Abstract: A method and apparatus suitable for measuring temperature of a surface of a segment of a rail using a sensor underneath a moving or a stationary rail car. The measurement is based on intensities of infrared radiation emitted by the surface. The method uses relationships among emissivity, radiation intensity and surface temperature without assuming an emissivity value for the surface. The apparatus comprises radiation detectors containing sensing elements, a lens systems, and analog to digital conversion board to convert radiation intensities to temperature.

Abstract: A wide angle viewing device comprising a viewing head, a plurality of sensors, and a detector. The sensors are connected to the viewing head with each sensor positioned facing a unique direction such that the combination of sensors effectively views and entire volume, such as an entire room. The sensors collect radiation from the volume and deliver it to the detector. In one embodiment, the viewing device is used in a flame detector for detecting the presence of a fire in the viewed volume.

Abstract: A fire and smoke detector utilizes a statistical analysis of the near infrared radiation incident on it. The spectral radiation intensities incident on the fire detector are continuously measured at two near-infrared wavelengths, and a time series of apparent source temperatures is obtained from these measurements. The power spectral density and the probability density function of the apparent source temperatures are sufficient to determine the presence of a fire in the vicinity of the detector. The detector can indicate the presence of a fire in an adjoining room from the radiation which is incident on it due to reflections from common building materials. The present invention relates to fire and/or smoke detection methodology and associated apparatus. The detector utilizes fiber optic as a viewing and absorption/scattering detection means.