Abstract: We describe a detection module useful with an apparatus and/or system for conducting luminescence assays, and a kit, a system, an apparatus, and a method incorporating the detection module.

Abstract: Various arrangements of a surface mount system are presented herein. The system may include a surface mount plate. The surface mount plate may include a circular lip and nubs located along the circular lip. The system may also include a device housing. The device housing can include slider clips that removably clip to the circular lip of the surface mount plate when the plurality of slider clips are pushed against the circular lip. The slider clips can be disengaged from the circular lip of the surface mount plate when the device housing is rotated with respect to the surface mount plate such that the nubs located on the surface mount plate push the slider clips away from the circular lip.

Abstract: A smoke detector includes: a housing; a sensing chamber in the housing, wherein in the sensing chamber, a first light emitter and a first light receiver that are disposed at the periphery of the sensing chamber and facing a middle portion of the sensing chamber are included, a first baffle is included in the sensing chamber, the first baffle is disposed adjacent to the first light emitter and includes a baffle body and a branch portion, the baffle body extends from the periphery of the sensing chamber toward the middle portion, and the branch portion comprises a plurality of sub-baffles branching off the baffle body; and a circuit board electrically connected to the first light emitter and the first light receiver respectively.

Abstract: An improved smoke detection enclosure for recessed installment is disclosed herein. A smoke detector for recessed installment can comprise a housing, a printed circuit board (PCB), a bottom cover, and a plurality of clips. The housing can be capable of being installed within a surface. The printed circuit board (PCB) can comprise one or more smoke detection systems. The PCB can be mounted within the housing such that upon installation into a surface, the PCB is approximately at the surface. The bottom cover can extend beyond edges of the housing to form a surface lip. The surface lip can be capable of interacting with a first side of the surface. The bottom cover can comprise one or more air vents, each of the one or more air vents can be placed directly underneath of each of the one or more smoke detection systems.

Abstract: A light shielding section for inhibiting ambient light from entering a detection space 34 for detecting smoke contained in a gas is included, the light shielding section includes an inner labyrinth 36 that covers an outer edge of the detection space 34 and has a first inner inflow opening 36f, a detector body 4 disposed at a position facing the first inner inflow opening 36f, the position being separated from the first inner inflow opening 36f by a first gap 38, and an outer labyrinth 37 disposed at a position separated from the first gap 38 by a second gap 39 on an imaginary line orthogonal to a direction in which the first inner inflow opening 36f and the detector body 4 face each other, the imaginary line passing through the first gap 38, and the gas outside the light shielding section is allowed to flow into the detection space 34 through the second gap 39, the first gap 38, and the first inner inflow opening 36f in order.

Abstract: A detection system having a threshold sensor for detecting indices of an emergency event in a space and a persistent sensor for continually gathering information within a space. The detection system can monitor the space to determine if an emergency event is occurring and continue to collect information regarding the space. The collected information can be transmitted to rescue workers to provide real time or updated information on people present in the space and their condition or other information.

Abstract: There is provided a calibration device for calibrating a digital sensor (3), said digital sensor being configured to protest a target digital circuit (30) fed by a clock signal having a clock period by triggering an alarm depending on a condition between said clock signal and an optimal alarm threshold, said optimal alarm threshold being determined by minimizing a quantity depending on the probability of occurrence of false positives and on the probability of occurrence of false negatives.

Abstract: A control system, comprising one or more smoke sensors, each configured to measure a level of smoke at a location within a building and to output a smoke level signal based at least in part upon the measured level of smoke. A controller configured to receive the smoke level signals and to control an operation of one or more energy recovery ventilation systems in a first mode of operation to recover energy when the smoke level signal is below a predetermined value and in a second mode of operation to evacuate smoke when the smoke level signal is above the predetermined value.

Abstract: A sample handling apparatus/technique/method for a material analyzer, which provides active, variable concentration of a sample, using a measurement marker introduced into the sample, to measurably concentrate an analyte in a liquid (e.g., water) sample. Active, variable concentration allows otherwise lower level analytes to be concentrated in a measurable way. This enables measurements at higher (e.g., concentrated) levels, which can be extrapolated to obtain their lower, original levels based on the concentration level—measured using the introduced marker as a guide. The sample handling apparatus may be used in combination with an optic-enabled x-ray analyzer, the x-ray analyzer including an x-ray engine with an x-ray excitation path and an x-ray detection path, usable during both during the concentration and analyte measurement.

Abstract: A shock detector for determining the existence of a voltage gradient in a body of water, which may be remote from a structure and providing an alarm when the voltage gradient comprises a hazardous electrical condition that could injure or kill are person coming into contact with the body of water.

Abstract: An example smoke detector includes (i) a chamber; (ii) a first electrode disposed within the chamber; (iii) a second electrode disposed within the chamber, wherein gas is disposed in an inner space of the chamber between the first electrode and the second electrode; (iv) a radioactive source generating alpha particles within inner space of the chamber; and (v) a magnet coupled to the chamber, where the magnet generates a magnetic field in the inner space of the chamber.

Abstract: A heat sensing module for a heat alarm apparatus comprises a base section having a concave surface, a cage, a heat sensor, and a control circuit configured to detect a temperature rise at the heat sensor and output an alarm signal in response thereto. A sensing part of the heat sensor is located in a space formed between the concave surface of the base section and the cage. The concave surface assists with reflecting, radiating and absorbing heat to increase the speed at which the heat sensor registers a change in temperature.

Abstract: There are provided a television set and a desktop display apparatus. The television set comprises a major structure configured to realize a display function, and further comprises: a power supply conversion means configured to convert AC mains into a DC voltage; a power supply allocation means disposed in the major structure and configured to convert the DC voltage output from the power supply conversion means into a DC operating voltage required by respective circuits in the major structure, wherein the power supply allocation means and the power supply conversion means are connected mutually and disposed separately. Since the major structure configured to realize the display function and the power supply conversion means configured to convert the AC mains into the DC voltage are disposed separately, electrical isolation of the DC voltage from the AC mains is realized, so that danger of electric shock of human body is avoided.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a method for manufacturing a smoke detector, comprising: manufacturing a substrate that comprises a guard ring configured to surround an ion chamber collector plate pin connection point, a surface mount component connection point, and a trace coupling the ion chamber collector plate pin connection point and the surface mount component connection point, and coupling a surface mount component to the substrate at the surface mount component connection point.

Abstract: Power converters are provided that convert alternating current (AC) power to direct current (DC) power. A power converter may have multiple ports. Each port may have an associated connector with multiple power and data terminals. When an electronic device is connected to a given port, the electronic device draws DC power from the power converter. To ensure that the capacity of the power converter is not exceeded when multiple devices are connected to the ports of the power converter, the power converter may actively monitor its ports for active loads. Load detection circuitry can determine what number of ports are active. Control circuitry can compute a per-port available DC power level based on the number of active ports and can provide this information to connected devices.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a multi-sensing hazard detector for detecting potential dangers may include a back plate and a front casing that is coupled with the back plate to define a housing. A circuit board and a plurality of components may be positioned within the housing. The circuit board may be communicatively coupled with the components. The components may include, among other components, an alarm device, an occupancy sensor, and a smoke chamber. The alarm device may be activatable upon the detection of a potential hazard to warn an occupant of a potential danger, the occupancy sensor may be configured to detect the presence and/or movement of objects external to the hazard detector, and the smoke chamber may be configured to detect the presence of smoke to cause a triggering of the alarm device. The housing may comprise a volume of less than 1024 cubic centimeters.

Abstract: An electrical connector for a hazard detector includes a socket body that includes four lateral walls, a rear wall, a catch feature and a catch support; the lateral walls adjoin one another and the rear wall, continuously and airtightly along edges thereof. The catch support adjoins two of the lateral walls along edges of the catch support to define a catch cavity and a plug cavity on opposing sides of the catch support. A first side of the rear wall faces the plug cavity and a second side bounds a rear surface of the socket body. The catch feature couples with the catch support. Electrical pins pass through the rear wall of the socket body such that one end of each of the pins is within the plug cavity, and an opposing end of each of the pins extends away from the rear surface of the socket body.

Abstract: Provided is an infrared image pickup device, including: a plurality of bolometer elements that receive light from a subject; and a plurality of readout circuits respectively connected to the plurality of bolometer elements, the plurality of bolometer elements and the plurality of readout circuits being connected to a first input voltage wiring and a second input voltage wiring. Each of the plurality of readout circuits includes: a bias circuit that applies a bias voltage to corresponding one of the plurality of bolometer elements; a bias-canceling circuit that removes an offset current of the corresponding one of the plurality of bolometer elements; an integration circuit connected to a connection point between the bias circuit and the bias-canceling circuit, that integrates a differential current between the bias circuit and the bias-canceling circuit; and a saturation-prevention circuit that prevents saturation of an output voltage of the integration circuit.

Abstract: A shock detector having an electrical detector having a set of water immersible electrodes for detecting hazardous water conditions through the determination of the presence of either an electrical current in a body of water, a voltage in the body of water or a voltage gradient in the body of water and then providing an alert to the existence of hazardous electrical conditions in the body of water which in some cases may transmitted to a power source to shut off a power source thereby removing the hazardous water condition.

Abstract: A smoke detection system includes at least one smoke detector which is installed in a first partial region of a region to be monitored by way of the smoke detection system. The smoke detection system further includes at least one fluid injection device which is configured to inject a fluid into the region to be monitored by way of the smoke detection system in a direction of at least one smoke detector such that in an emergency case, when smoke is present in a second partial region of the region to be monitored the smoke is transported to the at least one smoke detector.

Abstract: An electrode member has a plurality of spherical electrode sections wherein the radiuses of the spherical sections are different from each other. The spherical electrode sections are disposed in a state wherein the center points of the respective spheres match each other and the spherical electrode sections are insulated from each other such that voltages can be independently applied thereto. Electron-passing openings for electrons, which move from the center point to the outside of the electrode member, are formed at positions where the spherical electrode sections and a plurality of straight lines radially extending from the center point intersect each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the continuous determination of the damage to at least one system (7) used for the post-treatment of exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine (2), caused by the lubricating oil, the fuel and/or at least one lubricating oil additive and/or fuel additive used.

Abstract: A modular smoke detector has a sensing electrode carried by an insulator module. The insulator module also carries an ionization source and a field effect transistor. The insulator module lockingly engages a printed circuit board. A conical smoke deflector and exterior electrode are assembled to the insulator module. The deflector and exterior electrode are spaced apart providing a space for inflow and outflow of airborne particles of combustion.

Abstract: Ions produced by radioactive gases present in air impact on the sensitivity of contamination measuring instruments which detect ions generated by radioactive materials present on an item. Methods and apparatus address this issue by conducting a measurement of ions generated in a chamber by gaseous emitters and other background events in a volume of medium and deducting this from a measurement of ions generated in another chamber by the item as well as the gaseous emitters and background events. The variation of the gaseous emitters present within the medium is addressed by moving the medium about. An alternative solution uses a medium free of gaseous emitters having a significant level, for instance by sealed storage of air prior to its use in a method and instrument.

Abstract: A highly sensitive particulate matter concentration measuring apparatus for measuring a concentration of particulate matter in a sample gas collected in a collecting region formed on a collecting medium, the collecting region being formed by drawing the sample gas through a cross-sectional area of the collecting medium, the collecting medium is a filter tape that includes a porous film made of a fluorine resin and a reinforcing layer provided on the porous film, the particulate matter concentration is measured using a beta-ray absorbing method while removing the error influences of naturally occurring beta radiation, and includes an additional impact type sampler or cyclone type sampler for filtering the sample gas prior to collecting the particulate matter in the collecting region.

Abstract: Ions produced by radioactive gases present in air impact on the sensitivity of contamination measuring instruments which detect ions generated by radioactive materials present on an item. Methods and apparatus address this issue by conducting a measurement of ions generated in a chamber by gaseous emitters and other background events in a volume of medium and deducting this from a measurement of ions generated in another chamber by the item as well as the gaseous emitters and background events. The variation of the gaseous emitters present within the medium is addressed by moving the medium about. An alternative solution uses a medium free of gaseous emitters having a significant level, for instance by sealed storage of air prior to its use in a method and instrument.

Abstract: An ionization chamber that detects changes in temperature of electrical insulation with a corresponding change in voltage. This voltage change can be relayed through an operational amplifier and a comparator to a device receiving the signal, thus triggering the necessary alarm and preventing fires caused by electrical arcing.

Abstract: A radioisotope proximity sensor is provided for detecting proximity or distance to a nearby object containing a small radiation source complementary to the sensor. The output of the sensor is amplified or compared to determine the distance or proximity. The radioisotope proximity sensor is unaffected by magnetic fields over the short sensing distances. It is also unaffected by environmental contamination when the appropriate radiosource/detector combination is used. The radioisotope proximity sensor is easily shielded from electrostatic or electromagnetic noise, and the radiation source can be small, easily incorporated, and requires no external power or connections to affect mechanical reliability or impede armature movement.

Abstract: Smoke alarms that incorporate dust repelling screens exhibit improved performance with fewer false alarms. Effective screens include conductive strands combined with non-conductive elements.

Abstract: An ionization detector having an upper ionization chamber, a lower ionization chamber, and a radioactive source located in the upper ionization chamber but shielded from the lower ionization chamber by a barrier. A substantially constant fluid stream of detector gas is supplied to the upper ionization chamber so as to fill the upper ionization. The radioactive particle emitter is disposed on the periphery of the interior of the upper ionization chamber so as to generate a constant supply of alpha particles into the internal volume defined by the upper ionization chamber. The interaction of the alpha particles and the detector gas generates metastables and photons as the alpha particles traverse a portion of the volume in the upper ionization chamber. The lower ionization chamber is coupled to the upper ionization chamber so as to receive the detector gas flow and the metastables.

Abstract: A method for detecting dimethylaluminumhydride (DMAH) comprises sensing the aluminum oxide particles produced by the reaction of the DMAH with air (or with a small amount of oxygen). This is accomplished using a particle-sensing device, such as those commonly used to detect smoke, particularly an ionization-type detector.

Abstract: A very low profile ionization chamber provides increased operating current by using alpha particle emitting isotopes having low emission energies as an ionization source. The chamber includes a cylindrically shaped housing having height generally equal to a radius thereof. A conically shaped sensing electrode is carried within the housing. The housing is closed at one end by a main field electrode and at the other end by an insulating closure panel. A second field electrode is carried on the closure panel. The second field electrode also carries the ionization source. The conically shaped sensing electrode has an open central region which permits alpha particles to travel therethrough toward the first field electrode. The first field electrode could either exhibit a conical cross-section or could be planar. A chamber height on the order of 1.5 to 2 centimeters and a diameter in a range of 3-4 centimeters with a Gd148 source produces operating currents on the order of 10 pA.

Abstract: Electron capture detector for use with an effluent stream from a gas chromatograph includes an ionization cell and a sample inlet system connected to the ionization cell for providing an effluent fluid having a sample concentration therein. In the preferred constant-current, variable frequency mode of operation, a cell current is measured and compared to the reference current. The pulse rate is then adjusted to maintain a constant cell current. The pulse rate is converted to a voltage, processed according to a novel linearization formula, and recorded. The ionization cell includes a radioactive ionization source and the ionization cell defines an optimized cell volume in which the electron capture reaction is forced to occur according to a concentration mode of operation. Improved sensitivity in the electron capture detector may be achieved by restricting the effective radioactivity in the ionization cell to be in the range of 0.5 to 3 milliCuries, and preferably in the range of 1 to 2 milliCuries.

Abstract: An ionization chamber for use in a smoke detector includes first and second outer electrodes and a non-reflective center electrode. The non-reflective center electrode can be formed as a metal electrode having a non-reflective coating or as a non-reflective, conductive plastic elements. The ionization chamber can be incorporated into combination smoke detector which includes a photoelectric sensor. A non-reflective center electrode, associated with the ion-type sensor is symmetrically located in the detector and displaced from the photoelectric sensor.

Abstract: A compensated ionization-type sensor includes spaced apart active and reference electrodes. A center electrode is disposed between the active reference electrodes. A compensating electrode is disposed adjacent to the center electrode and, capacitively coupled thereto. The compensating electrode is electrically coupled to the active electrode. A compensating screen with a selected potential applied thereto surrounds the electrodes to compensate for velocity of the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: An ionization type smoke detector includes a detector body, a printed circuit board on the upper surface of the detector body, an electrode mount on the upper surface of the printed circuit board, an inner electrode securing the electrode mount onto the printed circuit board and which has a radioactive source, an intermediate electrode screwed onto the electrode mount in such a way as to be situated above the inner electrode, and an outer electrode covering the electrode mount, the inner electrode and the intermediate electrode. The outer electrode has a plurality of smoke inlet windows, and is fixed to the upper surface of the printed circuit board by inserting engagement members at the lower end thereof into insertion holes of the printed circuit board. The electrode mount has an FET accommodating section including a first socket, whereas a second socket is formed on the printed circuit board. Electrodes of an FET are connected to the sockets, respectively.

Abstract: Using storage phosphor recording media, two exposures are made of a sample containing two target substances tagged with different radiative emitters, for example 32-P and 35-S. The first exposure, image 1, is of the sample directly on the phosphor screen. The second exposure, image 2, is made with the appropriate absorption material between the sample and screen. Both images are captured. By using simultaneous equations isotope contributions of each label can be determined. Quantitative assessment of the contributions of the isotopes, and hence the target substances, are made by calculating isotope efficiencies both with and without the absorption filter.

Abstract: An electron capture type detector for gas chromatography has an ionization vessel containing therein line sources for a radioactive isotope serving as a negative electrode, a collector electrode, a purge gas route, a discharge gas route, and an end of a column disposed at its lower section. The collector electrode includes a filament made of a heat resistant material and itself connected to a heating device such that the filament can be heated to about 300.degree.-600.degree. C. so as to eliminate contaminants deposited on the collector electrode by thermal decomposition, oxidation or reduction, without the necessity of disassembling the detector itself. The contaminants are effectively removed by simultaneously causing air or hydrogen gas to pass over the collector electrode through the ionization vessel from the purge gas route to the discharge gas route.

Abstract: A fire detector system including ionization smoke detectors (7) is provided with improved false-alarm protection. The system includes an ionization chamber (1) with a radioactive source (10), connected in series with a resistor (2) between power supply lines (8, 9), and circuitry (11, 28) for switching the operating voltage of the ionization chamber between a normal operating value (Ut) chosen for maximized detector sensitivity, and an elevated value (Uh) for operation at current saturation. Comparisons involving the ionization currents through the ionization chamber at the two operating voltages are used not only to recognize a condition of partial shielding of the radio-active source (due to condensation, for example), but also to detect smoke under such conditions.

Abstract: An ion drag air flow meter (10) including a gas ionizer (16), an ion collector (14) and apparatus (30) for converting the collected ions into a signal providing an indication of the flow of a gas (40).

Abstract: A fire alarm system having increased immunity to false alarms comprises control and indicating means (6) and a plurality of ionization smoke detectors (7) connected through signal lines (8, 9, 14) with the control and indicating means (6), each ionization smoke detector (7) comprising an ionization measurement chamber (1) for producing an electrical signal having a characteristic indicative of a monitored condition, a radioactive source (10) to ionize the air in the ionization measurement chamber (1), and an evaluation circuit comprising an amplifier element (3) to amplify the electrical signal from the ionization measurement chamber (1), threshold detection means (15, 16) for comparing the electrical signal characteristic to minimum and maximum limits and for producing an alarm or trouble signal, and electronic means (5, 11) by which the chamber voltage (UK) of the ionization measurement chamber (1) is increased as far as possible to the saturation range of the ionization chamber (1) if the ionization curren

Abstract: An ionization-type smoke sensor having a 2-chamber 1-radiation source structure including an inner electrode having a radiation source, an intermediate electrode having an opening through which radiation from the radiation source passes, an outer electrode through which smoke may flow inside from outside, and an insulator supporting and insulating the inner electrode, the intermediate electrode and the outer electrode. In the sensor, a fence portion made of an insulating material is formed on and projecting from a surface of the insulator which faces the outer electrode, the fence portion surrounding the periphery of the opening of the intermediate electrode. By virtue of this arrangement, even when the sensor is subjected to flow of air heading from outside toward the opening of the intermediate electrode, the fence serves to reduce the flow of air heading toward the opening, thereby enabling the characteristics of the sensor chambers to remain stable against flow of air.

Abstract: A portable electronic instrument for detecting radon gas is provided by this invention. The presence of radon gas may be reliably and quantitatively measured with simple and inexpensive immediately operable in-situ detection means. Two detectors comparatively operated with respective filtered and thus uncontaminated air and inside dwelling air to be tested provide a monitoring process that can respond immediately to radon gas.

Abstract: A smoke detector is provided having an ionization chamber (1). For counterbalancing the removal of ions (5.sub.1), taken out of the chamber by the violent air currents (C) passing through this chamber, these air currents are previously enriched with ions (7.sub.

Abstract: An ionization-type smoke detector having a heat-resistant metal case forming the outer electrode and, with an attached rear cover, enclosing the upper portion of an insulating base board. The heat-resistant case includes a cylindrical portion surrounding an outer ionization chamber, a rectangular quadratic portion surrounding the insulating base board, and a planar stepped portion connecting the quadratic prism portion and the cylindrical portion. In the method of forming the case, a metal plate is first subjected to a drawing process to form a cylindrical cup-shaped recess that will ultimately become the cylindrical portion of the case. The remainder of the plate includes a rectangular central section and four integral rectangular outer sections extending along each of the four sides of the central section.

Abstract: An ionization smoke and fire detector comprises a molded plastic housing that includes a nodal ring for supporting a vibrating plate that is part of an alarm. The alarm may be driven by piezoelectricity or by an electromechanical device. If the detector is battery powered, a portion of the housing is cut out to permit removal and insertion of a battery holder that makes contact automatically upon insertion to supply electric power to the electronic circuit of the smoke detector. One electrode of a reference chamber for the smoke detector is formed by wave-soldering an open metallized area on the printed-circuit board. Contact with the movable element of the alarm and with a high-impedance input in an integrated circuit are made through springs that are not soldered or welded.

Abstract: In order to provide an ionization-type smoke detector, wherein the radiation from a radioactive source mounted on the inner electrode disposed within the inner ionization chamber also reaches into the outer ionization chamber through a through-hole formed in the intermediate electrode, which is easy to assemble and which has a constitution to prevent scattering of the radioactive source even though inner and outer ionization chambers are provided with the insulation base board for supporting the inner and intermediate electrodes at a predetermined spacing is connected to the printed circuit board by a mounting rod, and the outer electrode surrounding the intermediate electrode and the insulation base board with smoke inlet openings is connected at its end periphery to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board being connected to the base of the detector by connecting pins.

Abstract: An ionization monitor measures extremely small currents using a resistor containing a beta emitter to generate ion-pairs which are collected as current when the device is used as a feedback resistor in an electrometer circuit. By varying the amount of beta emitter, the resistance of the resistor may be varied.

Abstract: In an ionization-type smoke detector wherein inner, intermediate and outer electrodes are supported on an insulating base, an inner ionization chamber and an outer ionization chamber being constituted by the inner and intermediate electrodes, and the intermediate and outer electrodes respectively, and a radioactive source provided to irradiate both of the ionization chambers, a detector is disclosed wherein the insulating base is formed with a through-hole to connect its upper and lower parts, the inner electrode being passed through the hole to be supported inside the insulating base at its upper portion, and the outer electrode is supported on the outside of the insulating base at its upper parts with an intervening substance being interposed therebetween, whereby the mutual creepage distances between the respective electrodes are elongated.

Abstract: A helium ionization detection system is provided which produces stable operation of a conventional helium ionization detector while providing improved sensitivity and linearity. Stability is improved by applying pulsed dc supply voltage across the ionization detector, thereby modifying the sampling of the detectors output current. A unique pulse generator is used to supply pulsed dc to the detector which has variable width and interval adjust features that allows up to 500 V to be applied in pulse widths ranging from about 150 nsec to about dc conditions.