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US 7,068,177 B2Granted
Multi-sensor device and methods for fire detection
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorLee D. Tice
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Multiple parameter fire detection uses outputs from one or more radiant energy sensors in combination with outputs from smoke or thermal sensors to shorten response times to alarm while minimizing nuisance alarms. The radiant energy related outputs can be used to alter parameters of the smoke or thermal sensors. The various sensors can be displaced from one another in an alarm system.
Claims21
An ambient condition detector comprising:
- at least one of a smoke sensor or a thermal sensor;
- a sensor of incident radiant energy responsive to sources of radiant energy exclusive of the smoke sensor or the thermal sensor;
- and
- control circuitry coupled to the sensors and responsive to selected transient changes in incident radiant energy to shorten the time to respond to a predetermined ambient condition where the control circuitry is responsive to substantially step changes reducing radiant energy to increase a sensitivity parameter.
1 more element
An ambient condition detector comprising:
- at least one of a smoke sensor or a thermal sensor;
- a sensor of incident radiant energy responsive to sources of radiant energy exclusive of the smoke sensor or the thermal sensor;
- and
- control circuitry coupled to the sensors and responsive to selected transient changes in incident radiant energy to shorten the time to respond to a predetermined ambient condition and
- which includes additional circuitry to shorten the response time by adjusting at least one of a sample rate or a sensitivity parameter associated with the smoke sensor in response to changes in incident radiant energy where the additional circuitry to shorten the response time is responsive to increasing radiant energy to reduce the sensitivity parameter and to substantially step changes reducing radiant energy to increase the sensitivity parameter.
2 more elements
An ambient condition detector comprising:
- at least one of a smoke sensor or a thermal sensor;
- a sensor of incident radiant energy responsive to sources of radiant energy exclusive of the smoke sensor or the thermal sensor;
- and
- control circuitry coupled to the sensors and responsive to selected transient changes in incident radiant energy to shorten the time to respond to a predetermined ambient condition where the control circuitry is responsive to substantially step changes reducing radiant energy to increase a sensitivity parameter where the thermal sensor and the radiant energy sensor are displaced from one another with the control circuitry, at least in part, in bidirectional communication therewith via one of a wireless or a wired medium.
1 more element
A method of monitoring a region comprising:
- sensing a radiant energy parameter in a region;
- sensing a hazard parameter indicative of by-products of combustion in the region;
- sensing a thermal parameter in the region;
- evaluating the radiant energy parameter for the presence of flame, and responsive thereto, evaluating the thermal parameter for an indication of elevated heat in the region;
- altering a sensitivity parameter associated with at least one of the hazard parameter or the thermal parameter in response to the results of evaluating the parameters;
- and
- determining if the by-products of combustion are indicative of the presence of a hazardous condition in the region which includes evaluating if the radiant energy parameter is indicative of a relatively low level of ambient light in the region, and responsive thereto, increasing a sensitivity parameter indicative of a smoldering fire condition.
4 more elements
A method of monitoring a region comprising:
- sensing a radiant energy parameter in a region;
- sensing a hazard parameter indicative of by-products of combustion in the region;
- sensing a thermal parameter in the region;
- evaluating the radiant energy parameter for the presence of flame, and responsive thereto, evaluating the thermal parameter for an indication of elevated heat in the region;
- altering a sensitivity parameter associated with at least one of the hazard parameter or the thermal parameter in response to the results of evaluating the parameters;
- and
- determining if the by-products of combustion are indicative of the presence of a hazardous condition in the region which includes evaluating if the radiant energy parameter is indicative of a relatively low level of ambient light in the region, and responsive thereto, and also responsive to the radiant energy parameter indicating the presence of flame, increasing a sensitivity parameter indicative of the presence of flame.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.