Patents by Inventor Stephen John Penney
Stephen John Penney has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 11615699Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for testing the availability of a detector for detecting smoke. More specifically, the present invention relates to a detector with a testing unit arranged to detect whether the detector has been covered, such that it is unable to perform its function as a smoke detector.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2018Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBHInventor: Stephen John Penney
-
Publication number: 20220058939Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for testing the availability of a detector for detecting smoke. More specifically, the present invention relates to a detector with a testing unit arranged to detect whether the detector has been covered, such that it is unable to perform its function as a smoke detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2018Publication date: February 24, 2022Inventor: Stephen John Penney
-
Patent number: 8559006Abstract: A particulate detector (10) comprises a radiation source (12) arranged to emit radiation in at least first and second predetermined wavebands towards a sampling region (18) suspected of containing particulates, and a detection element (14), shielded from the radiation source (12), and arranged to detect radiation from the sampling region (18) at least first and second instances. The radiation source (12) is such that the emissions in the wavebands temporarily overlap. The detector is such that, at the instances at which the radiation is detected, the relative contributions from the emissions in each predetermined waveband are distinguishable, thereby allowing characteristics of the particulates to be determined. The radiation source (12) may comprise a light emitting diode (24).Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Thorn Security LimitedInventors: Stephen John Penney, John E. A. Shaw, Paul J. Taylor, Steven Ian Bennett
-
Patent number: 8154415Abstract: A detector comprises a detector base (1) and first and second detector elements (2 & 3) each having a respective electronic interface (2a, 3a). The detector base (1) has electronic interfaces (1a) to the electronic interface (2a, 3a) of each of the detector elements (2, 3), wherein at least one of the detector elements is constructed as a replaceable module (11).Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LPInventors: Stephen John Penney, Don Brighenti
-
Publication number: 20110181870Abstract: A particulate detector (10) comprises a radiation source (12) arranged to emit radiation in at least first and second predetermined wavebands towards a sampling region (18) suspected of containing particulates, and a detection element (14), shielded from the radiation source (12), and arranged to detect radiation from the sampling region (18) at least first and second instances. The radiation source (12) is such that the emissions in the wavebands temporarily overlap. The detector is such that, at the instances at which the radiation is detected, the relative contributions from the emissions in each predetermined waveband are distinguishable, thereby allowing characteristics of the particulates to be determined. The radiation source (12) may comprise a light emitting diode (24).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2009Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: Thorn Security LimitedInventors: Stephen John Penney, John E.A. Shaw, Paul J. Taylor, Steven Ian Bennett
-
Patent number: 7940190Abstract: A self-monitoring smoke detector comprising a housing (11) defining an internal chamber (12). An optical transmitter (13) is mounted within the housing (11) so as to direct light into the optical chamber (12). An optical receiver (14) is mounted in the housing (11) and in optical communication with the optical chamber (12). The optical transmitter (13) and the optical receiver (14) are so positioned that light from the transmitter cannot directly reach the receiver. Monitoring means is provided, comprising first and second light-scattering means (13a and 14a) positioned respectively in alignment with the transmitter (13) and the receiver (14). The arrangement is such that, in the absence of reflector particles in the optical chamber, light from the transmitter (13) can reach the receiver (14) only after scattering at the first light-scattering means (13a) and then after scattering at the second light-scattering means (14a).Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Thorn Security LimitedInventor: Stephen John Penney
-
Patent number: 7843324Abstract: A detection system in which a single sensor (14) is employed to detect two, or more, levels, or ranges, of a parameter. The output signal from the sensor (14) is fed to a detection circuit (12) for amplification and thence to a control circuit (24). The control circuit (24) is switchable, either manually, or preferably programmably, for example by a timer, between two or more modes of operation for processing the output signal from the sensor (14) in a different manner, for example using different algorithms, according to the condition that is to be detected. The switching of the control circuit (24) between its modes results in a signal being sent to the detection circuit (12) to change its sensitivity to the signal received from the sensor (14), thereby to maintain accuracy of measurement of the parameter in both or all modes of operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Thorn Security LimitedInventors: Stephen John Penney, Steven Ian Bennett
-
Publication number: 20100267522Abstract: A portable pole dancing system including a base, a pole and a mat. The pole extends substantially perpendicular from the base. The mat substantially covers the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: Pole Passion LTDInventors: Stephen John Penney, Paris Markoulidis, David White
-
Publication number: 20100085200Abstract: A detector comprises a detector base (1) and first and second detector elements (2 & 3) each having a respective electronic interface (2a, 3a). The detector base (1) has electronic interfaces (1a) to the electronic interface (2a, 3a) of each of the detector elements (2, 3), wherein at least one of the detector elements is constructed as a replaceable module (11).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2008Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicants: THORN SECURITY LIMITED, SimplexGrinnell LPInventors: Stephen John Penney, Don Brighenti
-
Publication number: 20080191888Abstract: A self-monitoring smoke detector comprising a housing (11) defining an internal chamber (12). An optical transmitter (13) is mounted within the housing (11) so as to direct light into the optical chamber (12). An optical receiver (14) is mounted in the housing (11) and in optical communication with the optical chamber (12). The optical transmitter (13) and the optical receiver (14) are so positioned that light from the transmitter cannot directly reach the receiver. Monitoring means is provided, comprising first and second light-scattering means (13a and 14a) positioned respectively in alignment with the transmitter (13) and the receiver (14). The arrangement is such that, in the absence of reflector particles in the optical chamber, light from the transmitter (13) can reach the receiver (14) only after scattering at the first light-scattering means (13a) and then after scattering at the second light-scattering means (14a).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2005Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: Thorn Security LimitedInventor: Stephen John Penney
-
Publication number: 20080157962Abstract: A detection system in which a single sensor (14) is employed to detect two, or more, levels, or ranges, of a parameter. The output signal from the sensor (14) is fed to a detection circuit (12) for amplification and thence to a control circuit (24). The control circuit (24) is switchable, either manually, or preferably programmably, for example by a timer, between two or more modes of operation for processing the output signal from the sensor (14) in a different manner, for example using different algorithms, according to the condition that is to be detected. The switching of the control circuit (24) between its modes results in a signal being sent to the detection circuit (12) to change its sensitivity to the signal received from the sensor (14), thereby to maintain accuracy of measurement of the parameter in both or all modes of operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2005Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Thorn Security LimitedInventors: Stephen John Penney, Steven Ian Bennett
-
Patent number: 6188278Abstract: An amplification circuit for use with an electro chemical cell is disclosed. The cell is operated in the amperometric mode and finds beneficial application in the detection of carbon monoxide (CO) gas. The amplification circuit of the invention is used to derive electrical output signals from the cell whilst ensuring that the cell electrodes are held at a potential that minimises cross-sensitivities and controlling voltage spikes which the cell would otherwise extend in duration, due to its capacitive behaviour, and comprises an operational amplifier connected to derive electrical output signals from the cell and having a feedback path incorporating at least one component of a current mirror circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Thorn Security LimitedInventor: Stephen John Penney