Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a method for manufacturing a smoke detector, comprising: manufacturing a substrate that comprises a guard ring configured to surround an ion chamber collector plate pin connection point, a surface mount component connection point, and a trace coupling the ion chamber collector plate pin connection point and the surface mount component connection point, and coupling a surface mount component to the substrate at the surface mount component connection point.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a system comprising: a first device, and a second device coupled to the first device via an interface that provides a handshaking algorithm that ensures that only one of the first device and the second device initiates communication over the interface at a given point in time.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for managing energy harvested from one or more environmental sources and using the harvested energy to power an electronic device. An apparatus includes a primary power source and an energy harvester onboard the apparatus for converting energy from the environmental sources into harvested energy. The apparatus further includes an energy controller connected to the primary power source and the energy harvester, where the energy controller uses the harvested energy to power an electronic device onboard the apparatus. The electronic device can include a hazard detector or an access control device. The apparatus can also provide backup power using the harvested energy to power the electronic device when the primary power source fails.

Abstract: An indicator assembly for a visual life safety alarm is provided including a hollow, generally frustoconical reflector ring having an angled wall. The reflector ring is mounted to a housing of the visual life safety alarm at a first end. A first plurality of light devices is mounted to the housing within a first opening of the first end of the reflector ring. Light from the first plurality of light devices is configured to emit in a generally forwards direction. A second plurality of light devices is mounted to the housing near the angled wall of the reflector ring, opposite the first plurality of light devices. Light from the second plurality of light devices is configured to reflect from the angled wall in a direction generally angled from the visual safety alarm.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a reactive power supply circuit comprising: a capacitor configured to provide an output of the power supply circuit based on power received from a power source, a processor configured to control the output based on at least one of: a state of a first switch that selectively couples the capacitor to the power source based on a detected level of the output, and a state of at least one second switch that selectively couples the capacitor to the power source based on a determination of a state of one or more loads coupled to the output.

Abstract: A smoke detector is disclosed that comprises a smoke detection chamber comprising: a light source operable to provide radiation to an interior space of the smoke detection chamber, and a light detector operable to receive radiation scattered by one or more radiation scatting particles in the interior of the smoke detection chamber; an alarm control module, in communication with the smoke detection chamber and a processor, operable to produce an alarm indicating a presence of a predetermined threshold of the one or more radiation scattering particles; a computer readable medium comprising instructions that when executed by the processor, cause the detector to perform an alarm compensation threshold method comprising: comparing a calibrated clear air voltage measurement with an average clear air voltage measurement; adjusting an alarm threshold sensitivity, based at least in part, on the comparison of the calibrated clear air voltage measurement and the average clear air voltage measurement.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems for, and methods of, providing low nuisance, fast response hazard notification. Advantageously, the disclosed techniques avoid sounding an alarm in response to typical nuisance events, such as burnt food.

Abstract: A mounting assembly and method for installing an alarm unit are provided. The mounting assembly includes a backplate having a front face and one or more keys extending from the front face, with the backplate being configured to be secured to a wall. The mounting assembly also includes a receptacle including one or more triggers electrically connected to a power source of the alarm unit, and defining one or more hanger recesses. The receptacle is configured to receive the one or more keys of the backplate in the one or more hanger recesses such that the one or more triggers are actuated by engagement with the one or more keys and relative movement between the backplate and the receptacle. The receptacle is physically secured to the backplate via engagement with the one or more keys.

Abstract: An illustrated example ionization device includes a pyroelectric electron accelerator that causes electrons to move away from the accelerator. A silicon target is positioned in a path of the electrons. X-ray radiation results from the electrons colliding with the target. In one example embodiment, the electrons moving between the accelerator and the target have energy up to 60 KeV and the target attenuates the energy so that the x-ray radiation has energy between 1 KeV and 3 KeV.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing a timing component to optimize low battery indication in alarm devices. The method and apparatus may set a timing component based on a condition detected by a alarm device. Upon detection of a low battery condition within the alarm device, the alarm device can delay low battery indication, using the timing component, until a time of day with a higher probably of user suitability.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a reactive power supply circuit comprising: a capacitor configured to provide an output of the power supply circuit based on power received from a power source, a processor configured to control the output based on at least one of: a state of a first switch that selectively couples the capacitor to the power source based on a detected level of the output, and a state of at least one second switch that selectively couples the capacitor to the power source based on a determination of a state of one or more loads coupled to the output.

Abstract: An indicator assembly for a visual life safety alarm is provided including a hollow, generally frustoconical reflector ring having an angled wall. The reflector ring is mounted to a housing of the visual life safety alarm at a first end. A first plurality of light devices is mounted to the housing within a first opening of the first end of the reflector ring. Light from the first plurality of light devices is configured to emit in a generally forwards direction. A second plurality of light devices is mounted to the housing near the angled wall of the reflector ring, opposite the first plurality of light devices. Light from the second plurality of light devices is configured to reflect from the angled wall in a direction generally angled from the visual safety alarm.

Abstract: An exemplary ionization window assembly includes a support layer having a thickness between a first side and a second side. There is at least one opening in the support layer extending between the first and second sides. The opening has a first width dimension near the first side of the support layer and a second, larger width dimension near the second side of the support layer. A window layer is supported on the second side of the support layer. The window layer extends across the opening to allow ionizing radiation to pass through the opening in a direction from the first side toward the second side.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for managing energy harvested from one or more environmental sources and using the harvested energy to power an electronic device. An apparatus includes a primary power source and an energy harvester onboard the apparatus for converting energy from the environmental sources into harvested energy. The apparatus further includes an energy controller connected to the primary power source and the energy harvester, where the energy controller uses the harvested energy to power an electronic device onboard the apparatus. The electronic device can include a hazard detector or an access control device. The apparatus can also provide backup power using the harvested energy to power the electronic device when the primary power source fails.

Abstract: A life safety device includes a battery assembly with a rechargeable battery. Extended shelf life is achieved by annually initiating an over-discharge protection mode in which a battery protection circuit prevents current flow from the battery. The life safety device remains in the over-discharge protection mode until the device is connected to a charging power source at the time of installation. The battery assembly then exits the protection mode and enters its normal mode of operation.

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: When a rechargeable battery of a life safety device reaches its end of life, the life safety device provides an audible signal indicating that replacement is required. When the device is disconnected from line power, the rechargeable battery still contains a significant amount of energy. The device automatically begins controlled discharge the battery until the stored energy has been reduced to a safe level for disposal of the life safety device and its battery.

Abstract: An electronic device, for example a smoke alarm, that includes a battery carrier that includes a push to open and push to close apparatus for opening and closing the carrier. In one embodiment, the carrier is mounted so as to be pivotable between a closed position and an open position. Pivoting movement of the carrier is controlled by a double acting latch mechanism that includes at least one heart-shaped cam groove and at least one cam follower engaging with the cam groove. The carrier is a simple to access and operate to facilitate replacement of the battery. A lockout mechanism can also be provided to prevent closure of the carrier without a battery installed. In addition, a tamper resist mechanism can be provided to prevent the carrier from being opened when the carrier is at the closed position.

Abstract: When a rechargeable battery of a life safety device reaches its end of life, the life safety device provides an audible signal indicating that replacement is required. When the device is disconnected from line power, the rechargeable battery still contains a significant amount of energy. The device automatically begins controlled discharge the battery until the stored energy has been reduced to a safe level for disposal of the life safety device and its battery.

Abstract: A life safety device includes a battery assembly with a rechargeable battery. Extended shelf life is achieved by annually initiating an over-discharge protection mode in which a battery protection circuit prevents current flow from the battery. The life safety device remains in the over-discharge protection mode until the device is connected to a charging power source at the time of installation. The battery assembly then exits the protection mode and enters its normal mode of operation.