Abstract: A covered chamberless particulate detector includes a chamberless detector configured to produce a signal when particulate sensing events occurs, one or more optical emitters configured to emit one or more emitting cones of light, one or more optical sensors defining one or more receiving cones and configured to detect occurrence of particulate sensing events, and a protective cover defining an inside region and an outside region. Each of the one or more emitting cones of light is configured to overlap with each of the one or more receiving cones, thereby creating one or more sensing volumes which may be in the inside region, the outside region, or both regions. The protective cover can be transparent, partially transparent, or opaque, and can include apertures. The optical emitters and detectors can use one or more wavelengths, allowing discrimination of various airborne particulates.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to determining an effective size, quantity, shape, and type of water particles in a cloud atmosphere based on differences in amplitudes of optical signals backscattered at different backscattering angles. Off-axis backscattering—backscattering at angles other than 180 degrees—is affected by the effective size, quantity, shape, and type of water droplets. Detected amplitudes of optical signals that are backscattered at different angles are used to indicate the effective size, quantity, shape, and type of water particles in the cloud atmosphere. In some embodiments, optical emitters and detectors are configured to measure amplitudes of optical signals backscattered at backscattering angles of both on-axis—180 degrees—and off-axis varieties.

Abstract: A method of operating a detection system includes switching the system from a normal mode for sensing smoke to a high sensitivity mode for sensing airborne particles, such that in the high sensitivity mode the detection system is configured to discriminate between particles of diameters less than 2.5 micrometers and 10 micrometers. Transmitting light from one or more light sources of the detection system into a monitored space, and detecting scattered light at one or more light sensing devices of the detection system. The detection of scattered light is indicative of one or more indoor air quality conditions in the monitored space.

Abstract: A combined capability sensor includes a first laser source and a second laser source. The first laser source is configured to emit light having a wavelength in at least one of an infrared spectrum and a visible spectrum and the second laser source is configured to emit light having a wavelength in a blue or ultraviolet spectrum. A director is configured to direct the first and second laser source to a detection zone. A first sensor is configured to detect scattered light originating from the first laser source, thereby detecting a presence of smoke in the detection zone. A second sensor is configured to detect fluoresced light originating from the second laser source, thereby detecting a presence of a biological agent in the detection zone.

Abstract: According to another embodiment, a method of detecting the occurrence of a condition using a detection system located within a predetermined area includes transmitting light from at least one node of a plurality of nodes into an ambient atmosphere adjacent the at least one node, receiving scattered light from the ambient atmosphere at the at least one node, communicating the received scattered light to a control system operably coupled to the at least one node, analyzing the scattered light at the control system to determine a condition of the ambient atmosphere adjacent each at least one node, and adjusting a sensitivity of the at least one node of the plurality of nodes.

Abstract: A system for locating a detection system within a predetermined area includes a fiber optic harness defining at least one node in communication with the predetermined area. Light is received at the at least one node. At least one emitter is arranged in communication with the at least one node. A control system is operably coupled to the at least one emitter and the at least one node to determine a physical location of the at least one node relative to the predetermined area.

Abstract: A method of operating a detection system includes switching the system from a normal mode for sensing smoke to a high sensitivity mode for sensing airborne particles, such that in the high sensitivity mode the detection system is configured to discriminate between particles of diameters less than 2.5 micrometers and 10 micrometers. Transmitting light from one or more light sources of the detection system into a monitored space, and detecting scattered light at one or more light sensing devices of the detection system. The detection of scattered light is indicative of one or more indoor air quality conditions in the monitored space.

Abstract: A method of operating a detection system includes switching the system from a normal mode for sensing smoke to a high sensitivity mode for sensing airborne particles, such that in the high sensitivity mode the detection system is configured to discriminate between particles of diameters less than 2.5 micrometers and 10 micrometers. Transmitting light from one or more light sources of the detection system into a monitored space, and detecting scattered light at one or more light sensing devices of the detection system. The detection of scattered light is indicative of one or more indoor air quality conditions in the monitored space.

Abstract: A detection system for measuring one or more conditions within a predetermined area includes a fiber harness having at least one fiber optic cable for transmitting light, the at least one fiber optic cable defining a node arranged to measure one or more conditions within the predetermined area. A control system is operably coupled to the fiber harness such that scattered light associated with the node is transmitted to the control system, wherein the control system analyzes the light transmitted from the node by comparing multiple wavelengths of scattered light to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions at the node.

Abstract: A detection system for measuring one or more conditions within a predetermined area includes a fiber harness having at least one fiber optic cable for transmitting light, the at least one fiber optic cable defining a node arranged to measure the one or more conditions. A control system is operably coupled to the fiber harness such that scattered light associated with the node is transmitted to the control system, wherein the control system analyzes the scattered light to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions at the node. An optical element is operably connected to the fiber harness or control system to alter or define the operational range or sensitivity of the node.

Abstract: A hazardous gas detector that includes a housing defining an interior region is provided. Also included is a laser emitting component oriented to emit a laser light away from the housing. Further included is a lens disposed within an aperture defined by the housing, the lens allowing returning infrared light of the laser light to enter the interior region. Yet further included is a mirror disposed within the interior region and oriented to split the returning laser light into a short wave infrared light and a long wave infrared light. Also included is a one-dimensional (1D) camera pixel array disposed within the interior region, the 1D camera imaging a planar region that includes an illuminated portion comprising the short wave infrared light.

Abstract: A covered chamberless particulate detector includes a chamberless detector configured to produce a signal when particulate sensing events occurs, one or more optical emitters configured to emit one or more emitting cones of light, one or more optical sensors defining one or more receiving cones and configured to detect occurrence of particulate sensing events, and a protective cover defining an inside region and an outside region. Each of the one or more emitting cones of light is configured to overlap with each of the one or more receiving cones, thereby creating one or more sensing volumes which may be in the inside region, the outside region, or both regions. The protective cover can be transparent, partially transparent, or opaque, and can include apertures. The optical emitters and detectors can use one or more wavelengths, allowing discrimination of various airborne particulates.

Abstract: A detection system for measuring one or more condition within 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. A light source is coupled to the at least one fiber optic cable for emitting a modulated light to the node. The modulated light is transmitted into the predetermined area. A light sensitive device is coupled to the at least one fiber optic cable for receiving scattered light associated with the node. A control unit is operably coupled to the light source and to the light sensitive device to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions within the predetermined area.

Abstract: A detection system for measuring one or more conditions within a predetermined area including a fiber harness having at least one fiber optic cable for transmitting light. The at least one fiber optic cable defines a plurality of nodes arranged to measure the one or more conditions. A control system is operably coupled to the fiber harness such that scattered light associated with the plurality of nodes is transmitted to the control system. The control system analyzes the scattered light from each of the plurality of nodes individually and the control system analyzes the scattered light from each of the plurality of nodes collectively to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions within the predetermined area.

Abstract: A control system of a detection system for measuring one or more conditions within a predetermined area includes a control unit having at least one processor for implementing an algorithm and a fiber harness having at least one fiber optic cable for transmitting light, the at least one fiber optic cable defining at least one node arranged to measure the one or more conditions. A sensor is operably coupled to the at least one node, wherein the sensor receives scattered light associated with the at least one node and generates signals corresponding to the scattered light. A switch is operably coupled to the sensor and to the control unit. The switch selectively provides signals from the sensor to the control unit for processing to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the condition within the predetermined area.

Abstract: A detection system for measuring one or more conditions within 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. A control system is operably coupled to the fiber harness such that scattered light associated with the node is transmitted to the control system. The control system analyzes the scattered light to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions at the node.

Abstract: An integrated detection and suppression system includes a fiber harness having at least one fiber optic cable for transmitting light defining at least one node arranged to measure one or more conditions. A light source is operably connected to the fiber harness to transmit light along the fiber harness to the at least one node. A control system is operably coupled to the fiber harness such that scattered light associated with the node is transmitted to the control system, wherein the control system analyzes the scattered light to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions. At least one suppressant outlet is associated with at least one node and is operably connected to the control system configured to initiate a response for the delivery of a volume of suppressant through a suppressant outlet associated with a particular node.

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.

Abstract: A system for locating a detection system within a predetermined area includes a fiber optic harness defining at least one node in communication with the predetermined area. Light is received at the at least one node. At least one emitter is arranged in communication with the at least one node. A control system is operably coupled to the at least one emitter and the at least one node to determine a physical location of the at least one node relative to the predetermined area.

Abstract: According to another embodiment, a method of detecting the occurrence of a condition using a detection system located within a predetermined area includes transmitting light from at least one node of a plurality of nodes into an ambient atmosphere adjacent the at least one node, receiving scattered light from the ambient atmosphere at the at least one node, communicating the received scattered light to a control system operably coupled to the at least one node, analyzing the scattered light at the control system to determine a condition of the ambient atmosphere adjacent each at least one node, and adjusting a sensitivity of the at least one node of the plurality of nodes.