Abstract: This application for patent for Forest Fire Control Systems (FFiCS) describes an invention for prevention and control of forest fires (FF). The system comprises strategically located Ignition Detection and Uplink Signaling Towers (IDUSTs), equipped with the Global Positioning System (GPS) and a suitable optical/infrared Scanner and Detector Assembly (SDA), to continually scan the forest region to instantly detect the onset of the initial flames and sparks of any fire (f/s) within the region. The SDA may optionally utilize a Scanner and Accurate Location Calculator (SALC). Upon detecting an f/s, the IDUST instantly transmits relevant data to a Regional Forest Fire Control System (RFFCC) via a suitable communications means, optionally utilizing the Super-Efficient Satellite and Wireless Antenna System (SSWAS).

Abstract: A device and a method enable a spatially resolved measurement of a temperature inside a spatially linear detection region. The device includes a measuring body having a first electric conductor, a second electric conductor, and an insulating material, which extends between the two electric conductors. The insulating material has a temperature-dependent specific electric resistance. The device further includes a measuring unit, which is connected to the first electric conductor and to the second electric conductor. The measuring unit has a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit is equipped to apply a time-dependent electric input signal to the two electric conductors. The receiving unit is equipped to detect a time-dependent electric response signal of the measuring body to the input signal. Furthermore, an alarm system is described, which in addition to a central unit has at least one temperature measuring device of the type described above.

Abstract: An alarm unit, for sounding an alarm on detection of a fire emergency condition, which comprises a smoke detector, an alarm indicator and a heat detector wherein the smoke detector is capable of receiving power from a first power source and the heat detector is capable of receiving power from a second power source.

Abstract: To provide a fire-preventing terminal device that can eliminate the need to newly lay a power line and a signal line and can avoid problems caused by battery driving. Display lights 10 provided in a fire-preventing area each include a display unit that transmits fire-preventing information in the fire-preventing area to outside, and an antenna that relays a signal transmitted between fire sensors 1 and receiving relays 2 placed in the fire-preventing area, and transmits a signal wirelessly transmitted from the fire sensors 1 to the receiving relays 2.

Abstract: A smoke/heat detector and alarm system for shutting off power to a heat generating appliance (gas or electric powered) when smoke/heat is detected. The system includes a smoke/heat detector that responds according to a selected one of four selectable modes. The system also includes a library of telephone numbers with corresponding emergency telephone numbers that are automatically dialed in response to reception of a Smoke alarm signal. The system is designed to avoid confusion that might otherwise be encountered when a plurality of such systems are operating in close proximity to one another.

Abstract: An intelligent notification appliance circuit has a controller and one or more addressable notification appliances coupled with a single pair of wires. The controller outputs integrated power, audio and control signals, and transmits the integrated signals to the one or more addressable notification appliances. Thus, the one or more addressable notification appliances are powered, operated, controlled, and monitored using the intelligent notification appliance circuit. When the intelligent notification appliance circuit is implemented in a fire and/or mass notification system, that system is able to provide integrated audio signals, power signals and control signals over a single pair of wires. The integrated audio signals may carry data indicative of live or recorded music and/or voice messages, such as: mass notification messages, general page, voice evacuation, and the like.

Abstract: Fires may be detected and suppressed by placing fire detectors proximate natural flow paths from inlets to outlets of a fire zone. The fire detectors may be placed adjacent, and preferably downstream, of regions, along the flow paths, likely to become flame holding regions during fire in the fire zone. The fire may be suppressed, when detected, by catalytic reaction with species released by a reactive fire suppression agent which may be injected into the fire zone, preferably upstream of the potential flame holding regions.

Abstract: A computer assisted method identifies characteristics of a flare. A digital image of the flare is obtained, such as by a color digital video camera and a region of interest likely containing the flare is identified. Flare pixels within the region of interest are identified and color information is extracted from such flare pixels. The extracted color information is associated to characterizations of the flare, and an operator is provided an alert when such characterizations indicate an abnormal flare.

Abstract: A smoke detecting method and device are provided. The smoke detecting method and device capture a plurality of images; determine one of the plurality of images as an analyzable image when the one of the plurality of images is identified to have a moving object; analyze a chrominance variation of the analyzable image; analyze at least one of an edge blur and a flickering frequency of the analyzable image; compare at least one of analyzed results from the analyzing steps with a corresponding predetermined feature; and determine the moving object is a smoke when at least one of the analyzed results conforms to the corresponding predetermined feature.

Abstract: The present invention is a mobile storage unit for use within a mobile storage unit system that includes an environmental monitoring system on the storage unit. The monitoring system includes one or more sensors disposed on one or more of the mobile storage units that are configured to sense a particular environmental condition in the environment surrounding the mobile storage unit. The sensors are each operably connected to a controller associated with the mobile storage system that is capable of receiving signals from the sensors and analyzing the signals to determine the presence or absence of the environmental condition to be sensed by the sensors. If the condition is present, the controller can transmit an alert signal to an alarm system or to a separate notification device, such as a telephone or computer terminal, in order to alert an individual or the appropriate authorities to the presence of the hazardous environmental condition in the vicinity of the mobile storage system.

Abstract: An interface for a fire alarm system having a number of alarm condition detectors (11, 12, 13), a number of alarm devices such as alarm sounders (2) and the like and a fire alarm panel (1). The interface includes a fire alarm silence controller (4) and input and output circuits (7) and (8) connected to the controller. The input circuit includes one of the detectors (11) and the output circuit, one of the alarm sounders (2). Each fire alarm silence controller (4) has a timer and a user operable device for turning off the alarm device activated by the detector. The fire alarm system is provided for a plurality of individual dwellings and each dwelling has its own interface. When a detector in one dwelling is triggered to an alarm state the corresponding fire alarm silence controller operates the corresponding alarm device but does not signal an alarm condition to the fire alarm panel.

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.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a portable electronic device electronically is provided. The method comprises receiving a first radio signal, the first radio signal emitted by the electronically monitored portable electronic device and determining a first received signal strength of the first radio signal. The method also comprises receiving a second radio signal, the second radio signal emitted by the electronically monitored portable electronic device, the second radio signal received after the first radio signal. The method also comprises determining a second received signal strength of the second radio signal, comparing the second received signal strength to the first received signal strength, and alerting when a result of the comparing exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A fire exit alert system, preferably integrated into an exit device or automatic fire exit door closer, uses sound and light to signal the location of a fire exit in darkness and smoke-obscured rooms. The alert system includes a voice signal, such as “EXIT LOCATED HERE,” to signal that the location of the voice is also the location of the exit. A white noise signal generator is used to supplement the voice signal and produces a sound that is particularly localizable by the human ear. A strobe light and a laser are used to produce a visual guide to the location of the exit. The strobe light is flashed when the word “HERE” is used in the voice signal. The laser is used to produce a cone of light that points towards the fire exit alert system.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is an ASIC-controlled alarm unit. The ASIC circuit performs all the necessary control functions to provide audible and visual signaling when used with external horn and strobe circuits.

Abstract: A flame sensing system having a flame rod, a signal generator, a signal measurement circuit, and a controller, where the frequency and/or amplitude of the excitation signal may be variable. The signal measurement circuit may include a bias circuitry that references the flame signal to a voltage, a capacitor that varies the filtration, an AC coupling capacitor, a current limiting resistor, and a low-pass filter. The system may determine the flame-sensing rod contamination, the stray capacitance of the flame sensing system, and compensate for stray capacitance in the flame sensing system. The flame model may include a circuit that simulates a flame in the presence of the sensing rod, and another circuit that simulates a contact surface between the flame and the sensing rod.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system for suppressing fires on cook stoves, fryers or other heating or heated devices with fire suppressant dispensed through nozzles is powered by batteries which provide current for both a detection circuit including a pair of heat sensors and control circuitry and current for a gas or electric house current shut-off. The appliance shut-off device is operated by the standard hardwired interconnect cable that provides a signal between the control board and shutoff device or by an optional sonic receiver assembly that is acoustically tuned to detect an audible alarm emitted by a signal from the main control board. Preferably, the heat sensors are diodes, but in alternative embodiments may be thermistors or active temperature sensors. Mounting of heat sensors and nozzles are facilitated by tees and 90 degree elbows.

Abstract: A fire alarm system, determining existence or nonexistence of a fire by using an ultrasound wave, comprises a sound wave generator and a sound wave detector to detect sound waves propagated through two propagation paths having different lengths each other. The system comprises a calculation means for calculating a pressure ratio between a first sound pressure, which is a sound pressure of a sound wave propagated through a first propagation path, and a second sound pressure, which is a sound pressure of a sound wave propagated through a second propagation path, and a smoke density estimator. The smoke density estimator calculates a change ratio between the pressure ratio calculated by the calculation means and a predetermined standard pressure ratio, and determines a smoke density from the change ratio based on a predetermined relational expression describing the relation between the change ratio and the smoke density, and determines existence of a fire when the smoke density exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system for adjusting a bias voltage of a flame sensing system. The system may use pulse width modulation to adjust the bias voltage. The system may have a flame sensing rod that conveys an electrical equivalent circuit of a flame presence to a detector via low pass filter. An excitation voltage may be conveyed via a DC blocking mechanism to the sensing rod. A pulse width modulation signal may be conveyed via a bias resistor to a node of the low pass filter and the detector. The input of an A/D converter may be that of the detector for flame signals. Also, leakages between the node of the A/D converter connection and the voltage source and/or ground may be detected and compensated. Further, leakage of the DC blocking mechanism may be minimized.

Abstract: A method for detecting and conveying an alarm signal, when an absorbent article is unfastened or, completely removed from the body of the wearer. The method is intended to be used in parallel with a method for detecting wetness in the absorbent article and further relates to an integrated detection-and-alarm method for detecting unfastening and/or wetness in an absorbent article. A system for detecting and conveying an alarm signal when an absorbent article is unfastened or removed from the body of the wearer and/or when the article is wet. The system includes (a) and absorbent article having at least one absorbent layer, the object to be displaced, such as a fastening system, one or more sensoring devices, one or more transmitting devices, and (b) a remote receiver. Furthermore, the system relates to the use of the system in the care of children and adults suffering from incontinence and/or psychological illnesses.

Abstract: A flame sensing system having a flame rod, a signal generator, a signal measurement circuit, and a controller, where the frequency and/or amplitude of the excitation signal may be variable. The signal measurement circuit may include a bias circuitry that references the flame signal to a voltage, a capacitor that varies the filtration, an AC coupling capacitor, a current limiting resistor, and a low-pass filter. The system may determine the flame-sensing rod contamination, the stray capacitance of the flame sensing system, and compensate for stray capacitance in the flame sensing system. The flame model may include a circuit that simulates a flame in the presence of the sensing rod, and another circuit that simulates a contact surface between the flame and the sensing rod.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method including an event notification appliance including first and second light sources configured to indicate an event, including a fire and/or alert.

Abstract: A low cost flame sensing system having at last one floating point. For instance, the system may have two grounds. There may be a flame sensing rod for detecting a flame which has a model circuit which appears upon the existence of the flame proximate to the sensing rod. The sensing rod may function without an explicit or dedicated excitation source connected to it. There may be diagnostics in the system for detecting leakage or shorts of the sensing rod to ground. Also, the system may have AC grounding phase detection.

Abstract: An emergency alerting device for a Christmas tree utilizing a sheath having a housing forming an open chamber which is capable of encompassing the top of a Christmas tree. The decorative element is connected to the sheath and includes a smoke detector mounting to the surface of the decorative element. An alarm receives a signal from the smoke detector which sets off a perceivable audio noise. A source of power linked to the audio alarm activates the auto alarm.

Abstract: A method includes receiving occupancy information from a node located in an area of a structure, where the occupancy information includes a number of individuals located in the area. An indication of an evacuation condition is received from the node. One or more evacuation routes are determined based at least in part on the occupancy information. An instruction is provided to the node to convey at least one of the one or more evacuation routes.

Abstract: A fire detection system for detecting fires may include an infrared detector array. The fire detection system may use the infrared detector array to monitor the temperature of a target environment over time. In some cases, a positioning apparatus may be used to move the field of view of the infrared detector array, allowing the infrared detector array to scan a relatively large target environment while still achieving a given resolution.

Abstract: A smoke detector system employs smoke detectors that enter a “lockout period” following receipt of an alarm signal, during which time a detector will not receive a RF alarm signal and will not transmit a RF alarm signal after a certain period of time if that detector does not detect, or no longer detects, a dangerous condition. The lockout period is of sufficient duration to prevent re-transmission of a RF alarm signal by a detector even though it may have received a RF alarm signal from another detector(s). Hence, after a short period of time, no RF alarm signals will be received or transmitted and each detector resets, unless a dangerous condition is detected.

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.

Abstract: A detection mechanism for monitoring airflow in an electronics enclosure includes a first thermal sensor positioned proximate the enclosure for measuring an ambient air temperature and a second thermal sensor positioned proximate an exit air stream for measuring the temperature of air that is heated by the electronics in the enclosure. A control circuit is coupled with the first and second thermal sensors and is configured for determining a temperature differential between the measured temperatures of the thermal sensors. The control circuit may initiate an alarm when the temperature differential exceeds a setpoint thereby indicating restricted airflow in the enclosure. The control circuit might also take other remedial steps prior to initiating the alarm.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting flame using real-time continuous imaging and pattern recognition of infrared (IR) images of a flame region. Infrared emissions radiated from the region pass through a wide field-of-view lens and are detected by a Charged-Coupled Device (CCD) array sensitive to the near IR range. The system then digitizes the image, extracts characteristic parameters from the measurement and stores both the image and characteristic information for pattern recognition. To accomplish the pattern recognition function, the derived real-time characteristics of the current measurement are statistically compared to pre-stored patterns representative of images of radiation emitted from the region while known flame conditions prevail within the region. Based on this comparison, an assessment is made to determine the presence or absence of flame. The characteristic measurements are also used for evaluating the quality of flame.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for monitoring and reporting the tethered/untethered status of a mobile asset are described. An asset tracking device comprises a sensor and circuit that detects whether a physical connection exists between a tractor portion and a trailer portion of a tractor/trailer vehicle. The physical connection is detected through the connection of an air hose coupling (or glad hand) at the trailer front wall. The sensor is continuously monitored by the sensor circuit and when a change is detected, the circuit sends a signal that turns on the power to the rest of the system. This enables the system to run in a very low power mode for extended periods of time. The sensor, which is located on the air hose (glad hand) coupling, senses the presence (or non-presence) of a tractor attached to the trailer and sends a trigger signal to turn on the power to the rest of the system, enabling the system to operate for extended periods of time on battery power.

Abstract: A fire detector including a base and a fire detector insert connectable to the base. The fire detector insert is connectable to the base by an axial movement and detachable from the base by a subsequent axial movement.

Abstract: A method of monitoring an alarm system comprises transmitting a sound alert signal, receiving the transmitted sound alert signal, comparing the received sound alert signal with a reference signal having parameters dependent upon equivalent parameters of the transmitted sound alert signal, and outputting a signal indicating whether or not the equivalent parameters of the received sound alert signal have a predetermined relationship with said parameters of the transmitted sound alert signal.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems and methods for analyzing effects of cargo fire on primary aircraft structure. A thermal profile of a suppressed fire in a cargo compartment of an aircraft is developed. The thermal profile is applied to a heat transfer model of structure of an aircraft, and structural integrity of the modeled structure is analyzed. The thermal profile may be developed by introducing a fire in a physical model of a cargo compartment instrumented with temperature sensors and determining profiles of temperature versus time. A heat transfer model of aircraft structure is built, boundary conditions are input into the heat transfer model, and the model is run. When analysis of the modeled structure determined structural integrity to be insufficient to satisfy flight certification requirements, structural parameters are modified, the thermal profile is applied to a heat transfer model of the modified structure, and the analysis is repeated.

Abstract: An emergency device actuator absence notification system and method therefore capable of notifying an observer or system supervisor of the presence and operability of the emergency device actuator and also capable of notifying an observer or system supervisor of the absence or inoperability of the emergency device actuator.

Abstract: A power saving wireless fire alarm system has a master station and a plurality of battery-powered fire detecting cc terminals linked for wireless communication with each other. Upon detection of a fire occurrence at one of the fire detecting terminals, the fire detecting terminal transmit a fire detection message to a master station which in turn transmit a wake-up message to the other fire detecting terminals and thereafter a fire information message which starts a multiple synchronous communication between the master station and the fire detecting terminals. Each fire detecting terminal has a power controller which selects an intermittent reception mode of activating its own receiver only intermittently until receiving the wake-up message or information indicative of the fire occurrence, and select a constant operation mode thereafter to make the fire detecting terminals be ready for the multiple synchronous communication commenced by the fire information message from the master station.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting fire in a monitored area even if the flames are hidden behind obstructing objects.

Abstract: A fire detecting system includes a plurality of detectors, and a computing unit coupled to the detectors. The detectors are configured for generating a plurality of detecting values, respectively. For each of the detectors, the detecting value is equal to a first predetermined value when a fire state is detected thereby, and is equal to a second predetermined value when otherwise. The computing unit sets a weight value for each of the detectors and a threshold value, and is configured to perform a weight correcting method for correcting the weight value of each of the detectors based on accuracy of operation of the detectors.

Abstract: A system for operating a flame sensing device to obtain readings of increased accuracy without degrading the life of the sensor. There may be levels of a flame requiring a precise measurement. One improvement of accuracy uses higher voltage on the sensor, but this degrades the sensor and thus shortens it life. Further improvement may be achieved by limiting the time that the sensor is operated at a higher voltage. Readings, as if the sensor were operated at a higher voltage, may be inferred from actual readings of the sensor operated at a lower voltage.

Abstract: A wide area fire safety and detection system is disclosed. The system includes a control node configured to execute a first detection routine, wherein the control node has a network interface, and an amplifier having an audio output, wherein the amplifier is configured to communicate the audio output to a plurality of fire safety nodes. The system further includes a remote node in communication with the control node, wherein the remote node has a network interface configured for communication with at least the network interface of the control node, and an audio converter configured to receive the audio output and generated a converted audio output, wherein the converted out is compatible with a microphone input.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protecting process equipment from a fire and/or an explosion are provided. In particular, the apparatus and methods utilize Seebeck sensors or thermoelectric generators to detect the propagation of a flame front or deflagration wave within the process equipment. Upon detection of the deflagration wave, the system controller activates mitigation apparatus which may be in the form of a chemical suppressant or isolation valves in order to protect the process equipment from damage.

Abstract: An alarm system notification device that comprises a single strobe, an input selector, and a controller is disclosed. The single strobe may be configured to operate at a first wavelength band in a first configuration and at a second wavelength band in a second configuration, the first wavelength band being different from the second wavelength band. The configuration of the single strobe (either in the first or second configuration) is determined based on a command that is input by the input selector. In response to receiving the command, the controller may control the single strobe so that the single strobe is configured to operate at one of the first wavelength band in the first configuration or the second wavelength band in the second configuration as indicated in the command.

Abstract: A fire suppression valve includes an RF transmitter which transmits an indication that a closed valve has opened. The transmitter can be implemented as a passive wireless identifier tag energized by a source of wireless signals.

Abstract: An intelligent directional fire alarm system is disclosed. The intelligent directional fire alarm system identifies a threat such as a fire, and the location within a building relative to the known exits for building occupants, and indicates the closest exits in each area of a building relative to the location of an identified threat, and the path towards the exit for evacuees throughout a given building, relative to the detected fire location(s).

Abstract: An ambient condition monitoring system includes a plurality of detectors such as smoke detectors, gas detectors, or fire detectors. Each of the detectors has two sets of input/output ports. One port can communicate with a system control unit. The second port can communicate with a local wired network to which is coupled a plurality of output devices. The output devices can be activated by the respective detector using a modulated control signal.

Abstract: A fire alarm system includes a fire alarm control panel (FACP) and an addressable signaling line circuit (SLC) operably coupled to the FACP for communicating with addressable components, including a plurality of sensors. The sensors can include a plurality of atmospheric sensors operably coupled to the SLC and each configured to provide information about their local atmospheric environment. Also provided is a mobile robot addressable and dispatchable by the fire alarm control panel (FACP) to an area indicated by sensors that are detecting a hazardous or potentially hazardous condition. The robot has mobile sensors that are configured to obtain verification of the hazardous or potentially hazardous condition and the robot is further configured to communicate the verification to the FACP.

Abstract: An ambient condition detector outputs an alarm comprising a tonal pattern comprising at least two distinctly different pitch tones in one embodiment of the invention. Another embodiment comprises a detector whereby a user can select a pitch tone to be output within a tonal pattern alarm when the detector senses an ambient condition. Options include verbal output to indicate the type of ambient condition sensed and/or the location of the detector sensing the ambient condition.

Abstract: A fire detection network employs an implicit data backup and recovery system. The implicit data backup system allows fire detection units within a network to be automatically reprogrammed with configuration data. The detection units can store backup data and can access the stored backup data when necessary.

Abstract: A battery operated smoke detection and smoke extraction system for use within a building with walls and ceilings. The system detects the presence of smoke, and provides means to contain fires within the area of origination. The system feeds positive airflow to a fire by extracting smoke into a dedicated ductwork system, whereby it is exhausted outside through the building envelope in a confined manner. The system decreases the possibility of fire back draft occurring. The system is comprised of a modified smoke detector, which activates a fan installed in a multi port manifold. Individual dedicated ducts, each serving individual rooms, are connected to the manifold. Each duct has a ceiling mounted back draft damper, for energy efficiency. The manifold is provided with a chimney and a decorative spark arrestor chimney termination. The system is powered by means of rechargeable batteries within a fireproofed recharging receptacle.