Gas Patents (Class 340/632)
  • Patent number: 7604478
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a fuel-fired appliance is provided. The appliance enters a wait state in which burner operation ceases if a sensor indicates the presence of flammable vapors that are above an acceptable and/or safe vapor level. The appliance returns to a run state if the vapor level returns to an acceptable and/or safe vapor level within a period of time, but enters a lockout state if the vapor level does not return to an acceptable and/or safe vapor level within the period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Anderson, Robert M. Ruhland
  • Patent number: 7605687
    Abstract: An ambient condition detector outputs an alarm comprising a tonal pattern comprising at least two distinctly different pitch tones in one embodiment of the invention. Another embodiment comprises a detector whereby a user can select a pitch tone to be output within a tonal pattern alarm when the detector senses an ambient condition. Options include verbal output to indicate the type of ambient condition sensed and/or the location of the detector sensing the ambient condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Gary Jay Morris
  • Publication number: 20090251325
    Abstract: The S S Carbon Monoxide Detector is a carbon monoxide sensor unit for garages, a rectangular shaped unit varied in size according to garage door applications, that detects the presence of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide concentrated in a garage area. On the front of the unit is the audio speaker that sounds alarm, carbon monoxide sensor, unit operation light that indicates unit is operational, and a standard outlet. On the rear of unit is a standard electrical plug which plugs into any standard electrical outlet. The unit operates from standard electricity when plugged into an outlet near the garage door opener, garage door opener is then plugged into the sensor unit which causes the sensor unit to be operational and power the garage door opener to respond to the carbon monoxide sensor once dangerous levels of carbon monoxide is detected by unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: George Edwards Smith, William L. Saunders
  • Patent number: 7592923
    Abstract: A smoke detection and escape indication system includes a master controller in communication a base unit and a satellite unit. The base unit and the satellite unit are each in wireless communication with one another and include a wireless receiver, a wireless transmitter, a sensor for detecting a hazard and an escape indication mechanism. The base unit and the satellite unit cooperate to indicate an escape route by coordinating respective escape indication mechanisms in the event that one of the units detect a hazard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: L.I.F.E. Support Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Samuel Lax
  • Publication number: 20090231120
    Abstract: An integrated apparatus for a medical alarm system includes modules and functions of both area alarm units and master alarm units. An input/output module is provided to specify functions of the area alarm units and master alarm units when the two functions are separately executed. In addition, functions of both area alarm units and the master alarm units can also be operated in an integrated apparatus. The execution programs of the integrated apparatus can be updated and modified by connecting the integrated apparatus to an external memory card. Therefore, the integrated apparatus saves not only disassembling and assembling time, but also costs of update operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Donny Chung
  • Publication number: 20090212962
    Abstract: A monitoring system for a portable oxygen generating system is provided. The system includes a system monitoring module that monitors an operational status of one or more components of the portable oxygen generating system. An alarm prioritization module determines an alarm priority level based on the operational status. An alarm system control module generates one or more alarm signals based on the alarm priority level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael P. Chekal, Dana G. Pelletier
  • Patent number: 7579956
    Abstract: Upon detection of a high carbon monoxide condition, an intelligent thermostat regulates operation of appliances that have sources of combustion which could be the source of or may exacerbate the high carbon monoxide condition. This hazardous condition is detected by a detector and 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 operate a ventilation system to flush the environment with fresh air to minimize or eliminate the hazardous condition. External and internal temperature sensors allow coordinated operation of the ventilating and heating systems to flush the environment with fresh air without causing a freezing condition to exist within the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: John Gilman Chapman, Jr., Nicholas Ashworth, Robert Burt, Timothy E. Wallaert
  • Patent number: 7576659
    Abstract: A smoke detector system having a base unit and multiple satellite units is provided. The base unit detects various hazards, i.e., smoke or carbon monoxide, and broadcasts a radio frequency signal to activate warning devices on the various satellite units. The satellite units include a radio frequency receiver to receive the signal broadcasted by the base unit. The warning devices include a laser cannon, a speaker, a strobe light, and a wireless camera separately or in combination with other warning devices. Alternatively, each base unit may include one or more of the warning devices and a radio frequency receiver, and each satellite unit may include the detection devices and a radio frequency transmitter. In this way, each device in the system may activate warning devices in each other device in the system when a hazard is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: L.I.F.E. Support Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Samuel Lax
  • Patent number: 7576660
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel retention monitoring system for a pressurized hydrogen storage tank on a vehicle. The vehicle includes a hydrogen dispensing system having a plurality of conduits for carrying a hydrogen gas. The conduits have at least one connection linking them together. The monitoring system includes a vapor concentrator for the hydrogen gas, shrouding a first one of the connections. The first connection has a parting line where the conduits forming the connection meet. The vapor concentrator may be positioned above the parting line of the first connection and may include a periphery and a top defining a headspace cavity. The monitoring system further includes a hydrogen gas sensor locatable adjacent to the headspace cavity and capable of providing a signal correlated to a hydrogen gas concentration in the headspace cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Jon Veenstra
  • Patent number: 7573392
    Abstract: A backdraft detector incorporates at least one oxygen sensor in combination with a flow sensor. Both sensors are coupled to control circuitry which evaluates sensed oxygen levels of a flowing sample being monitored by the flow sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Leach, Charles T. Pearson
  • Patent number: 7570174
    Abstract: A real time alarm classification system and method of use and, more particularly, to a residual gas analyzer configured to identify specific root causes of an abnormal condition such as, for example, contamination, undesirable process variability and equipment malfunction in wafer processing. The real-time alarm classification system comprises a computer infrastructure operable to: generate top contributors associated with an alarm triggered by sensed abnormal conditions; compare the top contributors to contributors of historic RGA (residual gas analyzer) alarms of known root causes that were generated by a validated model; and provide a probable root cause of the sensed abnormal conditions when a match is found between the top contributors and the contributors associated with the historic RGA alarms of known root causes. A method and computer readable medium is also contemplated to provide the processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Byrne, Harry D. Clark, Gary R. Moore, Michael L. Passow, Yiheng Xu
  • Patent number: 7567174
    Abstract: A device and method for determining and automatically transmitting a geographic location of a wireless alarm device during a potential emergency utilizing enhanced wireless communication and position location systems. In one aspect, a wireless alarm device includes a smoke alarm interfaced with a wireless transceiver, configured to operate over a plurality of existing wireless telecommunications and position location networks. The wireless transceiver can be a cellular processor comprising multiple radio frequency bands and air interface standards with an integrated memory for storing emergency identification information. Another aspect includes an integrated assisted global positioning receiver and broadcast television receiver, configured to operate with global positioning systems and broadcast television positioning systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventors: Jon A. Woodard, Noel U. Woodard
  • Publication number: 20090153337
    Abstract: A device for controlling an internal combustion engine, including a mechanism generating a signal for controlling the internal combustion engine, a sensor supplying a pressure measurement signal of a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, and a filtering device of analog electronic components generating a filtered pressure signal. The filtering device has a closed loop configuration with a direct portion and a return portion, the return portion including a module for re-injecting the filtered pressure signal, and the direct portion including: a first subtracting module generating a difference between the pressure measurement signal and the output of the re-injection module, a static non-linear module at the output of the subtracting module, and an integrating module generating the filtered pressure signal by integration from the output of the non-linear module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: RENAULT s.a.s
    Inventors: Lionel Cordesses, Didier Martinez
  • Publication number: 20090151652
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Gang Tian, Ju Ping, Zhu Gaotao
  • Publication number: 20090139162
    Abstract: A bedroom window that detects predetermined levels of carbon monoxide and automatically open by itself to save the occupants lives without any external electrical supply, replaceable alkaline batteries or any human action; this lifesaver window is self-contained, pre-assembled, solar-powered, environmentally friendly and able to open the window sash by itself to allow the CO to escape, to reduce CO concentration, to let the outside clean air to enter the room, to sound it's alarm, and to trigger the Fire & Police Private Central Station Alarm; it can be installed as new or as a replacement window in homes, hotels, hospitals, dormers or wherever humans or animals live; can be manufactured in different sizes and styles to accommodate any architectural design and furthermore it installation requires the same skills & tools needed to install a regular window without the need of other trades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Alfredo Mancini
  • Publication number: 20090134995
    Abstract: An emergency shut off system for a workspace enclosure system, wherein the shutoff system comprises an emergency shut-off module disposed within a workspace enclosure. A plurality of sensors are disposed within the workspace enclosure to detect the presence of undesirable gases or other undesirable conditions within the workspace enclosure. A control module external to the workspace enclosure is coupled to receive output signals from the plurality of sensors, and in response thereto to selective initiate a shut-down of operations taking place within the enclosure. In one example, the control module sends control signals to the emergency shut-off module causing the latter to close one or more valves restricting the flow of gases from external gas supply canisters. A blower is provided to create a flow of air into the enclosure, thereby maintaining a positive pressure within the enclosure. An air intake/sensor module is connected via a closed conduit or the like to the intake of the blower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Louis J. Wardlaw, III
  • Patent number: 7528732
    Abstract: A fire alarm device and method capable of informing people with visual and hearing difficulties of occurrence of fire. A fire detection means (1) detecting the occurrence of fire is connected to an emission control means (4). A smell emitting means (9) activated by the emission control means 4 is also connected to the emission control means (4). The fire detection means (1) activates the emission control means (4) when detecting the occurrence of fire. The emission control means (4) is provided with a smell condition-setting means so as to set starting time for continuously-emitted smell, and to set emission periods, emission intervals and emission concentrations for intermittently-emitted smell. The smell emitting means (9) will be activated in accordance with the conditions set by the smell condition-setting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Pixen Inc.
    Inventors: Yukinobu Tajima, Hideki Yanagawa, Naoki Urusibata
  • Patent number: 7522040
    Abstract: A portable sensor device incorporates a low-power, nanostructure sensor coupled to a wireless transmitter. The sensor uses a nanostructure conducting channel, such as a nanotube network, that is functionalized to respond to a selected analyte. A measurement circuit connected to the sensor determines a change in the electrical characteristic of the sensor, from which information concerning the present or absence of the analyte may be determined. The portable sensor device may include a portable power source, such as a battery. It may further include a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data to a base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Nanomix, Inc.
    Inventors: John Loren Passmore, Jean-Christophe P. Gabriel, Alexander Star, Vikram Joshi, Sergei Skarupo
  • Patent number: 7515058
    Abstract: A carbon monoxide detector and method for installing a carbon monoxide detector. The carbon monoxide detector is capable of being hardwired into an installed wall electrical outlet box without reduction of the number of available electrical receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: William Normand
  • Publication number: 20090085758
    Abstract: An overvoltage protector circuit for telecommunication equipments is disclosed. The protector circuit includes a gas discharge tube connected to a communication line for passing any harmful surge currents appearing in the line to ground. A degradation detector circuit is arranged to detect any degradation of the gas discharge tube, the detector circuit comprises a reference gas discharge tube with a higher breakdown voltage than the supervised gas discharge tube and an alarm circuit loop connected to an alarm system. The alarm system is arranged to detect when current is breaking through the reference gas discharge tube and to initiate a degradation alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Tomas Eriksson
  • Publication number: 20090071230
    Abstract: The method consists in, first, circulating the air in which the content of a specific pollutant is to be measured through or over materials that reversibly absorb compounds in the air that interfere with the measurement of pollution. These absorbent materials are employed in the form of self-fixing patches or membranes that can be disposed of after use and are placed between the air to be measured and the measurement means. These patches or membranes can be used for all types of measurement means, such as electronic sensors or calorimetric indicators (in which case the membrane will advantageously be transparent). This actual pre-treatment of the air will thus allow reliable, reproducible measurement irrespective of the environmental conditions (humidity, presence of other pollutants, etc.). For humidity, for example, the membrane will consist of silica gel or cotton wool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Bruno Aubert
  • Patent number: 7504959
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell Analytics AG
    Inventors: John A. Tiwet, Cary S. Stone, Richard A. Gorny, John Chapples, Ian Robins
  • Patent number: 7504958
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a system for detecting airborne hazards in a gaseous environment are disclosed. An embodiment of the system includes a plurality of sets of one or more detectors, where the detectors of each set measure different types of properties of gases, such as the color emitted when the gases are exposed to certain reagents or the ionization potential of the gases. Environmental gases enter the system and are split into a plurality of air flow streams, with each stream directed to pass through one of the sets of one or more detectors. Data from all the sets of one or more detectors is sent to a computer programmed to integrate this data in order to determine information related to the identity (e.g., the specific identity or a classification) of chemical compounds (e.g., hazardous compounds) present in the gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: James A. Genovese, Robert J. Pazada
  • Publication number: 20090058669
    Abstract: An alarm pull station includes a housing, an alarm indicator carried within the housing, an alarm activation mechanism carried within the housing, such that the alarm activation mechanism is adjacent to the alarm indicator, and configured to generate an alarm signal, and a sensor carried within the housing such that the sensor is configured to generate a signal in response to a sensed condition and the alarm indicator is activated in response to the signal generated by the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Fred Santos
  • Publication number: 20090060246
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of an acoustic sensor system includes a housing structure, and a miniaturized acoustic transducer mounted in the housing structure. A flame arrestor structure is mounted on or within the housing structure between the acoustic transducer and the external environment, so that ambient acoustic energy passes through the flame arrestor structure before reaching the acoustic transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Shankar B. Baliga, Scott W. Reed, John G. Romero
  • Publication number: 20090051554
    Abstract: A sensing device arrangement for a fuel storage system is provided having at least one storage tank, a plurality of sensing devices positioned in or around the at least one storage tank, and a controller in electrical communication with the plurality of sensing devices. The controller is configured to communicate with each sensing device of the plurality of sensing devices on a single bi-directional data line. A sensing device of the plurality of sensing devices is activated by the controller. Data is acquired by the sensing device and transmitted to the controller over the data line. The controller instructs the sensing device to change to a low power state. The controller receives electrical characteristics from the plurality of sensing devices recognized on the data line and calculates a characteristic of the sensing device arrangement. The controller verifies compliance with an intrinsic safety barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: DELAWARE CAPITAL FORMATION, INC.
    Inventors: Ian F. Jarvie, Przemyslaw Olaf Iwaszczyszyn
  • Publication number: 20090033509
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display device with a substrate and a gas detector. The substrate has a pixel array area and an electrical connection area. The pixel array area has a plurality of pixels. The electrical connection area has a plurality of bond pads positioned on the surface of the substrate to address the plurality of pixels in the pixel array area. The gas detector is positioned within the electrical connection area. The gas detector is arranged to detect the presence of a specified gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: TPO Displays Corp.
    Inventor: Pavel Novoselov
  • Patent number: 7486173
    Abstract: Parameters defining operational characteristics of audible, visual or audible/visual alarm indicating output devices, can be transmitted to the respective devices from common output control circuitry to avoid having to set up the devices electromechanically in the field upon installation, or upon replacement for maintenance purposes. The downloaded parameters can be stored locally at the respective device and can include prerecorded verbal messages, horn or chime output volumes, tonal patterns and repetition rates. Candela settings for strobes can also be downloaded from the control circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Charles F. Fisler
  • Patent number: 7484668
    Abstract: An improved building protection system in a building having an inlet air duct for bringing an atmospheric air steam into the building, a damper in such air duct operable to regulate atmospheric air stream passing through the duct, a return air duct with a damper in such duct operable to regulate the return air stream mixed with the inlet air stream and a fan system means operable to suck an atmospheric air stream into the air duct and the return air stream into a return duct, an improved building protection system employing paired sensors for the same toxic agent in the ducts, logic means monitoring the outputs of the paired sensors operable to determine the parity of such outputs, logic means monitoring the outputs of the paired sensor operable to indicate the presence of such toxic agent and control means connected to the logic means operable to shut down the building's HVAC system only when the outputs have substantial parity and presence of such toxic agent is detected by said sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Building Protection Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg G. Eiler
  • Publication number: 20090027216
    Abstract: The oxygen sensing device contains a power circuit supplying the electricity required, an oxygen sensor for detecting the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere, an alarm system issuing an audible or visual alarm signal, and a controller. The controller is a computing device having a preset threshold value that continuously obtains the current oxygen concentration from the oxygen sensor. The controller then can calculate and obtain the variation rate of the oxygen concentration in a unit time. If the controller detects that the current oxygen concentration is about to drop below the threshold value, it will activate the alarm system to issue an alarm to alert people to take immediate and proper action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Chung-Chin HUANG, Chin-Ying Huang, Hsin-Ming Huang, Hsing-Hsiung Huang, Chung-Sheng Yen, Kuan-Chou Lin
  • Publication number: 20090027192
    Abstract: Portable alarm apparatus for warning a person is provided which includes a manually portable housing or base unit; a constant power supply supported by the base unit, the constant power supply including an external power supply having an interface connectible to a power source external of the base unit, the constant power supply including an onboard power supply independent of the external power supply whose makeup includes at least one of: photovoltaic, piezoelectric and thermoelectric; a detection circuit supported by the base unit, the detection circuit being connected to the constant power supply, the detection circuit being operable to detect a monitored condition, the detection circuit including at least one of: a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector and a fire detector; and an alarm circuit supported by the base unit, the alarm circuit being connected to the constant power supply, the alarm circuit being operable in response to detection of the monitored condition by the detection circuit to prod
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Tomas Flores
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7479893
    Abstract: A security device including a control panel for transmitting a pre-defined cadence pattern to a siren device. The siren device takes the pre-defined cadence pattern as an input and outputs an audible voice message that corresponds to the pre-defined cadence pattern. The siren device is capable of recognizing the pre-defined cadence pattern that indicates a security system armed or disarmed command from a user interface device as well as a detected alarm signal of fire, burglary and carbon monoxide from a corresponding smoke, motion and carbon monoxide detector. These signals are transmitted from either the sensors or user interface means to the control panel and then, in turn, to the siren device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Lance Weston, David Mole, Richard H. Hinkson
  • Publication number: 20080309502
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting a fire in a wooded area. Some trees in the area are provided with a fire sensor having a radiofrequency emitter able to emit information for identifying and/or locating each sensor, according to a grid of the area to be monitored. At each fire sensor, the fire absent or fire present state is detected A fire sensor emits an alert signal to a monitoring post if a fire is present in the vicinity of the sensor. The alert signal contains information for identifying and/or locating the sensor. The alert signal is transmitted from the monitoring post to a fire brigade by means of a long-range radiofrequency link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: SMART PACKAGING SOLUTIONS (SPS)
    Inventors: Henri Boccia, Philippe Patrice
  • Patent number: 7463160
    Abstract: A method allows an H2S alarm system installed at a remote wellsite to be monitored and configured from a distant location. Alert-signals from the alarm system to the distant location and configuration settings from the distant location to the alarm system can be transmitted using the text-messaging feature of a conventional cell phone. The cell phone, for example, can send the H2S alarm system a text message that sets the H2S concentration threshold at which the alarm system triggers an alert. When the H2S concentration reaches the threshold or a fault occurs with the alarm system, the system can send the cell phone a text message that describes the problem, identifies the location of the wellsite, and lists the names and telephone numbers of those that should be notified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Gary W. Crook
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080297362
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel retention monitoring system for a pressurized hydrogen storage tank on a vehicle. The vehicle includes a hydrogen dispensing system having a plurality of conduits for carrying a hydrogen gas. the conduits have at least one connection linking them together. The monitoring system includes a vapor concentrator for the hydrogen gas, shrouding a first one of the connections. The first connection has a parting line where the conduits forming the connection meet. The vapor concentrator may be positioned above the parting line of the first connection and may include a periphery and a top defining a headspace cavity. The monitoring system further includes a hydrogen gas sensor locatable adjacent to the headspace cavity and capable of providing a signal correlated to a hydrogen gas concentration in the headspace cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Jon Veenstra
  • Patent number: 7458248
    Abstract: A system (100) and method for detecting contaminants in parcels or other mailings (110). The contaminants, either genuine or hoax, are detected using the system (100) that includes a jogger (140) that shakes the parcels or other mailings (110). The system (100) further comprises a particle sampler (170) that analyzes the air flow created over the parcels (110) while the parcels are shaken. The system (100) and method preferable includes a parcel opening cutter (120) and a ram (148) for compressing during the shaking of the parcels. The air flow is sampled in order to detect whether or not a plurality of opened parcels is suspected of including contaminants such as biological threat material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Micah A. Carlson, Adam K. Arabian, Michael P. McLoughlin
  • Publication number: 20080291034
    Abstract: A system for monitoring in a horn system of a vehicle having at least one activatable mechanism for causing a horn to sound. The system includes at least one monitoring device in communication with the at least one activatable mechanism, at least one component of the horn system or any combination thereof. The at least one monitoring device measures the presence or absence of at least one measurable characteristic in the horn system, and transmits a signal based upon the results of the measurement. A method for monitoring in a horn system of a vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: WABTEC HOLDING CORP.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Kernwein
  • Patent number: 7456753
    Abstract: An internal pressure explosion-proof system is provided that is capable of detecting high-pressure abnormality of an internal pressure explosion-proof mechanism, urging a check of gas/air apparatus by providing a means for notifying a user of abnormality, and decreasing excessive pressure of an internal pressure chamber. A high-pressure abnormality detector and a pressure regulating valve are provided in an air discharging portion for releasing the gas/air discharged from the internal pressure explosion-proof mechanism. The working pressure of the high-pressure abnormality detector is set to be lower than the working pressure of the pressure regulating valve. The high-pressure abnormality detector sends a signal when the pressure becomes higher than the set pressure to make the alarm give a warning and makes the open valves open to decrease the pressure of the internal pressure chamber of the internal pressure explosion-proof mechanism which became excessive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Teruhisa Kitagawa, Shingi Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20080284579
    Abstract: The instant invention provides a system for avoiding or reducing exposure to toxic gases. More specifically, the instant invention includes a base module having a first transceiver securable within a structure, and most preferably within the garage of a home. The base module is constructed and arranged to communicate with a remote module having a second transceiver to alert the user of a dangerous condition within the structure prior to entry thereto. In a most preferred embodiment, the remote module is also a garage door opener that can be carried by a person or within a vehicle. In operation, the remote module sends a signal to the base module. In response, the base transceiver checks the level of a toxic gas such as carbon monoxide within the dwelling, if the level is below a predetermined limit the base module sends a signal to the garage door opener to open the door, if the level of the gas is above the predetermined limit an alarm will be sent to the remote transceiver and the door will not be opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: David Contreras
  • Publication number: 20080272923
    Abstract: Chemical monitoring system and method for an asset including a frame defining an interior space. One or more chemical sensors are arranged in connection with the frame to determine the presence of a chemical in the interior space and a reactive or responsive system is arranged to react to the determined presence of the chemical in the interior space. The monitoring system can serve as an electronic nose which detects potentially harmful chemical and prevents exposure of people in the interior space and those handling, e.g., by providing a warning about the chemical presence, or notifying a remote facility about the chemical (which may be indicative of a leak in the cargo in the asset).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: David S. Breed
  • Publication number: 20080258924
    Abstract: A fire alarm system is disclosed where the unit detectors are addressable and in communication with other unit detectors located within a particular unit and are in communication with building detectors such that when one unit detector activates, all the other unit detectors in that unit also activate causing communication with the building core detectors and alerting the control room as to the exact location of the alarm condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: J. Darryl Moss
  • Publication number: 20080258926
    Abstract: A method and instrument capable of accurately detecting the presence of a gas and accurately measuring the concentration of the gas in, for example, the environment. The method and instrument sense the presence of a gas with a sensing element whose output is linear to the concentration of the gas in the environment, and process the output of the sensing element through a nonlinear amplifier having a higher gain at lower levels of the output than at higher levels of the output so that the nonlinear amplifier amplifies the output of the sensing element at the lower levels thereof and avoids signal saturation at the higher levels thereof. The method and instrument then deliver the amplified output of the nonlinear amplifier to an audio circuit that produces an audio output having a property in proportion to the amplified output of the nonlinear amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: J AND N ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Jan Krcma
  • Publication number: 20080254502
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating a bioaerosol sample is provided which includes detecting frequency and/or time resolution factors that allow discriminate between a plurality of signals emitted by the bioaerosol to selectively detect biological materials contained in the bioaerosol sample from materials of non-biological origin and potentially associated with a pathogenic bioaerosol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: George M. Murray, Cheryl S. Schein, David R. Kohler, Jennifer L. Sample, Jennifer A. Nix, Protagoras N. Cutchis, Adam K. Arabian, Harvey W. Ko, Micah A. Carlson, Michael P. McLoughlin
  • Publication number: 20080238699
    Abstract: A real time alarm classification system and method of use and, more particularly, to a residual gas analyzer configured to identify specific root causes of an abnormal condition such as, for example, contamination, undesirable process variability and equipment malfunction in wafer processing. The real-time alarm classification system comprises a computer infrastructure operable to: generate top contributors associated with an alarm triggered by sensed abnormal conditions; compare the top contributors to contributors of historic RGA (residual gas analyzer) alarms of known root causes that were generated by a validated model; and provide a probable root cause of the sensed abnormal conditions when a match is found between the top contributors and the contributors associated with the historic RGA alarms of known root causes. A method and computer readable medium is also contemplated to provide the processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph Byrne, Harry D. Clark, Gary R. Moore, Michael L. Passow, Yiheng XU
  • Publication number: 20080238700
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Edward P. Locke, Thomas Clifford, Robert B. Jeffers, Julian E. Parker
  • Patent number: 7423544
    Abstract: A line-powered module that is selectively operable in one of a plurality of modes of operation based upon the value of a selection signal. The line-powered module includes a control unit that selectively operates the module in one of the plurality of modes of operation based upon the value of a selection signal received by the control unit. The line-powered module includes a selection input that is coupled to the control unit such that the selection signal can be received at the selection input. Preferably, the selection input receives a selection wire that can be moved between different points of connection to define the plurality of states of the selection signal. Based upon the connection of the selection wire, the control unit operates the line-powered module in one of the plurality of modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Ranco Incorporated of Delaware
    Inventors: Kirby W. Cartwright, Scott Young
  • Patent number: 7417553
    Abstract: A hazardous condition detector is provided. The hazardous condition detector comprises a body, a hazardous condition sensor, and at least one corona discharge apparatus. The body defines a passage therethrough. The passage extends between an inlet and an outlet. The hazardous condition sensor is positioned within the passage. The at least one corona discharge apparatus is positioned within the passage to draw a fluid into the passage through the inlet and to expel the fluid through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Scott G. Young
  • Patent number: 7417540
    Abstract: A wireless detector and alarm system, such as for example a smoke detector and/or carbon monoxide (CO) detector, operable to be linked and unlinked with one or more like detectors thereby forming a network of detectors. A detector sensing the presence of an environmental condition, which requires the sounding of an alert is operable to transmit a signal to other remotely linked detectors, thereby triggering the remotely linked detectors to sound an appropriate alarm. The detector at the location of the environmental condition causing the alarm and the remotely linked detector are capable to operate in teach and learn modes such that the address or “house codes” of the detectors can be synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: BRK Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Johnston, Floyd Brooks