Abstract:
A wireless electronic intercom system with integrated smoke alarm and over-temperature detection capabilities with the capability of providing audio communication between a plurality of systems is herein described. Each system is provided with a smoke detector. The alarm signal is alerted at the detecting system and at other systems connected wirelessly to it. An LCD display on the front of each system will provide information as to which building or area in which smoke has been detected. Additionally, each system is provided with a temperature sensor that can be set to alarm at specific under- and over-temperature limits that are set locally at each system. Other features include a wall mounting bracket, a power supply, a user changeable channel or frequency system, a push-to-talk (PTT) button, and a unit identification placard.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/352,640 filed Jun. 8, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a smoke and heat sensing and alarming system, and in particular, to a wireless intercom integrated with a smoke and heat sensing and alarming system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     For buildings in both the commercial and private sectors, few things are more important than the safety of the building&#39;s inhabitants. Due to the fact that people tend to place a high value on their property and personal safety, the marketplace has responded with a variety of products that are intended to protect both property and the lives of those using it. 
     Perhaps the most common of these products is the smoke alarm. Such alarms have undoubtedly saved countless lives since their use began. However, such alarms are only effective if there is someone to hear them. Remote buildings on properties such as garages, barns, storage sheds and other similar unoccupied buildings are left unprotected even if equipped with smoke detectors. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide fire monitoring and alarm systems for remote properties. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 4,550,311, issued in the name of Galloway et al., describes a remote sensing system in which a sensor detecting intrusion, fire, or the like transmits corresponding signals to a master station. The Galloway system further includes an automated unique station identification assignment method. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,999, issued in the name of Ishii et al., describes a fire alarm system including a plurality and variety of analog sensors in electrical communication with a single alarm section. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,889,468, issued in the name of Banga, describes a smoke alarm system with a plurality of sensors and transmitters for transmitting an alarm to a central monitoring unithe central monitoring unit is capable of automatically contacting emergency personnel via a telephone line when the alarm is issued. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these systems fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such systems do not provide a desirable range of sensing capabilities such as those suitable for detecting heating system failure in wintertime. Furthermore, many such systems do not provide useful post-installation customizability or functionality. Also, many such systems do not provide a means for users to receive and transmit information beyond that automatically generated by the system. Accordingly, there exists a need for smoke and heat sensing and alarming system without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for smoke and heat sensing and alarming system further providing features of customizability, functionality, and communication to augment the efficacy of the system. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means to sense smoke and heat in a residential or commercial structure and to alarm occupants as well as remote parties of the sensed hazard. The system provides a plurality of wireless intercom apparatuses each integrated with a smoke and heat sensing and alarming means. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide wireless two-way radio communication between each of the apparatuses. Each apparatus has an enclosure provided with a pair of antennas and other radio features including a power switch, a push-to-talk button, a channel selector, a volume switch, a microphone, and a speaker. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to facilitate quick and accurate identification of each of the apparatuses during setup and operation by providing each apparatus with a unique identification label. Each apparatus further includes an electronic intercom display providing visual indication of the current operational state of the apparatus including the current communications channel. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to enable simultaneous wireless communication between any number of apparatuses. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide both smoke and heat sensors for detecting a range of alarm-triggering conditions. Each apparatus includes a plurality of vents allowing the sensors to receive and test ambient air. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide each apparatus with an alarm display showing the local ambient air temperature and associated circuitry for determining whether the temperature is within a pre-programmed alarm range or whether smoke is present. The heat sensing and under-temperature functionality is particularly adapted for detecting failure of heating system in wintertime, which can cause severe damage to a remote facility and anything stored within the facility. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to automatically transmit an alarm signal and associated information to other apparatuses within the system network upon triggering of a smoke alarm or heat alarm, as well as a local alarm alerting nearby individuals to the presence of the alarm condition. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of acquiring a desired plurality of apparatuses, installing each apparatus at a desired location and ensuring that the vents are exposed, communicating between apparatuses by depressing the push-to-talk button and speaking into the microphone, providing smoke and temperature monitoring, and enhancing safety at the installed locations and for nearby persons. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a wireless intercom with smoke and heat sensing and alarming means  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an opposing front perspective view of the wireless intercom with smoke and heat sensing and alarming means  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of the wireless intercom with smoke and heat sensing and alarming means  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the wireless intercom with smoke and heat sensing and alarming means  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram depicting the major electrical component groupings of the wireless intercom with smoke and heat sensing and alarming means  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart depicting the operational sequence of the wireless intercom with smoke and heat sensing and alarming means  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 7  is an electrical schematic diagram depicting the major electronic components as used in the wireless intercom with smoke and heat sensing and alarming means  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  intercom with smoke and heat sensing and alarming means 
               15  enclosure 
               16  mounting aperture 
               17  vent 
               18   a  front panel 
               18   b  rear panel 
               18   c  top panel 
               18   d  bottom panel 
               18   e  side panel 
               20  power switch 
               25  first antenna 
               30  second antenna 
               35  push-to-talk button 
               40  channel up/down selector switch 
               45  volume up/down selector switch 
               50  microphone 
               55  speaker 
               60  alarm alphanumeric display 
               65  intercom alphanumeric display 
               70  identification labels 
               75  power supply 
               80  intercommunication system 
               85  transceiver module 
               90  5-volt regulator 
               95  microcontroller 
               100  smoke detector 
               105  temperature sensor 
               110  radio module 
               115  first functional block 
               120  second functional block 
               125  third functional block 
               130  first operational block 
               135  fourth functional block 
               140  fifth functional block 
               145  sixth functional block 
               150  second operational block 
               155  seventh functional block 
               160  eight functional block 
               165  ninth functional block 
               170  third operational block 
               175  tenth functional block 
               180  MOSFET 
               185  resistor 
               190  operational amplifier 
               195  NAND gate 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 7 . However, the disclosure is not limited to a single described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only one particular configuration may be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a wireless intercom with smoke and heat sensing and alarming means (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for sensing smoke or heat in a desired residential or commercial structure and alarming an occupant thereof. The apparatus  10  also provides a two-way radio transceiver for verbal communication between apparatuses  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , various views of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed.  FIG. 1  depicts a front perspective view of the apparatus  10 ,  FIG. 2  depicts an opposing front perspective view of the apparatus  10 ,  FIG. 3  depicts a rear view of the apparatus  10 , and  FIG. 4  depicts a bottom view of the apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  comprises a trapezoidal enclosure  15  which houses a plurality of electronic devices. The enclosure  15  is fabricated from materials such as plastic, metal, or the like and measures approximately eight (8) inches in height, ten (10) inches in width, and seven (7) inches in depth. The enclosure  15  may be mounted via a pair of mounting apertures  16  located on a rear panel  18   b  of the enclosure  15 . The mounting apertures  16  utilize existing fasteners such as screws which are inserted into a desired vertical surface such as a wall for insertion and securing within each mounting aperture  16  in a conventional manner. The apparatus  10  is provided with a side-mounted power switch  20  which activates or deactivates the apparatus  10  (also see herein below). A top panel  18   c  of the enclosure  15  is provided with a first antenna  25  and a second antenna  30  for the purposes of voice intercom capabilities and smoke and heat alarm transmitting capabilities, respectively. A front panel  18   a  of the enclosure  15  is provided with a push-to-talk button  35 , a channel up/down selector switch  40 , and a volume up/down selector switch  45  as provided as part of a conventional intercom system. The front panel  18   a  of the enclosure  15  also provides for a microphone  50  and a speaker  55  for a user to communicate with other apparatuses  10 . Also provided upon the front panel  18   a  is an alarm alphanumeric display  60  and intercom alphanumeric display  65  to allow for user interface with the apparatus  10 . A plurality of identification labels  70  is also provided which allows for user identification of the appropriate station location as depicted upon the alarm alphanumeric display  60  or the intercom alphanumeric display  65 , during initial setup and operation of the system. The identification labels  70  are preferably cardstock or similar paper which enables a user to write various alphanumeric characters which pertain to other structures which also comprise another apparatus  10 . A total quantity of eight (8) identification labels  70  is shown upon the apparatus  10  due to illustrative limitations. However, it should be noted that such a limitation is not intended to be a limiting factor of the present invention. A bottom panel  18   d  of the enclosure  15  is also provided with a plurality of vents  17  to allow for the entrance and exit of ambient air. The air is sensed for the presence of smoke or excess heat by internal components to be described in greater detail herein below. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 5 , a basic block diagram of the apparatus  10 , depicting the major component groupings of electrical devices, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. Internally within the enclosure  15 , an intercommunication system  80  is provided which interconnects and controls the devices upon the front panel  18   a  of the enclosure  15 . The intercommunication system  80  allows for voice communication between various or multiple apparatuses  10 . The intercommunication system  80  is comprised of electrical components and systems that are well known in the art and operate on authorized wireless frequencies in a licensed and controlled manner. The intercommunication system  80  consists of a transceiver module  85  which receives inputs from the push-to-talk button  35 , the channel up/down selector switch  40 , and the volume up/down selector switch  45 . When the push-to-talk button  35  is depressed an indication to the user that the transceiver module  85  is working properly will display upon the intercom alphanumeric display  60 . The intercom alphanumeric display  60  is located upon the front panel  18   a  and is preferably a liquid crystal display (LCD), yet other displaying means may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The push-to-talk button  35 , the channel up/down selector switch  40 , and the volume up/down selector switch  45  are comprised of common pushbutton electronic devices, yet other switching devices may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     Power is derived from the power supply  75  which is inserted into a common household outlet (see  FIG. 1 ) and also energizes a 5-volt regulator  90 . Power is received from the power supply  75  and to the power switch  20 . The power switch  20  activates and deactivates the operation of the apparatus  10 . The power switch  20  is depicted as a common rocker switch, yet other switching devices may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The transceiver module  85  comprises the first antenna  25 , the microphone  50 , and the speaker  55  as associated but external components. The microphone  50  is a common acoustic-to-electric sensor which transmits the user&#39;s verbal command to another apparatus  10 . The speaker  55  is a common electromechanical transducer which amplifies an audible warning for the user(s) or the verbal command initiated by another apparatus  10 . 
     Power from the 5-volt regulator  90  is then routed to a microcontroller  95 . Inputs to the microcontroller  95  include a smoke detector  100  and a temperature sensor  105  such as a thermal sensor. The smoke detector  100  contains its own internal local audible alarm as well as associated detection chambers which are common to existing dual sensor detectors. Outputs from the microcontroller  95  include a radio module  110  which works with the second antenna  30  and the alarm alphanumeric display  60 . Information relayed by the alarm alphanumeric display  60  preferably includes information such as, but is not limited to: current temperature, high alarm set point, low alarm set point, alarm conditions, and associated related information. In addition to displaying information from the local apparatus  10 , the alarm alphanumeric display  60  would also display information from other apparatuses  10  as part of a local communication network to inform other users about the conditions being observed within other rooms or structures. The alphanumeric display  60  is preferably comprised of a common liquid crystal display (LCD), yet other displaying methods may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a flow chart depicting the operational sequence of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The sequence provides teachings regarding the alarm operation of the microcontroller  95  and is not intended to provide overall unit operation of the apparatus  10 . Alarm sequence begins at a first functional block  115  where power is applied via the power supply  75 . Control then continues to a second functional block  120  and a third functional block  125  sequentially, which determines and then displays the ambient room temperature, respectively via the temperature sensor  105 . Such temperature readings are intended to be local at the apparatus  10  only. Sequence then continues to a first operational block  130  which determines if the temperature is out of pre-programmed restraint bounds. In the event of a positive response, control then flows to a fourth functional block  135 , a fifth functional block  140  and a sixth functional block  145  which disables the display of the local temperature as depicted on the alarm alphanumeric display  60 , sounds the alarm, and then sends the resultant alarm signal and associated information to other apparatuses  10  contained within the network. In the event of a negative response, control then progresses to a second operational block  150  which senses for the presence of smoke via the smoke detector  100 . In the event of a positive response, control then flows to a seventh functional block  155 , a eight functional block  160  and a ninth functional block  165  which disables the display of the local temperature as depicted on the alarm alphanumeric display  60 , sounds the alarm, and then sends the resultant alarm signal and associated information to other apparatuses  10  contained within the network via the microcontrollers  95  radio module  110  and the second antenna  30 . In the event of a negative response, the microcontroller  95  then checks for the presence of other apparatuses  10  in the network in alarm mode in a third operational block  170  via the transceiver module  85 . Should a positive outcome be realized, a local alarm is sounded by a tenth functional block  175  to alert nearby individuals to the presence of an alarm condition. Should a negative outcome be realized, operation returns to the second functional block  120  in a sequential manner. 
     Referring finally, to  FIG. 7 , an electrical schematic diagram depicting the major electronic components as used in the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The digital output of the smoke detector  100  is routed through preferably an N-Channel MOSFET  180  which is used to assist the microcontroller  95  in monitoring the active state. When the smoke detector  100  alarms, the voltage at the output pin is between 8V to 9V. This voltage is too high for the microcontroller  95  which can only handle voltages between 0V to 5V. Therefore, the gate of the microcontroller  95  is connected to the gate of the MOSFET  180  to trigger it on, yet keep the high voltage separated from the microcontroller  95 . Once the smoke detector  100  alarms, the voltage gates the MOSFET  180  and turns it on. The drain is connected to the 5-volt regulator  90 . When the MOSFET  180  is off the 5V is registered as a digital one (1) at the microcontroller  95 . When the MOSFET  180  turns on, a resistor  185  is connected to ground through the MOSFET  180  and the entire 5V is dropped across the resistor  185  leaving the microcontroller  95  to register a digital zero (0). 
     The radio module  110  is a 914 MHz high speed FM radio Transceiver module which is purchased from companies such as RADIOMETRIX© or equivalent manufactures. It will transmit and receive data preferably up to sixty-four kilobits per second (64 kbps). It is a crystal controlled Phase Locked Loop (PLL) Frequency Modulated (FM) circuitry for both transmitting and receiving. It has low power requirements able to run off of 2.7V to 6V DC, and typically uses only eight milliamps (8 mA) for transmit mode and one milliamp (1 mA) for receive mode. It is a half duplex transceiver which allows for bidirectional data transfer. Due to the way the radio module  110  is designed, it allows for white noise to be present at the input for the transmitted data. In order to correct the problem, an operational amplifier  190  was used to provide a reference voltage of 0.6V. This provides the adverse reaction of creating a negative input voltage. To address this situation, it must be inverted by a NAND gate  195 , thus producing a positive signal for the microcontroller  95  input as shown. The microcontroller  95  is being used as a control unit in addition to driving the alarm alphanumeric display  60  (note that the microcontroller  95  is depicted twice within  FIG. 7  for illustrative simplicity). It is used primarily to monitor the smoke detector  100 . If activated, the microcontroller  95  will control the radio module  110  to transmit a signal to alert other apparatuses  10  to enter alarm mode as well. Additionally, the microcontroller  95  monitors and displays the current room temperature. If the room temperature goes above or below preset limits, it will send a signal to the smoke detector  100  to alarm, and it will also command the radio module  110  to send a signal to the other apparatuses  10  to notify them of an alarm condition. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; installing fasteners into a desired vertical surface and engaging the fasteners with each mounting aperture  16  upon the rear panel  18   b  of the enclosure  15 ; ensuring that the vents  17  upon the bottom panel  18   d  of the enclosure  15  are exposed; inserting the power supply  75  into a desired household circuit; and, utilizing the apparatus  10  as described herein below to provide for audio communication over large local distances and temperature monitoring to ensure safety of people and structures. 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: ensuring that all apparatuses  10  are plugged in via the power supply  75  and activated by the power switch  20  which enables the intercom channel number to appear in the intercom alphanumeric display  65 ; communicating with other apparatuses  10  via depressing the push the push-to-talk button  35  and speaking into the microphone  50 ; enabling an indication of transmission to appear in the intercom alphanumeric display  65  when the apparatus  10  is in working order; releasing the push-to-talk button  35  when finished talking to ensure that all apparatuses  10  are able to communicate with each other; depressing the channel up/down selector switch  40  to change to a desired channel; adjusting listening volume via depressing the volume up/down selector switch  45 ; and, enabling the temperature and air to be read through the vents  17  on the bottom panel  18   d  of the enclosure  15  and into the smoke detector  100  and temperature sensor  105  for proper functioning. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Various modifications and variations can be appreciated by one skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application in accordance with the invention to enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with expected modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the invention.