Smoke Patents (Class 340/628)
  • Publication number: 20130093593
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a smoke and carbon monoxide detector, alarm, transmitter and cutout switch system. The device is designed to sound an alarm and transmit electronic signals to cutout switches causing interruption in electrical and/or gas supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: John H. Woods
  • Patent number: 8410949
    Abstract: An emergency exit indicating device includes an exit sign and a smoke dispelling system. The exit sign is configured for displaying where an emergency exit is located. The smoke dispelling system is configured for dispelling smoke from around the exit sign in the event of fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Yang Liao
  • Patent number: 8395515
    Abstract: A system and associated processes monitor hand hygiene compliance. The system includes hand hygiene product dispensers positioned within areas of concern (AOC) in a facility in which hand hygiene events are to be monitored. The dispensers detect dispense events initiated at the dispenser and transmit a dispense event signal indicative that a dispense event occurred along with dispenser identification information. The system also includes a plurality of compliance badges, each worn by a different person in the facility. Each compliance badge receives dispense event signals corresponding dispenser identification information associated with dispense events initiated by the wearer of the compliance badge. The badges store dispense event records associated with each dispense event initiated by the wearer and thus keep track of all dispense events initiated by the wearer of the compliance badge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher J. Owen, Paul S. Schilling, Anatoly Skirda, Viktor Slobodyan, Joseph P. Erickson, Cheryl A. Littau
  • Patent number: 8378817
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to computer systems, and more specifically, to a premise monitoring system. In one embodiment, the invention includes operations of receiving one or more signals containing a device identifier and a device condition from one or more remote alarm monitoring systems; retrieving enhanced information based on the device identifier and/or the device condition; determining one or more communication methods and/or communication destinations based on the device identifier and/or the device condition; and dispatching the enhanced information to the one or more communication destinations using the one or more communication methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Capital, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney W Fox
  • Patent number: 8373572
    Abstract: A battery alarm for use with a battery assembly is provided, the battery alarm including a first activation component, a signaling component, and an output component. The first activation component is configured to activate the alarm upon disengagement of the battery assembly from a battery-operated device and is further configured to deactivate the alarm upon engagement of the battery pack with the battery-operated device. The signaling component is coupled to the first activation component and is configured to transmit a signal when the alarm is activated. The output component is adapted to receive the signal from the signaling component and is configured to produce a visual, audible, and/or tactile output upon receipt of the signal from the signaling component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Sean T. Dycus
  • Patent number: 8362895
    Abstract: A video distribution system can present pictorial information relative to a developing alarm condition. Pre-recorded, or live images can be presented automatically in response to alarm indicating indicia, or, minimal inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Teta, Phong T. Nguyen, W. Allen Fritts
  • Patent number: 8355818
    Abstract: A robot includes a hazard sensor, a locomotor, and a system controller. The robot senses a hazard intensity at a location of the robot, moves to a new location in response to the hazard intensity, and autonomously repeats the sensing and moving to determine multiple hazard levels at multiple locations. The robot may also include a communicator to communicate the multiple hazard levels to a remote controller. The remote controller includes a communicator for sending user commands to the robot and receiving the hazard levels from the robot. A graphical user interface displays an environment map of the environment proximate the robot and a scale for indicating a hazard intensity. A hazard indicator corresponds to a robot position in the environment map and graphically indicates the hazard intensity at the robot position relative to the scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis W. Nielsen, David J. Bruemmer, Miles C. Walton, Robert S. Hartley, David I. Gertman, Robert A. Kinoshita, Jonathan Whetten
  • Patent number: 8354935
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for activating a carbon monoxide detector. The method includes the steps of the carbon monoxide detector measuring a current carbon monoxide level, the carbon monoxide detector comparing the current carbon monoxide level with a first threshold value, determining whether the current carbon monoxide level exceeds the first threshold value, entering an alarm state upon detecting that the current carbon monoxide level exceeds the first threshold value after a first predetermined time period, determining from memory whether the carbon monoxide detector had previously been in an alarm state before activation and upon detecting that the current carbon dioxide level does not exceed the first threshold and the carbon monoxide detector was previously in the alarm state, resuming the alarm state after a second predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy A. Rauworth
  • Patent number: 8350712
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety apparatus for providing a visible signal to firefighters or other rescuers of occupants of a building that an occupant is in a particular location or room of the building. According to one embodiment of the invention, the safety apparatus may include an emergency detector, such as a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm or the like responsive to an emergency condition, including a visible signaling device, and a detector responsive to the presence of an occupant for providing a signal to the visible signaling device when the safety device is activated by the emergency condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Gregory Chero, Brian Bolinger
  • Publication number: 20130002440
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Floyd W. Crossman, Benjamin Collar
  • Patent number: 8346500
    Abstract: A self check-type flame detector includes a casing provided with a monitoring window formed therein. A wavelength generation unit is disposed inside the casing and generates a wavelength in a direction of the monitoring window. A wavelength detection element is disposed inside the casing and detects the wavelength. A comparison unit is provided with a wavelength DB for storing intensity of a reference wavelength and determines whether the monitoring window has been contaminated. A display unit is located outside the casing and displays a state of the monitoring window. A communication unit is disposed inside the casing and configured to receive operation information for the wavelength generation unit, to provide the operation information to the wavelength generation unit, and to transmit the intensity of the wavelength, or a normal signal or a contamination signal of the monitoring window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Chang Sung Ace Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yeu Yong Lee, Seung Hun Choi
  • Patent number: 8334785
    Abstract: A fire and smoke heat detector alarm device that employs a combination of indoor and outdoor alarms with a user delay and off access control activation input. The warning alarm device has interior and remote control access including battery backup and pro-active threat mitigation of optional gas supply cut-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen Zetts
  • Patent number: 8334782
    Abstract: A smoke detector comprises a soft x-ray source (10) and an air space (16) communicating with ambient air (18) and positioned so that soft x-rays produced by the soft x-ray source (10) pass into the air space (16) to ionise air in the air space (16). A detector (14) is positioned for detecting ionised air in the air space (16). Smoke particles entering into the air space (16) mop up ionised air. This leads to a reduction in the number of ions detected which triggers an alarm. The soft x-ray source (10) preferably comprises a substrate (22) on which are provided a plurality of nanometer scale elongate structures (28). The elongate structures (28) are provided in an evacuated chamber (42) formed between the substrate (22), a spacer (30), and a laminated film (36). The laminated film (36) comprises an aluminum foil layer (38) and a supporting nylon layer (40). A voltage converting circuit (44) is powered by a 9 volt DC battery and applies a 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Max D. Allsworth
  • Publication number: 20120299738
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device that comprises: a base EMB provided with a connection cap DD; a lighting module ME powered from the base EMB; a link member OL between the base EMB and the lighting module ME; a rechargeable battery arranged in the base EMB; and a charger circuit arranged in the base EMB in order to charge the battery. The device is remarkable in that it includes a smoke detector module arranged in the base EMB and powered by the battery, the link member OL being perforated so that the surrounding air flows within the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: O'RIGHT
    Inventor: Roger SELLAM
  • Patent number: 8294587
    Abstract: A smoke detector has a housing, a smoke sensor in the housing capable of detecting smoke therein, and an alarm connected to the sensor signaling when the smoke sensor detects smoke. A partition subdivides the housing into separate first and second chambers, and the housing is formed with first and second smoke holes allowing air from the exterior into the first and second chambers. The partition has a sensor port provided with a sensor for detecting air flow through the sensor port and a fan port having a fan for drawing air from one of the chambers and forcing it into the other chamber. A controller connected to the fan and to the air-flow sensor operates the fan means to move air from the one chamber through the fan port into the other chamber and generates an output when air flow through the sensor port exceeds a predetermined limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: ista International GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Danz, Sebastian Schnepel, Gerhard Niederfeld
  • Patent number: 8294567
    Abstract: A method and system are provided, which provides reliable fire detection. In one implementation, the automated system includes a combination of sensors configured to measure various factors associated with a hazard, such as a fire or gas leakage, and generate sensor readings. Factors measured can include smoke, carbon monoxide and heat. The system further includes a detection device that is configured to determine whether a hazard or fire exists by performing a fuzzy analysis of sensor readings. The fuzzy analysis includes categorizing respective sensor readings into fuzzy sets, and determining whether the hazard exists based on a combination of the categorizations. In addition the size and direction of a fire can be determined from multiple sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Williams-Pyro, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew W Stell
  • Publication number: 20120262299
    Abstract: An earthquake-triggered emergency indicator includes an earthquake detector, an indicator, a controller, and a battery module. The earthquake detector is configured for detecting a vibration. The indicator is configured for generating an indication signal in a form of light, sound or vibration to guide a user to take an emergency measure. The controller is configured for generating a trigger signal based on a magnitude and a lasting time of the vibration so as to trigger the indicator to output the correspondent indication signal. The battery module is configured for providing power supply required for operation of the earthquake-triggered emergency indicator. Preferably, the above-mentioned earthquake-triggered emergency indicator includes a wireless communication module for connecting multiple earthquake-triggered emergency indicators to reduce adverse effects caused by malfunctioning single emergency indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Chia-Chun HUNG
  • Patent number: 8289181
    Abstract: A power supply unit for a fire detector, especially a smoke alarm, includes a power unit and battery terminals for connecting a predeterminable battery. The power unit has first connection means for connection to a power supply network and second connection means for connecting the fire detector. In order to increase the functionality of a fire alarm, the battery terminals are operatively connected by at least one first electric connection with the second connection means. The first electric connection includes hereby at least one diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Moeller Gebaudeautomation GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Listopad
  • Patent number: 8289177
    Abstract: A photo-electric smoke detector includes a source of radiant energy and a closed loop control circuit which responds to a radiant energy feedback signal to adjust an output characteristic of the emitted radiant energy and which evaluates a quality characteristic of the emitted radiant energy. The feedback circuit and the source can be intermittently activated. Emitted radiant energy is directed toward a lens. The feedback signal is proportional to radiant energy reflected or scattered off of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Mark C. Bohanon
  • Patent number: 8289176
    Abstract: A recess-mounted detector assembly has a housing configured to be recess mounted in a structure located in a preselected zone. The housing has an interior space configured to receive a detecting device operable to detect a condition in an airstream in the preselected zone. A cover removably attaches to the housing and has an aperture for allowing an airflow of air from the airstream in the preselected zone into the interior space of the housing. A base plate is mounted in the housing for undergoing pivotal movement between a first position, in which the base plate separates the interior space of the housing into a first compartment configured to receive the detecting device and a second compartment disposed between the open end of the housing and the base plate, and a second position in which the base plate is pivoted toward the open end of the housing to enable access to the first compartment from the open end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Peter Joseph Locke
  • Patent number: 8289178
    Abstract: A system for analyzing smoke has a plurality of units, wherein each unit includes an optical emitter for alternately directing horizontally and vertically polarized light along a beam path, and into a smoke cloud, to generate scattered light. A horizontally polarized detector and a vertically polarized detector are positioned at different locations, but at a same distance and scattering angle relative to the beam path. Each unit has a different wavelength. A computer receives signals from the detectors of all units, in response to each emitter, for analysis of the smoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Volution
    Inventors: Michael S. Slemon, Charles S. Slemon
  • Patent number: 8279089
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a function of a safety unit, in particular of a bilge blower of a boat with a combustion engine, connected via a manually operated switch to a voltage supply. The current flowing through the safety unit is measured and an acoustic alarm is triggered, if a sensor voltage derived from the measured current falls below a reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventors: James M. Nally, Mark Wise, Robert Lass
  • Patent number: 8269625
    Abstract: A signal processing system and associated methods are disclosed for reliably detecting audible alert signals, such as Temporal-3 (or Code-3) and Temporal-4 (or Code-4) alert signals generated by commercially available smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors. The system and methods are capable of detecting audible alert signals of different intensities in the presence of dynamic background environment (e.g., television programming, music, noise, and the like). The system and methods are capable of detecting audible alert signals generated by far away smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors. The signal processing system and methods may, in some embodiments, be incorporated into a bedside or other unit that generates a supplemental alert signal capable of alerting individuals who might not otherwise respond to the alarm condition, such as individuals who are asleep, children, hearing impaired, or intoxicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: InnovAlarm Corporation
    Inventors: Leslies D. Hoy, David E. Albert, Landgrave T. Smith, James J. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20120229285
    Abstract: A system that includes, a carbon monoxide detector and first and second connectors, the carbon monoxide detector connected across the first and second conductors, the first and second conductors having a voltage imposed on the conductors that supply power to the carbon monoxide detector, the carbon monoxide detector signals detected carbon monoxide by clamping the first and second conductors to a first voltage less than the imposed voltage; and the carbon monoxide detector signaling a fault within the carbon monoxide detector by clamping the first and second conductors to a second voltage less than the imposed voltage where the second voltage is different than the second voltage and also different than the first voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Rauworth, Fred N. Merkle
  • Patent number: 8260590
    Abstract: A method and system for modeling a three-dimensional smoke propagation animation system. The animation system can be configured to include a particle system manager, a compartment manager, a state variable manager, a three-dimensional space outline rendering module, and a three-dimensional smoke animation rendering module. The particle system manager creates and updates an existing particle system based on an input script and data from the state variable manager. The state variable manager loads smoke propagation data and provides smoke information to the particle system manager to create and update the particle system and space outline. The compartment manager creates a three-dimensional outline with respect to each compartment space from a compartment data and updates the status of the existing three-dimensional outlines based on information from the state variable manager. A final three-dimensional smoke propagation animation can then be rendered by the three-dimensional smoke animation rendering module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ji Gu, Zhao Xia Jin, Tom Plocher
  • Patent number: 8258969
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventor: Bradly J. Billman
  • Patent number: 8253578
    Abstract: The present invention provides a smoke sensor of sound wave type that excels in responsiveness and has a low probability of false detection. The smoke sensor has a sound wave generating unit that provides an ultrasound wave to a monitoring space, a sound wave receiving unit that receives the ultrasound wave from the sound wave generating unit via the monitoring space, and a signal processing unit that detects an abnormality of the monitoring space by using an output of the sound wave receiving unit. The signal processing unit includes a smoke density estimation unit that estimates a smoke density in the monitoring space on the basis of a difference between the output of the sound wave receiving unit and a standard value, and a smoke density determination unit that determines the abnormality of the monitoring space by comparing the smoke density estimated by the smoke density estimation unit with a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Watabe, Yoshiaki Honda, Tomizo Terasawa, Yuji Takada, Takayuki Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 8253574
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for establishing smoke flow paths and times of flow between a plurality of ambient condition detectors. Such information can be used in establishing, in real time, dynamically changing evacuation flow routes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Qing Li, Thomas A. Plocher
  • Publication number: 20120212346
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Fred Conforti
  • Patent number: 8242921
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes an image capturing unit, a processor unit connected to the image capturing unit, and an alarm unit connected to the processor unit. The image capturing unit captures outside images, the processor unit detects if there is any smoke near the portable electronic device according to the images and measuring relative parameters of detected smoke, and the alarm unit alarms when at least one parameter of detected smoke is out of predetermined acceptable ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Sheng-Hsiung Yang
  • Patent number: 8232884
    Abstract: A detection device and detection device system are provided, wherein the detection device includes a housing, a first detector device and a second detector device. The first detector device is configured to detect at least one smoke particle. A second detector device configured to detect at least one gas particle, wherein the first detector device and the second detector device are substantially enclosed in the housing. The detection device further includes an audible enunciator configured to emit an audible noise when at least one of the first and second detector devices detect at least one smoke and gas particle, and a test button, wherein the audible enunciator emits an audible sound when the detection device is operating improperly and the test button is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Greg R. Pattok, Richard T. Fish, Jr., Scott R. Edwards, Darin D. Tuttle, Christopher D. Stirling
  • Patent number: 8232885
    Abstract: A photoelectric smoke detector is capable of preventing an erroneous alarm from being issued even when steam flows into a smoke detecting unit. The smoke detecting unit includes: an installation section; and a smoke inlet section. The installation section includes: a light emitting element for emitting light to an inside of the installation section; and a light receiving element for receiving the light emitted from the light emitting element. The smoke inlet section includes: a plurality of wall members for preventing external light from entering the smoke inlet section; and a smoke inlet formed between the plurality of wall members. The installation section and the smoke inlet section are arranged so as to overlap each other, with the smoke inlet section being positioned on a lower side of the installation section, and are communicated with each other through an opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nohmi Bosai Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Hoshino, Takashi Ito, Katsuhiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8217798
    Abstract: A wide area fire safety and detection system is disclosed. The system includes a control node configured to execute a first detection routine, wherein the control node has a network interface, and an amplifier having an audio output, wherein the amplifier is configured to communicate the audio output to a plurality of fire safety nodes. The system further includes a remote node in communication with the control node, wherein the remote node has a network interface configured for communication with at least the network interface of the control node, and an audio converter configured to receive the audio output and generated a converted audio output, wherein the converted out is compatible with a microphone input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen D. Lontka, Lev M. Barsky, Paul Strelecki
  • Publication number: 20120171987
    Abstract: The present invention provides a battery-powered smoke/fire alarm unit which comprises a housing accommodating: at least a first battery; a smoke/fire detector linked to an audible alarm powered by the first battery; a telecommunications unit; and a switch responsive to triggering of the alarm to then connect the telecommunications unit to the first battery or to a second battery in the housing to thence power the telecommunications unit to send a warning message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Matthew James Newman
  • Publication number: 20120154161
    Abstract: A particle detector including a chamber, a first aspirator, a sensor(s), a controller and clean air supply. The controller, when in a detecting mode, receives an indicative signal from the sensor and applies logic to the indicative signal to generate a further signal, and when in the purge mode controls substantial purging of the chamber of sample fluid with clean fluid from the clean fluid supply. The controller receives the indicative signal when the chamber is so purged and if necessary adjusts the logic in response thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Xtralis Technologies Ltd
    Inventors: Ron Knox, Karl Boettger
  • Publication number: 20120154160
    Abstract: A notification appliance that communicates with a fire alarm control panel is provided. The notification appliance includes a grouping input device that is configured to receive operator input grouping information (such as a manual input from the operator). The operator input grouping information may be indicative of at least one grouping for the notification appliance in the fire alarm system, such as a type of grouping (e.g., “mass notification” or “fire alarm notification”) or a number indicative of a grouping (e.g., in a system with groupings from 1 to 8, the number may be selected from 1 to 8). The grouping input device may be a switch (such as an electromechanical switch), a jumper, a dial (or other movable control knob), or other manual input device. Or, the grouping input device may comprise a device which is configured to receive a wireless input from the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Piccolo, III
  • Patent number: 8203458
    Abstract: A safety helmet provides toxic gas monitoring in the field of vision of the helmet user. The safety helmet includes a gas-measuring device of modular design. The safety helmet has a sensor module (5) positioned in the field of vision of the helmet user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Ingo Kaneblei, Sandra Bruegmann, Andreas Nauber
  • Patent number: 8199029
    Abstract: A combined smoke detector and lighting unit includes a smoke detector sensor mounted to a housing, a light source mounted to the housing, and an electrical interface mounted to the housing. The electrical interface is in electrical communication with the smoke detector and the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth F. Bell, Robert J. Antolick
  • Patent number: 8199002
    Abstract: A power saving wireless fire alarm system has a master station and a plurality of battery-powered fire detecting terminals linked for wireless communication with each other. Upon detection of a fire occurrence at one of the fire detecting terminals, the fire detecting terminal transmit a fire detection message to a master station which in turn transmit a wake-up message to the other fire detecting terminals and thereafter a fire information message which starts a multiple synchronous communication between the master station and the fire detecting terminals. Each fire detecting terminal has a power controller which selects an intermittent reception mode of activating its own receiver only intermittently until receiving the wake-up message or information indicative of the fire occurrence, and select a constant operation mode thereafter to make the fire detecting terminals be ready for the multiple synchronous communication commenced by the fire information message from the master station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Suzuki, Takashi Saeki, Koji Sakamoto, Masanori Kurita
  • Publication number: 20120133518
    Abstract: A method for fire detection in enclosed environments (1) subject to explosion protection regulations out of which an air-dust mixture is filtered while the concentration of dust of the air-dust mixture is lowered to under the explosion limit by a filter (2) and the aspirated air-dust mixture is checked for burning characteristics and if appropriate a fire alarm is triggered, in which the function of the filter (2) is monitored, the fire detection is carried out by use of an aspirating smoke detector system (7) not approved for use in potentially explosive areas but instead is deployed outside the ex-zone and if the filter (2) is destroyed a signal processing unit (15, 15.1) of a malfunction monitoring sensor (14) generates a signal which initiates a subsequent action preventing aspirated air-dust mixture with an elevated concentration of dust from entering the aspirating smoke detector system (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: MINIMAX GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Russwurm, Torsten Westphal, Thomas Mendle, Olaf Klischat, Bernd Ziems, Hauke Dittmer, Kurt Lenkeit
  • Patent number: 8183989
    Abstract: An emergency exit indicator includes a light source, a visual indicator and a power line communication unit, wherein the visual indicator is disposed within the illumination scope of the light source, and the power line communication unit is electrically connected to the light source. The emergency exit indicator is capable of altering the displayed escape information. The present invention further provides an emergency exit indicating system using the above-mentioned emergency exit indicator and can more precisely display the escape information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: GE Investment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Kuei Tsai
  • Patent number: 8179276
    Abstract: A battery alarm for use with a battery assembly is provided, the battery alarm including a first activation component, a signaling component, and an output component. The first activation component is configured to activate the alarm upon disengagement of the battery assembly from a battery-operated device and is further configured to deactivate the alarm upon engagement of the battery pack with the battery-operated device. The signaling component is coupled to the first activation component and is configured to transmit a signal when the alarm is activated. The output component is adapted to receive the signal from the signaling component and is configured to produce a visual, audible, and/or tactile output upon receipt of the signal from the signaling component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: Sean T. Dycus
  • Publication number: 20120112920
    Abstract: A carbon monoxide and smoke alarm device includes a housing mountable to a ceiling in a building. A carbon monoxide sensor is disposed in the housing to detect an airborne carbon monoxide substance within the building. A smoke sensor is disposed in the housing to detect an airborne smoke substance within the building. An audible alarm module is disposed in the housing to be activated by any one of the sensors. A processor/memory unit is disposed in the housing to be activated by any one of the sensors. A transducer is disposed in the housing to be activated by the processor/memory unit to send a signal to a person at a remote computer and to a person at a cell phone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: PRADEEP RAMDEO
  • Patent number: 8175884
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Gary Jay Morris
  • Patent number: 8154415
    Abstract: A detector comprises a detector base (1) and first and second detector elements (2 & 3) each having a respective electronic interface (2a, 3a). The detector base (1) has electronic interfaces (1a) to the electronic interface (2a, 3a) of each of the detector elements (2, 3), wherein at least one of the detector elements is constructed as a replaceable module (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventors: Stephen John Penney, Don Brighenti
  • Patent number: 8138933
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for automatically disabling an appliance. When a smoke detector/alarm is activated, a signal or message is sent to at least one safety device operatively coupled to at least one appliance. The appliance is disabled in response to receiving the signal or message. The systems, methods, and apparatus are based on the implicit assumption that, if a smoke detector/alarm is activated, the source of the smoke is likely due to a nearby appliance that is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Crucs Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin M. Crucs
  • Patent number: 8134470
    Abstract: A remote control system relating to a remote control and a base charger. A rechargeable battery contained within the remote control is charged when rested within a charging position of the base charger. Once a user removes the remote control from the charging position, the remote control doubles as a portable hazard detector that operates in a sustained manner for as long as the rechargeable batter has power. This means that the remote control will emit an alert noise if a hazard such as smoke or high level of carbon monoxide is detected by internal sensors located within the remote control. The base charger also has sensors and an alert speaker to inform the user of a potential hazard. In addition, the base charger is in communication with the remote control so that a user can locate a missing remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Milton L. Agurs
  • Publication number: 20120050051
    Abstract: A fire detector has a detection unit working on the optical scattered-light principle, as well as an electronic evaluation unit. An acoustic and/or optical warning device outputs an acoustic and/or optical alarm when a fire is detected. The fire detector has an energy storage device, in particular a battery, for the autarkic supply of electrical power to the fire detector as well as a voltage measuring unit for measuring a battery voltage present at the energy storage device. A warning device outputs an acoustic warning if the battery voltage falls below a first voltage threshold. The fire detector also has a sensor sensitive to ambient light and a device for suppressing the output of the acoustic warning if the ambient light falls below a predefinable brightness threshold. The detection unit is an open scattered-light detection unit with a detection space outside the fire detector and the sensor sensitive to ambient light is at the same time an optical receiver of the scattered-light detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: MICHAEL CLOSSEN-VON LANKEN SCHULZ
  • Patent number: 8120501
    Abstract: A window with built-in devices that senses carbon monoxide; powered only by the exterior daylight; that automatically opens by itself and sounds an alarm when a dangerous level of carbon monoxide is sensed to release the accumulated carbon monoxide and let the clean air with fresh oxygen enter the contaminated area to prevent or minimize poisoning and/or death of humans & animals without the need of any human physical action; the provided contacts can be connected to a private alarm station to alert the Fire & Police Departments to provide immediate assistance to the endangered humans & animals and protect the opened residence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Alfredo Mancini
  • Patent number: RE44102
    Abstract: An indexed database alarm and monitor, for assigning each unit of a multiple unit system a labeled index of pre-selected designations, and or descriptions of use by voice-playback and reporting, by voice-playback of first detecting units designation and or description of use by each unit in the system. Being comprised of the following components, a fire sensor, an alarm IC with piezo horn and detection I/O, a multiple position encoder, a 8-bit dip switch, a radio frequency decoder transmitter and receiver encoder with antenna switch and antenna, a voice-playback device with speaker and a microcontroller all housed within one unit. A complete system being comprised of a plurality of said units, equal to the number of positions on the multiple position encoder, each units multiple position encoders position being different and generating a different index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Calvin Walker