Extended smoke alarm system

• US 8,258,969 B1
• Filed: 02/15/2011
• Issued: 09/04/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 07/23/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hs Labs, Inc.
• Original Assignee: United Services Automobile Association
• Inventors: Billman, Bradly J.
• Primary Examiner(s): HUNNINGS, TRAVIS R
• Application Number:
  US13/027,899
• Time in Patent Office: 567 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 340/628
• CPC Class Codes: A62B 3/00 Devices or single parts for facilitating escape from buildings or the like, e.g. protection shields, protection screens; Portable devices for preventing smoke penetrating into distinct parts of buildings A62B1/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 17/10 Actuation by presence of smoke or gases , e.g. automatic alarm devices for analysing flowing fluid materials by the use of optical means
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/10 using wireless transmission systems G08B25/009 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 3/10 using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission

Abstract

An extended smoke alarm system and related methods are disclosed. In particular, embodiments of an extended smoke alarm system having wireless-signal-send-and-receive functionalities wherein the system includes one or more flashlights having at least wireless-signal-receiving functionality are detailed. Related methods for system use are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a detector including a computing system supporting at least wireless-signal-sending functionality and configured to detect the presence of a particular stimulus; and

a portable device having at least wireless-signal-receiving functionality;

wherein, on detecting the presence of the particular stimulus, the detector transmits a wireless activation signal that is transmitted to and received by the portable device and thereby activates projection of light from the portable device in response to receipt of the wireless activation signal by the portable device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable device is a portable flashlight.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable device is a cell phone.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the detector is a smoke detector.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the detector is a carbon monoxide detector.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the detector is a water detector.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the detector is a heat detector.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a remote control component used to test the detector and/or the portable device.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a remote control component configured to program the portable device such that the portable device responds to wireless activation signals of a specific kind.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote control component is configured to program the portable device such that the portable device only responds to wireless activation signals having a specific frequency.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable device is a flashlight and wherein the detector is at least one of:

a smoke detector;

a carbon monoxide detector; and

a heat detector.

12. A system comprising:

a detector including a computing system supporting wireless-signal-sending functionality and configured to detect the presence of a particular stimulus; and

a portable device wearable by a user and having wireless-signal-receiving functionality;

wherein, on detecting the presence of the particular stimulus, the detector transmits a wireless activation signal that is transmitted to and received by the portable device and thereby activates vibration of the portable device in response to receipt of the wireless activation signal by the portable device.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the portable device is a necklace.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the portable device is a bracelet.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the detector is a smoke detector.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the detector is a carbon monoxide detector.

17. The system of claim 12, wherein the portable device is wearable via a belt attachment.

18. A system comprising:

a detector including a computing system supporting at least wireless-signal-sending functionality and configured to detect the presence of a particular stimulus;

a portable device having wireless-signal-receiving functionality; and

a remote control component configured to transmit a wireless signal to the portable device to test the portable device;

wherein, on detecting the presence of the particular stimulus, the detector transmits a wireless activation signal that is transmitted to and received by the portable device and thereby activates projection of light from the portable device in response to receipt of the wireless activation signal by the portable device.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the remote control component is configured to program the portable device such that the portable device responds to wireless activation signals of a specific kind.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the remote control component is configured to program the portable device such that the portable device only responds to wireless activation signals having a specific frequency.