Environmental protection system useful for the fire detection and suppression
First Claim
1. An apparatus for detecting an environmental condition such as fire, smoke, and intrusion in a monitored space, said apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of detectors each including means for sensing an environmental condition parameter in the monitored space and for producing detector signals representative of said parameter, each of said detectors individually exhibiting a normal operating current flow therethrough and exhibiting a selected increase in current flow therethrough as said detector signals;
signal processor means for receiving and processing said detector signals for determining the existence of predetermined environmental conditions; and
connecting means for connecting said detectors with said signal processing means and with one another in an electrically parallel relationship, said connecting means including means for producing a detector voltage corresponding to the total current flow through said detectors including a quiescent voltage corresponding to the total quiescent current flow being the sum of said normal operating current flows through said detectorssaid signal processor means includingdetection circuit means for receiving and detecting said detector voltage, andnull circuit means coupled with said connecting means for producing a voltage opposed in polarity and substantially equal in magnitude to said quiescent voltage for nullifying said quiescent voltage so that said detector voltage corresponds to said detector signals without the effect of said quiescent current thereon.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An environmental detection system particularly useful for fire detection and suppression is provided which ensures high reliability in operation and high reliability in preventing false operation. The preferred system includes a microprocessor-based, software-governed, control panel connected to one or more detector loops. Each loop includes a plurality of parallel-coupled, addressable detectors which send analog signals to the control panel representative of an environmental parameter such as smoke obscuration along with reference and identification signals. The preferred system provides automatic calibration and test of the detectors, automatic testing under load of the backup batteries, flexibility in defining the protective scheme, and storage of history information concerning system alarms and troubles. The preferred system also verifies alarm conditions before actuating an alarm or discharging a fire suppressant.
89 Citations
9 Claims
-
1. An apparatus for detecting an environmental condition such as fire, smoke, and intrusion in a monitored space, said apparatus comprising:
-
a plurality of detectors each including means for sensing an environmental condition parameter in the monitored space and for producing detector signals representative of said parameter, each of said detectors individually exhibiting a normal operating current flow therethrough and exhibiting a selected increase in current flow therethrough as said detector signals; signal processor means for receiving and processing said detector signals for determining the existence of predetermined environmental conditions; and connecting means for connecting said detectors with said signal processing means and with one another in an electrically parallel relationship, said connecting means including means for producing a detector voltage corresponding to the total current flow through said detectors including a quiescent voltage corresponding to the total quiescent current flow being the sum of said normal operating current flows through said detectors said signal processor means including detection circuit means for receiving and detecting said detector voltage, and null circuit means coupled with said connecting means for producing a voltage opposed in polarity and substantially equal in magnitude to said quiescent voltage for nullifying said quiescent voltage so that said detector voltage corresponds to said detector signals without the effect of said quiescent current thereon. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
Specification