Abstract: For testing or/and adjusting a scattered-light smoke detector as to sensitivity to smoke, a transparent body with included scattering centers is introduced into the measurement volume of the detector. Aluminum oxide powder particles can serve as scattering centers. The distribution of light scattering centers is preferably uniform, and their concentration chosen to simulate a smoke density corresponding to the alarm threshold of the smoke detector. Thus, scattered-light smoke detectors are readily calibrated to a desired output signal as a function of smoke density. With a different density of scattering centers, the technique can be used for testing scattered-light smoke detectors in the field. If the scattering centers are distributed outside a measurement volume of an uncontaminated detector, the technique can be used for testing as to contamination.

Abstract: Optical smoke detectors such as extinction smoke detectors and scattered-light smoke detectors include a radiation source, a radiation detector or receiver, and a measurement volume which is in communication with ambient atmosphere and which is traversed by a light path from the radiation source to the radiation receiver. For compactness and simplicity, such an optical smoke detector is provided with a planar-optical element in the optical path. Suitable as planar-optical elements are diffractive elements, e.g., holographic-optical elements (HOE), and micro-Fresnel elements (MFE), e.g., micro-Fresnel reflectors (MFR).

Abstract: In a scattered-light smoke detector, for preventing false alarms due to extraneous matter in a measurement chamber (1), a radiation source (2) and two radiation detectors (7, 8) are included. An evaluation circuit is provided for comparing the two detector signals, and an alarm signal is triggered if at least one of the detector signals exceeds a predetermined threshold, and if the two detector signals are at least approximately equal. In another embodiment, a scattered-light smoke detector includes two radiation sources (2, 22), a radiation detector (7), and circuitry for alternatively activating one (2) or the other (22) radiation source. For comparison, corresponding detector signals are stored in sample-and-hold circuits, and an alarm signal can be triggered depending on the same tests. Furthermore, in both cases, a trouble signal can be produced if the two signals are significantly different.

Abstract: A fire detector system including ionization smoke detectors (7) is provided with improved false-alarm protection. The system includes an ionization chamber (1) with a radioactive source (10), connected in series with a resistor (2) between power supply lines (8, 9), and circuitry (11, 28) for switching the operating voltage of the ionization chamber between a normal operating value (Ut) chosen for maximized detector sensitivity, and an elevated value (Uh) for operation at current saturation. Comparisons involving the ionization currents through the ionization chamber at the two operating voltages are used not only to recognize a condition of partial shielding of the radio-active source (due to condensation, for example), but also to detect smoke under such conditions.

Abstract: In fire detector apparatus for monitoring an extended area from an elevated location, and especially for detecting forest fires, a scanning assembly (1) has azimuthal freedom of movement. A row of adjoining infrared detector element pairs (S, S') is disposed on a common support (7) in the focal plane of a reflector (6). Detector extent or area increases from the optical axis upward, and the detectors are connected with decreasingly sensitive circuitry. As a result, detection areas having different elevations have nearly equal distance range, and detection sensitivity is essentially independent of distance so that a remote forest fire is detected with the same degree of certainty as one close by. For the elimination of false alarms due to diffuse thermal radiation, detector elements are arranged in pairs, side-by-side on the same support (7), and connected in differential circuitry.

Abstract: A passive infrared intrusion detector provides improved intruder detection while using a single signal evaluation channel. Pyroelectric sensor element configurations include a diamond pattern with differentially opposed pairs of elements of opposite polarization connected in series for increased coverage and sensitivity.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive perimeter intrusion detector comprises at least two pressure sensitive housing members adapted for the transmission of acoustic waves in response to pressure applied to the exterior of the housing members. Each housing member is capable of providing a first electric signal in response to seismic waves or ground vibrations. In addition, distributed along the housing members are pressure-sensing elements for detecting pressure applied along the housing members. These pressure-sensing elements for each housing member provide a second electric signal having substantially no time delay. The first and second electric signals are transmitted to an evaluation circuit adapted to produce an alarm signal in response to the detection of an intrusion occurrence.

Abstract: To improve probability of detection in the early stages of fires, a fire alarm (1) with a temperature sensor (3) is proposed, having a structural member (12) that causes the sensor (3) to react only to temperature changes in the ambient air, and which change with a frequency of from 0.1 to 20 Hz. The fire alarm (1) becomes particularly insensitive to errors when there is a second fire sensor (7) that reacts to fire aerosol, there being a threshold value circuit (9) that lowers the threshold value for the fire aerosol sensor (7) when the temperature sensor (3) exceeds a preset threshold value.

Abstract: A fire detector having a first sensor for emitting a first output signal in response to a fire phenomenon, a second sensor for detecting a source of false alarm conditions generated by man and/or machinery and an evaluating circuit. The evaluating circuit has a mechanism for activating an alarm signal when the value of the output of the first sensor exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value is set by the second sensor in response to the detection of signals generated during normal use of the premises to be protected.

Abstract: A pyroelectric detector comprising a substrate, pyroelectric material distributed in a binder and applied to said substrate, and at least two electrically conductive electrodes, wherein the pyroelectric material comprises lithium tantalate consisting of single crystal particles, said lithium tantalate containing an amount of tantalum ranging from 25 to 75 mole % as tantalum pentoxide.

Abstract: A focused beam of light from a light source is directed into a closed smoke chamber, having inlets for admitting smoke particles, toward a reflector which reflects and refocuses the beam back into the light source, the direct beam and the reflected beam passing through a test zone within the chamber. In the event that smoke particles enter the test zone, the direct and reflected beams strike and bounce off of those particles to produce scattered radiation that will be picked up and detected by a light responsive sensor to generate an alarm signal. By closely controlling, rather than baffling the light, optimum operation is obtained, efficiency is enhanced and false alarms are minimized.

Abstract: An intrusion detector with a plurality of reflector segments that focus infrared energy from a corresponding plurality of detection zones onto a common sensor. Uniform coverage of a rectangular area with detection zones and detection sensitivity unaffected by distance is achieved by means of a reflector segment arrangement in which the reflector segments are mounted on supporting structures and in which the distance from the sensor and therefore the focal length of the reflector segments is substantially proportional to the detection distance. The reflector segments are staggered horizontally and vertically on the supporting structures such that the centrally positioned reflector segments are set lower and have a different shape than the laterally positioned segments, and whereby the number of reflector segments is reduced with decreasing detection distance such that the density of the detection zones is uniform throughout the retangular protected room.

Abstract: In a reflection light barrier, improved security against sabotage is achieved through the simultaneous use of radiation with opposite types of polarization, e.g., by means of radiations polarized linearly perpendicular to one another, or radiations polarized circularly with opposite directions of rotation. The two types of polarization are processed separately by the receiver and when there is any disturbance of the equilibrium between the two types of polarization, a disturbance signal is triggered. Placed in front of the transmitter and reflector are polarizing filters with zones of opposite polarization and with different areas which are tuned to one another in such a way that equilibrium is produced at the receiver. In another variant there is provided, in front of the reflector, a quarter-wave plate which rotates the plane of polarization of the transmitted radiation 90.degree., and the receiver separately evaluates the two planes of polarization in order to give alarm and disturbance signals.

Abstract: A ceiling mounted passive infrared detector has an enclosure arranged for mounting to ceiling, a downwardly pointing infrared detecting element within the enclosure, a first multifaceted pyramidal mirror having an apex pointing upwardly toward the detecting element and a plurality of focusing lenses, one for each facet of the mirror and mounted between the base of the pyramidal mirror and the periphery of the enclosure to focus infrared radiation onto the detecting element directly and via reflection in the pyramidal mirror. A further embodiment includes the enclosure wherein the lenses are disposed on the plane immediately above the apex of the mirror so that radiation will be reflected off the mirror and refracted by the lenses onto the detecting element.

Abstract: A ceiling mounted passive infrared intrusion detector includes a window which has an exterior surface with ridges formed of intersecting planes, which are arranged to provide internal reflection of radiation received from selected angles with respect to the optical axis of the device and to deflect such radiation into a direction parallel to the optical axis. Focusing means arranged as part of the detector focuses the parallel infrared radiation onto a detecting element within the device.

Abstract: A passive infrared intrusion detector is arranged for mounting to the ceiling of a room to be protected. Infrared radiation from points within the room is focused onto an infrared sensing element by a multi-segment dome-shaped lens. The multi-segment lens in a preferred embodiment has central, downwardly facing beams of infrared sensitivity and other beams of infrared sensitivity at multiple azimuth angles at selected elevation angles.

Abstract: In an alarm system with a number of alarm devices such as fire intrusion alarm devices connected to a signal center, upper and a lower thresholds are defined in the alarm devices, with the inactive value of the sensor output signal located between the threshold limits. The alarm devices transmit one of three indication signals to the signal center depending on whether an alarm sensor output is above an upper limit, below a lower limit or between the upper and lower limits, with these alarm state signals being produced by threshold detectors. Also, it is possible to adjust the two threshold limits of the alarms to compensate for changing ambient conditions over extended periods of time. When the sensor output signal reaches one of the upper or lower thresholds both the upper and lower threshold limits either move up or down, respectively, so that the sensor output signal is once again located between the upper and lower threshold limits.

Abstract: A space surveillance apparatus includes at least one source of sonic radiation driven by a driver circuit as well as a processing or evaluation circuit. Upon movement of an object, or presence of a foreign object within a monitored space, the processing circuit triggers an alarm signal. Each sonic source defines the volume of its own monitored space, according to the equation:L=D.sup.2 /(4.lambda.),wherein:L=Length of main direction of radiation of the monitored space;D=Diameter of diaphragm of sonic source; and.lambda.=Wavelength of acoustic wave.The driver circuit drives the sonic source either in continuous mode, or in pulsed mode, and either at a constant wavelength or at a variable wavelength, i.e. in frequency modulation.