Seismic detection and response system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A seismic switch comprising:
- at least one accelerometer;
a pressure sensor;
a controller operationally coupled with the at least one accelerometer and the pressure sensor, wherein the controller is configured to monitor signals from the accelerometer and the pressure sensor to detect an earthquake and to detect an explosion, wherein an earthquake is distinguished from an explosion based upon a signal from the pressure sensor;
a door release circuit operationally coupled with the controller and configured to release a door upon detection of an earthquake or an explosion; and
an emergency call circuit operationally coupled with the controller and configured to initiate an emergency call upon detection of an explosion but not upon detection of an earthquake.
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Abstract
A seismic switch is a programmable device capable of distinguishing between seismic movements due to an earthquake or an explosion, which is used to send a signal to control panels for security doors. The device uses accelerometers and a microcontroller for the detection and signal analysis of the seismic movements. In the event of an explosion or earthquake, the device produces an alarm.
67 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A seismic switch comprising:
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at least one accelerometer; a pressure sensor; a controller operationally coupled with the at least one accelerometer and the pressure sensor, wherein the controller is configured to monitor signals from the accelerometer and the pressure sensor to detect an earthquake and to detect an explosion, wherein an earthquake is distinguished from an explosion based upon a signal from the pressure sensor; a door release circuit operationally coupled with the controller and configured to release a door upon detection of an earthquake or an explosion; and an emergency call circuit operationally coupled with the controller and configured to initiate an emergency call upon detection of an explosion but not upon detection of an earthquake. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of operating a seismic switch comprising the steps of:
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providing a seismic switch having; at least one accelerometer; a pressure sensor; and a controller operationally coupled with the at least one accelerometer and the pressure sensor, wherein the controller monitors signals from the at least one accelerometer and the pressure sensor to detect an earthquake and to detect an explosion, wherein an earthquake is distinguished from an explosion based upon a signal from the pressure sensor; releasing at least one door and activating an emergency call circuit upon detection of an explosion; and releasing at least one door but not activating an emergency call circuit upon detection of an earthquake. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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13. A method of operating a seismic switch comprising the steps of:
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providing a seismic switch configured to detect an earthquake; fixedly mounting the seismic switch; periodically dismounting the seismic switch and placing the seismic switch on a vibration table, wherein the vibration table is operated to simulate the condition of an earthquake; and re-mounting the seismic switch when the seismic switch operates to detect an earthquake in response to the simulated condition of the earthquake. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of periodically testing a seismic switch comprising the steps of:
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mounting the seismic switch on a shaker table; operating the shaker table to simulate a first tremor having an amplitude less than a pre-determined amplitude, wherein the seismic switch does not activate an alarm condition; operating the shaker table to simulate a second tremor having an amplitude greater than the predetermined amplitude, wherein the seismic switch does activate an alarm condition; and removing the seismic switch from the shaker table and rotating the seismic switch by 90 degrees and remounting the seismic switch on the shaker table to test the seismic switch along another axis by repeating the forgoing steps. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification