CA2394401C - Modular detector system - Google Patents
Modular detector system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2394401C CA2394401C CA002394401A CA2394401A CA2394401C CA 2394401 C CA2394401 C CA 2394401C CA 002394401 A CA002394401 A CA 002394401A CA 2394401 A CA2394401 A CA 2394401A CA 2394401 C CA2394401 C CA 2394401C
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- Prior art keywords
- housing
- module
- detector according
- modules
- fire sensor
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- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
- G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
- G08B21/12—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons responsive to undesired emission of substances, e.g. pollution alarms
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B17/00—Fire alarms; Alarms responsive to explosion
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B17/00—Fire alarms; Alarms responsive to explosion
- G08B17/10—Actuation by presence of smoke or gases, e.g. automatic alarm devices for analysing flowing fluid materials by the use of optical means
- G08B17/11—Actuation by presence of smoke or gases, e.g. automatic alarm devices for analysing flowing fluid materials by the use of optical means using an ionisation chamber for detecting smoke or gas
- G08B17/113—Constructional details
Abstract
A modular detector (10) includes at least one module receiving port. Members of a plurality of modules (24) have a common form factor and are removably insertable into the port. The modules, when inserted, implement a selected communication, sensing or output function. One module can be removed and replaced with another thereby changing detector characteristics. A
respective detector could have several ports to receive a plurality of insertable modules.
respective detector could have several ports to receive a plurality of insertable modules.
Description
MODULAR DETECTOR SYSTEM
Field of the Invention:
The invention pertains to ambient condition detectors. More particularly, the invention pertains to such detectors which facilitate user flexibility in defining over-all function characteristics.
Background of the Invention:
Smoke detectors have become commonly used in residential applications.
Many residences incorporate a plurality of such detectors either operating in a stand-alone fashion or interconnected in some way.
Known detectors are manufactured in large quantities using automated manufacturing equipment, and, as a result, have become very cost effective in inexpensive consumer products. Automated manufacturing processes provide maximum economic benefit where large numbers of identical products can be manufactured. While beneficial from a cost perspective, large volume manufacturing produces products having a common set of functional parameters with little or no opportunity to vary those parameters subsequent to production.
There are times where it might be desirable to be able to vary the parameters of a detector. For example, while fire detectors very often incorporate smoke sensors, it might be desirable to also incorporate a temperature or a humidity sensor in some installations but not all. Additionally, it might be desirable to be able to provide a voice messaging output function for some installations but not others.
There are thus continues to be a need to be able to manufacture detectors which exhibit a greater degree of functional variability than heretofore has been available in volume. Preferably, such flexibility could be provided without significantly increasing manufacturing costs or detector complexity.
Summary of the Invention:
A detector system includes a common mechanical/electrical, section and a plurality of electrical interchangeable modules. The modules have a common physical form factor and a common electrical interface. Different modules provide different functions implemented at least in part by respective circuitry carried therein.
The common section can be combined with a user selected set of modules prior to installation. The user can alter the module mix after installation.
In one embodiment, a single station smoke detector has the ability to receive various plug-in modules at the consumer's discretion. In one aspect, a smoke alarm has the flexibility of add-on functions such as RF (radio-frequency), remote testing and monitoring, voice alarm, I-chip for internet protocol and a modem. These functions can be selectively provided using a plurality of plug-in modules having a standardized interface and form factor. This invention provides the consumer with a myriad of different functional choices. In one embodiment, a microprocessor uses each plug-in module's function and performance to provide a customized, user alterable, detector.
The detector can incorporate fire/smoke sensors, gas, chemical, humidity, temperature sensors and other sensors. These can be permanently installed or addable using modules. Other types of interfaces or outputs can be provided using modules.
Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawines:
Fig. 1 is an over-all block diagram of a system in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the system of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the embodiment of Fig. 4;
Field of the Invention:
The invention pertains to ambient condition detectors. More particularly, the invention pertains to such detectors which facilitate user flexibility in defining over-all function characteristics.
Background of the Invention:
Smoke detectors have become commonly used in residential applications.
Many residences incorporate a plurality of such detectors either operating in a stand-alone fashion or interconnected in some way.
Known detectors are manufactured in large quantities using automated manufacturing equipment, and, as a result, have become very cost effective in inexpensive consumer products. Automated manufacturing processes provide maximum economic benefit where large numbers of identical products can be manufactured. While beneficial from a cost perspective, large volume manufacturing produces products having a common set of functional parameters with little or no opportunity to vary those parameters subsequent to production.
There are times where it might be desirable to be able to vary the parameters of a detector. For example, while fire detectors very often incorporate smoke sensors, it might be desirable to also incorporate a temperature or a humidity sensor in some installations but not all. Additionally, it might be desirable to be able to provide a voice messaging output function for some installations but not others.
There are thus continues to be a need to be able to manufacture detectors which exhibit a greater degree of functional variability than heretofore has been available in volume. Preferably, such flexibility could be provided without significantly increasing manufacturing costs or detector complexity.
Summary of the Invention:
A detector system includes a common mechanical/electrical, section and a plurality of electrical interchangeable modules. The modules have a common physical form factor and a common electrical interface. Different modules provide different functions implemented at least in part by respective circuitry carried therein.
The common section can be combined with a user selected set of modules prior to installation. The user can alter the module mix after installation.
In one embodiment, a single station smoke detector has the ability to receive various plug-in modules at the consumer's discretion. In one aspect, a smoke alarm has the flexibility of add-on functions such as RF (radio-frequency), remote testing and monitoring, voice alarm, I-chip for internet protocol and a modem. These functions can be selectively provided using a plurality of plug-in modules having a standardized interface and form factor. This invention provides the consumer with a myriad of different functional choices. In one embodiment, a microprocessor uses each plug-in module's function and performance to provide a customized, user alterable, detector.
The detector can incorporate fire/smoke sensors, gas, chemical, humidity, temperature sensors and other sensors. These can be permanently installed or addable using modules. Other types of interfaces or outputs can be provided using modules.
Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawines:
Fig. 1 is an over-all block diagram of a system in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the system of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the embodiment of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 7 is an exploded view of the embodiment of Fig. 6.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments:
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawing and will be described herein in detail specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
Fig. 1 illustrates a modular system 10 in accordance with the present invention. System 10 incorporates a support element l0a which could be implemented for example as one or more printed circuit boards. Support element l0a as would be understood by those of skill in the art would be carried by a housing generally indicated at lOb.
In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1, control circuitry 12, implemented using a programmed processor is carried on the board or element 10a. The control circuitry 12 includes a plurality of analog input ports 12a, b, c which are coupled to internal analog/digital converters. A plurality of bidirectional digital ports 12d provide four or eight bit binary bidirectional communication.
System 10 can incorporate a plurality of ambient condition sensors such as smoke sensors 14, 16 illustrated as exemplary ionization-type and photoelectric-type smoke sensors. Detector 10 can also incorporate other sensors generally indicated at 18.
Outputs from the respective sensors 14-18 can be coupled through interface circuitry 14a, 16a and 18a to the analog inputs of control circuitry 12 as would be understood by those of skill in the art.
System 10 incorporates, for example, a plurality of modules 24 which are removably couplable via a plurality of connectors 26, carried on support element 10a, to control circuitry 12. It will be understood that while connectors 26 are illustrated coupled to the binary input/output ports 12d of control circuitry 12, that if other forms of control circuitry such as hardwired elements are used, corresponding connections would be made to connectors 26.
Each of the modules of the plurality 24, such as modules 24a, b ... 1 provides circuitry for implementing a function not present in essentially permanent form in system 10. Rather, by selecting among the available modules, it is possible to customize the functional characteristics of respective ones of systems 10 to provide differing functions. For example, if the infrared remote module 24b is selected, it will be possible to remotely conduct tests of the specific form of the system using a displaced infrared source, to silence nuisance alarms and the like.
Alternately, if voice module 24c is selected, a speech output can be provided in addition to any alarm indicating tones which might be provided either by an audible output device permanently coupled to control circuits 12 or one carried by module 24a.
Each of the modules exhibits a standardized form factor, illustrated by representative housing 24a-1. Carried within the housing is respective circuitry such as 24a-2 which provides the desired functionality of the respective module.
Circuitry 24a-2 is coupled via connector element 24a-3 to control circuitry 12 where the respective module is plugged into or engaged with respective connector 26, such as connector 26a.
Since the illustrative system 10 incorporates four system connectors 24a, b, c, d, four different functional modules can be selected and incorporated thereinto. It will be understood that not all four modules need be selected for every installation.
More modules can be provided if desired.
The present invention provides great flexibility to a user whereby representative detector 10 can be installed at a user's premises, such as the user's house, and the selected module combination can be varied by the user both before or after installation to provide a customized detector system for that particular installation.
It will be understood that the number of connectors 26 is exemplary only and is not a limitation of the present invention. Similarly, the functionality of exemplary modules 24 is also merely exemplary and is not a limitation of the present invention.
Various configurations of housings, such as the housing l Ob and selected modules 24 are discussed subsequently. It will be understood that various modular detector systems 10-1, -2, -3 which are discussed subsequently are merely exemplary and other variations are possible and come within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
It will also be understood by those of skill in the art that the use of standardized modules as disclosed herein makes it possible to not only obtain the benefit of economics of scale from automated manufacturing of standardized products, such as the system 10, exclusive of the modules, but also to retain the benefits of flexibility. The modules 24 provide user flexibility of a type heretofore not available in residential ambient condition detectors.
Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate various views of a detector system 10-1 wherein the modules can be inserted into an exposed, user-accessible, surface of the housing l Ob-1. With respect to Figs. 2 and 3, housing l Ob-1 is formed with a cover which has a rotatable door 30a attached thereto. The cover 30 is in turn attached to base 30b which has an exterior mounting surface 32 which is intended to be located adjacent to a mounting surface S such as a ceiling via a mounting bracket 33.
When so-mounted, the pivotable door 30a extends away from the ceiling and is accessible to a user.
The system 10a-1 incorporates printed circuit boards or mounting elements 10a-1 and 10a-2 corresponding to element 10a of Fig. 1.
As illustrated in Fig. 3, control circuitry 12 can be carried, for example, on mounting element 10a-2 along with other electronic circuitry and if desired, a permanently mounted audible output device 19. The device 19 could for example be capable of generating a plurality of alarm indicating output tones as would be known to those of skill in the art.
When the cover 30a has been rotated to an open position, the user is provided access to a plurality of ports 30-1, -2 and -3 in surface 30c of cover 30.
The ports 30-1, -2 and -3 provide mechanical access for selected modules from the plurality 24, such as modules 24b, c, and i to be inserted into the cover 30 and to removably engage control element 12 via connectors such as connectors 26 and 24i-3.
Insertion of the indicated modules into the ports 30-1, 30-2 and 30-3 provides an easy and convenient way for a user to provide selected additional functions in the respective systems 10-1 not present in the common base portion thereof. The functionality can be revised and altered during the life of the systeml0a-I by changing the mix of inserted modules 24.
Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate an alternate configuration, system 10-2. In system 10-2, cover 40 encloses a rotating access door 40a. Both cover 40 and access door 40a are slotted for a plurality of module receiving slots 40-1, 40-2, 40-3 and 40-4.
In the configuration of Figs. 4 and 5, a plurality of modules, such as modules 24b, 24c, 24i and 24k extend laterally relative to a central axis of cover 40 through ports 40-1 .. -4 in cover 40 and rotating access door 40a. When so inserted, the respective modules slideably engage control circuitry 12 via connectors such as connectors 24b-3, 24c-3, 24i-3, 24k-3 and connectors 26.
It will be understood that less than four modules can be used with the system 10-3 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In such an instance, detector system 10-3 would simply provide fewer selected functions than in an instance where a larger number of modules was being used.
Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate yet another configuration in a system 10-3. In the system 10-3, ports 50-1 ... 50-n are provided in cover and base sections 50, 50b.
The ports 50-1 .. 50n provide user access for a selected number of modules from the plurality 24 which can be removably inserted through the respective port to engage control circuitry 12. Additionally, in the event that fewer modules are selected than there are available ports, a plurality of missing module plugs 54 can be used as inserts to fill in unused ports 50-i for aesthetic purposes and to keep dust and other debris from the interior of the housing 50.
It will be understood that a variety of additional features can be incorporated into the respective detector systems without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Representative additional types of features include test activation switches or buttons such as button 60, or, display 62 which can be incorporated into respective housings, such as the housing 50, to provide alpha numeric readouts such as concentration status and the like. It will be understood that such features while convenient and desirable at times are selectable and provideable without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
They can also be provided via one or more plug-in modules.
From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments:
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawing and will be described herein in detail specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
Fig. 1 illustrates a modular system 10 in accordance with the present invention. System 10 incorporates a support element l0a which could be implemented for example as one or more printed circuit boards. Support element l0a as would be understood by those of skill in the art would be carried by a housing generally indicated at lOb.
In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1, control circuitry 12, implemented using a programmed processor is carried on the board or element 10a. The control circuitry 12 includes a plurality of analog input ports 12a, b, c which are coupled to internal analog/digital converters. A plurality of bidirectional digital ports 12d provide four or eight bit binary bidirectional communication.
System 10 can incorporate a plurality of ambient condition sensors such as smoke sensors 14, 16 illustrated as exemplary ionization-type and photoelectric-type smoke sensors. Detector 10 can also incorporate other sensors generally indicated at 18.
Outputs from the respective sensors 14-18 can be coupled through interface circuitry 14a, 16a and 18a to the analog inputs of control circuitry 12 as would be understood by those of skill in the art.
System 10 incorporates, for example, a plurality of modules 24 which are removably couplable via a plurality of connectors 26, carried on support element 10a, to control circuitry 12. It will be understood that while connectors 26 are illustrated coupled to the binary input/output ports 12d of control circuitry 12, that if other forms of control circuitry such as hardwired elements are used, corresponding connections would be made to connectors 26.
Each of the modules of the plurality 24, such as modules 24a, b ... 1 provides circuitry for implementing a function not present in essentially permanent form in system 10. Rather, by selecting among the available modules, it is possible to customize the functional characteristics of respective ones of systems 10 to provide differing functions. For example, if the infrared remote module 24b is selected, it will be possible to remotely conduct tests of the specific form of the system using a displaced infrared source, to silence nuisance alarms and the like.
Alternately, if voice module 24c is selected, a speech output can be provided in addition to any alarm indicating tones which might be provided either by an audible output device permanently coupled to control circuits 12 or one carried by module 24a.
Each of the modules exhibits a standardized form factor, illustrated by representative housing 24a-1. Carried within the housing is respective circuitry such as 24a-2 which provides the desired functionality of the respective module.
Circuitry 24a-2 is coupled via connector element 24a-3 to control circuitry 12 where the respective module is plugged into or engaged with respective connector 26, such as connector 26a.
Since the illustrative system 10 incorporates four system connectors 24a, b, c, d, four different functional modules can be selected and incorporated thereinto. It will be understood that not all four modules need be selected for every installation.
More modules can be provided if desired.
The present invention provides great flexibility to a user whereby representative detector 10 can be installed at a user's premises, such as the user's house, and the selected module combination can be varied by the user both before or after installation to provide a customized detector system for that particular installation.
It will be understood that the number of connectors 26 is exemplary only and is not a limitation of the present invention. Similarly, the functionality of exemplary modules 24 is also merely exemplary and is not a limitation of the present invention.
Various configurations of housings, such as the housing l Ob and selected modules 24 are discussed subsequently. It will be understood that various modular detector systems 10-1, -2, -3 which are discussed subsequently are merely exemplary and other variations are possible and come within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
It will also be understood by those of skill in the art that the use of standardized modules as disclosed herein makes it possible to not only obtain the benefit of economics of scale from automated manufacturing of standardized products, such as the system 10, exclusive of the modules, but also to retain the benefits of flexibility. The modules 24 provide user flexibility of a type heretofore not available in residential ambient condition detectors.
Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate various views of a detector system 10-1 wherein the modules can be inserted into an exposed, user-accessible, surface of the housing l Ob-1. With respect to Figs. 2 and 3, housing l Ob-1 is formed with a cover which has a rotatable door 30a attached thereto. The cover 30 is in turn attached to base 30b which has an exterior mounting surface 32 which is intended to be located adjacent to a mounting surface S such as a ceiling via a mounting bracket 33.
When so-mounted, the pivotable door 30a extends away from the ceiling and is accessible to a user.
The system 10a-1 incorporates printed circuit boards or mounting elements 10a-1 and 10a-2 corresponding to element 10a of Fig. 1.
As illustrated in Fig. 3, control circuitry 12 can be carried, for example, on mounting element 10a-2 along with other electronic circuitry and if desired, a permanently mounted audible output device 19. The device 19 could for example be capable of generating a plurality of alarm indicating output tones as would be known to those of skill in the art.
When the cover 30a has been rotated to an open position, the user is provided access to a plurality of ports 30-1, -2 and -3 in surface 30c of cover 30.
The ports 30-1, -2 and -3 provide mechanical access for selected modules from the plurality 24, such as modules 24b, c, and i to be inserted into the cover 30 and to removably engage control element 12 via connectors such as connectors 26 and 24i-3.
Insertion of the indicated modules into the ports 30-1, 30-2 and 30-3 provides an easy and convenient way for a user to provide selected additional functions in the respective systems 10-1 not present in the common base portion thereof. The functionality can be revised and altered during the life of the systeml0a-I by changing the mix of inserted modules 24.
Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate an alternate configuration, system 10-2. In system 10-2, cover 40 encloses a rotating access door 40a. Both cover 40 and access door 40a are slotted for a plurality of module receiving slots 40-1, 40-2, 40-3 and 40-4.
In the configuration of Figs. 4 and 5, a plurality of modules, such as modules 24b, 24c, 24i and 24k extend laterally relative to a central axis of cover 40 through ports 40-1 .. -4 in cover 40 and rotating access door 40a. When so inserted, the respective modules slideably engage control circuitry 12 via connectors such as connectors 24b-3, 24c-3, 24i-3, 24k-3 and connectors 26.
It will be understood that less than four modules can be used with the system 10-3 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In such an instance, detector system 10-3 would simply provide fewer selected functions than in an instance where a larger number of modules was being used.
Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate yet another configuration in a system 10-3. In the system 10-3, ports 50-1 ... 50-n are provided in cover and base sections 50, 50b.
The ports 50-1 .. 50n provide user access for a selected number of modules from the plurality 24 which can be removably inserted through the respective port to engage control circuitry 12. Additionally, in the event that fewer modules are selected than there are available ports, a plurality of missing module plugs 54 can be used as inserts to fill in unused ports 50-i for aesthetic purposes and to keep dust and other debris from the interior of the housing 50.
It will be understood that a variety of additional features can be incorporated into the respective detector systems without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Representative additional types of features include test activation switches or buttons such as button 60, or, display 62 which can be incorporated into respective housings, such as the housing 50, to provide alpha numeric readouts such as concentration status and the like. It will be understood that such features while convenient and desirable at times are selectable and provideable without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
They can also be provided via one or more plug-in modules.
From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
Claims (27)
1. A detector comprising:
a housing which defines an internal region and which has a mounting end;
at least one smoke sensor permanently installed in the housing; and a plurality of plug-in modules wherein the modules each exhibit a common, predetermined, shape and wherein each module provides a different function when plugged in to the housing and wherein the smoke sensor, and any plugged-in module are spaced axially within the housing relative to one another along a line generally perpendicular to the mounting end of the housing.
a housing which defines an internal region and which has a mounting end;
at least one smoke sensor permanently installed in the housing; and a plurality of plug-in modules wherein the modules each exhibit a common, predetermined, shape and wherein each module provides a different function when plugged in to the housing and wherein the smoke sensor, and any plugged-in module are spaced axially within the housing relative to one another along a line generally perpendicular to the mounting end of the housing.
2. The detector according to claim 1 wherein the housing further comprises a two sided mounting member in the internal region wherein the plugged-in modules are located on a first side of the member and the smoke sensor is attached to a second side of the member.
3. The detector according to claim 1 or 2 wherein each module independently implements a function, the function being an ambient condition sensing function, a monitoring function, an interface function or a communications function.
4. The detector according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the housing comprises a base that includes the mounting end and a cover which define the internal region with the base positionable adjacent to an exterior mounting surface with the smoke sensor oriented to extend toward the base.
5. The detector according to claim 4 wherein a plurality of module receiving slots are formed in the cover, and the plurality of slots are displaced a greater distance from the base than is the smoke sensor.
6. A detector comprising:
a housing with a mounting surface, the housing defining an internal region, and the housing having openings for ingress and egress of ambient air;
at least one fire sensor permanently carried in the housing in the internal region and not intended to be removed therefrom, the sensor is exposed to a flow of ambient air;
and a plurality of module receiving openings in the housing, wherein the module receiving openings are displaced from the mounting surface a greater distance than the fire sensor is displaced from the mounting surface relative to a common centerline.
a housing with a mounting surface, the housing defining an internal region, and the housing having openings for ingress and egress of ambient air;
at least one fire sensor permanently carried in the housing in the internal region and not intended to be removed therefrom, the sensor is exposed to a flow of ambient air;
and a plurality of module receiving openings in the housing, wherein the module receiving openings are displaced from the mounting surface a greater distance than the fire sensor is displaced from the mounting surface relative to a common centerline.
7. The detector according to claim 6 further comprising a mounting member attached to the housing in the internal region wherein the at least one fire sensor permanently is installed on a first side of the member, and the module receiving openings are located on a second side thereof.
8. The detector according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the module receiving openings define respective planes disposed generally parallel to the common centerline or generally perpendicular to the common centerline.
9. The detector according to claim 6, 7 or 8 wherein each module receiving opening can independently receive an audible output module, a display module, a test module or a wireless module.
10. A detector comprising:
a housing with a base, the housing defining an internal region and having openings for ingress and egress of ambient air;
a mounting member attached to the housing in the internal region;
a first fire sensor permanently and non-removably attached to the mounting member, the fire sensor extending toward the base and responsive to ambient air in the housing; and the housing defining a plurality of slots for receipt of modules having a common form factor, the slots being displaced further from the base than the fire sensor.
a housing with a base, the housing defining an internal region and having openings for ingress and egress of ambient air;
a mounting member attached to the housing in the internal region;
a first fire sensor permanently and non-removably attached to the mounting member, the fire sensor extending toward the base and responsive to ambient air in the housing; and the housing defining a plurality of slots for receipt of modules having a common form factor, the slots being displaced further from the base than the fire sensor.
11. The detector according to claim 10 wherein the mounting member comprising a two-sided, planar structure and the fire sensor is attached to a first side thereof and the slots being adjacent to a second side.
12. The detector according to claim 10 or 11 further comprising a second fire sensor permanently and non-removably attached to the mounting member, the second fire sensor extending toward the base.
13. The detector according to claim 12 wherein the mounting member comprising a two-sided, planar structure and the first and second fire sensors are attached to a first side thereof and the slots being adjacent to a second side.
14. The detector according to any one of claims 10 or 11 further comprising a plurality of modules, the modules being receivable by the slots and providing additional functions not permanently included in the housing, each module independently being an audible output module, a display module, a test module or a communications module.
15. The detector according to claim 14 further comprising a plurality of module receiving contacts, the contacts being displaced from the fire sensor and away from the base wherein the mounting member is between the plurality of contacts and the first fire sensor.
16. The detector according to claim 15 further comprising a second fire sensor carried in the housing, the second fire sensor being adjacent to the first fire sensor.
17. A detector comprising:
a housing which defines an internal region and which has a mounting end, the housing defining a plurality of module receiving openings;
at least one smoke sensor permanently installed in the housing; and a plurality of plug-in modules wherein the modules each exhibit a common, predetermined, shape and wherein each module provides a different function when coupled to one of the module receiving openings and wherein the smoke sensor, and any coupled module are spaced axially within the housing relative to one another along a line generally perpendicular to the mounting end of the housing.
a housing which defines an internal region and which has a mounting end, the housing defining a plurality of module receiving openings;
at least one smoke sensor permanently installed in the housing; and a plurality of plug-in modules wherein the modules each exhibit a common, predetermined, shape and wherein each module provides a different function when coupled to one of the module receiving openings and wherein the smoke sensor, and any coupled module are spaced axially within the housing relative to one another along a line generally perpendicular to the mounting end of the housing.
18. The detector according to claim 17 wherein the housing includes a two sided mounting member in the internal region wherein coupled modules are located on a first side of the mounting member and the smoke sensor is attached to a second side of the mounting member.
19. The detector according to claim 17 or 18 wherein the plurality of modules are releasibly coupled to the housing and each module implements a function, the function being an ambient condition sensing function, a monitoring function, an interface function or a communications function.
20. The detector according to claim 17, 18 or 19 wherein the housing comprises a base that includes the mounting end and a cover which define the internal region wherein the base is positionable adjacent to an exterior mounting surface wherein the smoke sensor is oriented to extend toward the base.
21. The detector according to any one of claims 17 to 20 wherein the plurality of openings is displaced a greater distance from the base than is the smoke sensor.
22. A detector comprising:
a housing with a base, the housing defining an internal region and having openings for ingress and egress of ambient air;
a mounting member attached to the housing in the internal region;
a first fire sensor permanently and non-removably attached to the mounting member, the first fire sensor extending toward the base and responsive to ambient air in the housing; and the housing defining a plurality of substantially identical slots for releasable receipt of a plurality of different modules having a common form factor, the slots being displaced further from the base than the fire sensor.
a housing with a base, the housing defining an internal region and having openings for ingress and egress of ambient air;
a mounting member attached to the housing in the internal region;
a first fire sensor permanently and non-removably attached to the mounting member, the first fire sensor extending toward the base and responsive to ambient air in the housing; and the housing defining a plurality of substantially identical slots for releasable receipt of a plurality of different modules having a common form factor, the slots being displaced further from the base than the fire sensor.
23. The detector according to claim 22 wherein the mounting member comprises a two-sided, planar structure and wherein the fire sensor is attached to a first side of the mounting member and the slots are adjacent to a second side.
24. The detector according to claim 22 or 23 further comprising a second fire sensor permanently and non-removably attached to the mounting member, the second fire sensor extending toward the base.
25. The detector according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the modules are releasibly receivable by the slots and provide additional functions not permanently included in the housing, each module being independently an audible output module, a display module, a test module or a communications module, with characteristics of the detector alterable by module selection.
26. The detector according to claim 25 further comprising a plurality of module receiving contacts, the contacts being displaced from the first fire sensor and away from the base with the mounting member being between the plurality of contacts and the first fire sensor.
27. The detector according to claim 25 or 26 further comprising a second fire sensor carried in the housing, adjacent to the first fire sensor.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US17245899P | 1999-12-17 | 1999-12-17 | |
| US60/172,458 | 1999-12-17 | ||
| US09/724,457 | 2000-11-28 | ||
| US09/724,457 US6731207B1 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2000-11-28 | Modular detector system |
| PCT/US2000/042411 WO2001043098A2 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2000-11-30 | Detector system with modular units providing different functions in connections with the detector |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2394401A1 CA2394401A1 (en) | 2001-06-14 |
| CA2394401C true CA2394401C (en) | 2008-12-23 |
Family
ID=26868108
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002394401A Expired - Fee Related CA2394401C (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2000-11-30 | Modular detector system |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US6731207B1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1236187B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2394401C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2001043098A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (17)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7009510B1 (en) * | 2002-08-12 | 2006-03-07 | Phonetics, Inc. | Environmental and security monitoring system with flexible alarm notification and status capability |
| US6914534B2 (en) * | 2002-11-20 | 2005-07-05 | Maple Chase Company | Enhanced visual signaling for an adverse condition detector |
| DE10344262A1 (en) * | 2003-09-23 | 2005-04-14 | Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft für Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG | Plug-in module for a liquid or gas sensor |
| US7336165B2 (en) * | 2005-01-18 | 2008-02-26 | Fuchs Andrew M | Retrofitting detectors into legacy detector systems |
| GB2447472A (en) * | 2007-03-13 | 2008-09-17 | Thorn Security | Detector with a replaceable detector element |
| US7782191B2 (en) * | 2007-07-25 | 2010-08-24 | Tomas Flores | Portable alarm apparatus for warning persons |
| EP2251846B1 (en) * | 2009-05-13 | 2017-04-05 | Minimax GmbH & Co KG | Fire alarm |
| US20110210854A1 (en) * | 2009-12-31 | 2011-09-01 | Chris Kelly | Building safety detector assembly |
| EP2677507B1 (en) | 2012-06-18 | 2018-01-17 | Siemens Schweiz AG | Hazard warning device using radio communication |
| ES2451915R1 (en) * | 2012-09-27 | 2014-06-02 | Utc Fire & Security Americas Corporation, Inc. | MODULAR SMOKE DETECTION SYSTEM AND PROCEDURE FOR MOUNTING A SMOKE DETECTION SYSTEM |
| WO2016066262A1 (en) * | 2014-10-29 | 2016-05-06 | iHaus AG | Novel building automation |
| EP3065114A1 (en) * | 2015-03-03 | 2016-09-07 | TROX GmbH | Smoke alarm system |
| JP6752642B2 (en) * | 2015-11-30 | 2020-09-09 | ニッタン株式会社 | Fire detector |
| US20170227624A1 (en) * | 2016-02-10 | 2017-08-10 | Symbol Technologies, Llc | Arrangement for, and method of, accurately locating targets in a venue with overhead, sensing network units |
| EP3270362B1 (en) | 2017-02-07 | 2019-01-02 | Siemens Schweiz AG | Fire alarm with a measurement chamber and a switch holder for joint assembly of a fire sensor of the measuring chamber and at least one further sensor for detecting a measured variable in the environment outside the fire detector |
| JP6861089B2 (en) * | 2017-05-18 | 2021-04-21 | ニッタン株式会社 | Information transmission adapter |
| JP6861126B2 (en) * | 2017-08-25 | 2021-04-21 | ニッタン株式会社 | Information transmission adapter |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3656139A (en) * | 1970-04-28 | 1972-04-11 | Ind Controls Inc | Malfunction detector |
| US4683550A (en) * | 1984-07-30 | 1987-07-28 | Burr-Brown Corporation | Personal computer instrumentation system including carrier board having bus-oriented plug-in instrumentation modules |
| US4772875A (en) * | 1986-05-16 | 1988-09-20 | Denning Mobile Robotics, Inc. | Intrusion detection system |
| US5178581A (en) * | 1991-02-01 | 1993-01-12 | Del Monte Ernest J | Smoke evacuation system |
| US5926098A (en) * | 1996-10-24 | 1999-07-20 | Pittway Corporation | Aspirated detector |
| US6114967A (en) * | 1997-04-01 | 2000-09-05 | Yousif; Marvin J. | Quake-alerter w/radio-advisory and modular options |
| US6426703B1 (en) * | 1997-08-07 | 2002-07-30 | Brk Brands, Inc. | Carbon monoxide and smoke detection apparatus |
| US5973591A (en) | 1997-11-19 | 1999-10-26 | Schwartz; David | Electronic signaling system |
| DE29804805U1 (en) * | 1998-03-17 | 1998-07-16 | Buerkert Werke Gmbh & Co | Gas sensor device |
| CA2347245C (en) * | 1998-10-14 | 2007-10-09 | Gary J. Morris | Communicative environmental alarm system with voice indication |
| US6118386A (en) * | 1999-06-09 | 2000-09-12 | Yousif; Marvin J | Quaker--alerter w/radio-advisory and modular options |
-
2000
- 2000-11-28 US US09/724,457 patent/US6731207B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-11-30 EP EP00992362A patent/EP1236187B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-11-30 WO PCT/US2000/042411 patent/WO2001043098A2/en active Application Filing
- 2000-11-30 CA CA002394401A patent/CA2394401C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2004
- 2004-05-04 US US10/838,646 patent/US20040257226A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP1236187A2 (en) | 2002-09-04 |
| CA2394401A1 (en) | 2001-06-14 |
| US20040257226A1 (en) | 2004-12-23 |
| WO2001043098A2 (en) | 2001-06-14 |
| WO2001043098A3 (en) | 2001-12-27 |
| EP1236187B1 (en) | 2009-01-21 |
| US6731207B1 (en) | 2004-05-04 |
| EP1236187A4 (en) | 2005-02-02 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20181130 |