Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to capillary controlled gas sensors comprising a top cap assembly, wherein the top cap assembly is operable to reduce the effects of condensation and pressure changes on the effectiveness of the gas sensor. The top cap assembly comprises a capillary controlled gas flow path, a bulk flow control assembly, and a raised boss surrounded by a moat.

Abstract: There is provided a method for configuring a plurality of network devices of a wireless fire detection system comprising a configuration device, a gateway device wirelessly communicating with the configuration device, and the plurality of network devices wirelessly communicating with the gateway device and among them, the method comprising: determining, by the configuration device, configuration data of each one of the plurality of network devices for configuring each one of the plurality of network devices; transmitting, by the configuration device, the configuration data to the gateway device; and upon receiving the configuration data from the configuration device, distributing, by the gateway device, the configuration data to each one of the plurality of network devices according to predetermined time slots for transmitting the configuration data.

Abstract: Packaging for electronic components includes provisions to short selected electrodes of the components together. A plastic base portion with a plurality of component receiving cavities carries a flexible, carbonized shorting element which extends between cavities. The cavities include a recess which is adjacent to the shorting element. Components can be inserted into respective cavities, and some of the electrodes will contact the shorting element. Other electrodes will extend into the recess and not be shorted.

Abstract: A gas sensor including a gas sensing electrode, a counter electrode disposed within a housing, and respective conductors that connect the gas sensing electrode to the counter electrode via a sensing circuit is disclosed. The housing includes a solid electrolyte in communication with the gas sensing electrode and counter electrode wherein the solid electrolyte further comprises one or more coatings or layers. The one or more coatings or layers have a lower water vapor transport rate than that of the electrolyte, such that, in use, water vapor transport between the electrolyte and atmosphere is reduced.

Abstract: An optical smoke detector includes a radiant energy source and a sensor. The source and the sensor are carried by an optical block that provides a fixed orientation therebetween and barriers therebetween. The barriers reduce noise and false alarming due to bugs, dust, water vapor, and other intrusive elements. The barriers can include V-shaped members at a selective angle relative to center lines of the source and the sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods of fast power up for electrochemical sensors are provided. A system can include an electrochemical sensor, and a potentiostat circuit, wherein, upon startup, the potentiostat circuit drives the electrochemical sensor to the electrochemical sensor's normal operating condition at a rate that is not limited by voltage and/or current supply. A method can include a potentiostat circuit driving an electrochemical sensor to the electrochemical sensor's normal operating condition at a rate that is not limited by voltage and/or current supply.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor having an electrode with a catalyst distributed on a porous surface is described. The porous surface can be a polytetrafluoroethylene tape. Alternate embodiments include layered or stacked electrodes.

Abstract: A sensor with a sensor housing or body, a plastic molded table positioned in the sensor housing; and a counter electrode carried on a first end of the table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that including a control panel sending an activate output command, a gateway of the control panel receiving the activate output command and determining a time period until a wireless communication subsystem becomes available, the wireless subsystem adjusting the determined time period by determining a time until a node is available to receive the output command through the gateway and wireless subsystem, the wireless subsystem sending the output command and a value of the adjusted determined time period to the node and the node activating an output device based upon the output command and adjusted determined time period.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes known types of electrodes such as sensing electrodes, counter electrodes or reference electrodes to sense the presence of a predetermined gas. In addition, at least one diagnostic electrode is carried in the sensor. The diagnostic electrode implements at least one diagnostic function without substantially impairing the gas sensing function. The diagnostic electrode is immersed in sensor electrolyte.

Abstract: A device that includes a plurality of substantially identical batteries coupled via switching circuits to a power bus is provided. Control circuits can be coupled to the batteries and the switching circuits to provide electrical energy to the bus from each of the batteries during a sequence of predetermined time intervals, wherein one of the batteries provides electrical energy to the bus during a greater percentage of each time intervals than the others of the plurality. The remaining battery life of the others of the plurality can be estimated in response to sensing that the one of the batteries is substantially discharged.

Abstract: A system includes a two dimensional display device coupled to control circuitry. The control circuitry establishes a two dimensional representation of at least first and second floors of a building. Responsive to a selected input, closed boundaries are established that surround the two dimensional representations of each floor. Responsive to at least one other input, first and second coordinate systems are established with one coordinate system associated with each boundary. Three dimensional information can be established relative to the various devices installed on each floor, and simulations of operation can be carried out. An installer can move various ones of the devices and re-run the simulation to evaluate which configuration provides a better communication result.

Abstract: A wireless communications system includes both a primary communications path, wherein a gateway can communicate with each member of a plurality of ambient condition detectors, and a secondary back-up path available in the event of a failure on part of the primary path. Required power for the network can be minimized by path selection.

Abstract: A lead-free, self-corrosion-free electrochemical galvanic oxygen sensor is provided. The preferred sensor includes a container, the container including a lead-free anode, an alkali electrolyte, a carbon platinized with platinum cathode and a nickel wire current collector, wherein the container further includes a diffusion barrier that causes the sensor to operate in the limiting current region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of determining gas transport time from an input port to first and second ultrasonic detectors in a flow conduit for an aspirated smoke detector are provided. The method includes first measuring a transit time of ambient air between the detectors. Then, a different gas is injected into the conduit, and the time of injection is stored. The transit time is measured at least intermittently between the two ultrasonic detectors until a change therein is detected. A time of detected change is subtracted from the time of injection to establish a transport time for the aspirated smoke detector.

Abstract: An aspirated smoke detector includes at least one ambient atmosphere inflow collection pipe with a plurality of inflow ports arranged along the pipe. The ports of the pipe are defined at least in part by temperature sensitive materials which alter the area of the respective inflow port in response to physical and/or chemical changes. As the temperature increases the area increases, thereby drawing more of the local ambient air and airborne particulate matter into the flow pipe, and then onto the smoke sensing chamber. This increased flow off-sets the dilution present due to other air in the respective pipe from other inflow ports which might not be near the developing fire condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that includes the steps of providing a plurality of wireless nodes including at least one parent node and at least one child node, a control panel sending instructions to and receiving data from the plurality of nodes through a primary gateway and a wireless subsystem of the gateway, the primary gateway synchronizing the plurality of nodes by periodically transmitting a synchronization signal and one of the plurality of nodes detecting failure of the gateway and transmitting an idle synchronization signal for so long as the one of the plurality of nodes detects failure of the gateway.