Abstract: The improved smoke detector is an alarm. The improved smoke detector monitors the atmosphere for both smoke and an increase in temperature consistent with the presence of a combustion reaction such as a fire. The improved smoke detector communicates an alarm message to an appropriate authority over a commercially provided and publicly available cellular wireless network. The alarm message informs the appropriate authority of the combustion reaction. The improved smoke detector comprises a housing and a control circuit. The housing contains the control circuit. The control circuit monitors the atmosphere for both smoke and an increase in temperature. The control circuit transmits the alarm message to the appropriate authority.

Abstract: A fire detector mounting assembly includes a housing having a first electrical connector device disposed on an engagement side of the housing. The assembly also includes a socket operatively coupleable to the housing, the socket having a second electrical connector device axially engageable with the first electrical connector device to electrically connect the housing and the socket. The assembly further includes a housing collar located at a radially outer location of the housing, the housing collar independently rotatable relative to the rest of the housing.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor trip apparatus includes a remote circuit breaker trip device operatively connected to a reactor trip breaker to release a control rod into a nuclear reactor core, an active power source, a passive power source, and a local circuit breaker trip device operatively connected to the reactor trip breaker including a sensor to trigger the local circuit breaker trip device upon sensing a predefined condition. The active power source is electrically coupled to energize the remote circuit breaker trip device under normal operating conditions. The passive power source is electrically coupled to energize the remote circuit breaker trip device based on a loss of the active power source.

Abstract: The embodiment relates to an input device comprises first and second MOS transistors, first to fourth resistors, and a comparator circuit. The first MOS transistor has a drain connected to a first terminal having a first voltage, a gate connected to a signal input terminal, and a source connected to a second terminal having a second voltage via the first and third resistors. The second MOS transistor has a drain and a gate connected to the first terminal, and a source connected to the second terminal via the second and fourth resistors. The comparator circuit outputs a signal having a level corresponding to a state in which a voltage of a node between the first and third resistors is higher or lower than a voltage of a node between the second and fourth resistors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a directional gamma ray or neutron detector that locates a source both horizontally and vertically. In some embodiments, the detector comprises four “rod” scintillators around a shield, and an orthogonal “panel” scintillator mounted frontward of the rod scintillators. The azimuthal angle of the source may be calculated according to the detection rates of the rod scintillators, while the polar angle of the source may be calculated from the panel scintillator rate using a predetermined angular correlation function. Thus, the exact location of the source can be found from a single data set without iterative rotations. Embodiments of the detector enable rapid detection and precise localization of clandestine nuclear and radiological weapons in applications ranging from hand-held survey meters and walk-through portals, to vehicle cargo inspection stations and mobile area scanners. Such detectors are needed to detect clandestine nuclear weapons worldwide.

Abstract: Provided is an explosion-proofed photoelectric smoke detector capable of preventing the surrounding gas from taking fire generated by an explosion inside it and of eliminating filling spaces around a light-emitting device and a light-receiving device with resin, thereby checking explosions due to deterioration of the resin, which enables the detector to be used, with the devices exposed to gases in explosion-proof zones. The light emitting/receiving devices are arranged outside of an explosion-proof enclosure having a circuit compartment. They respectively have hollow cylinders A and B, light emitting/receiving elements, and light-guiding members A and B for transmitting emitted light and guiding received light, wherein a gap between the tube wall of each hollow cylinder and each light-guiding member and a length of each member between an opening formed in each cylinder and a light exiting/entering end thereof enable the devices to prevent fire generated inside the detector from leaking out thereof.

Abstract: A device that detects gamma rays or neutrons, and determines their source location, comprises two scintillator panels separated by a shield barrier. Particles incident from one side can fully strike the first scintillator, but are blocked by the shield from reaching the second scintillator. Particles from the other side can reach only the second scintillator. Thus the detector indicates the left-right direction for the source location quickly, and then with further data localizes the source precisely by analysis of the two opposite scintillator count rates versus angle, using methods disclosed. The detector enables rapid inspections of vehicles and cargo containers for clandestine radiological and nuclear weapons, and sensitive localization of radioactive material in a walk-through portal application. Detectors with such capabilities are essential for stopping nuclear and radiological terrorism.

Abstract: Provided is a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of liquid flowing in a main flow path, including: an introduction flow path to which liquid is introduced from the main flow path; a pressure detection element having a pressure receiving surface and for detecting the pressure of liquid received by the pressure receiving surface in the introduction flow path; a diaphragm provided in a downstream-side end part of the introduction flow path and for transferring the pressure of the liquid to the pressure receiving surface while isolating a contact between the liquid in the introduction flow path and the pressure receiving surface; and a leak sensor for detecting a leakage of liquid into an internal space in communication with the pressure receiving surface.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for transmission testing of a telecommunications jack (100) having a plurality of insulation displacement contacts (IDCs) (103), the apparatus (10) including: a base (30); a plurality of transmission test probes (31) associated with the base (30); and a jack holder (20) for removably coupling the jack (100) to the base (30) such that IDCs (103) of the jack (100) are in electrical communication with corresponding test probes (31); wherein the jack holder (20) is fixed relative to the base (30) during testing, such that the jack (100) remains stationary with respect to the probes (31).

Abstract: A method and device for measuring radon by the electrostatic collection method without the influence of the environmental temperature and humidity is by reducing the pressure that in a electrostatic collection and measuring chamber to below a certain threshold value, in the operating temperature range of 0-45 degrees, and the air relative humidity of the external environment changing in 0%-400%, the collection efficiency of the collection and measuring chamber of the static electricity that collects positively charged 218Po particle to the surface of a semiconductor detector is basically unchanged, so when the temperature and humidity of the external environment change, the detection efficiency does not change; the threshold value relates to the geometric factor and the distribution of the electric field intensity that in different measuring chamber. The device comprises a measuring chamber, a semiconductor detector, a high-voltage module, a sampling pump, a vacuum gauge, and a regulating valve.

Abstract: The tool for removing a smoke detector cover is a set of housings that are biased away from one another, and which when pressed together shall engage release posts against the locking tabs of an existing base plate of an existing smoke detector in order to release a cover of the smoke detector. The upper housing and the lower housing collectively mount between a wall surface or ceiling surface and the base plate of the smoke detector. Upon pressing the upper housing towards the lower housing, the release posts shall act in concert to push all lock tabs of the base plate outwardly thereby releasing the cover from the smoke detector.

Abstract: A system for assaying an eluate for Technetium-99m and Molybdenum-99 content includes an inner ionization chamber including a well configured to receive the eluate, an outer ionization chamber concentric with the inner ionization chamber, and attenuating material positioned between the inner and outer ionization chambers. A computing device is configured to determine a Technetium-99m content of the eluate based on a first current measured in the inner ionization chamber, and determine a Molybdenum-99 content of the eluate based on at least a second current measured in the outer ionization chamber.

Abstract: A method for correcting PET emission data for prompt gamma emission background components present in non-pure positron-emitting isotopes uses a two component fit of modeled scatter and modeled prompt gamma emission in the area of scatter tails in a normalized emission sinogram. The method allows a PET scan using non-standard PET isotopes to be quantitative and thus more clinically useful.

Abstract: A radiation detector includes a pressure-tight housing having a peripheral, cylindrically-shaped wall and opposite end closures. An electrode wire extends through a center of the housing, spaced from the cylindrically-shaped wall. A pressurized detector gas fills the housing, and circuit connections to the electrode wire and the housing permits application of an electric potential thereto. The electrode wire is composed of a material providing a source of alpha particles for ionizing the gas within the housing, generating an alpha peak on the output spectrum distinct from the peak generated by incident neutrons. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A radiation detector includes a pressure-tight housing having a peripheral, cylindrically-shaped wall and opposite end closures. An electrode wire extends through a center of the housing, spaced from the cylindrically-shaped wall. A pressurized detector gas fills the housing, and circuit connections to the electrode wire and the housing permits application of an electric potential thereto. The electrode wire is composed of a material providing a source of alpha particles for ionizing the gas within the housing, generating an alpha peak on the output spectrum distinct from the peak generated by incident neutrons. A related method is also disclosed.

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: A device for measuring a total concentration of impurities in a sample gas is provided which includes a housing having an inlet to allow the sample gas to enter the housing, an emitter to generate ions from the sample gas, a field gradient to accelerate the ions toward a collector, the collector adapted to measure total ions, and an outlet to allow the sample gas to exit the housing, whereby a change in total ions received by the collector indicates a change in the total concentration of impurities in the sample gas.

Abstract: An absolute time scale clock includes a radioactive isotope and a computer. The computer includes a processor that determines an indication of the current absolute time and a memory that stores a decay constant of the radioactive isotope, a reference time, and an amount of the isotope at the reference time. A energy supply that provides power to the computer. The absolute time scale clock further includes a detector positioned to respond to emissions from the radioactive isotope. The detector generates an indication of the number of emissions over a time interval that varies with the decay rate of the isotope. The processor is responsive to the indication from the detector, the decay constant, the reference time, and the reference amount to determine the indication of current absolute time.

Abstract: A detector for detection of ionizing radiation, an apparatus for use in planar beam radiography, comprising such a detector, and a method for detecting ionizing radiation.

Abstract: A smoke alarm having both an ionization detector and a photoelectric detector coupled to each other to generate an alarm signal when either of the detectors senses a potential fire. The smoke detector includes a power supply circuit having both an AC power supply and a DC battery power supply. During normal operating conditions, the AC power supply operates both the ionization detector and the photoelectric detector of the smoke alarm. Upon power interruption, the DC battery supply provides power to operate both the ionization detector and the photoelectric detector. The smoke alarm includes an interconnect that allows multiple smoke alarms to be coupled together.

Abstract: A multiple-channel photo-ionization detector (PID) determines the concentrations of specific gases or classes of gases. The PID includes a UV lamp, an optical window which is divided into multiple zones with each zone producing a UV light beam having a distinctive maximum photon energy. The ionization chamber of the PID includes multiple ion detectors. The PID measures ionization currents and concentrations of gases ionizable by each UV light beam. A method of determining the concentrations and/or identifications of the individual component gases uses differences and/or ratios of measured concentrations or currents.

Abstract: A contact interface having a substantially annular silicide ring along sides of a depression formed in an active surface of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the depression is formed by an etching process to form a contact opening through a dielectric layer. The contact interface is formed by depositing a layer of conductive material, such as titanium, with a high bias power IMP deposition. The conductive material is turned to a silicide by an annealing process, thereby forming the contact interface.

Abstract: The radometer is a portable instrument for the measurement of the concentration of atmospheric radon/thoron in a test area. A constant velocity pump pulls the air from the outside at a constant flow rate. If the air is too moist, some or all of the sample is passed through a desiccant filter prior to encountering an electrostatic filter. The electrostatic filter prevents any charged particles from entering the sampling chamber. Once the sample has entered the chamber, the progeny of the decay of radon/thoron are collected on a detector and measured. The measured data is compiled by a computer and displayed.

Abstract: An ionization detector for detection of an analyte includes a source chamber having a source of ionizing particles and receiving a fluid stream of detector gas; an ionization chamber connected to the source chamber at an ionization chamber entrance therebetween so as to allow metastables and photons to be generated in the source chamber and to be transferred in the fluid stream to the ionization chamber; a signal electrode assembly located in the ionization chamber; and a signal measuring circuit for measuring ionized analyte molecules. The signal electrode assembly includes a spaced array of electrodes including a collector electrode, a first signal electrode, and a second signal electrode. The first signal electrode is situated immediately downstream from the ionization chamber entrance and substantially upstream of the collector electrode, so as to extend the detection zone to the vicinity of the ionization chamber entrance.

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 beta radiation detector which is capable of reliably detecting beta radiation emitted from a surface. An electrically conductive signal collector is adjustably mounted inside an electrically conductive enclosure which may define a single large opening for placing against a surface. The adjustable mounting of the electrically conductive signal collector can be based on the distance from the surface or on the expected beta energy range. A voltage source is connected to the signal collector through an electrometer or other display means for creating an electric field between the signal collector and the enclosure. Air ions created by the beta radiation are collected and the current produced is indicated on the electrometer or other display means.

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: An ionization type smoke detector includes a smoke detecting section including an intermediate electrode and an outer electrode to confine an outer ionization chamber therebetween into which smoke to be detected is introduced, and a reference resistance section for forming a reference resistance with respect to the outer ionization chamber, and a sensor output section including a first transistor with its gate connected to the intermediate electrode, and a serial circuit connected to a source of the first transistor and consisting of a first fixed resistor and a first constant-current circuit having a first variable resistor for output adjustment, the sensor output section producing a sensor output from a junction between the first constant current circuit and the first fixed resistor; a fire discriminating section including a reference voltage generating circuit having a second variable resistor for reference voltage adjustment, the fire discriminating section producing a discrimination output when the senso

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: 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 trace gas detector including in a closed gas loop, two baffle cells with an intermediate trace gas filter, each baffle cell consists of an ionization source, a labyrinth-like recombination zone and a collector electrode. A differential circuit derives a differential signal from output signals of the two baffle cells, the differential signal depending only on the trace gas concentration. Temperature changes and supply voltage changes are compensated by means of the differential circuit.

Abstract: An alpha particle detector capable of detecting alpha radiation from distant sources. In one embodiment, a high voltage is generated in a first electrically conductive mesh while a fan draws air containing air molecules ionized by alpha particles through an air passage and across a second electrically conductive mesh. The current in the second electrically conductive mesh can be detected and used for measurement or alarm. The detector can be used for area, personnel and equipment monitoring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for qualifying the operation of a radiation (e.g. neutron) detector containing an ionizable gas (e.g. He.sub.3), such as a detector disposed in a logging sonde designed to be lowered in a well, wherein a radioactive source capable of ionizing said gas is disposed inside the detector. From the counts of the ionization pulses, one qualifies the operation of the detector. The method provides either a verification (usually performed before the logging operation, outside the well) or, when carried out while the detector is operating in the well, a stabilization of the measured spectrum.Preferably, the internal source is an alpha source comprising uranium or americium and which is disposed inside the detector in the form of a thin foil.

Abstract: Means and methods of detecting particular particles in an air stream at very low concentration levels and identifying the particles and magnitude of concentration are afforded. Thus, a particle detector cell has a source of ionizing radiation of constant magnitude, an anode and cathode for moving ions through a radiation activity region and a detector electrode for capturing and measuring free electrons as a dynamic signal indication of the presence of particular particles in the activity region. Particular gas molecules are identified by their fingerprint, namely a spectral response to resonating frequency of electrons orbiting in their molecular structure. The magnitude of free electrons detected determine the concentration of the particles present in air. The output may be recorded on a strip chart for identification and quantification or may be logged in a digital computer.

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: An ionization-type smoke detector having inner and outer ionization chambers, a radioactive source to ionize the air within the inner and outer ionization chambers and a printed board to mount electrical circuits for detecting electrical potential at the connecting portion between both chambers is made to be relatively thin by arranging the inner, intermediate and outer electrodes so that they are respectively vertically mounted to the printed board while being transversally spaced apart from each other.

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: 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.

Abstract: A gas sensor and a method for detecting a small amount of a gas such as CO contained in air entering a space between electrodes ionized by a radiation source. At least one radiation source is provided for ionizing at least a part of the space between the electrodes disposed so as to oppose each other and a radio d/x of a distance d cm between the electrodes to a field strength x V/cm of the ionized space is set to be 0.4 or more so as to obtain a change in the ionic current sufficient to realize gas sensing based on the formation of cluster ions within the ionized space.

Abstract: An outer electrode for a combustion products detector comprising a cylindrical body including a plurality of first slats alternating with a plurality of second slats, the first slats being segments of a first surface of revolution, the second slats being skewed from a second surface of revolution having a different diameter from the first surface of revolution.

Abstract: A self test circuit for a combustion products detector automatically periodically tests whether the sensitivity of the sensor is in a predetermined range between minimum and maximum sensitivities. Transistor switches selectively connect different test impedances across the sensor for respectively simulating two amounts of combustion products, one of which is slightly less than the amount corresponding to the maximum sensitivity level and the other of which is slightly greater than the amount corresponding to the minimum sensitivity level. If the sensor either produces a smoke output signal in response to the first test or fails to produce an output signal in response to the second test, then the smoke alarm is actuated after the tests are completed to produce a unique fault signal, the alarm annunciator being inhibited during the test.

Abstract: An ionization type smoke detector for fire alarm comprises an inner ionization chamber (a) defined by an inner electrode (6) and an intermediate electrode (8), an outer ionization chamber (b) defined by the intermediate electrode (8) and an outer electrode (11), and a single radioactive source (3) for ionizing air present in both ionization chambers (a; b). In this type of an ionization type smoke detector, for the purpose of protecting the radioactive source from contamination on one hand and assuring on the other hand that smoke positively supplied to the smoke detector for operational testing is promptly dispelled from the detector upon completion of the test so that the detector can be rapidly restored to the normal operating state, the radioactive source (3) is enclosed by the inner electrode (6), a substrate (1) and an annular wall (2), while the intermediate electrode (8) is supported by a plurality of studs (9) extending from the substrate (1).

Abstract: In operating an ECD in constant current mode, two pulses are implemented either to the same electrode or to separate electrodes, thereby dispersing the space charge sheath near the collector electrode and thus enhancing electron extraction at high frequencies. This has the effect of extending both the dynamic range and the linear dynamic range.

Abstract: In a smoke detector of the type in which smoke is detected in a detection chamber based upon a variation of an ionization current flowing therein or a variation of light beam passing therethrough, there is provided a reference signal generating section which produces a reference signal having a predetermined characteristic corresponding to typical smoke flowing into the detection chamber when a fire occurs, and a signal comparison section which compares a detection signal detected in the detection chamber with the reference signal, wherein a smoke sensing signal is produced when the detection signal is determined as a signal due to a fire but is not produced when the detection signal is determined as the signal due to the entry of an insect into the detection chamber or due to cigarette's smoke flowing thereinto.

Abstract: A smoke alarm for responding to alarm conditions using electrical circuitry having a horn coil placed in series with rectifier circuitry. The series connection of the horn coil with the rectifier circuitry enables suppression of line transients and also eliminates the need for additional transient suppression circuits. An alarm condition causes generation of a short circuit which activates the horn and causes current to pass through the horn; but the high impedance of the horn coil in the rectifier circuit limits the amount of current drawn to low levels for more efficient and safe operation of the smoke alarm. Further, the current flow in the horn will be substantially AC as a result of the series connection of the horn and rectifier circuitry, thereby eliminating the need for an alternate reset current path.

Abstract: A smoke detector containing at least one smoke measuring chamber which possesses a mounting or socket plate having an upper surface intended to be mounted at the ceiling of a room or other appropriate area to be monitored and a housing enclosing the smoke measuring chamber and suspendingly secured at the socket plate. The housing possesses openings for the entry of the ambient air into the smoke measuring chamber. The smoke detector comprises a manually adjustable device by means of which it is possible to change the air entry opening in a manner such that the smoke detector can be accommodated to different environmental or ambient conditions, especially those containing different quantities of dust and other contaminants. A hood ring member, movably supported at the inside of a sleeve member of the smoke detector, can be selectively displaced in order to change the air entry openings.

Abstract: A leak detector comprising a housing having an axis on first and second compartments spaced along the axis and hermetically separated by a partition, the first compartment being closed to comprise a pressure envelope which is in communication with an evacuated space to be monitored for leakage, an ionization cell in the first compartment providing an electrical current determined by gas in that compartment, hermetically sealed feed-through for enabling an electrical connection with the gauge, to the partition from the second compartment, an apparatus in the second compartment performing a control function in accordance with the current supplied by the cell.