Gas Patents (Class 340/632)
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Publication number: 20120293334Abstract: A fire and flammable gas system comprises a signal detector installed in a detection area for detecting flue gas, temperature or flammable gas signal; an alarm controller for real time collecting flue gas, temperature or flammable gas signal detected by the signal detector; a data manager for recording and storing an initial background value of the detector and detection data of the detector during running process, and analyzing the historical data of the detector during running process in real time so as to carry out early-warning in advance or detector self-diagnosis or alarm threshold adjusting; and an early-warning monitor for displaying early-warning analysis result output by the data manager on the monitor. A fire and flammable gas method is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2010Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: Tianjin Puhai New Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Lezhong Yu, Jun Niu, Hongyun Sun
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Patent number: 8314712Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for facilitating spoilage detection in bulk grain storage bins via dust-free or substantially dust-free air sampling. Dust particles are passively removed from sampled air without the use of barrier filters or electrostatic screens, but instead through the use of a non-linear pathway that is open at one end and closed at the other end. A system is disclosed that incorporates a coiled pathway as an air inlet element combined with a carbon dioxide or other gas detector element to provide an integrated detector module suitable for permanent installation in a dusty bulk grain storage bin environment to provide spoilage gas measurements over time. The system may communicate data to a central data storage system via cellular telephone or long range radio frequency data transmission. Alerts and alarms are generated and transmitted electronically to users via email, SMS text, automated phone messages and other means.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2010Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Bin Tech L.L.L.P.Inventors: Guy Fromme, Timothy O'Connor
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Publication number: 20120286949Abstract: A fall indicating alarm system includes one or more fall sensors and at least one gas sensor coupled to a displaced alarm system which, responsive to an output from a fall sensor, generates an audible or visual alarm indicator. Both local and displaced alarm indicators can be generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2011Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Stephen David Worthington, Sean Everett Stinson
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Publication number: 20120280818Abstract: A hazardous condition alerting system is described that provides a method for alerting on a hazardous condition. The method may include transmitting a location data item identifying a location of an alerting apparatus to a remote server. The method may further include receiving alert information from the remote server when the remote server makes the determination that the location of the alerting apparatus corresponds to a hazardous location. And the method may further include providing a local alert on the alerting apparatus when the alert information from the remote server is received by the alerting apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: ACCENTURE GLOBAL SERVICES LIMITEDInventors: Ernest K. Johnson, JR., Mark J. Davisson
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Patent number: 8289179Abstract: A vibratory flow meter (100) for correcting for entrained gas in a flow material is provided. The vibratory flow meter (100) comprises a flow meter assembly (10) configured to generate a vibrational response for the flow material, a bubble size sensor (50) configured to generate a bubble measurement signal for the flow material, and meter electronics (20) coupled to the flow meter assembly (10) and to the bubble size sensor (50). The meter electronics (20) is configured to receive the vibrational response and the bubble measurement signal, determine a bubble size of bubbles in the flow material using at least the bubble measurement signal, determine one or more flow characteristics of the flow material using at least the vibrational response and the bubble size.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Joel Weinstein, Mark James Bell
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Publication number: 20120242489Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing chromatograms obtained by a process gas chromatograph in a plurality of subsequent measurements of a process stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2011Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Aosheng WANG, Ray Dean Shepherd
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Patent number: 8269640Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention discloses an odor-generating alarm apparatus that can ensure the reliability of a releasing operation and the odor dispersibility. In an odor-generating alarm apparatus, when abnormality information indicating occurrence of an abnormal state is supplied from a sensor for occurrence of an abnormal state, an initiator is operated by a circuit portion, and the initiator displaces a piston of a driving portion and displaces a spray can with respect to a casing and switches the spray can to a releasing state, thus releasing an odorous liquid filling the spray can in the form of fine particles.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2008Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Air Water Safety Service Inc.Inventors: Yasuhiro Ueno, Hirofumi Onishi, Hideaki Goto, Koichiro Mizoguchi, Tomo Sakai, Katsuyuki Kitahara
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Publication number: 20120229287Abstract: A system for monitoring the amount of a selected gas in a gas flow is provided comprising a gas sensor for sensing the selected gas in the gas flow and producing a corresponding electrical signal; at least one pressure regulator to adjust a pressure of the gas flow to a standardized pressure before the gas flow reaches the gas sensor; a flow adjustment device to adjust a flow rate of the gas flow to a standardized flow rate before the gas flow reaches the gas sensor; and a controller for receiving the electrical signal from the gas sensor and processing the electric signal to calculate the concentration of the selected gas in the gas flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2010Publication date: September 13, 2012Inventor: Lorne Schuetzle
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Publication number: 20120229286Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Timothy A. Rauworth
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Publication number: 20120229285Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Timothy A. Rauworth, Fred N. Merkle
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Patent number: 8264360Abstract: A highly sensitive low loss and low flow fluid flow switch is coupled with an automatic timer and/or optional transmitter to indicate the flow of gas to an appliance and to automatically start a reminder timer to turn the appliance off. After a preset time limit has expired, the timer either sounds an alarm or wirelessly triggers an alarm in a remote location. The receiver portion of the wireless timer may be mounted directly to the appliance (grill handle), so that the timer automatically resets when activity (cover opening or closing) is detected, indicating the appliance is still in use. An alarm can also be configured to sound when the grill is attempted to be ignited with the cover closed, thereby avoiding a potential explosion. A biasing attraction magnet is incorporated in the fluid flow switch to offset either the force of gravity or a return spring in order to extend performance to low pressure and low flow applications.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Waterstrike IncorporatedInventor: David A. Struyk
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Patent number: 8258969Abstract: An extended smoke alarm system and related methods are disclosed. In particular, embodiments of an extended smoke alarm system having wireless-signal-send-and-receive functionalities wherein the system includes one or more flashlights having at least wireless-signal-receiving functionality are detailed. Related methods for system use are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)Inventor: Bradly J. Billman
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Publication number: 20120212347Abstract: A gas detector management system includes a plurality of docking stations distributed in a region being monitored. One or more gas detectors in the region, which have been exposed to various gas concentrations, and which include respective stored maximum concentrations can be coupled to respective docking stations. Information including the maximum stored concentrations can be downloaded to the stations. Alert messages can be automatically generated and transmitted to displaced safety officer for follow-up.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Christopher N. Boone
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Patent number: 8248253Abstract: A fire detector incorporates a heatable gas sensor. The sensor is cycled through a plurality of different operating temperature ranges, and one or more outputs at each temperature range are acquired. A plurality of acquired outputs, corresponding to the plurality of temperature ranges, can be coupled in parallel to pattern recognition circuitry. The pattern recognition circuitry can process the acquired outputs and make a determination that the processed data samples are indicative of the presence of a fire condition.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Zafer Ankara
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Patent number: 8242921Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 8, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.Inventor: Sheng-Hsiung Yang
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Patent number: 8237576Abstract: A manhole security system includes a barrier and an alarm. The barrier fits within a manhole opening and under a manhole cover. The barrier is also formed to substantially close the manhole opening to block access to the manhole if the cover is removed, and includes a basin to collect fluids that may otherwise drain into the manhole. The alarm of the system is positioned on the barrier and includes a monitoring device operable to directly or indirectly monitor the position of the manhole cover and/or to detect a volatile gas in the manhole. Upon the removal of a manhole cover and/or upon the detection of a volatile gas within the manhole, the alarm emits an audible alert and/or transmit a signal to a remote station indicating that the manhole cover has been removed an/or the presence of a volatile gas in the manhole.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Utility Sealing Systems, Inc.Inventor: Lloyd J. Wander
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Patent number: 8237575Abstract: A radioactive source information tracking and reporting system and method is disclosed. The system and method include a device operable to detect a presence of a radioactive source contained within a shielded container. The device is further operable to detect a location of the shielded container. A message is generated and transmitted to a central facility. The message includes a shielded container identifier, a location of the shielded container, and an indication of the presence of the radioactive source.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Geoforce, Inc.Inventors: James S. MacLean, III, Brandon C. Taylor
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Patent number: 8232884Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 24, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Greg R. Pattok, Richard T. Fish, Jr., Scott R. Edwards, Darin D. Tuttle, Christopher D. Stirling
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Patent number: 8203118Abstract: A chip-scale ion-trap mass spectrometer driven by a monolithic photodiode array and a method of fabricating the same. A high-voltage photovoltaic source is located in proximity to the ion-trap mass spectrometer structure. The high-voltage photovoltaic source includes monolithically fabricated and serially connected photodiodes. An external light source illuminates the photodiodes to generate a high voltage across the photodiode array. An RF voltage modulation is attained by modulating the light source at a desired RF frequency. The high-voltage photodiode array may be monolithically fabricated in association with the ion-trap mass spectrometer. The photodiode array requires a small area compared to the ion-trap mass spectrometer size as the spectrometer typically possess a very small capacitance and a low power consumption.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2010Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventors: Wei Yang, Alex Gu
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Patent number: 8203458Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 23, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaAInventors: Ingo Kaneblei, Sandra Bruegmann, Andreas Nauber
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Patent number: 8199027Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for utility meter reading. The present disclosure provides inexpensive, easy to install, devices that can collect and report utility usage data from a remote location automatically, or on-demand. The disclosed systems may be used to monitor up to sixty-four meters per system, wherein each of the sixty-four meters is monitored at least once per second. Methods for using the disclosed systems also are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Inventor: Jack Rubin
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Publication number: 20120139736Abstract: A detector and an entry control system includes: an identifying unit including a surface to which an identification target is moved close; a blower supplying airflow along the surface; a sampling port sucking the airflow from the blower; an analyzing unit analyzing a compound sucked by the sampling port; a database unit including an analysis data; a determining unit determining an analyzed result based on the data of the database unit; and a control unit performing control in accordance with a determined result of the determining unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2009Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: Yasutaka Suzuki, Yasuaki Takada, Hisashi Nagano, Masakazu Sugaya
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Patent number: 8176936Abstract: By removably disposing a fluid cutoff device in a gas piping, a gas cutoff management function for remote cutting-off/return, etc., can be added to an existing flow measuring unit, and a communicating portion can make bidirectional communications, so that by transmitting an acceptance state of a remote operation from the external device to the external device, higher reliability and safety can be realized, and by detecting use with the fluid cutoff device removed, safety can be further improved while unauthorized use is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Naoto Naganuma, Masaki Yamaguchi, Takehiko Shigeoka
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Patent number: 8159359Abstract: A test device, for checking the functioning capability of a gas-alarm annunciator, has a reservoir in which are located a target fluid and a carrier fluid. At least a part of the carrier fluid is present in a liquid aggregate state and the target fluid is at least partially dissolved in the liquid carrier fluid. An extraction device engages into the reservoir such that the target fluid can be extracted along with the liquid carrier fluid. The target fluid is constituted such that on reaching a coverage area of a properly functioning gas-alarm annunciator it will cause the gas-alarm annunciator to annunciate an alarm. A test system and a test method for checking a gas-alarm annunciator's functioning capability use such a test device.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Martin Forster
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Publication number: 20120086576Abstract: A multifunctional emergency lighting device includes at least one base formed of a heat sink, at least one LED lighting module, at least one emergency LED lighting module, a power control circuit, and at least one backup power supply device. The LED lighting module and the emergency LED lighting module are both mounted in the base. The power control circuit is connected to the LED lighting module and the emergency LED lighting module for converting AC to DC current for charging the backup power supply device and powers the LED lighting module and the emergency LED lighting module. In case of power failure of the electric main, the backup power supply device supplies electrical power to the power control circuit for powering the emergency LED lighting module in order to activate the emergency lighting of the emergency LED lighting module.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: UNISTAR OPTO CORPORATIONInventor: CHIN-LUNG LIN
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Patent number: 8154415Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LPInventors: Stephen John Penney, Don Brighenti
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Patent number: 8147302Abstract: A system for monitoring air quality conditions, comprising, a multi-point air monitoring system comprising, a plurality of sensors for collecting air quality data from a plurality of at least partially enclosed areas; one or more data processing units for processing one or more air quality parameters based on the collected air quality data; and one or more communication devices for communicating the data from the sensor to the processing unit; and a signal processing controller that generates one or more blended air quality parameter signals via the multi-point air monitoring system based at least in part on one or more of the processed air quality parameters representative of data from a plurality of the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2006Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Aircuity, Inc.Inventors: Eric M. Desrochers, Gordon P. Sharp
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Patent number: 8138933Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 5, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Crucs Holdings, LLCInventor: Kevin M. Crucs
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Patent number: 8134470Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Inventor: Milton L. Agurs
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Patent number: 8130108Abstract: A gas level display controller includes a mass computation module, a reference value setting module, and a display control module. The mass computation module obtains a pressure and a temperature of compressed hydrogen stored in a hydrogen tank and calculates a mass of the compressed hydrogen in the hydrogen tank, for example, according to a known gas state equation. The reference value setting module sets a reference value, which is used for display of a remaining amount of the compressed hydrogen in the hydrogen tank on a display device, to the mass of the compressed hydrogen calculated by the mass computation module on the occasion of filling the compressed hydrogen into the hydrogen tank to limitation of the hydrogen filling. The display control module calculates a ratio of the mass of the compressed hydrogen to the reference value and makes the remaining amount of the compressed hydrogen in the hydrogen tank displayed on the display device, based on the calculated ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kenji Umayahara
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Patent number: 8120501Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Inventor: Alfredo Mancini
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Patent number: 8115646Abstract: In one embodiment, a system to detect one or more environmental conditions in proximity to a surface comprises a first metamaterial environmental sensor module proximate the surface. The environmental sensor comprises a metamaterial-based electrically resonant structure having a resonance frequency which varies in response to changes in at least one of a humidity proximate the sensor module, a temperature proximate the sensor module, or the presence of a chemical or biological agent proximate the sensor module. The system further comprises a remote receiver to receive an electromagnetic signal comprising the signal generated by the electrically resonant structure and a signal analysis module to determine an environmental condition such as humidity, temperature, pre-ice conditions, ice, chemicals or biological species from the at least one environmental condition signal. Other embodiments may be described.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Minas H Tanielian, Robert B. Greegor, Stephen L. Fahley
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Patent number: 8117009Abstract: Disclosed is a data recorder for munitions. The data recorder includes a power source, a processor, and an acceleration sensor. The data recorder further includes a trigger validation feature which is operably coupled to the data recorder to verify the occurrence of a secondary environmental/input event. This envisioned data recorder can contain a digital or analog device as a primary or secondary trigger. Data from an accelerometer is stored in FRAM memory.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: L-3 CommunicationsInventors: Marc Worthington, Noah Desch, David Lawson, Scott Colegrove
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Publication number: 20120036461Abstract: A communications system for emergency services personnel can include portable devices to be carried by emergency services personnel while at an emergency site. The portable devices each may have at least a first transceiver configured to communicate over a first network and the portable devices are configured to communicate with one another. The system may also include a portable gateway apparatus. The portable gateway apparatus may have a portable computer having a graphical user interface (GUI) and a PCMCIA or smaller card that itself includes at least a first radio. The first radio is configured to communicate over the first network to obtain status information from the portable devices carried by the emergency services personnel. The GUI is configured to communicate with the PCMCIA card to display a node map indicating communication links between the portable devices carried by the emergency services personnel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: SCOTT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Craig Michael Parkulo, Julie Marshall
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Patent number: 8106785Abstract: To enable an air velocity of sampling air to be precisely measured, a smoke detector (S) includes: a smoke detection part (22) connected to a sampling pipe (11); a fan (12) that sucks sampling air (SA) into the sampling pipe; and an air velocity sensor (15) that measures an air velocity of the sampling air within the sampling pipe. The air velocity sensor (15) is disposed at a primary side of the fan (12), and a straightening vane (25) is disposed between the air velocity sensor (15) and a suction port (12a) of the fan (12).Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2011Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Nohmi Bosai Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyuki Yokota
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Publication number: 20120013472Abstract: A method of monitoring a coal supply includes receiving a sampled level of at least one combustible gas in the coal supply from a combustible gas sensor device embedded in the coal supply, analyzing the sampled level to identify an accumulated combustible gas condition, and indicating a combustible gas alert in response to the accumulated combustible gas condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventor: Robert Warren Taylor
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Patent number: 8098167Abstract: An unmanned vehicle for use in a stable such as a cowshed is provided with detection components for determining meteorological conditions. The detection components comprise sensors for determining temperature, air velocity, gas, analysis, light, air pressure, and air humidity. The detection sensors are disposed at different heights on the vehicle and on a telescopic carrier for providing determinations at variable altitudes. The vehicle includes a data processing unit for storing and analyzing data. The vehicle also includes a transmitting unit and signaling device for transfer of data and for alerting an operator of threatening meteorological conditions and when they become hostile. Composition and quantity of feed which is provided to animals in the stable is varied dependent on changes in climate detected by the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2001Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Lely Enterprises AGInventor: Franciscus Theodorus Cornelis Geerts
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Publication number: 20120007736Abstract: In large systems of ambient condition detectors the respective detectors can each include an RFID-type tag or integrated circuit. The tag can transmit detector identification information and status information wirelessly to a displaced receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2010Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. Worthington, Sean Everett Stinson
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Patent number: 8089366Abstract: To enable an air velocity of sampling air to be precisely measured, a smoke detector (S) includes: a smoke detection part (22) connected to a sampling pipe (11); a fan (12) that sucks sampling air (SA) into the sampling pipe; and an air velocity sensor (15) that measures an air velocity of the sampling air within the sampling pipe. The air velocity sensor (15) is disposed at a primary side of the fan (12), and a straightening vane (25) is disposed between the air velocity sensor (15) and a suction port (12a) of the fan (12).Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Nohmi Bosai Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyuki Yokota
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Patent number: 8089367Abstract: An air monitoring apparatus includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a housing having at least one fluid passage to permit a fluid to enter the housing, and a constituent detection device positioned in the housing. The detection device includes at least one electrode, a power supply electrically coupled to the at least on electrode, and a logic circuit electrically coupled to the power supply. The logic circuit is configured to detect a change in at least one of impedance magnitude and a phase shift angle magnitude over a range of frequencies when the detection device contacts at least one fluid constituent contained in the fluid flowing into the cartridge through the at least one fluid passage, or when the detection device contacts at least one constituent in a solid whose chemical and/or material properties change as a function of fluid flowing into the housing through the at least one fluid passage.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2008Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: K & M Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Edward P. Locke, Thomas Clifford, Robert B. Jeffers, Julian E. Parker, III
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Publication number: 20110316707Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring multiple steam traps includes a plurality of steam traps, each including a monitor comprising one or more sensors for sensing selected operating conditions of the steam trap, and a programmable controller operatively connected to receive the outputs of each of the sensors, convert the sensor outputs into one or more data signals corresponding to the sensed conditions, and transmit the data signals, directly or indirectly, to a central computer. The central computer includes a receiver and logic for evaluating the data received from the monitors to thereby monitor the condition of the steam traps. At least some of the steam trap monitors also include a local receiver adapted to receive data signals transmitted from other steam trap monitors and re-transmit the received data so that remote monitors otherwise outside the direct receiving range of the central computer are received by the central computer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: ARMSTRONG GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC.Inventors: Michael H. Gaines, William R. Horton
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Publication number: 20110317007Abstract: The present invention relates to a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm system including a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm device and a base unit connected to the smoke and carbon monoxide alarm device through at least one of wire connection or wireless connection. The smoke and carbon monoxide alarm device can include a control circuit configured to receive an input signal and transmit an alarm signal; a first sensor coupled to the control circuit, the first sensor being configured to generate the input signal upon detecting smoke; a second sensor coupled to the control circuit, the second sensor being configured to generate the input signal upon detecting carbon monoxide; and a camera coupled to the control circuit, the camera being configured to be activated by the control circuit when the alarm signal is transmitted to an alarm. The base unit can include a cellular transceiver configured to transmit images captured by the camera to a pre-determined remote station.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventor: Ki-Il KIM
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Patent number: 8084890Abstract: A system for detecting and preventing electrical fire includes an intake fuse box, a main distribution panel/housing, a subdistribution panel/housing, a main power circuit (MPC) connecting the intake fuse box (IFB) to the main distribution panel (MDP), and a sub power circuit (SPC) connecting the MDP to the subdistribution panel. First-third gas/smoke/heat detectors are arranged in the IFB, main panel housing, and subpanel housing, respectively, and provide respective low level outputs for gas/smoke/heat exceeding a first threshold and high level outputs for a second threshold. A remote controlled main level circuit breaker is arranged in the MPC, a remote controlled sub level circuit breaker is arranged in the SPC, and a controller unit has first-third inputs connected to first-third gas/smoke/heat detectors, respectively, for receiving first-third low and high level outputs, an alarm output, and first and second breaker control outputs connected to respective main and sub level circuit breakers.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2007Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Inventor: Per Erik Lie
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Publication number: 20110304470Abstract: Techniques are generally described related to a method and system for monitoring gas concentrations. One example gas monitoring apparatus includes a light source, a MEMS micro-mirror arranged to be in an optical path of a light from the light source that has passed through a sample and configured to direct selected wavelengths of the light to a single detection point, a detector arranged at the single detection point and configured to convert incident light into electrical signals, and a processor programmed to determine a gas concentration of one or more gases in the sample based on the electrical signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLCInventors: Leilong Su, Feng Qian, Yanqi Li
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Patent number: 8077018Abstract: To enable an air velocity of sampling air to be precisely measured, a smoke detector (S) includes: a smoke detection part (22) connected to a sampling pipe (11); a fan (12) that sucks sampling air (SA) into the sampling pipe; and an air velocity sensor (15) that measures an air velocity of the sampling air within the sampling pipe. The air velocity sensor (15) is disposed at a primary side of the fan (12), and a straightening vane (25) is disposed between the air velocity sensor (15) and a suction port (12a) of the fan (12).Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2011Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Nohmi Bosai Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyuki Yokota
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Patent number: 8068034Abstract: A safety sensor device for an appliance detects burning conditions and shuts off power to the appliance. The device includes a sensor unit positioned near an exhaust of the appliance, and a relay unit connected along a power supply path to the appliance. The relay and sensor units are linked. The sensor unit includes a sensor for monitoring exhaust air from the appliance. The relay unit includes a circuit that electrically connects the appliance with a power source while in an ON state and electrically disconnects the appliance from the power source while in an OFF state, the circuit being responsive to the sensor unit to transition from the ON state to the OFF state if the sensor detects burning conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Pioneering Technology Corp.Inventors: Reza Shah, Peter M. Callahan, legal representative, Eajaz Zaheer, Yee Bing Hoo, Timothy SoeMoe Thu
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Patent number: 8066859Abstract: A sensor supervision system for periodically providing a test to accesses the status of a gas detection sensor, such as a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor, is provided. To access the status of the CO sensor, a processor provides a voltage to the sensor supervision system, such that a voltage is applied to CO sensor, charging the CO sensor. The status of the CO sensor is accessed by determining the change in the voltage charge of the CO sensor between two sampling time points. If the first sample voltage is substantially equal to the second sample voltage, i.e., a substantially constant voltage, the carbon monoxide sensor fails the test. However, if there is an change is the voltage change between the first and second sampled time points, the CO sensor passes the test.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2008Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: BRK Brands, Inc.Inventors: Derek Johnston, Gene Brooks
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Patent number: 8054188Abstract: A CO detector includes a sensor configured to detect a presence of CO and generate a signal indicative of the presence of CO, and a controller in signal communication with the sensor. The controller is configured to measure a level of detected CO in response to receiving the signal generated by the sensor. The controller is further configured to detect a first trouble condition representative of an end-of-life condition of the sensor, and a second trouble condition different from the first trouble condition.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: UTC Fire & Security Americas Corporation, Inc.Inventors: Michael T. Harkins, Bradley B. Barnes
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Patent number: 8047163Abstract: A gas water heater with a warning function, the gas water heater being disposed in a facility and comprising: a gas water heater main body including a controller having a warning cell; and a gas detecting unit separate from the main body and disposed at an indoor monitoring point of the facility, the gas detecting unit having a gas sensor and being in communication with the controller.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: AOS Holding CompanyInventors: Gang Tian, Ju Ping, Zhu Gaotao, Bu Qiu
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Patent number: 8044772Abstract: Methods and systems using one or more expert systems to quickly assist (e.g., advise and/or rescue) persons in danger at a location (e.g., buildings, tunnels, bridges, factories, refineries, recreational areas, such as parks, golf courses, ski-slopes, public transportation vehicles, such as buses, subways, trains, planes, ships, and equivalents), to screen and selectively test the location and/or person and assist the person if danger to the person is determined. One embodiment is a method to advise a person in danger, possibly having an impairment, using one or more expert systems. A second embodiment is a method to assist people in danger, possibly having an impairment, such as chemical impairment, physical impairment, medical impairment, or emotional impairment, using one or more expert systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Inventor: Kevin Roe