Abstract: An apparatus for flameout detection to be used with a furnace having a sight hole tube for inspection of a flame. The apparatus comprises a fixed portion adapted for being mounted to the sight hole tube and being electrically connected to a control system. The fixed portion defines a first see-through channel being positioned opposite a sight hole of the sight hole tube, whereby the flame is visible therethrough. A detachable portion has a sensor device disposed therein a second see-through channel. The detachable portion is releasably mounted to the fixed portion such as to engage a contact connection therewith. The sensor device is disposed opposite the first see-through channel of the fixed portion for flameout detection therethrough, wherein the detachable portion is electrically disconnected upon being detached from the fixed portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a smart wireless fire site notifying device, which comprises a plurality of fire sensors, a plurality of route indicators, and at least a remote control master. The fire sensor gives an alarm and outputs a wireless alarming signal to other fire sensors when detecting abnormal situations. The route indicator receives the wireless alarming signal, discriminates the signal, and determines and displays the fire site and the best escape route. The remote control master sets the address serial code of each fire sensor and mutual learning of digital codes of the fire sensors and the route indicators to let them receive the wireless alarming signal simultaneously. The present invention not only has learning and regular self testing functions, it can also inform the users of the fire site and situation and the best escape direction and route to exactly ensure their properties and safety.

Abstract: A system and method for freeing a pet from a portable holding cage. A portable holding cage is provided with a door that can be locked in a closed position by an electromechanical locking mechanism. The operation of the electromechanical locking mechanism is controlled by a systems controller. The systems controller monitors alarm signals transmitted to it from a remote smoke detector. The transmitted alarm signals can be audible alarm signals, radio alarm signals or optical alarm signals. Once the alarm signal is received and identified by the systems controller, the systems controller activates the electromechanical locking mechanism and opens the door to the holding cage.

Abstract: A method of fabricating various models of fire detectors only from a limited number of common parts or unit in accordance with user's specific needs but at a reduced cost. The method utilizes a smoke sensor until (1), a thermal sensor unit (2), a signal processing unit (3), a signal transmission unit (4), and a power unit (5), and then combines at least one of the smoke sensor unit and the thermal sensor unit with the power unit and optionally with at least one of the signal processing unit and the signal tansmission unit.

Abstract: A system (and method) includes at least one sensor for sensing a presence of a vehicle occupant, and for sensing a dangerous environmental condition within a vehicle, at least one system for emitting a warning based upon the output of the at least one sensor, and a device for transmitting a signal from the at least one sensor to the warning device.

Abstract: A smoke detector monitors one or more internal conditions, such as battery output voltage in detectors that include batteries. Both audible and visible indicators are energized to indicate the presence of the monitored condition or conditions. A switch or a wireless sensor on the detector can be actuated to temporarily suppress the audible indicator provided the battery exhibits an output voltage in a predetermined range, less than that of normal operation.

Abstract: The system includes a sensor for each junction box in the building to be guarded, e.g., the residence, and a display panel showing the temperature of any junction box that is heated above the danger point. Another display panel shows the name of the resident and address of the residence, and the location of the heated junction box by room number and junction box number and the shape of the junction box. A plurality of residences are connected with a central station, such as a fire station, by a single telephone line to each residence. A single processing unit is located in each residence, and a single such unit is located in the central display station. A display panel is located in the central station identical with each display in a residence.

Abstract: A total flood fire suppression system is provided for transportation tunnels and other human-occupied environments, which employs a selective gas delivery method for supplying a breathable fire-extinguishing agent to a location closest to a fire site. The agent is produced from ambient air at site and stored in high-pressure containers communicating with an addressed gas delivery hose installed throughout a tunnel. When fire is detected, the agent is released from storage containers into the gas delivery hose that simultaneously becomes penetrated or broken in a location next to the fire site, allowing releasing the agent there and extinguishing the fire by totally flooding the affected portion of a tunnel. Additionally, the direction of the agent flow can be controlled by air blocks or inflatable tunnel plugs that, via a signal from a central control station, can inflate and block a tunnel tube in order to redirect the agent flow into the opposite to a block direction.

Abstract: A smoke detector is adapted to be coupled to a fire monitoring unit, and includes a power consuming unit and a power supply unit. The power consuming unit is adapted to be coupled electrically to the fire monitoring unit so as to draw electric power therefrom. The power supply unit is coupled electrically to the power consuming unit, and is operable so as to supply electric power to the power consuming unit when the electric power from the fire monitoring unit is cut-off.

Abstract: A flame detector for a burner system having a flame during combustion that emits UV radiation, has a low gain UV sensor, a capacitor, a band pass filter receiving the capacitor's signal, and a rectifier receiving the band pass filter signal and providing a rectifier signal. A low pass filter receives the rectifier signal and provides a flame signal as an output whose magnitude is indicative of presence or absence of flame. An optical filter interposed between the UV sensor and the flame and having optical bandpass characteristics attenuating UV radiation outside the wavelength associated with the flame, improves operation.

Abstract: A fire event detection system includes a programmable logic circuit which evaluates electrical resistance input data and energizes an alarm upon programmed conditions. The system includes a temperature sensitive polymeric tape spanning between a pair of conductors connected to the circuit. The conductors and tape define a plurality of notches for redirecting current transversely across the tape between the for enhancing responsiveness to a temperature increase at a particular location along the tape. The circuit energizes the alarm if the resistance data indicates a temperature greater than a predetermined critical temperature parameter or if the data indicates a temperature rate of rise greater than a critical rate of rise parameter. The tape may include notched and unnotched portions such that the circuit energizes the alarm if the rate of rise at a particular location is greater than the rate of rise of the tape as a whole.

Abstract: A device for testing a fire alarm including a smoke alarm and at least one gas sensor, has a testing pot fittable over a fire alarm, a first gas container with aerosol for operational testing of the smoke alarm, the first gas container having a first valve and a first gas outlet opening, the first gas outlet opening extending into the testing part, and means for making available a testing gas for at least one gas sensor available in the testing pot.

Abstract: An ionic flame monitor. The flame monitor has a flame rod that produces an ionization current when the flame rod is immersed in a flame and excited by a voltage. The ionization current has a DC component and an AC component each dependent on the intensity of the flame, and a flicker frequency. The flame monitor also has a computing device that is responsive to signals representative of the flicker frequency, and the AC and DC components of the ionization current for determining the existence of the flame.

Abstract: In a fire alarm system, a plurality of terminal equipments are connected to a control panel. The terminal equipments include a first terminal equipment provided with a first mode in which the first terminal equipment is controlled by the control panel, and a second mode in which the first terminal equipment controls a second terminal equipment which is other than the first terminal equipment.

Abstract: In a fire alarm system, a plurality of terminal equipments are connected to a control panel. A memory is provided with each terminal equipment, which stores characteristic data indicating characteristics of the associated terminal equipment. The control panel establishes an initial configuration of each terminal equipment based on the characteristic data transmitted from the respective terminal equipments.

Abstract: A fire detection device that is inexpensive, capable of monitoring a wide range of area, and efficiently detecting a fire with high accuracy without necessitating a complicated image processing. Luminance data extraction means extracts luminance data from an input image. Resampling means carries out resampling of the luminance data over a time period longer than a repetition period of swaying of a flame, to generate resampled data. Fire detection means calculates an average value of N (natural number equal to or larger than 2) items of the resampled data, and determines that the input image is an image of a flame, by comparison between a count of sampled data items larger than the average value or a count of sampled data items smaller than the average value and a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adverse condition detection apparatus that enables a user to test the apparatus in close proximity without having to endure fully operational alarm noise. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a detector, a transducer, and a test system. The detector provides an adverse condition signal in response to detecting an adverse condition (e.g., smoke). The transducer is operably connected to the detector for receiving the adverse condition signal. The transducer generates an operational alarm in response to receiving the adverse condition signal when the detector detects the adverse condition. The test system is operably connected to the transducer and causes it to generate a test alarm in response to a user activating the test system. However, the test alarm, at least initially, is lower in audibility than the operational alarm.

Abstract: A flame management system comprises two flame detector units which are arranged to view different regions of at least one flame and are connected to separate channels of a processor. Each detector unit has at least two operating modes, such as an infra-red and an ultra-violet operating mode, or a normal and a sensitive infra-red or ultra-violet mode, etc. and is switchable between those modes by the processor. The processor thus selectively processes the output of the two units and actively controls the operating mode of each to obtain responses appropriate to the type and/or condition of the or each flame being monitored. In order to enable both IR and UV monitoring from a single detector unit, the detector includes at least one photo-sensitive member together with an optical element such as an IR filter which operates selectively to deliver an undivided IR or an undivided UV compact to the at least one photo-sensitive member.

Abstract: The battery powered or 120 VAC powered environmental condition detector of the present invention is designed to provide an early warning of the presence of an environmental condition (smoke or carbon monoxide gas or natural gas or propane gas or any multiple combination of these offending agents) to persons in remote areas of a building. The detector sensing the environmental condition emits an audible tonal pattern alarm, while transmitting a radio signal directly to other environmental condition detectors to activate their alarms and to activate an electronically stored human voice recording (or synthesized voice) that indicates the location of the environmental condition detector sensing the environmental condition, or the type of environmental condition, or both.

Abstract: A fire fighter's safety device, comprising a hollow body having a sidewall, a top end and a bottom end and an arm connected to the body and extending parallel to the sidewall. There is a light source disposed at one of the top and bottom ends and an audible signal disposed within the body. There is a heat sensor connected to the body for sensing the temperature in the surrounding area, and a power source disposed with the hollow body and connected to the light source, audible signal and heat sensor. The device keeps a door open when the arm is inserted between a door and a door frame to rest on a door hinge and the audible signal and light indicate the exit during a fire.

Abstract: A fire detector which can be observed an operating state thereof from every direction and decrease a cost thereof as possible. The fire detector (10) comprises: the circuit board (32) in which the circuit for detecting a fire is formed; the LED (35) which is surface-mounted on the circuit board (32); and the indication lamp for indicating the fire detector being under detection by emitting the light emitted from the LED (35), wherein the indication lamp comprises the light guide member (20) for introducing the light emitted from the LED (35) to the indication lamp with a ring shape, the light guide member (20) comprises the light incident parts (21) and (21) and the ring member (22), notches (23) and (23) are formed in the vicinity of the light incident parts (21) and (21) of the ring member (22), and a plurality of small grooves (24), and (24) . . . are formed in the bottom surface (22d) of the ring member (22).

Abstract: A circuit and apparatus for magnetically sensing fluid flow and applying voltage to a load has a spring loaded check valve disposed within a conduit and provided with a magnetic shield. A magnet is located on one side of the magnetic shield while a sensor, associated with the valve, is located on the opposite side of the magnetic shield. The check valve, and hence the magnetic shield, moves to permit fluid flow. When the magnetic shield moves due to fluid flow, the magnet activates the sensor. A load control circuit includes a supply terminal for receiving a supply voltage and a detector which detects a condition requiring the operation of a load. The detector causes a threshold voltage to be generated from the supply voltage, and a time delay controller controls the time required to generate the threshold voltage.

Abstract: A heat detector that includes a temperature sensing and testing circuit that provides an increased accuracy temperature sensing range and a push-to-test circuit that is electronically functional at low ambient temperatures. The heat detector includes a sensing circuit consisting of a voltage divider formed from a supply resistor and a thermistor. The thermistor is connected directly between a detector voltage input to a control unit and ground. The push-to-test circuit includes a parallel combination of a test resistor and a transistor each connected between the supply resistor and a voltage source. During normal operating conditions, base current is supplied to the transistor such that the transistor functions as a short circuit connection between the supply resistor and the voltage source. Upon depression of a push button, the base of the transistor is connected to the emitter such that the transistor acts as an open circuit.

Abstract: A self contained, wearable personal protection device that incorporates a silent security alarm feature, a smoke detector alarm feature and, optionally, the feature of providing the time of day to the wearer is disclosed. The personal protection device with these features is incorporated into a housing case that is sized to be worn about the wrist of an individual user. The personal protection device is particularly suited for use by children. The smoke detector alarm feature of the device automatically activates an audible alarm feature when smoke is detected. The silent security alarm feature is activated when the wearer pushes a button on the device. Further, the wrist worn personal protection device optionally provides the wearer with the time of day as a further incentive for the child to wear the device.

Abstract: A smoke alarm on the scattered radiation principle. Having a measuring field (5), accessible to smoke particles, in a measuring chamber, at which field the radiation direction of a radiation transmitter (6) is aimed, and scattered radiation occurring in the measuring field (5) can be received by a radiation receiver (7); the measuring chamber includes a portion of the hollow ellipsoid (3) which is mirror-coated on the inside; the measuring field (5) is disposed at the first focal point (1) of the hollow ellipsoid; the radiation receiver (7) is disposed at the second focal point (2) of the hollow ellipsoid (3).

Abstract: An ambient condition detector includes at least a sensor for a first ambient condition and a second, sensor which is responsive to a second ambient condition not necessarily correlated to the first condition. Control circuitry, coupled to both sensors, processes an output from the first sensor to reduce transients and/or noise therein which are not correlated to the first ambient condition. Processing characteristics are altered in response to an output from the second sensor. The processing can take place at the detector or, in part, at the detector and, in part, at a displaced, common control element. The output from the first sensor can also be used to modify the processing of the output of the second sensor.

Abstract: A smoke detector and signal device is adapted for attachment to an interior door knob or to the window of a room. The device includes a housing containing an interconnected array of components including a smoke responsive transducer, an electric power source, a signal light, and an electronic circuit device interconnecting the array of components. The device includes connectors for either attaching the housing to the window for displaying the signal light to the outside or to the door knob of the room to provide a lighted signal of the precise location of the door knob to an occupant within the room.

Abstract: A network audio-link alarm monitoring system for sensing the sound from triggered alarms and reporting the arm to alarm authorities. The system and method of the invention relies on the aural sound produced from alarms that have been triggered. The system, implemented on a PC or other processor on premises, differentiates the sound coming from different alarms, characterizes the sound as from a particular alarm via FFT processing and reports the alarm over the Internet, public switched telephone, or other communication link to a central station which then reports the alarm to the alarm authority. In another embodiment, the reporting of the alarm is done directly by the PC at the residence or business to the alarm authority over the Internet or other communication link.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting ignited flammable gas in a conduit or for detecting the impurity content of a gas composition are described. In the apparatus, a sensor body is provided which is equipped with at least one perforated isolator plate for slowing down the flow of an ignited flammable gas when fed back into the cavity of the detection apparatus. The sensor body further includes at least one optical sensor mounted juxtaposed to a gas inlet for sensing an ignited flammable gas and for sending a signal to a controller for shutting off the flammable gas supply. The present invention novel apparatus can further be utilized to detect the impurity level in a gas composition, and to detect any reaction product between a flammable gas and a material that forms the chamber component.

Abstract: A smoking detection device comprising a smoke sensor for generating an electrical signal in response to the detection of smoke, and an optical sensor for generating an electrical signal in response to the detection of ultraviolet radiation in a prescribed range. The smoking detection device may further comprise an alarm unit which is electrically connected to the smoke and optical sensors for generating an alarm signal in response to any one of the electrical signals generated by the smoke and optical sensors. The optical sensor is configured to sense ultraviolet radiation in a spectral range of from about 185 nanometers to about 260 nanometers, and of an intensity in a range of about 1 picowatt per square centimeter to about 1 nanowatt per square centimeter.

Abstract: A multi-sensor type sensor has sensor processors for generating detection data of plural types based on detection signals from a plurality of sensor portions, and a mode switching portion for switching a mode which indicates type of data to be sent to a receiver in response to a mode switching instruction issued from the receiver, and sending selectively the data of the type which corresponds to a current switching mode in response to a data request instruction issued from the receiver. The receiver includes a mode switching indicating portion for switching the mode by transmitting the mode switching instruction which selects type of response data to the fire sensors, and a fire judging portion for judging the fire by receiving the response data from the fire sensors in response to transmission of the data request instruction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting fire in a monitored area.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for the detection of heat, incipient fire or combustion comprising the steps of: 1) incorporating a temperature-specific indicating agent which emits a specific detectable gas upon attainment of a predetermined temperature in an area where heat or incipient fire is to be detected, 2) providing a gas detector capable of detecting the specifically detectable gas emitted from the temperature-specific indicating agent; 3) detecting the specifically detectable gas; and 4) providing a warning or alarm when the specifically detectable gas reaches a predetermined concentration in the area. There is also disclosed a heat or incipient fire detection system comprising a temperature-specific indicating agent which emits a specific detectable gas upon attainment of a predetermined temperature and a detector for the specifically detectable gas.

Abstract: The present invention discloses improved smoke detector devices. In a preferred embodiment, the invention takes the form of an improved smoke detector of the type having a ceiling-mounted, main housing with an electrical circuit that includes an alarm device and a smoke sensing means that activates the alarm device when smoke is present in the vicinity of the sensing means. Wherein the improvement comprises a remote housing that is remotely disposed from the main housing, with the remote housing having affixed thereto a remote electrical circuit comprising a means for receiving an electrical connection from the main electrical circuit, a means for testing the operating condition of the main electrical circuit, a means for shutting off the alarm device, and a remote battery coupling means that allows a battery for powering the detector to be located in the remote housing.

Abstract: A pilot flame sensing system employs an electromagnetic transducer (41) at the bottom of a vertical stack (11) used for burning waste gases which incorporates a pilot burner (15) at the top of the stack (11). The electromagnetic transducer (41) responds to acoustic energy generated by the pilot burner (15) and communicates down thorough an igniter tube (21) extending essentially the full height of the stack. At least one diaphragm (43) having a low loss tangent and high modulus is used to suspend the electromagnetic transducer (41) so as to allow the electromagnetic transducer (41) to resonate the diaphragm (43) thus improving a signal to noise ratio of an output signal of the electromagnetic transducer (41). The electromagnetic transducer (41) is preferably of the moving coil geophone type which provides an electrical signal at low impedance which can be coupled through relatively long leads to a remote control facility.

Abstract: A temperature difference calculator portion detects temperature difference indicating the rate of temperature rise when it receives heat generated by the fire. A correction factor deciding portion decides a correction factor for a smoke signal based on an external temperature and the temperature difference. Finally, a smoke data correction portion corrects smoke data by multiplying the smoke signal detected by a smoke detector and the correction factor.

Abstract: Due to the presence of various environmental condition detectors in the home and businesses such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, natural gas detectors, etc., each having individual but similar sounding alarm patterns, it can be difficult for occupants of such dwellings to immediately determine the specific type of environmental condition that exists during an alarm condition. The present invention comprises an environmental condition detector using both tonal pattern alarms and pre-recorded voice messages to indicate information about the environmental condition being sensed. Single-station battery-powered and 120 VAC detectors are described as are multiple-station interconnected 120 VAC powered detectors. The pre-recorded voice messages describe the type of environmental condition detected or the location of the environmental condition detector sensing the condition, or both, in addition to the tonal pattern alarm. Provisions are made for multilingual pre-recorded voice messages.

Abstract: A system for mounting two alarm-indicating or condition-sensing modules side-by-side onto a junction box provides installation flexibility to locate a particular module on the right or left side of the respective other module. A loudspeaker module can be centered on the junction box and a strobe light module can be placed either on the right side or the left side of the junction box by 180.degree. rotation of a common elongated rectangular frame and 180.degree. rotation of the strobe light module with respect to the frame. The loudspeaker module includes fastener receiving holes aligned with fastener engagement holes of a standard 4".times.4" junction box for securing the loudspeaker module and the common frame with the strobe light module attached thereto, to the junction box. The frame includes a recessed region to receive and support the strobe light module.

Abstract: A flame sensor for sensing flame produced by the burner of a furnace. The sensor includes a closed end tube having a photosensitive element located therein. The photosensitive element is sealed off from any external light so as to only respond to infrared wavelengths of light emitted from the end of the tube when subjected to a flame produced by the burner of the furnace.

Abstract: A system for the detection of fire in an apparatus or device having a fan and a pump, comprising means 20, 25 for detecting the presence of a pre-condition of fire, control means 30 for deactivating the fan on detection of said precondition, and fire detector means 35 for detecting smoke or fire in the absence of air movement.

Abstract: A safety apparatus is disclosed for providing information to a fire fighter concerning the number of occupants of each room of a dwelling in the event of a fire. The apparatus includes an activator disposed externally relative to the dwelling, the activator being activated by the fire fighter in the event of a fire. A transmitter is electrically connected to the activator such that when the activator is activated, a signal is sent to the transmitter, the signal triggering a secondary signal which is transmitted by the transmitter. A receiver is located in each room of the dwelling, each receiver receiving the secondary signal from the transmitter, the receiver generating a pulse corresponding to the secondary signal. A strobe light is located within the same room of the dwelling as the receiver, the strobe light being electrically connected to the receiver so that the strobe light is energized by the pulse from the receiver.

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

Abstract: Novel fire detection method and apparatus for positively detecting a fire in the stage of initial smoldering fire or smokeless burning with a high sensitivity. A sensor apparatus disposed in an area i makes gas detection and gas recognition using an existing pattern recognition method such as principal component analysis. If no gas is detected, flag f.sub.i =0 is set. If a gas is detected and recognized as a water vapor, f.sub.i =1 is set. If it is not recognized as a water vapor, f.sub.i =0 is set. Monitoring N areas as above, J=f.sub.1 +f.sub.2 + . . . +f.sub.N is calculated, if 0<J<N, an area of f.sub.i =1 is recognized as highly possible to be a fire. When J=0 or J=N, it is recognized as a non-fire since it is highly possible as due to detection of a gas other than a water vapor such as alcohol or an ordinary humidity change.

Abstract: A system for indicating by means of at least one warning light the residual heat of at least one pan support grid for a gas burner in domestic cooking or heating appliances controlled by an electronic control device, in which the residual heat of the grid is measured indirectly by the electronic control device on the basis of data relative to the flame level set for the burner and the time for which said flame level is maintained, these data being corrected by a factor which takes account of the physical characteristics of the grid, such that the warning light is and remains activated when the residual heat of the grid exceeds a predetermined safety threshold (A) for its handling by the user.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting characteristics of a flame includes a pair of electrodes that are spaced apart for passing an electric current through the flame. A pulse width modulator is coupled to the electrodes and generates an alternating current which flows through the flame. A controller operates the pulse width modulator to alter the duty cycle of the alternating current so that the average current through the flame is zero. Flame characteristic information is derived from the lengths of the positive and negative periods of the resultant alternating current.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the operability of fire event sensors having a programmable logic circuit which automatically and continuously analyzes whether readings obtained from fire event sensors satisfy multiple predetermined parameters. Parameters defining operability may include the mere receipt of a signal from a sensor, elapsed time between signals, substantive quality of signals, sensor sensitivity, strength of power source, or other parameters. The parameters are modifiable to facilitate many different types of sensors without the addition of any additional circuitry. The system also includes manual testing of the self-checking routine itself as well as checking the circuitry of a fire detection unit and strength of power source. Means for resetting the system is also provided.

Abstract: A wireless, battery-operated detection system of a plurality of RF-interconnected detectors is operable over a CSMA-type network and intended to detect the occurrence of a local phenomena and transmit at least one signal to at least one other detector to remotely sound an alarm. Each detector includes a sensor for sensing local phenomena, a transmitter for transmitting RF messages indicative of the phenomena, a receiver for receiving the RF messages, an alarm circuit for sounding an audible alarm indicative of the phenomena and a controller operable to control the mode of operation of each detector, wherein each controller is operable to control all the detectors in the system in response to a stimulus and to control multiple and conflicting signals transmitted among the detectors. The controller includes a prioritization circuit for determining the relative priority of the received RF signals and stimuli indicative of a particular condition to enable the appropriate mode of operation.

Abstract: A detecting apparatus includes a processing device connected to a sensor, a programmable memory device and an alarm device. The sensor generates a signal output that varies according to a detected condition. The processing device includes a converting unit for converting the signal output of the sensor into a digitized value, a memory programming unit for storing a reference value in the memory device, and a comparing unit for comparing the digitized value from the converting unit with the reference value in the memory device. When the processing device is operated in a calibrating mode while the sensor is placed in a standard environment, the programming unit stores the digitized value from the converting unit as the reference value in the memory device.

Abstract: A stove emergency cutoff system (16) comprising a stove (18) having a front wall (20), a rear wall (22), a top wall (24), laterally spaced side walls (26), a plurality of burners (28) in the top wall (24) and a plurality of control knobs (30) for the burners (28) in the front wall (20). A facility (32) is for deactivating any control knob (30) that is turned on when food (34) in a cooking utensil (36) on one of the burners (28) is on fire and is producing a large flame (38), so as to shut down the stove (18), and as a result will cause the fire to go out.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flame sensor having dynamic sensitivity adjustment, wherein the sensitivity of the flame detector can be adjusted by varying the gain of a signal conditioning circuit associated with the flame detector. The flame detector includes a photodiode, such as, for example, a silicon carbide (SiC) photodiode, that, when exposed to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of from about 190-400 nanometers, and preferably within the ultraviolet range. The photodiode generates a photocurrent proportional to the ultraviolet light intensity to which it is exposed. The output of the photodiode is processed and amplified by signal conditioning circuitry to produce a signal indicative of the presence of a flame. Moreover, a cutoff wavelength for silicon carbide photodiodes is preferably in the range of about 400 nanometers, which renders the photodiode "blind" to potentially interfering blackbody radiation from the walls of the turbine.