US 5,451,929 A · Smoke alarm and air cleaning device

Abstract

An air cleaner with a smoke alarm unit for a forced air recirculating system is disclosed. The smoke alarm unit is housed within a module that fits within the frame of the air cleaner with minimal impact on the cleaning ability of the cleaner. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a battery capacity tester and air cleaner functionality detector are included in the module. Signals from the battery tester and functionality detector are used by the smoke alarm unit to drive an alarm generator with different signals to produce distinguishable alarms for a smoke condition, low battery condition, and an air cleaner failure. A control unit may receive any of the alarm conditions to execute different control actions in the forced air system.

Claims25

Dependent claims

A module for integrating a functionality detector and a smoke detector within an air cleaner, said module comprising:

a housing having a receptacle in which said functionality detector, said smoke detector and a power source are mounted, said housing having a front surface, a rear surface, and an edge interposed between said front and rear surfaces;
an air flow path extending into said housing from said air cleaner to said receptacle for providing an air sample to said smoke detector;
and
means operatively connected to said housing for reducing airflow velocity within said air flow path before said air flow enters said receptacle whereby said air sample is provided to said smoke detector at a velocity effective for detecting smoke.

1 more element

A furnace controller for responding to an acoustical alarm from an alarm unit associated with a forced recirculating air system, the alarm unit generating the acoustical alarm in response to a sensed condition of the recirculating air system comprising:

means for sensing an acoustical signal;
means for converting a sensed acoustical signal to an electrical signal;
means for determining whether said electrical signal corresponds to the acoustical alarm generated by the alarm unit;
and
means for controlling the furnace in response to said determining means determining that said electrical signal corresponds to the acoustical alarm from the alarm unit.

2 more elements

A controller for a heating appliance, said controller adapted to respond to an acoustical alarm from an alarm unit associated with said heating appliance, the alarm unit generating the acoustical alarm in response to a sensed condition of the heating appliance, wherein the controller comprises:

means for sensing an acoustical signal;
means for converting a sensed acoustical signal to an electrical signal;
means for determining whether said electrical signal corresponds to the acoustical alarm generated by the alarm unit;
and
means for controlling the heating appliance in response to said determining means determining that said electrical signal corresponds to the acoustical alarm from the alarm unit.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Smoke alarm and air cleaning device

Life of this patent

Smoke alarm and air cleaning device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims25