Heat Sensor Device and System

• US 20100219956A1
• Filed: 11/20/2007
• Published: 09/02/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/21/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Eugene Greco, Marisol Castellanos
• Original Assignee: Eugene Greco, Marisol Castellanos
• Inventors: Greco, Eugene, Castellanos, Marisol
• Application Number:
  US12/086,986
• Publication Number:
  US 20100219956A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/586
• CPC Class Codes: A62B 9/006 Indicators or warning devices, e.g. of low pressure, contamination
• CPC Class Codes: A62B 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/02 Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons

Abstract

A device for detecting the heat of an area, such as a door within a burning structure, can be attached to garments worn by a firefighter or rescue personnel. The device includes a temperature probe through which light emitted by the target area enters, striking a temperature sensor which is in electronic communication with a microprocessor, an alarm circuit, and a visual display. If the detected temperature exceeds a specified threshold, the alarm goes off, warning the user of a potentially dangerous situation. By wearing a device either attached to a helmet, sleeve of a jacket, or boot, the user can readily detect the temperature, without adversely affecting their ability to carry equipment necessary to deal with an emergency situation.

Claims

1. A warning system for emergency personnel, the system comprising:

an article of clothing, the article of clothing comprising a means for attaching a heat sensor thereto; and

a heat sensor attached to the article of clothing, the heat sensor comprising;

a housing;

a microprocessor within the housing;

a means for detecting heat, the means for detecting heat being in communication with the microprocessor;

a source of electrical power, the source of electrical power being in communication with the microprocessor; and

a means for warning, the means for warning being in communication with the microprocessor, the means for warning activating a warning that the heat sensed by the heat sensor exceeds a specified temperature.

2. The system as described in claim 1, wherein the means for warning further comprises a means for audibly indicating that the heat sensed by the heat sensor exceeds the specified temperature.

3. The system as described in claim 2, wherein the means for warning further comprises a means for visually indicating that the heat sensed by the heat sensor exceeds the specified temperature.

4. The system as described in claim 2, wherein the heat detector comprises a means for determining whether the temperature exceeds 300 degrees F. (148.9 degrees C.).

5. The system as described in claim 4, wherein the heat detector comprises a means for determining whether the temperature ranges from 300 degrees F. (148.9 degrees C.) to 1000 degrees F. (538 degrees C.).

6. The system as described in claim 2, wherein the means for attaching comprises a loop extending from the article of clothing, and the loop securing the heat sensor therein.

7. The system as described in claim 6, wherein the article of clothing is chosen from the group consisting of a helmet, a coat, a raincoat, a vest, a shirt, an article of footwear, a glove, a facemask, a pair of trousers, a pair of shorts, or a jacket.

8. The system as described in claim 7, wherein the article of clothing further comprises a fire-retardant agent.

17. A method to warn of a heat condition in an area, the method comprising the steps of:

having an article of clothing to which the heat sensor as described in claim 6 has been attached, approaching an area in which there is a source of heat;

directing the heat sensor towards the source of heat;

actuating the heat sensor;

determining whether the source of heat exceeds a specified temperature level; and

activating a warning that the heat sensed exceeds the specified temperature.

18. The method as described in claim 17, wherein the source of heat is chosen from the group consisting of a fire, a smoke condition, a chemical reaction or an electrical source.

9. A method to warn of a heat condition in an area, the method comprising the steps of:

having an article of clothing to which a heat sensor has been attached, approaching an area in which there is a source of heat;

the heat sensor comprising;

a housing;

a microprocessor within the housing;

a means for detecting heat, the means for detecting heat being in communication with the microprocessor;

a source of electrical power, the source of electrical power being in communication with the microprocessor; and

a means for warning, the means for warning being in communication with the microprocessor, the means for warning activating a warning that the heat sensed by the heat sensor exceeds a specified temperature;

directing the heat sensor towards the source of heat;

actuating the heat sensor;

determining whether the source of heat exceeds a specified temperature; and

activating a warning that the heat sensed exceeds the specified temperature.

10. The method as described in claim 9, wherein the means for warning further comprises a means for audibly indicating that the heat sensed by the heat sensor exceeds the specified temperature.

11. The method as described in claim 10, wherein the means for warning further comprises a means for visually indicating that the heat sensed by the heat sensor exceeds the specified temperature.

12. The method as described in claim 10, wherein the heat detector comprises a means for determining whether the temperature exceeds 300 degrees F. (148.9 degrees C.).

13. The method as described in claim 12, wherein the heat detector comprises a means for determining whether the temperature ranges from 300 degrees F. (148.9 degrees C.) to 1000 degrees F. (538 degrees C.).

14. The method as described in claim 10, wherein the means for attaching comprises a loop extending from the article of clothing, and the loop securing the heat sensor therein.

15. The method as described in claim 14, wherein the article of clothing is chosen from the group consisting of a helmet, a coat, a raincoat, a vest, a shirt, an article of footwear, a glove, a facemask, a pair of trousers, a pair of shorts, or a jacket.

16. The method as described in claim 15, wherein the article of clothing further comprises a fire-retardant agent.