Patents by Inventor Steven R. Wheeler

Steven R. Wheeler 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).

  • Alarms for monitoring operation of sensors in a fire-suppression system
    Patent number: 6195002
    Abstract: Alarms for testing sensors, particularly those used in fire-suppression systems, are described. In one aspect of the invention, the alarm includes an audio and/or a visual indicator operably coupled to the housing of a sensor. The audio indicator may be a speaker that beeps when the sensor is activated. The visual indicator may be one or more LEDs that are illuminated when the sensor is activated. The alarm also can be used to determine whether power and ground conductors extending to the sensor are properly connected. Additionally the alarm can be used to determine whether one or more conductors extending from the sensor to the control panel are properly connected. Certain applications of the invention are intended primarily for use with existing fire-suppression-systems. The invention also can be employed in new fire-suppression system installations using a dry-contact circuit embodiment of the invention (FIG. 5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventors: Richard P. Evans, Jr., Steven R. Wheeler
  • Alarms for monitoring operation of sensors in a fire-suppression system
    Patent number: 5864287
    Abstract: Alarms for testing sensors, particularly those used in fire-suppression systems, are described. In one aspect of the invention, the alarm includes an audio and/or a visual indicator operably coupled to the housing of a sensor. The audio indicator may be a speaker that beeps when the sensor is activated. The visual indicator may be one or more LEDs that are illuminated when the sensor is activated. The alarm also can be used to determine whether power and ground conductors extending to the sensor are properly connected. Additionally, the alarm can be used to determine whether one or more conductors extending from the sensor to the control panel are properly connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Richard P. Evans, Jr.
    Inventors: Richard P. Evans, Jr., Steven R. Wheeler