Method and apparatus for concealing sensors in urban and industrial environments

• US 9,830,796 B1
• Filed: 04/26/2016
• Issued: 11/28/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/03/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Daniel J. Herbold
• Original Assignee: Daniel J. Herbold
• Inventors: Herbold, Daniel J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Tai T
• Application Number:
  US15/138,258
• Time in Patent Office: 581 Days
• Field of Search: 340540, 340541, 340603, 340605
• 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, that includes a building having an outer wall and an interior 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 vent in fluid communication with the container, the vent including an air outlet portion mounted on said outer wall and resembling a dryer vent;

(d) a fan operatively connected to the container, the fan drawing an airflow through the container, and wherein the air flow discharges through the vent;

(e) a control panel, the control panel being operatively connected to the sensor and fan; and

(f) wherein the sensor sends a warning signal to the control panel if chemical or biological agents are detected.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is installed in a building with the first and second vents being located on the exterior of the building outer wall and the panel being located on the interior of the building.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is installed in a building and the container is located on the outer wall of the building and the panel located on the interior of the building.

4. A system for concealing sensors in an urban environment that includes a building having an outer wall, comprising:

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

(b) a first vent mounted on said outer wall, the first vent resembling a dryer vent;

(c) a second vent mounted on said outer wall, the second vent resembling a dryer vent;

(d) a fan fluidly connected to both the first and second vents, the fan drawing an airflow through the first vent, and the air flow discharging through the second vent;

(e) a control panel, the control panel being operatively connected to the sensor and fan; and

(f) wherein the sensor sends a warning signal to the control panel if chemical or biological agents are detected.

5. A system for concealing sensors in an urban environment that includes one or more walls comprising:

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

(b) a first vent mounted on one of said walls;

(c) a second vent mounted on said outer wall, the second vent resembling a dryer vent; and

(d) a fan fluidly connected to both the first and second vents, the fan drawing an airflow through the first vent, and the air flow discharging through the second vent;

(e) a control panel, the control panel being operatively connected to the sensor and fan; and

(f) wherein the sensor sends a warning signal to the control panel if chemical or biological agents are detected.

6. A system for concealing sensors in an urban environment, that includes a building having an outer wall and an interior 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 vent that resembles a dryer vent mounted to a said wall;

(d) a conduit that connects the vent with container; and

(e) a fan operatively connected to the container, the fan drawing an airflow through the container, and wherein the air flow discharges through the vent;

(f) a control panel, the control panel being operatively connected to the sensor and fan; and

(g) wherein the sensor sends a warning signal to the control panel if chemical or biological agents are detected.