Smoke Patents (Class 340/628)
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Patent number: 8723683Abstract: A cabinet for a fire extinguisher located in a building. The cabinet includes a housing having a door and a dome light located in an interior of the housing. The cabinet also includes an exterior light located on the door and a status light for indicating whether the cabinet is operating properly as a notification device. A fire safety system is also provided, wherein the fire safety system includes detectors for detecting an unsafe condition in the building and notification devices for providing notification of the unsafe condition. When an unsafe condition is detected, the interior and exterior lights are turned on to provide notification of the unsafe condition.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventors: Floyd W. Crossman, Benjamin Collar
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Publication number: 20140125487Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for rapidly detecting smoke or other particles or aerosols generated in any one or more compartments of a multi-compartment electronics enclosure. The herein disclosed system includes a particle sensor and an airflow controller that pulls air and particles from the one or more compartments through fluid pathways and into the particle sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: ADVANCED ENERGY INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Scott Polak, Jeffrey Roberg, Michael Mueller
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Patent number: 8717162Abstract: A method for controlling guiding, signal or alert lights, particularly signal lights for an emergency escape route in a fire situation, in which method there are controlled sequentially arranged light sources, such as LED light sources. In the method, in the first step the sequentially arranged light sources (40), which are most advantageously arranged as a light source string (4) or at least as part thereof, are activated, on the basis of a signal received from a fire detector (3), to be switched to a first mode, in which first mode the sequentially arranged light sources are used for indicating the direction of an escape route, and/or to a second mode, where the light sources (40) are switched to emit continuous light. The invention also relates to a system and a device.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2009Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Marimils OYInventor: Göran Sundholm
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Patent number: 8717168Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Wheelock, Inc.Inventors: Shawn P. Keeney, Joseph Kosich, Luy B. Nguyen, John Yerger, Erik Johnson
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Patent number: 8717184Abstract: A sensor device detects an object, in particular for optically detecting smoke particles. The sensor device contains a transmitting device for emitting transmit radiation, a receiving device for receiving receive radiation having scattering radiation that is generated by an at least partial scattering of the transmit radiation by the object, and for outputting a measurement signal indicative of the receive radiation, a signal modification device for modifying the measurement signal and for outputting a modified measurement signal, a level of the modified measurement signal increasing after the transmitting device has been switched on, and a calibration device for monitoring the modified measurement signal. The calibration device is embodied such that a reaching of a predefined signal level for the modified measurement signal can be detected and that a time interval between the switching on of the transmitting device and the reaching of the predefined signal level can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Hans Aebersold, Ke Wei Bi, Hu Lin Wang
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Publication number: 20140111343Abstract: Disclosed is a multipurpose alarm apparatus which includes a smoke sensing unit configured to sense a smoke using a first sensor and a second sensor, each of the first and second sensors including a temperature-sensitive smoke sensor portion disposed between a first electrode and a second electrode; a smoke level measuring unit configured to generate a smoke level measurement signal by comparing a difference between first and second smoke detection signals from the first and second sensors with a reference signal; and a sensing control unit configured to generate a fire alarm signal when the smoke level measurement signal corresponds to a fire generation condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Hyun-Tak Kim, Bongjun Kim, Jong Chan Park
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Patent number: 8704670Abstract: A smoke detector includes processing circuitry coupled to a camera. The field-of-view of the camera contains one or more targets, each having spatial indicia thereon. At least a portion of one of the targets is coated, at least in part, by an infra-red absorbing dye. The dye produces visually discernable dark areas on the coated target(s).Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Kwong Wing Au, Thomas W. Shoaff, Scott R. Lang
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Publication number: 20140104067Abstract: A smoke detector with an input port belonging to an existing light fixture, the input port connected to a housing and electrically to an AC to DC converter. The housing accommodates a communication module such as Bluetooth and/or WIFI operable to act as a node, a microprocessor, and a smoke detecting unit. When the smoke detecting unit detects hazardous smoke emitted from environment over a threshold, it can wirelessly issue alarm and notify the persons nearby and people in charge.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Inventor: Hui-Chuan Chien
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Publication number: 20140085092Abstract: According to one embodiment, a hazard detector may include a housing having a back plate and a front casing coupled therewith to define an interior space within which various components are contained. The components may include an alarm device and a hazard sensor that is configured to detect a potentially hazardous condition to trigger the alarm device. A cover plate may be coupled with the housing and may face an occupant of a room in which the hazard detector is positioned. The cover plate may include a relatively large population of relatively small openings that are positioned, configured, and dimensioned so that internal components are substantially hidden from view of the occupant while air is allowed to substantially freely flow through the cover plate. A collective area of the openings may be at least 30% of the total area of the cover plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Inventors: Tony Fadell, Adam Mittleman, Andrew Goldenson, Ben Filson, Fred Bould
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Publication number: 20140085093Abstract: According to one embodiment, a hazard detector may include a back plate and a front casing coupled to the back plate to define a housing having an interior region and an opening through which air flows into the interior region. A circuit board may be coupled to the back plate and have a plurality of components mounted thereon. A smoke chamber may be mid-mounted on the circuit board, mid-mounting being characterized in the smoke chamber extending through a hole formed in the circuit board such that a top surface of the smoke chamber is positioned above a top surface of the circuit board and a bottom surface of the smoke chamber is positioned below a bottom surface of the circuit board, whereby an interior region of the smoke chamber is accessible to smoke from both the top and bottom surfaces of the circuit board.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Inventors: Adam Mittleman, Andrew Goldenson, William Dong, Ben Filson, Tony Fadell, Matt Rogers, Yoky Matsuoka, Sam Kortz
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Patent number: 8681011Abstract: The present smoke detection system uses a single sensor to quickly detect both fast flaming fires and smoldering fires while further reducing nuisance and false alarms. In the present detector, the sensor is preferably an ionization sensor. Specifically, a first algorithm is used to detect flaming fires and second algorithm is used to detect smoldering fires. An alarm is sounded when either algorithm generates an alarm condition. In each embodiment, the first algorithm generates an alarm condition when a sensor output signal exceeds a first threshold. The alarm condition is generated for the second algorithm when the sensor output signal: (1) exceeds a second threshold for T time.; (2) rate of change exceeds a predetermined rate of change threshold; (3) change between time Tn and time Tn-1 exceeds a predetermined change threshold; or (4) sensor signal exceeds an historic standard deviation of the signal multiplied by a predetermined constant.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Inventor: Fred Conforti
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Patent number: 8674842Abstract: An electronic communication unit such as a mobile phone comprises a processor for operating said unit; and an ambient air quality monitoring sensor; characterized in that said processor is configured to operate said unit in a first mode of operation during which a) monitoring of said air quality occurs and a level of air quality is assessed against pre-determined levels; and b) ordinary communication routines are activated provided an acceptable category of pre-determined levels is identified; and in a second mode of operation during which a) monitoring of said air quality occurs and a level of air quality is assessed against pre-determined levels; and b) an alarm routine is launched interrupting the ordinary communication routines once a level of ambient air quality is assessed to warrant the user's attention.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2008Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Inventor: Faiz Zishaan
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Patent number: 8653984Abstract: An emergency lighting system for a building includes at least one LED-based light. An emergency detector is operable to detect an emergency. The emergency detector produces an emergency signal in response to the emergency. A controller is operable to control the at least one LED-based light in response to the emergency signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: iLumisys, Inc.Inventors: John Ivey, David L Simon
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Patent number: 8653980Abstract: An alarm for detecting radiation and/or air pollutants such as smoke, carbon monoxide or the like has a control circuit (11) including a microcontroller (12) configured to monitor preselected alarm parameters, and memory means (30, 36, 40) for storing data representing said parameters. The microcontroller (12) has an input/output means (3) connectible both to a preselected voltage level for switching said control circuit between an operational mode and a shutdown mode and to an external processing means for enabling downloading and display of said data.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2010Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Sprue Safety Products LtdInventors: Peter Brigham, Stuart Hart
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Patent number: 8648730Abstract: An alarm for detecting radiation and/or pollutants such as smoke, carbon monoxide or the like, the alarm comprises: an alarm circuit (12) including detection means (14) for detecting the radiation and/or pollutants, and an audible alarm (16); a power supply circuit (24) connectable to an external AC power supply for supplying standby power to the alarm circuit (12); and a battery (20) for supplying power to the audible alarm (16) when the alarm is energized. The power supply circuit (20) is configured to supply current to the alarm circuit (12) at a level less than that required to energize the audible alarm (16).Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2010Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Sprue Safety Products LtdInventors: Nicholas Rutter, Stuart Hart
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Publication number: 20140035753Abstract: A capacitor having air dielectric between its plates may be used to detect the presence of smoke and other contaminants in the dielectric air passing over the plates of the capacitor. Smoke from typical fires is mainly composed of unburned carbon that has diffused in the surrounding air and rises with the heat of the fire. The permittivity of the carbon particles is about 10 to 15 times the permittivity of clean air. The addition of the carbon particles into the air creates a change in the permittivity thereof that is large enough to measure by measuring a change in capacitance of the capacitor having the air dielectric through which the air laden carbon particles pass through.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Inventors: Benjamin T. Cooke, Joseph Julicher, Keith Curtis
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Patent number: 8638436Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] To provide a smoke sensing system, a smoke sensor and a receiver that can accurately determine the type of smoke.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Hochiki CorporationInventor: Manabu Dohi
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Patent number: 8638215Abstract: A sensor unit that includes at least one sensor configured to measure an ambient condition is described. The controller can be configured to receive instructions, to report a notice level when the controller determines that data measured by the at least one sensor fails a report threshold test corresponding to a report threshold value. The controller can also be configured to obtain a plurality of calibration measurements from the at least one sensor during a calibration period and to adjust the threshold based on the calibration measurements. The controller can be configured to compute a first threshold level corresponding to background noise and a second threshold level corresponding to sensor noise, and to compute the report threshold value from the second threshold. In one embodiment, the sensor unit adjusts one or more of the thresholds based on ambient temperature.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2009Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Inventor: Lawrence Kates
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Publication number: 20140015681Abstract: A system detects presence of particles in the air of guest rooms of facilities such as motels and hotels for example that indicate that guests are engaged in recreational smoking. The system provides an indication to the facility manager of such behavior.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventors: Christopher E. Engelmann, Kevin Nicholson, Quang (Tim) Nguyen, Kelvin A. Kosbab, Michael J. Masek, Jeffrey R. Frank
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Patent number: 8629780Abstract: A method, a fire alarm, and a fire alarm system enable detection and localization of a fire in monitored rooms, having two detector units for detecting a fire parameter, wherein an evaluation unit connected to both detector units is used for evaluation. According to the invention, the air in the monitored rooms is fed to the first detector unit via a first pipe conduit and to the second detector unit via a second pipe conduit. Both pipe conduits are arranged in each monitored room and provided with suction intakes. The air is supplied to both detectors by means of at least one suction unit, and the air speed in each pipe conduit is different.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Thomas Goulet, Peter Stahl
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Patent number: 8629779Abstract: A smoke detector contains a radiation source for transmitting an illuminating radiation having a time sequence of radiation pulses, a radiation detector for receiving measurement radiation impinging on the radiation detector after at least partial scattering of the illuminating radiation, an amplifier circuit for amplifying an output signal of the radiation detector, an analog to digital converter having a sample and hold circuit for converting an analog output signal of the amplifier circuit into a digital measurement value, and a control device coupled to the radiation source and the sample and hold circuit. The control device is equipped for controlling the radiation source and the sample and hold circuit such that the time of a sampling point in time of the sample and hold circuit relative to a radiation pulse depends on the duration of the radiation pulse. A method for calibrating the described smoke detector is also revealed.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2008Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Hans Aebersold, Berni Imfeld, Wolf Liebert
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Patent number: 8624745Abstract: A high sensitivity smoke detector includes a housing which defines an internal, closed, scattering region, and an external, open scattering region. A cyclone-type separator draws atmosphere adjacent the external scattering region into the detector and separates the larger, non-smoke related particulate matter which flows into the internal, closed scattering region for sensing and subsequent analysis. An annular inflow pattern can be established with a central exit flow.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Michael Barson
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Patent number: 8618942Abstract: An extended smoke alarm system and related methods are disclosed. In particular, embodiments of an extended smoke alarm system having wireless-signal-send-and-receive functionalities wherein the system includes one or more flashlights having at least wireless-signal-receiving functionality are detailed. Related methods for system use are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)Inventor: Bradly J. Billman
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Patent number: 8610586Abstract: A sensor having a detecting part for detecting an environmental value representing change in physical amount of circumference environment by a fluid flowing into externally and a controlling part for discriminating abnormality in circumference environment based on the environmental value detected by the detecting part. A separating plate is provided inside a housing so as to separate two spaces in the height direction. A detection unit is provided in one space and a sounding body is provided in the other space. Apertures are provided in a side wall, thereby opening one space to the outside environment and letting the fluid to be measured flow into the space. Then, a flow path is formed inside the space in the housing, from the side wall forming the housing toward the detection unit, thereby proactively channeling the fluid to the detection unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yoshitake Shimada, Mikio Komatsu, Koji Sakamoto, Hirohisa Okuno, Akiko Honda, Koji Yamato
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Patent number: 8610560Abstract: A system for monitoring a structure prior to and during subjection to a hazardous condition. The system includes a primary monitoring apparatus comprising a monitoring circuit and alerting circuit integrated into an enclosure. The monitoring circuit includes a sensor for detecting an individual or an animal within the area. The alerting circuit includes at least one alerting device. The alerting device can be any of audible alert, a visual alert, and a remote communications. A remote alerting apparatus includes at least one alert device. Signal communication is established between the monitoring apparatus and the alerting apparatus, wherein the primary apparatus activates the alert device(s) of the remote apparatus. The system is deployed within a structure, including placement of an alerting apparatus external to the structure. The system is activated prior to initiation of the hazardous process, monitoring the region for any living beings and emitting an alert when detected.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Inventor: Charles Steven Conner
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Patent number: 8610587Abstract: A smoke detector unit with built-in global system for mobile communications (GSM) to effect short message service (SMS) with an end user, and short message service (SMS), data transmission or email, with a central station monitoring (CSM) Events such as low battery condition and excessive smoke detection are reported to the CSM or end user via SMS or email. The unit may be reprogrammed via SMS remotely. The unit may be checked for connectivity between the unit and the CSM or end user via SMS remotely.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Inventor: Dovid Tropper
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Patent number: 8604935Abstract: A safety sensor device for an appliance detects burning conditions and shuts off power to the appliance. The device includes a sensor unit positioned near an exhaust of the appliance, and a relay unit connected along a power supply path to the appliance. The relay and sensor units are linked. The sensor unit includes a sensor for monitoring exhaust air from the appliance. The relay unit includes a circuit that electrically connects the appliance with a power source while in an ON state and electrically disconnects the appliance from the power source while in an OFF state, the circuit being responsive to the sensor unit to transition from the ON state to the OFF state if the sensor detects burning conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Pioneering Technology Corp.Inventors: Eajaz Zaheer, Yee Bing Hoo, Timothy SoeMoe Thu, Peter M. Callahan
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Publication number: 20130321161Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cloud-based fire alarm control system including an electronic device, a plurality of fire sensors, a plurality of fire control devices, and at least one cloud-based loop control units. The cloud-based loop control units are connected to the fire sensors and the fire control devices, and are further connected to the electronic device through a network. The electronic device includes a display screen and a control software, the control software is operable to obtain fire alarm information and fire control monitoring information when a fire alarm is detected in a specified monitored area, and display the fire alarm information and the fire control monitoring information on the display screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: CHIEN-LIN CHEN
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Patent number: 8587442Abstract: A smoke alarm has a base element with a flat mounting surface, a light emitter that is attached to the mounting surface and that is configured to issue an illuminating light, and a light receiver that is attached to the mounting surface next to the light emitter and that is configured to receive a measurement light that results from a back-scattering of the illumination light at a measurement object located in a detection space. A data processing device is coupled to an output of the light receiver and configured to evaluate temporal changes of an output signal issued by the light receiver. Also, there is provided a method for checking the functional capability of the smoke alarm.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2009Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Markus Loepfe, Kurt MĂĽller, Georges A. Tenchio, Walter Vollenweider
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Patent number: 8576072Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor (10) is provided with a light transmitter (12) for transmitting a light signal (16) into a monitoring area (18), a light receiver (26) for receiving and converting the light signal (22) remitted or reflected from an object (20) in the monitoring area (18) into a reception signal, a switching output (30) for the output of a switching signal when the reception signal meets a switching criterion (E), a pre-failure alarm output (32) for the output of a pre-failure alarm signal, and an evaluation unit (28) configured to detect a contamination state that is present when the reception signal meets a contamination criterion (C) but not the switching criterion (E) and to output a pre-failure alarm signal when a contamination period during which the contamination state extends for more than a tolerated period (TPFA,ON) and/or when a contamination state occurrence number that is incremented upon each entry of the contamination state is larger than a tolerated number.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Sick AGInventor: Michael Klein
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Publication number: 20130278428Abstract: An automatic fire suppression system used to provide protection of window glass and other structural elements in aircraft terminals which are exposed to exterior fires caused by natural, accidental, or intentional events comprises a directional passive microwave receiver, a central processor for processing received microwave signals over time and comparing the received signals over time with thermal event signatures stored in memory to selectively actuate a sprinkler system for protecting the window glass in the vicinity of an identified fire event. The memory may further store a model of the aircraft terminal, and the processor utilizes a fire dynamics simulator to simulate a thermal event at the terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: ICOVE AND ASSOCIATES, LLCInventors: David J. Icove, Carl T. Lyster, David M. Banwarth
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Patent number: 8558711Abstract: A monitoring system for a NAC (Notification Appliance Circuit) is provided. The monitoring system includes a system controller, and a NAC comprised of notification appliances that may be in a series. The NAC and its appliances may be operatively coupled to the system controller. The system controller is operable to determine whether a notification appliance has sufficient voltage at a low voltage operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2007Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LPInventors: Kenneth E. Savage, Jr., Anthony J. Capowski, Mark P. Barrieau
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Patent number: 8547238Abstract: A system for confirming the detection of a fire using a plurality of radiation or flame sensors each equipped with a radiation detector and an optical filter having a spectral transmission characteristic in which at least one optical filter is redundant to at least one other optical filter. The result is a system having operationally redundant sensors. In use, if a fire is detected by one of the redundant sensors without including the other redundant radiation sensor in the fire detection calculation, then a fire detection algorithm can switch to the other operationally redundant sensor to check for confirmation of a fire. Due to the spatial separation and if the object is small and close, a different result will be obtained with the redundant detector being used in the calculation compared to the primary detector that is associated with the redundant detector.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: KnowFlame, Inc.Inventor: John Harchanko
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Patent number: 8514089Abstract: A temperature monitoring circuit includes a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) resistor, a zener diode, an alarm, a silicon controlled rectifier. A first terminal of the NTC resistor is connected to a power supply through a first resistor. A second terminal of the NTC resistor is grounded. A cathode of the zener diode is connected to a node between the NTC resistor and the first resistor. An anode is grounded through a second resistor. A first terminal of the alarm is connected to the cathode of the zener diode, and is grounded through a third and fourth resistors in series. A cathode of the silicon controlled rectifier is connected to the anode of the zener diode. An anode of the silicon controlled rectifier is connected to a second terminal of the alarm. A control terminal of the silicon controlled rectifier is connected to a node between the third and fourth resistors.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yong-Zhao Huang
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Patent number: 8514091Abstract: The alarm device of the present invention includes a battery power supply; a sensor section that outputs an anomaly detection signal in the case of detecting an anomaly; an alert section that outputs an alarm based on the anomaly detection signal; a reception circuit section that discontinuously receives an event signal from another alarm device at every predetermined reception cycle; a transmission circuit section that transmits an event signal to the other alarm device in a transmission time that is at least the predetermined reception cycle; an anomaly monitoring section that, when the sensor section has detected an anomaly, causes the alert section to output the anomaly alarm based on the anomaly detection signal and causes the transmission of an event signal relating to the anomaly of the alarm device to the other alarm device by the transmission circuit section, and on the other hand, when the reception circuit section has received from the other alarm device an event signal relating to an anomaly of thType: GrantFiled: March 17, 2009Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Hochiki CorporationInventor: Yoshitaka Egawa
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Patent number: 8508376Abstract: The invention provides use of one or more emitted beams of radiation (16), for example, laser beam(s), in combination with an image capturing means (14), for example, one or more video cameras and/or optical elements to detect particles (30), for example smoke particles, located in an open space (12).Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: VFS Technologies LimitedInventors: Ron Knox, Karl Boettger, Kemal Ajay
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Publication number: 20130201024Abstract: A detector assembly includes a base; a detector chamber removably attached to the base; a detecting module removably secured between the base and the detector chamber, the detecting module including: a detecting module printed circuit board; a sensor mounted to the printed circuit board; a controller mounted on the printed circuit board, the controller generating alarm signal in response to the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2010Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: UTC FIRE & SECURITY CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas Greenwood, Jan A. Braam, Jeffrey Glenn Van Keuren, Paul Schatz
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Patent number: 8493212Abstract: An automatic fire suppression system used to provide protection of window glass and other structural elements in aircraft terminals which are exposed to exterior fires caused by natural, accidental, or intentional events comprises a directional passive microwave receiver, a central processor for processing received microwave signals over time and comparing the received signals over time with thermal event signatures stored in memory to selectively actuate a sprinkler system for protecting the window glass in the vicinity of an identified fire event. The memory may further store a model of the aircraft terminal, and the processor utilizes a fire dynamics simulator to simulate a thermal event at the terminal.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Icore and Associates, LLCInventors: David J. Icove, Carl T. Lyster, David M. Banwarth
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Patent number: 8484032Abstract: A system and method for operating a security system include a device control module configured for electronic communication with a plurality of devices and a user interface coupled in electronic communication with the device control module. The user interface includes a voice memory and a first speaker. The user interface is configured to receive a first system event from the device control module identifying a first condition detected by the security system. The user interface is further configured to retrieve a voice message from the voice memory corresponding to the first system event and transmit the voice message via the first speaker.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: UTC Fire & Security Americas Corporation, Inc.Inventors: Donald Edward Becker, Richard Philip Tucker, William Edwards, Baohua Shu, Laigui Qin, Wei Chen
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Publication number: 20130169430Abstract: The present invention comprises a smoke detector/alarm unit with user configurable settings. The smoke detector/alarm is equipped with one or more sets of lights that, depending on the orientation of the smoke detector/alarm: shine a beam of light to the floor downward through the smoke; illuminate an exit path to safety from the building for the occupants of the building; provide infrared illumination for the fire fighters who may enter the building to assist during evacuation or controlling a potential fire. An optional radio frequency (“RF”) transmitter may also be activated to trigger the illumination of additional lights for further illumination of an exit path to safety from the building for the occupants of the building.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Inventor: Joe Shook
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Patent number: 8466800Abstract: A testing device is provided that may be attachable and detachable from a smoke detector. The testing device may have a rod that pushes a testing button on the smoke detector. The testing device may have a light detector which will actuate the rod to push the testing button if the light from an appropriate remote control or other light source is directed onto it, in order to verify that the smoke detector is operating properly without manually pushing the testing button. The testing device may store a unique identifier (ID) and generate and transmit data pertaining to results of the testing of the smoke detector.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2008Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)Inventor: Bradly Jay Billman
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Patent number: 8451132Abstract: The portable heat and smoke detection system includes a detecting means that is portable and remotely located with respect to an alarming means. The alarming means informs the end user to the detection of smoke, fire, or carbon monoxide via the detecting means. The detecting means may or may not include a light and audible alarm; whereas the alarming means may include a light, audible alarm, cellular telephoning capability, text messaging capability, and/or an e-mail capability.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Inventor: William Van Vleet
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Publication number: 20130120150Abstract: A smoke detector or, more generally, a danger detector, operates in an area with increased radioactive radiation disposition danger detector has at least one detector unit for detecting at least one danger characteristic, a semiconductor component and other electrical components, at least for outputting an alarm signal. The danger detector also has a temperature control circuit. The temperature control circuit is configured to control the temperature of the at least one semiconductor component. The danger detector may be embodied as a linear smoke detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Inventors: Hans AEBERSOLD, Martin ARNOLD
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Patent number: 8441359Abstract: A fire distinguishing device includes: a detection device which detects an outbreak of a fire; a fire presence/absence distinguishing device which distinguishes the presence or absence of the fire; and a cumulative time determining device which determines the cumulative time required for distinguishing the presence or absence of the fire, in the fire presence/absence distinguishing device. The cumulative time determining device distinguishes an environment type of an environment where the detection device is installed, or a phenomenon type of a phenomenon being detected by the detection device, and further determines the cumulative time according to the distinguished environment type or phenomenon type.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Hochiki CorporationInventors: Kumiko Ando, Atsushi Mammoto, Isao Asano, Hiroshi Nishizaki, Takashi Shimokawa, Sadataka Yuchi
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Patent number: 8441368Abstract: A surface mountable radiation guide for a radiation path between a measurement volume (1) and an electro-optical component has a first radiation interface in a radiation path towards the measurement volume, a third radiation interface in a radiation path towards the electro-optical component, and a reflecting portion forming a first radiation path between the first and the third radiation interface, said first radiation path providing a focus region at the measurement volume.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Excelitas Technologies Singapore Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Martin Liess, Arthur Barlow
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Patent number: 8434343Abstract: An aspirating system for detecting the presence of a product representative of a hazard and a method of detecting the presence of a product representative of a hazard in an aspirating system are provided. The system comprises: piping that includes a plurality of apertures spaced apart along the length of the piping; an aspirator for drawing air from outside the piping into the piping through at least one aperture, a detector coupled to the piping for detecting the presence of a product representative of a hazard; a generator of test stimulus for generating the product representative of a hazard; wherein the test stimulus generator is fixed in, near, or on the piping such that in use a test stimulus is provided adjacent to at least one aperture of the piping. A control means can be provided to control the activation of the test stimulus from the generator and the time taken for the test stimulus to reach the detector can be measured.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: No Climb Products LimitedInventor: William J. Rossiter
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Patent number: 8432277Abstract: An alarm device includes: a detection device which detects an occurrence of an abnormal condition within a monitoring area; a transmission device which transmits an alarm signal when the detection device detects the abnormal condition; and an output device which, after the transmission device has transmitted the alarm signal, outputs an alarm after a lapse of a predetermined time after the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2008Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Hochiki CorporationInventors: Yoshitaka Egawa, Isao Asano, Hiroshi Shima
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Patent number: 8432281Abstract: A method and system that creates a boundary with an alert and deterring function when the boundary is crossed. The system employs a base unit and one or more portable IR motion sensors which are capable of discriminating between objects of differing physical characteristics, and notifies the user when the parameters for sufficient obstruction have been met. Both sensors and base unit have audio and visual deterring capabilities to frighten away unwanted intruders. The method and system can be utilized in camping situations to deter dangerous wildlife and can be configured to notify users when children exit from an area. The system can be used to create a contiguous perimeter, or any boundary arrangement desired.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2010Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Utah State UniversityInventors: James T. Reese, Rickey D Hughes
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Patent number: 8428954Abstract: An environmental condition detector emits only safe, validated verbal messages recorded in a user's voice to help occupants of a building respond safely to sensed environmental conditions. The message emitted in the user's voice is generally a familiar voice to other building occupants to better capture their attention, and only certain, safe, user messages are validated for use thereby eliminating the chance that the user may unknowingly record an unsafe message to be emitted during a sensed environmental condition. The verbal message is recorded by a user and is analyzed through speech recognition to determine if the user-recorded message can be validated as containing safe content. A user-recorded message found to match manufacturer preprogrammed message content is validated and selected to be audibly emitted in the user's voice when an environmental condition is sensed. Various embodiments include single station units, interconnected units, or centrally controlled security systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2012Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Inventor: Gary Jay Morris
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Publication number: 20130093594Abstract: An alarm for detecting smoke comprises a housing (1) having vents (9) for allowing ingress of smoke into the housing. A sensor chamber (22,26) is disposed within the housing and has vents (24a,24b) for allowing ingress of smoke into the sensor chamber and comprises two parts. A diode emitter and diode sensor (25) is mounted within the sensor chamber for sensing light reflected off smoke. An alarm circuit (32), including detection means for detecting smoke sensed by the sensor diode (25), is supported on a printed circuit board (PCB) (29). The PCB is sandwiched between two halves (22 and 26) of the sensor chamber such that an edge (30) thereof extends part-way into said sensor chamber. The sensor is mounted on, near or adjacent to the edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: SPRUE SAFETY PRODUCTS LTDInventors: Peter Brigham, Stuart Hart