Patents Assigned to Kidde Technologies, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11099083
    Abstract: Provided are embodiments including a system for performing aircraft overheat detection using fiber optic monitoring of light reflectance changing temperature strips. Embodiments also include a sensing strip configured to detect a temperature of an object, a controller configured to monitor the sensing strip, and a fiber optic cable configured to transmit or receive a light signal to the sensing strip, wherein the fiber optic cable is operably coupled to the sensing strip and the controller. Embodiments also include a method for operating an aircraft overheat detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Robert J. Norris
  • Patent number: 11090519
    Abstract: An assembly for a fire extinguisher system includes a fire extinguisher fitting that extends into a fire extinguisher container and a fill adapter. The fitting defines a fitting bore through which a connection portion of a pressure monitoring device at least partially extends and a fitting flange that is disposed about the fitting and is disposed parallel to a flange of the pressure monitoring device. The fill adapter includes an adapter housing and an adapter shaft. The adapter housing is arranged to be disposed about the pressure monitoring device. The adapter shaft that at least partially extends through the adapter housing. The adapter shaft is arranged to engage a monitoring housing of the pressure monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Mark P. Fazzio
  • Patent number: 11092079
    Abstract: A support arrangement include a mount, a cover, and a metallic mesh body. The mount has a base portion and a mount clamping portion. The cover has a plate portion and a cover clamping portion, the cover fixed to the base portion of the mount and the cover clamping portion registered to the mount clamping portion. The metallic mesh body is arranged between the mount clamping portion and the cover clamping portion to compressively support a sensor element between the mount clamping portion and the cover clamping portion. Fire and overheat detection systems, gas turbine engines with fire and overheat detection systems, and methods of making support arrangements for fire and overheat detection systems are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Rhushikesh Patil, Vinod Maruti Naik, Scott Kenneth Newlin
  • Patent number: 11084594
    Abstract: A system includes a turbo pump that converts a compressed gas into power, and a storage tank configured to store the compressed gas. The system also includes a fire suppression control valve configured to be coupled between the storage tank and a cargo compartment of the aircraft and having a closed position in which the compressed gas is prevented from flowing to the cargo compartment and an open position in which the compressed gas flows to the cargo compartment to suppress a fire. The system also includes a pump control valve configured to be coupled between the turbo pump and the storage tank and having a closed position in which the compressed gas is prevented from flowing to the turbo pump and an open position in which the compressed gas flows to the turbo pump to cause the turbo pump to convert the compressed gas into the power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Richard A. Himmelmann
  • Patent number: 11067457
    Abstract: A method of monitoring smoke, fire, and temperature conditions includes transmitting light through a first fiber optic cable, the fiber optic cable terminating at a node disposed to monitor a smoke or fire condition at one or more predetermined areas, transmitting light along a second fiber optic cable, the second fiber optic cable arranged to monitor a temperature condition at one or more predetermined areas, receiving scattered light from the first fiber optic cable and/or the second fiber optic cable at a control system, and analyzing the scattered light to determine at least one of the presence and magnitude of smoke, fire and/or a temperature condition along the fiber harness or at the node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, Stefan Coreth, Kenneth Bell, Jennifer M. Alexander, Peter R. Harris, Antonio M. Vincitore
  • Patent number: 10987530
    Abstract: A safety assembly provided with an automatic fire extinguisher system includes an engagement member, a blocking member, and an extension member. The engagement member is slidably received within an outlet port of a valve housing. A blocking member having a first blocking member portion and a second blocking member portion is at least partially received within a cavity defined by the valve housing. The extension member extends between the engagement member and the blocking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: David William Frasure, Doug John Baxendell, Christopher Wilson, Terry Simpson, John Wright Porterfield, Jr., Kevin R. Leitch, Michael Lee Davis
  • Patent number: 10953257
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fire suppression composition including CF3I, an anti-freeze compound, and an odorant compound, wherein the anti-freeze compound and the odorant compound are radical scavengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Terry Simpson
  • Patent number: 10948363
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical fiber overheat detection testing apparatus including an optical fiber having a first end and a second end, the optical fiber having a predetermined length associated with a predetermined attenuation based on an overheat detection instrument loop. The apparatus includes a first interrupt disposed equidistant between the first end and the second end defining a first half of the optical fiber and a second half of the optical fiber, the first half and the second half having equal length, the first interrupt having a first actuator operable by a first electric current to attenuate light wave traversal of the optical fiber. The apparatus includes a second interrupt disposed on the first half and spaced from the first end at least six tenths of a meter, the second interrupt having a second actuator operable by a second electric current to attenuate light wave traversal of the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Darryl J. DeWitt, Lei Liu
  • Patent number: 10937294
    Abstract: A chamberless indoor air quality monitor system includes a detector body. A resistive heater is operatively connected to the detector body. An active temperature sensor operatively connected to the resistive heater and operatively connected to an outer surface of the detector body configured to take an active temperature measurement. A method for measuring temperature in a chamberless indoor air quality monitor system includes generating an active temperature measurement with an active temperature sensor operatively connected to an outer surface of the detector body. The method includes heating the active temperature sensor with a resistive heater operatively connected to the detector body. The method includes comparing the active temperature measurements to one another to generate a corrected active temperature measurement based on a temperature difference over time between one or more of the active temperature measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, David L. Lincoln
  • Patent number: 10931090
    Abstract: A mount can include a bracket and a clip. The bracket can include a foot, a riser attached to the foot, and a connecting feature. The clip can include a connection portion for connecting the clip to the bracket, a retention portion with a curved configuration of at least half of a circle, and a tab portion that extends from the retention portion towards the connection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Stanley Rogers, Dharmendr Len Seebaluck
  • Patent number: 10871403
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor for detecting temperature of an aircraft. The sensor comprises a temperature sensor elongated with respect to an axis. The temperature sensor comprises a sheath elongated with respect to the axis. The temperature sensor comprises a central conductor disposed within the sheath and elongated with respect to the axis having a conductor material defining a conductor temperature coefficient having a conductor coefficient magnitude. The temperature sensor comprises an optical fiber disposed within the sheath. The temperature sensor comprises a thermistor disposed within the sheath and surrounding the central conductor, the thermistor having thermistor material defining a thermistor temperature coefficient defining a thermistor coefficient magnitude greater than the conductor coefficient magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Simpson, Stefan Coreth
  • Patent number: 10871452
    Abstract: A system for detection and monitoring includes one or more light sources configured to emit light into a monitored space. At least one of the light sources is configured to emit a respective emission cone having a respective emission cone axis. One or more light sensing devices are configured to receive scattered light. At least one of the one or more light sensing devices defines a respective acceptance cone having a respective acceptance cone axis. The emission cone axis of the emission cone, and/or the acceptance cone axis of the light sensing device is angled toward the other. A processor is operatively connected to the at least one light sensing devices to evaluate the scattered light for the presence of particulates in the monitored space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Lincoln, Jennifer M. Alexander, Michael J. Birnkrant, Peter R. Harris
  • Patent number: 10870026
    Abstract: A method of actuating an extinguisher system may comprise retaining a broadhead cutter in close proximity to a burst disc surface, receiving an impulse signal, actuating a spring release mechanism in response to receiving the impulse signal, driving a cutter shaft towards the burst disc surface in response to actuation, and piercing the burst disc surface via the broadhead cutter coupled to the cutter shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Frasure, John Wright Porterfield
  • Patent number: 10852233
    Abstract: A system for particulate detection and monitoring includes one or more light sources configured to emit light into a monitored space. The system includes at least two light sensing devices configured to receive scattered light. Respective sensing portions of the three two sensing devices share a common centerline axis. A processor is operatively connected to the two light sensing devices and is configured to evaluate the scattered light for presence of particulates in the monitored space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Lincoln, Jennifer M. Alexander, Michael J. Birnkrant, Peter R. Harris
  • Patent number: 10852202
    Abstract: A detection system for measuring the presence of one or more conditions in a predetermined area includes a fiber harness having at least one fiber optic cable for transmitting light. The at least one fiber optic cable defines a node arranged to measure the one or more conditions. The node is arranged such that light scattered by an atmosphere adjacent the node is received by at least one core of the fiber optic cable. A control system operably connected to the fiber harness includes a light source for transmitting light to the node and a light sensitive device configured to receive scattered light associated with the node. The control system analyzes more than one signal corresponding to more than one wavelength of the scattered light associated with the node to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions at the node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, Kenneth Bell, Stefan Coreth, Peter R. Harris, Antonio M. Vincitore, Jennifer M. Alexander
  • Patent number: 10828518
    Abstract: An integrated fire suppression system receives inert gas from onboard gas generators and water effluent from onboard water generators. The inert gas and water effluent are mixed in a gas-water mixer to generate an inert aerosol. The inert aerosol is provided to a fire suppressant distribution network and sprayed into areas of the aircraft requiring fire suppression to provide cooling and to prevent reignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lubomir A. Ribarov, Dharmendr Len Seebaluck
  • Patent number: 10823625
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical fiber overheat detection testing apparatus. The apparatus includes an optical fiber having a first end and a second end, the optical fiber having a predetermined length associated with a predetermined attenuation based on an overheat detection instrument loop. The apparatus includes a first fiber Bragg grating disposed on the optical fiber having a first wavelength spectrum based on a first temperature detection apparatus. The apparatus includes a second fiber Bragg grating disposed on the optical fiber having a second wavelength spectrum based on at least one of a plurality of overheat detection apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Darryl J. DeWitt, Lei Liu
  • Patent number: 10782191
    Abstract: A system configured to monitor temperature in a plurality of zones of an aircraft includes an optical fiber with first and second ends, first and second connectors, and a first interrogator. The optical fiber includes a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings disposed in the optical fiber. The first connector is disposed on the first end of the optical fiber and the second connector is disposed on the second end of the optical fiber. The first interrogator is connected to the first connector and includes an optical switch. The optical switch is in optical communication with the first connector of the optical fiber and is configured to selectively block transmission of the optical signal to the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Sherwood Miller, Robert J. Norris, Lei Liu
  • Patent number: 10768055
    Abstract: A system configured to monitor a plurality of zones of an aircraft includes a line replaceable unit, a first interrogator, and a controller. The line replaceable unit includes first and second connectors in optical communication and an optical fiber. The optical fibers includes a first plurality of fiber Bragg gratings and a plurality of calibration fiber Bragg gratings in a pattern providing information related to a calibration value based upon a center wavelength of each of the first plurality of fiber Bragg gratings. The first interrogator is connected to the line replaceable unit at the first end of the optical fiber and is configured to provide a first optical signal and to receive a first optical response signal from the optical fiber. The controller is operatively connected to the first interrogator and is configured to determine the calibration value of the line replaceable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Sherwood Miller
  • Patent number: 10712212
    Abstract: A method for detecting and determining a location of an overheat condition includes producing a narrowband optical signal with a laser source and optical pulse generator. The optical signal is sent into the optical fiber. A plurality of reflected optical signals is received. Reflection intensities are detected using a photodetector. The reflection intensities are compared with a triggering threshold. Response times of the reflected optical signals are recorded whenever the reflection intensity of the optical signals is greater than the triggering threshold. The narrowband optical signal is adjusted to another wavelength. An anomaly reflected optical signal is identified using a characteristic of the timings obtained through a range of wavelengths. The location of the overheat condition recorded response times is calculated. The location and existence of the overheat condition is communicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lei Liu, Mark Sherwood Miller