Method and apparatus for concealing sensors in urban and industrial environments

• US 8,421,616 B1
• Filed: 05/24/2011
• Issued: 04/16/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/03/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Daniel J. Herbold
• Original Assignee: Daniel J. Herbold
• Inventors: Herbold, Daniel J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Tai T
• Application Number:
  US13/114,190
• Time in Patent Office: 693 Days
• Field of Search: 340/539.13, 340/539.26, 340/426.15, 340/426.19, 340/988, 340/989, 701/213, 701/207, 701/709, 701/37, 701/39, 701/43
• US Class Current: 340/539.13
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 21/16 for measuring distance of clearance between spaced objects
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 11/245 Housings for sensors
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1427 with transmitter-receiver for distance detection
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 15/001 Concealed systems, e.g. disguised alarm systems to make covert systems
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/02 Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0269 System arrangements wherein the object is to detect the exact location of child or item using a navigation satellite system, e.g. GPS
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/12 responsive to undesired emission of substances, e.g. pollution alarms

Abstract

The present invention provides a method of monitoring the position of a vehicle, vessel, rail car, barge, tanker truck that is loaded with bulk or hazardous material. A G.P.S unit is set to send a signal to a radio transmitter if the unit moves beyond a maximum permissible distance (for example, 50 feet or more). An oxygen sensor can be used to send a signal to a radio transmitter if oxygen levels fall below a selected minimum concentration. The radio transmitter can send the message to a tugboat crew, police department, fire department, company headquarters, civil defense office or other personnel if either of the unit has moved beyond the selected maximum travel distance or if oxygen levels fall below a minimum concentration. In addition to the radio transmission of oxygen concentration data and/or G.P.S position data, visible or audible alarms can be used such as strobe light, horn or the like. Also disclosed is a system for concealment of chemical and/or biological sensors in a building for urban or industrial environments.

Claims

1. A system for concealing sensors in an urban environment, comprising:

(a) a sensor, the sensor sensing chemical or biological agents;

(b) a container, the container housing the sensor and resembling an electrical box;

(c) a pipe connected to the container, and extending away from the container, the pipe resembling electrical conduit;

(d) a vent connected to the pipe;

(e) a fan operatively connected to the container, the fan causing an airflow to be drawn through the container and across the sensor, and through the pipe, and air flow to exit through the vent, wherein air flow across the sensor allows the sensor to detect chemical or biological agents in such air flow.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a control panel, the control panel being operatively connected to the sensor and fan.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the system is installed in a building being located on a ground surface, the building having an interior and a wall with interior and exterior sides, with the vent and container being mounted on the exterior side of the wall with the container being spaced above the ground, and the panel being located in the interior.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the vent is spaced apart from the container and the pipe passes from the exterior of the wall to the interior of the wall.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the system is set up to be monitored by security personnel, and the sensor sends a warning signal to monitoring security personnel if chemical or biological agents are detected.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the vent resembles a dryer vent.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing resembles an electrical breaker box.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor senses for chemical agents.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor senses for biological agents.

10. A system for concealing sensors in an urban environment, comprising:

(a) a sensor, the sensor sensing chemical or biological agents;

(b) a first vent, the first vent resembling a vent;

(c) a second vent, the second vent resembling a vent;

(d) a pipe connected to the first and second vents and housing the sensor;

(e) a fan operatively connected to the pipe, the fan causing an airflow to be drawn through the first vent, pipe and across the sensor, and air flow to exit through the second vent, wherein air flow across the sensor allows the sensor to detect chemical or biological agents in such air flow.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a control panel, the control panel being operatively connected to the sensor and fan.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the sensor sends a warning signal if chemical or biological agents are detected.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the system is installed in a building being located on a ground surface, the building having an interior and a wall with interior and exterior sides, with the first and second vents being mounted on the exterior side of the wall and the first and second vents being spaced apart from each other and the panel being located in the interior.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the system is set up to be monitored by security personnel, and the sensor sends a warning signal to monitoring security personnel if chemical or biological agents are detected.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein the first and second vents resembles a dryer vents.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein the sensor senses for chemical agents.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein the sensor senses for biological agents.