US3909814A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Detecting and control method and apparatus
Assignee: Hochiki Corp
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Filing: 1973-07-11
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Granted: 1975-09-30
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Expires: 1993-07-11
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus are provided for detecting changes in physical phenomena and for subsequently controlling response devices in accordance with such detected changes. A sensor responsive to changes in physical phenomena such as temperature, pressure, density and the like caused, for example, during the occurence and progress of a fire, is operable to sense such changes in physical phenomena during different stages of progress and to sequentially actuate and control the operation of various response devices depending on the stage of progressive change of the physical phenomena.
Inventors
- 👤 Yoshihiro Eguchi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 17:25
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B17/00; G08B17/06; G08B17/04; G08B17/10; G08B17/11; G08B17/113
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
223 words
Apparatus for detecting changes in physical phenomena such as changes in smoke concentration and the like and for controlling response devices in accordance with said detected changes, comprising a sensor, said sensor including an ionization means operable to convert a change in smoke concentration into an electrical signal, said ionization means includiNg a pair of chambers one of which is more susceptible to receiving smoke from the surrounding atmosphere than said other chamber, operable means within said sensor defining a plurality of actuating points each responsive respectively to progressively increasing stages of change of said physical phenomena, said operable means including connecting means for connecting said chambers in series and applying a voltage source thereacross and amplification means between said chambers responsive to the change in resistance in said chambers caused by differences in smoke concentration in said chambers, a plurality of response devices corresponding respectively to each of said actuating points, said plurality of response devices being operable to provide appropriate response effects dependent on the progressively increasing stages of change of said physical phenomena, and actuating means activated by each of said plurality of actuating points for controlling the operation of said response devices corresponding to each of said actuating points, whereby particular response devices are progressively operable in appropriate response to progressively increasing stages of change of said physical phenomena.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
223 words
Apparatus for detecting changes in physical phenomena such as changes in smoke concentration and the like and for controlling response devices in accordance with said detected changes, comprising a sensor, said sensor including an ionization means operable to convert a change in smoke concentration into an electrical signal, said ionization means includiNg a pair of chambers one of which is more susceptible to receiving smoke from the surrounding atmosphere than said other chamber, operable means within said sensor defining a plurality of actuating points each responsive respectively to progressively increasing stages of change of said physical phenomena, said operable means including connecting means for connecting said chambers in series and applying a voltage source thereacross and amplification means between said chambers responsive to the change in resistance in said chambers caused by differences in smoke concentration in said chambers, a plurality of response devices corresponding respectively to each of said actuating points, said plurality of response devices being operable to provide appropriate response effects dependent on the progressively increasing stages of change of said physical phenomena, and actuating means activated by each of said plurality of actuating points for controlling the operation of said response devices corresponding to each of said actuating points, whereby particular response devices are progressively operable in appropriate response to progressively increasing stages of change of said physical phenomena.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
85 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said sensor includes a pair of transistors operably connectable to a plurality of diodes forming a full wave bridge rectifier, each of said transistors being operable depending on the magnitude of an amplification signal produced by said amplification means, a thyristor triggered by said diodes, a change over switch means effecting a change in the current flow path depending on which transistor is operated, and a plurality of variable resistors to vary the setting points of said response devices.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said ionization means is ionized by a radioactive isotope.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said amplification means is a field effect transistor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus according to claim 4 including a plurality of Zener diodes having progressively varying Zener voltages and a thyristor associated with each of said Zener diodes, whereby said Zener diodes are progressively operated by said amplification means to progressively trigger said thryristors in accordance with progressive change in said physical phenomena.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein one of said response devices includes a receiver operable to indicate an initial sensed change of physical phenomena.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said receiver is operable to indicate the location where said initial sensed change of physical phenomena occurred.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said receiver includes an acoustic means operable to effect an audible indication of the initial sensed change of physical phenomena.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said receiver includes a response means, said receiver being operable to control the actuation of said response means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said receiver includes a location indicator means, an acoustic means, and a response means, said location indicator means and acoustic means being actuated substantially simultaneously with the actuation of said response means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein there are two conductors between said receiver and said sensor irrespective of the number of said response devices.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-09-29 | 1979-03-31 | 1979-09-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-29 | 1983-03-31 | 1983-09-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-29 | 1987-03-31 | 1987-09-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |