Patents Assigned to Fire Sentry Corporation
  • Patent number: 6927394
    Abstract: A process and system for flame detection includes a microprocessor-controlled detector with a first sensor for sensing temporal energy in a first optical frequency range, and a second sensor for sensing temporal energy in a second optical frequency range. The temporal energy sensed in the respective first and second optical frequency ranges are transformed into respective first and second spectra of frequency components. A compensated spectrum of frequency components is generated by performing a frequency bin subtraction of the first and second spectra of frequency components. The compensated spectrum represents the energy emitted from the environment with energy emitted from false alarm sources. An average amplitude and centroid of the compensated spectrum are obtained and used to determine if a monitored phenomenon represents an unwanted fire situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Fire Sentry Corporation
    Inventors: Owen D. Parham, David A. Castleman
  • Publication number: 20030178568
    Abstract: A process and system for flame detection includes a microprocessor-controlled detector with a first sensor for sensing temporal energy in a first optical frequency range, and a second sensor for sensing temporal energy in a second optical frequency range. The temporal energy sensed in the respective first and second optical frequency ranges are transformed into respective first and second spectra of frequency components. A compensated spectrum of frequency components is generated by performing a frequency bin subtraction of the first and second spectra of frequency components. The compensated spectrum of frequency components represents the energy emitted from the environment with energy emitted from false alarm sources. An average amplitude and centroid of the compensated spectrum of frequency components are obtained and used to determine if a monitored phenomenon represents an unwanted fire situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: Fire Sentry Corporation
    Inventors: Owen D. Parham, David A. Castleman
  • Patent number: 6518574
    Abstract: A process and system for flame detection includes a microprocessor-controlled detector with an array of sensors for sensing radiant energy from a fire or other heat source. A wide band infrared sensor is used as the primary detector, with near band and visible band sensors serving to detect false-alarm energy from nonfire sources. A narrow band sensor, such as a 4.3-micron sensor, is also employed in the sensor array, and assists in the detection of hydrocarbon fires. Digital signal processing is used to analyze sensed data and discriminate against false alarms. A multistage alarm system can be provided, which is selectively triggered by the microprocessor. Spectral recording and analysis of prefire data is provided for. The detector can be housed in an enclosed, sealed, removable, plastic housing that may include an integral plastic window lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Fire Sentry Corporation
    Inventor: David A. Castleman
  • Patent number: 6515283
    Abstract: A process and system for flame detection includes a microprocessor-controlled detector with an array of sensors for sensing radiant energy from a fire or other heat source. A wide band infrared sensor is used as the primary detector, with near band and visible band sensors serving to detect false-alarm energy from non-fire sources. A narrow band sensor, such as a 4.3-micron sensor, may also be employed in the sensor array, and assists in the detection of hydrocarbon fires. Digital signal processing is used to analyze sensed data and discriminate against false alarms. A modulation index of one of the sensors (preferably the wideband IR sensor) is calculated by the microprocessor using measurements of the signal extremes (i.e., maxima and minima). A fire situation is not declared unless the modulation index falls within a prespecified range, such as between 5% and 85%. A multistage alarm system can be provided, which is selectively triggered by the microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Fire Sentry Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Castleman, Owen D. Parham, Theodore R. Lapp
  • Patent number: 6507023
    Abstract: A process and system for flame detection includes a microprocessor-controlled detector with a first sensor for sensing temporal energy in a first optical frequency range, and a second sensor for sensing temporal energy in a second optical frequency range. The temporal energy sensed in the respective first and second optical frequency ranges are transformed into respective first and second spectra of frequency components. A compensated spectrum of frequency components is generated by performing a frequency bin subtraction of the first and second spectra of frequency components. The compensated spectrum of frequency components represents the energy emitted from the environment with energy emitted from false alarm sources. An average amplitude and centroid of the compensated spectrum of frequency components are obtained and used to determine if a monitored phenomenon represents an unwanted fire situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Fire Sentry Corporation
    Inventors: Owen D. Parham, David A. Castleman
  • Publication number: 20020011570
    Abstract: A process and system for flame detection includes a microprocessor-controlled detector with at least three sensors. A wide band infrared sensor is used as the primary detector, with near band and visible band sensors serving to detect false-alarm energy from nonfire sources. Digital signal processing is used to analyze sensed data and discriminate against false alarms. A multistage alarm system can be provided, which is selectively triggered by the microprocessor. Spectral recording and analysis of prefire data is provided for. The detector can be housed in an enclosed, sealed, removable, plastic housing that may include an integral plastic window lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: Fire Sentry Corporation
    Inventor: David A. Castleman
  • Patent number: 6239435
    Abstract: A process and system for flame detection includes a microprocessor-controlled detector with at least three sensors. A wide band infrared sensor is used as the primary detector, with near band and visible band sensors serving to detect false-alarm energy from nonfire sources. Digital signal processing is used to analyze sensed data and discriminate against false alarms. A multistage alarm system can be provided, which is selectively triggered by the microprocessor. Spectral recording and analysis of prefire data is provided for. The detector can be housed in an enclosed, sealed, removable, plastic housing that may include an integral plastic window lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Fire Sentry Corporation
    Inventor: David A. Castleman
  • Patent number: 6153881
    Abstract: A process and system for flame detection includes a microprocessor-controlled detector with at least three sensors. A wide band infrared sensor is used as the primary detector, with near band and visible band sensors serving to detect false-alarm energy from nonfire sources. Digital signal processing is used to analyze sensed data and discriminate against false alarms. A multistage alarm system can be-provided, which is selectively triggered by the microprocessor. Spectral recording and analysis of prefire data is provided for. The detector can be housed in an enclosed, sealed, removable, plastic housing that may include an integral plastic window lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Fire Sentry Corporation
    Inventor: David A. Castleman
  • Patent number: 6078050
    Abstract: A process and system for flame detection includes a microprocessor-controlled detector with at least three sensors. A wide band infrared sensor is used as the primary detector, with near band and visible band sensors serving to detect false-alarm energy from nonfire sources. Digital signal processing is used to analyze sensed data and discriminate against false alarms. A multistage alarm system can be provided, which is selectively triggered by the microprocessor. Spectral recording and analysis of prefire data is provided for. The detector can be housed in an enclosed, sealed, removable, plastic horsing that may include an integral plastic window lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Fire Sentry Corporation
    Inventor: David A. Castleman
  • Patent number: 6064064
    Abstract: A process and system for flame detection includes a microprocessor-controlled detector with at least three sensors. A wide band infrared sensor is used as the primary detector, with near band and visible band sensors serving to detect false-alarm energy from nonfire sources. Digital signal processing is used to analyze sensed data and discriminate against false alarms. A multistage alarm system can be provided, which is selectively triggered by the microprocessor. Spectral recording and analysis of prefire data is provided for. The detector can be housed in an enclosed, sealed, removable, plastic housing that may include an integral plastic window lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Fire Sentry Corporation
    Inventor: David A. Castleman
  • Patent number: 6057549
    Abstract: A process and system for flame detection includes a microprocessor-controlled detector with at least three sensors. A wide band infrared sensor is used as the primary detector, with near band and visible band sensors serving to detect false-alarm energy from nonfire sources. Digital signal processing is used to analyze sensed data and discriminate against false alarms. A multistage alarm system can be provided, which is selectively triggered by the microprocessor. Spectral recording and analysis of prefire data is provided for. The detector can be housed in an enclosed, sealed, removable, plastic housing that may include an integral plastic window lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Fire Sentry Corporation
    Inventor: David A. Castleman
  • Patent number: 5949235
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting and controlling ungrounded parts during the electrostatic coating process in order to improve production flow, provide an overall cost saving by efficient use of the coating material and prevention of accidental fires and false shutdown during production. The system of the present invention comprises a detection system for detecting any ungrounded parts prior to entering a coating environment, such as a painting booth. The detection system in accordance with one embodiment, comprises an array of detectors, specifically, an ultraviolet sensor, a radio-frequency wave sensor, an acoustic sensor and a light sensor, which upon sensing specific characteristics generate representative signal waveforms. These waveforms are than compared with stored waveforms relating to profiles of sparking or corona discharge characteristics. Correlation circuits may correlate data obtained by two or more sensors in order to ensure that the spark or corona discharge is caused by an ungrounded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Fire Sentry Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Castleman, Anthony B. Williams, Chris A. Selstad