Southeastern Universities Research Assn., Inc.

Southeastern Univ. Research Assn., Inc.

William K Brooks, Jr

The present invention describes a method for the detection of heat, incipient fire or combustion comprising the steps of: 1) incorporating a temperature-specific indicating agent which emits a specific detectable gas upon attainment of a predetermined temperature in an area where heat or incipient fire is to be detected, 2) providing a gas detector capable of detecting the specifically detectable gas emitted from the temperature-specific indicating agent; 3) detecting the specifically detectable gas; and 4) providing a warning or alarm when the specifically detectable gas reaches a predetermined concentration in the area. There is also disclosed a heat or incipient fire detection system comprising a temperature-specific indicating agent which emits a specific detectable gas upon attainment of a predetermined temperature and a detector for the specifically detectable gas.

Heat detection system and method

A method and apparatus for an incipient fire detection system that receives gaseous samples and measures the light absorption spectrum of the mixture of gases evolving from heated combustibles includes a detector for receiving gaseous samples and subjecting the samples to spectroscopy and determining wavelengths of absorption of the gaseous samples. The wavelengths of absorption of the gaseous samples are compared to predetermined absorption wavelengths. A warning signal is generated whenever the wavelengths of absorption of the gaseous samples correspond to the predetermined absorption wavelengths. The method includes receiving gaseous samples, subjecting the samples to light spectroscopy, determining wavelengths of absorption of the gaseous samples, comparing the wavelengths of absorption of the gaseous samples to predetermined absorption wavelengths and generating a warning signal whenever the wavelengths of absorption of the gaseous samples correspond to the predetermined absorption wavelengths. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus includes a series of channels fluidically connected to a plurality of remote locations. A pump is connected to the channels for drawing gaseous samples into the channels. A detector is connected to the channels for receiving the drawn gaseous samples and subjecting the samples to spectroscopy. The wavelengths of absorption are determined and compared to predetermined absorption wavelengths is provided. A warning signal is generated whenever the wavelengths correspond.

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Newport News, VA, United States of America

William K Brooks, Jr