A flexible audio output device includes control circuits couplable to a communications system and an audio announcement system. The communications system can transmit function specifying parameters to the device. Various forms of directional audio, or verbal messages can be emitted in accordance with received parameters.

Abstract: A smoke detector system employs smoke detectors that enter a “lockout period” following receipt of an alarm signal, during which time a detector will not receive a RF alarm signal and will not transmit a RF alarm signal after a certain period of time if that detector does not detect, or no longer detects, a dangerous condition. The lockout period is of sufficient duration to prevent re-transmission of a RF alarm signal by a detector even though it may have received a RF alarm signal from another detector(s). Hence, after a short period of time, no RF alarm signals will be received or transmitted and each detector resets, unless a dangerous condition is detected.

Abstract: Smoke alarm systems, in particular for an aircraft, advantageously provide a high degree of safety so as to prevent false alarms. According to an embodiment described in this application a smoke alarm system for an aircraft is stated, comprising a camera module, a smoke warning transmitter and a housing. The camera module and the smoke warning transmitter are arranged in the housing. In jointly arranging the camera module and the smoke warning transmitter in one housing, it may become possible to arrange both sensors in one location, which can result in reduced installation expenditure and can make possible direct use of the acquisition signals for local triggering of an alarm.

Abstract: An extended smoke alarm system and related methods are disclosed. In particular, embodiments of an extended smoke alarm system having wireless-signal-send-and-receive functionalities wherein the system includes one or more flashlights having at least wireless-signal-receiving functionality are detailed. Related methods for system use are also disclosed.