Monitoring method

• US 6,794,991 B2
• Filed: 01/31/2002
• Issued: 09/21/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/15/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gastronics' Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Gastronics' Incorporated
• Inventors: Dungan, Cornelius P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wu, Daniel J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Huang, Sihong
• Application Number:
  US10/062,320
• Publication Number:
  US 20020070869A1
• Time in Patent Office: 964 Days
• Field of Search: 340/632, 340/539.17, 340/539.19, 340/539.22, 340/539.26, 340/539.3, 340/693.5
• US Class Current: 340/632
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/0073 Control unit therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/14 Toxic gas alarms G08B21/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/16 Combustible gas alarms

Abstract

A monitoring system includes a master station and a plurality of monitor stations which are spaced from the master station. Each of the monitor stations includes a programmable computer which is connected with a radio and a sensor. The computer and radio may be enclosed in an explosion-proof housing. To change a program in the computer at a monitor station, the program change may be transmitted from the master station to the monitor station. In addition, data relating to a condition to be sensed may be transmitted from the master station to the monitor station.

Claims

1. A method of monitoring for a selected gas from a potential source of the selected gas, said method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of gas monitor stations at locations spaced from the potential source of the selected gas and from a master station, said step of providing a plurality of gas monitor stations includes providing a computer connected with a radio and a sensor at each of the gas monitor stations, transmitting data relating to the selected gas from a radio at the master station to the radios at each of the gas monitor stations, storing the data transmitted from the master station and relating to the selected gas in the computers at each of the gas monitor stations, sensing atmosphere adjacent to each of the gas monitor stations, and transmitting a signal from the radio at anyone of the gas monitor stations to the radio at the master station in response to sensing of a concentration of the selected gas which is a function of the data transmitted from the master station to the one gas monitor station.

2. A method as set forth in claim 1 further including the steps of determining at each of the gas monitor stations the length of time which has elapsed since transmission of a radio signal, and transmitting a radio signal from anyone of the gas monitor stations to the master station upon determining that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since transmission of a radio signal.

3. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of transmitting data from the master station to each of the gas monitor stations includes transmitting data relating to an average permissible magnitude of concentration of the selected gas over a predetermined period of time, and transmitting a radio signal from anyone of the gas monitor stations to the master station in response to sensing of an average concentration of the selected gas greater than the permissible magnitude.

4. A method as set forth in claim 1 further including the step of eliminating the effect of transient variations in the concentration of the selected gas in the atmosphere adjacent to the gas monitor stations by averaging the sensed magnitude of the selected gas over a period of time of thirty seconds or less.

5. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein a radio at each gas monitor station utilizes electrical energy at a first rate when the radio is in a transmit mode and is transmitting to the master station and utilizes electrical energy at a second rate which is less than the first rate when the radio is in a standby mode, said method further includes maintaining the radio at each of the gas monitor stations in the standby mode except when the radio is transmitting.

6. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of transmitting data from the master station to each of the gas monitor stations includes transmitting data relating to a moving average gas concentration over a predetermined length of time, said method further includes determining when the moving average of sensed concentration over a predetermined length of time of the selected gas in the atmosphere adjacent to one of the monitor stations exceeds a predetermined magnitude, and transmitting a radio signal to the master station in response to a determination that the moving average concentration of the selected gas over the predetermined length of time exceeds the predetermined magnitude.

7. A method as set forth in claim 1 further including the steps of transmitting a predetermined input voltage to a sensor at each of the gas monitor stations, transmitting an output voltage from the sensor at each of the gas monitor stations, determining if the sensor at anyone of the gas monitor stations should be replaced as a function of the magnitude of the output voltage, and transmitting a radio signal from the radio at a gas monitor station to the radio at the master station in response to a determination that a sensor should be replaced.

8. A method as set forth in claim 1 further including the steps of transmitting a computer program change from the master station radio to the radio in at least one of the gas monitor stations, and changing a program in at least one of the computers in at least one of the gas monitor stations in accordance with the computer program change transmitted by radio from the master station.

9. A method as set forth in claim 8 further including the steps of transmitting a change in magnitude of a set point in a computer program from the radio in the master station to the radio in at least one of the gas monitor stations, and changing the magnitude of the set point in the program in the computer in at least one of the gas monitor stations without changing the program in the computer.

10. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of providing a plurality of gas monitor stations includes enclosing the computer and radio at each of the gas monitor stations in the housing which is sealed against entry of gas from the atmosphere around the gas monitor station.

11. A method of monitoring for a selected gas from a potential source of the selected gas, said method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of gas monitor stations at locations spaced from the potential source of the selected gas and from a master station, said step of providing a plurality of gas monitor stations includes providing a computer connected with a radio and a sensor at each of the gas monitor stations and enclosing at least the computer and radio at each of the gas monitor stations with an explosion-proof housing which is sealed against entry of gas from atmosphere adjacent to each of the gas monitor stations, entering data relating to the selected gas into the computer at each of the gas monitor stations by transmitting data from a location outside of the explosion-proof housing at each of the gas monitor stations to the computer in the explosion-proof housing, sensing atmosphere outside of the explosion-proof housing at each of the gas monitor stations while the explosion-proof housing at each of the gas monitor stations is sealed against entry of gas from the atmosphere adjacent to each of the gas monitor stations, and transmitting a radio signal from the radio in the sealed explosion-proof housing at anyone of the gas monitor stations to a master station in response to sensing of the selected gas in conditions which are a function of the data entered into the computers at the gas monitor stations.

12. A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said step of entering data relating to the selected gas by transmitting data from outside of the explosion-proof housing at each of the gas monitor stations includes transmitting data from a data input terminal disposed outside of the explosion-proof housing along conductors connected to the computer disposed inside the explosion-proof housing at each of the gas monitor stations.

13. A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said step of enclosing at least the computer and radio at each of the gas monitor stations with an explosion-proof housing includes enclosing at least the computer and radio at each of the gas monitor stations with an explosion proof housing having a relatively large main opening which is closed with a relatively large main cover and a relatively small secondary opening which is closed with a relatively small secondary cover, said step of entering data relating to the selected gas includes opening the relatively small cover and interconnecting a data input device disposed outside the explosion-proof housing and the computer disposed inside the explosion-proof housing while the main cover is closed and the small cover is open.

14. A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said step of enclosing at least the computer and radio at each of the gas monitor stations with an explosion-proof housing includes enclosing the computer and radio at each of the gas monitor stations with an explosion-proof housing which is operable between an open condition in which an interior of the explosion-proof housing is in fluid communication with atmosphere adjacent to the gas monitor station and a closed condition in which the interior of the explosion-proof housing is sealed against entry of gas from atmosphere adjacent to the gas monitor station, said step of entering data relating to the selected gas is performed with the explosion-proof housing in the open condition.

15. A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said step of enclosing at least the computer and radio at each of the gas monitor stations with an explosion-proof housing includes enclosing the computer and radio at each of the gas monitor stations with an explosion-proof housing which is operable between an open condition in which an interior of the explosion-proof housing is in fluid communication with atmosphere adjacent to the gas monitor station and a closed condition in which the interior of the explosion-proof housing is sealed against entry of gas from atmosphere adjacent to the gas monitor station, said step of entering data relating to the selected gas is performed with the explosion-proof housing in the closed condition.

16. A method as set forth in claim 15 wherein said step of entering data relating to the selected gas includes transmitting data from a radio at the master station to the radio at each of the gas monitor stations.

17. A method as set forth in claim 11 further including the steps of transmitting a computer program change from the master station to the radio in at least one of the gas monitor stations and changing a program in the computer in at least one of the monitor stations in accordance with the computer program change transmitted by radio from the master station.

18. A method as set forth in claim 11 further including the step of determining when the concentration of the selected gas in the atmosphere adjacent to anyone of the gas monitor stations has changed by more than a predetermined amount and transmitting a radio signal from the one gas monitor station to the master station in response to a determination that the concentration of the selected gas in the atmosphere adjacent to the one gas monitor station has changed by more than the predetermined amount.

19. A method as set forth in claim 11 further including the steps of determining at each of the gas monitor stations the length of time which has elapsed since transmission of a radio signal and transmitting a radio signal from anyone of the gas monitor stations to the master station upon determining that a predetermined length of time has elapsed since transmission of a radio signal.

20. A method as set forth in claim 19 further including the step of determining at the master station when the length of time which has elapsed since transmission of a radio signal from anyone of the gas monitor stations has exceeded a length of time which is longer than the predetermined length of time and providing an alarm signal at the master station in response to a determination that the length of time which has elapsed since transmission of a radio signal from anyone of the gas monitor stations has exceeded the length of time which is longer than the predetermined length of time.

21. A method as set forth in claim 11 further including the steps of transmitting a predetermined input voltage to a sensor at a gas monitor station, transmitting from the sensor at the gas monitor station an output voltage which is a function of the input voltage and the condition of the sensor, and determining if the sensor at the gas monitor station should be replaced as a function of the output voltage from the sensor.

22. A method of monitoring for a selected gas in an environment which may contain ignitable concentrations of flammable gas, said method comprises installing a gas monitor assembly in the environment which may contain ignitable concentrations of flammable gas, said step of installing a gas monitor assembly includes preventing ignition of any flammable gases around the gas monitor assembly by a spark within a housing for at least a portion of the gas monitor assembly by sealing the housing against entry of gas from around the gas monitor assembly, entering data into the gas monitor assembly by transmitting data from a location outside the housing to the portion of the gas monitor assembly in the housing, said step of entering data into the portion of the gas monitor assembly in the housing includes entering data relating to a predetermined concentration of a selected gas, thereafter, sensing the atmosphere outside the housing, initiating transmission with a radio in the housing when the sensed concentration of the selected gas in the atmosphere adjacent to the gas monitor assembly is at least as great as the predetermined concentration of the selected gas, and transmitting data corresponding to the sensed concentration of the selected gas from the radio in the housing to a master station while maintaining the housing in a sealed condition to prevent ignition of flammable gas around the gas monitor assembly by a spark within the housing during transmission of data from the radio in the housing.

23. A method as set forth in claim 22 wherein said step of transmitting data from a location outside the housing to the portion of the gas monitor assembly in the housing includes transmitting a radio signal from a master station spaced from the gas monitor assembly to the radio within the housing while maintaining the housing in a sealed condition.

24. A method as set forth in claim 22 wherein said step of transmitting data from a location outside the housing to the portion of the gas monitor assembly in the housing includes transmitting data from a data input device to control apparatus disposed within the housing.

25. A method as set forth in claim 24 wherein said step of transmitting data from a data input device to control apparatus in the housing includes opening an enclosure which encloses the data input device, and transmitting data from the data input device to the control apparatus in the housing.

26. A method as set forth in claim 22 wherein the housing includes a base and a cover which is secured to the base by a plurality of fasteners, said step of entering data into the portion of the gas monitor assembly in the housing includes releasing the plurality of fasteners, moving the cover from a closed condition to an open condition, and manually actuating switches enclosed by the housing when the cover is in the closed condition.

27. A method as set forth in claim 22 wherein the housing includes a base and a cover which is secured to the base, said step of entering data into the portion of the gas monitor assembly in the housing is performed with the cover in a closed condition, said step of entering data into the portion of the gas monitor assembly in the housing includes transmitting the data from a location outside of the housing.

28. A method as set forth in claim 22 wherein said step of installing a gas monitor assembly includes providing a plurality of sensors which are capable of sensing a plurality of different gases, said step of entering data includes entering data relating to a predetermined concentration of each gas of the plurality of different gases, said step of transmitting data includes transmitting data corresponding to the sensed concentration of each of the gases of the plurality of gases.

29. A method of monitoring for a selected gas from a potential source of the selected gas, said method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of gas monitor stations at locations spaced from the potential source of the selected gas and from a master station, said step of providing a plurality of gas monitor stations includes providing a programmable computer connected with a radio and a sensor at each of the gas monitor stations, transmitting a computer program change from a radio in the master station to the radio in at least a first gas monitor station, changing a program in the computer in at least the first gas monitor station in accordance with the computer program change transmitted by radio from the master station, transmitting data relating to the selected gas from the radio in the master station to the radio in at least the first gas monitor station, storing the data relating to the selected gas transmitted to the radio in the first gas monitor station in the computer in the first gas monitor station, sensing atmosphere adjacent to the first gas monitor station, operating the computer in the first gas monitor station in accordance with the program change transmitted from the master station, transmitting a radio signal from the first gas monitor station to the master station when operation of the computer in the first gas monitor station indicates that a sensed concentration of the selected gas in the atmosphere adjacent to the first gas monitor station is in accordance with a function of the data stored in the computer in the first gas monitor station.

30. A method as set forth in claim 29, wherein said step of providing a plurality of gas monitor stations includes enclosing the computer and radio at each of the gas monitor stations in a housing which is sealed against entry of gas from the atmosphere around the gas monitor station.

31. A method as set forth in claim 29 further including the steps of determining at each of the gas monitor stations the length of time which has elapsed since transmission of a radio signal, and transmitting a radio signal from anyone of the gas monitor stations to the master station upon determining that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since transmission of a radio signal from the one gas monitor station.

32. A method as set forth in claim 29 wherein said step of transmitting data relating to the selected gas from the radio in the master station to the radio in the first gas monitor station includes transmitting data relating to an average permissible magnitude of concentration of the selected gas over a predetermined period of time at the first gas monitor station, and transmitting a radio signal from the first gas monitor station to the master station in response to sensing of an average concentration of the selected gas greater than the permissible magnitude.

33. A method as set forth in claim 29 further including the step of eliminating the effect of transient variations in the concentration of the selected gas in the atmosphere adjacent to the first gas monitor station by averaging the sensed magnitude of the selected gas over a period of time of thirty seconds or less.

34. A method as set forth in claim 29 wherein the radio at the first gas monitor station utilizes electrical energy at a first rate when the radio at the first gas monitor station is in a transmit mode and is transmitting to the master station and utilizes electrical energy at a second rate which is less than the first rate when the radio at the first gas monitor station is in a standby mode, said method further includes maintaining the radio at the first gas monitor station in the standby mode except when the radio at the first gas monitor station is transmitting.

35. A method as set forth in claim 29 wherein said step of transmitting data relating to the selected gas from the radio in the master station to the radio in the first gas monitor station includes transmitting data relating to a moving average gas concentration over a predetermined length of time, said method further includes determining when the moving average of sensed concentration over a predetermined length of time of the selected gas in the atmosphere adjacent to the first gas monitor station exceeds a predetermined magnitude, and transmitting a radio signal from the radio at the first gas monitor station to the master station in response to a determination that the moving average concentration of the selected gas over the predetermined length of time exceeds the predetermined magnitude.

36. A method as set forth in claim 29 further including the steps of transmitting a predetermined input voltage to a sensor at each of the gas monitor stations, transmitting an output voltage from the sensor at each of the gas monitor stations, and determining if the sensor at anyone of the gas monitor stations should be replaced as a function of the magnitude of the output voltage.

37. A method of monitoring a selected operating condition, said method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of monitor stations at spaced apart locations in an environment which may contain an ignitable concentration of flammable gas, said step of providing a plurality of monitor stations includes providing a programmable computer connected with a radio and a sensor at each of the monitor stations and preventing ignition of any flammable gas around the gas monitor stations by a spark within a housing for the computer and radio at anyone of the monitor stations by sealing the housings against entry of gas from around the gas monitor stations, transmitting a computer program change from a master station radio to the radio in at least one of the monitor stations, changing a program in the computer in at least one of the monitor stations in accordance with the computer program change transmitted by radio from the master station, sensing conditions with the sensors at the monitor stations, operating a computer at each of the monitor stations in accordance with a program in the computer at each of the monitor stations, and transmitting a radio signal from at least one of the monitor stations to the master station in response to sensing of a predetermined condition.

38. A method as set forth in claim 37 wherein said step of sensing conditions at each of the monitor stations includes sensing atmosphere adjacent to the monitor stations while the housings for the computers and radios at the gas monitor stations remain sealed, said step of transmitting a radio signal from at least one of the monitor stations to the master station in response to sensing of a predetermined condition includes transmitting a radio signal in response to the sensing of a variation in concentration of a selected gas in the atmosphere.

39. A method as set forth in claim 37 further including the step of transmitting a change in magnitude of data stored in a computer from the master station to a selected one of the monitor stations, changing the magnitude of the data stored in the computer at the selected one of the monitor stations without changing the program in the computer at the selected one of the monitor stations, transmitting a radio signal from the selected one of the monitor stations to the master station in response to sensing of a condition corresponding to the changed magnitude of the data stored in the computer at the selected one of the monitor stations.

40. A method as set forth in claim 37 wherein said step of operating a computer at each of the monitor stations includes performing a step-by-step procedure with the computer at each of the monitor stations in accordance with a program in each of the computers, said step of transmitting a radio signal from at least one of the monitor stations to the master station in response to sensing of a predetermined condition includes transmitting a radio signal from the one monitor station to the master station when performance of the step-by-step procedure results in the sensed condition corresponding to a predetermined function of data stored in the computer at the one monitor station.

41. A method as set forth in claim 37 further including the step of entering data relating to a predetermined magnitude of concentration of a the data from the radio at the master station to each of the radios at the monitor stations and storing the data received by each of the radios at each of the monitor stations in the computers at each of the monitor stations while the housings for the computers and radios at the gas monitor stations remain sealed.

42. A method as set forth in claim 37 wherein said step of sensing conditions at each of the monitor stations includes sensing atmosphere adjacent to each of the monitor stations, said step of operating a computer at each of the monitor stations includes determining when a sensed concentration of the selected gas is a predetermined function of the predetermined concentration of the selected gas, said step of transmitting a radio signal from at least one of the monitor stations to the master station is performed in response to the computer at the one monitor station determining that the sensed concentration of the selected gas is the predetermined function of the predetermined concentration of the selected gas.

43. A method of monitoring a selected operating condition, said method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of monitor stations at spaced apart locations, said step of providing a plurality of monitor stations includes providing a programmable computer connected with a radio and a sensor at each of the monitor stations, transmitting a computer program change from a master station radio to the radio in at least one of the monitor stations, changing a program in the computer in at least one of the monitor stations in accordance with the computer program change transmitted by radio from the master station, entering data relating to a predetermined magnitude of concentration of a selected gas into computers at each of the monitor stations by transmitting the data from the radio at the master station to each of the radios at the monitor stations and storing the data received by each of the radios at each of the monitor stations in the computers at each of the monitor stations, sensing conditions with the sensors at the monitor stations, operating a computer at each of the monitor stations in accordance with a program in the computer at each of the monitor stations, and transmitting a radio signal from at least one of the monitor stations to the master station in response to sensing of a predetermined condition.

44. A method as set forth in claim 43 wherein said step of sensing conditions at each of the monitor stations includes sensing atmosphere adjacent to at least one of the monitor stations, said step of transmitting a radio signal from at least one of the monitor stations to the master station in response to sensing of a predetermined condition includes transmitting a radio signal in response to the sensing of a variation in concentration of the selected gas in the atmosphere.

45. A method as set forth in claim 43 wherein said step of sensing conditions at each of the monitor stations includes sensing fluid flow with a sensor at one of the monitor stations, said step of transmitting a radio signal from at least one of the monitor stations to the master station in response to sensing of a predetermined condition includes transmitting a radio signal in response to the sensing of a variation in the fluid flow.

46. A method as set forth in claim 45 wherein said step of sensing fluid flow with a sensor includes sensing fluid flow in a conduit.

47. A method as set forth in claim 43 wherein said step of sensing conditions at each of the monitor stations includes sensing temperature with a sensor at one of the monitor stations, said step of transmitting a radio signal from at least one of the monitor stations to the master station in response to sensing of a predetermined condition includes transmitting a radio signal in response to the sensing of a variation in temperature.

48. A method as set forth in claim 43 wherein said step of sensing conditions at each of the monitor stations includes sensing force with a sensor at one of the monitor stations, said step of transmitting a radio signal from at least one of the monitor stations to the master station in response to sensing of a predetermined condition includes transmitting a radio signal in response to the sensing of a variation in force.

49. A method as set forth in claim 43 further including the step of transmitting a change in magnitude of data stored in a computer from the master station to a selected one of the monitor stations, changing the magnitude of the data stored in the computer at the selected one of the monitor stations without changing the program in the computer at the selected one of the monitor stations, transmitting a radio signal from the selected one of the monitor stations to the master station in response to sensing of a condition corresponding to the changed magnitude of the data stored in the computer at the selected one of the monitor stations.

50. A method as set forth in claim 43 wherein said step of operating a computer at each of the monitor stations includes performing a step-by-step procedure with the computer at each of the monitor stations in accordance with a program in each of the computers, said step of transmitting a radio signal from at least one of the monitor stations to the master station in response to sensing of a predetermined condition includes transmitting a radio signal from the one monitor station to the master station when performance of the step-by-step procedure results in the sensed condition corresponding to a predetermined function of data stored in the computer at the one monitor station.

51. A method as set forth in claim 43 wherein providing a plurality of monitor stations at spaced apart locations includes providing a plurality of gas monitor stations in an environment which may contain ignitable concentrations of flammable gas, said step of providing a plurality of gas monitor stations includes preventing ignition of any flammable gas around the gas monitor stations by a spark within a housing for the computer and radio by sealing the housing against entry of gas from around gas monitor station.

52. A method as set forth in claim 43 wherein said step of sensing conditions at each of the monitor stations includes sensing atmosphere adjacent to each of the monitor stations, said step of operating a computer at each of the monitor stations includes determining when a sensed concentration of the selected gas is a predetermined function of the predetermined concentration of the selected gas, said step of transmitting a radio signal from at least one of the monitor stations to the master station is performed in response to the computer at the one monitor station determining that the sensed concentration of the selected gas is the predetermined function of the predetermined concentration of the selected gas.

53. A method of monitoring a selected operating condition, said method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of monitor stations at locations which are spaced from a master station, said step of providing a plurality of monitor stations includes providing a computer connected with a radio and a sensor at each of the monitor stations, transmitting data from a radio at the master station to each of the monitor stations, storing the data transmitted to the radios at each of the monitor stations in the computers at each of the monitor stations, sensing conditions with the sensors at each of the monitor stations, and transmitting a radio signal from the radio at anyone of the monitor stations to the radio at the master station in response to sensing of a condition which is a function of the data stored in the computer at the one monitor station, said step of providing a plurality of monitor stations includes providing a plurality of gas monitor stations in an environment which may contain ignitable concentrations of flammable gas, said step of providing a plurality of gas monitor stations includes preventing ignition of any flammable gas around the gas monitor stations by a spark within a housing for the computer and radio by sealing the housing against entry of gas from around gas monitor station.

54. A method as set forth in claim 53 further including the steps of determining at each of the gas monitor stations the length of time which has elapsed since transmission of a radio signal, and transmitting a radio signal from anyone of the gas monitor stations to the master station upon determining that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since transmission of a radio signal.

55. A method as set forth in claim 53 wherein said step of transmitting data from a radio at the master station to each of the monitor stations includes transmitting data relating to an average permissible magnitude of concentration of the flammable gas over a predetermined period of time, and transmitting a radio signal from anyone of the gas monitor stations to the master station in response to sensing of an average concentration of the flammable gas greater than the permissible magnitude.

56. A method as set forth in claim 53 further including the step of eliminating the effect of transient variations in the concentration of the flammable gas in the atmosphere adjacent to the gas monitor stations by averaging the sensed magnitude of the flammable gas over a period of time of thirty seconds or less.

57. A method as set forth in claim 53 wherein the radio at each gas monitor station utilizes electrical energy at a first rate when the radio is in a transmit mode and is transmitting to the master station and utilizes electrical energy at a second rate which is less than the first rate when the radio is in a standby mode, said method further includes maintaining the radio at each of the gas monitor stations in the standby mode except when the radio is transmitting.

58. A method as set forth in claim 53 wherein said step of transmitting data from a radio at the master station to each of the gas monitor stations includes transmitting data relating to a moving average gas concentration over a predetermined length of time, said method further includes determining when the moving average of sensed concentration over a predetermined length of time of the flammable gas in the atmosphere adjacent to one of the monitor stations exceeds a predetermined magnitude, and transmitting a radio signal to the master station in response to a determination that the moving average concentration of the flammable gas over the predetermined length of time exceeds the predetermined magnitude.

59. A method as set forth in claim 53 further including the steps of transmitting a predetermined input voltage to the sensor at each of the gas monitor stations, transmitting an output voltage from the sensor at each of the gas monitor stations, determining if the sensor at anyone of the gas monitor stations should be replaced as a function of the magnitude of the output voltage, and transmitting a radio signal from the radio at a gas monitor station to the radio at the master station in response to a determination that a sensor should be replaced.

60. A method as set forth in claim 53 further including the steps of transmitting a computer program change from the radio at the master station to the radio in at least one of the gas monitor stations, changing a program in at least one of the computers in at least one of the gas monitor stations in accordance with the computer program change transmitted by radio from the master station.

61. A method as set forth in claim 60 further including the step of transmitting a change in magnitude of a set point in a computer program from the radio in the master station to the radio in at least one of the gas monitor stations, and changing the magnitude of the set point in the program in the computer in at least one of the gas monitor stations without changing the program in the computer.

62. A method of monitoring for a selected gas, said method comprising the steps of positioning a plurality of portable gas monitor stations at a plurality of locations spaced from a master station, said step of positioning a plurality of portable gas monitor stations includes positioning portable gas monitor stations having a global positioning system receiver, a gas sensor, and a radio at each of the locations, processing satellite signals received by the global positioning system receivers at each of the gas monitor stations to determine the location of each of the gas monitor stations, transmitting a signal indicative of a position of each portable gas monitor station from a radio at each portable gas monitor station to the master station, transmitting data relating to the selected gas from a radio at the master station to the radios at each of the portable gas monitor stations, storing the data transmitted from the master station and relating to the selected gas in the computers at each of the portable gas monitor stations, sensing atmosphere adjacent to each of the portable gas monitor stations, and transmitting a signal from the radio at anyone of the portable gas monitor stations to the radio at the master station in response to sensing of a predetermined concentration of the selected gas.

63. A method as set forth in claim 62 wherein said step of positioning a plurality of portable gas monitor stations includes positioning a portable gas monitor station having an explosion-proof housing which is sealed against entry of gas from the atmosphere at each of the locations.

64. A method as set forth in claim 62 further including the step of changing a program in the computer in at least one of the portable gas monitor stations in accordance with a computer program change transmitted by radio from the master station.

65. A method as set forth in claim 62 further including the steps of determining at each of the portable gas monitor stations the length of time which has elapsed since transmission of a radio signal, and transmitting a radio signal from anyone of the portable gas monitor stations to the master station upon determining that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since transmission of a radio signal.

66. A method as set forth in claim 62 wherein said step of transmitting data from the master station to each of the portable gas monitor stations includes transmitting data relating to an average permissible magnitude of concentration of the selected gas over a predetermined period of time, and transmitting a radio signal from any one of the portable gas monitor stations to the master station in response to sensing of an average concentration of the selected gas greater than the permissible magnitude.

67. A method as set forth in claim 62 further including the step of eliminating the effect of transient variations in the concentration of the selected gas in the atmosphere adjacent to the portable gas monitor stations by averaging the sensed magnitude of the selected gas over a period of time of thirty seconds or less.

68. A method as set forth in claim 62 wherein a radio at each portable gas monitor station utilizes electrical energy at a first rate when the radio is in a transmit mode and is transmitting to the master station and utilizes electrical energy at a second rate which is less than the first rate when the radio is in a standby mode, said method further includes maintaining the radio at each of the portable gas monitor stations in the standby mode except when the radio is transmitting.

69. A method as set forth in claim 62 wherein said step of transmitting data from the master station to each of the portable gas monitor stations includes transmitting data relating to a moving average gas concentration over a predetermined length of time, said method further includes determining when the moving average of sensed concentration over a predetermined length of time of the selected gas in the atmosphere adjacent to one of the portable gas monitor stations exceeds a predetermined magnitude, and transmitting a radio signal to the master station in response to a determination that the moving average concentration of the selected gas over the predetermined length of time exceeds the predetermined magnitude.

70. A method as set forth in claim 62 further including the steps of transmitting a predetermined input voltage to a sensor at each of the portable gas monitor stations, transmitting an output voltage from the sensor at each of the portable gas monitor stations, determining if the sensor at any one of the portable gas monitor stations should be replaced as a function of the magnitude of the output voltage, and transmitting a radio signal from the radio at a portable gas monitor station to the radio at the master station in response to a determination that a sensor should be replaced.

71. A method as set forth in claim 62 further including the steps of transmitting a computer program change from the master station radio to the radio in at least one of the portable gas monitor stations, and changing a program in at least one of the computers in at least one of the portable gas monitor stations in accordance with the computer program change transmitted by radio from the master station.

72. A method as set forth in claim 71 further including the steps of transmitting a change in magnitude of a set point in a computer program from the radio in the master station to the radio in at least one of the portable gas monitor stations, and changing the magnitude of the set point in the program in the computer in at least one of the portable gas monitor stations without changing the program in the computer.

73. A method as set forth in claim 62 wherein said step of providing a plurality of portable gas monitor stations includes enclosing the computer and radio at each of the portable gas monitor stations in an explosion-proof housing which is sealed against entry of gas from the atmosphere around the portable gas monitor station.

74. A method of monitoring for a selected gas, said method comprising the steps of positioning a plurality of portable gas monitor stations at a plurality of locations spaced from a master station, said step of positioning a plurality of portable gas monitor stations includes positioning portable gas monitor stations having a global positioning system receiver, a gas sensor, and a radio at each of the locations, processing satellite signals received by the global positioning system receivers at each of the gas monitor stations to determine the location of each of the gas monitor stations, said step of positioning a plurality of portable gas monitor stations includes positioning a portable gas monitor station having an explosion-proof housing which is sealed against entry of gas from the atmosphere at each of the locations, transmitting a signal indicative of a position of each portable gas monitor station from a radio at each portable gas monitor station to the master station, sensing atmosphere adjacent to each of the portable gas monitor stations, and transmitting a signal from the radio at anyone of the portable gas monitor stations to the radio at the master station in response to sensing of a predetermined concentration of the selected gas.

75. A method as set forth in claim 74 further including the step of changing a program in the computer in at least one of the portable gas monitor stations in accordance with a computer program change transmitted by radio from the master station.

76. A method of monitoring for a selected gas from a potential source of the selected gas, said method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of gas monitor stations at locations spaced from the potential source of the selected gas and from a master station, said step of providing a plurality of gas monitor stations includes providing a housing which encloses a computer and a radio and which is connected with a sensor at each of the gas monitor stations, said step of providing a housing includes providing a housing which is sealed against entry of gas from the atmosphere around the gas monitor station, transmitting data relating to the selected gas to at least one of the computers at one of the gas monitor stations, said step of transmitting data relating to the selected gas is performed while the housing enclosing the computer to which the data is being transmitted is sealed against entry of gas from the atmosphere, sensing the atmosphere adjacent to the gas monitor stations while the housings at the gas monitor stations are sealed, and transmitting a signal from the radio at the one gas monitor station to a radio at a master station in response to sensing of a concentration of the selected gas which is a function of the data transmitted to the computer at the one gas monitor station.

77. A method as set forth in claim 76 further including the steps of determining at each of the gas monitor stations the length of time which has elapsed since transmission of a radio signal, and transmitting a radio signal from any one of the gas monitor stations to the master station upon determining that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since transmission of a radio signal.

78. A method as set forth in claim 76 wherein said step of transmitting data relating to the selected gas to the computer at the one gas monitor station includes transmitting data relating to an average permissible magnitude of concentration of the selected gas over a predetermined period of time, and transmitting a radio signal from the one gas monitor station to the master station in response to sensing of an average concentration of the selected gas greater than the permissible magnitude.

79. A method as set forth in claim 76 wherein said step of transmitting data relating to the selected gas to the computer at the one gas monitor station is performed by operating the radio at the master station.

80. A method as set forth in claim 76 wherein said step of transmitting data relating to the selected gas to the computer at one of the gas monitor stations includes opening a secondary housing which is connected with the housing which encloses the computer and radio at the one gas monitor station, connecting a data entry device with a terminal in the secondary housing, and transmitting data from the data entry device to the terminal in the secondary housing.

81. A method as set forth in claim 76 further including the step of eliminating the effect of transient variations in the concentration of the selected gas in the atmosphere adjacent to the gas monitor stations by averaging the sensed magnitude of the selected gas over a period of time of thirty seconds or less.

82. A method as set forth in claim 76 wherein a radio at each gas monitor station utilizes electrical energy at a first rate when the radio is in a transmit mode and is transmitting to the master station and utilizes electrical energy at a second rate which is less than the first rate when the radio is in a standby mode, said method further includes maintaining the radio at each of the gas monitor stations in the standby mode except when the radio is transmitting.

83. A method as set forth in claim 76 wherein said step of transmitting data to the computer at the one of the gas monitor stations includes transmitting data relating to a moving average gas concentration over a predetermined length of time, said method further includes determining when the moving average of sensed concentration over a predetermined length of time of the selected gas in the atmosphere adjacent to the one of the gas monitor stations exceeds a predetermined magnitude, and transmitting to the master station in response to a determination that the moving average concentration of the selected gas over the predetermined length of time exceeds the predetermined magnitude.

84. A method as set forth in claim 83 wherein said step of transmitting data to the computer at the one gas monitor station includes transmitting data from the master station to the computer at the one gas monitor station.

85. A method as set forth in claim 76 wherein said step of transmitting data to the computer at the one gas monitor station includes transmitting data from a data entry device.

86. A method as set forth in claim 76 further including the steps of transmitting a predetermined input voltage to a sensor at each of the gas monitor stations, transmitting an output voltage from the sensor at each of the gas monitor stations, determining if the sensor at any one of the gas monitor stations should be replaced as a function of the magnitude of the output voltage, and transmitting a radio signal from the radio at a gas monitor station to the radio at the master station in response to a determination that a sensor should be replaced.

87. A method as set forth in claim 76 further including the steps of transmitting a computer program change from the radio at the master station to the radio in at least one of the gas monitor stations, and changing a program in at least one of the computers in at least one of the gas monitor stations in accordance with the computer program change transmitted by radio from the master station.

88. A method as set forth in claim 76 further including the steps of transmitting a change in magnitude of a set point in a computer program from the radio in the master station to the radio in at least one of the gas monitor stations, and changing the magnitude of the set point in the program in the computer in at least one of the gas monitor stations without changing the program in the computer.

89. A method of monitoring for a selected gas from a potential source of the selected gas, said method comprising the steps of providing a gas monitor station having a housing which encloses a radio and a computer, opening the housing by rotating a circular cover in a first direction relative to a base portion of the housing, said step of opening the housing by rotating the cover includes rotating the cover about a central axis of the cover, performing at least one action while the housing is open, closing the housing after performing the at least one action, said step of closing the housing includes rotating the cover in a second direction opposite to the first direction to form a gas tight seal between the cover and the base portion of the housing, transmitting data relating to the selected gas to the computer in the housing with the housing closed and with a gas tight seal between the cover and the base portion of the housing, sensing the atmosphere adjacent to the gas monitor station with a gas sensor which is connected with the housing while the housing is closed and while there is a gas a gas tight seal between the cover and base portion of the housing, said step of sensing the atmosphere with the gas sensor is at least partially performed after performing said step of transmitting data relating to the selected gas to the computer in the housing, and transmitting a signal from the radio in the housing to a receiving location after sensing the selected gas, said step of transmitting a signal from the radio in the housing is performed with the housing closed and with a gas tight seal between the cover and the base portion of the housing.

90. A method as set forth in claim 89 wherein said step of transmitting data relating to the selected gas to the computer in the housing with the housing closed includes transmitting data to the radio in the housing and transmitting data from the radio to the computer in the housing, said step of transmitting a signal from the radio in the housing to the receiving location after sensing of the selected gas is performed in response to sensing of a concentration of the selected gas which is a function of the data transmitted to the computer in the housing.

91. A method as set forth in claim 89 further including the steps of determining the length of time which has elapsed since transmission of a signal from the radio in the housing, and transmitting a radio signal upon determining that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since transmission of a radio signal.

92. A method as set forth in claim 89 wherein said step of transmitting data relating to the selected gas to the computer in the housing includes transmitting data relating to an average permissible magnitude of concentration of the selected gas over a predetermined period of time, said step of transmitting a signal from the radio in the housing being performed in response to sensing of an average concentration of the selected gas greater than the permissible magnitude.

93. A method as set forth in claim 89 further including the step of eliminating the effect of transient variations in the concentration of the selected gas in the atmosphere adjacent to the gas monitor station by averaging the sensed magnitude of the selected gas over a period of time of thirty seconds or less.

94. A method as set forth in claim 89 wherein the radio at the gas monitor station utilizes electrical energy at a first rate when the radio is in a transmit mode and is transmitting and utilizes electrical energy at a second rate which is less than the first rate when the radio is in a standby mode, said method further includes maintaining the radio in the standby mode except when the radio is transmitting.

95. A method as set forth in claim 89 wherein said step of transmitting data relating to the selected gas to the computer in the housing includes transmitting data relating to a moving average gas concentration over a predetermined length of time, said method further includes determining when the moving average of sensed concentration over a predetermined length of time of the selected gas in the atmosphere adjacent to the gas monitor station exceeds a predetermined magnitude, and transmitting a radio signal to the receiving location in response to a determination that the moving average concentration of the selected gas over the predetermined length of time exceeds the predetermined magnitude.

96. A method as set forth in claim 89 further including the steps of transmitting a predetermined input voltage to a sensor at the gas monitor station, transmitting an output voltage from the sensor at the gas monitor station, determining if the sensor at the gas monitor station should be replaced as a function of the magnitude of the output voltage, and transmitting a radio signal from the radio at the gas monitor station in response to a determination that a sensor should be replaced.

97. A method as set forth in claim 89 further including the steps of transmitting a computer program change to the radio in the gas monitor station, and changing a program in the computer in the gas monitor station in accordance with the computer program change transmitted to the radio in the gas monitor station.

98. A method as set forth in claim 89 further including the steps of transmitting a change in magnitude of a set point in a computer program to the radio in the gas monitor station, and changing the magnitude of the set point in a program in the computer in the gas monitor station without changing the program in the computer.

99. A method as set forth in claim 89 wherein said step of transmitting data relating to the selected gas to the computer in the housing with the housing closed includes operating a radio at the receiving location.

100. A method as set forth in claim 89 wherein said step of sensing the atmosphere adjacent to the gas monitor station is continued during and after performance of said step of transmitting a signal from the radio in the housing.

101. A method of monitoring for a selected gas from a potential source of the selected gas, said method comprising the steps of providing a gas monitor station having a housing which encloses a radio and a computer, said housing having a base, a first cover, and a second cover which is smaller than the first cover, moving the first cover between a closed condition in which said first cover is sealed against entry of gas from an environment around the gas monitor station and an open condition, performing at least one action while the first cover is in the open condition, moving the second cover between a closed condition in which the second cover is sealed against entry of gas from the environment around the gas monitor station and an open condition, performing at least one action while the second cover is in the open condition, transmitting data relating to the selected gas to the computer in the housing while the first and second covers are in their closed conditions and with the housing sealed against entry of gas from the environment around the gas monitor station, sensing the atmosphere adjacent to the gas monitor station while the first and second covers are in their closed conditions sealed against entry of gas from the environment around the gas monitor station, said step of sensing the atmosphere adjacent to the gas monitor station is at least partially performed after performing said step of transmitting data relating to the selected gas to the computer in the housing, and transmitting a signal from the radio in the housing to a receiving location after sensing the selected gas, said step of transmitting a signal from the radio in the housing is performed while the first and second covers are in their closed conditions sealed against entry of gas from the environment around the gas monitor station.

102. A method as set forth in claim 101 wherein said step of transmitting data relating to the selected gas to the computer in the housing with the first and second covers in their closed conditions includes transmitting data to the radio in the housing and transmitting data from the radio to the computer in the housing, said step of transmitting a signal from the radio in the housing to the receiving location after sensing of the selected gas is performed in response to sensing of a concentration of the selected gas which is a function of the data transmitted to the computer in the housing.

103. A method as set forth in claim 101 further including the steps of determining the length of time which has elapsed since transmission of a signal from the radio in the housing, and transmitting a radio signal upon determining that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since transmission of a radio signal.

104. A method as set forth in claim 101 wherein said step of transmitting data relating to the selected gas to the computer in the housing includes transmitting data relating to an average permissible magnitude of concentration of the selected gas over a predetermined period of time, said step of transmitting a signal from the radio in the housing being performed in response to sensing of an average concentration of the selected gas greater than the permissible magnitude.

105. A method as set forth in claim 101 further including the step of eliminating the effect of transient variations in the concentration of the selected gas in the atmosphere adjacent to the gas monitor station by averaging the sensed magnitude of the selected gas over a period of time of thirty seconds or less.

106. A method as set forth in claim 101 wherein the radio at the gas monitor station utilizes electrical energy at a first rate when the radio is in a transmit mode and is transmitting and utilizes electrical energy at a second rate which is less than the first rate when the radio is in a standby mode, said method further includes maintaining the radio in the standby mode except when the radio is transmitting.

107. A method as set forth in claim 101 wherein said step of transmitting data relating to the selected gas to the computer in the housing includes transmitting data relating to a moving average gas concentration over a predetermined length of time, said method further includes determining when the moving average of sensed concentration over a predetermined length of time of the selected gas in the atmosphere adjacent to the gas monitor station exceeds a predetermined magnitude, and transmitting a radio signal to the receiving location in response to a determination that the moving average concentration of the selected gas over the predetermined length of time exceeds the predetermined magnitude.

108. A method as set forth in claim 101 further including the steps of transmitting a predetermined input voltage to a sensor at the gas monitor station, transmitting an output voltage from the sensor at the gas monitor station, determining if the sensor at the gas monitor station should be replaced as a function of the magnitude of the output voltage, and transmitting a radio signal from the radio at the gas monitor station in response to a determination that a sensor should be replaced.

109. A method as set forth in claim 101 further including the steps of transmitting a computer program change to the radio in the gas monitor station, and changing a program in the computer in the gas monitor station in accordance with the computer program change transmitted to the radio in the gas monitor station.

110. A method as set forth in claim 101 further including the steps of transmitting a change in magnitude of a set point in a computer program to the radio in the gas monitor station, and changing the magnitude of the set point in a program in the computer in the gas monitor station without changing the program in the computer.

111. A method as set forth in claim 101 wherein said step of transmitting data relating to the selected gas to the computer in the housing while the first and second covers are in their closed conditions includes operating a radio at the receiving location.

112. A method as set forth in claim 101 wherein said step of sensing the atmosphere adjacent to the gas monitor station is continued during and after performance of said step of transmitting a signal from the radio in the housing.

113. A method as set forth in claim 101 wherein said step of moving the second cover between the closed condition and the open condition includes rotating the second cover about a central axis of the second cover.

114. A method as set forth in claim 101 wherein the second cover is spaced from the first cover, said step of moving the first cover between the closed condition in which the first cover is sealed and the open condition includes moving the first cover between the closed condition in which the first cover is disposed in a sealing relationship with a first portion of a base of the housing and the open condition in which the first cover is spaced from the first portion of the base of the housing, said step of moving the second cover between the closed condition in which the second cover is sealed and the open condition includes moving the second cover between the closed condition in which the second cover is disposed in a sealing relationship with a second portion of the base of the housing which is spaced from the first portion of the base of the housing and the open condition in which the second cover is spaced from the second portion of the base of the housing.