Patent ID: 7129847
Filing Date: 2006-10-31
Classification: G08B

Abstract:
1. A device for detecting an ambient condition, comprising: a first sensor to determine the presence of a condition, and provide an alarm signal; a filter disposed proximate to the first sensor such that an airflow passes through the filter before reaching the first sensor, wherein the filter is configured to prevent a particulate located in the airflow from reaching the first sensor; an airflow monitor that is configured to detect changes in the airflow resulting from the particulate collecting in the filter, the airflow monitor comprises a first element exposed to the airflow and a second element shielded from the airflow and exposed to an ambient environment, wherein the first element is configured to determine an airflow condition, the second element is configured to determine an ambient condition, and the airflow monitor is configured to provide an airflow signal based upon the determination of the first and second elements; and a processor that provides a status message indicative of the state of the alarm signal and the airflow signal.