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: 11615699
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH
    Inventor: Stephen John Penney
  • Publication number: 20220058939
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventor: Stephen John Penney
  • Patent number: 8559006
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Thorn Security Limited
    Inventors: Stephen John Penney, John E. A. Shaw, Paul J. Taylor, Steven Ian Bennett
  • Patent number: 8154415
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventors: Stephen John Penney, Don Brighenti
  • Publication number: 20110181870
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Thorn Security Limited
    Inventors: Stephen John Penney, John E.A. Shaw, Paul J. Taylor, Steven Ian Bennett
  • Patent number: 7940190
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Thorn Security Limited
    Inventor: Stephen John Penney
  • Patent number: 7843324
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Thorn Security Limited
    Inventors: Stephen John Penney, Steven Ian Bennett
  • Publication number: 20100267522
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: Pole Passion LTD
    Inventors: Stephen John Penney, Paris Markoulidis, David White
  • Publication number: 20100085200
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicants: THORN SECURITY LIMITED, SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventors: Stephen John Penney, Don Brighenti
  • Publication number: 20080191888
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Thorn Security Limited
    Inventor: Stephen John Penney
  • Publication number: 20080157962
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Thorn Security Limited
    Inventors: Stephen John Penney, Steven Ian Bennett
  • Patent number: 6188278
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Thorn Security Limited
    Inventor: Stephen John Penney