Photoelectric Patents (Class 340/630)
  • Patent number: 8077037
    Abstract: A security system for portable articles is provided. The security system includes a central unit and one or more remote units. Each remote unit has a tethering system which attaches one or more portable articles to the remote unit. When a portable article is detached from the remote unit, a remote alarm signal is generated, which is conveyed to the central unit via a radiofrequency transmission. The central unit confirms receipt of an alarm transmission, and activates a dialer, which contacts one or more individuals via telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Se-Kure Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Leyden, Terrance Surma
  • Publication number: 20110260876
    Abstract: A light receiver device, which is particularly suited for a smoke detector, has a flat substrate, a light receiver mounted on a front side of the substrate, and a shielding device present on at least a back side of the substrate opposite the front side. The shielding device is configured to at least partially shield against electromagnetic interference radiation impinging on the light receiver through the substrate. False alarms are thereby reduced, while the sensitivity of the light receiver is simultaneously increased. The shielding device is formed with a metal strip inserted through the substrate from the front side to the back side, and bent over a recess on the back side provided therefor, so that the light receiver is protected against interference radiation even on the back side. There is also provided an assembly method for producing a light receiver device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Urs Riedi
  • Publication number: 20110175741
    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: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Michael S. Slemon, Charles S. Slemon
  • Patent number: 7982628
    Abstract: A verbal language based output system includes data defining a geometrical region, such as a building, configuration data relative to various detectors in the region, and a plurality of event inputs associated with the detectors. Verbal language generation software, in response to the data and the event inputs, produces verbal descriptions of developing events. Such verbal descriptions can be audibly output for use by personnel needing to enter the region to address the events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Plocher, Henry Chen
  • Patent number: 7978087
    Abstract: A fire detector operating by the scattered radiation principle is described, having at least one radiation transmitter and at least one radiation receiver, whose beam paths form a scattering volume. The fire detector includes, in addition to at least one first radiation transmitter and one first radiation receiver, at least one second radiation transmitter and one second radiation receiver, whose beam paths form at least two spatially separated scattering volumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Siber, Andreas Hensel, Ulrich Oppelt, Jack McNamara
  • Patent number: 7973669
    Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a sensor configured to detect at least one material or condition, such as a smoke detector, fire detector, or carbon monoxide detector. The sensor assembly also includes a base configured to be mounted on a structure, such as a wall or ceiling, and to receive the sensor. The sensor assembly further includes a wireless module located between the sensor and the base. The wireless module is configured to transmit position information. The wireless module may include one or more electrical contacts used to form at least one electrical connection between the base of the sensor assembly and the sensor. The wireless module may also include a printed circuit board having the contacts, wireless radio circuitry, an antenna, and other components. The printed circuit board could be substantially hidden from view when the sensor is attached to the base and the base is mounted on the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Hai D. Pham, Steve D. Huseth, Andrew G. Berezowski, Thomas J. Schubring, Edward J. Dauskurdas, Dan Hawkinson, Kalvin Watson, Edward J. Kurtz, David J. Wunderlin
  • Patent number: 7948627
    Abstract: A photoelectric smoke detector may detect presence of smoke by utilizing a light emitting element and a light receiving element whose optical axes intersect with each other. The photoelectric smoke detector may include a casing for storing the light emitting element and the light receiving element. Inlet and outlet ports may be respectively provided in one and the other sides of the casing, the inlet and outlet ports bringing air flow into the casing. Rectifying light blocking means may be provided contiguously with each of the inlet and outlet ports, the rectifying light blocking means preventing entry of disturbance light into an interior space and forming a flow line of smoke extending from one or the other inlet and outlet port to the other or the one inlet and outlet port such that the flow line passes through a detection area by the light emitting element and the light receiving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Fenwal Controls of Japan, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Iguchi, Kanji Numao
  • Patent number: 7940190
    Abstract: A self-monitoring smoke detector comprising a housing (11) defining an internal chamber (12). An optical transmitter (13) is mounted within the housing (11) so as to direct light into the optical chamber (12). An optical receiver (14) is mounted in the housing (11) and in optical communication with the optical chamber (12). The optical transmitter (13) and the optical receiver (14) are so positioned that light from the transmitter cannot directly reach the receiver. Monitoring means is provided, comprising first and second light-scattering means (13a and 14a) positioned respectively in alignment with the transmitter (13) and the receiver (14). The arrangement is such that, in the absence of reflector particles in the optical chamber, light from the transmitter (13) can reach the receiver (14) only after scattering at the first light-scattering means (13a) and then after scattering at the second light-scattering means (14a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Thorn Security Limited
    Inventor: Stephen John Penney
  • Patent number: 7928853
    Abstract: An alarm unit, for sounding an alarm on detection of a fire emergency condition, which comprises a smoke detector, an alarm indicator and a heat detector wherein the smoke detector is capable of receiving power from a first power source and the heat detector is capable of receiving power from a second power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Frost-Gaskin
  • Patent number: 7928854
    Abstract: Techniques for smoke detection are provided. In one aspect, an exemplary smoke detection device is provided. The smoke detection device comprises an infrared beam transmitting unit; an infrared beam receiving unit; and a control module associated with the infrared beam transmitting unit and the infrared beam receiving unit. The infrared beam transmitting unit and the infrared beam receiving unit are configured to communicate with each other, via an infrared beam, and with the control module, via a signal produced in response to smoke being present at a level that is greater than a threshold smoke level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Gary Martino
  • Publication number: 20110050894
    Abstract: 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. The processing circuitry collects a sequence of spatial frequency measures, such as contrast indicating parameters. Members of the sequence can be compared to at least one reference spatial frequency measure to establish the presence of smoke between the target and the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: JAN JELINEK, KWONG WING AU
  • Patent number: 7884731
    Abstract: The photoelectric smoke sensor includes a casing member 1 having an internal space S formed by a labyrinth wall 1b and an opening 6 communicating with the internal space S on a setting-face side; and a printed board 8 placed on the setting-face side of the casing member 1 and having a hole 8a opposed to the opening 6 of the casing member 1. The light emitting element 2 and the light receiving element 4 are mounted on the printed board 8 in such a fashion that the optical axes of the light emitting element 2 and the light receiving element 4 cross each other on one plane that is substantially parallel to an opening plane of the opening 6. The photoelectric smoke sensor can be reduced in both size and cost with a simple construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Mizuo
  • Publication number: 20100328085
    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: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Mark C. Bohanon
  • Patent number: 7847700
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for an improved sensor for detecting particles in air such as smoke particles from a fire. The detector includes a laser diode that generates a light beam that is spread by a lens to fill a specific area of the interior of a sensing chamber before entering into a light trap for extinction. The detector consequently has a better signal to noise ratio and therefore may be more sensitive than prior art detectors. The detector may also use a shorter wavelength laser to allow the detector to sense smaller particles than prior detectors and consequently provide faster response to flaming fires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Fred J. Conforti
  • Patent number: 7834773
    Abstract: A smoke detector having a structure in which, at a time of performing smoke detection, an S/N ratio of a signal of a light receiving element is improved, to thereby accurately detect the occurrence of a fire. At opposite end portions of an inside of an optical case (21) having a substantially cylindrical shape, a light emitting element (11) and a stray light portion (22) are arranged. In the stray light portion (22), a light trap (23) is provided. Further, in the vicinity of the light emitting element (11), a condenser lens (24) is provided to allow light L to be incident on a curved surface of the light trap (23). At the time of smoke detection, light scattered by smoke particles in a smoke detection portion (25) is received by a light receiving element (12). However, the light that is incident on the light trap (23) is reflected on the curved surface a plurality of times to be attenuated in each reflection, so the light is not received by the light receiving element (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Nohmi Bosai Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Kato
  • Patent number: 7821412
    Abstract: A smoke detector replaces the americium source of alpha particles with a field emission device using carbon nanotubes as the field emitters, or some other field emitter, in order to provide an ionization of the air potentially caring smoke particles through the smoke detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Lee Fink
  • Patent number: 7817049
    Abstract: A fire detector has at least two sensor units for monitoring a confined space for the occurrence of a fire. A first fire parameter is monitored according to the scattered light method, using a first sensor unit located at or in the vicinity of the ceiling. At least one second sensor unit of the fire detector, which emits at least two highly focused light beams towards the floor of the confined space, monitors a second fire parameter according to the extinction method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventors: Kurt Müller, Peter Steiner
  • Publication number: 20100238036
    Abstract: A smoke alarm comprises smoke detection circuitry for detecting smoke and generating a detection signal responsive thereto. Proximity detection circuitry generates a proximity detection signal responsive to detection of an object within in a selected distance of the smoke alarm. Alarm generation circuitry generates an audible alarm responsive to the detection signal. The audible alarm may be deactivated for a predetermined period of time responsive to at least one proximity detection signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: SILICON LABORATORIES INC.
    Inventor: Wayne T. Holcombe
  • Patent number: 7791056
    Abstract: A gas sensor includes a light source for generating light at a wavelength <550 nm, and a detector for determining a scattered radiation. The gas sensor further includes a field-effect transistor, a semiconductor diode or an ohmic resistance, which forms a unit together with the light source and/or the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Schumann
  • Patent number: 7786880
    Abstract: A smoke detector having a closed internal optical path can detect airborne particulate matter, such as smoke from a fire, via a light scattering sensor and/or a light absorption sensor. The path can be implemented with a plurality of reflectors, such as piezoelectric minors. Input light can be coupled to the path, on a pulsed basis, for example via one of the minors, in a resonant condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Barrett E. Cole, James A. Cox, Daniel C. Hawkinson
  • Patent number: 7777634
    Abstract: A scattered light smoke detector containing an optoelectronical assembly for measuring scatter signals detected below at least one forward scatter angle and at least one backscatter angle and evaluation electronics for determining an alarm value in accordance with the difference between the scatter signals. Smoke signals are produced from the scatter signals by means of a pre-processing step and a measured value is obtained from the smoke signals. The measured value is formed by a linear linking of the sum of the smoke signals to the difference between the smoke signals BW, FW or by establishing the value for the difference between the smoke signals. The linear linking is calculated according to the formula k1(BW+FW)+k2(BW?FW), in which BW and FW are smoke signals and k1 and k2 represent two constants that are influenced among others by an application factor that is dependent on the environmental conditions in the installation location of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: August Kaelin, Dani Lippuner, Giuseppe Marbach
  • Patent number: 7760102
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a hazardous condition includes an optical module for measuring scattered light caused by the hazardous condition, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a processing unit coupled to receive signals from the optical module, the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor. The processing unit processes the signals to determine criteria to distinguish deceptive phenomena from a hazardous condition in order to limit false alarms. The processing unit uses the criteria for adjusting an alarm threshold value that is a function of a reference function, a function based on temperature criteria, a function based on at least one of the temperature criteria and a ratio criterion, and a function based on humidity criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventors: Gilles Chabanis, Philippe Mangon, Stephane Rivet
  • Publication number: 20100176957
    Abstract: A photoelectric smoke detector may detect presence of smoke by utilizing a light emitting element and a light receiving element whose optical axes intersect with each other. The photoelectric smoke detector may include a casing for storing the light emitting element and the light receiving element. Inlet and outlet ports may be respectively provided in one and the other sides of the casing, the inlet and outlet ports bringing air flow into the casing. Rectifying light blocking means may be provided contiguously with each of the inlet and outlet ports, the rectifying light blocking means preventing entry of disturbance light into an interior space and forming a flow line of smoke extending from one or the other inlet and outlet port to the other or the one inlet and outlet port such that the flow line passes through a detection area by the light emitting element and the light receiving element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Fenwal Controls of Japan, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Iguchi, Kanji Numao
  • Patent number: 7746239
    Abstract: A light scattering type smoke sensor includes a sensor body, light-emitter for emitting light toward an open smoke-sensing space and outputting a light-received signal according to the amount of scattering light received, and a fire judging unit for judging whether fire occurs or not on the basis of the amount of received light determined on the basis of the outputted light-received signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Hochiki Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Nagashima
  • Patent number: 7729510
    Abstract: Detecting video phenomena, such as fire in an aircraft cargo bay, includes receiving a plurality of video images from a plurality of sources, compensating the images to provide enhanced images, extracting features from the enhanced images, and combining the features from the plurality of sources to detect the video phenomena. Extracting features may include determining an energy indicator for each of a subset of the plurality of frames. Detecting video phenomena may also include comparing energy indicators for each of the subset of the plurality of frames to a reference frame. The reference frame corresponds to a video frame taken when no fire is present, video frame immediately preceding each of the subset of the plurality of frames, or a video frame immediately preceding a frame that is immediately preceding each of the subset of the plurality of frames. Image-based and non-image based techniques are described herein in connection with fire detection and/or verification and other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Radoslaw Romuald Zakrzewski, Mokhtar Sadok, Jeffrey James Shirer, Robert Lowell Zeliff
  • Patent number: 7724151
    Abstract: Smoke alarm systems, in particular for an aircraft, advantageously provide a high degree of safety so as to prevent false alarms. According to an embodiment described in this application a smoke alarm system for an aircraft is stated, comprising a camera module, a smoke warning transmitter and a housing. The camera module and the smoke warning transmitter are arranged in the housing. In jointly arranging the camera module and the smoke warning transmitter in one housing, it may become possible to arrange both sensors in one location, which can result in reduced installation expenditure and can make possible direct use of the acquisition signals for local triggering of an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Taberski, Klaus Schmötzer
  • Patent number: 7697140
    Abstract: A photoelectric smoke detector is provided which is suitable for being downsized without detection capability deterioration. The present invention relates to a photoelectric smoke detector for detecting presence of smoke by utilizing a light emitting element and a light receiving element whose optical axes intersect with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Fenwal Controls of Japan, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Iguchi, Kanji Numao
  • Publication number: 20100085200
    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: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicants: THORN SECURITY LIMITED, SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventors: Stephen John Penney, Don Brighenti
  • Publication number: 20100073172
    Abstract: A dual condition fire/smoke detector system includes a housing and a sensor comprising at least two of a photoelectric sensor, a heat sensor, an ionization sensor or a carbon monoxide sensor disposed within the housing. A wireless communication system associated with the sensor enables communication of the detector with a remote device via a wireless receiver and a wireless transmitter. A light source associated with the housing may be positioned to illuminate an exit in response to a hazard detected by any of the aforementioned sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: L.I.F.E. SUPPORT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Samuel Lax
  • Publication number: 20100039274
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of the detection, analysis and/or determination of matter or particles suspended in fluid. In one particular form, the present invention relates to smoke detectors, which detect unwanted pyrolysis or combustion of material. In another form, the present invention relates to smoke detectors of the early detection type, and which may be applied to ventilation, air-conditioning or duct monitoring of a particular area. In yet another form, the present invention relates to adjusting the sensitivity of particle detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: SIEMENS SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventor: Martin Terence Cole
  • Patent number: 7659986
    Abstract: In a smoke sensor, a first light-receiving element which receives light from a light-emitting element and is disposed in a position where the quantity of received light changes according to a density of smoke and a second light-receiving element which monitors the quantity of light of the light-emitting element are arranged symmetrically with respect to the light-emitting element. Furthermore, a signal from the first light-receiving element and a signal from the second light-receiving element are amplified by an identical amplifier circuit. In a microcomputer, the density of smoke is computed based on a difference between an output obtained by amplifying an output of the first light-receiving element with the amplifier circuit and an output obtained by amplifying an output of the second light-receiving element with the amplifier circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignees: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Fenwal Controls of Japan, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kohichiroh Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 7656301
    Abstract: An air-cooled electronic component cabinet has an air sampling conduit to enable smoke detection from air from different areas within the cabinet. An air sampling conduit has one or more orifices to sample air from the different areas within the cabinet, such as adjacent different electronic chassis assemblies or enclosures stacked in a rack within the cabinet. An axial fan or blower draws air samples into the conduit, or the air samples are drawn in by operation of convection or other airflow established within the cabinet. In the air sampling conduit, the air samples are mixed and conveyed for sampling by one or more smoke detection devices mounted, e.g., within the conduit, or within an attached expansion joint section to reduce the airflow velocity or accommodate multiple smoke detection devices. Orifices in the air sampling conduit varying in size or number at different conduit areas regulate associated sampled air proportions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Teradata US, Inc.
    Inventor: David Gang Wang
  • Patent number: 7619538
    Abstract: This invention pertains to evacuation systems, more particularly, it pertains to single or networked guiding devices that utilizing pre-programming and/or virtual programming, sensing and detecting means, illumination and alarming means, symbols and text messages to direct traffic to safety. The networked guiding devices of the system are configured to systematically and progressively direct traffic from one device to the next, directing traffic to safety. The system is configured to be controlled locally or remotely, on-demand. The evacuation system is applicable to people's traffic, vehicular traffic and/or other transportation modes. The evacuation system may be used in emergency or non-emergency situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Sanrose, LLC
    Inventor: James R. Zarian
  • Patent number: 7616126
    Abstract: A particle sensor is provided that includes a light source, an optical transducer, and a controller, wherein the controller is in communication with the light source and the optical transducer. The controller is configured to reject substantially all signals except those contributed by the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Kadwell, Christopher D. Stirling
  • Patent number: 7602304
    Abstract: Multiple parameter fire detection uses outputs from one or more radiant energy sensors in combination with outputs from smoke or thermal sensors to shorten response times to alarm while minimizing nuisance alarms. The radiant energy related outputs can be used to alter parameters of the smoke or thermal sensors. The various sensors can be displaced from one another in an alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Lee D. Tice
  • Publication number: 20090244280
    Abstract: A detection device for detecting fires and/or fire features in a monitoring region along a monitoring path includes a camera device that is located and/or may be located in the monitoring region in order to generate image data, an evaluation device which is designed to detect fire and/or fire features in the monitoring range by evaluating the image data, in the case of which the detection device may be used to select a section of the monitoring range in which the evaluation is carried out, and the detection device is designed such that the monitoring range section has a maximum viewing angle alpha of less than 5°, preferably less than 3°, and, in particular less than 1°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Hanses, Ralph Bergmann, Ulrich Oppelt, Bernd Siber
  • Patent number: 7564365
    Abstract: A smoke detector that includes at least one image-forming reflective surface, at least one light source and at least one light sensor. In operation, at least one light source emits light from a first area thereon and the reflective surface focuses the light onto a second area that includes at least one light sensor, wherein the first area is smaller than the second area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: GE Security, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas H. Marman, Frederick W. Eggers
  • Patent number: 7551096
    Abstract: Multiple parameter fire detection uses outputs from one or more radiant energy sensors in combination with outputs from smoke or thermal sensors to shorten response times to alarm while minimizing nuisance alarms. The radiant energy related outputs can be used to alter parameters of the smoke or thermal sensors. The various sensors can be displaced from one another in an alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Lee D. Tice
  • Patent number: 7548157
    Abstract: A self-contained backup power source such as a battery is provided for components within an electrically powered device such as a storage controller, photocopier or the like, to maintain diagnostic status data and to power a service indicator aid, or diagnostic indicator, such as an LED. A switch selects the backup power source when a primary power source of the electrically powered device is no longer available to the component, such as when the component is removed from the electrically powered device, the primary power source is disconnected as a safety precaution when servicing or replacing the component, or a higher-level assembly, in which the component is provided, is removed from the electrically powered device. The diagnostic indicator may be powered separately from the data storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Carl E. Jones, Robert A. Kubo, Andrew D. Walls
  • Publication number: 20090109043
    Abstract: A multi-frequency photoelectric smoke detector includes a multi-frequency, source and an multi-frequency sensing array. The array can be part of a solid state camera which can be used to sense scattered multi-frequency light. Multiple wavelength signals, red, blue green for example, emitted by the camera can be analyzed to determine a degree of airborne particulate matter in a sensing region between the source and the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Lorenzo Luterotti
  • Publication number: 20090066525
    Abstract: A device which provides a smoke meter and locator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Walsh
  • Patent number: 7495573
    Abstract: Wide area camera vision systems can respond to variations in light beams projected into a region being monitored. The variations are indicative of the presence of smoke in the region. In addition to providing viewable images of the region being monitored, analysis software can be used to evaluate the extent of smoke in the region or regions being monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Lee D. Tice, Dragan P. Petrovic
  • Patent number: 7493816
    Abstract: An aspirated smoke detector includes a flow path and a generator of acoustic waves in the flow path. Airborne particulate matter in the flow path responds to the acoustic field by particle agglomeration; the resulting larger particles flow into a photoelectric-type smoke sensor. A sensed level of particles can be processed, or compared to one or more predetermined thresholds to establish presence of one or more predetermined conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Dragan P. Petrovic, Lorenzo Luterotti
  • Patent number: 7482940
    Abstract: An alarm for detecting radiation and/or pollutants such as smoke, carbon monoxide or the like has a housing (500), an alarm circuit (400) including a detector (DET1) for detecting said radiation and/or pollutants, first electrical connections (PL1, PL2) connectable to an external power supply for supplying power to the alarm circuit, and a control circuit (300) responsive to receipt of a preselected number of pulses over a preselected time period to apply a preset control signal to the alarm circuit (400). The alarm circuit (400) is responsive to the preset control signal to reset or test the alarm in dependence on the preset control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: AngelEye Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Alexander Rutter, Stuart Hart
  • Publication number: 20090009348
    Abstract: In a photoelectric smoke sensor, a casing has a bottom cover section in which a plurality of holes are formed. The bottom cover section having the holes has a function of allowing smoke to flow into and out of a smoke detecting section and preventing insects from entering the smoke detecting section from outside of the smoke detecting section. Thus, smoke is smoothly introduced from the lower side of the smoke detecting section into the smoke detecting section and there is no necessity of installing a large insect screen at the entrance of smoke flowing from the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Mizuo
  • Publication number: 20090009347
    Abstract: A scattered light smoke detector containing an optoelectronical assembly for measuring scatter signals detected below at least one forward scatter angle and at least one backscatter angle and evaluation electronics for determining an alarm value in accordance with the difference between the scatter signals. Smoke signals are produced from the scatter signals by means of a pre-processing step and a measured value is obtained from the smoke signals. The measured value is formed by a linear linking of the sum of the smoke signals to the difference between the smoke signals BW, FW or by establishing the value for the difference between the smoke signals. The linear linking is calculated according to the formula k1(BW+FW)+k2(BW?FW), in which BW and FW are smoke signals and k1 and k2 represent two constants that are influenced among others by an application factor that is dependent on the environmental conditions in the installation location of the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: August Kaelin, Dani Lippuner, Giuseppe Marbach
  • Patent number: 7474227
    Abstract: A smoke detector includes a smoke detection chamber containing a white light LED and a light detector. The light detector detects light within at least two distinct optical wavelength bands, and generates respective signals indicative of the intensities of the detected light. An analyzer determines, based on the measured light intensities of the different wavelength bands, whether a dangerous smoke/fire condition is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventor: James R Qualey, III
  • Patent number: 7474226
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a smoke detector includes adjusting the sensitivity of the smoke detector to get a consistent predetermined response over the expected operating range. The sensitivity is generally consistent for all detectors and an independent offset value is determined for each detector. This offset value basically corresponds to the signal from the detector in a clean atmosphere. The sensitivity of the smoke detector is determined by measuring the response at different levels of obscuration and then appropriately adjusting the output of the light source of the detector. This process is repeated until the desired sensitivity is achieved. Thereafter, the offset value is measured or calibrated and stored in the smoke detector for use in setting alarm values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Safety Products Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhexin Mi, William J. Rattman
  • Publication number: 20080316039
    Abstract: Infra-red beam smoke detection apparatus comprises an infra-red transmitter or detector or both, in which the or each transmitter or detector is mounted in a housing for angular adjustment to vary the beam direction relative to a fixed axis of the housing, comprising an electrically-driven actuator for effecting the angular adjustment of the beam direction. Also, the infra-red beam transmitter has a visible light beam transmitter arranged selectively to transmit a collimated beam of visible light coaxially with the infra-red beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Mark White, James Warren Rees
  • Patent number: 7463159
    Abstract: The fire detector comprises an insertable detector assembly which includes a sensor arrangement, an electronic evaluation system and a housing which surrounds the sensor arrangement and has openings to provide access by air and, when applicable, smoke to the sensor arrangement. The detector is of modular construction and is configured to accommodate detection modules having sensors for different fire parameters, all detection modules being compatible with a single housing. The detection module may be configured for optical, thermal or optical-thermal fire detection and/or for detecting combustion gases. The sensor arrangement and the above-mentioned access openings are arranged substantially in one plane, whereby a shallow construction is achieved even in the case of a multi-criterion detector. The detection modules have a carrier plate which is identical for all detector types and is insertable in the detector, which carrier plate is configured to accommodate the sensors for the different fire parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies AG
    Inventors: Kurt Hess, Max Schlegel