Combination temperature unit/intruder sensor utilizing common components

• US 5,764,143 A
• Filed: 05/29/1997
• Issued: 06/09/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 05/29/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Napco Security Systems Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Napco Security Systems Incorporated
• Inventors: Buccola, Charles S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lee, Benjamin C.
• Application Number:
  US08/865,460
• Time in Patent Office: 376 Days
• Field of Search: 340/521, 340/522, 340/567, 340/584, 340/541, 340/600, 340/517, 340/516, 340/577, 340/578
• US Class Current: 340/521
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19 using infrared-radiation detection systems G08B13/194 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 19/005 combined burglary and fire alarm systems

Abstract

A combination temperature unit/intruder sensor is described wherein the thermistor used for adjusting the sensitivity of a passive infrared detector in a microprocessor of the unit is also used for the secondary purpose of indicating whether the ambient temperature of a protected zone falls outside a pre-selected temperature range. The detector, in addition to providing signals indicative of an intruder, can provide indications of possible freezing, thawing, or fire conditions. Both the intruder detection and temperature sensing capabilities are provided in a single, inexpensive housing.

Claims

1. A detector for sensing both the presence of an intruder in a protected zone and whether a temperature level is outside a pre-selected range wherein said detector is contained in an integral casing and comprises:

a) infrared sensing means for generating a detection signal responsive to motion in said protected zone;

b) temperature sensing means for providing a temperature signal reflective of said temperature level; and

c) processing means coupled to both said infrared sensing means and said temperature sensing means for providing;

(i) a first output signal indicative of the presence of an intruder whereby generation of said first output signal is dependent on both said detection signal and said temperature signal; and

(ii) a second output signal indicative of said temperature level being above or below said pre-selected range whereby generation of said second output signal is dependent on said temperature signal.

2. The detector of claim 1 wherein said temperature sensing means is a thermistor.

3. The detector of claim 1 wherein said pre-selected range is established by setting a maximum permissible temperature.

4. The detector of claim 1 wherein said pre-selected range is established by setting a minimum permissible temperature.

5. The detector of claim 1 wherein said pre-selected range is established by setting both a maximum permissible temperature and a minimum permissible temperature.

6. The detector of claim 1 further comprising:

alarm means actuated by one of said first output signal and said second output signal.

7. The detector of claim 1 wherein said pre-selected range is user adjustable.

8. A combination in an integral casing for monitoring protected zone comprising:

a) a motion detector comprising;

(i) infrared sensing means for generating a detection signal responsive to motion in said protected zone;

(ii) temperature sensing means for providing a temperature level at said detector;

(iii) first processing means coupled to both said infrared sensing means and temperature sensing means for providing a first output signal indicative of the presence of an intruder in said protected zone wherein said first processing means comprises a plurality of subroutines reflective of various sensitivity levels for issuing said first output signal whereby one of said plurality of subroutines selected is dependent upon said temperature level; and

b) a temperature detector comprising;

(i) second processor means coupled to said temperature sensing means for providing a second output signal indicative of a pre-established and unacceptable temperature condition in said protected zone;

whereby said pre-established and unacceptable temperature condition includes under-temperature and over-temperature detections.

9. The combination detector of claim 8 wherein said temperature condition is a temperature level above a pre-selected maximum temperature threshold.

10. The combination detector of claim 8 wherein said temperature condition is a temperature level below a pre-selected minimum temperature threshold.

11. The combination detector of claim 8 wherein said temperature condition is a temperature rate of change above a pre-selected maximum temperature rate of change threshold whereby said threshold established as being indicative of a fire condition.

12. The detector of claim 8 wherein said temperature sensing means is a thermistor.

13. The detector of claim 8 further comprising:

alarm means activated by one of said first output signal and said second output signal.

14. A detector in a unitary housing for issuing a first output signal when an intruder is in a protected zone and a second output signal when ambient temperature in said protected zone is detected to be below or above a predetermined range comprising:

intruder sensing means for providing an intruder signal;

temperature sensing means in said housing for providing a temperature signal; and

processing means coupled to said temperature sensing means and intruder sensing means for independently generating said first and second output signal whereby the determination to issue said first and second output signals is responsive to at least said temperature signal, respectively.

15. The detector of claim 14 wherein said temperature sensing means is a thermistor.

16. The detector of claim 14 wherein said predetermined range is established by setting a maximum permissible temperature.

17. The detector of claim 14 wherein said predetermined range is established by setting a minimum permissible temperature.

18. The detector of claim 14 wherein said predetermined range is established by setting both a maximum permissible temperature and a minimum permissible temperature.

19. The detector of claim 14 further comprising:

alarm means activated by one of said first output signal and said second output signal.

20. The detector of claim 14 wherein said predetermined range is user selected.