Abstract: A fire discriminating apparatus for determining whether there is the outbreak of fire in an area under surveillance in accordance with the temperature difference between a temperature detection value of the area and a reference temperature.

Abstract: An alarm system for warning of a creosote chimney fire hazard, having both means to produce a visible alarm when the creosote temperature is nearing the creosote flash point, and means to produce an audible alarm when light from actual ignition of a creosote fire is detected. The invention also provides means to discriminate against detection of wood fire light, to minimize false alarms.

Abstract: An image processing method for flame monitoring is based on the formation of a video signal characteristic to the combustion process. In accordance with the method, the flame is monitored by each fire-box camera essentially from its side, whereby the video signal is adapted to cover at least an entire ignition area of a single burner, the video signal is continually processed to define the average intensity level corresponding to the steepest intensity gradients, and for each averaged level, the corresponding spatial or time coordinates of the continuous video signal, which define the location of the ignition area, are determined. The method extracts from the ignition and combustion process abundant information helpful in the control of combustion.

Abstract: A fire alarm system of the present invention is adapted to compute an approximation equation based on the detection data from a detector or detectors such about a smoke density, a temperature, a gas concentration, etc. and predictively determine a fire based on the approximation equation. The system including computing section for computing an approximation equation approximating a change in the physical phenomenon related to the occurrence of a fire which is output from the detector or detectors, sequentially sampled and stored and for computing a future value of the phenomenon estimated from the approximation by using a predetermined number of the data stored in a storing section. The future vale is compared with a data value preliminarily set in association with the fire alarming and an alarm is generated when the relation therebetween is not within a predetermined range.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a flame which emits light, the apparatus comprising: (a) a detector for detecting the light and outputting a signal corresponding to the light; (b) a casing for enclosing the detector, the casing including an aperture for the light going to the detector; (c) a blower for supplying air to the casing; and (d) a windmill for periodically shuttering the light to the detector with a shuttering frequency, the windmill being driven by the supplied air.

Abstract: A circuit layout for an infrared space surveillance detector with a sensor and a field effect transistor following the sensor. An operational amplifier with a negative input is connected to the drain electrode of a field effect transistor. The output signal of the operational amplifier is fed back to its negative input. The stabilization of the operating voltage by the operational amplifier is utilized and the drain electrode of the field effect transistor may be supplied with a stable voltage, so that filtering of the operating voltage by a filter factor of 100 to 120 dB, that would otherwise be required, may be eliminated. It is possible further to apply a constant current and/or regulate the current supplied by utilizing the output signal of the operational amplifier to the source electrode of the field effect transistor.

Abstract: A fire alarm and heat detection system and apparatus employs a thermoplastic film tape, of a plastic material which may or may not be heat shrinkable, e.g., polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, rubber hydrochloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyester, or nylon, having a substantial drop in tensil strength at a predetermined temperature. A conductor wire is supported on and extends for the entire length of the tape. The wire may be round in cross section or a flat foil and embedded in the tape or formed of two separate film tapes, heat sealed or adhesively laminated together or supported, by printing or the like, on the surface of a single tape. The tape and wire are supported across a supporting frame or yoke having supporting members spring loaded apart to apply a predetermined tension which may be preselected whereby the tape and wire will break on occurrence of a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A fire alarm system which comprises one or more detecting sections for detecting a change in the surrounding phenomena due to a fire in an analog form; a storing section for storing the analog data output from the detecting section or sections; a level comparing section for comparing a data level represented by present instantaneous analog data output from the detecting section or sections and a predetermined level; fire judging instructing section which extracts a plurality of data stored during a predetermined period of time back to from the time when a comparison signal is obtained from the level comparing section, calculates a change amount between the respective extracted data and generates an output for initiating the calculation when the number of the calculated change amounts exceeding a predetermined amount exceeds a predetermined number; and a fire judging section for receiving the data stored in the storing section in response to the signal from the comparing section and/or fire judging instructing

Abstract: A fire alarm system which makes fire determination based on a novel idea which considers various changes of the physical phenomena in the surroundings caused in relation with the occurrence of a fire in terms of changes of vectors. These changes in the physical phenomena are detected by the detecting section in the form of analog data and processed by a data sampling section as sampled data and stored in a storing section in such a manner as discriminating them by the detecting sections. The tendencies of the changes are computed in a first computing section and the vectors representing the present or future conditions of the physical phenomena are computed from the sampled data. The vector is compared in a comparing section with a preliminarily set data related to the fire detection and when the relation therebetween is not a predetermined one, an alarm is given through an alarming section.

Abstract: A smoke detector having variable sensitivity to smoke levels and using one button both to test the smoke detector and actuate a mode of diminished sensitivity to smoke levels. The smoke detector is operable in a normal sensitivity mode and a diminished sensitivity mode with rapid switching between the modes. The sensitivity to smoke levels is substantially constant when in either the normal or diminished sensitivity mode.

Abstract: A multifunctional safety gas flow regulator controller, mainly composed of an electronic circuit, automatically starts an alarm and controls components that close the gas supply when the flame is accidentally extinguished or when the battery has an inadequate power supply. The controller is characterized by its multifunctional safety controller for proper disposal of gas tools.

Abstract: A fire detector is equipped with a sensor which detects physical quantities such as heat, light or smoke and which, in particular, stores the time when the fire detector responds or generates an alarm and also stores the output level of the sensor at such time and displays these stored data whenever required. It also stores successive output levels of the sensor at each of a series of predetermined time intervals along with the respective time values until the fire detector generates an alarm and displays these stored data whenever required.

Abstract: Fire detection apparatus includes a fire detector panel and an accumulation-type control panel in which the fire detection element is non-latching but the fire voltage detection circuit includes a fire indicator which is latched when a fire signal is detected for longer than a predetermined time. The circuit for latching is controlled by an accumulation circuit in the control panel that controls a relay closing that generates a fixed voltage suitable for the fire indicator.

Abstract: A fire prevention system useful for controlling actuation of equipment such as combustion or heating devices used in food preparation. The system according to this invention includes a fire alarm circuit and a timer circuit which automatically shuts down energy supplies to such equipment either in response to the detection of a fire, or during preselected periods of scheduled inoperation of the equipment. The system, therefore, in addition to operating as a fire alarm, reduces the likelihood that a fire will be started when equipment is unattended. The fire prevention system according to this invention further includes a manually operated override circuit which restores energy supplies to the controlled equipment irrespective of the control signals provided by the fire alarm circuit and timer.

Abstract: A flame control circuit becomes a flame protection circuit when the whole circuit is also controlled with respect to correct operation. A final output signal 32, "presence of flame", is supplied only if a flame 6 is present and the circuit operates correctly. In any other case, in which parts of the circuit operate incorrectly, independently of the presence or absence of the flame, the output signal "absence of flame" is supplied. The circuit utilizes the rectifying effect of a flame on an alternating voltage applied to a measuring probe 2 in the flame, and the measuring direct voltage thus obtained, taken with an alternating voltage as a reference and applied to correctly polarized phase detection circuits 28, 42 produces the final output signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the detection and recording of the weak points or defects on hot semifinished iron and steel industry products, by application of the flame of an oxygen-supplied blowtorch to the surface to be examined, displacing the application point along the surface, picking up the image of the application point by video camera, and transmitting the image to a remote location. An observer viewing this screen can make a map of the surface examined, recording thereon the weak points or defects detected both by their dimensions and by their type. This process finds application in the hot treatment of the slabs, blooms, and steel rods, when the casting, defect repair and rolling operations are to be carried out continuously.

Abstract: A composite fire sensor comprising a first sensor element sensitive to a change in incident infrared rays, a second sensor element having a variable electric conductivity according to gas absorption/desorption, at least one comparator for combining the outputs of the first and second sensor elements, and a delay circuit for delaying the output of at least one of the comparators. Predetermined reference voltages are supplied to the comparators.

Abstract: A flame monitor senses flame brightness and produces two signals corresponding to rapid brightness variations and average brightness. By comparing rapid signal variations to a fraction of the average a threshold ON-OFF signal representing normal flame operation is obtained that can be processed as a fail-safe indication and control. High and low limit thresholds can be set and compared with average brightness as a further condition of proper flame operation.

Abstract: A fiber optics based optical emission line monitoring system is provided in which selected spectral emission lines, such as the sodium D-line emission in coal combustion, may be detected in the presence of interferring background or blackbody radiation with emissions much greater in intensity than that of the emission line being detected. A bifurcated fiber optic light guide is adapted at the end of one branch to view the combustion light which is guided to a first bandpass filter, adapted to the common trunk end of the fiber. A portion of the light is reflected back through the common trunk portion of the fiber to a second bandpass filter adapted to the end of the other branch of the fiber. The first filter bandpass is centered at a wavelength corresponding to the emission line to be detected with a bandwidth of about three nanometers (nm). The second filter is centered at the same wavelength but having a width of about 10 nm.

Abstract: A fire detection system comprises a plurality of individual fire detection-suppression units which all have their own individual standby electrical power supply. Each has a radiation detector for fire detection and its own source of fire suppressant. In the event of any of the units detecting a large fire, it automatically releases suppressant from its own source. In addition, all the units are connected to a master control station via a data bus. Any individual unit sensing a large fire signals this fact to the master control station which then enables the immediately adjacent individual units so as to permit those units, only, to release their fire suppressant if and only if they detect at least a "small" fire (and also provided that the master control station determines that not less than a predetermined number of the units still have functional fire suppressant sources).

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a combustion state in a furnace of a boiler wherein the shape of the root part of a flame (namely, the part closer to the fuel jet port of a burner) is picked up by an image sensor or the like, and the combustion state is diagnosed from the shape. Concretely, the relationships between the shapes of the root parts of flames and the combustion states of the furnace, e.g., the amount of CO or the amount of NOx are experimentally or empirically ensured and are stored in advance, one of the patterns of the stored flame shapes is selected on the basis of the shape of the root part of the flame actually observed, and the combustion state of the furnace is judged the combustion state of the selected flame shape.

Abstract: A novel signal transmission system, having a junction line comprised of a power source line, a grounding line and a signal line is disclosed. Two complementarily operative transistors are connected in series between the power source line and the grounding line. Signals are sent out from the junction point of the two transistors to the signal line. The speed for transmitting the signals is effectively increased due to the quick charge and discharge of the signal line.

Abstract: A timer for use in determining rate of spread of a forest fire utilizing an uninsulated case with a clock circuit operated by a temperature-operated switch, preferably a solder switch, and a method for determining the rate of spread of a forest fire utilizing said timers and computing the rate of spread of a forest fire from the time differences and the pattern of deployment of said timers on the floor of the forest.

Abstract: There is provided a control unit for controlling the operation of a fuel valve. The control unit includes a first relay and a second relay. The first relay and the second relay are connectable in series and oppositely actuable. The first relay is actuable in response to a first control signal. The second relay is actuable in response to a second control signal which is inverted with respect to the first control signal. Thus, the relays are differentially operated. Further, there is disclosed a scanner control unit which reduces the noise of a voltage signal whose magnitude is representative of the intensity of a monitored flame in a boiler. The flame scanner control unit uses a comparator to reduce the noise in the voltage signal. The voltage signal is provided at one input of the comparator and a reference signal is provided at the other input of the comparator. The reference signal is representative of the intensity of noise in the boiler when the monitored flame is out.

Abstract: A purge time hold circuit is provided in a flame safeguard sequencer to in turn provide a safe start check of a burner control system. If a flame is indicated during a prepurge period, the purge time hold means will reset to a zero status and the timer will hold until the signal clears itself. If the flame signal does not clear itself within a preset time, a safety shut down will be commanded.

Abstract: A safety device is disclosed for detecting a flame rollout condition at the burners of a combustion system and for shutting down the system in response thereto. The invention consists of using sections of the insulated leads, which are used for transmitting power from a fuel supply control transformer to a fuel supply system of the combustion system, as a flame rollout condition safety means. The sections of the leads are positioned so that the insulation burns off the leads to create a short circuit causing the transformer to over-heat and burn out thereby closing a fuel supply valve of the fuel supply system when a flame rollout condition occurs.

Abstract: A fire detection system is provided employing a plurality of electronic fire detection units, each of which is a code generating and short wave transmitting unit which derives electrical energy for powering the unit from the heat of a fire. In one form, each unit is operable to generate a specific code identifying the unit and its location which code is short wave transmitted directly to a monitor station. The receipt and recording or display of the code is an indication of the location of the unit which becomes activated by heat. The extent of the fire can be determined by the number of units which are so activated as indicated by the number of different codes received by the monitor station. Each detection unit is preferably self insulated against immediate destruction of the electronic circuit thereof, to permit the unit to transmit a remotely detectable code.

Abstract: A system for detecting a fire emergency condition employs three separate and diverse sensors; a heat detector, a smoke detector, and an infrared radiation detector. Either or all of these detectors can activate the alarm. Additionally, the infrared radiation detector can be used to control the energization of the room's artificial illumination means. All sensors are mounted in a common housing and a mirror or lens arrangement is provided to focus the infrared radiation upon the appropriate detector.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring fire and effecting indication and control operations comprises a matrix monitoring signal line network comprising vertical lines and horizontal lines. A plurality of sensing blocks are connected between vertical lines and horizontal lines of the network. Each of the sensing blocks comprises a sensor connected to a power supply. A monitoring circuit having a switch controlled by the sensor and a diode of forward direction in series with the switch is connected between the respective vertical line and horizontal line of the network. An operating circuit connected in parallel with the monitoring circuit comprises a relay connected in series with a second diode of reverse direction. The horizontal lines and vertical lines of the network are sequentially scanned by a circuit including a counter and demultiplexer.

Abstract: A home safety unit having an emergency light system for providing light in the event of a power failure or the detection of a fire condition, and a fire detection system for providing an alarm indicating the existence of a fire. The safety unit is designed to have an aesthetically pleasing appearance and to be installed inconspicuously between the base of an existing light fixture and a wall or ceiling. Installation of the safety unit is a simple process, whether installing it when constructing a new building or by retro-fitting it into an existing building.A modified light switch having parallel impedance across the light switch terminals is installed to provide continuous power to the safety unit when the switch is in its off position. Also included is a low voltage dropout system for disconnecting the auxiliary lights when the battery voltage falls below a certain level and for providing an audible alarm indicating this low voltage condition.

Abstract: A circuit for a home safety unit having an emergency light system for providing light in the event of a power failure or when a fire is detected, and a fire detection system for providing an audible alarm indicating the existence of a fire. The circuit includes a battery which is constantly being charged and a low voltage responsive system for indicating a low voltage condition on the battery. A latching system causes the emergency light to be turned off when this low voltage condition is reached, and to remain off until the battery is recharged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing signals produced by a flame detector. A phase-locked loop is used to generate a binary indication of whether the signal from a flame probe is within a predetermined frequency band. A signal indicative of the average analog value of the resulting pulse train is produced and tested to determine whether it is in a range consistent with flame presence. The resultant binary signal is ANDed with a binary determination of whether the average DC value of the probe signal is within a range consistent with flame presence, and if both the DC and the frequency indications imply possible flame presence, then flame presence is indicated.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed of a urea compound, a resinous carrier, and a solvent. The composition is applied to a portion of an electrical apparatus which is exposed to a gas stream. The solvent in the composition is evaporated to produce a thermoparticulating coating. When the electrical apparatus overheats the urea compound in the coating forms particles in the gas stream which are detected by the monitor.