Multiple alert smoke detector

• US 5,587,705 A
• Filed: 08/29/1994
• Issued: 12/24/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 08/29/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Gary J. Morris Phd
• Original Assignee: Gary J. Morris Phd
• Inventors: Morris, Gary J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): MANNAVA, ASHOK K
• Application Number:
  US08/297,403
• Time in Patent Office: 848 Days
• Field of Search: 340/628, 340/629, 340/630, 340/504, 340/506, 340/517, 340/521, 340/539, 340/332, 340/815.4, 340/326, 340/329, 340/531, 340/539
• US Class Current: 340/628
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 17/00 Fire alarms; Alarms responsive to explosion
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/009 Signalling of the alarm condition to a substation whose identity is signalled to a central station, e.g. relaying alarm signals in order to extend communication range
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 7/066 guiding along a path, e.g. evacuation path lighting strip

Abstract

The battery powered smoke detector of the present invention is designed to provide an early warning of the presence of an environmental condition of fire or smoke to persons in remote areas of a building with respect to the location of the environmental condition. The smoke detector sensing the environmental condition emits an audible alarm of continuous tone, while emitting a frequency modulated radio signal directly to other like smoke detectors to activate their alarms in a manner indicative of the location of the smoke detector sensing the environmental alarm condition. Rechargeable light modules separate from the smoke detector are included that receive the frequency modulated radio signal from the smoke detector sensing the environmental alarm condition and illuminate paths of egress for the duration of the alarm condition or in case of 120VAC power failure. All components of the system are easy to install due to the modular design and conventional power sources. An intermittent activation of the frequency modulated receiving circuitry in the smoke detector unit conserves battery energy.

Claims

1. A multiple alert smoke detection system comprising:

(a) a minimum of two multiple alert smoke detectors, each detector comprising sensor means for sensing the presence of smoke, each detector comprising an audible alarm;

(b) each detector comprising means for actuation of said audible alarm for the duration of the sensor means sensing of the smoke;

(c) each detector comprising means for wireless direct communication with other smoke detectors of said system, each detector comprising a transmitter for transmitting user selectable, coded frequency modulated radio signal transmission, each smoke detectors comprising user selectable, coded frequency modulated radio receiver each detector emitting an audible pattern defined by the radio signal received by the detector.

2. A multiple alert detection system comprising:

(a) at least two multiple alert smoke detectors, each detector comprising,

(i) sensor means for sensing the presence of smoke,

(ii) transmitter means for transmitting a frequency modulated radio signal,

(iii) a frequency modulated code selector to define a coded frequency modulated radio signal to be transmitted by said transmitter means,

(iv) receive means for radio signal reception,

(v) an alarm code selector to define a pattern of an audible code transmitted in said radio signal,

(vi) an audible alarm that emits said pattern of an audible code upon a receiver receiving said radio signal transmitted by said transmitter means.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said system further comprises a low voltage direct current rechargeable light module to illuminate paths of egress from a dwelling during an environmental condition as detected by the system, said module comprising a lamp, means for direct connection of the module to an alternating current power supply wall outlet, a transformer for conversion of the alternating power to a direct current, a rechargeable battery for powering the module upon alternating current power failure, an internal electrical switch, and a frequency modulated receiver, said switch causing said lamp to be energized by upon receipt of a coded frequency modulated radio signal by the receiver.

4. A method for providing multiple alert smoke detection for a dwelling comprising:

(a) providing the multiple alert detection system in a dwelling having a first floor and a second floor,

(b) locating a detector on the first floor of the dwelling, and

(c) setting the alarm code selector of the first floor detector to cause the transmitter means of the first floor detector to transmit upon detection of smoke a frequency modulated radio signal defining an audible pattern to all other detectors in said system instructing all other detectors to emit said audible pattern defined by the radio signal.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein said method comprises

(d) locating a detector on the second floor of the dwelling, and

(e) setting the alarm code selector of the second floor detector to cause the second floor detector to transmit upon detection of smoke a frequency modulated radio signal to all other detectors in said system instructing said all other detectors to emit an intermittent, dual audible pulse tone with periodicity.

6. A dwelling having a first floor and a second floor, said dwelling comprising:

(a) a multiple alert detection system comprising,

(i) sensor means for sensing the presence of smoke,

(ii) transmitter means for transmitting a frequency modulated radio signal,

(iii) a frequency modulated code selector to define a coded frequency modulated radio signal to be transmitted by said transmitter means,

(iv) receive means for radio signal reception,

(v) an alarm code selector to define a pattern of an audible code transmitted in said radio signal,

(vi) an audible alarm that emits said pattern of an audible code upon a receiver receiving said radio signal transmitted by said transmitter means.