Radio frequency security system, method for a building facility or the like, and apparatus and methods for remotely monitoring the status of fire extinguishers

• US 7,081,815 B2
• Filed: 09/23/2003
• Issued: 07/25/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/23/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
• Original Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
• Inventors: Runyon, Larry, Gunter, Wayne M., Gilbert, Ronald W.
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, HUNG T
• Application Number:
  US10/669,669
• Publication Number:
  US 20040070506A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,036 Days
• Field of Search: 340/540, 340/541, 340/539.1, 340/539.11, 340/539.31, 340/539.32, 340/572.1, 340/572.7, 340/572.8, 340/568.1, 340/691.1, 340/693.6, 340/572.4, 340/531, 169/51, 169/60
• US Class Current: 340/541
• CPC Class Codes: E05G 1/10 with alarm, signal or indicator E05G1/14 takes precedence; burglar, theft or intruder alarm per se G08B13/00; fire or explosion alarm per se G08B17/00
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/126 for a housing, e.g. a box, a safe, or a room

Abstract

A system for remotely monitoring the status of one or more fire extinguishers includes means for sensing at least one parameter of each of the fire extinguishers; means for selectively transmitting the sensed parameters along with information identifying the fire extinguishers from which the parameters were sensed; and means for receiving the sensed parameters and identifying information for the fire extinguisher or extinguishers at a common location. Other systems and methods for remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers are also provided.

Claims

1. A method of remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers, the method comprising:

coupling sensors to respective fire extinguishers in sensing relation to the fire extinguishers, the sensors each being configured to sense a parameter of the fire extinguisher to which it is coupled;

associating transmitters with respective fire extinguishers, the transmitters being configured to selectively transmit information identifying the fire extinguisher with which the transmitter is associated and to selectively transmit information indicative of the sensed parameter;

providing a receiver in selective wireless communications with the transmitters;

providing a computer coupled to the receiver, the computer being configured to maintain testing schedules for respective fire extinguishers and being configured to provide an output when it is time for an extinguisher to be inspected, tested, or undergo maintenance, the computer also being configured to selectively store information from a plurality of the transmitters; and

using a radio frequency identification device to define one of the transmitters and to also define a sensor to sense if the associated fire extinguisher is moved, the radio frequency identification device including a conductor configured to be broken in response to movement of the associated fire extinguisher.

2. A method of remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one of the transmitters is configured to communicate with the receiver via another of the transmitters.

3. A method of remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one of the sensors is configured to sense if the associated fire extinguisher is moved.

4. A method of remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one of the sensors is configured to sense movement of a fire extinguisher trigger pin relative to a fire extinguisher trigger.

5. A method of remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one of the sensors is configured to sense fire extinguisher pressure.

6. A method of remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers in accordance with claim 1 and further comprising defining at least some of the transmitters using radio frequency identification devices that respectively include a transmitter, a processor coupled to the transmitter, and a battery coupled to supply power to the transmitter and processor, and that are configured to selectively identify themselves to the receiver.

7. A method of remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers in accordance with claim 1 and further comprising using a radio frequency identification device to define one of the transmitters and also define a sensor.

8. A method of remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least some of the transmitters are defined by transceivers.

9. A system for remotely monitoring the status of a fire extinguisher, the fire extinguisher having a trigger and a trigger pin arranged such that the trigger pin must be removed before the trigger can be operated, the system comprising:

a tamper-indicating device including a tamper-responsive section and a tamper-signaling section, the tamper-responsive section defining a damage-sensitive portion between first and second coupling portions, the damage sensitive portion being in either an intact and a non-intact condition, the first coupling portion being adapted to be coupled to the trigger pin and the second coupling portion being adapted to be coupled external of the trigger pin of the fire extinguisher, the tamper-signaling section being configured to selectively transmit information indicating whether the damage sensitive portion is in the intact or non-intact condition, and the tamper-signaling section including a radio frequency identification device that includes a transmitter, and a processor coupled to the transmitter, and that is configured to selectively identify itself.

10. A system for remotely monitoring the status of a fire extinguisher in accordance with claim 9 wherein the tamper-signaling section is further configured to identify the fire extinguisher.

11. A system for remotely monitoring the status of a fire extinguisher in accordance with claim 9 and further including means for sensing if the fire extinguisher is moved.

12. A system for remotely monitoring the status of a fire extinguisher in accordance with claim 9 and further comprising a second tamper-indicating device including a tamper-responsive section, the tamper-responsive section of the second tamper-indicating device defining a second damage sensitive portion between third and fourth coupling portions, the second damage sensitive portion being in either an intact and a non-intact condition, the third coupling portion being adapted to be coupled to the fire extinguisher and the second coupling portion being adapted to be coupled external of the fire extinguisher.

13. A system for remotely monitoring the status of a fire extinguisher in accordance with claim 12 wherein the second tamper-indicating device includes a tamper-signaling section coupled to the tamper-responsive section of the second tamper-indicating device, the tamper-signaling section of the second tamper-indicating device being configured to selectively transmit information indicating whether the second damage sensitive portion is in the intact or non-intact condition.

14. A system for remotely monitoring the status of a fire extinguisher in accordance with claim 9 and further including means for sensing fire extinguisher pressure.

15. A system for remotely monitoring the status of a fire extinguisher, the fire extinguisher having a trigger and a trigger pin arranged such that the trigger pin must be removed before the trigger can be operated, the system comprising:

a tamper-indicating device including a tamper-responsive section and a tamper-signaling section, the tamper-responsive section defining a damage-sensitive portion between first and second coupling portions, the damage sensitive portion being in either an intact and a non-intact condition, the first coupling portion being adapted to be coupled to the trigger pin and the second coupling portion being adapted to be coupled external of the trigger pin of the fire extinguisher, the tamper-signaling section being configured to selectively transmit information indicating whether the damage sensitive portion is in the intact or non-intact condition, the tamper-signaling section being defined by a radio frequency identification device that includes a transmitter, a processor coupled to the transmitter, and a battery coupled to supply power to the transmitter and processor, and that is configured to selectively identify itself.

16. A system for remotely monitoring the status of a fire extinguisher in accordance with claim 15 wherein the tamper-signaling section is defined by a transceiver.

17. A system for remotely monitoring if a fire extinguisher is moved, the system comprising:

an RF tamper-indicating device including a tamper-responsive section and a transmitting section, the tamper-responsive section defining a damage-sensitive portion between first and second coupling portions, the damage sensitive portion being in either an intact and a non-intact condition, the first coupling portion being adapted to be coupled to the fire extinguisher and the second coupling portion being adapted to be fixed to a surface external of the fire extinguisher, the tamper-signaling section being configured to selectively transmit information indicating whether the damage sensitive portion is in the intact or non-intact condition, the tamper-signaling section including a radio frequency identification device that includes a transmitter, and a processor coupled to the transmitter, and that is configured to selectively identify itself.

18. A system for remotely monitoring if a fire extinguisher is moved in accordance with claim 17 wherein the tamper-signaling section is further configured to identify the fire extinguisher with which the first coupling portion of the tamper-indicating device is coupled.

19. A system for remotely monitoring if a fire extinguisher is moved in accordance with claim 17 and further multiple tamper-indicating devices coupled to respective fire extinguishers, and a common interrogator configured to selectively communicate with the tamper-signaling section of any of the tamper-indicating devices.

20. A system for remotely monitoring if a fire extinguisher is moved in accordance with claim 17 and further including means for sensing fire extinguisher pressure.

21. A system for remotely monitoring if a fire extinguisher is moved, the system comprising:

an RF tamper-indicating device including a tamper-responsive section and a transmitting section, the tamper-responsive section defining a damage-sensitive portion between first and second coupling portions, the damage sensitive portion being in either an intact and a non-intact condition, the first coupling portion being adapted to be coupled to the fire extinguisher and the second coupling portion being adapted to be fixed to a surface external of the fire extinguisher, the tamper-signaling section being configured to selectively transmit information indicating whether the damage sensitive portion is in the intact or non-intact condition; and

a second tamper-indicating device including a tamper-responsive section, the tamper-responsive section of the second tamper-indicating device defining a second damage sensitive portion between third and fourth coupling portions, the second damage sensitive portion being in either an intact and a non-intact condition, the third coupling portion being adapted to be coupled to a trigger pin of the fire extinguisher and the second coupling portion being adapted to be coupled to a fixed surface external of the trigger pin of the fire extinguisher, the second tamper-indicating device including a tamper-signaling section coupled to the tamper-responsive section of the second tamper-indicating device, the tamper-signaling section of the second tamper-indicating device being configured to selectively transmit information indicating whether the second damage sensitive portion is in the intact or non-intact condition.

22. A system for remotely monitoring if a fire extinguisher is moved in accordance with claim 21 and further comprising a common interrogator configured to selectively communicate with the tamper-signaling section of either of the tamper-indicating devices.

23. A system for remotely monitoring if a fire extinguisher is moved, comprising:

an RF tamper-indicating device including a tamper-responsive section and a transmitting section, the tamper-responsive section defining a damage-sensitive portion between first and second coupling portions, the damage sensitive portion being in either an intact and a non-intact condition, the first coupling portion being adapted to be coupled to the fire extinguisher and the second coupling portion being adapted to be fixed to a surface external of the fire extinguisher, the tamper-signaling section being configured to selectively transmit information indicating whether the damage sensitive portion is in the intact or non-intact condition, the tamper-signaling section being defined by a radio frequency identification device that includes a transmitter, a processor coupled to the transmitter, and a battery coupled to supply power to the transmitter and processor, and that is configured to selectively identify itself.

24. A system for remotely monitoring if a fire extinguisher is moved in accordance with claim 23 wherein the radio frequency identification device includes a transceiver.

25. A method of remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers, the method comprising:

associating transceivers with respective fire extinguishers, with at least some of the transceivers configured to cause an alarm signal in response to a fire extinguisher being moved, and with at least some of the transceivers configured to cause an alarm signal in response to extinguisher pressure below a predetermined threshold, the transceivers being configured to store and selectively transmit information identifying the fire extinguisher with which the transceiver is associated;

providing an interrogator in selective wireless communication with the transceivers;

providing a computer coupled to the interrogator, the computer being configured to maintain inspection, testing, maintenance schedules for respective fire extinguishers and being configured to provide an output when it is time for an extinguisher to be inspected, the computer also being configured to provide an output in response to an alarm signal being generated and

using radio frequency identification devices to define at least some of the transceivers and to also define sensors to sense if the associated fire extinguisher is moved, respective radio frequency identification devices including a frangible wire configured to be broken in response to movement of the associated fire extinguisher.

26. A method of remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers in accordance with claim 25 wherein at least one of the transponders is configured to communicate with the computer via another of the transponders.

27. A method of remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers in accordance with claim 25 wherein associating transceivers comprises configuring at least one of the transceivers to send an alarm signal in response to the associated fire extinguisher being moved.

28. A method of remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers in accordance with claim 25 and further comprising defining the transceivers using radio frequency identification devices that respectively include a transceiver, a processor coupled to the transceiver, and a battery coupled to supply power to the transceiver and processor, and that are configured to identify themselves to the computer.

29. A method of remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers in accordance with claim 25 wherein a plurality of transponders are configured to communicate with the computer via another of the transponders.

30. A system for remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers, the system comprising:

transceivers configured to be associated with respective fire extinguishers, with at least some of the transceivers including a frangible wire configured to break and cause an alarm signal in response to a fire extinguisher being moved, and with at least some of the transceivers configured to cause an alarm signal in response to extinguisher pressure below a predetermined threshold, the transceivers being configured to store and selectively transmit information identifying the fire extinguisher with which the transceiver is associated;

an interrogator in selective wireless communication with the transceivers; and

a computer coupled to the interrogator, the computer being configured to maintain inspection, testing, or maintenance schedules for respective fire extinguishers and being configured to provide an output when it is time for an extinguisher to be inspected, tested, or undergo maintenance, the computer also being configured to provide an output in response to an alarm signal being generated, the transceivers being defined using radio frequency identification devices that respectively include a transceiver, and a processor coupled to the transceiver, and that are configured to identify themselves to the computer.

31. A system for remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers in accordance with claim 30 wherein at least one of the transponders is configured to communicate with the computer via another of the transponders.

32. A system for remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers in accordance with claim 30 wherein at least one of the transceivers is configured to send an alarm signal in response to the associated fire extinguisher being moved.

33. A system for remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers, comprising:

transceivers configured to be associated with respective fire extinguishers, with at least some of the transceivers including a frangible wire configured to break and cause an alarm signal in response to a fire extinguisher being moved, and with at least some of the transceivers configured to cause an alarm signal in response to extinguisher pressure below a predetermined threshold, the transceivers being configured to store and selectively transmit information identifying the fire extinguisher with which the transceiver is associated, the transceivers being defined using radio frequency identification devices that respectively include a transceiver, a processor coupled to the transceiver, and a battery coupled to supply power to the transceiver and processor, and that are configured to identify themselves to the computer;

an interrogator in selective wireless communication with the transceivers; and

a computer coupled to the interrogator, the computer being configured to maintain inspection, testing, or maintenance schedules for respective fire extinguishers and being configured to provide an output when it is time for an extinguisher to be inspected, tested, or undergo maintenance, the computer also being configured to provide an output in response to an alarm signal being generated.

34. A system for remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers in accordance with claim 33 wherein at least one of the transponders is configured to communicate with the computer via another of the transponders.

35. A system for remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers, the system comprising:

sensors configured to sense removal, or tampering, of trigger pins of respective fire extinguishers;

wireless transmitters coupled to respective sensors and configured to selectively transmit whether the trigger pin of the respective fire extinguisher has been removed or tampered with, the wireless transmitters being defined by respective radio frequency identification devices that respectively include a transmitter, and a processor coupled to the transmitter; and

a receiver configured to selectively receive the transmissions for the multiple fire extinguishers at a common location, the receiver being defined by an interrogator, and the radio frequency identification devices beinq configured to selectively identify themselves to the interrogator in response to an interrogation signal from the interrogator.

36. A system for remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers in accordance with claim 35 and further comprising a computer coupled to the receiver and configured to maintain inspection, testing, and maintenance schedules for the respective fire extinguishers and to provide a signal when it is time for one of the fire extinguishers to be tested.

37. A system for remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers in accordance with claim 35 and further comprising a sensor, coupled to one of the wireless transmitters, configured to sense if one of the fire extinguishers is moved.

38. A system for remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers in accordance with claim 36 and further comprising a sensor, coupled to one of the wireless transmitters, configured to sense fire extinguisher pressure.

39. A system for remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers, the system comprising:

sensors configured to sense removal, or tampering, of tripper pins of respective fire extinguishers;

wireless transmitters coupled to respective sensors and configured to selectively transmit whether the trigger pin of the respective fire extinguisher has been removed or tampered with, the wireless transmitters being defined by respective radio frequency identification devices that each include a transmitter, a processor coupled to the transmitter, and a battery coupled to supply power to the transmitter and processor; and

a receiver configured to selectively receive the transmissions for the multiple fire extinguishers at a common location, the receiver being defined by an interrogator, and the radio frequency identification devices being configured to selectively identify themselves to the interrogator in response to an interrogation signal from the interrogator.