Abstract:
Apparatus for remote monitoring of a portable pressurized container, such as the tank of a fire extinguisher, includes a pressure sensor that detects pressure of material contained within a volume defined by the portable container and communications circuitry in communication with the pressure sensor that issues a signal containing information about the pressure detected by the pressure sensor to a remote central station.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/274,606, filed Oct. 21, 2002, now pending, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/832,531, filed Apr. 11, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,055, issued Jul. 1, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/212,121, filed Dec. 15, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,218, issued Oct. 16, 2001, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/879,445, filed Jun. 20, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,651, issued Dec. 15, 1998, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/590,411, filed Jan. 23, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,430, issued Jul. 7, 1998, and a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT/US97/01025, with an International Filing Date of Jan. 23, 1997, now abandoned, the complete disclosures of all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     This disclosure relates to fire extinguishers, e.g., of the type for domestic, office, or industrial use, and other pressurized fluid containers.  
         [0003]     Fire extinguishers are provided for use in all manner of environments, typically situated in standby condition in an unobtrusive location selected for reasonably easy access in a fire emergency.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0004]     In one aspect, the invention features an apparatus for remote monitoring of a fire extinguisher (e.g., a portable fire extinguisher or a portable, hand-held extinguisher) that includes a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure of fire extinguishing material contained within a volume defined by a fire extinguisher tank and communications circuitry in communication with the pressure sensor and configured to issue a signal (e.g., a wireless signal) containing information about the pressure detected by the pressure sensor to a remote central station.  
         [0005]     Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The communications circuitry may be configured to issue a signal upon detection by the pressure sensor of a predetermined pressure condition (e.g., a predetermined pressure reading). The communications circuitry may also be configured to periodically issue a signal containing information about the pressure detected by the pressure sensor to the remote central station. The communication circuitry may also be configured to receive signals from the remote central station, and may include in signals sent to the central station unique identification information that identifies the fire extinguisher from others.  
         [0006]     The pressure sensor may include a gauge (e.g., a Bourdon coiled tube gauge) mounted to the fire extinguisher and disposed in communication with the volume for detection and display of a pressure condition of the fire extinguishing material contained within the volume of the fire extinguisher tank. The gauge may include a gauge scale suitable and a pointer moveable relative to the scale for a visible indication of pressure. The gauge may also include an electrical switch that is tripped when the gauge pointer moves to a predetermined location relative to the gauge scale indicating the pressure condition is at a predetermined pressure reading.  
         [0007]     The apparatus of claim  1  further comprising a docking station that houses at least part of the communications circuitry.  
         [0008]     In implementations for use with a portable fire extinguisher, the apparatus may further include a second sensor, such as a tether, that detects removal of the portable fire extinguisher from its predetermined location (e.g., an installed location). The electronic circuit may also be configured to issue a signal to the remote central station upon detection of removal of the portable fire extinguisher from its predetermined location.  
         [0009]     The apparatus may also include an electroluminescent light panel that illuminates a portion of the fire extinguisher in a low light condition. It may also include a light sensor for detecting such a low light condition. The apparatus may include an audio signaling device that emits an audible signal when an out-of-range pressure condition detected. It may also include a timer configured to trigger an alert when an inspection is due for the fire extinguisher. If the communications circuitry is powered by a battery, the apparatus may also include a battery monitor for detecting and alerting a low battery condition.  
         [0010]     In another aspect, the invention features an apparatus for remote monitoring of a portable pressurized container, such as a fire extinguisher tank, that includes a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure of material contained within a volume defined by the portable container and communications circuitry in communication with the pressure sensor for issue of a wireless signal containing information about the pressure detected by the pressure sensor to a remote central station.  
         [0011]     Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The portable container is a fire extinguisher tank that is configured to be attached to a hand-held valve assembly. The communications circuitry may configured to issue a signal upon detection by the pressure sensor of a predetermined pressure condition (e.g., a predetermined pressure reading).  
         [0012]     These and other features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of a presently preferred embodiment, and from the claims. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a signaling fire extinguisher assembly;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of the signaling fire extinguisher of the signaling fire extinguisher assembly of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevational view of the fire extinguisher valve assembly of the signaling fire extinguisher of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of the signaling fire extinguisher assembly of  FIG. 1 ; and  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the fire extinguisher valve assembly of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram of the fire extinguisher valve assembly electrical circuitry for one embodiment of a signaling fire extinguisher assembly; and  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram of fire extinguisher docking station electrical circuitry for one embodiment of a signaling fire extinguisher assembly; and  
         [0020]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram of fire extinguisher docking station electrical circuitry for another embodiment of a signaling fire extinguisher assembly.  
         [0021]      FIG. 9  is a front elevational view of another embodiment of a fire extinguisher valve assembly, similar to  FIG. 2 , the fire extinguisher valve assembly housing being shown with the gauge removed to reveal electronic circuit disposed therewithin.  
         [0022]      FIG. 10  is a circuit diagram of an electronic circuit for a signaling fire extinguisher assembly.  
         [0023]      FIG. 11  is a similar circuit diagram of an electronic circuit for a signaling fire extinguisher assembly. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0024]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , a portable fire extinguisher assembly  10  includes a fire extinguisher  12  and a fire extinguisher docking station  14 .  
         [0025]     The fire extinguisher  12  includes a fire extinguisher tank  16  containing a fire extinguishing material, e.g., water, dry chemical, or gas, and a fire extinguisher valve assembly  18  (e.g., as provided by MIJA Industries Inc., of Rockland, Mass.) mounted to releasably secure a tank opening  20 . The valve assembly includes a body  22 , e.g., an integral body formed of molded plastic, and a trigger mechanism  24  for opening a valve  26  for release of fire extinguishing material, typically through a nozzle  28  (and, optionally, hose  30 ,  FIG. 2 ) provided to direct the released material in a desired direction, e.g., at the base of a flame. The valve assembly further includes a gauge  32  (e.g., a Bourdon coiled tubing gauge of a type also manufactured by MIJA Industries Inc.) to provide indication of the status of the fire extinguishing material within the fire extinguisher tank  16 . Extending from the rear surface of the valve body  22  is a male hard pin electrical connector element  48  for electrical and communication connection between the fire extinguisher  12  and the docking station  14 , as will be described below.  
         [0026]     The fire extinguisher is removably mounted on a wall hanger or bracket  34  ( FIG. 4 ), fixedly secured to a wall, W, or other surface. The bracket has a pair of opposed arms  36  that releasably engage about the neck region  38  of the fire extinguisher tank  16 , generally below the valve body  22 .  
         [0027]     Fixedly mounted to the wall, W, at a predetermined position generally spaced above the bracket  34 , is the docking station  14 . The docking station consists of a housing  40  with a hinged cover  42 . Disposed within the docking station housing are elements of electronic and communication circuitry, as described more fully below, and a power supply, e.g., a battery  44  ( FIG. 1 ). The face surface  46  of the housing defines a female socket  50  for electrical and communication connection between the docking station  14  and the fire extinguisher  12 , as will be described below.  
         [0028]     The fire extinguisher  12  and docking station  14  are positioned for contact closure between the male connection element  48  and the female connection socket  50  by snap fit engagement of the neck region  38  of the fire extinguisher tank  16  within the opposed arms  36  of the mounting bracket  34 .  
         [0029]     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the fire extinguisher valve assembly  18  contains electrical and communication circuitry  60  for issuing signals to the docking station  14 . For example, in the preferred embodiment, the circuitry  60  issues a signal  61  for a predetermined external condition, e.g., non-presence of the fire extinguisher, when the fire extinguisher is removed from the bracket arms  36 , thereby disengaging the male connector element  48  of the fire extinguisher  12  from the female socket  50  of the docking station  14 , and disrupting the closed connection  62 . The circuitry  60  also issues a signal  63  for a predetermined internal condition, e.g., existence of a low pressure condition in the fire extinguisher tank, for example, as described below with respect to  FIG. 9 , thereby opening the connection  64 .  
         [0030]     According to one embodiment ( FIG. 7 ), the signals  61 ,  63  are communicated via the electrical/communication connection of the male connector element  48  of the fire extinguisher  12  with the female socket  50  of the docking station  14  to electrical/communication circuitry  66  within docking station  14 . The signals indicating the presence of the fire extinguisher and that pressure in the fire extinguisher tank is above the predetermined minimum level are received by a connection and termination strip process control board (“PCB”)  68  and communicated to RF (radio frequency) communication electrical circuitry  74  within the docking station  14 . The signals are received by a microcontroller or ASIC  76  and transmitted via a 345.00 MHz SAW-based transmitter and receiver  78  and antennae  80  to a remote RF monitoring/signaling system receiver/transmitter (not shown), e.g., at a remote central station  210  ( FIG. 1 ). The electrical circuitry  74  also includes the power supply, e.g., battery  44 , for powering the microcontroller  76  and transmitter  78 , and also a low battery detector  84 .  
         [0031]     In another embodiment ( FIG. 8 ), the signals  61 ,  63  received by a connection and termination strip process control board (“PCB”)  68 ′ of electrical/communication circuitry  66 ′ are transmitted via hardwire connections  70 ,  72  to a remote central station  210  ( FIG. 1 ). In this embodiment, connection  70  is a two-wire connection in normally closed state, signaling the presence of the fire extinguisher, and connection  72  is also a two wire connection, but in normally open state, signaling that pressure in the fire extinguisher tank is above the predetermined minimum level.  
         [0032]     It is contemplated that, in other embodiments, signals  61 ,  63  may be communicated, e.g., simultaneously, via both hardwire (e.g., hardwire connections  70 ′,  72 ′ shown in dashed line in  FIG. 7 ) and RF (or other) communication circuitry to a remote central or other monitoring station e.g., central station  210  ( FIG. 1 ).  
         [0033]     In operation of a fire extinguisher assembly  10  of the invention, the fire extinguisher  12  is releasably mounted to bracket  34  fixedly secured to wall, W (or other surface), the bracket having a pair of opposed arms  36  that releasably engage about the neck region  38  of the fire extinguisher tank  16 , generally below the valve assembly body  22 . As positioned by snap fit of the extinguisher into the arms of the bracket, the male connection element  48  at the rear of the valve assembly  18  of the fire extinguisher  12  is engaged in electrical and communication connection with the female socket  50  of the docking station housing  14 .  
         [0034]     The docking station  14  contains a circuit board programmed with the protocols for certain alarms or signals relating to predetermined internal and external conditions, and a battery  44  for power.  
         [0035]     In the preferred embodiment, when the contents of the fire extinguisher tank  16  reach a predetermined low pressure point, the circuit  64  closes and signal  63  is issued, e.g., for communication to a central station. If the fire extinguisher  12  is removed, the circuit  62  is opened and signal  61  is issued and communicated to a central station. The central station may also send signals to the fire extinguisher assembly  10  to periodically check its status for internal and external conditions, e.g., low pressure and presence.  
         [0036]     Other embodiments are within the following claims. For example, in some instances, an electronic circuit  88  is contained on a circuit board  90  ( FIG. 9 ) mounted to the fire extinguisher valve assembly  18  beneath gauge  32  and powered, e.g., by battery  44  disposed within the docking station, or within a compartment (not shown) defined by the fire extinguisher valve body  22 .  
         [0037]     As in the embodiment shown, the circuit  88  may optionally further include an electroluminescent light panel  92  mounted upon the face  94  of the valve gauge  32 . (The electroluminescent light panel  92  mounted to gauge face  94  is shown also in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ).  
         [0038]     Referring also to  FIG. 10 , in some embodiments, the electronic circuit  88  includes the valve gauge pointer  96  and a contact  98  located in a region upon the gauge face  94  selected for interengagement of the contact and the gauge pointer, e.g., when the contents of the tank are at a low pressure condition. Interengagement of the gauge pointer and contact may optionally complete the circuit to illuminate the light panel  92 , thereby to generate a visual signal to passersby, warning of the low pressure condition of the fire extinguisher.  
         [0039]     Also, referring to  FIG. 11 , in some embodiments, an electronic circuit  88 ′ additionally includes a flashing unit  100  for intermittent illumination of the light panel, thereby to better attract the attention of passersby, and also to conserve battery life.  
         [0040]     The electronic circuit  88 ′ additionally or instead may, in some embodiments, include a contact  102  located in a region selected for interengagement of the contact  102  and the gauge pointer  96 ′ when the contents of the fire extinguisher tank are at a high or overcharged pressure condition.  
         [0041]     The electronic circuit  88 ′ may also include an audio signaling device  104 , e.g., as part of the docking station, for emitting, e.g., a beeping sound, instead of or in addition to the visual signal. The audio signal device may be triggered when the fire extinguisher is placed in use, e.g., upon removal of the pull pin  106  ( FIG. 1 ) securing the trigger thereby to trip a sensor. The audio signal may consist of a recorded information message, e.g., instructions for use of the fire extinguisher including the type of fire for which use is appropriate, e.g., papers, electrical, liquid, all types.  
         [0042]     The electronic circuit  88 ′ may also include a battery condition sensor  108  to actuate a visual and/or audio signal, e.g., at the central station, when a low battery condition is detected.  
         [0043]     The electronic circuit  88 ′ may also include a light sensor  110 , e.g., of ambient light conditions, to actuate illumination of the light panel  92 ′ in low or no light conditions, e.g., to signal the location of the extinguisher at night or upon loss of power to external lighting.  
         [0044]     The electronic circuit  88 ′ may also include a sensor  112  adapted to sense other local conditions, e.g., smoke or fire, to actuate illumination of the light panel  92 ′ and/or audio signal device  104  when smoke or other indications of a fire are sensed, e.g., to signal the location of the extinguisher when visibility is low.  
         [0045]     The electronic circuit  88 ′ may include a timer  114  set to actuate the visual and/or the audio signal after a predetermined period of time, e.g., the recommended period between inspections, unless the timer is reset.  
         [0046]     The electronic circuit  88 ′ may be responsive to a signal from an external source, e.g., a system of smoke detectors, a fire extinguisher or suppression system, or the like, to actuate the visual and/or the audio signal.  
         [0047]     The electronic circuit  88 ′ may also include an encoded identification specific to each fire extinguisher for receiving and dispatching signals or messages, e.g., of extinguisher condition or local status, via the electrical/communication connection with the docking station and/or the internal RF antenna, identifiable as relating to that extinguisher, to a central station and/or to other elements of a home or facility security system.