Abstract: An optical chamber assembly of a detection device includes a light ring for supporting at least one light device, an optical cover defining an interior chamber of the optical chamber assembly, and an intermediate component disposed between the light ring and the optical cover. The intermediate component optically couples the at least one light device with the interior chamber. The light ring is formed from a first material, the intermediate component is formed from a second material, and the optical cover is formed from a third material, the first material, the second material, and the third material being different.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for providing a smoke detector device with a secondary detection chamber and filter are described herein. One smoke detector device includes a first smoke detecting chamber, a first light source, a first light sensor, an air movement device to move at least some of the particulate into an inlet of a second smoke detecting chamber, a filter material positioned such that the particulate must pass through the filter material to enter the second chamber, the second chamber formed therein to receive particulate from the first chamber, a second light source, and a second light sensor to determine whether smoke particles are present in the second chamber.

Abstract: A safety automation system for an occupiable structure includes a computing management system, a first detection device, and a second detection device. The management system includes a computer processor, and a computer readable storage medium configured to run embedded software, The first detection device is adapted to detect a hazard condition and output an associated hazard condition detected signal to the computing management system. The second detection device is adapted to detect the presence of an occupant in the occupiable structure and the occupant's proximity to the first detection device, and output an occupied signal to the computing management system. The computing management system adjusts the sensitivity of the first detection device based on occupancy and proximity of the occupant to the first detection device.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for keying radio transmitters in data transmission. The invention includes an automated Push-To-Talk (PTT) transmitter keying/enable switch to facilitate data mode communication via radio stations. An embodiment of the present invention provides low latency or delay; independent from other firmware/subroutine layers executing properly; independent of computer ‘power management’ arbitrarily and capriciously shutting down vital parts of the communications chain. The PTT transmitter keying switch includes a buffering resistor to smooth a load impedance and a charge pump power demand of a driving audio input signal. A plurality of charge pump capacitors are configured to store a source charge of the driving audio input signal for the voltage multiplier. A collector of a switch transistor is configured for connection with a PTT input of the radio station transmitter. An emitter of the switch transistor coupled to the ground.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the teachings herein include an apparatus for identifying a smoke event in an electron beam melting installation comprising: a current meter measuring a grounding current; and a processor programmed to identify a smoke event by evaluating the grounding current.

Abstract: Pulse voltage is applied to an alarm device a plurality of times consecutively, the pulse voltage having such a short time length that the alarm device does not issue a noticeable alarm. Power consumption for each of the pulse voltages is measured. Any of an average value of the plurality of power consumptions, a maximum value of the plurality of power consumptions, or a minimum value of the plurality of power consumptions, is calculated as a statistical value. When a difference between the statistical value and a predetermined reference value is greater than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that failure has occurred.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the remote control of existing conference call systems. A company may use the system to allow a remote user interface to administer calls on its existing conference call system. The system may integrate web browsers and conference call systems using a socket policy server module, facilitating access to the features and data of the conference call system for the purpose of creating remote management user interfaces.

Abstract: A device for detecting a hazardous condition in an area includes a housing defining a chamber. There is at least one smoke sensing device for detecting the presence of smoke in the chamber. An extremely-high frequency detector includes at least one extremely-high frequency transmitter positioned relative to at least one extremely-high frequency receiver.

Abstract: Humidity sensors may exhibit a relatively small amount of hysteresis and/or a faster response time. In some cases, a humidity sensor may include a polymeric humidity sensing layer disposed over an electrode layer. The polymeric humidity sensing layer may include a halogenated layer disposed over the polymeric humidity sensing layer. The polymeric humidity sensing layer may, for example, include a polyimide and the halogenated layer may include a monolayer or less than a monolayer of a halogenated material such as a fluorinated material.

Abstract: External conditions, e.g., smoke, temperature, humidity, humidity, pressure, flow rate, etc., affects a sensor's characteristics, wherein the sensor provides a current output representative of its characteristics as affected by the external conditions. The current output of the sensor is coupled to a sample and hold capacitor for a precision time period thereby charging the sample and hold capacitor to a voltage proportional to current provided by the sensor over the precision time period. The voltage on the sample and hold capacitor is converted to a digital representation and a determination is made whether the external condition represents an alarm situation, e.g., smoke detected from a fire.

Abstract: An ion chamber provides a current representative of its characteristics as affected by external conditions, e.g., clean air or smoke. A direct current (DC) voltage is applied to the ion chamber at a first polarity and the resulting current through the ion chamber and parasitic leakage current is measured at the first polarity, then the DC voltage is applied to the ion chamber at a second polarity opposite the first polarity, and the resulting current through the ion chamber and parasitic leakage current is measured at the second polarity. Since substantially no current flows through the ion chamber at the second polarity, the common mode parasitic leakage current contribution may be removed from the total current measurement by subtracting the current measured at the second polarity from the current measured at the first polarity, resulting in just the current through the ion chamber.

Abstract: A sensor adapted to be mounted to a surface has a rotatable enclosure that may be used, for example, to direct a lens of the sensor towards a window. The daylight sensor includes a photosensitive circuit for measuring a light intensity in the space, a cover portion, and a base portion adapted to be mounted to the surface. The cover portion is rotatable with respect to the base portion, for example, to direct the lens towards the window after the base portion is mounted to the surface. The base portion may also include a cylindrical wall having a channel adapted to capture a snap of the cover portion, such that the snap may move angularly through the channel to allow for rotation of the cover portion with respect to the base portion to a plurality of discrete positions.

Abstract: A smoke detector system that includes an airflow barrier installed between a detector base unit and a mounting surface to ensure there is separation between the detector base unit and the mounting surface. The barrier isolates and seals the smoke detector to prevent the formation of condensation in or around the smoke detector. The barrier further includes a cavity that can collect condensation if condensation does occur. The condensation is then directed to a channel that extends around the periphery of the airflow barrier. Additionally, the channel includes weep holes so that condensation has a means to exit the detector.

Abstract: A microcontroller measures capacitance of capacitive sensors having guard rings associated therewith. A guard ring is provided around each capacitive sensor plate and is charged to substantially the same voltage as a voltage on the associated capacitive sensor plate. The guard ring reduces parasitic capacitances of the capacitive sensor plate caused by differences in voltage potentials between the capacitive sensor plate, and adjacent circuit conductors, ground planes and power planes. An analog output is buffered and coupled to an analog input coupled to the capacitive sensor plate, and is used to drive the guard ring voltage to substantially the same voltage as the voltage on the capacitive sensor plate.

Abstract: An ion chamber provides a current representative of its characteristics as affected by external conditions, e.g., clean air or smoke. A direct current (DC) voltage is applied to the ion chamber at a first polarity and the resulting current through the ion chamber and parasitic leakage current is measured at the first polarity, then the DC voltage is applied to the ion chamber at a second polarity opposite the first polarity, and the resulting current through the ion chamber and parasitic leakage current is measured at the second polarity. Since substantially no current flows through the ion chamber at the second polarity, the common mode parasitic leakage current contribution may be removed from the total current measurement by subtracting the current measured at the second polarity from the current measured at the first polarity, resulting in just the current through the ion chamber.

Abstract: A guard ring is provided around each capacitive sensor plate and charged to substantially the same voltage as a voltage on the capacitive sensor plate. The guard ring reduces parasitic capacitances of the capacitive sensor plate caused by differences in voltage potentials between the capacitive sensor plate, and adjacent circuit conductors, ground planes and power planes. Two digital outputs and associated voltage divider resistors are used to drive the guard ring voltage to substantially the same voltage as the voltage on the capacitive sensor plate.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital (ADC) controller is used in combination with a digital processor of a microcontroller to control the operation of capacitance measurements using the capacitive voltage division (CVD) method. The ADC controller handles the CVD measurement process instead of the digital processor having to run additional program steps for controlling charging and discharging of a capacitive touch sensor and sample and hold capacitor, then coupling these two capacitors together, and measuring the resulting voltage charge thereon in determining the capacitance thereof. The ADC controller may be programmable and its programmable parameters stored in registers.

Abstract: A smoke detection sensor ion chamber has a leakage current that is dependent upon the permittivity of the ionized gas (air) in the chamber. 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 in the ion chamber changes the permittivity thereof that is large enough to detect by measuring a change in the leakage current of the ion chamber.

Abstract: The smoke detector includes: a chamber (1) provided with apertures (3) allowing the smoke to enter a detection area (D), a light source (S) configured to emit towards the detection area (D), and a light receiver (R) configured so as to receive the light coming from the detection area (D). A concentration element (6, 7) is provided so as to create a non-uniform electric field in the detection area (D), that, in the presence of smoke, can polarize smoke particles entering the detection area (D). The non-uniform electric field has a spatial gradient configured to exert a dielectrophoretic force on the smoke particles so as to drive the polarized smoke particles into a concentration zone (C) in the detection area (D) and to aggregate them together to form quasi “big particles”.

Abstract: A smoke detection sensor ion chamber has a capacitance and a change in the permittivity of that capacitance dielectric (ionized air in the chamber) may be used to detect the presence of smoke therein. 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 in the ion chamber changes in the permittivity thereof that is large enough to measure by measuring a change in capacitance of the ion chamber.

Abstract: A smoke detection sensor ion chamber has a capacitance and a change in the permittivity of that capacitance dielectric (ionized air in the chamber) may be used to detect the presence of smoke therein. 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 in the ion chamber changes in the permittivity thereof that is large enough to measure by measuring a change in capacitance of the ion chamber.

Abstract: An exhaust after-treatment system including an exhaust passage having at least a first portion and a second portion. An exhaust treatment component may be positioned within the exhaust passage between the first and second portions, and an insulating blanket insulates each of the first portion, second portion, and the exhaust treatment component. Temperature sensors may be positioned at the first portion, the second portion, the exhaust treatment component, wherein each sensor monitors the temperature at its location. A controller may have access to temperature data associated with an insulated exhaust after-treatment system, and the controller compares the monitored temperatures to the temperature data to determine whether a difference exceeding a predetermined threshold exists. If the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller outputs an error signal identifying particular portions of the exhaust system that are no longer insulated.

Abstract: An automated sequencer for a microcontroller is provided which makes a CVD conversion process a hardware function. The sequencer controls the charging/discharging of the sensor and ADC sample-and-hold capacitances, as well as the voltage division process. It also initiates the ADC conversion, with an optional second conversion for greater resolution, or a differential conversion.

Abstract: An integrated circuit, in particular a microcontroller, for operation in an area with ionizing radiation, has at least one part of a temperature control circuit. The temperature control circuit performs a regulated increase in the circuit temperature to a predefined, essentially constant operating temperature, by increasing the electrical power consumption of the circuit by an adjustable additional electrical power. The circuit has an output facility for information about damage to the integrated circuit caused by the ionizing radiation impacting thereon, it being possible to determine the information about damage from a radiation-dose-dependent decrease in the adjustable additional electrical power.

Abstract: The smoke detector comprises a housing provided with one or more openings for the passage of smoke particles into an interior of the housing. A first electrode and a second electrode are disposed in the interior of the housing and generate an electric field by application of an electrical potential therebetween. A detection chamber is defined between the first electrode and the second electrode, the detection chamber comprising an ionization zone for the generation of charged particles by ionization of air in the vicinity of the second electrode and a drift zone for the movement of charged particles towards the first electrode. A measurement device measures an electrical parameter representative of the electrical current generated between the first electrode and the second electrode by the charged particles.

Abstract: The invention provides use of one or more emitted beams of radiation (16), for example, laser beam(s), in combination with an image capturing means (14), for example, one or more video cameras and/or optical elements to detect particles (30), for example, smoke particles, located in an open space (12).

Abstract: Radioactive integrated circuit (IC) devices with radioactive material embedded in the substrate of the IC itself, and including logic for “fingerprinting” (that is, determining characteristics that identify the source of the radioactive source material). Radioactive IC devices with embedded detector hardware that determine aspects of radioactivity such as total dose and/or ambient radiation. Radioactive IC devices that can determine an elapsed time based on radioactive decay rates. Radioactive smoke detector using man-made, relatively short half-life radioactive source material.

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 system for notifying when a fire extinguisher is discharged or moved uses a device mounted on the fire extinguisher for monitoring one or more conditions. For example, the device may be interconnected with a trigger detecting mechanism otherwise present on the extinguisher or sense a sudden drop in pressure to detect when the extinguisher is activated. An accelerometer may be provided to detect motion. GPS processing can identify the location of the fire extinguisher when an event occurs. When the device detects a change in one or more of the conditions, or needs to send periodic updates of the fire extinguisher conditions, a message is forwarded from the device to a third party clearinghouse via a wireless communication network. The clearinghouse reviews the data, and forwards the data, as may be appropriate, to one or more authorized parties identified in the database.

Abstract: An assembly (13) for monitoring ionising radiation comprises a detector substrate (2) for generating electronic charge responsive to incident ionising radiation, the detector substrate (2) having an array of ionising radiation sense volumes (12) formed in it. A circuit substrate (14) supporting an array of read-out circuits (16) corresponding to the array of sense volumes is mechanically and electrically coupled to the detector substrate (14). Each of the read-out circuits (16) is switchable between first and second charge integration modes for receiving charge from a corresponding sense volume. A charge integration circuit (30) is configured in the first charge integration mode to integrate charge corresponding to sensing of a single ionising radiation detection event in a corresponding sense volume and in the second charge integrating mode to integrate charge corresponding to sensing a plurality of ionising radiation detection events in the corresponding sense volume.

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 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: 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: An integrated circuit, in particular a microcontroller, for operation in an area with ionizing radiation, has at least one part of a temperature control circuit. The temperature control circuit performs a regulated increase in the circuit temperature to a predefined, essentially constant operating temperature, by increasing the electrical power consumption of the circuit by an adjustable additional electrical power. The circuit has an output facility for information about damage to the integrated circuit caused by the ionizing radiation impacting thereon, it being possible to determine the information about damage from a radiation-dose-dependent decrease in the adjustable additional electrical power.

Abstract: A detector (101) for detecting smoke from a fire and generating an alarm has a detection chamber (105) in which a light source (111) and a light detector (113) are arranged. In normal use, the light detector (113) only receives light from the light source that has been scattered by the presence of smoke in the chamber (105). When testing the detector (101), the light detector (113) receives light from the light source (111) by presenting a reflecting surface (129a) of a rotor member (129) to reflect light from the light source (111) towards the light detector (113). In normal use, the rotor member (129) is positioned so that the reflecting surface (129a) no longer reflects light from the light source (111) towards the light detector (113).

Abstract: A high sensitivity smoke detector includes a housing which defines an internal, closed, scattering region, and an external, open scattering region. A cyclone-type separator draws atmosphere adjacent the external scattering region into the detector and separates the larger, non-smoke related particulate matter which flows into the internal, closed scattering region for sensing and subsequent analysis. An annular inflow pattern can be established with a central exit flow.

Abstract: The invention provides use of one or more emitted beams of radiation (16), for example, laser beam(s), in combination with an image capturing means (14), for example, one or more video cameras and/or optical elements to detect particles (30), for example smoke particles, located in an open space (12).

Abstract: A surface mountable radiation guide for a radiation path between a measurement volume (1) and an electro-optical component has a first radiation interface in a radiation path towards the measurement volume, a third radiation interface in a radiation path towards the electro-optical component, and a reflecting portion forming a first radiation path between the first and the third radiation interface, said first radiation path providing a focus region at the measurement volume.

Abstract: A hazardous condition detection system with a sensor package employing a reduced resource microprocessor capable of dynamic alarm sensitivity adjustment having volatile and non-volatile memory which receives periodic raw sensor readings from the sensor package and preprocesses each received periodic raw sensor reading by employing at least three distinctive filtering constants which are compared to alarm thresholds stored in memory to generate an alarm condition signal when ionization levels in the ambient environment exceed stored thresholds.

Abstract: The smoke detector comprises a housing provided with one or more openings for the passage of smoke particles into an interior of the housing. A first electrode and a second electrode are disposed in the interior of the housing and generate an electric field by application of an electrical potential therebetween. A detection chamber is defined between the first electrode and the second electrode, the detection chamber comprising an ionisation zone for the generation of charged particles by ionisation of air in the vicinity of the second electrode and a drift zone for the movement of charged particles towards the first electrode. A measurement device measures an electrical parameter representative of the electrical current generated between the first electrode and the second electrode by the charged particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for activating a carbon monoxide detector. The method includes the steps of the carbon monoxide detector measuring a current carbon monoxide level, the carbon monoxide detector comparing the current carbon monoxide level with a first threshold value, determining whether the current carbon monoxide level exceeds the first threshold value, entering an alarm state upon detecting that the current carbon monoxide level exceeds the first threshold value after a first predetermined time period, determining from memory whether the carbon monoxide detector had previously been in an alarm state before activation and upon detecting that the current carbon dioxide level does not exceed the first threshold and the carbon monoxide detector was previously in the alarm state, resuming the alarm state after a second predetermined time period.

Abstract: A smoke detector comprises a soft x-ray source (10) and an air space (16) communicating with ambient air (18) and positioned so that soft x-rays produced by the soft x-ray source (10) pass into the air space (16) to ionise air in the air space (16). A detector (14) is positioned for detecting ionised air in the air space (16). Smoke particles entering into the air space (16) mop up ionised air. This leads to a reduction in the number of ions detected which triggers an alarm. The soft x-ray source (10) preferably comprises a substrate (22) on which are provided a plurality of nanometer scale elongate structures (28). The elongate structures (28) are provided in an evacuated chamber (42) formed between the substrate (22), a spacer (30), and a laminated film (36). The laminated film (36) comprises an aluminum foil layer (38) and a supporting nylon layer (40). A voltage converting circuit (44) is powered by a 9 volt DC battery and applies a 1.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled hazardous condition detection system with volatile and non-volatile memory containing a sensor package, the sensor package containing sensors exposed to the ambient environment, and an alarm element coupled to the sensor package through a microprocessor where the microprocessor includes a memory storage device containing a plurality of alarm thresholds stored therein, each of the plurality of alarm thresholds being associated with a predetermined set of levels in the ambient environment where the microprocessor receives periodic readings from the sensor package, the microprocessor conditions the received readings by removing a selected amount of noise and attenuation therefrom, selects and employs an optimized alarm threshold from a plurality of stored alarm thresholds and activates the alarm element upon detecting a threshold levels in the ambient environment greater than the selected alarm threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing assay information to a portable detection unit, by way of a remote server in communication with the portable detection unit or a consumable with stored information for use with the portable detection unit. Global Positioning System (GPS) information is provided to a portable detection unit having a GPS receiver, so that the unit can determine its current position, including altitude. Based on the determined position, assays and parameters, such as PCR melt temperatures, can be selected. Assays to be performed by the portable detection unit can be selected based on the results of a prior assay.

Abstract: A window with built-in devices that senses carbon monoxide; powered only by the exterior daylight; that automatically opens by itself and sounds an alarm when a dangerous level of carbon monoxide is sensed to release the accumulated carbon monoxide and let the clean air with fresh oxygen enter the contaminated area to prevent or minimize poisoning and/or death of humans & animals without the need of any human physical action; the provided contacts can be connected to a private alarm station to alert the Fire & Police Departments to provide immediate assistance to the endangered humans & animals and protect the opened residence.

Abstract: A combination smoke and heat detector which allows, in spite of a simple structure, light emitted from an indication lamp to be visually confirmed from a wide range of directions. The combination smoke and heat detector (100) includes a body base (10), a printed circuit board (1), a thermosensitive element (2), a dark chamber (3), an indication lamp (4) mounted to the printed circuit board (1), a protective cover (30), and a bar-like light guide (5) for guiding light emitted from the indication lamp (4) to the outside of the protective cover (30). The light guide (5) passes through a light guide through-hole (35) formed in the protective cover (30) so as to be mounted therein, with one end surface thereof facing the indication lamp (4), and another end surface thereof protruding to the outside of the protective cover (30) by a height substantially equal to or larger than a protruding height of the dark chamber (3).

Abstract: To enable an air velocity of sampling air to be precisely measured, a smoke detector (S) includes: a smoke detection part (22) connected to a sampling pipe (11); a fan (12) that sucks sampling air (SA) into the sampling pipe; and an air velocity sensor (15) that measures an air velocity of the sampling air within the sampling pipe. The air velocity sensor (15) is disposed at a primary side of the fan (12), and a straightening vane (25) is disposed between the air velocity sensor (15) and a suction port (12a) of the fan (12).

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: To enable an air velocity of sampling air to be precisely measured, a smoke detector (S) includes: a smoke detection part (22) connected to a sampling pipe (11); a fan (12) that sucks sampling air (SA) into the sampling pipe; and an air velocity sensor (15) that measures an air velocity of the sampling air within the sampling pipe. The air velocity sensor (15) is disposed at a primary side of the fan (12), and a straightening vane (25) is disposed between the air velocity sensor (15) and a suction port (12a) of the fan (12).

Abstract: To enable an air velocity of sampling air to be precisely measured, a smoke detector (S) includes: a smoke detection part (22) connected to a sampling pipe (11); a fan (12) that sucks sampling air (SA) into the sampling pipe; and an air velocity sensor (15) that measures an air velocity of the sampling air within the sampling pipe. The air velocity sensor (15) is disposed at a primary side of the fan (12), and a straightening vane (25) is disposed between the air velocity sensor (15) and a suction port (12a) of the fan (12).