Sensing Flame Or Explosion Patents (Class 250/339.15)
  • Patent number: 11235187
    Abstract: A method for detecting an event in or around a building. The method includes recording a baseline signal characteristic that characterizes a wireless signal transmitted between devices in or around the building during a baseline time period and recording a second signal characteristic that characterizes the wireless signal during a second time period after the baseline time period. An event in or around the building is detected in response to a determination that the second signal characteristic is abnormal relative to the baseline signal characteristic, the event degrading the wireless signal during the second time period. An alarm is triggered in response to detecting the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventors: Craig E. Trivelpiece, Robert C. Hall, Jr., Timothy C. Gamroth
  • Patent number: 11138852
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for communicating data from a flame detector. A method may comprise detecting, by the flame detector, data related to a fire event; communicating, by the flame detector, the fire event data to a wireless device; forwarding, by the wireless device, the fire event data to a cloud database; accessing the fire event data, via the cloud database, by a central server controlled by an operator of the flame detector; analyzing, by the central server, the fire event data; automatically generating a report based on the analysis of the fire event data, by the central server; and communicating the generated report to a customer employing the flame detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Bharat Kumar Mallela, Akshay Krishnaji Ratnaparkhe, Amit Garg, Bindu Ganesh, Sheetal Hanagandi, Abhishek Mathur
  • Patent number: 10902630
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method suitable for use in a sense and avoid system of a vehicle having a hyperspectral imaging system, the method comprising: estimating the range to an object from the vehicle, wherein estimating the range comprises: measuring the emission spectrum of the object using the hyperspectral imaging system; identifying at least one trough and/or discontinuity in the emission spectrum by subtracting the measured emission spectrum from a perfect blackbody emission spectrum; and searching a storage means storing spectral radiances and/or wavelengths of troughs and/or discontinuities, each with an associated known atmospheric path length, for the corresponding spectral radiance and/or wavelength of the identified at least one trough and/or discontinuity in order to estimate the atmospheric path length, and consequently the range, between the object and the vehicle. The present invention also provides a sense and avoid system for performing the same method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventor: Nicholas Giacomo Robert Colosimo
  • Patent number: 10345152
    Abstract: A flame detector (1) including: a fire sensor (2a), capable of detecting a characteristic blackbody-type radiated heat signature emitted by a flaming material; and a guard sensor (2b), for detecting an at least further part of the spectrum emitted by the material and which serves to assist in rejecting false alarms, wherein, in use during detection of a flame, the guard sensor (2b) detects an amount of radiation G and the fire sensor (2a) detects an amount of radiation F, and positive detection of a flaming material depends upon the following criteria: F>0; G>0; and F>G.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: FFE LIMITED
    Inventor: Daniel Waldron
  • Patent number: 10225445
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a user of a camera information about the status of one or more lenses and/or providing a subject of a photograph an indicator of where to look during image capture are described. In some embodiments different sets of camera modules are used for taking photographs depending on user input and/or the distance to the objects to be captured. In various embodiments an indicator, e.g., light emitting element, is associated with each of the different sets of camera modules which maybe used to indicate where a subject should look during image capture by the corresponding set of camera modules. In some embodiment dirty lenses of the camera are detected and the user is notified of the dirty lenses through an audible and/or visual indication. In some embodiments the indication of which lens/lenses are dirty is provided by illuminating light emitting elements corresponding to the dirty lens(es).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Light Labs Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley Lautenbach
  • Patent number: 10126164
    Abstract: A flame sensor detects the presence of a flame in a combustion system in which the flame emits light. The flame sensor includes a body connectable with the combustion system. A photodetector is supported in the body. The photodetector responds to light emitted by the flame and generates an electrical signal proportional to an intensity of the light. A window is supported in the body and located between the combustion system and photodetector. The window is susceptible to contamination from the combustion system and the contamination may decrease sensitivity of the photodetector. A light source is supported in the body. The light source emits light so that a predetermined amount of the light emitted by the light source reflects into the photodetector when contamination is present on the window and the photodetector generates a signal indicative of contamination on the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Charles Spalding, Kenneth Keith Lambach
  • Patent number: 10003738
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting and/or indicating a blocked sensor and/or blocked camera module are described. The sensor maybe a distance sensor used to support focus operations. Depending on the embodiment, the camera system may include one or more sensors and one or more camera modules. As sensor output is received and/or images are captured by one or more camera modules, the sensor output, e.g., distance sensor output, and/or captured images, e.g., optical image sensor output, are checked to determine if one or more of the sensors and/or camera modules are obstructed. When an obstruction of a sensor or camera module is detected, to make a user aware of the obstruction condition a visual and/or physical indication of an obstructed sensor or camera module is provided to the user of the camera device. The indication may include haptic feedback in the form of vibrations and/or a visual obstruction indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Light Labs Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Lautenbach, Rajiv Laroia
  • Patent number: 9759628
    Abstract: A solution for monitoring an area for the presence of a flame and/or a leak, such as from a pressurized fluid, is provided. An imaging device can be used that acquires image data based on electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths only corresponding to at least one region of the electromagnetic spectrum in which electromagnetic radiation from an ambient light source is less than the electromagnetic radiation emitted by at least one type of flame for which the presence within the area is being monitored. An acoustic device can be used that is configured to acquire acoustic data for the area and enhance acoustic signals in a range of frequencies corresponding to a leak of a pressurized fluid present in the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONIC MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zahid F. Mian, Ronald W. Gamache, Nicholas Glasser
  • Patent number: 9536400
    Abstract: By detecting the specific frequency component included in an alarm sound by a frequency analysis and a period analysis, even under a noisy and echo environment, a reliable, almost-no-false-detecting and small-sized abnormality detection device, which can detect the alarm sound, can be realized and then an integrated security system can be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: I & T Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Asada
  • Patent number: 9243800
    Abstract: Gaseous particles or gas-entrained particles may be conveyed by electric fields acting on charged species included in the gaseous or gas-entrained particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: CLEARSIGN COMBUSTION CORPORATION
    Inventors: David B. Goodson, Thomas S. Hartwick, Tracy A. Prevo, Joseph Colannino, Christopher A. Wiklof
  • Patent number: 9223308
    Abstract: A method for computer-assisted monitoring of the functional performance of a technical system: determining an actual functional performance for each technical component of the technical system; assigning each technical component to a component type, wherein components of identical or similar functional range are assigned to one component type; determining an additional functional performance for each component type, which describes the functional range of the hardware and/or software of a component, wherein the range, among all the available components of one component type, has the highest functional performance; determining a component-related, normalized functional performance from the actual functional performance of a given technical component and from the additional functional performance; determining a component-related, normalized functional performance from the component-related, normalized functional performances of all components of the same type; comparing the component-related, normalized functio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Francesco Montrone
  • Patent number: 9142111
    Abstract: A flare monitoring system that receives real-time data associated with the release of a processing facility's combustible fluids to a flare stack and analyzes the data in conjunction with parameters of the processing facility's flare-through elements such as manual valves, control valves, restriction orifices, flow meters, and the like. The results of the analysis are provided to operators in the form of reports that indicate: whether flaring events are of a routine or non-routine nature; the flared volume; the contribution of the flare-through elements to the flared volume; and so forth. The results can aid operators in reducing combustible fluid losses due to flaring and in mitigating emissions of sulfur, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Antonio Francisco Conrado Fernandes, Rama Kameshwara Prasad Pantula
  • Patent number: 8969095
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for detecting the presence of explosive elements. A sample element may be used to swipe an object for a test sample. The sample element may be positioned in a sample holder of a testing device having a heater. The heater may be programmed to heat the sample element and sample in a controlled manner through two or three temperature increases from approximately 35 degrees to 165 degrees centigrade in approximately 40 seconds. Prior to each temperature increase a first, second and third reagent fluid is applied to the sample holder, and during the temperature rise the sample holder is observed for the presence of various explosive elements by detecting colors as compared to a color chart. The color observations may be based on time and temperature variations using a testing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffery S. Haas
  • Patent number: 8927915
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method for intercepting a rocket body during boost phase. A sensor is arranged to detect thermal emission in a range that is characteristic of a firing rocket body. The image detected by the sensor is applied to an analog-to-digital converter for digitization and application to a computer that includes a routine for separating the modulated photon energy of the detected image from the substantially unmodulated photon energy that characterizes rocket body emissions. The unmodulated photon energy, signature of the rocket body, may be utilized by a fire control system for tracking, targeting and aiming munitions at the firing rocket body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Frank O. Clark
  • Patent number: 8915089
    Abstract: A system is provided for detecting and controlling flashback and flame holding in a combustor of a gas turbine. The system includes at least one flame indicator disposed in a combustor and at least one detector disposed downstream from the flame indicator. The flame indicator may be configured to produce light when exposed to a flame and the detector may be configured to detect the light produced by the flame indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Geoffrey David Myers, Timothy Joseph Rehg, Timothy Andrew Healy, Anthony Wayne Krull
  • Patent number: 8841617
    Abstract: Flame detectors and methods of detecting flames are described herein. One device includes an optical element configured to process mid wave infra-red light and long wave infra-red light emitted from an area, and a bolometer configured to detect a flame in the area based on the mid wave infra-red light and long wave infra-red light processed by the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Barrett E. Cole
  • Patent number: 8834020
    Abstract: Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Geelux Holdings, Ltd.
    Inventor: Marcio Marc Abreu
  • Patent number: 8725448
    Abstract: A self validating flame detection system (10) for a turbine engine (12) configured to determine whether a flame exists in a turbine engine combustor is disclosed. The self validating flame detection system (10) may include two different types of flame detection sensors to reduce the risk of false positive signals. In at least one embodiment, the flame detection system (10) may include one or more infrared sensors (20) that sense infrared radiation within the combustor of the turbine engine (12) and one or more ultraviolet light sensors (22) that sense ultraviolet light within the combustor of the turbine engine (12). The flame detection system (10) may include a processor (24) configured to ignore the steady state infrared signal generated and instead analyze the dynamic infrared signal. The processor (24) may be configured to determine whether both types of sensors indicate a flame out condition so that a false alarm does not occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Bunce, Upul P. Desilva
  • Publication number: 20130234028
    Abstract: A flame detector includes an infrared detector and a first window covering the infrared detector. A second window is positioned in front of the first window. The flame detector is adapted to reject light having a wavelength below approximately 2 ?m and to reject light having a wavelength above approximately 6 ?m, allowing detection of flame from multiple sources. In variations, the windows in combination with the infrared detector may provide the rejection or a band pass filter provides the rejection. Still further variations utilize notch filters or a band reject filter to provide notches of light to the infrared detector corresponding to the wavelength of different flame sources to be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Scott Larsen, Barrett E. Cole
  • Patent number: 8400314
    Abstract: A fire alarm consists of a housing in which sensors, a radiation source, and an optical window are disposed. A reflector protection basket or ring is disposed above the optical window. The basket or ring is suitable for protecting the optical window against mechanical influences, allows UV and IR radiation to pass through to a sufficient degree, and reflects UV and IR radiation from the housing interior, on its inside. Monitoring of the contamination of the window, function monitoring of the sensors and of the signal processing electronics, as well as easy replaceability of the components in the fire alarm are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Minimax GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hauke Dittmer, Dirk Siemer, Peter Zuelzer, Bernd Ziems, Axel Grothoff, Arne Stamer, Kurt Lenkeit
  • Patent number: 8253106
    Abstract: A device for detecting flames in which at least two identical detectors are disposed next to one another. Each detector has an identical signal processing circuit having an amplifier and an A/D converter, and a symmetrical and similar layout, i.e., conductor track placement. Each of the detectors covers a different wavelength range, by way of a preceding filter, and the signal detection takes place at the same time and synchronously, so that a precise analysis of the received radiation occurs using simple algorithms, independent of disruptive influence variables. By using the same detectors and the same signal processing systems, as well as the symmetrical and similar configuration of the conductor track placement, as well as the synchronous control of the signal recording, interference variables occur uniformly on all optical reception channels. This uniform interference can be compensated without complicated algorithms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Minimax GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hauke Dittmer, Dirk Siemer
  • Patent number: 8227756
    Abstract: A flame detection apparatus is provided that provides low cost fire detection with improved false alarm discrimination and that includes at least two optical sensors, each configured with a Long Wave Pass IR filter with distinct minimum responsive wavelengths and arrayed to broadly sample the MWIR band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Knowflame, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnathan Samuel Harchanko
  • Publication number: 20120078579
    Abstract: A self validating flame detection system (10) for a turbine engine (12) configured to determine whether a flame exists in a turbine engine combustor is disclosed. The self validating flame detection system (10) may include two different types of flame detection sensors to reduce the risk of false positive signals. In at least one embodiment, the flame detection system (10) may include one or more infrared sensors (20) that sense infrared radiation within the combustor of the turbine engine (12) and one or more ultraviolet light sensors (22) that sense ultraviolet light within the combustor of the turbine engine (12). The flame detection system (10) may include a processor (24) configured to ignore the steady state infrared signal generated and instead analyze the dynamic infrared signal. The processor (24) may be configured to determine whether both types of sensors indicate a flame out condition so that a false alarm does not occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Richard H. Bunce, Upul P. Desilva
  • Publication number: 20120061573
    Abstract: A flame detection apparatus is provided that provides low cost fire detection with improved false alarm discrimination and that includes at least two optical sensors, each configured with a Long Wave Pass IR filter with distinct minimum responsive wavelengths and arrayed to broadly sample the MWIR band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Johnathan Samuel Harchanko
  • Patent number: 7956329
    Abstract: A flame detector is provided which comprises a housing (1), a test source of electromagnetic radiation (4) and a sensor (7). The source of electromagnetic radiation (4) and the sensor (7) are mounted within the housing (1). The source of electromagnetic radiation (4) is arranged to direct its output onto the sensor (7). The source of electromagnetic radiation (4) is arranged to emit radiation which simulates a flame. In this way, a means is provided within the housing (1) of the flame detector to test the flame detector without the need for an external test source, such as a test fire or a bulky and expensive test torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Thorn Security Limited
    Inventors: Bernard E. H Laluvein, Timothy A. James
  • Publication number: 20100330516
    Abstract: A flame scanning device is provided for monitoring a flame. The device includes a radiation collection and transmission element for collecting flame radiation and transmitting it to detection elements, a flame sensor element for the detection of radiation and conversion of the detected radiation into electrical signals, and an evaluation unit for the conversion of the electrical signals into flame parameters. The flame sensor element can include at least two individual detectors each with an individual central detection wavelength and a width of observation window, respectively. The individual central detection wavelength and the width of observation window are not overlapping and are covering individual regions of interest of the spectrum of radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: ABB Research LTD
    Inventor: Ken Yves HAFFNER
  • Patent number: 7843352
    Abstract: A system of ignition-source detection and prevention in containers and open materials handling systems. The system includes an electronic processor located in close proximity to a detector, a spray nozzle, and a valve. The electronic processor may be configured to be placed in a dust-hazard environment. The detector may be configured to detect radiation and/or a flame. Associate methods are also disclosed, including: a method of responding to an ignition source, a method of installing an ignition-source detection system, and a method of testing an ignition-source detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: B&S Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Povl Hansen, Geof Brazier
  • Publication number: 20100288929
    Abstract: A device for detecting flames in which at least two identical detectors are disposed next to one another. Each detector has an identical signal processing circuit having an amplifier and an A/D converter, and a symmetrical and similar layout, i.e., conductor track placement. Each of the detectors covers a different wavelength range, by way of a preceding filter, and the signal detection takes place at the same time and synchronously, so that a precise analysis of the received radiation occurs using simple algorithms, independent of disruptive influence variables. By using the same detectors and the same signal processing systems, as well as the symmetrical and similar configuration of the conductor track placement, as well as the synchronous control of the signal recording, interference variables occur uniformly on all optical reception channels. This uniform interference can be compensated without complicated algorithms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: MINIMAX GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Hauke Dittmer, Dirk Siemer
  • Patent number: 7834771
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting a fire includes a fire detection device and a control center terminal. The fire detection device includes an LRF for calculating a distance to a location of breakout of a fire using a laser. An infrared camera captures an infrared image and transmits the infrared image to a control unit. A CCD camera captures a CCD image and transmits the CCD image to the control unit. The control unit analyzes the infrared image, determines whether a fire has broken out, performs processing such that the CCD camera captures an area on fire, determines the location of breakout of the fire, performs processing such that the captured image is output to the control center terminal, and controls a function of a warning unit. The warning unit outputs a warning sound or a warning message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Chang Sung Ace Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yeu Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 7718968
    Abstract: A detector assembly for imaging a scene over a predetermined temperature range and a predetermined wavelength range including a central wavelength includes an imaging-sensor array, a plurality of focusing elements and a plurality of optical filtering elements. The imaging-sensor array includes a plurality of detector-array sections and the focusing elements are arranged with respect to the detector array such that each focusing element is capable of focusing upon a corresponding one of the detector-array sections an image of the scene correlating to the image of the scene that each of the other focusing elements is capable of focusing upon the detector-array section corresponding thereto. Each focusing element and the detector-array section corresponding thereto defines an associated optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Solid State Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Murguia
  • Patent number: 7714290
    Abstract: A first band pass filter selects and transmits light having an infrared wavelength specific to flame. A first infrared-ray receiving element receives the light from the first band pass filter. A second band pass filter selects and transmits light having an infrared wavelength which is not the infrared wavelength specific to flame. A second infrared-ray receiving element receives the light from the second band pass filter. A first output of the first infrared-ray receiving element is compared with a second output of the second infrared-ray receiving element to detect the flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Nittan Company Limited
    Inventor: Akihisa Kudoh
  • Patent number: 7638770
    Abstract: A method of detecting a fire condition in a monitored region including the operations of: concurrently monitoring the region using: a plurality of fire combustion product emission band sensors, each band sensor sensitive to radiation within a respective waveband which includes at least part of a respective fire combustion product emission band of a plurality of fire combustion products, the plurality of fire combustion products equal to n; a first reference band sensor sensitive to radiation within a first reference waveband which includes at least some wavelengths shorter than the n fire combustion product emission bands; and a second reference band sensor sensitive to radiation within a second reference waveband which includes at least some wavelengths longer than the n fire combustion product emission bands; and using the band sensors to obtain n+2 measurement values of radiation intensity emitted from the monitored region in determining the presence or absence of the fire condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Spectronix Ltd.
    Inventors: Shaul Serero, David Cohen, Oded Spector, Yechiel Spector
  • Patent number: 7553152
    Abstract: An electronic circuit for generating a trapezoidal excitation waveform includes a controllable frequency source and a trapezoidal waveform generator. The controllable frequency source generates a source waveform that, upon energization thereof, has an initial frequency value, and decreases in frequency to a substantially constant frequency value a time period after energization. The trapezoidal waveform generator receives the source waveform and, in response, generates a trapezoidal waveform at least when the source waveform frequency attains the substantially constant frequency value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark F. Merry, Jeff D. Miller, Frank J. Madison
  • Publication number: 20090127464
    Abstract: A flame detector is provided which comprises a housing (1), a test source of electromagnetic radiation (4) and a sensor (7). The source of electromagnetic radiation (4) and the sensor (7) are mounted within the housing (1). The source of electromagnetic radiation (4) is arranged to direct its output onto the sensor (7). The source of electromagnetic radiation (4) is arranged to emit radiation which simulates a flame. In this way, a means is provided within the housing (1) of the flame detector to test the flame detector without the need for an external test source, such as a test fire or a bulky and expensive test torch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Thorn Security Limited
    Inventors: Bernard E.H. Laluvein, Timothy A. James
  • Publication number: 20080230701
    Abstract: A method of detecting a fire condition in a monitored region including the operations of: concurrently monitoring the region using: a plurality of fire combustion product emission band sensors, each band sensor sensitive to radiation within a respective waveband which includes at least part of a respective fire combustion product emission band of a plurality of fire combustion products, the plurality of fire combustion products equal to n; a first reference band sensor sensitive to radiation within a first reference waveband which includes at least some wavelengths shorter than the n fire combustion product emission bands; and a second reference band sensor sensitive to radiation within a second reference waveband which includes at least some wavelengths longer than the n fire combustion product emission bands; and using the band sensors to obtain n+2 measurement values of radiation intensity emitted from the monitored region in determining the presence or absence of the fire condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: Spectronix Ltd.
    Inventors: Shaul Serero, David Cohen, Oded Spector
  • Patent number: 7420195
    Abstract: Methods for remotely detecting a gun muzzle flash, using frequency-optimized detection methods. Small explosive charges are best detected at I/R and visible wavelengths, using optical detectors, whereas large explosive charges may also be detected with antennas. Details of the time course and spectral properties of the flash can be used to distinguish gun muzzle flashes from other radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Stephen A. Cerwin, Thomas C. Untermeyer, David Bing Jue Chang, Thomas J. Warnagiris
  • Patent number: 7335885
    Abstract: A fire detector and method for generating an alarm signal in response to a fire uses an NDIR sensor to generate a detector signal based upon one or more absorption bands selected from the 15.1? absorption band of CO2, the 6.27? absorption band of H2O and the 4.67? absorption band for CO and generates an alarm signal when a signal processor receives the detector signal and a preselected criterion is met that is indicative of the onset of a fire based upon an analysis of the detector signal using a detection algorithm that relies upon a trending pattern of the detector signal such as recognizing a substantial drop in the detector signal strength. The fire detector has a waveguide sample chamber (which can be of a re-entrant design) with at least one opening covered by a thin filtering membrane and a heat exchanger thermally connected to the sample chamber with at least one opening covered by another thin filtering membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Airwave, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Y. Wong
  • Patent number: 7297970
    Abstract: A flame detector having the following features is capable of simple and reliable determination of the occurrence or nonoccurrence of fire resulting from a flame based on waveforms detected from detection signals from infrared sensors. The flame detector includes an infrared sensor for detecting an infrared ray, a RAM serving as a waveform storing unit for storing a plurality of waveforms detected from an output signal from the infrared sensor, and a CPU serving as a wavelength determining unit for determining succession of waveforms when at least a first predetermined number of waveforms stored in the RAM are produced for a first predetermined time and at least a second predetermined number of waveforms different from the first predetermined number of waveforms are produced for a second predetermined time different from the first predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Nohmi Bosai Ltd.
    Inventors: Takatoshi Yamagishi, Kazuhisa Nakano, Hidesato Morita
  • Patent number: 7286704
    Abstract: An imaging fire detector is used to detect a fire from a recorded image sequence. Either a video camera or an infrared camera is used as an imaging device. Characterizing parameters of a fire are either analyzed individually or in combination. In order to detect changes, an object analysis, a pattern analysis or a spatial-frequency analysis of the recorded image sequences is conducted. Using a threshold value for the duration of the changes, short-term changes are detected and discarded. In a further embodiment, the fire detector may also be used as a burglar alarm. With the aid of communication means, the fire detector transmits a fire alert to a master station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Anton Pfefferseder, Ulrich Oppelt
  • Patent number: 7214939
    Abstract: A fire detector and method for generating an alarm signal in response to a fire uses an NDIR CO2 sensor to generate a detector signal based upon a 15? absorption band of CO2 and generates an alarm signal when a signal processor receives the detector signal and a preselected criterion is met that is indicative of the onset of a fire based upon an analysis of the detector signal using a detection algorithm that relies upon a trending pattern of the detector signal such as recognizing a substantial drop in the detector signal strength. The NDIR CO2 sensor can also generate a reference detector signal based upon a 9.0? neutral band with a FWHM=0.5? while the signal processor utilizes a detection algorithm that is based upon a synchronized output signal representative of CO2 concentration to generate an alarm signal when a preselected criterion indicative of the onset of a fire is met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Airware, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Y. Wong
  • Patent number: 7186979
    Abstract: A fire detector with a passive CO2 sensor generates a detector signal based upon a 15? absorption band of CO2 and a signal processor generates an alarm signal when a preselected criterion is met. The passive CO2 sensor has a passive infrared source with a source temperature, a waveguide sample chamber with a gas medium temperature (which is less than the source temperature), a heat exchanger (that reduces the temperature of CO2 gas as it passes into the waveguide sample chamber and may be thermally coupled to the sample chamber) and an infrared detector assembly with a detector temperature (which is less than the source temperature). An exterior surface of the passive infrared source has a high emissivity while the detector assembly and the sample chamber (which can be thermally coupled to each other but not the passive infrared source) have a low emissivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Airware, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Y. Wong
  • Patent number: 7176460
    Abstract: A fire detector and method for detecting fires uses a passive NDIR sensor that generates a detector signal based upon either a 15? absorption band of CO2 or a 6.27? absorption band of H2O and a signal processor which receives the detector signal and generates an alarm signal when a preselected criterion is met. The NDIR sensor relies upon a passive infrared source (such as a very thin film of black plastic material) with a high emissivity (e.g., approximately 1.0), a sample chamber with a low emissivity (e.g., approximately 0.03) thermally decoupled from the passive infrared source and an infrared detector located in a detector assembly thermally coupled to the sample chamber while a heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the sample chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Airware, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Y. Wong
  • Patent number: 7155029
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing first and second imaging processes contemporaneously, in particular where one of the processes is detecting fires based on images of the flames. The apparatus includes an image sensor for producing a video image, a frame grabber for capturing first frames and second frames, a processor for processing the data within the frames, and an output device. The apparatus may also include an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the image settings of the image sensor between settings suitable for flame imaging and non-flame imaging, and a control mechanism for controlling the image settings of the image sensor. In the method at least two first frames are obtained, and a plurality of second frames are obtained. The first and second frames are used for first and second processes. The first and second processes are contemporaneous, so that they are carried out within the same time period without interfering with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Detector Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: John D. King, Paul M. Junck
  • Patent number: 7112796
    Abstract: An optical spectrometer for combustion flame temperature determination includes at least two photodetectors positioned for receiving light from a combustion flame, each of the at least two photodetectors having a different, overlapping bandwidth for detecting a respective output signal in an ultraviolet emission band; and a computer for subtracting a respective output signal of a first one of the at least two photodetectors from a respective output signal of a second one of the at least two photodetectors to obtain a segment signal, and using the segment signal to determine the combustion flame temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dale M Brown, Peter M Sandvik, Jeffrey B Fedison, Kevin S Matocha, Thomas E Johnson
  • Patent number: 6927394
    Abstract: A process and system for flame detection includes a microprocessor-controlled detector with a first sensor for sensing temporal energy in a first optical frequency range, and a second sensor for sensing temporal energy in a second optical frequency range. The temporal energy sensed in the respective first and second optical frequency ranges are transformed into respective first and second spectra of frequency components. A compensated spectrum of frequency components is generated by performing a frequency bin subtraction of the first and second spectra of frequency components. The compensated spectrum represents the energy emitted from the environment with energy emitted from false alarm sources. An average amplitude and centroid of the compensated spectrum are obtained and used to determine if a monitored phenomenon represents an unwanted fire situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Fire Sentry Corporation
    Inventors: Owen D. Parham, David A. Castleman
  • Patent number: 6914246
    Abstract: A method for spatially resolving flame temperatures in which a temperature-dependent wavelength region of a molecule radical spectrum and a normalization wavelength region of the molecule radical spectrum suitable for normalizing spectral data are identified. An algorithm based upon a relationship between a temperature-dependent intensity range within the temperature-dependent wavelength region at a plurality of temperatures and a normalized intensity range within the normalization wavelength region is formulated. Flame spectral data from a flame is obtained and the algorithm is applied to the flame spectral data, resulting in generation of a flame temperature profile of the flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: James Servaites, Serguei Zelepouga
  • Patent number: 6853358
    Abstract: A method for driving a plasma display panel is provided in which wasteful power consumption is reduced and ion bombardment that may deteriorate cells is suppressed for a long life of cells. A ratio of lighting that is a ratio of the number of cells to be lighted to a total number of cells is detected in accordance with display data that determine contents of addressing. In accordance with the detected ratio of lighting, a waveform of a voltage pulse that is applied in the sustaining step for displaying the corresponding display data is changed so that a gradient of the voltage change at a leading edge becomes smaller for a large value of the ratio of lighting than for a small value of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Fujitsu Hitachi Plasma Display Limited
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Kunii, Takashi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6806471
    Abstract: A flame detection device for detecting a flame caused by a fire, including a light attenuation filter for attenuating 90% or greater of light with wavelengths in a visible to near-infrared band radiated from the flame. The flame detection device further includes an imager for photographing an image of the attenuated light incident thereon, and a processing section for deciding the flame from the image obtained by the imager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Hochiki Corporation
    Inventors: Hidenari Matsukuma, Masahiko Nemoto, Hiroshi Shima
  • Publication number: 20040188620
    Abstract: A method for spatially resolving flame temperatures in which a temperature-dependent wavelength region of a molecule radical spectrum and a normalization wavelength region of the molecule radical spectrum suitable for normalizing spectral data are identified. An algorithm based upon a relationship between a temperature-dependent intensity range within the temperature-dependent wavelength region at a plurality of temperatures and a normalized intensity range within the normalization wavelength region is formulated. Flame spectral data from a flame is obtained and the algorithm is applied to the flame spectral data, resulting in generation of a flame temperature profile of the flame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: James Servaites, Serguei Zelepouga
  • Patent number: RE39081
    Abstract: An automated fire extinguishing apparatus includes a turret with a nozzle connected to a water supply. A plurality of sensors are used to detect a fire monitored by the apparatus. The signals from the sensors are used to aim the nozzle toward the fire and to initiate water ejection therefrom. After the fire is extinguished the water is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Alan E. Thomas