Abstract: In a flammable vapor sensor-based shut-off system of a fuel-fired water heater the sensor resistance output signal degradation caused by aging of the sensor is automatically compensated for using an operational timer having an output signal indicative of the total life of the sensor subsequent to its installation on the water heater. In one embodiment of the system, a resistance adjustment signal having a magnitude related in a predetermined manner to the timer output signal is created and added to the sensor resistance output signal. In another embodiment, the timer output signal is used to appropriately adjust the minimum-maximum received sensor signal magnitude range, based on the installed age of the sensor, which will preclude combustion in the appliance. Additionally, in each embodiment thereof the system is provided with an improved initial minimum-maximum sensor signal magnitude range. Other types of shut-off gas sensors may be alternatively utilized.

Abstract: A gas detection system capable of suppressing the power consumption of the system using gas sensors required for heating for measurement at high accuracy, comprising a server and a plurality of gas sensors connected by way of wireless communication with the server, in which each of the gas sensors is provided with a heater, a controller for controlling the ON-OFF for the power supply to the heater and a comparator for comparing the detected gas concentration with a predetermined threshold value. In the gas detection system, electric power is not usually supplied to the heater in each of the gas sensors and the gas sensor measures the gas concentration at a low accuracy and always compares it with the threshold value. In a case where the gas concentration exceeds the threshold value in one of the gas sensors, it turns the heater of its own to ON thereby switching the measurement to that at high accuracy and turns the heater to OFF upon completing the measurement.

Abstract: A method for providing an automotive safety system, comprising the steps of: collecting and analyzing data from the proximity of a potential driver, determining whether the potential driver is under the influence of intoxicating substances, and disabling an automotive ignition system if the potential driver is determined to be under the influence of intoxicating substances.

Abstract: A method of detecting a predetermined alarm condition in a combustion emission gas. The method comprises exposing to the gas a semiconductor gas sensor having a p-type mixed metal oxide semiconducting material of the first, second and/or third order transition metal series, the semiconducting material being responsive both to a change in concentration of a reducing gas in the surrounding atmosphere and to a change in concentration of oxygen in the surrounding atmosphere to exhibit a change in its electrical resistance. The resistance is monitored and an alarm signal is output if the resistance exceeds a predetermined value corresponding to the alarm condition.

Abstract: A lowered smoke detector is disclosed. It comprises a sensor and a mounting system. The mounting system includes a frame, a securing device, a reel, a flexible member, a mounting adaptor, an activator, and a cover. The frame is mounted to the wall with the securing device to the wall. The reel with the flexible member wound about it and the activator hanging down is attached to the frame. The sensor is mounted to flexible member via mounting adaptor and hooks. Finally, the cover fits over the frame to complete the assembly. The operator pulls the activator in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to lower or raise the sensor between a raised position for operation and a lowered position for servicing.

Abstract: The system and method for detecting water and/or gas leaks by monitoring usage patterns is described. In one embodiment, the existence of a leak is detected by looking for usage patterns wherein water or gas is always being used, at least at a low rate. A leak is indicated if usage does not drop to zero, at least for a period of time, during a given time interval (e.g., during a 24-hour period). The severity of the leak is indicated by the minimum amount of usage during the given time period. In one embodiment, the leak detection system is provided in connection with an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system.

Abstract: Methods and systems to screen equipment operators for impairments, such as intoxication, physical impairment, medical impairment, or emotional impairment, to selectively test the equipment operators and control the equipment if impairment of the equipment operator is determined. One embodiment is a method to screen an equipment operator for intoxication. A second embodiment is a method to screen an equipment operator for impairment, such as intoxication, physical impairment, medical impairment, or emotional impairment. A third embodiment is an equipment operator screening system to determine impairment, such as intoxication, physical impairment, medical impairment, or emotional impairment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gas detection uses a sensor such as an electrochemical (EC) cell and includes a feedback control loop to control a pump to establish a first predetermined gas flow rate to the EC cell. The concentration of the gas at the first predetermined flow rate is measured. If the detected concentration exceeds a predetermined Alert value at the first flow rate an Initial Warning without remedial action is generated, and, the system then changes the gas flow rate before an Alarm is indicated. An Alarm is signaled only if the system verifies the first measurement. Preferably the first flow rate is set to optimize the measurement accuracy of the EC cell being used, and the second flow rate is lower than the first. Verification of an Alarm at the first flow rate may be conducted quickly by a quick-reaction process. The controller may periodically cycle the flow rates between the first and second rates for better accuracy and faster verification times.

Abstract: An alarm annunciator, particularly a gas or fire annunciator, having a casing mountable on a wall or a ceiling, which contains an alarm detector, which is in wireless connection with the surroundings of the casing via at least one opening, an electronic circuitry for the evaluation of the signals of the alarm detector, a wireless module, connected to the electronic circuitry and having an antenna for wireless receiving or sending signals to/from a sending/receiving station, and a battery for the power supply of the electronic circuitry and the wireless module, characterised in that a metallic protection screen covering the opening is designed as an antenna and is connected with the antenna output socket of the wireless module.

Abstract: The Alarm Shut Off System is an invention that will detect when there is smoke and shut off the supply of gas or electric power from the appliance to prevent the smoke from growing into a fire. This invention will save lives and property.

Abstract: A gas safety detector having a self-detection function includes a base board, an electromagnet, a gas device, a magnetically attractive plate, and a sensor. Thus, the gas safety detector has a self-detection function. In addition, when the electromagnet stops operating due to a malfunction or electric shutoff, the magnetically attractive plate is released to release the hook portion which releases the nozzle of the gas device, so that the retractable nozzle of the gas device is returned to the original position immediately so as to stop flow of the gas, thereby preventing the gas from leaking outward so as to provide a protective effect.

Abstract: A system and methods of the present invention advantageously provide efficient mail processing and handling that, as compared to existing procedures, enhances detection of biological, germ, chemical, or other harmful agents within the mail being processed or handled. A system and methods additionally provide a higher level of quality and consistency for processing and handling mail so that concerns over contamination of postal workers and potential mail recipients are reduced. A system and methods further provide enhanced detection of contaminated mail contents, mail, mail equipment, mail containers, and mail personnel due to exposure or contact with harmful agents associated with mail. The system and methods preferably includes the use of at least one harmful agent sensor associated with mail processing equipment.

Abstract: A garage monitoring system for use with an automatic garage door opening mechanism that includes a carbon monoxide detector configured to sense the presence of carbon monoxide within the garage and generate an audible alarm when carbon monoxide reaches a predetermined level in the garage. A heater is positioned adjacent the carbon monoxide detector for maintaining the carbon monoxide detector above a minimum operational temperature. The garage monitoring system further includes a garage door position sensor for determining the position of the garage door and generating a signal corresponding to the position of the garage door.

Abstract: Upon detection of a flammable gas condition, an intelligent thermostat regulates operation of appliances that have sources of ignition which could be the source of or may ignite the flammable gas. This hazardous condition is detected by a flammable gas detector and is communicated to the intelligent thermostat by wired or wireless communications. The intelligent thermostat then communicates with these appliances either via wired or wireless communications. The intelligent thermostat may also provide a visual warning user interface screen to inform the occupant of the hazardous condition, and may signal smoke detectors in the dwelling to sound an audible flammable gas warning. Alternatively, the flammable gas detector may signal the smoke detectors in the dwelling to sound an audible flammable gas warning directly.

Abstract: A decorative cover for smoke detectors and like devices mounted on a wall or ceiling provides a cover member of a generally opaque material approximately the shape of the device it is covering and somewhat larger than the device to be covered. The cover is provided with a plurality of connector resilient legs fixed to the inside of the cover and extending towards the device to be covered in the pattern to engage selected distributed points of engagement. Cam surfaces on the ends of the resilient legs are position to laterally deflect the respective legs when they contact the distributed points of engagement. Forces imposed by the resilience of the legs while deflected are directed in opposition to one another to maintain frictional engagement at respective points of engagement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to testing equipment 20 for a fire alarm 1. It includes a testing pole (21), a range spacer (23) connected to the testing pole (21), and a reflective means and/or scattering means situated in the inside of the essentially pot-shaped designed range spacer (23).

Abstract: A compact particle sensor for detecting suspended particles includes a housing, a light source, a light receiver and a plurality of optical elements. The housing provides a test chamber and includes at least one opening for admitting particles into the test chamber, while simultaneously substantially preventing outside light from entering the test chamber. The light source is positioned for supplying a light beam within the test chamber. The plurality of optical elements are positioned to direct the light beam from the light source to the receiver, which is positioned to receive the light beam supplied by the light source.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for indicating valid data in a removable memory media. In an embodiment of the invention, an alert may be employed with the removable media, such as NVRAM, to indicate that the battery backup is functional and that the memory content may be valid. One type of alert may be a blinking light source, such as a blinking light emitting diode (LED). In a another aspect of the present invention, contents of an appliance, such as a computer or storage controller, may be arranged so that an alert employed on the removable memory media in accordance with the present invention may be visible to an administrator without opening the chassis of the appliance.

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

Abstract: Among plural liquid leakage sensors placed at the lower most portion of a system such as a floor surface, a leaked liquid storing portion, etc., an error-activated location of the sensor can be easily identified uniquely when the sensor is detecting any abnormality. In a liquid leakage detecting system including at least one liquid leakage sensor having at least one detecting portion contactable with a leaking liquid through an air layer or a liquid permeable layer, a warning device including a sound producing is placed within a specified spatial distance from each installation position of the liquid leakage sensor, wherein after detecting any abnormal conditions of the liquid leakage sensor, a warning signal is issued at least in an audio frequency based on the warning device in order to discriminate the error-activated leakage sensor from other non-activated leakage sensors placed outside of the specified spatial distance and uniquely identify the installation position of the activated leakage sensor.

Abstract: The invention is a power strip with an internal smoke detection device, which cuts off AC electrical power to attached electrical devices if smoke is detected.

Abstract: A medical gas alarm system for use in a healthcare facility having a medical gas system and having a network of computer devices is provided. The alarm system includes at least one area alarm controller adapted to receive a first signal indicative of a condition of a first portion of the medical gas system. The area alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the network. The alarm system also includes at least one master alarm controller adapted to receive a second signal indicative of a condition of a second portion of the medical gas system. The master alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the network. The area alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the master alarm controller through the network.

Abstract: An automated monitoring and response system includes sensors for monitoring an actor and the actor's environment, and an alert module interfaced with the sensors and adapted to identify an existence of an emergency situation relating to the actor or the environment. The alert module is adapted to generate an alert message for one or more responders, the alert message including a primary alert message component and a supplemental alert message component. The supplemental alert message component includes non-primary supplemental information relating to the actor and/or the environment and giving context to the at least one emergency situation, including, for example, sensor data relevant to the emergency situation.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of detecting fires comprising detecting (with one or more detectors) levels of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and smoke in an ambient environment, computing (using a processor) over time rates of increase of each of the levels, and generating an alarm if one or more of the rates of increase exceed predetermined threshold rates of increase.

Abstract: An interface circuit and method for use in interconnected hazardous condition detectors is provided. This circuit and method prioritizes the various hazardous condition alarms to ensure that only the highest priority or greatest threat alarm is sounded when such a condition is detected. In this way a lower priority alarm that may be sounding will be switched to a higher priority alarm so that all interconnected detectors that have the capability will sound the higher priority alarm. This will reduce occupant confusion during a hazardous condition. The circuit and method also provides the ability to silence all interconnected detectors except for those sensing the hazardous condition to allow the occupant to locate the triggering alarm, and there for the location of the sensed hazardous condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure-measuring device (M1) with a controller (C) for controlling the functions of the measuring device (M1) and/or for processing measured data, a sensor (S1) for measuring a variable (p1) to provide first measured data (I1), and an output interface (IA1, D1) for outputting the measured data (I1).

Abstract: An alarm system (100) to wake sleeping occupants in the event of an emergency has a receiver (105) for detecting a warning signal (130) emitted from an external device (125), such as a smoke or carbon monoxide detector. A processor (11) compares the received warning signal to a predetermined signal and, if they correspond, then a transmitter (115) transmits an alarm (135). The predetermined signal can be preprogrammed or it can be learned by alarm system. The alarm is at least one of an audible, visual, vibratory, and/or olfactory communication. A customized audible communication in a voice familiar to the occupants can be recorded and stored in the alarm system. In addition, the system may provide different alarms before and after motion is detected.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system automatically detects the presence of a person sealed in the trunk of an automobile by sensing the CO2 respiration of the person. Visible, audio and radio alarms are generated in response to the detection of a person in the trunk. If the vehicle is stopped, the trunk will automatically open and allow the person to escape.

Abstract: A smoke detector unit (20) comprising a housing containing a smoke detector (24) and at least two component mounting boards, such as printed circuit boards, in a stacked arrangement, the housing having at least one air gap (34), wherein one of the boards (36) is inverted with respect to the other and the detector is positioned on the lower board whereby, in use, the detector extends upwardly between the boards. The housing may be in the form of a ceiling rose.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting chemical, biological and/or nuclear attacks in large areas such as cities, states and nations. The system protects the public before significant exposure occurs, utilizing a preventive approach rather than a purely reactive approach. Modeling is conducted to selectively position sensors for the on-going collection of real-time detection data, such as contaminant types and concentrations, weather conditions, terrain data, dispersion data and the like. The detection data is compared to background data and modeled data to detect unsafe contaminant levels and immediately activate a response system. The integrated modeling and simulation component may function to interface with real-time data from the sensors providing integrated real-time plume depiction, prediction, and verification, as well as real-time response and mitigation. This is testable and serves as an advanced redundant scientific control.

Abstract: Systems and methods for suppressing the spread of fire, fire-related toxins, and other biological and chemical hazards are disclosed. In embodiments of the present invention a controller shuts off the flow of electrical current to the fan of a residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in response to an electrical signal emitted by a detector, such as a smoke, heat, or biochemical detector. Embodiments of the present invention may include a variety of additional features as well, including a notification device and an electrical panel shut off.

Abstract: The measuring arrangement contains a measuring cell and a reference cell, respectively, and microphones assigned to these cells, to which microphones an electronic evaluation circuit is connected and in which a subtraction of the signals of the microphones takes place, as well as a radiation source for applying a modulated signal to the measuring cell. The modulation frequency of the radiation source coincides with the resonant frequency of the measuring cell, and the measuring cell and the reference cell are open at at least one end to the gas to and/or aerosol to be detected. The measuring arrangement is used as smoke alarm, gas alarm, fire hazard alarm or as combined smoke and gas alarm, wherein each of the measuring cells is exposed to a radiation of a wavelength at which a relevant substance to be detected is absorbent and an opto-acoustic effect is produced as a result.

Abstract: A vapor sensing device that is sufficiently small and lightweight to be handheld, and also modular so as to allow the device to be conveniently adapted for use in sensing the presence and concentration of a wide variety of specified vapors. The device provides these benefits using a sensor module that incorporates a sample chamber and a plurality of sensors located on a chip releasably carried within or adjacent to the sample chamber. Optionally, the sensor module can be configured to be releasably plugged into a receptacle formed in the device. Vapors are directed to pass through the sample chamber, whereupon the sensors provide a distinct combination of electrical signals in response to each. The sensors of the sensor module can take the form of chemically sensitive resistors having resistances that vary according to the identity and concentration of an adjacent vapor.

Abstract: A terminal system has a mass spectrometric for inspecting of dangerous substances is installed in an inspection area, and a support system for determining whether or not a dangerous substance is present and identifying the type of the substance, based on the mass spectrometric data on the target element that has been measured by the mass spectrometric, is installed in a security service enterprise's office. Both systems are connected to each other via a communication network so that they can exchange information. Thus, the support system can send the determination result of dangerous substances and a precautions guide to the terminal system via the communication network.

Abstract: One or more enclosures constructed about one or more objects at which hot work is to be performed at a facility containing flammable and/or combustible material. Hot work includes such things as welding, torch cutting, grinding and the like that produces heat, spark, slag or flame. The one or more enclosures are capable of being simultaneously and independently controlled and monitored by a single control and monitoring system.

Abstract: A sensor system for monitoring cryogenic gas flow through a tube/pipe has at least one sensor coupled to the tube/piping. An alarm circuit is coupled to the sensor for receiving measurement signals from the at least one sensor and for sending an alarm signal when the measurement signal deviates from a predetermined level.

Abstract: A security system utilizes danger sensors (3) and a central unit connected wirelessly to the danger sensors (3). The danger sensors (3) have a communication module (8) which has the same dimensions and same shape for all sensor types, and which is intended to attach the danger sensor (3) to a mounting plate (2). In addition to the communication module (8), the danger sensor (3) contains a detection module (9) where the communication module (8) has a mechanical and electrical/electronic interface with the detection module (9).

Abstract: An electronic digital pressure switch for detecting gas pressures features improved safety. The digital pressure switch that detects gas pressures and generates outputs has a housing provided with pinholes that allow a gas to pass therethrough. With this arrangement, even if a gas should leak into the housing, the leakage gas is let out through the pinholes. Thus, when the pressure of a flammable gas is detected, it is possible to eliminate the danger of an explosion caused by the flammable gas accumulating in the housing.

Abstract: A system and method for inferring an electronic rendering (170) of an environment (110) comprises a plurality of devices (341 and 345), and a processing device. Each wireless device is capable of determining a distance between a neighboring wireless device. Moreover, each device is capable of performing at least one of the following: determining an environmental attribute of the environment, and determining a location of an object in the environment. The processing device gathers information determined from the plurality of devices and infers the electronic rendering of the environment based on the information gathered.

Abstract: A chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapon detection system is disclosed that comprises an array of spatially-disparate hazardous material sensors and an array of spatially-disparate video cameras. The telemetry from the sensors and the video feed from the cameras are all fed back to a centralized system control center. When the illustrative embodiment suspects that an attack has occurred, it switches the feed from the video cameras in the vicinity of where the attack is believed to occur to a monitor. This enables the personnel who monitor the illustrative embodiment to further verify the attack.

Abstract: A system comprises a first conductor configured to receive a signal via a supply side gas pipe, a second conductor configured to receive a reference signal via a reference path, and a circuit coupled to the first conductor and the second conductor. The circuit is configured to receive the signal and the reference signal to provide power to the system.

Abstract: An ambient condition detector includes a time delay function whereby a user initiates a functionality test of the detector and has time to move away from the vicinity of the detector before a potentially hearing damaging, audible report is issued from the detector under test. Multiple ways to set the time delay interval are included in the various embodiments. The sensors of the ambient condition detector may include fire sensors, smoke sensors, gas sensors, motion sensors, vibration sensors and multiple combinations of these sensors.

Abstract: A device with a multi-function test feature for assessing or directing multiple sensor functions is provided for monitoring and interrogating air flow through Heating/Ventilation/Air-conditioning (HVAC)-type ducts for changes to ambient conditions such as smoke, heat, gas, and/or relative humidity.

Abstract: There is provided an air/fuel ratio gauge for monitoring an engine exhaust mixture of an engine having a plurality of oxygen sensors. The gauge of the present invention comprises a gauge housing. A gauge controller is disposed within the gauge housing and is electrically communicated with the engine. The gauge controller is operative to receive a sensor voltage output signal from each of the plurality of oxygen sensors. Furthermore, at least two gauge displays are each electrically communicated with the gauge controller and an associated oxygen sensor. Each gauge display is operative to independently display sensor information representative of the associated oxygen sensor operation.

Abstract: There is provided a hydrogen storage system having one or more hydrogen storage containers disposed in a confined area with a vent line extending from the one or more storage containers to a location outside of the confined area. One or more sensors are disposed in the confined area for detecting one or more pre-determined unsafe conditions relating to the storage of hydrogen in the contained area and at least one actuator is provided for actuating an operable valve of the vent line to release the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage container to a location outside the confined area at a pre-determined release rate in response to a signal from the sensor indicating an unsafe condition. A power system incorporating a hydrogen storage system as described above is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a safety module for connection to a fuel-burning appliance. The safety module connects to the existing circuitry of the appliance and triggers an alarm response when certain predetermined conditions are met. The safety module includes a CO sensor and a processor and can respond not only to acutely high CO levels but also to chronically high CO levels and lack of adherence to service schedules amongst other conditions. The safety module can also be programmed/reset.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and indicating the presence of combustion products comprising a first combustion product monitor for monitoring for the presence of a first combustion product and quantifying said first product; a second combustion product monitor for monitoring for the presence of a second combustion product and quantifying said second product; and, an alarm connected to the first and second combustion product monitors for triggering an alarm when an alarm condition is satisfied, said alarm condition being at least one of the group consisting of the quantified presence of the first combustion product exceeding a first-product threshold level and the quantified presence of the second combustion product exceeding a first second-product threshold level; and, the quantified presence of the second combustion product exceeding a second second-product threshold level.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for notifying a user of a pending empty gas supply tank. The user can input the initial volume of the gas supply tank, a gas monitor can monitor the amount of gas that was injected into the chamber and an indicator can notify the user when the gas volume of the supply tank is at or below a predetermined level so that the user can take the appropriate action. Additionally, a gas volume converter can be included to convert from one volume unit to another.

Abstract: A system and methods of the present invention advantageously provide efficient mail processing and handling that, as compared to existing procedures, enhances detection within the mail being processed or handled of biological, germ, chemical, or other harmful agents. A system and methods provide additionally a higher level of quality and consistency for processing and handling mail so that concerns over contamination of postal workers and potential mail recipients are reduced. A system and methods further provide enhanced disabling of contaminated mail contents, mail, mail equipment, mail containers, and mail personnel due to exposure or contact with harmful agents associated with mail.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the operation of a gas sensor is disclosed. A system signal is provided in response to sensing first or second system conditions, and a gas concentration signal is provided in response to sensing first or second gas concentration levels of a gas. In response to the system and gas concentration signals, a signal indicating the operating condition of the gas sensor is provided.