Atmospheric hazard detector network

US5831526A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Richard L. Hansler · Pepper Pike, US
• Mark Thomsen · Rehoboth, US
• Joseph M. Allison · Euclid, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 3, 1997
• Grant date: Nov 3, 1998
• Expiry date: Mar 3, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G08B7/066
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A network of identical atmospheric hazard detectors communicates a locally sensed hazard condition directly to multiple neighboring detectors using RF command communication, without the use of wires and without a central control location. Each detector includes a sensor of an atmospheric hazard, a detection circuit for measuring the sensor output and creating a local hazard signal, an alarm indicator, an RF transmitter for sending a neighboring hazard signal to the network, and an RF receiver for receiving a neighboring hazard signal from the network. The local alarm and neighboring alarm control signals produce discernibly different alarm indications from the detector's alarm device, facilitating an attempt to locate the origin of a hazard. In the preferred embodiment, every detector functions as a receive/transmit relay station, enabling the network to be extended in spatial expanse without limit and without increasing the power output of the RF transmitter. Auxiliary devices are included, for example, a radio controlled light for emergency illumination.