US5170150A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Photoelectric smoke detector with improved testing means
Assignee: Gentex Corp
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Filing: 1991-01-25
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Granted: 1992-12-08
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Expires: 2011-01-25
Abstract
Abstract An improved smoke detector incorporating means for verifying the detector's smoke sensitivity limits, such verification means including means for positively positioning various light reflecting surfaces to provide predetermined light reflection onto light sensing means to create simulated smoke levels.
Inventors
- 👤 Gregory J. Austin
- 👤 Gaetano Ingrassia
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 13:45
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B29/00; G08B29/12; G08B29/14; G08B29/145; G08B17/00; G08B17/10; G08B17/11; G08B17/113; G08B29/18; G08B29/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
345 words
In a smoke detector including light emitting means, light sensing means the conductivity of which varies as a function of the amount of light impinging thereon, and cage means surrounding said light emitting means and said sensing means whereby said sensing means is substantially sensitive only to light emitted by said light emitting means and reflected from airborne particulate matter in the atmosphere ambient in said cage means, the improvement comprising reflector means for testing the sensitivity limits of said sensing means, said reflector means including a major light reflecting means and a minor light reflecting means for reflecting light toward said sensing means, means rotatably mounting said reflector means in said cage means whereby said reflector means may be manually rotated to a first test position for presenting said major light reflecting means to said emitted light to thereby reflect a substantial amount of light to said sensing means and to a second test position for presenting said minor light reflecting means to said light emitting means to thereby reflect a lesser amount of light to said sensing means, and means including resilient tab means effective to position said reflector means precisely relative to said light emitting means and said light sensing means, said tab means being effective to apply a predetermined frictional resistance to torque applied to said rotatably mounted reflector means, said reflector means including a rim portion defining angularly spaced notches therein corresponding with predetermined angular positions of said reflecting means, the surfaces of said rim defining said notches cooperating with said tab means to position said reflecting means precisely with respect to said light emitting means and said light sensing means, whereby said reflector means may be rotated to an angular position wherein said major light reflecting means and said minor light reflecting means are substantially inoperative for reflecting light to said sensing means, said major light reflecting means comprising a single rib member and said minor light reflecting means comprising a series of rib members smaller than said single rib member and extending parallel to said single rib member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
345 words
In a smoke detector including light emitting means, light sensing means the conductivity of which varies as a function of the amount of light impinging thereon, and cage means surrounding said light emitting means and said sensing means whereby said sensing means is substantially sensitive only to light emitted by said light emitting means and reflected from airborne particulate matter in the atmosphere ambient in said cage means, the improvement comprising reflector means for testing the sensitivity limits of said sensing means, said reflector means including a major light reflecting means and a minor light reflecting means for reflecting light toward said sensing means, means rotatably mounting said reflector means in said cage means whereby said reflector means may be manually rotated to a first test position for presenting said major light reflecting means to said emitted light to thereby reflect a substantial amount of light to said sensing means and to a second test position for presenting said minor light reflecting means to said light emitting means to thereby reflect a lesser amount of light to said sensing means, and means including resilient tab means effective to position said reflector means precisely relative to said light emitting means and said light sensing means, said tab means being effective to apply a predetermined frictional resistance to torque applied to said rotatably mounted reflector means, said reflector means including a rim portion defining angularly spaced notches therein corresponding with predetermined angular positions of said reflecting means, the surfaces of said rim defining said notches cooperating with said tab means to position said reflecting means precisely with respect to said light emitting means and said light sensing means, whereby said reflector means may be rotated to an angular position wherein said major light reflecting means and said minor light reflecting means are substantially inoperative for reflecting light to said sensing means, said major light reflecting means comprising a single rib member and said minor light reflecting means comprising a series of rib members smaller than said single rib member and extending parallel to said single rib member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
The combination set forth in claim 1, wherein said single rib member presents an approximately 55 degree reflecting angle face to light emanating from said light emitting means, and said smaller rib members are arranged at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to one another to thereby present only the tips of said smaller rib members to said light.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-12-08 | 1996-06-08 | 1996-12-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-12-08 | 2000-06-08 | 2000-12-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-12-08 | 2004-06-08 | 2004-12-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |