Configured To Promote Sensing Capability (e.g., Smoke Detector) Patents (Class 340/693.6)
  • Patent number: 7969321
    Abstract: A smoke detector adapted for installation within a bracket of a ceiling downlight; the smoke detector comprising a lower body portion adapted for engagement with said bracket, and an upper body portion extending upwardly from said lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: John Spellman
  • Patent number: 7948392
    Abstract: A consumer electronic device (CED) having a display and including at least one light sensor for recalibrating the display at intervals, wherein the display and the at least one light sensor are mounted within different parts of a unitary housing such that when the CED is not in use the light sensor is able to monitor light from the display. Preferably, the different parts of the unitary housing comprise two hinged parts, one mounting the display, the other at least a light sensing portion of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Cambridge Display Technology Limited
    Inventors: Euan Smith, Jeremy Burroughes
  • Patent number: 7948389
    Abstract: An electronic device, for example a smoke alarm, that includes a battery carrier that includes a push to open and push to close apparatus for opening and closing the carrier. In one embodiment, the carrier is mounted so as to be pivotable between a closed position and an open position. Pivoting movement of the carrier is controlled by a double acting latch mechanism that includes at least one heart-shaped cam groove and at least one cam follower engaging with the cam groove. The carrier is a simple to access and operate to facilitate replacement of the battery. A lockout mechanism can also be provided to prevent closure of the carrier without a battery installed. In addition, a tamper resist mechanism can be provided to prevent the carrier from being opened when the carrier is at the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. Sharpe, Larry R. Ratzlaff, Joseph G. DeLuca
  • Publication number: 20110084844
    Abstract: A sensor device for the detection of smoke and carbon monoxide. Smoke and carbon monoxide detecting elements are placed within a housing which also contains a rechargeable power source for powering the detector elements The housing is provided with a first interface to engage a lighting fixture and a second interface for engaging a light source. Upon applying electric current to the lighting fixture, power is applied to the sensor device for charging the rechargeable power source and for illuminating the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Richard E. Carnation
  • Patent number: 7907062
    Abstract: A device for monitoring the condition of a power outlet and for reducing or interrupting power in the event that a condition of the outlet circuitry indicates that a potentially dangerous situation exists. The device can also include a reporting function to alert a user as to the existence of the dangerous condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Sotrage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Norbert A. Feliss, Karl Arthur Flechsig, Donald Ray Gillis, Sylvia Lui Lee
  • Patent number: 7889064
    Abstract: A combined tire pressure gauge and remote tire pressure display includes a port adapted to couple to a vehicle tire valve stem and to open a valve in the valve stem; a chamber in physical communication with the port; a local pressure transducer in the chamber for detecting a pressure of a fluid within the vehicle tire and providing an output signal representative of the detected pressure; a wireless receiver for receiving a signal identifying a tire pressure sensor and having a detected tire pressure and for providing an output signal; a processor for receiving the output signal from the pressure transducer and the output signal from the wireless receiver, and for providing a processor output signal indicative of an identified tire and a value of the detected pressure, in a remote tire display mode, and for providing a processor output signal indicative of a detected tire pressure, in a tire pressure gauge mode; and a display coupled to the processor for providing a visible indication of detected pressure val
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Measurement Limited
    Inventor: Steven Petrucelli
  • Patent number: 7884731
    Abstract: The photoelectric smoke sensor includes a casing member 1 having an internal space S formed by a labyrinth wall 1b and an opening 6 communicating with the internal space S on a setting-face side; and a printed board 8 placed on the setting-face side of the casing member 1 and having a hole 8a opposed to the opening 6 of the casing member 1. The light emitting element 2 and the light receiving element 4 are mounted on the printed board 8 in such a fashion that the optical axes of the light emitting element 2 and the light receiving element 4 cross each other on one plane that is substantially parallel to an opening plane of the opening 6. The photoelectric smoke sensor can be reduced in both size and cost with a simple construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Mizuo
  • Patent number: 7852211
    Abstract: A mobile surveillance and/or security unit. The unit includes a trailer, a tower mounted to the trailer, a plurality of apparatus positioned on the tower, and at least one power source configured to provide power to the plurality of apparatus. In addition, at least one of the plurality of apparatus is a communication apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: John T. Gunn, David R. Pritchard, Robert P. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20100309013
    Abstract: A surface mountable radiation guide for a radiation path between a measurement volume (1) and an electro-optical component has a first radiation interface in a radiation path towards the measurement volume, a third radiation interface in a radiation path towards the electro-optical component, and a reflecting portion forming a first radiation path between the first and the third radiation interface, said first radiation path providing a focus region at the measurement volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: PERKINELMER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Martin Liess, Arthur Barlow
  • Patent number: 7834773
    Abstract: A smoke detector having a structure in which, at a time of performing smoke detection, an S/N ratio of a signal of a light receiving element is improved, to thereby accurately detect the occurrence of a fire. At opposite end portions of an inside of an optical case (21) having a substantially cylindrical shape, a light emitting element (11) and a stray light portion (22) are arranged. In the stray light portion (22), a light trap (23) is provided. Further, in the vicinity of the light emitting element (11), a condenser lens (24) is provided to allow light L to be incident on a curved surface of the light trap (23). At the time of smoke detection, light scattered by smoke particles in a smoke detection portion (25) is received by a light receiving element (12). However, the light that is incident on the light trap (23) is reflected on the curved surface a plurality of times to be attenuated in each reflection, so the light is not received by the light receiving element (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Nohmi Bosai Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Kato
  • Patent number: 7821412
    Abstract: A smoke detector replaces the americium source of alpha particles with a field emission device using carbon nanotubes as the field emitters, or some other field emitter, in order to provide an ionization of the air potentially caring smoke particles through the smoke detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Lee Fink
  • Patent number: 7808393
    Abstract: In order to enable supply of a sampling air to a smoke detection portion at a stable flow velocity, the present invention provides a smoke detector including: a black box (21) including a smoke detection portion (25) having an inflow port and an outflow port; a sampling pipe (30) laid in a monitor space; a gas flow pipe (P) connected to the sampling pipe and which houses a fan (3) therein; a flow path branching portion (33) provided to the gas flow pipe on a secondary side of the fan and connected to the inflow port of the smoke detection portion; and a flow path merging portion (32) which is provided to the gas flow pipe on the secondary side of the fan and connected to the outflow port of the smoke detection portion, and at which a pressure of a fluid flowing through the gas flow pipe is lower than a fluid flowing through the gas flow pipe at the flow path branching portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Nohmi Bosai Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Yokota
  • Patent number: 7791475
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a mounting base and a compatible electrical unit removably carried on the base. The base carries a transducer and a sensor external to the unit. The transducer emits radiant energy toward the unit. The sensor receives radiant energy modulated by the unit. A local control unit can store the received, modulated radiant energy as a base-line profile. Subsequently, additional profiles can be generated and compared to the stored base-line to determine is a spatial characteristic of the electrical unit has changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Rob Clow
  • Patent number: 7755481
    Abstract: A disaster warning system including a weather radio, a tornado acoustic signature detector combined with a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector. The disaster warning system includes a central control unit and peripheral alarm unit, which report the alarm signals generated by the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Larry George Gayden
  • Patent number: 7696891
    Abstract: Systems and methods for suppressing the spread of fire, fire-related toxins, and other biological and chemical hazards are disclosed. One described system includes a thermostat incorporating an HVAC interface in communication with a residential HVAC system, a receiver operable to receive a signal indicating the presence of a contaminant from an environmental condition detector, and a processor in communication with the receiver and the residential HVAC system and operable to receive the signal from the receiver, and in response, send a signal to the HVAC interface to cause the residential HVAC system to be shut down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: FireKiller Technologies, LLP
    Inventor: Paul K. Whitney
  • Patent number: 7688187
    Abstract: A method and device for attaching directly to a high-profile and/or elongated item of cargo (10, 110) transported on the exterior payload area of a vehicle (16) prevents collisions with obstructions (36, 136). A detector (38, 138) remotely detects a distant obstruction (36, 136) in the path of the cargo (10, 110) using ultrasonic, infra red, or other sensing techniques. The detector (38, 138) is mounted directly to the cargo (10, 110) by a mounting member (42, 142) which releasably surrounds at least a portion of the cargo (10, 110) and provides an enveloping, frictionally constricting engagement so as to maintain the detector (38, 138) in a preferred operating orientation. The mounting member (42, 142) preferably includes a bracket (44, 144) configured to attach at multiple, spaced points on the cargo (10, 110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventors: Andrew J. Caird, Timothy G. Schuster
  • Patent number: 7679521
    Abstract: The invention is a Christmas tree ornament that incorporates a smoke or fire detector, a burglar alarm operated by a motion sensor, and connects to an integrated fire extinguishing system. The Christmas tree ornament resembles a star, but can also be designed to reflect an angel, or any other Christmas tree decoration that typically rests on top of the Christmas tree. A fire extinguishing system connects to the ornament and runs the length of the tree to the fire extinguishing fluid reservoir that is located in a unit that rests on the floor. The invention is powered by an electrical cord as well as a battery backup. A speaker is integrated into the device, and features the same high sound level capability of traditional smoke detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventors: Cesar Gavia, Jeff Davis
  • Patent number: 7667613
    Abstract: A new device used in institutions such as, but not limited to, hospitals, nursing homes, and other patient-care facilities, and hotels and cruise ships which, when activated, provides a visual indication locally, at or near the room to which it is attached, and remotely at a central control station and/or hand held device, as to whether or not a particular room has been evacuated during an emergency evacuation situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Evis LLC
    Inventors: Saundra Janese Stevens, Robert Glenn Fuller
  • Patent number: 7629895
    Abstract: A portable security device for displaying articles of merchandise in a retail environment has a base formed with a plurality of holes arranged in predetermined patterns for mounting the device on a plurality of different support structures. A housing containing an alarm system, a retractor and an alarm cable is contained within the housing. The housing is locked on the base by a key operated tumbler attached to the base. The base is mounted on the various support structures by fasteners, the attachment heads thereof being concealed within the housing. A plunger switch at the outer end of the alarm cable is activated when the cable is attached to an item of merchandise. An audible alarm is sounded if the integrity of the alarm cable is comprised or if the item of merchandise is removed therefrom. In a modified embodiment, a space is provided between the alarm and mounting base providing increased sound alarm level in all directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis D. Belden, Jr., Ronald M. Marsilio
  • Patent number: 7592922
    Abstract: A baffle system for concentrating smoke and/or other products of combustion within a smoke detector guard. The baffle consists of four or more equally spaced fins, plates or blades fabricated from an appropriate material (such as sheet metal), inserted within the smoke detector guard, between the inner wall of the smoke detector guard and the outer surface of the smoke detector cover or housing located within the guard. The fins of the concentrator are formed such that there is a gap of no more than one-eighth inch between the edge of the fin and the profile of the outer wall of the smoke detector. The baffle fins, plates or blades form narrowing chambers between the interior walls and bottom of the smoke detector guard and the exterior of the smoke detector cover or housing that direct and concentrate the atmosphere entering through openings in the smoke detector guard to openings in the smoke detector cover or housing, decreasing the response time of the assembly to products of combustion in the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Edward La Vigne
  • Publication number: 20090201147
    Abstract: When a person believes that he/she is having a heart attack, a pendant (or other communications device) can be activated to communicate an emergency services request signal to an emergency services notification station (e.g., that houses an AED). Once the emergency services notification station receives the emergency services request signal, the emergency services notification station can notify anyone in the area of the pending emergency (e.g., by sounding a siren and/or flashing a light and/or vibrating). The emergency services notification station can utilize an address display such that someone passing by is informed of the address of the person that needs assistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Gottlieb
  • Patent number: 7535341
    Abstract: A combination light and sound producing fixture is disclosed for installation in a wall or ceiling or on a wall or ceiling. The sound producing elements is an arrangement of speakers having a low frequency transducer and one or more high frequency transducers oriented directed to emit sound in a particular direction. The fixture may further include digital signal processing to modify the sound to account for obstructions in near or around the fixture. The fixture may include a feedback system that allow the fixture to self modify its frequency response. The signal to the fixture is provided by wired or wireless interface. The surface of the sound transducer can be reflective in nature to provide focusing or diffusion of the light from the lighting elements. The lighting elements are incandescent, fluorescent or low voltage LED type that may include adjustment for lighting intensity or color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Edward H. Haase
  • Patent number: 7518508
    Abstract: A computer arrangement for inducing a retraction of a computer component in response to a sensed emergency or security condition. The computer arrangement can include an enclosure with an open inner volume and a support member extendably and retractably retained relative to the enclosure. A computer component, such as a monitor, a keyboard, or a laptop computer, can be retained relative to the support member. One or more sensors can sense an emergency or security condition thereby to induce a retraction of the support member and, possibly, a closing of a lid. The keyboard or laptop computer can be retained relative to a support unit or cradle, which can be manually or automatically pivotable between a storage configuration and a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Sava Cvek
  • Patent number: 7504962
    Abstract: An apparatus for enclosing a smoke detector is provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes an extension that has an open end for positioning within a space on a first side of a partition and a housing end for positioning within a space on a second side of the partition. The open end is exposed to ambient air within the space on the first side of the partition. A smoke detector enclosure for receiving the smoke detector is provided. At least a portion of the smoke detector enclosure contacts a portion of the tubular extension. A cover can also be secured to the smoke detector enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph Stephen Smith
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7460022
    Abstract: A device for the explosion protection of electric motors or similar electrical devices such as pumps, in which the motor has a protective housing and works together with an interconnected sensor accommodated in a separate protective housing. A favorable construction is achieved in that the motor protection housing and the sensor protection housing are configured for protection classes of different levels, the lower protection class being provided for the motor protection housing, and the higher protection class being provided for the sensor protection housing, and the protective device being provided for the lower protection class.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AG
    Inventors: Ingolf Gröning, Johannes Schelbert
  • Patent number: 7449990
    Abstract: Presented is a communications protocol for use by interconnected hazardous condition detectors, such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for use in dwellings and other structures. This communications protocol provides conventional signaling to indicate the presence of a smoke condition necessitating the generation of a smoke temporal pattern by all interconnected detectors. The protocol further defines a signaling method by which conventional smoke detectors that are incapable of providing temporal patterns other than that required for a smoke alarm condition will not be sent into an alarm mode of operation upon receipt of a signal other than the conventional smoke alarm signal. This communications protocol defines a pulsed signal to indicate a non-smoke alarm condition that is of a duration that will not trigger the conventional smoke alarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Andres, Michael W. Apperson, Joseph G. DeLuca, Chris R. Gilbert, Craig Kleinberg, Larry Ratzlaff, Stephen M. Ernst, John Wurtenberger
  • Patent number: 7445257
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closing system comprising handles (20) for operating latches that are inoperative when in a locked position, and only enable the latch to open when the latch is in an unlocked position. In conjunction with an access authorization device, the approaching of a hand to the handle (20) can be sensed in advance by a capacitive sensor thus enabling a very early reversing of the latch into the respectively desired position. To this end, two electrodes (51, 52) are integrated inside the handle (20), and a shielding (53) is located between these electrodes. One electrode (51) generates an inner field (50) between the handle (20) and the vehicle (10) and, with the vehicle body, acts as a capacitive inner sensor. The other electrode (52),however, generates an outer field (60) with regard to the surrounding area of the vehicle. When, during normal use of the handle (20), the hand passes into the area of the inner field (50), a first function in the latch or vehicle is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co, KG
    Inventors: Benjamin Müller, Andreas van den Boom, Helmut Schumacher
  • 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: 7414538
    Abstract: A detector assembly (10) powered by mains electricity and an elongate backup battery (76) is disclosed. The assembly includes: a ceiling mountable base (10) having a body defining a downwardly opening socket (24); a detector module (20) having a battery support portion (75) for holding the battery (76) in a vertical orientation, the module (20) receivable by the socket (24); a quick connection means for mechanically and electrically connecting the module (20) to the base (10); and shutter (50) mounted to the base (10). The shutter (50) prevents operation of the quick connection means when no vertical battery (76) is installed within the module (20). The quick connection means comprises co-operable pairs of conductors. The conductor pairs transmit power from the base (10) to the module (20). The pairs of conductors each comprise a stud conductor mounted to the base (10) and a forked conductor mounted to the module (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventors: Quentin David Cook, Neale Terrens Kelly, Paul Edward Davies
  • Patent number: 7394366
    Abstract: A system and method for automatic identification and integration of audio/visual devices in a room for multi-media conferencing operation. Each device includes a circuit that periodically emits a signal that is recognized by another device. Upon receiving the signal, the other devices respond with information relating to how they can inter-communicate with each other over one or more networks they are connected to. An ad-hoc conferencing network is established between the integrated devices, such that the quality of multi-media conferencing is improved through the use of all the available devices within a room. The signal is preferably one that is confined to a room, and a specific protocol can be implemented to manage the exchange of information between the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventors: Philippe Moquin, Stephane Dedieu
  • Patent number: 7385522
    Abstract: A portable security device for displaying articles of merchandise in a retail environment has a base formed with a plurality of holes arranged in predetermined patterns for mounting the device on a plurality of different support structures. A housing containing an alarm system, a retractor and an alarm cable is contained within the housing. The housing is locked on the base by a key operated tumbler attached to the base. The base is mounted on the various support structures by fasteners, the attachment heads thereof being concealed within the housing. A plunger switch at the outer end of the alarm cable is activated when the cable is attached to an item of merchandise. An audible alarm is sounded if the integrity of the alarm cable is comprised or if the item of merchandise is removed therefrom. In a modified embodiment, a space is provided between the alarm and mounting base providing increased sound alarm level in all directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis D. Belden, Jr., Ronald M. Marsilio
  • Patent number: 7372370
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Smart Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry W. Stults, Brent E. Routman, Jeremy P. Shapiro, Nicholas P. Johns
  • Patent number: 7345591
    Abstract: An intelligent sensor module with an electrical sensor element and a printed circuit board comprises a bipartite guiding device through which electrical connecting wires are guided to the printed circuit board in an insulated fashion at a certain spacing from one another. The guiding device is configured in such a way that it can be used directly as a production tool during mounting of the sensor element. The intelligent sensor module can be produced cost effectively with high quality through the use of the guiding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies AG
    Inventor: Ralph Kayser
  • Patent number: 7336165
    Abstract: The disclosure includes improvements in the field of retrofit-detector installation such as adapters that simplify retrofit of addressable detectors onto previously installed zone-type system hardware. Each adapter includes electrical circuitry for electrically connecting new addressable detectors with legacy system once installation is complete. The disclosure includes structures that permit users to efficiently solve a number of problems that may arise during installation of retrofit-detectors into legacy systems. For example, one or more switches may be used to reverse electrical polarity to thereby correct polarity and/or mapping faults. One or more switches may also be provided to disconnect at least one electrical terminal to assist in locating ground faults and/or other wiring problems. One or more test points may also be provided to test one or more electrical characteristics relevant to retrofit installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Andrew M. Fuchs
  • Patent number: 7330115
    Abstract: An electronic device control system includes a base unit that includes a housing. A power input and a power output are each mounted in the housing and are electrically coupled to each other. The power input comprises a male plug and the power output comprising a female plug. A processor is electrically coupled to the power input and the power output. The processor is adapted for selectively turning on electrical power from the power input to the power output. A primary motion detector is mounted on an outer surface of the housing and is electrically coupled to the processor. The primary motion detector is adapted for sending a motion signal to the processor when the motion detector detects motion. The processor turns on power to the power output when the processor receives the motion signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: John P. Zuba
  • Publication number: 20080022753
    Abstract: A duct detector includes sampling tubes which slidably engage the detector with a fixed orientation to facilitate fluid flow. The tubes have a connector portion and a conduit portion. The connector portion and the conduit portion engage one another with a predetermined orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: William A. MacPherson, James M. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7321294
    Abstract: A display device for use in an instrument panel to be mounted in an automotive vehicle is capable of displaying information concerning the status of the automotive vehicle. The display device is further capable of providing an alarm, when a predetermined physical parameter among physical parameters representing the status of an automotive vehicle is within a predetermined range, by effecting at least one of a change in display luminance and a change in displayed color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hidetaka Mizumaki
  • Patent number: 7287738
    Abstract: An article for mounting from or against the ceiling is removably coupled to a base fixedly secured to the ceiling, by a person standing on the floor, supporting the article on an elongated rod, and thrusting the article against the base to couple the article and the secured base. The article is removed by inserting the rod into the article, exerting a force on the rod to uncouple the article from the base, and supporting the article on the rod as the article is lowered. The article is thus positioned on or hung from the ceiling, without being manually contacted by the person. The article may be used to mount other devices, such as a sign, smoke detector, etc. or may include such device as a part of the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Accessmount LLC
    Inventor: Nelson Douglas Pitlor
  • Patent number: 7283058
    Abstract: A tree smoke detection system and method which includes a conically shaped smoke collector housing having an interior wall extending between a wide entrance mouth opening and a narrow exit vent opening and a smoke detection device mounted to the interior wall to position the smoke detection device facing and adjacent to an imaginary center line passing through the wide entrance mouth opening and the narrow exit vent opening to facilitate detecting smoke flow along the imaginary center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventors: Allen Paul Kisner, Janet L. Kisner
  • Patent number: 7271722
    Abstract: There is provided a security sensor device having an optical axis adjusting capability, which device includes a beam projecting unit (1) for projecting sensing waves, to which ID codes for specifying beam projectors (2) are applied, to a beam receiving unit (8) sequentially at predetermined intervals. The beam receiving unit (8) detects the level of light received by each of beam receivers (9) corresponding to or identified by the respective ID codes and transmits the received light levels to the beam projecting unit (1). According to these features, during the optical axis adjustment the levels of light received by the beam receivers (9) can readily be obtained on the side of the beam projecting unit (1), resulting in an accurate adjustment of optical axis between the beam projectors (2) and the beam receivers (9) in a short length of time with a simplified structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Optex Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Iwasawa
  • Patent number: 7262704
    Abstract: An information handling system (“IHS”) including an enclosure is provided. A dust detection circuit, located inside the enclosure, is also provided. The dust detection circuit determines whether an amount of dust present inside the enclosure is greater than a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Santosh Shetty, Paul T. Artman, Charlie Sumrell
  • Patent number: 7248173
    Abstract: A dark chamber is adapted to accommodate smoke particles. A photo emitter and a photo detector are disposed in the dark chamber. In a first region, a region where light emitted from the photo emitter passes and a region where the photo detector is capable of detecting light are overlapped, so that light emitted from the photo emitter and scattered by the smoke particles is detected by the photo detector. A photo converger converges light passed through the first region at a second region where is an outside of the first region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Nittan Company, Limited
    Inventors: Ryoichi Yamasaki, Takeshi Ueno, Yasunori Oya
  • Patent number: 7233254
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Byron H. Howell
  • Patent number: 7218239
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Job Lizenz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gerhard Ropke
  • Patent number: 7176805
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Maple Chase Company
    Inventors: John Gilman Chapman, Jr., Nicholas Ashworth, Robert Burt, Timothy E. Wallaert
  • Patent number: 7170417
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Gregory Gamble
  • Patent number: 7109879
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Smart Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry W. Stults, Brent E. Routman, Jeremy P. Shapiro, Nicholas P. Johns
  • Patent number: 7109880
    Abstract: A ceiling mount light with a single spherical lens with a 360-degree range viewing field to focus infrared energy into a motion sensor is provided. The ceiling mount light has a sensitivity regulating switch to adjust the level of sensitivity up to about 30 feet in the 360-degree viewing field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Desa IP LLC
    Inventors: Gregory L. Sibalich, Chik Kin Wing Ricky, Roger Dennis Cornett
  • Patent number: 7102529
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Firekiller Technologies
    Inventor: Paul Whitney