Patent Publication Number: US-7587926-B2

Title: Method and apparatus for testing detectors

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/758,826, filed Jan. 13, 2006, currently pending, which is herein incorporated by reference. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates to testing detectors, such as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and more particularly, to an improved device used for testing such detectors and the method of using the device. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are now commonly used in homes and schools and industrial and commercial facilities. They are frequently mounted to posts, ceilings or walls to alert an alarm for occupants and visitors when either smoke is detected or elevated levels of carbon monoxide are detected. To test such detectors for service or maintenance, a testing device or test dispenser is used. The prior art testing device for testing smoke or carbon monoxide detectors are often inadequate to reach detectors mounted in high elevated places on walls and ceilings in factories and large office buildings while the operator of the testing device is standing on the ground floor of the factory or office building having the high walls and ceilings. 
   The testing systems commonly used are either called an “open delivery system” or a “enclosed delivery system.” In an “enclosed delivery system,” the environment around the detector is controlled or enclosed, namely closed to everything but the detector and the testing materials. The testing chamber generally tries to cover the detector being tested so that the testing material may be applied in the chamber (and not the environment surrounding the chamber) to test the detector. Alternatively, in an “open delivery system,” a chamber is not used. Instead, the testing material is applied around the detector&#39;s environment, namely the open space around the detector. For many reasons, the enclosed delivery system is required in some environments. 
   In the enclosed delivery system, the testing chamber generally encloses the detector to be tested and provides a controlled space or chamber for accepting the detector. For example, the tester is placed against a wall or ceiling supporting the detector. As such, for testing purposes, the environment surrounding the detector is controlled. Extraneous materials in the surrounding environment are generally prevented from entering the testing chamber during testing. Associated with the test chamber is the material, such as an aerosol canister with the testing material or substance therein, used to perform the test. This testing material in the canister is generally directed at the detector to be tested in some fashion. As a result, the testing material within the canister is generally released directly into the test chamber to test the detector. 
   Another common problem with prior art testers is getting the testing device to seal properly against the wall or ceiling of a detector mounted at high elevations without breaking the seal on the enclosed delivery system. 
   HSI Fire and Safety Group LLC, Elk Grove Village, Ill. sells successful and popular testing devices made in accordance with the present invention under the trademark VERSA-TOOLS™. The VERSA-TOOLS™ kits include an aerosol test dispenser or canister, a telescoping test pole (e.g., 8 feet or 16 feet), an adapter pole for additional reach, and an equipment bag. The poles are durable, lightweight, non-conductive fiberglass. 
   Some testing materials, provided in aerosol form, include the Smoke Detector Tester™ dispenser or canister which specifically tests both photoelectric and ionization smoke detectors to ensure that the circuitry, alarm and power is functioning and that they are actively sampling the air for any hint of smoke. The patented formulation simulates the entire range of fire conditions giving one the confidence of knowing the fire alarm system will respond promptly to all fire conditions. The Smoke Detector Tester™ Plus, which was designed to be 100% non-flammable for hospitals, clean rooms, etc. and is similar to Smoke Detector Tester™ aerosol. Both of these products are approved for testing smoke detector function per NFPA 72 par. 8-2.4.1 when used as directed. 
   It is appreciated that other testing materials are available on the market in other forms besides aerosol cans or canisters, etc. 
   One significant problem with other prior art testing devices is that detectors commonly have external electrical wires to and from them. These wires are typically enclosed in a standard metal conduit (e.g., 1 inch or 1½ inches diameter conduit), respectively. If the electrical conduit is within a wall or behind a ceiling, it is not an issue for testing the detector. However, if the conduit runs outside, or external, the wall or ceiling along or against the external surface of the wall or ceiling supporting the detector, it can cause a problem in having a sealed testing chamber environment. Because rims on most testing chambers are usually planar, the rims cannot abut against the support surface, e.g., wall or ceiling, to form a tight seal with the wall or ceiling as the conduit gets in the way. One or more large gaps are formed between the support surface or conduit and the rims of the chambers. Consequently, performing a test in an enclosed delivery system is difficult or impossible. This can significantly detract from the effectiveness of the test. In short, the test becomes more akin to an open delivery system type test. 
   Another issue arising is that testing materials, and more particularly, aerosol canisters, of different sizes are available on the market. As such, one having a test kit may be limited to the brand, manufacturer and/or size of canisters useable for the test. This can cause problems to the operator as s/he may not be able to switch canisters should the canister designed for the kit become unavailable, too pricey or simply outdated (when better test materials become available or when different formula for the materials within the canister are desired/necessary). 
   Yet another problem in buildings with numerous detectors mounted on high ceilings such as in a factory setting is to make sure that each detector is tested on a routine schedule to ensure the proper operation of the detectors. Thus the apparatus of the present invention is able to identify the detector and then to make a record of each test conducted on the detector in question. The apparatus is further capable of communicating the data concerning the identification of the detectors tested and the results of the tests to a central location. 
   Another factor is that detectors come in different sizes so it may be necessary to have the testing chamber enlarged to accommodate the larger detector during the closed system test. The apparatus of the present invention includes the ability to extend the size of the testing chamber through the means of fixedly attaching an extender or extension to the original testing chamber. 
   The invention of the present disclosure is a test device that addresses these just noted issues or limitations, along with others. It can accommodate detectors of various sizes having external electrical conduits running into and out of them and aerosol cans with testing material of different sizes. 
   Other advantages and aspects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description of the drawings and the detailed description of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of a typical apparatus used for testing detectors; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective side view of a problem associated with using the apparatus of  FIG. 1  when an external electrical conduit is connected to a detector; 
       FIG. 3A  is a side sectional view of a cup or chamber made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3B  is a top perspective view of the cup or chamber of  FIG. 3A ; 
       FIG. 4A  is a top perspective view of a mid-cap made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4B  is a side elevation view of the mid-cap of  FIG. 4A ; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a support ring made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of an inner support made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6B  is a bottom plan view of the inner support of  FIG. 6A ; 
       FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of an adjustable cap made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7B  is plan view of the adjustable cap of  FIG. 7A ; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a step-adjust cap made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a handle made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an internal elastomeric ring made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
       FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of an external elastomeric ring made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
       FIG. 11B  is side view of the external elastomeric ring of  FIG. 11A ; 
       FIG. 11C  is bottom plan view of the external elastomeric ring of  FIG. 11A ; 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a second internal elastomeric ring made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
       FIG. 13  is a schematic view of the apparatus of the present invention in operation with a sensor for identifying and recording the results of the detector being tested; and 
       FIG. 14  is a schematic view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  showing an enlarged chamber to test larger detectors and a sensor for identifying and recording the results of the detector being tested. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. 
     FIG. 1  shows the apparatus  10  in general for testing a detector  1  mounted to a high ceiling location  2 . The apparatus  10  includes a testing chamber  3  having an opening  3   a  fitting over the detector  1 , a rim  3   b  on its distal end that secures against the ceiling  2  to form the closed testing or delivery system. A holder  4  for receiving various sized aerosol canisters  8  having the testing material therein is connected to the test chamber  3 . A handle  5  includes a section  6  that is pivotally attached to the holder  4  and where the ceilings are located high above the ground floor, a pole  9  is inserted into the handle  5  to extend the reach of the operator to test the detectors mounted high up upon a wall or ceiling  2 . The pole  9  may consist of a number of telescoping extensions  9   a ,  9   b  and  9   c  or individual extensions of varying length to reach detectors  1 , which are located a predetermined height above the ground floor or surface. The pole  9  and any extensions  9   a ,  9   b  or  9   c  are generally made out of durable, lightweight, non-conductive fiberglass or any other similar non-conductive material. 
     FIG. 2  shows the chamber  3  attempting to cover a detector  1  where the detector  1  is connected to a power source through a 1″ conduit  1   a  or through a 1½″ conduit  1   b  externally mounted to the ceiling. In this case, the chamber  3  includes notches  35  in the rim  3   b , which are both covered by an elastic and deformable material  12  to fit over the conduit and still achieve a seal of the chamber  3  against the wall or ceiling to be discussed in greater detail later in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  11 A-C,  13  and  14 . Referring back to  FIG. 1  the rim  3   b  of the test chamber  3  is flat against the ceiling  2  to form a sealed environment for testing the detector  1  having the conduits  1   a ,  1   b  deforming the material  12  while the conduits are recessed into the opposing notches  35 . 
   The general juxtaposition and orientation of the components associated with the apparatus  10  of the present invention are as follows. The assembly includes a cup or chamber  30  supported within a mid-cap  40  by a support ring  50  communicating with both components. The adjustable cap  70  attaches at one end via internal screw threads to the external screw threads of mid-cap  40  and at the other end, to the step-adjust cap  80  via bayonet mounting. A handle  60  is pivotally connected to pivot pins  46  located on the mid-cap  40 . The external ring  200  attaches to the distal rim  34  of the chamber  30 . An inner support  400  sits within the step-adjust cap  80  to support the testing material, such as an aerosol canister  8  of various sizes with testing materials/substance therein. Additional rings  100  and  300  are used within the apparatus to act as gaskets or seals. 
   The Cup or Chamber  30   
   Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a cup or chamber  30  has a generally frustoconical side wall  31  and has two ends  32 ,  33 . One end, the distal end  32  is open, having a rim  34  with a plurality of notches  35  therein. These notches  35  are spaced 90 degrees from one another and sized so as to accommodate 1 inch to 1½ inch electrical conduit ( 1   a  or  1   b , respectively in  FIGS. 2 &amp; 13 ). In this manner, the cup  30  can be placed over a detector  1  in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  13  such that the rim  34  abuts the ceiling or wall  2  while either conduit  1   a  or  1   b  runs through opposing notches  35 . The conduit runs in one notch  35 , through the chamber  30 , and out the opposing notch  35 . Four notches  35  are provided as a detector can have different combinations of conduit connected thereto. For example, conduit can be connected to the detector at 90 degrees, 180 degrees and 270 degrees. 
   At the material end  33  of the testing chamber  30  is a generally planar base  36  having a plurality of inwardly projecting hollow posts  37  and  37   a  of approximately the same height with openings  39  on either end of posts  37  defining a passage  39   c  therethrough and with openings  37   b  at the distal end of posts  37   a  for receiving a fastener such as a threaded screw therein and having the other end adjacent the base  36  closed. The base  36  includes a stepped or tiered wall  38  projecting inwardly therefrom. The tiered wall sections  38  terminate in a cage area  39   a  (with cross members and an opening) for seating on the top of an aerosol canister held within the test device  10 . The chamber  30  is preferable translucent or transparent so that one can see through the chamber walls at the detector during set-up, testing and removal. 
   Now some new detectors are larger in size requiring a larger testing cup or chamber  20  (see  FIG. 14 ). An extension or extender cup or chamber  20  will to be used to test larger detectors  22 , which will be briefly described here but in greater detail later when referring to  FIG. 14 . The rubber ring  200  is removed from the rim  34  of the cup  30  (forming the test chamber  30 ) before the extender cup or cone  20  is placed over the rim  34  of the original cone  30 . The extender cone or chamber  20  is made of a similar plastic material and grips or mounts on top of the distal end or rim  34  of the original cone  30 . The chamber or translucent cup  3  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  and cup  30  of  FIG. 3  can be modified to introduce the larger cup  20  in conjunction and cooperation with a converter  24  (made of a softer plastic or rubber material than cups  20  or  30 ) to allow the larger cup extension or cone  20  to be attached to the existing cup or cone  30  for testing larger detectors  22  within an enclosed delivery system or testing chamber. This new embodiment creates a larger enclosure with same cutout plugs or notches  35  to enable the unit to address the issue of externally mounted conduits feeding power to the detectors in factories and other buildings where the mechanicals and electrical systems are exposed and easily accessible for maintenance proposes as shown in  FIGS. 2 &amp; 13 . 
   The Mid-Cap  40   
   Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the mid-cap  40  has external threading  43  at one end  42  and a bell-shaped open cone  44  at the other end  41  for permitting the chamber  30  to slide downwardly therein when the operator presses the rim  34  against the ceiling or wall  2  during the test procedure for releasing the testing material within the aerosol canister  8  when the cage area  39   a  of chamber  30  engages an actuator cap  8   a  on the aerosol can  8 . A plurality of posts  45  projecting annularly from the base  47  (adjacent a base opening  49 ) cooperates with the hollow posts  37  in the chamber  30  by extending through the hollow posts  37  a predetermined distance above the distal end of the hollow posts  37 . The portion  45   b  of the posts  45  extending above the end of posts  37  includes a spring  45   a  around the portion  45   b  of each post  45  and terminates with a washer  45   d  and fastener  45   e  screwed into an opening  45   c  at the distal end of each post  45  to hold the spring  45   a  in various states of compression between the washer  45   d  and the distal end of the posts  37  to assist in the release of the testing material in the canister  8 . Opposed pivot pins  46  project outwardly from the outer surface of the cone  44  to cooperate with the handle  60 . 
   The Support Ring  50   
   The support ring  50  is used to interconnect the mid-cap  40  to the chamber  30 . The ring  50  has a substantially planar base  51  and a plurality of hollow posts  52 ,  53  of alternating heights. The hollow posts  52  accept and cover the posts  45 , spring  45   a , portion  45   b , washer  45   d  and fastener  45   e  of the mid-cap  40  (posts  45  extending through the holes  39  and passage  49   c  in posts  37  into the chamber  30 ), which components accept and hold the springs  45   a  in a state of compression between the washer  45   d  and the distal end of posts  37  of the cup/chamber  30 . In this manner the chamber  30  connects to the mid-cap  40  in an axially guided and slidable relationship with respect to one another. The support ring  50  further includes the shorter posts  53  located midway between each post  52  having an opening  53   a  on the planar base  51  leading to a fastener passage  53   b  therethrough for receiving a screw fastener  53   c  having its threads extend below each post  53  for threading the screw  53   c  into the openings  37   b  of each post  37   a . This threaded connections between the posts  53  and the posts  37   a  firmly connects the ring  50  to the cup  30 . The posts  37  and  45  having post  45  extending through and above posts  37  the predetermined distance of portion  45   b  with the compressed spring  45   a , stop washer  45   d  and screw  45   e  attaching the washer in a fixed position to the top of posted  45 , connect the cup  30  and mid-cap  40  in an axially slidable relationship with respect to one another for aiding in the setting of the release point of the testing material from the canister  8  to be described in greater detail later. 
   It should be noted that springs  45   a  are placed around the portion  45   b  of the posts  45  of the mid-cap  40  to permit slidable movement between the mid-cap  40  and cup  30  in an axial direction to one another. Thus, by inserting a canister  8  within the step-adjust cap  80  and adjusting it to a point just before testing material is released, the springs  45   a  are compressed as the cup  30  extends axially upward from the mid-cap  40  a predetermined adjustment distance. Then by pushing the rim  34  of the cup  30  against a wall or ceiling, the cup moves axially downward relative to the mid-cap  40  (releasing spring compression) to activate the actuator  8   a  on the aerosol can  8  therein. The posts  37  of the cup  30  receiving the post  45  through their hollow passageway  39   c  act as annular guides for the axial movement between the cup  30  and mid-cap  40  while the tension of each spring  45  is being compressed and then released during the testing operation of the apparatus  10 . 
   The Inner Support  400   
   The inner support  400  includes a base  401  with concentric tubes  402 ,  403 , radial fins  404  and an internal cross  405 . The base&#39;s perimeter  406  includes notches  407  therein and the base has holes  408  therein. The base  401  is positioned to abut the base  81  of the step-adjust cap  80  with the fins facing upward and the notches engaging a pair of parallel and corresponding flanges or ridges  85  and  86  on inner wall of the step-adjust cap  80  to hold the inner support in a fixed position within the cap  80 . The support  400  with its concentric tubes  402  and  403  holds or supports the testing material, namely an aerosol can or canister  8  having different base diameters. The design of the support  400  permits the holding of canisters of different sizes, for example, such as 4½ oz. and 10 oz cans within the holding tubes  402  and  403 , respectively, from the previously mentioned source for test canisters. 
   Thus, as the canister  8  is situated on the inner support  400  within either concentric selected tube  402  or  403  and the adjustable cap  70  is moved upwards relative to the mid-cap  40  by twisting on the threading, the aerosol top actuator  8   a  on the canister is activated. The adjustable cap is then rotated back to stop the aerosol test material from being released. At this point the detector is ready for use and the springs  45   a  are slightly compressed moving the cup  30  axially upward and biased away from contact with the sides of the opening  41  of the mid-cap  40 . By pushing the rim  34  of the cup  30  against a wall or ceiling, the cup  30  moves axially and downwardly toward the mid-cap  40  whereby the aerosol top or actuator  8   a  is activated by cage area  39   a  on the cup  30  to releases the aerosol testing material within the chamber  30  surrounding the detectors  1  or  22 . 
   The Adjustable Cap  70   
   The adjustable cap  70  has internal threading  73  at one end  72  and a bayonet mount  74  at the other end  71 . The bayonet mount  74  permits the step adjust cap  80  to attach to the adjustable cap  70 . The internal threading  73  mates with the external threading  43  of the mid-cap  40  to hold those two components together defining the holder  4  for the canister  8  therein. This connection permits one to easily screw the adjustable cap  70  holding the step-adjust cap  80  to the mid-cap  40 . 
   The bayonet mount  74  includes opposed central longitudinal slots  75 . Each longitudinal slot  75  has a bridge  76  crossing it and angled tributary channels  77 ,  78 ,  79  projecting therefrom. Finally, a plurality of depressions  70   a  is constructed into the walls of the adjustable cap  70  for gripping the adjustable cap  70  when screwing the adjustable cap  70  onto the mid-cap  40  for the proper operation of the particular sized aerosol canister  8  being used within the apparatus  10 . 
   The Step Adjust Cap  80   
   The step adjust cap  80  is a closed receptacle, having a closed end  81  and an open end  82 . Opposed external pins  84  projecting outwardly from the sidewall  83  cooperate with the longitudinal slots  75  in the adjustable cap  70 . The pins can slide under the bridges  76  into the slots  75  and into any of the three tributary channels  77 ,  78 ,  79  provided. Placement of and locking a pin  84  in each tributary channel  77 ,  78 ,  79  changes the distance between the base  81  (and anything, such as an aerosol can  8 , supported on the base) of the step-adjust cap  80  and the cage area  39   a  of the chamber or cap  30 . 
   Internal pairs of flanges  85 ,  86  are further provided to hold the radial fins  404  of the internal support  400  thereinbetween. Consequently, the base  401  of the inner support  400  is positioned to abut the base  81  of the step-adjust cap  80  with the fins facing upward. The support  400  holds or supports the testing material, namely an aerosol can or canister  8  of a predetermined diameter and size. As a result, aerosol canisters  8  of different sizes, such as 4½ oz. and 10 oz., can be used in the apparatus. One is thus not limited to a particular brand, manufacturer and/or size of canisters for the test. 
   Placing the aerosol test canister  8  on the support  400 , into the cap  80  and locking the cap  80  relative to the adjustable cap  70  places the canister in proper position for activation. 
   The Handle  60   
   The handle  60  has a pole supporting portion  63  at one end  62  and extending arms  64  at the other end  61 . Each extending arm  64  has an aperture  65  therein for receiving the pins  46  projecting outwardly from the outer surface of the cone  44  section of the mid-cap  40 . As a result, the handle  60  can rotate relative to the mid-cap  40  and the attached chamber  30 . 
   The pole-supporting portion  63  is tubular, or hollow, and has a U-shaped cutout  64  therein so as to permit a button section  65  to cooperate with an extension pole  9  or telescoping pole (not shown). 
   The Internal Elastomeric Ring  100   
   The internal ring  100  is rubber or an elastomeric. It has a base  101 , central depression  102  and flair  103 . The base  101  is secured adhesively to the material end  33  of the chamber  30  beyond the base  36 . This internal ring  100  generally seals against the top surface of the aerosol can so that when the actuator  8   a  is depressed releasing the test material, the test material is then directed through the opening in the cage area  39   a  into the hollow of the test chamber  30  surrounding the detector to be tested rather than escaping downwardly into the holder cavity formed by the adjustable cap  70  and step adjust cap  80  causing an inefficient use of the testing material. The ring  100  also acts to bias the cup  30  axially upward from the mid-cap  40  as the ring  100  collapse around the top of the aerosol can  8  to seal around the top of the canister when adjusting the components  30 ,  40 ,  70  and  80  to activate the canister  8 . Now when the rim  34  of cup  30  is pressed against a wall or ceiling, the cage area  39   a  moves axially downward against the actuator  8   a  of the canister  8  releasing the test material therein. 
   The External Elastomeric Ring  200   
   The external elastomeric ring  200  includes a base ring  201  and a plurality of legs  202 . The entire inner surface  203  includes a channel  204 . The legs  202  cover the notches  35  in the chamber  30 . The channel  204  is used to hold or frictionally engage the distal end, or rim  34  of the chamber  30 . The frictional engagement between the rim  34  with notches  35  and the perimeter channel  204  of the ring  200  is such that one can easily remove all or part of the ring  200  from the distal end and then reapply it when desired. In addition, the ring  200  is constructed of deformable elastic material such that when the rim  34  is pressed against a ceiling  2  over electrical conduit, the electrical conduit recesses into the notches  35  of the cup  30  with the elastic material sealing the entrance and exit by the conduit into the testing chamber  30 . 
   The Second Internal Elastomeric Ring  300   
   Internal second rings  300  are provided to act as gaskets or seals between components such as around each post  37  and against the distal end of each hollow post  52  on support ring  50  to seal within hollow post  52  the axial movement of the posts  45  of the mid-cap  40  within the posts  37  of the cup  30  from the testing material within the chamber  30 . 
   Further Developments and Attributes 
     FIG. 13  shows another important feature of the present invention is the inclusion of a Universal Product Code (“UPC”) reader mounted either on the handle  5  or on the pole  9  so the operator testing a particular detector can identify each detector in a large facility, such as a building having multiple detector units installed therein. Bar code scanners can be built using laser or LED-based phototransistor circuits. In the case of a LED UPC reader, the LED or laser lights the barcode, which absorbs the light or reflects back to the light-sensitive transistor. In the present invention, a LED-based system or UPC reader and Personal Digital Assistants (“PDAs”) combination  500  with wireless communication capability is one of many devices that may be used because they are reliable and readily available. PDAs are essentially handheld computers enabling them to be used as data manipulating devices with attendant software programs, mobile phones or web browsers that can send and receive data by accessing the Internet, intranets or extranets via Wi-Fi or Wireless Wide-Area Networks (“WWANs”). Therefore, the UPC reader/PDAs  500  is only dependent on the local phone service or the Wi-Fi or WWANs services available or it may even incorporate its own RF signal that transmits to a central location. One of the limitations to a phototransistor system (bar code) is it is very distance sensitive in reading the bar code, so the UPC reader/PDAs  500  is mounted on the handle  5  or pole  9  of the apparatus  10  to place a wand-end  508  of the UPC reader/PDAs  500  in a close proximity to a bar code  510  on the detector  1 . In addition, the wand-end  508  of the UPC reader/PDAs  500  is mounted at an angle of approximately 30 degrees or more so that the chamber  30  does not interfere with the reading of the bar code  510  on the detector  1 . An angle of approximately thirty degrees (30°) or more is generally an appropriate separation from the chamber  30  to read the typical bar code marking on the detector mounted on a high wall or ceiling  2 . The UPC reader/PDAs  500  may incorporate the latest cell phone technology or other communication technology like Blue Tooth to permit the bar code information to be downloaded wirelessly through the PDAs circuitry to a central location like a host computer  512  for the system with appropriate software to confirm and to record the identity of the detector tested and whether it passed the test or not. 
   The UPC reader/PDAs  500  is mounted to the handle  5  or poles  9  by a bracket  502  including a clamp  504  and a carrier platform  506  affixed to the clamp  504 . A carrier platform  506  removably affixes the UPC reader/PDAs  500  to the tester handle  60  or poles  9  so that the testing operator can wave the wand-end  508  of the UPC reader/PDAs  500  across the detector bar code marking  510  to read its UPC code and thereby properly identifying the detector being tested and then transmit the identification and whether it passed the test to a central location like a computer system  512 . 
   Moreover, the detectors  22  as shown in  FIG. 14  can incorporate a passive or active RFID chip  514  mounted on each detector  22  to provide the identification means for each detector within a building. In that case, a RFID receiver/PDAs  516  may be attached to the handle  60  or poles  9 . The operator can also carry the RFID receiver/PDAs  516  in the RFID system in a convenient location like a pocket on their person since the distance from the smoke detector is not often critical when using radio frequencies rather than the LED based system. Again, the RFID receiver/PDAs can incorporate Blue Tooth technology or other similar cellular phone technology to quickly and wirelessly transmit the information about each detector to the central location such as the main computer  512  that retains all of the test information including pass and fail data about each detector. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 13 , a smoke or carbon monoxide detector  1  attached to the ceiling  2  has the UPC reader/PDAs  500  mounted on the pole  9  sensing a bar code marking  510  on the exterior of the detector  1 . The operator simply waves the pole  9  with the UPC reader/PDAs  500  with its wand-end  508  back and forth in close proximity of approximately 6″ to 8″ inches from the bar code marking  510  to read the bar code  510  and identify the detector  1  being tested. The UPC reader/PDAs  500  is securely affixed to the bracket  502  with a Velcro® strip and strap  518 . The UPC reader/PDAS  500  also may incorporate a microprocessor and wirelessly communication circuitry separate from the PDA/cell phone technology to communicate wirelessly with the central location or host computer  512  to provide storage for the recordation of each detector that had been tested and the results of each test. 
   Also, shown in  FIG. 13  is a canister  8  of approximately 4½ ounces of testing material held within an adjustable holder chamber  520  comprised of the step adjust cap  80  and adjustable cap  70 . Arrows  522  adjacent either side of the chamber  30  and mid-cap  40  of the apparatus  10  show the testing rim  34   b  of the testing chamber  30  engaging the ceiling  2  and when the operator pushes the rim  34   b  of the chamber  30  against the ceiling  2 , the chamber  30  slides axially downward into the opening  41  of the mid-cap  40  causing an actuator  8   a  on the canister  8  to be depressed by cage area  39   a  thereby releasing the testing materials within the canister  8  into the test chamber  30  to complete the testing of the detector  1 . The previously described seal  100  mounted on the cage area  39   a  and sealing against the top portion of the canister  8  prevents the backflow of testing material into adjustable holder chamber  520  during the release of the testing material. Meanwhile, the operator can either manually or automatically depending upon the circuitry and software within the UPC reader/PDAs  500  send the information identifying the detector  1  being tested and the test results via wireless communication signals  534  and  536 , respectively. The first signal  534  is the bar code  510  information of the detector  1  transmitted to the UPC reader/PDAs  500 . The second signal  536  is the data of the identification and/or the test results from the UPC reader/PDAs to the central location or host computer  512  collecting the information from the conducted tests. 
   In addition, there is a potential for an automatic mode for either the UPC reader/PDAs  500  or RFID receiver/PDAs  516  when using the sophisticated PDAs with their powerful microprocessors and cell phone circuitry of today. The UPC reader/PDAs  500  and the RFID receiver/PDAs  516  can both incorporate sound detection circuitry (not shown) and when the detectors  1  or  22  are being tested, the detectors give off beeps with the typical high pitched piezo-electric alarm horn incorporated typically within the detectors, which is a very loud and easily detectable high decibel level sound signal  530  for all known smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The UPC reader/PDAs  500  and RFID receiver/PDAs  516  with their sound detection circuitry upon detecting the sound waves  530  of the detector wirelessly transmits the positive or negative (lack of sound) results of the testing to the host computer  512  for recording the data and test results for each detector being tested. 
     FIG. 14  shows essentially the same configurations as previously described for  FIG. 13  with a few important differences. First, a larger testing chamber  20  is shown having a generally inverted bell or frustum cone shape with two ends  23  and  25 . The smaller end  25  includes a lower opening  25   a  with a rim  25   b  approximately the same size as the rim  34   b  of the smaller chamber  30  and the distal and larger end  23  includes an upper opening  23   a  with a rim  23   b  defining the substantially larger opening  23   a  than the lower opening  25   a  for testing a larger detector  22 . The distal end  23  includes the same designed notches  35  for accommodating conduit of different sizes typical connecting electrical power to larger detectors  22 . The rim  23   b  and notches  35  might also be covered by an elastic ring  200   a  of the same material and design as the elastic ring  200  for the chamber  30  and its rim  34   b  but just larger in size. This larger testing chamber  20  may have its rim  25   b  clip onto the existing rim  34   b  and notches  35  of chamber  30  in place of its elastic external ring  200 . Although, the larger testing chamber  20  could also be in combination with an generally stiffer elastic material converter  24  attaching to the rim  34   b  of the smaller chamber  30  and covering the notches  35  in rim  34   b  similar to previously described above for the elastic external ring  200  and of a similar material but slightly stiffer than ring  200  whereby the converter  24  having an upwardly facing annular channel within its planar base surface therein, which receives the rim  25   b  in a snap fit and stable relationship on its top surface so the apparatus  10  with the extender chamber  20  can also be pressed up against the wall or ceiling  2  over the detector  22  to form a sealed chamber for testing in a closed delivery system. Next, the pressing of the rim  23   b  against the ceiling or wall causes the joined chambers  20  and  30  to slide axially downward together into the opening  41  of the mid-cap  40  activating the actuator  8   a  on the aerosol canister  8  and releasing the testing material within the sealed testing chamber  20  and  30  combined. Releasing some of the pressure against the rim  23   b  on the wall or ceiling  2  causes the springs on posts  45  to move the chambers  20  and  30  back their original positions, which turns off the actuator  8   a  on the canister  8 . In  FIG. 14 , the step adjust cap  80  is located in the bottom notch  77  so the larger 10 oz. canister can be used to test the larger detector  22 . The larger testing chamber  20  is made of the same translucent plastic type material as the smaller chamber  30  to permit the operator to view testing material being released around the detector  22  during set-up, testing and removal of the apparatus  10 . 
   Further, the detector  22  in  FIG. 14  including the RFID tag  514  is able to store pertinent testing information on an active tag about its last date of testing or other important details about a particular detector. The RFID receiver/PDAs  516  can be mounted on the pole  9  or any other convenient location on the apparatus  10  since the sensing distance generally depends on whether the RFID tag  514  is active or passive. The RFID receiver/PDAs  516  is held in a pouch or holster  526  similar to those for holding PDAs, car phone or the like. Each PDAs or cell phone have holsters designed for the particular PDAs being used but holster  34  could also be one of the universal holsters that accommodate many different PDA(s) or cell phone(s) housings. Generally, the holster  526  securely holds the UPC reader/PDAs  500  or the RFID receiver/PDAs  516  so the movements by the operator with the poles  9  or handle  60  will not dislodged the reader and/or receiver/PDAs, which are held by the same bracket  502  on the pole  9  or attached to the handle  60  of the apparatus  10 . An active RFID tag  514  can be located some distance from the chambers  20  and  30  because the radio frequency signal generated is capable of carry over a distance of several hundred feet from the detector being tested. On the other hand, a passive RFID tag  514  requires the RFID receiver/PDAs  516  to be brought generally in a closer proximity to the tag  514  but again the sensing distance between the passive RFID tag  514  and its receiver/PDAs  516  is still generally greater than any distance offered by the bar code system. Again, the RFID receiver/PDAs  516  could incorporate the same or different sound detecting features as the UPC reader/PDAs  500 . Then the identification signal  534  and test results are similarly communicated wirelessly to the host computer  512  via signal  536  in either the manual or automatic mode as described above. One additional feature of an active RFID tag is that such a tag can also provide both identification and sound detection of passing the test directly to the host computer  512  with the transponder on RFID tag. 
   In the manual mode of each reader or receiver/PDAs  500  and  516 , the default is that the detector passes the test. If the horn does not sound and it fails the test, then the operator manually enters this data into the reader or receiver/PDAs for transmission to the host computer  512 . The reader and receiver/PDAs can also process other information. For example, it can work with various prompts wherein the operator answers a series of questions regarding the testing of the detectors  1  or  11 . 
   Another useful feature is that the UPC reader and RFID receiver/PDAs  500  and  516 , respectively, are attached to the pole  9  of the apparatus  10  allowing a simple collection of the testing information about each detector. If there is more than one operator, the reader or receiver/PDAs could be attached to a separate pole all by itself and the two operators can work together during the testing phase of the detectors. Although, the UPC and RFID reader and receiver/PDAs are shown attached to this particular apparatus of the present invention, it can be easily adaptable to be used with other existing pole testing devices for open delivery systems. 
   In addition, the step adjustment cap  80  when its pin  84  is locked in the bottom notch  77  of the adjustable cap  70 , extends the size of the canister  8  in ghosted lines that can be held in the chamber formed by interiors of the mid-cap  40 , the adjustable cap  70  and the step adjustable cap  80 . In the example as shown in  FIG. 14 , a 10 ounce aerosol can  8  having a larger volume of testing material is held within the chamber formed by the mid-cap, adjustable cap and the step adjust cap for testing the larger detectors  22 . 
   Moreover, both  FIGS. 13 and 14  shows the apparatus  10  in the test mode where it is releasing testing material or substance  528  surrounding the detectors  1  and  22 , respectively. The bar code  510  is read by the UPC reader/PDAs identifying the detector  1  or if an RFID tag is used then RF signal from the tag  514  with identifying information is received by the RFID receiver/PDAs  516  in its holster  526 . The testing material  528  can cause both detectors  1  and  22 , not only detector  22 , to give off sound waves  530  from their piezo-electric horns within the detectors and a flashing a red light indicator  532  at the same time. Meanwhile, the sound is picked up by the UPC reader/PDAs  500  or the RFID receiver/PDAs  516  indicating a successful test and the PDAs wirelessly transmits the results of the test in the automatic mode to the central location or host computer  512 . 
   While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, it is recognized numerous modifications can be made without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.