CA2227802A1 - Alarms for monitoring operation of sensors in a fire-suppression system - Google Patents
Alarms for monitoring operation of sensors in a fire-suppression system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2227802A1 CA2227802A1 CA 2227802 CA2227802A CA2227802A1 CA 2227802 A1 CA2227802 A1 CA 2227802A1 CA 2227802 CA2227802 CA 2227802 CA 2227802 A CA2227802 A CA 2227802A CA 2227802 A1 CA2227802 A1 CA 2227802A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sensor
- switch
- state
- alarm
- valve
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C37/00—Control of fire-fighting equipment
- A62C37/50—Testing or indicating devices for determining the state of readiness of the equipment
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8158—With indicator, register, recorder, alarm or inspection means
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8158—With indicator, register, recorder, alarm or inspection means
- Y10T137/8326—Fluid pressure responsive indicator, recorder or alarm
Abstract
Alarms for testing sensors, particularly those used in fire-suppression systems, are described. In one aspect of the invention, the alarm includes an audio and/or a visual indicator operably coupled to the housing of a sensor. The audio indicator may be a speaker that beeps when the sensor is activated. The visual indicator may be one or more LEDs that are illuminated when the sensor is activated. The alarm also can be used to determine whether power and ground conductors extending to the sensor are properly connected. Additionally, the alarm can be used to determine whether one or more conductors extending from the sensor to the control panel are properly connected.
Description
~JW5:5CS :RFS :rd-:dv 1/9/97 5336-45703?.~. .A?P ~ 1 ~ ~X~~SS ~:~IL ~3EL hO. _MS88399323US
ALARMS FO~ MONITORING O~ERATION
OF SENSO~S IN A FIRE-SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention concerns alarms operably coupled to sensors (e.g., flow, pressure, and tamper sensors) for monitoring sensor operation and, more particularly, to a:Larms mounted to or within sensors generally used in 0 fire-suppression systems.
BACKGROUND OF T~E INV~NTION
Fire-suppression systems are installed in virtually all new buildings to help protect property and .5 persons occupying such buildings in the case of fire.
Fire--suppression systems have an array of fire sprir!klers strategically located throughout a building.
Water flows from a main conduit and through branch conduits and sprinkler heads when the fire-suppression system operates. Sprinkler heads often include a ~plug"
made from a material having a relatively low melting point that prevents water from flowing through the spriL.kler heads when the fire-suppression system is not in operation. The low-melting point material melts when exposed to high temperatures, thereby allowing water to flow onto the fire through the sprinkler heads.
There are several types of fire-suppression systems, including both "wet" and "dry" systems. A
~wet~ system has water in the main and branch conduits.
A "dry" system, on the other hand, has pressurized air in the branch conduits leading to the sprinkler heads.
The pressurized air forces a clapper mounted in the main conduit to remain in a closed position, thereby preventing water from flowing into the branch conduits.
The pressurized air is released when the sprinkler heads open in response to fire. This causes the clapper to open, and water then flows out of the sprinkler heads.
Fire-suppression systems typically include at least one shut-off valve coupled to the main conduit for inter:rupting the flow of water to the building when J-~S:SCS:~FS:rdr:dv 1~9~97 5336-4570~?A..APP -2- -X?~_S~ M'~ O. -?~l~aa399323us repair work or safety inspections are required. The shu.:-off valve may be located on the inside or outside of t:he building. Common outdoor valves include wall-post:-indicator valves (WPIV) and post-indicator valves (PIV). WPIVs are mounted to outside walls of buildings and include control wheels that are rotated to open and close the valve. PIVs are located away from the building, typically near an adjacent street, and look similar to fire hydrants. PIVs usually have a rotatable nut that is rotated to open and close the valve. Other types of valves, such as outside stem-and-yoke valves (OS&Y) and butterfly valves, also commonly are used with fire-suppression systems.
Fire-suppression systems also generally include control panels that receive signals from various sensors located throughout the building. Flow, pressure and tamper sensors are examples of sensors coupled to fire-suppression systems. The sensors indicate whether an alarm condition exists as a result of fire, or that maintenance is required. Flow sensors are mounted to main or branch conduits to signal the control panel when wate:r is ,~lowins tnrougn .he system. Low and~or high pressure sensors are coupled to main air- or water-carr~ing conduits to detect if the fluid pressure within such conduits drops below or rises above an acceptable, predetermined level. This most likely occurs as a resuLt of a fire or loss of electrical power to the air compressor. Tamper sensors are mounted on shut-off valves (e.g., W?IVs, PIVs and OS&Ys) to signal the contr.ol panel if the valve is turned off during a maint:enance inspection or by unauthorized persons tampering with the valves.
When a sensor is activated, a signal from the sensor activates an alarm on the con.rol panel. The control panel contacts a monitoring service by modem.
The monitoring service can then determine what caused the alarm and take the appropriate corrective action.
For example, the monitoring service may contact the local fire department, maintenance personnel for the ~,,-IS:SCS:~FS:r--:c'v 1/9/97 533~-~5708P.~T.~?? --3- _':?~-SS ~La.IL LA3-L NO. _MS33399323US
fire-suppression system or maintenance personnel for the bui:ding.
Maintenance personnel also periodically test fir~-suppression systems, including the sensors, to ensure that the system and sensors are operating properly. For example, a drain valve can be opened to run water through a conduit to which a flow sensor is coupled to activate the sensor.
A primary problem encountered by maintenance per~onnel is that there is no way to determine if a sensor is working properly simply by observing the sensor. Instead, the person testing the system must walk to the control panel to check whether an alarm is activated on the panel in response to activation of the sensor being observed. The control panel almost certainly is located at a remote location, and may be hundreds of yards away from the sensor being observed.
With reference to flow sensors, the maintenance person (l) walks back to the drain valve and shuts it off, ther~by deactivating the flow sensor, and (2) then re.urns ,o ,he control panel to ensu-e that the con.rol panel alarm deactivated upon deactivation of the sensor.
Each sensor, including all flow, pressure and tamper sensors, is similarly tested.
As a result, testing fire-suppression systems is a laborious, time-consuming task that requires walking back and forth several times from each sensor to the control panel to ensure proper sensor operation. It often is faster to have maintenance personnel work in tandem with one person activating the sensor while a second person monitors the control panel to check that it operates properly. However, employing an extra person increases the cost of testing fire-suppression systems.
The Notifier Company (Notifier) has designed a device to make testing fire-suppression systems more efficient. The NOTIFIER devices have a light-emitting diod~ (LE3) coupled to a sensor ,hrough a coaxial cable.
The L,ED is positioned in a metal or plastic box mounted ~WS:SC~;:RFS:rdr:dv 1/9~7 53~6-45700~T.APP -4- _XPRESS M~ LA3CL~i3 cMsaa3g~323u~
to a wall near the sensor. The LED blinks when the sensor is inactive and is steady when the sensor is active. The NOTIFIER device still requires that maintenance personnel walk to the control panel when the sensor is coupled to a WPIV or PIV positioned outside of the building. Moreover, Notifier's wall-mounted units, coaxial coupling cables and cable conduits are expe:nsive, especially because one conduit and box are used per sensor and large buildings have many sensors.
Notifier's wall-mounted LEDs also apparently are not wate:r-resistant, which prevents using them outdoors on WPIVs or PIVs.
It should be apparent from the foregoing that alanns for testing and monitoring sensor operation, ~5 particularly sensors used for fire-suppression systems, are still required by the industry.
SU~l~RY OF THE INVE ~ ION
The present invention provides alarms for testing and monitoring most, if not all, sensors used in fire-suppression systems. The alarms can be mounted to or within the sensor to conserve space, and include readi.ly available, low-cost parts that can be retrofitted to existing sensors. Alarms made in acco.dance with the present invention also eliminate the need to check control panel alarms after each sensor is insp~cted to verify correct sensor operation.
In one aspect of the invention, the alarm includes audio and/or visual indicators extending through or mounted to or within the housing of the senscr. The audio indicator may be a speaker that beeps when the sensor is activated. The visual indicator may be an LED, or perhaps plural LEDs each of a different color, that illuminates when the sensor is activated.
In another aspect of the invention, the alarm detects whether power and ground conductors extending to the sensor are properly operating. Additionally, the alarm detects whether a conductor extending from the sensor to the control panel is properly connected.
.,.iS:SC~:RFS:rdr:dv 1/9/~7 5336-4~703P.~ '? ~ 5~ P?~-SS ~IL 1~3_L NC. EMS88339323US
A particular embodiment of an alarm made in accordance with the present invention is adapted for use with fire suppression systems having plural sensors either (1) directly mounted to the fluid-carrying conduit or (2) having sensor housings that are mounted to the fluid-carrying conduit. Most such sensors have sensor elements positioned within the fluid-carrying conduit. Alarms in accordance with the invention include switches electrically coupled to the sensor elements for switching from a first state, indicatins normal operation of the fire-suppression system, to a second state. The second state indicates either an emergency situation exists, such as a fire, or that maintenance is somehow required, these situations being referred to herein as "alarm conditions". The switches typically have a common terminal, a normally-open terminal and a normally-closed terminal for electrically coup:Ling the common terminal and the normally-closed terminal with the switch in the first state and for electrically coupling the common terminal and the normally-open terminal with the sensor element in the second state.
Most fire-suppression systems include a control pane] for monitoring sensors coupled to the system. The control panel has a positive voltage supply terminal, a neutral terminal, and an alarm terminal. The positive voltage supply terminal is electrically coupled to the common terminals on the switches. A first indicator, such as a light-emitting diode, extends through or is otherwise mounted to or within each sensor housing in a manner allowing detection ~y maintenance personnel of the signal, either visual or auditory, that is emitted ~y the alarm. The first indicator has one end electrically coupled to the normally-open terminal on each switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the alarm terminal on the control panel. The first indicator is electrically activated when the switch to which it is coupled is in the first state and is electrically deactivated when the switch to which it is JWS:SCS:~.-S:-d-:dv 1~/97 5336-4~708?AT.AP? -6- _.~P~_S~ ~,IL LA3~L ~;0. _r~s33393323Us coupled is in the second state. A second indicator also extends through or is operably mounted to or within each senc:or housing. The second indicator has one end electrically coupled to the normally-open terminal on the switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the neutral terminal on the control panel. The second indicator is electrically activated when the switch to which it is coupled is in the second state and is electrically deactivated when the switch to which it is coupled is in the first state.
The fire-suppression system may further comprise a valve coupled to the fluid-carrying conduit for controlling fluid flow to or within the conduit. A
valve sensor, generally housed in a valve sensor housing, is operably coupled to the valve for detecting whether the valve is open or closed. A switch, elec-trically coupled to the valve sensor, switches from a fi:rst state, indicating that the valve is either open or c:losed, to a second state indicating that an open valve has closed or that a closed valve has opened. The cont:-ol panel also is elec.rically coupled to the switch. A rirst indicator extends through or is otherwise operably mounted to or within the valve sensor hous:ng and has one end electrically coupled to the switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the control panel. The first indicator is electrically activated when the switch is in the first state and is elect.rically deactivated when the switch is in the second state. A second indicator also extends through or otherwise is operably mounted to or within the valve sensc,r housing. The second indicator has one end electrically coupled to the switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the control panel. The second indicator is electrically activated when the switch is in the second state and electrically deactivated when the switch is in the first state.
Alarms made in accordance with the present invention have several advantages. ~irst, the alarms are extremely low-cost, and can be manufactured using JflS:aCS:RFS:r~r:dv 1/~37 531~-~570a~ T.A?? - 7- ~:CP'~ A-!. LAB-L ?~0. -.~~15~339~323US
only a few standard components. Additionally, certain embodiments of the alarms fit within the housing of a sensor to conserve space. Moreover, the alarms can be used to determine whether power, ground and alarm-signal concuctors are properly connected from th~ control panel to the sensor. Still further, the alarms allow maintenance personnel to readily determine whether a sensor is activated or deactivated, particularly without having to directly observe the control panel to make such determination. Alarms according to the invention also are adaptable to a wide variety of sensors, including tamper, flow, and pressure sensors, and sens~rs in both wet and dry fire-suppression systems.
The Llarms also are water-resistant and therefore can be used with sensors that are located outdoors.
These and other acivantages of the present inverLtion will become more fully apparent as the desc;~iption which follows is read in conjunction with the c~Lccompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF T~ DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating alarms made in accordance with the present invention operably coupled to sensors, such as pressure, 'low and tamper sensors, commonly used to monitor the operation of fire-suppression systems.
FIG. 2 is a side schematic view of a flow sensor for a wet fire-suppression system wherein the flow sensor has an alarm made in accordance with the present invention coupled thereto.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing electrical circuitry used to control the alarm of FIG. 2.
FIG. ~L is a schematic diagram of .he electrical circuitry for controlling the alarm of FIG. 2 wherein the circuitry is adapted for using multiple power supplies, including a 12o-volt AC source and a 24-volt AC or DC source.
CA 02227802 l998-0l-23 :Rrs:rdr:dvi/9/97~33~-~s7oapATApp -8- _:~P~SS ~IL ~_L NO. E~153=399323US
A. Fire-Suppression System Generally FIG. 1 illustrates a fire-suppression system 10 (both wet and dry systems are illustrated) comprising a main fluid-carrying conduit 12 and branch conduits 14 and L6. These conduits supply fire-extinguishing fluid to multiple sprinkler heads (not shown) placed throughout a building or structure It should be unde.-stood that a number of fire-extinguishing fluids can be used with modern fire-suppression systems, including water and carbon dioxide; however, for simp icity the following discussion refers only to water as tne fire-extinguishing fluid. In the event of a fire, the sprinkler heads open to spray water, fed from the ~lain conduit 12 and branch conduits 14 and 16, onto the fire.
System 10 also includes a valve 18 for controlling the flow of water to or within the main cond~it 12. A shut-off wheel 20 is rotated to open and close the valve 18. Valve 18 can be one of various typeC, including but not limited to, WPIV, PIV and OS&Y
valves. The valve 18 also can be positioned inside or outside of a building.
B. System Sensor6 and Control Panel Pressure sensor 30 and flow sensor 32 are operably coupled to main conduit 12. Tamper sensor 34 is operably coupled to valve 18. Pressure sensor 30 and flow sensor 32 monitor fluid pressure and fluid flow through the main conduit 12, respectively. Tamper sensor 34 monitors the operation of valve 18. Thus, sensors 30, 32 and 34 are use,-ul for ensuring that the fire-suppression system 10 operates properly. Sensors simil~r to sensors 30, 32 and 34 also can be operably coupl-d to branch conduits 14 and 16 to monitor fluid flow and fluid pressure in the branch conduits, as well as to monitor the function of any valves that may be used ~o control fluid flow through ~ranch conduits 14 and 1l,. When activated, sensors 30, 32 and 34 send a JWS:SC';:RFS:rdr:dv 1/~/97 5335-457C3'.~ ?P - 9- -:C3?_SS ~ .. i~3E~ ~0. -M58~39~323US
signal via bus 36 to a control panel 38 that is located in a location remote from the location of the sensors.
The illustrated control panel 38 includes one or more alarms, such as control-panel alarms 40, 42 and 44.
Upon receiving a signal on bus 36, the control panel 38 activates one or more of the control-panel alarms 40, 42 and/or 44. Many types of control panels are currently available. The specific control panel used is not part:icularly important to the operation of the present 10 invention.
In the illustrated fire-suppression system 10, control panel alarm 40 is activated when a signal is rece ved from sensor 30. Similarly, control panel alarms 2 and 44 are activated upon receiving signals from sensors 32 and 34, respectively. When an alarm is activated, the control panel 38 contacts a monitoring service via modem 46. The monitoring service employs operators to ascertain the cause of the alarm and take corrective action.
Sensor 30 is a pressure sensor for monitoring the air pressure in conduit 12 for a dry system. If the air Fressure drops below (low-pressure sensor) or above (high-pressure sensor) a predetermined level, sensor 30 is activated and the control panel 38 is signaled via bus 36. Control-panel alarm 40 is activated to indicate that pressure sensor 30 caused the alarm. The illustrated control panel 40 then automatically contacts the monitoring service. Based on information passed by the modem 46, the monitoring service determines that a fluid-pressure problem exists and takes corrective action.
Sensor 32 is a flow sensor that is operably coupl,-d to the main conduit 12 for monitoring fluid flow there--hrough. Flow sensors generally are used for wet systems and would not be mounted adjacent a pressure senso:r. Nonetheless, both flow and pressure sensors are shown mounted to the main conduit so that only a single fire-suppression system needs to be shown. Those skilled in the art, therefore, will recognize the JWS:SCS:~<FS:rd~:dv 1~/97 5336-4570a".~T..:~?? -10 ~ ~X~:~~SS ~;IL L~EL NO. _MSda3~5323US
illustrated fire-suppression system as either a wet or dry system. When water in the main conduit 12 is static, i.e., not flowing, the flow sensor 32 is not active. Conversely, water flowing through the main conduit 12 activates the flow sensor 32. When flow sensor 32 is activated, an electronic signal is sent to control panel 38 via bus 36 to activate control-panel alarm 42. In the illustrated embodiment of fire-suppression system 10, the monitoring service is then contacted to ascertain the cause of the problem and take corrective action.
Sensor 34 is a tamper sensor that detects move~Lent in wheel 20. Sensor 34 signals the control panel 38 when the wheel 20 is turned beyond a predetermined limit to close a normally open or open a normally closed valve 18. For example, tamper sensor 34 may not be active when the valve 18 is fully opened. If wheel 20 is rotated towards the closed position tamper sensor 34 signals the control panel 38 and activates alarm 44. When the monitoring service determines that the alarm 44 is a_tivated, maintena~ce c~ building persoLLnel are sent .o the location to ensure tha. the valve 18 is turned on.
C. Sensor Alar~Ls FIG. 1 illustrates that sensors 30, 32 and 34 have alarms S0, 52 and 54 mounted inside their respective sensor housings. Alarms 50, 52 and 54 detect whether the sensors 30, 32 and 34, respectively, are activated or not without having to observe control panel 38.
Pressure sensor 30, flow sensor 32 and tamper senscr 34 include similar electrical circuitry and function similarly. For purposes of simplicity, only flow sensor 32 is described below in more detail.
FIG. 2 is a side schematic view of the flow sensor 32. Sensor 32 includes a mounting plate 56 and an upper housing 58 that defines a cavity within which the components of sensor 32 are housed. Housing 58 is ~wS:sC., :?~FS: rdr:dv 1/9/97 ~335-5570~DA~.~?? ~ I I ~ _:~?~rSS ~I1 L~9EL ~0 r~S83.~99323US
secured to the mounting plate 56 by screws (not shown).
An electrical switch 60 also is secured to the mounting plate 56 and is positioned within the cavity.
Sensor 32 also includes a lower housing 62 that is mounted to the mounting plate 56. A rod 64 is pivotally mounted within lower housing 52 and extends through the mounting plate 56 and into the cavity formed by the upper housing 58. A paddle 66 is coupled to the rod 64. Paddle 66 is sized to fit within and is positioned transverse to the direction of fluid flow in main conduit 12.
A first end of tension spring 68 is coupled to elec.ric switch 60. An opposed end of tension spring 68 is coupled to the rod 64. The tension spring 68 urges the paddle 66 into its at-rest position as illustrated in FrG. 2 when fluid is not flowing through main conduit 12. If water flows within the main conduit 12 in a direction from the right side of FIG. 2 to the left side. the paddle 66 moves as indicated by arrow 70, caus ng the opposed end of rod 64 to move in a direction indicated by arrow 72. The movement of rod 64 exerts a force on the tension spring 68 and activates the switch 60. The switch 60 therefore responds to movement of the padd]e 66 and is switched from a deactivated state to an activated state when water flows within the main conduit 12 in the direction stated.
Strain-relief member 74 is mounted to plate 56.
Strain-relief member 74 allows electrical conductors 75 (e.g., power lines) to extend into the cavity of the sensor 32.
Alarm 76 is retrofit to e~isting sensors 32, or may be coupled to the sensor 32 when the sensor 32 is initially constructed. Alarm 76 includes some type of indicator, such as an audi_ory signal, a visual signal, or both an auditory and a visual signal, to indicate whether the sensor 32 is activated or deactivated. FIG.
ALARMS FO~ MONITORING O~ERATION
OF SENSO~S IN A FIRE-SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention concerns alarms operably coupled to sensors (e.g., flow, pressure, and tamper sensors) for monitoring sensor operation and, more particularly, to a:Larms mounted to or within sensors generally used in 0 fire-suppression systems.
BACKGROUND OF T~E INV~NTION
Fire-suppression systems are installed in virtually all new buildings to help protect property and .5 persons occupying such buildings in the case of fire.
Fire--suppression systems have an array of fire sprir!klers strategically located throughout a building.
Water flows from a main conduit and through branch conduits and sprinkler heads when the fire-suppression system operates. Sprinkler heads often include a ~plug"
made from a material having a relatively low melting point that prevents water from flowing through the spriL.kler heads when the fire-suppression system is not in operation. The low-melting point material melts when exposed to high temperatures, thereby allowing water to flow onto the fire through the sprinkler heads.
There are several types of fire-suppression systems, including both "wet" and "dry" systems. A
~wet~ system has water in the main and branch conduits.
A "dry" system, on the other hand, has pressurized air in the branch conduits leading to the sprinkler heads.
The pressurized air forces a clapper mounted in the main conduit to remain in a closed position, thereby preventing water from flowing into the branch conduits.
The pressurized air is released when the sprinkler heads open in response to fire. This causes the clapper to open, and water then flows out of the sprinkler heads.
Fire-suppression systems typically include at least one shut-off valve coupled to the main conduit for inter:rupting the flow of water to the building when J-~S:SCS:~FS:rdr:dv 1~9~97 5336-4570~?A..APP -2- -X?~_S~ M'~ O. -?~l~aa399323us repair work or safety inspections are required. The shu.:-off valve may be located on the inside or outside of t:he building. Common outdoor valves include wall-post:-indicator valves (WPIV) and post-indicator valves (PIV). WPIVs are mounted to outside walls of buildings and include control wheels that are rotated to open and close the valve. PIVs are located away from the building, typically near an adjacent street, and look similar to fire hydrants. PIVs usually have a rotatable nut that is rotated to open and close the valve. Other types of valves, such as outside stem-and-yoke valves (OS&Y) and butterfly valves, also commonly are used with fire-suppression systems.
Fire-suppression systems also generally include control panels that receive signals from various sensors located throughout the building. Flow, pressure and tamper sensors are examples of sensors coupled to fire-suppression systems. The sensors indicate whether an alarm condition exists as a result of fire, or that maintenance is required. Flow sensors are mounted to main or branch conduits to signal the control panel when wate:r is ,~lowins tnrougn .he system. Low and~or high pressure sensors are coupled to main air- or water-carr~ing conduits to detect if the fluid pressure within such conduits drops below or rises above an acceptable, predetermined level. This most likely occurs as a resuLt of a fire or loss of electrical power to the air compressor. Tamper sensors are mounted on shut-off valves (e.g., W?IVs, PIVs and OS&Ys) to signal the contr.ol panel if the valve is turned off during a maint:enance inspection or by unauthorized persons tampering with the valves.
When a sensor is activated, a signal from the sensor activates an alarm on the con.rol panel. The control panel contacts a monitoring service by modem.
The monitoring service can then determine what caused the alarm and take the appropriate corrective action.
For example, the monitoring service may contact the local fire department, maintenance personnel for the ~,,-IS:SCS:~FS:r--:c'v 1/9/97 533~-~5708P.~T.~?? --3- _':?~-SS ~La.IL LA3-L NO. _MS33399323US
fire-suppression system or maintenance personnel for the bui:ding.
Maintenance personnel also periodically test fir~-suppression systems, including the sensors, to ensure that the system and sensors are operating properly. For example, a drain valve can be opened to run water through a conduit to which a flow sensor is coupled to activate the sensor.
A primary problem encountered by maintenance per~onnel is that there is no way to determine if a sensor is working properly simply by observing the sensor. Instead, the person testing the system must walk to the control panel to check whether an alarm is activated on the panel in response to activation of the sensor being observed. The control panel almost certainly is located at a remote location, and may be hundreds of yards away from the sensor being observed.
With reference to flow sensors, the maintenance person (l) walks back to the drain valve and shuts it off, ther~by deactivating the flow sensor, and (2) then re.urns ,o ,he control panel to ensu-e that the con.rol panel alarm deactivated upon deactivation of the sensor.
Each sensor, including all flow, pressure and tamper sensors, is similarly tested.
As a result, testing fire-suppression systems is a laborious, time-consuming task that requires walking back and forth several times from each sensor to the control panel to ensure proper sensor operation. It often is faster to have maintenance personnel work in tandem with one person activating the sensor while a second person monitors the control panel to check that it operates properly. However, employing an extra person increases the cost of testing fire-suppression systems.
The Notifier Company (Notifier) has designed a device to make testing fire-suppression systems more efficient. The NOTIFIER devices have a light-emitting diod~ (LE3) coupled to a sensor ,hrough a coaxial cable.
The L,ED is positioned in a metal or plastic box mounted ~WS:SC~;:RFS:rdr:dv 1/9~7 53~6-45700~T.APP -4- _XPRESS M~ LA3CL~i3 cMsaa3g~323u~
to a wall near the sensor. The LED blinks when the sensor is inactive and is steady when the sensor is active. The NOTIFIER device still requires that maintenance personnel walk to the control panel when the sensor is coupled to a WPIV or PIV positioned outside of the building. Moreover, Notifier's wall-mounted units, coaxial coupling cables and cable conduits are expe:nsive, especially because one conduit and box are used per sensor and large buildings have many sensors.
Notifier's wall-mounted LEDs also apparently are not wate:r-resistant, which prevents using them outdoors on WPIVs or PIVs.
It should be apparent from the foregoing that alanns for testing and monitoring sensor operation, ~5 particularly sensors used for fire-suppression systems, are still required by the industry.
SU~l~RY OF THE INVE ~ ION
The present invention provides alarms for testing and monitoring most, if not all, sensors used in fire-suppression systems. The alarms can be mounted to or within the sensor to conserve space, and include readi.ly available, low-cost parts that can be retrofitted to existing sensors. Alarms made in acco.dance with the present invention also eliminate the need to check control panel alarms after each sensor is insp~cted to verify correct sensor operation.
In one aspect of the invention, the alarm includes audio and/or visual indicators extending through or mounted to or within the housing of the senscr. The audio indicator may be a speaker that beeps when the sensor is activated. The visual indicator may be an LED, or perhaps plural LEDs each of a different color, that illuminates when the sensor is activated.
In another aspect of the invention, the alarm detects whether power and ground conductors extending to the sensor are properly operating. Additionally, the alarm detects whether a conductor extending from the sensor to the control panel is properly connected.
.,.iS:SC~:RFS:rdr:dv 1/9/~7 5336-4~703P.~ '? ~ 5~ P?~-SS ~IL 1~3_L NC. EMS88339323US
A particular embodiment of an alarm made in accordance with the present invention is adapted for use with fire suppression systems having plural sensors either (1) directly mounted to the fluid-carrying conduit or (2) having sensor housings that are mounted to the fluid-carrying conduit. Most such sensors have sensor elements positioned within the fluid-carrying conduit. Alarms in accordance with the invention include switches electrically coupled to the sensor elements for switching from a first state, indicatins normal operation of the fire-suppression system, to a second state. The second state indicates either an emergency situation exists, such as a fire, or that maintenance is somehow required, these situations being referred to herein as "alarm conditions". The switches typically have a common terminal, a normally-open terminal and a normally-closed terminal for electrically coup:Ling the common terminal and the normally-closed terminal with the switch in the first state and for electrically coupling the common terminal and the normally-open terminal with the sensor element in the second state.
Most fire-suppression systems include a control pane] for monitoring sensors coupled to the system. The control panel has a positive voltage supply terminal, a neutral terminal, and an alarm terminal. The positive voltage supply terminal is electrically coupled to the common terminals on the switches. A first indicator, such as a light-emitting diode, extends through or is otherwise mounted to or within each sensor housing in a manner allowing detection ~y maintenance personnel of the signal, either visual or auditory, that is emitted ~y the alarm. The first indicator has one end electrically coupled to the normally-open terminal on each switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the alarm terminal on the control panel. The first indicator is electrically activated when the switch to which it is coupled is in the first state and is electrically deactivated when the switch to which it is JWS:SCS:~.-S:-d-:dv 1~/97 5336-4~708?AT.AP? -6- _.~P~_S~ ~,IL LA3~L ~;0. _r~s33393323Us coupled is in the second state. A second indicator also extends through or is operably mounted to or within each senc:or housing. The second indicator has one end electrically coupled to the normally-open terminal on the switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the neutral terminal on the control panel. The second indicator is electrically activated when the switch to which it is coupled is in the second state and is electrically deactivated when the switch to which it is coupled is in the first state.
The fire-suppression system may further comprise a valve coupled to the fluid-carrying conduit for controlling fluid flow to or within the conduit. A
valve sensor, generally housed in a valve sensor housing, is operably coupled to the valve for detecting whether the valve is open or closed. A switch, elec-trically coupled to the valve sensor, switches from a fi:rst state, indicating that the valve is either open or c:losed, to a second state indicating that an open valve has closed or that a closed valve has opened. The cont:-ol panel also is elec.rically coupled to the switch. A rirst indicator extends through or is otherwise operably mounted to or within the valve sensor hous:ng and has one end electrically coupled to the switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the control panel. The first indicator is electrically activated when the switch is in the first state and is elect.rically deactivated when the switch is in the second state. A second indicator also extends through or otherwise is operably mounted to or within the valve sensc,r housing. The second indicator has one end electrically coupled to the switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the control panel. The second indicator is electrically activated when the switch is in the second state and electrically deactivated when the switch is in the first state.
Alarms made in accordance with the present invention have several advantages. ~irst, the alarms are extremely low-cost, and can be manufactured using JflS:aCS:RFS:r~r:dv 1/~37 531~-~570a~ T.A?? - 7- ~:CP'~ A-!. LAB-L ?~0. -.~~15~339~323US
only a few standard components. Additionally, certain embodiments of the alarms fit within the housing of a sensor to conserve space. Moreover, the alarms can be used to determine whether power, ground and alarm-signal concuctors are properly connected from th~ control panel to the sensor. Still further, the alarms allow maintenance personnel to readily determine whether a sensor is activated or deactivated, particularly without having to directly observe the control panel to make such determination. Alarms according to the invention also are adaptable to a wide variety of sensors, including tamper, flow, and pressure sensors, and sens~rs in both wet and dry fire-suppression systems.
The Llarms also are water-resistant and therefore can be used with sensors that are located outdoors.
These and other acivantages of the present inverLtion will become more fully apparent as the desc;~iption which follows is read in conjunction with the c~Lccompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF T~ DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating alarms made in accordance with the present invention operably coupled to sensors, such as pressure, 'low and tamper sensors, commonly used to monitor the operation of fire-suppression systems.
FIG. 2 is a side schematic view of a flow sensor for a wet fire-suppression system wherein the flow sensor has an alarm made in accordance with the present invention coupled thereto.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing electrical circuitry used to control the alarm of FIG. 2.
FIG. ~L is a schematic diagram of .he electrical circuitry for controlling the alarm of FIG. 2 wherein the circuitry is adapted for using multiple power supplies, including a 12o-volt AC source and a 24-volt AC or DC source.
CA 02227802 l998-0l-23 :Rrs:rdr:dvi/9/97~33~-~s7oapATApp -8- _:~P~SS ~IL ~_L NO. E~153=399323US
A. Fire-Suppression System Generally FIG. 1 illustrates a fire-suppression system 10 (both wet and dry systems are illustrated) comprising a main fluid-carrying conduit 12 and branch conduits 14 and L6. These conduits supply fire-extinguishing fluid to multiple sprinkler heads (not shown) placed throughout a building or structure It should be unde.-stood that a number of fire-extinguishing fluids can be used with modern fire-suppression systems, including water and carbon dioxide; however, for simp icity the following discussion refers only to water as tne fire-extinguishing fluid. In the event of a fire, the sprinkler heads open to spray water, fed from the ~lain conduit 12 and branch conduits 14 and 16, onto the fire.
System 10 also includes a valve 18 for controlling the flow of water to or within the main cond~it 12. A shut-off wheel 20 is rotated to open and close the valve 18. Valve 18 can be one of various typeC, including but not limited to, WPIV, PIV and OS&Y
valves. The valve 18 also can be positioned inside or outside of a building.
B. System Sensor6 and Control Panel Pressure sensor 30 and flow sensor 32 are operably coupled to main conduit 12. Tamper sensor 34 is operably coupled to valve 18. Pressure sensor 30 and flow sensor 32 monitor fluid pressure and fluid flow through the main conduit 12, respectively. Tamper sensor 34 monitors the operation of valve 18. Thus, sensors 30, 32 and 34 are use,-ul for ensuring that the fire-suppression system 10 operates properly. Sensors simil~r to sensors 30, 32 and 34 also can be operably coupl-d to branch conduits 14 and 16 to monitor fluid flow and fluid pressure in the branch conduits, as well as to monitor the function of any valves that may be used ~o control fluid flow through ~ranch conduits 14 and 1l,. When activated, sensors 30, 32 and 34 send a JWS:SC';:RFS:rdr:dv 1/~/97 5335-457C3'.~ ?P - 9- -:C3?_SS ~ .. i~3E~ ~0. -M58~39~323US
signal via bus 36 to a control panel 38 that is located in a location remote from the location of the sensors.
The illustrated control panel 38 includes one or more alarms, such as control-panel alarms 40, 42 and 44.
Upon receiving a signal on bus 36, the control panel 38 activates one or more of the control-panel alarms 40, 42 and/or 44. Many types of control panels are currently available. The specific control panel used is not part:icularly important to the operation of the present 10 invention.
In the illustrated fire-suppression system 10, control panel alarm 40 is activated when a signal is rece ved from sensor 30. Similarly, control panel alarms 2 and 44 are activated upon receiving signals from sensors 32 and 34, respectively. When an alarm is activated, the control panel 38 contacts a monitoring service via modem 46. The monitoring service employs operators to ascertain the cause of the alarm and take corrective action.
Sensor 30 is a pressure sensor for monitoring the air pressure in conduit 12 for a dry system. If the air Fressure drops below (low-pressure sensor) or above (high-pressure sensor) a predetermined level, sensor 30 is activated and the control panel 38 is signaled via bus 36. Control-panel alarm 40 is activated to indicate that pressure sensor 30 caused the alarm. The illustrated control panel 40 then automatically contacts the monitoring service. Based on information passed by the modem 46, the monitoring service determines that a fluid-pressure problem exists and takes corrective action.
Sensor 32 is a flow sensor that is operably coupl,-d to the main conduit 12 for monitoring fluid flow there--hrough. Flow sensors generally are used for wet systems and would not be mounted adjacent a pressure senso:r. Nonetheless, both flow and pressure sensors are shown mounted to the main conduit so that only a single fire-suppression system needs to be shown. Those skilled in the art, therefore, will recognize the JWS:SCS:~<FS:rd~:dv 1~/97 5336-4570a".~T..:~?? -10 ~ ~X~:~~SS ~;IL L~EL NO. _MSda3~5323US
illustrated fire-suppression system as either a wet or dry system. When water in the main conduit 12 is static, i.e., not flowing, the flow sensor 32 is not active. Conversely, water flowing through the main conduit 12 activates the flow sensor 32. When flow sensor 32 is activated, an electronic signal is sent to control panel 38 via bus 36 to activate control-panel alarm 42. In the illustrated embodiment of fire-suppression system 10, the monitoring service is then contacted to ascertain the cause of the problem and take corrective action.
Sensor 34 is a tamper sensor that detects move~Lent in wheel 20. Sensor 34 signals the control panel 38 when the wheel 20 is turned beyond a predetermined limit to close a normally open or open a normally closed valve 18. For example, tamper sensor 34 may not be active when the valve 18 is fully opened. If wheel 20 is rotated towards the closed position tamper sensor 34 signals the control panel 38 and activates alarm 44. When the monitoring service determines that the alarm 44 is a_tivated, maintena~ce c~ building persoLLnel are sent .o the location to ensure tha. the valve 18 is turned on.
C. Sensor Alar~Ls FIG. 1 illustrates that sensors 30, 32 and 34 have alarms S0, 52 and 54 mounted inside their respective sensor housings. Alarms 50, 52 and 54 detect whether the sensors 30, 32 and 34, respectively, are activated or not without having to observe control panel 38.
Pressure sensor 30, flow sensor 32 and tamper senscr 34 include similar electrical circuitry and function similarly. For purposes of simplicity, only flow sensor 32 is described below in more detail.
FIG. 2 is a side schematic view of the flow sensor 32. Sensor 32 includes a mounting plate 56 and an upper housing 58 that defines a cavity within which the components of sensor 32 are housed. Housing 58 is ~wS:sC., :?~FS: rdr:dv 1/9/97 ~335-5570~DA~.~?? ~ I I ~ _:~?~rSS ~I1 L~9EL ~0 r~S83.~99323US
secured to the mounting plate 56 by screws (not shown).
An electrical switch 60 also is secured to the mounting plate 56 and is positioned within the cavity.
Sensor 32 also includes a lower housing 62 that is mounted to the mounting plate 56. A rod 64 is pivotally mounted within lower housing 52 and extends through the mounting plate 56 and into the cavity formed by the upper housing 58. A paddle 66 is coupled to the rod 64. Paddle 66 is sized to fit within and is positioned transverse to the direction of fluid flow in main conduit 12.
A first end of tension spring 68 is coupled to elec.ric switch 60. An opposed end of tension spring 68 is coupled to the rod 64. The tension spring 68 urges the paddle 66 into its at-rest position as illustrated in FrG. 2 when fluid is not flowing through main conduit 12. If water flows within the main conduit 12 in a direction from the right side of FIG. 2 to the left side. the paddle 66 moves as indicated by arrow 70, caus ng the opposed end of rod 64 to move in a direction indicated by arrow 72. The movement of rod 64 exerts a force on the tension spring 68 and activates the switch 60. The switch 60 therefore responds to movement of the padd]e 66 and is switched from a deactivated state to an activated state when water flows within the main conduit 12 in the direction stated.
Strain-relief member 74 is mounted to plate 56.
Strain-relief member 74 allows electrical conductors 75 (e.g., power lines) to extend into the cavity of the sensor 32.
Alarm 76 is retrofit to e~isting sensors 32, or may be coupled to the sensor 32 when the sensor 32 is initially constructed. Alarm 76 includes some type of indicator, such as an audi_ory signal, a visual signal, or both an auditory and a visual signal, to indicate whether the sensor 32 is activated or deactivated. FIG.
2 shows a pair of lights 78, 80 (e.g., LEDs) that act as indicators. Lights 78 and ~0 are operably coupled to the sensor 32 as described in more detail below. FIG. 2 -J~lS:SCS:RFS:rdr:dv 1/~/37 533~-~57ûa?A~.AP' -12- E~CP'~_SS V~IL I~3_L ~10 _MSa33g3323US
shows that the lights 78 and 80 are secured within apertures 82 and 84, respectively, that extend through the upper housing 58.
FIG. 3 shows a detailed schematic diagram of the electronic circuitry within the flow sensor 32. Switch 60 is a double-pole, double-throw electrical switch with two common terminals 86, 88, two normally closed terminals 90, 92 (i.e., the terminals open on alarm) and two normally open terminals 94, 96 (i.e., the terminals close on alarm). When the paddle 66 is in its at-rest position, terminals 86 and 90 are electrically coupled together, and terminals 88 and 92 are electrically coupled together. Conversely, terminals 86 and 94 are elec.rically uncoupled, and terminals 88 and 96 are elec rically uncoupled.
When water flows within main conduit 12, the padd:le 66 moves to its alarm position, activating switch 60. As a result, terminals 86 and ga are electrically coup:Led and terminals 88 and 96 are electrically coup:Led. Conversely, terminals 86 and 90 are elect:rically uncoupled and terminals 88 and 92 are elect:rically uncoupled.
A voltage source 98 is coupled to the common terminals 86, 88. Alternatively, power can be supplied from the control panel 38 (FIG. 1), or from an alternative power supply (not illustrated~. A wide range of voltage sources may be used to power the flow sensor 32, but fire-suppression systems generally use 120 volts AC or 24 volts AC or DC.
The illustrated LED indicators 78 and 80 are coupled to resistors 100 and 102, respectively, that are sealed within a casing (not shown) for protection against water damage. The casing is sized to fit within the upper housing 58. Resistor 100 is coupled at one end to the common terminals 86, 88, and at an opposed end to LED 78. The outpu. of the LED 78 is coupled to ~oth the alarm 42 on control panel 38 and the terminal 94 on switch 60. Resistor 102 is coupled at one end to J~lS:SCS:.~FS:rdr:dv 1/~/97 533~ 570Y~'.a.l.A?P -13- -:C~2~SS MAI~ L~3EL N0. EM;3~399323U~
terminal 96 and at an opposed end to LED 80. The output of I,ED 80 is tied to ground 104.
When paddle 55 of flow sensor 32 iS in its at-rest position, current flows ~rom terminal 86 through resistor 100 to activate LED 78. Although the light outFut from the LED 78 can be any color, working embcdiments of the invention have used an LED 78 which preferably is green when indicating that no alarm condition exists. No current flows from the output of LED 78 to terminal 94 because terminal 94 iS
electrically floating (i.e., switch 60 is open between terminals 86 and 94). Instead, current flows from the output of LED 78 to alarm 42 on the control panel 38.
However, the current is only abou. 10 milliamps because of current-limiting resistor 100. This current is insufficient to activate the alarm 42 on the control panel. Resistor 100 preferably is an 18 kilohm, one-quarter-watt resistor.
With the paddle 65 in its at-rest position, terminal 96 is floating (i.e., switch 60 is open between terminals 88 and 95). Consequently, no curren. flows thro1lgh resistor 102 or LED 80. LED 80 therefore is OFF.
When water flows through the main conduit 12, the paddle 66 moves and activates the switch 60. Thus, terminals 8 6 and 94 are electrically coupled and term:nals 88 and 96 are electrically coupled. The resistor 100 and LED 78 are short-circuited causing LED
78 to be deactivated or turned OFF. Current therefore flowc; directly from terminal 94 to the alarm 42 on the control panel 38. The alarm 42 is thereby activated because current limiting resistor 100 no longer restricts current flow.
When water flows through main conduit 12, LED 80 also is activated because the coupling of terminals 88 and C6 causes current to flow through resistor 102 and LED ~0 to ground ~ 04. Resistor 102 also preferably is an 18 kilohm, one-quarter-watt resistor. Like LED 78, LED 80 can be any color, although in working embodiments v~S:S~ 'S:rd_:~v l/9/37 s33~-4;7o~AT.~? -14- c.~:'?~-SS V~IL LA3-L ~io. _.~sa33ss323us of the invention LED 80 has been red. An activated, red LED 80 indicates an alarm condition.
Thus, a maintenance person testing sensors 30, 32 and/or 34 for proper operation can determine whether or not a sensor is activated by viewing or listening to .he indicator coupled to the alarm 76. This eliminates the need to walk to the control panel to check the ala~s.
Additionally, maintenance personnel can determine whether conductors extending from the control panel 38 to the sensor 32 are properly connected. For example, if the alarm 42 is not connected to LED 78 because of a break in the wire, the LED 78 will shut OFF
~when the sensor is deactivated).
Furthermore, the present invention allows any breaks in the power and ground conductors to be detected at the sensor. For example, LED 80 will be turned OFF
i,- the ground conductor is broken. If the power conductor is broken, both LED 78 and 80 will be turned OFF.
D. Alternative Voltaqe Supplies FIG. 4 shows an electrical schematic diagram of the circuit of FIG. 3 adapted to receive either 24 volts AC or DC or 120 volts AC. The switch 60 is shown in its non-alarm state, having terminals 86 and g0 coupled together and terminals 88 and 92 coupled together. The operation of the circuit is similar to that described in FIG. 3.
However, FIG. 4 illustrates that an additional set of resistors, 106, 108 are used to connect a 24-volt AC or DC supply when desired. To use the 24-volt supply, the resistor 100 that is operably coupled to terminal 86 is disconnected, and the resistor 106 is connected to terminal 86 in its place. Similarly, the resistor 102 is disconnected from terminal 96, and resistor 108 is connected to terminal 96 in its place.
The r~sistors 100 and 102 are capped for safety reasons and are left unconnected. Preferably, the resistor CA 02227802 l998-0l-23 .)~S :SCS ~~S: -dr:d~ 1/ j/97 533i~ 70~?AT A?? ~ 15- -~D~-55 ~ L L~EL :~IO. -Msaô33~323ris values of resisto~s 106 and 108 are 3. 5 kilohms one-quarter-watt resistors.
E. Alternative Embodiments E~aving illustrated and described the principles of cur invention with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it should be apparent to those skilled in .he art that the embodiment can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles.
For example, although the voltage sources shown are 120-volt and 2~-volt sources, other sources can be used. The resistor values should be adjusted accordingly to maintain the current at approximately 10 milliamps.
Additionally, although LEDs 78 and 80 are shown primLrily as the indicator, other types of lights can be used, such as incandescent. Additionally, audible indicators may be used in place of the lights. For example, an audible indicator 110 is shown in FIG. 3 coup:led at one end to terminal 96 of switch 60, and at an opposed end to ground 112. The audible indicator 110 is shown in phantom .o indicate that it need not be used at a:Ll. Alternatively, it may be used in place of LED
80 or in combination with LED 80. One skilled in the art will recognize that audible indicator 110 is activated in the same way indicator ~0 is activated as described above.
Furthermore, although the alarm was shown for use in a fire-suppression system, the alarm may be used to indicate the state of sensors generally, wherever they may be used.
Still further, the alarm may be assembled by usinc a printed circuit board.
~ n view or the many possible embodiments to 3 5 which the principles or invention may be applied, it should be recognized that embodiments illustrated herein are only preferred examples of the invention and should not be taken as a limitation on the scope of the invention. Rather, the invention is defined by the JWS:SC~:RFS:-dr:dv I/g/97 5335-45708PAT.A?? -16- _:CPRESS MAIL 1~:3E~ N0. EMSaa399323US
following claims. We therefore claim as the invention all such embodiments that come within the scope of these clai~s.
shows that the lights 78 and 80 are secured within apertures 82 and 84, respectively, that extend through the upper housing 58.
FIG. 3 shows a detailed schematic diagram of the electronic circuitry within the flow sensor 32. Switch 60 is a double-pole, double-throw electrical switch with two common terminals 86, 88, two normally closed terminals 90, 92 (i.e., the terminals open on alarm) and two normally open terminals 94, 96 (i.e., the terminals close on alarm). When the paddle 66 is in its at-rest position, terminals 86 and 90 are electrically coupled together, and terminals 88 and 92 are electrically coupled together. Conversely, terminals 86 and 94 are elec.rically uncoupled, and terminals 88 and 96 are elec rically uncoupled.
When water flows within main conduit 12, the padd:le 66 moves to its alarm position, activating switch 60. As a result, terminals 86 and ga are electrically coup:Led and terminals 88 and 96 are electrically coup:Led. Conversely, terminals 86 and 90 are elect:rically uncoupled and terminals 88 and 92 are elect:rically uncoupled.
A voltage source 98 is coupled to the common terminals 86, 88. Alternatively, power can be supplied from the control panel 38 (FIG. 1), or from an alternative power supply (not illustrated~. A wide range of voltage sources may be used to power the flow sensor 32, but fire-suppression systems generally use 120 volts AC or 24 volts AC or DC.
The illustrated LED indicators 78 and 80 are coupled to resistors 100 and 102, respectively, that are sealed within a casing (not shown) for protection against water damage. The casing is sized to fit within the upper housing 58. Resistor 100 is coupled at one end to the common terminals 86, 88, and at an opposed end to LED 78. The outpu. of the LED 78 is coupled to ~oth the alarm 42 on control panel 38 and the terminal 94 on switch 60. Resistor 102 is coupled at one end to J~lS:SCS:.~FS:rdr:dv 1/~/97 533~ 570Y~'.a.l.A?P -13- -:C~2~SS MAI~ L~3EL N0. EM;3~399323U~
terminal 96 and at an opposed end to LED 80. The output of I,ED 80 is tied to ground 104.
When paddle 55 of flow sensor 32 iS in its at-rest position, current flows ~rom terminal 86 through resistor 100 to activate LED 78. Although the light outFut from the LED 78 can be any color, working embcdiments of the invention have used an LED 78 which preferably is green when indicating that no alarm condition exists. No current flows from the output of LED 78 to terminal 94 because terminal 94 iS
electrically floating (i.e., switch 60 is open between terminals 86 and 94). Instead, current flows from the output of LED 78 to alarm 42 on the control panel 38.
However, the current is only abou. 10 milliamps because of current-limiting resistor 100. This current is insufficient to activate the alarm 42 on the control panel. Resistor 100 preferably is an 18 kilohm, one-quarter-watt resistor.
With the paddle 65 in its at-rest position, terminal 96 is floating (i.e., switch 60 is open between terminals 88 and 95). Consequently, no curren. flows thro1lgh resistor 102 or LED 80. LED 80 therefore is OFF.
When water flows through the main conduit 12, the paddle 66 moves and activates the switch 60. Thus, terminals 8 6 and 94 are electrically coupled and term:nals 88 and 96 are electrically coupled. The resistor 100 and LED 78 are short-circuited causing LED
78 to be deactivated or turned OFF. Current therefore flowc; directly from terminal 94 to the alarm 42 on the control panel 38. The alarm 42 is thereby activated because current limiting resistor 100 no longer restricts current flow.
When water flows through main conduit 12, LED 80 also is activated because the coupling of terminals 88 and C6 causes current to flow through resistor 102 and LED ~0 to ground ~ 04. Resistor 102 also preferably is an 18 kilohm, one-quarter-watt resistor. Like LED 78, LED 80 can be any color, although in working embodiments v~S:S~ 'S:rd_:~v l/9/37 s33~-4;7o~AT.~? -14- c.~:'?~-SS V~IL LA3-L ~io. _.~sa33ss323us of the invention LED 80 has been red. An activated, red LED 80 indicates an alarm condition.
Thus, a maintenance person testing sensors 30, 32 and/or 34 for proper operation can determine whether or not a sensor is activated by viewing or listening to .he indicator coupled to the alarm 76. This eliminates the need to walk to the control panel to check the ala~s.
Additionally, maintenance personnel can determine whether conductors extending from the control panel 38 to the sensor 32 are properly connected. For example, if the alarm 42 is not connected to LED 78 because of a break in the wire, the LED 78 will shut OFF
~when the sensor is deactivated).
Furthermore, the present invention allows any breaks in the power and ground conductors to be detected at the sensor. For example, LED 80 will be turned OFF
i,- the ground conductor is broken. If the power conductor is broken, both LED 78 and 80 will be turned OFF.
D. Alternative Voltaqe Supplies FIG. 4 shows an electrical schematic diagram of the circuit of FIG. 3 adapted to receive either 24 volts AC or DC or 120 volts AC. The switch 60 is shown in its non-alarm state, having terminals 86 and g0 coupled together and terminals 88 and 92 coupled together. The operation of the circuit is similar to that described in FIG. 3.
However, FIG. 4 illustrates that an additional set of resistors, 106, 108 are used to connect a 24-volt AC or DC supply when desired. To use the 24-volt supply, the resistor 100 that is operably coupled to terminal 86 is disconnected, and the resistor 106 is connected to terminal 86 in its place. Similarly, the resistor 102 is disconnected from terminal 96, and resistor 108 is connected to terminal 96 in its place.
The r~sistors 100 and 102 are capped for safety reasons and are left unconnected. Preferably, the resistor CA 02227802 l998-0l-23 .)~S :SCS ~~S: -dr:d~ 1/ j/97 533i~ 70~?AT A?? ~ 15- -~D~-55 ~ L L~EL :~IO. -Msaô33~323ris values of resisto~s 106 and 108 are 3. 5 kilohms one-quarter-watt resistors.
E. Alternative Embodiments E~aving illustrated and described the principles of cur invention with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it should be apparent to those skilled in .he art that the embodiment can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles.
For example, although the voltage sources shown are 120-volt and 2~-volt sources, other sources can be used. The resistor values should be adjusted accordingly to maintain the current at approximately 10 milliamps.
Additionally, although LEDs 78 and 80 are shown primLrily as the indicator, other types of lights can be used, such as incandescent. Additionally, audible indicators may be used in place of the lights. For example, an audible indicator 110 is shown in FIG. 3 coup:led at one end to terminal 96 of switch 60, and at an opposed end to ground 112. The audible indicator 110 is shown in phantom .o indicate that it need not be used at a:Ll. Alternatively, it may be used in place of LED
80 or in combination with LED 80. One skilled in the art will recognize that audible indicator 110 is activated in the same way indicator ~0 is activated as described above.
Furthermore, although the alarm was shown for use in a fire-suppression system, the alarm may be used to indicate the state of sensors generally, wherever they may be used.
Still further, the alarm may be assembled by usinc a printed circuit board.
~ n view or the many possible embodiments to 3 5 which the principles or invention may be applied, it should be recognized that embodiments illustrated herein are only preferred examples of the invention and should not be taken as a limitation on the scope of the invention. Rather, the invention is defined by the JWS:SC~:RFS:-dr:dv I/g/97 5335-45708PAT.A?? -16- _:CPRESS MAIL 1~:3E~ N0. EMSaa399323US
following claims. We therefore claim as the invention all such embodiments that come within the scope of these clai~s.
Claims (27)
1. An alarm for monitoring operation of a sensor that is coupled to a fluid-carrying conduit, the alarm comprising an audio or visual indicator mounted to the sensor and electrically coupled thereto.
2. The alarm of claim 1 wherein the sensor detects pressure changes within the fluid-carrying conduit and the audio or visual indicator is activated in response to a change in fluid pressure.
3. The alarm of claim 1 wherein the sensor detects changes in fluid flow rates within the fluid-carrying conduit and the audio or visual indicator is activated in response to a change in fluid flow rate.
4. The alarm of claim 1 wherein the sensor detects the opening or closing of a valve coupled to the fluid-carrying conduit for controlling fluid flow to or within the fluid-carrying conduit, and wherein the audio or visual indicator is activated in response to the opening or closing of the valve.
5. The alarm of claim 1 wherein the visual indicator comprises at least one light-emitting diode.
6. The alarm of claim 1 wherein the sensor includes a sensor element positioned within the fluid-carrying conduit, the sensor element being movable from a first position, indicating normal operation, to a second position indicating a change in fluid flow or fluid pressure within the conduit, and wherein the audio or visual indicator is activated when the sensor element moves to the second position.
7. The alarm of claim 6 wherein the visual indicator includes a first: light-emitting diode and a second light-emitting diode, the first light-emitting diode being electrically activated when the sensor element is in the first position and the second light-emitting diode being electrically activated when the sensor element is in the second position.
8. The alarm according to claim 4 wherein the visual indicator includes a first light-emitting diode and a second light-emitting diode, the first light-emitting diode being electrically activated when the valve is in a position required for standard operation, the second light-emitting diode being electrically activated when the valve is in a position other than that required for standard operation.
9. The alarm of claim 1 wherein the fluid-carrying conduit is part of a fire-suppression system, and wherein the fire-suppression system includes a control panel coupled to the sensor.
10. The alarm of claim 9 wherein the indicator can detect breaks in conductors extending from the control panel to the sensor.
11. An alarm for a fire-suppression system that includes a fluid-carrying conduit and at least one sensor mounted to the fluid-carrying conduit, the sensor having a first state indicating normal operation of the fire-suppression system and a second state indicating (1) a change in fluid flow or fluid pressure within the conduit or (2) movement of a valve controlling fluid flow to or through the conduit, the alarm comprising:
a first indicator mounted to the sensor, the first indicator being activated when the sensor is in the first state; and a second indicator mounted to the sensor, the second indicator being activated when the sensor is in the second state.
a first indicator mounted to the sensor, the first indicator being activated when the sensor is in the first state; and a second indicator mounted to the sensor, the second indicator being activated when the sensor is in the second state.
12. The alarm of claim 11 wherein the first and second indicators are first and second light-emitting diodes.
13. The alarm of claim 12 wherein the first light-emitting diode is a different color when electrically activated than the second light-emitting diode when it is electrically activated.
14. The alarm of claim 11 and further comprising a sensor housing for housing the sensor, the first and second indicators extending through the sensor housing.
15. The alarm of claim 11, and further comprising:
a sensor element positioned within the fluid-carrying conduit and moveable within the conduit in response to changes in fluid flow rates or fluid pressures; and a switch operably coupled to the sensor element for detecting whether the sensor is in the first state or in the second state.
a sensor element positioned within the fluid-carrying conduit and moveable within the conduit in response to changes in fluid flow rates or fluid pressures; and a switch operably coupled to the sensor element for detecting whether the sensor is in the first state or in the second state.
16. The alarm of claim 15 wherein the switch is open when the sensor is in the first state and closed when the sensor is in the second state.
17. The alarm of claim 16 wherein the first indicator is electrically couplable to the switch and is activated when the switch is open and is deactivated when the switch is closed.
18. The alarm of claim 11 and further comprising a control panel that is electrically coupled to the sensor by a conductor, the control panel remotely monitoring whether the sensor is in the first or second state, and wherein the first indicator is deactivated when the conductor is electrically uncoupled.
19. A fire suppression system, comprising:
a fluid-carrying conduit for supplying fire extinguishing fluid to a sprinkler system;
a sensor coupled to the fluid-carrying conduit, the sensor comprising a sensor element positioned within the fluid-carrying conduit for detecting changes in fluid flow rate or fluid pressure within the conduit, and a switch electrically coupled to the sensor element which switches from a first state, indicating normal operation, to a second state in response to movement of the sensor element upon detecting changes in fluid flow rate or fluid pressure;
a control panel electrically coupled to the switch;
a first light-emitting diode having one end electrically coupled to the switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the control panel, the first light-emitting diode being electrically activated when the switch is in the first state and being electrically deactivated when the switch is in the second state; and a second light-emitting diode having one end electrically coupled to the switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the control panel, the second light-emitting diode being electrically activated when the switch is in the second state and electrically deactivated when the switch is in the first state.
a fluid-carrying conduit for supplying fire extinguishing fluid to a sprinkler system;
a sensor coupled to the fluid-carrying conduit, the sensor comprising a sensor element positioned within the fluid-carrying conduit for detecting changes in fluid flow rate or fluid pressure within the conduit, and a switch electrically coupled to the sensor element which switches from a first state, indicating normal operation, to a second state in response to movement of the sensor element upon detecting changes in fluid flow rate or fluid pressure;
a control panel electrically coupled to the switch;
a first light-emitting diode having one end electrically coupled to the switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the control panel, the first light-emitting diode being electrically activated when the switch is in the first state and being electrically deactivated when the switch is in the second state; and a second light-emitting diode having one end electrically coupled to the switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the control panel, the second light-emitting diode being electrically activated when the switch is in the second state and electrically deactivated when the switch is in the first state.
20. The system of claim 19 and further comprising:
a valve coupled to the fluid-carrying conduit for controlling fluid flow to or within the conduit;
a valve sensor operably coupled to the valve for detecting whether the valve is open or closed;
a switch electrically coupled to the valve sensor which switches from a first state, indicating that the valve is either open or closed, to a second state indicating that an open valve has closed or that a closed valve has opened;
a control panel electrically coupled to the switch;
a first light-emitting diode having one end electrically coupled to the switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the control panel, the first light-emitting diode being electrically activated when the switch is in the first state and being electrically deactivated when the switch is in the second state; and a second light-emitting diode having one end electrically coupled to the switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the control panel, the second light-emitting diode being electrically activated when the switch is in the second state and electrically deactivated when the switch is in the first state.
a valve coupled to the fluid-carrying conduit for controlling fluid flow to or within the conduit;
a valve sensor operably coupled to the valve for detecting whether the valve is open or closed;
a switch electrically coupled to the valve sensor which switches from a first state, indicating that the valve is either open or closed, to a second state indicating that an open valve has closed or that a closed valve has opened;
a control panel electrically coupled to the switch;
a first light-emitting diode having one end electrically coupled to the switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the control panel, the first light-emitting diode being electrically activated when the switch is in the first state and being electrically deactivated when the switch is in the second state; and a second light-emitting diode having one end electrically coupled to the switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the control panel, the second light-emitting diode being electrically activated when the switch is in the second state and electrically deactivated when the switch is in the first state.
21. The fire-suppression system of claim 19 and further comprising plural sensors mounted to the conduit.
22. The fire-suppression system of claim 21 wherein each of the plural sensors is electrically coupled to the control panel.
23. The fire-suppression system of claim 20 and further comprising plural sensors mounted to the conduit and at least one valve sensor coupled to the valve.
24. The fire-suppression system of claim 23 and further comprising first and second light emitting diodes electrically coupled to each of the plural sensors and to the at least one valve sensor.
25. The fire-suppression system of claim 19 wherein the sensor is housed in a sensor housing, and the first and second light-emitting diodes extend through the sensor housing.
26. A fire suppression system, comprising:
a fluid-carrying conduit for supplying fire extinguishing fluid to a sprinkler system;
plural sensors mounted to or having sensor housings that are mounted to the fluid-carrying conduit, the plural sensors monitoring changes in fluid flow or fluid pressure within the conduit, the sensors having sensor elements positioned within the fluid-carrying conduit and switches electrically coupled to the sensor elements for switching from a first state, indicating normal operation of the fire-suppression system, to a second state indicating an alarm condition, the switches having a common terminal, a normally-open terminal and a normally-closed terminal for electrically coupling the common terminal and the normally-closed terminal with the switch in the first state and for electrically coupling the common terminal and the normally-open terminal with the sensor element in the second state;
a control panel having a positive voltage supply terminal, a neutral terminal, and a alarm terminal, the positive voltage supply terminal being electrically coupled to the common terminals on the switches;
a first light-emitting diode mounted to or extending through each sensor housing and having one end electrically coupled to the normally-open terminal on each switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the alarm terminal on the control panel, the first light-emitting diode being electrically activated when the switch to which it is coupled is in the first state and electrically deactivated when the switch to which it is coupled is in the second state; and a second light-emitting diode mounted to or extending through each sensor housing and having one end electrically coupled to the normally-open terminal on the switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the neutral terminal on the control panel, the second light-emitting diode being electrically activated when the switch to which it is coupled is in the second state and being electrically deactivated when the switch to which it is coupled is in the first state.
a fluid-carrying conduit for supplying fire extinguishing fluid to a sprinkler system;
plural sensors mounted to or having sensor housings that are mounted to the fluid-carrying conduit, the plural sensors monitoring changes in fluid flow or fluid pressure within the conduit, the sensors having sensor elements positioned within the fluid-carrying conduit and switches electrically coupled to the sensor elements for switching from a first state, indicating normal operation of the fire-suppression system, to a second state indicating an alarm condition, the switches having a common terminal, a normally-open terminal and a normally-closed terminal for electrically coupling the common terminal and the normally-closed terminal with the switch in the first state and for electrically coupling the common terminal and the normally-open terminal with the sensor element in the second state;
a control panel having a positive voltage supply terminal, a neutral terminal, and a alarm terminal, the positive voltage supply terminal being electrically coupled to the common terminals on the switches;
a first light-emitting diode mounted to or extending through each sensor housing and having one end electrically coupled to the normally-open terminal on each switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the alarm terminal on the control panel, the first light-emitting diode being electrically activated when the switch to which it is coupled is in the first state and electrically deactivated when the switch to which it is coupled is in the second state; and a second light-emitting diode mounted to or extending through each sensor housing and having one end electrically coupled to the normally-open terminal on the switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the neutral terminal on the control panel, the second light-emitting diode being electrically activated when the switch to which it is coupled is in the second state and being electrically deactivated when the switch to which it is coupled is in the first state.
27. The fire-suppression system according to claim 26 and further comprising:
a valve coupled to the fluid-carrying conduit for controlling fluid flow to or within the conduit;
a valve sensor housed in a valve sensor housing, the valve sensor being operably coupled to the valve for detecting whether the valve is open or closed;
a switch electrically coupled to the valve sensor which switches from a first state, indicating that the valve is either open or closed, to a second state indicating that an open valve has closed or that a closed valve has opened;
a control panel electrically coupled to the switch;
a first light-emitting diode mounted to or extending through the valve sensor housing and having one end electrically coupled to the switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the control panel, the first light-emitting diode being electrically activated when the switch is in the first state and being electrically deactivated when the switch is in the second state; and a second light-emitting diode mounted to or extending through the valve sensor housing and having one end electrically coupled to the switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the control panel, the second light-emitting diode being electrically activated when the switch is in the second state and electrically deactivated when the switch is in the first state.
a valve coupled to the fluid-carrying conduit for controlling fluid flow to or within the conduit;
a valve sensor housed in a valve sensor housing, the valve sensor being operably coupled to the valve for detecting whether the valve is open or closed;
a switch electrically coupled to the valve sensor which switches from a first state, indicating that the valve is either open or closed, to a second state indicating that an open valve has closed or that a closed valve has opened;
a control panel electrically coupled to the switch;
a first light-emitting diode mounted to or extending through the valve sensor housing and having one end electrically coupled to the switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the control panel, the first light-emitting diode being electrically activated when the switch is in the first state and being electrically deactivated when the switch is in the second state; and a second light-emitting diode mounted to or extending through the valve sensor housing and having one end electrically coupled to the switch and an opposed end electrically coupled to the control panel, the second light-emitting diode being electrically activated when the switch is in the second state and electrically deactivated when the switch is in the first state.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/786,884 | 1997-01-23 | ||
| US08/786,884 US5864287A (en) | 1997-01-23 | 1997-01-23 | Alarms for monitoring operation of sensors in a fire-suppression system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2227802A1 true CA2227802A1 (en) | 1998-07-23 |
Family
ID=25139849
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2227802 Abandoned CA2227802A1 (en) | 1997-01-23 | 1998-01-23 | Alarms for monitoring operation of sensors in a fire-suppression system |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5864287A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2227802A1 (en) |
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| US7174783B2 (en) * | 1996-01-23 | 2007-02-13 | Mija Industries, Inc. | Remote monitoring of fluid containers |
| US7271704B2 (en) | 1996-01-23 | 2007-09-18 | Mija Industries, Inc. | Transmission of data to emergency response personnel |
| US7450020B2 (en) * | 1996-01-23 | 2008-11-11 | Mija Industries, Inc. | Signaling pressure detection assembly |
| US7174769B2 (en) * | 1996-01-23 | 2007-02-13 | Mija Industries, Inc. | Monitoring contents of fluid containers |
| US7891435B2 (en) * | 1996-01-23 | 2011-02-22 | En-Gauge, Inc. | Remote inspection of emergency equipment stations |
| US7728715B2 (en) | 1996-01-23 | 2010-06-01 | En-Gauge, Inc. | Remote monitoring |
| US6585055B2 (en) | 1996-01-23 | 2003-07-01 | Mija Industries, Inc. | Remote fire extinguisher station inspection |
| US8210047B2 (en) * | 1996-01-23 | 2012-07-03 | En-Gauge, Inc. | Remote fire extinguisher station inspection |
| US7188679B2 (en) * | 1996-01-23 | 2007-03-13 | Mija Industries, Inc. | Remote fire extinguisher station inspection |
| US6810910B2 (en) | 1999-01-22 | 2004-11-02 | Agf Manufacturing, Inc. | Valve and arrangement for fire suppression system |
| US6302146B1 (en) * | 1999-01-22 | 2001-10-16 | Agf Manufacturing, Inc. | Valve and arrangement for fire suppression system |
| US6195002B1 (en) | 1999-01-22 | 2001-02-27 | Richard P. Evans, Jr. | Alarms for monitoring operation of sensors in a fire-suppression system |
| US6341622B1 (en) | 1999-01-22 | 2002-01-29 | Agf Manufacturing, Inc. | Pressure relief valve and arrangement for fire suppression water sprinkler system |
| US6462655B1 (en) * | 1999-11-12 | 2002-10-08 | Pittway Corporation | Zone check test system |
| DE10104320A1 (en) * | 2001-01-25 | 2002-08-01 | Univ Schiller Jena | Device for performing safety functions in rooms with high-frequency radiation |
| AU2002346658A1 (en) * | 2001-12-07 | 2003-06-23 | Michael Zoratti | Fire hydrant anti-tamper device |
| US7088227B2 (en) * | 2003-12-29 | 2006-08-08 | General Signal Uk Limited | Alarm for a hydraulic system, hydraulic system, method of giving an alarm and vehicle incorporating a hydraulic system |
| US8132225B2 (en) * | 2004-09-30 | 2012-03-06 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Scalable and flexible information security for industrial automation |
| US8657021B1 (en) * | 2004-11-16 | 2014-02-25 | Joseph Frank Preta | Smart fire hydrants |
| US20060193262A1 (en) * | 2005-02-25 | 2006-08-31 | Mcsheffrey Brendan T | Collecting and managing data at a construction site |
| US9609287B2 (en) | 2005-03-02 | 2017-03-28 | En-Gauge, Inc. | Remote monitoring |
| CA2610492C (en) | 2005-06-03 | 2014-01-28 | Tyco Fire Products Lp | Releasing control unit for a residential fire protection system |
| ES1062600Y (en) * | 2006-03-31 | 2006-10-01 | Calvo Benigno Garcia | PRESSURE CONTROL DEVICE IN A FIRE EXTINGUISHER |
| US7909111B1 (en) * | 2007-08-06 | 2011-03-22 | Andres Hinojosa | Outdoor fire prevention system and associated method |
| US7836966B2 (en) * | 2008-01-28 | 2010-11-23 | Agf Manufacturing, Inc. | Flow sensor and actuator |
| US8749373B2 (en) | 2008-02-13 | 2014-06-10 | En-Gauge, Inc. | Emergency equipment power sources |
| US8981927B2 (en) * | 2008-02-13 | 2015-03-17 | En-Gauge, Inc. | Object Tracking with emergency equipment |
| WO2010062272A1 (en) * | 2008-11-25 | 2010-06-03 | Muzaffer Saglam | A fire extinguishing system |
| US9041534B2 (en) | 2011-01-26 | 2015-05-26 | En-Gauge, Inc. | Fluid container resource management |
| DE102011001168A1 (en) * | 2011-03-09 | 2012-09-13 | Miele & Cie. Kg | Method for operating a household appliance |
| EP3151926A1 (en) * | 2014-06-06 | 2017-04-12 | Tyco Fire Products LP | Manual actuator for fire suppression systems |
| US20170316673A1 (en) * | 2016-04-28 | 2017-11-02 | Bryan Gorr | Automated Fluid Condition Monitoring Multi-Sensor, Transceiver and Status Display Hub |
| JP6738439B2 (en) * | 2017-01-12 | 2020-08-12 | 富士フイルム株式会社 | State determination device |
| US11107341B2 (en) * | 2019-06-06 | 2021-08-31 | Jamie Little | LED sleeve for emergency breathing safety system connection |
| US20210331015A1 (en) * | 2020-04-23 | 2021-10-28 | Potter Electric Signal Company, Llc | Leak rate monitoring for a fire sprinkler system |
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| US4406398A (en) * | 1981-12-21 | 1983-09-27 | Perkins Jean K | Fluid temperature blending control |
| US5638847A (en) * | 1990-08-02 | 1997-06-17 | Qp & H Manufacturing, Inc. | Temperature sensitive water supply shut-off system |
| US5139044A (en) * | 1991-08-15 | 1992-08-18 | Otten Bernard J | Fluid control system |
| US5240022A (en) * | 1991-10-03 | 1993-08-31 | Franklin Robert C | Automatic shutoff valve |
| US5655561A (en) * | 1995-11-27 | 1997-08-12 | Wendel; A. Christopher | Wireless system for detecting and stopping water leaks |
-
1997
- 1997-01-23 US US08/786,884 patent/US5864287A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1998
- 1998-01-23 CA CA 2227802 patent/CA2227802A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US5864287A (en) | 1999-01-26 |
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