Warning system for excessive apparent temperature conditions

• US 6,211,791 B1
• Filed: 05/23/2000
• Issued: 04/03/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 02/29/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Conrad Pagan, Sherry A. Ponce De Leon
• Original Assignee: Conrad Pagan, Sherry A. Ponce De Leon
• Inventors: Ponce de Leon, Sherry A., Pagan, Conrad
• Primary Examiner(s): Wu, Daniel J.
• Application Number:
  US09/577,746
• Time in Patent Office: 315 Days
• Field of Search: 340/539, 340/584, 340/601, 340/602, 340/522, 379/40, 379/51, 702/3
• US Class Current: 340/601
• CPC Class Codes: G01W 1/17 Catathermometers for measuring "cooling value" related either to weather conditions or to comfort of other human environment
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/12 responsive to undesired emission of substances, e.g. pollution alarms
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 50/20 Air quality improvement or preservation, e.g. vehicle emission control or emission reduction by using catalytic converters

Abstract

An apparent temperature monitor and/or alarm comprises separate sensors that monitor at least ambient temperature and humidity of a location in which an occupant resides. It has been noted that certain elderly and/or poor residents of urban areas may be unable to self-monitor their environmental and health situation, and that use of an apparent temperature monitor/alarm may assist in preventing mortality of elderly occupants or those who are unable to fend for themselves. A system for monitoring a large number of remote locations may also be established and appropriate health or safety personnel may be directed from a central monitoring location to investigate specific occupants or remote locations indicative of unhealthy environmental conditions.

Claims

1. An apparent temperature monitor and alarm for a monitored space comprising:

a) a temperature sensor generating a first electrical signal corresponding to a temperature level within the monitored space;

b) a humidity sensor for generating a second electrical signal corresponding to a relative humidity level within the monitored space;

c) a central processor for utilizing the first and second electrical signals generated by said sensors to calculate the level of apparent temperature according to a predetermined formula;

d) a transmitter for transmitting said first and second electrical signals from said temperature sensor and from said humidity sensor to said central processor; and

e) an alarm in communication with said central processor for alerting health and safely personnel of life or health threatening conditions in the monitored space.

2. The apparent temperature monitor and alarm according to claim 1 wherein said transmitter further comprises electrical connections to a central processor.

3. The apparent temperature monitor according to claim 2 further comprising a radio transmitter for transmitting the apparent humidity data from the monitored space to a remote monitoring location.

4. The apparent temperature monitor and alarm according to claim 3 wherein said radio transmitter further comprises a receiver to provide two-way communication with said remote monitoring location.

5. The apparent temperature monitor and alarm according to claim 1 wherein said transmitter further comprises a dedicated telephone providing a direct connection between said central processor and said remote monitoring location.

6. The apparent temperature monitor and alarm according to claim 1 wherein said transmitter is connected to a burglar alarm system.

7. The apparent temperature monitor and alarm according to claim 1 wherein said transmitter includes a connection to a telephone line and an auto-dialer to provide a telephone connection to an emergency response system.

8. The apparent temperature monitor and alarm according to claim 1 wherein said alarm includes an audible signal which warns the occupant of an apparent temperature reaching a predetermined level.

9. The apparent temperature monitor and alarm according to claim 8 wherein said alarm comprises a portion of a burglar alarm system.

10. The apparent temperature monitor and alarm according to claim 1 and further comprising a secondary power source independent of the electrical power grid.

11. The apparent temperature monitor and alarm according to claim 10 wherein said secondary power source further comprises a battery.

12. A monitoring and alert system for providing warning of ambient environmental conditions in a monitored location, comprising:

a) a plurality of apparent temperature monitors, one each disposed in plural spaces to be monitored by said system;

b) each said apparent temperature monitor being connected to at least one communication device which communicates with a remote central monitoring location;

c) a remote communications receiver, disposed at said remote central monitoring location, for receiving communications from the apparent temperature monitors;

d) said communications receiver being connected to a central monitor processor for providing warning, to an operator, when the apparent temperature of at least one monitored location has exceeded a predetermined threshold lever.

13. The system according to claim 12 wherein each said apparent temperature monitor comprises a temperature sensor generating a first electrical signal corresponding to a temperature level within the monitored space;

a humidity sensor for generating a second electrical signal corresponding to a relative humidity level within the monitored space; and

said communication device being capable of transmitting temperature and relative humidity data from said apparent temperature monitor to said remote communications receiver.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein each apparent temperature monitor further comprises a local alarm connected to said apparent temperature monitor for alerting the occupant of a monitored space of detrimental health conditions.

15. The system according to claim 13, wherein each apparent temperature monitor further comprises a local alarm connected to said apparent temperature monitor for alerting the occupant of a monitored space of detrimental health conditions.