Alarm system for detecting excess temperature in electrical wiring

• US 6,429,777 B1
• Filed: 03/15/1999
• Issued: 08/06/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/01/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Boyden systems, inc.
• Original Assignee: David Boyden
• Inventors: Boyden, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): TANG, SON M
• Application Number:
  US09/270,476
• Time in Patent Office: 1,240 Days
• Field of Search: 340/584, 340/588, 340/589, 340/577, 340/286.05, 340/286.06
• US Class Current: 340/584
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 3/16 in electrical installations, e.g. cableways
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 17/06 Electric actuation of the alarm, e.g. using a thermally-operated switch
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/185 Electrical failure alarms
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/08 using communication transmission lines G08B13/19658, G08B21/0286, G08B25/016 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/10 using wireless transmission systems G08B25/009 takes precedence

Abstract

The system includes a sensor for each junction box in the building to be guarded, e.g., the residence, and a display panel showing the temperature of any junction box that is heated above the danger point. Another display panel shows the name of the resident and address of the residence, and the location of the heated junction box by room number and junction box number and the shape of the junction box. A plurality of residences are connected with a central station, such as a fire station, by a single telephone line to each residence. A single processing unit is located in each residence, and a single such unit is located in the central display station. A display panel is located in the central station identical with each display in a residence. The central station is provided with a single processing unit responsive to actuating of any and each of the processing units in the residences, the central station having a modem operable for receiving signals from the processing units in the units and processing them according to the respective processing units in the residences. The system also includes rotating extinguisher heads which rotate towards the source of any dangerous heat an extinguish the fire.

Claims

1. In an alarm system for use in a residence or business establishment, the method of detecting and warning of excess temperature in electrical wiring, the method comprising the step of:

detecting a change in the temperature of a junction box and electrical wiring;

generating an electrical signal in response to said detecting;

comparing the electrical signal to a predetermined threshold level;

displaying an indication when the electrical signal exceeds the predetermined threshold level; and

transmitting data regarding said detecting to a remote location.