Patent Description:
Regulations require the use of indicators to indicate the current status of a life safety detector. However, the current indicators used are small relative to the housing and are not aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, an objective of the disclosure is to provide an apparatus which visually indicates to a user a status of the device in a more aesthetically pleasing manner.

<CIT> and <CIT> each disclose a device including at least one hazard detector within a housing, the housing comprising a top portion and a base, and a means of signaling an alarm.

According to one aspect of the invention, a life safety device includes a housing, a detector for detecting one or more conditions, and an actuatable mechanism coupled to and visible at the exterior of the housing The actuatable mechanism includes a light assembly operable in response to detection of at least one of the one or more conditions, wherein the light assembly is embedded within the actuatable mechanism and comprises a first light source, a transparent cover, and a light skirt for communicating light from the first light source to the cover. A light transmission device is positioned within the housing, the light transmission device being operable to transmit light from a second light source to an exterior of the housing, and the light assembly is nested within the hollow interior of the light transmission device.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the light assembly is automatically operable in response to detection of an unacceptable level of smoke or carbon monoxide.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the cover is generally flush with an exterior of the housing.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the cover has at least one feature formed thereon to alter light the light emitted by the light source.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one feature includes a plurality of concentric rings to diffuse light emitted there through.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments a shape of the light skirt is generally complementary to the light transmission device.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments comprise a light blocking material positioned adjacent the light transmission device.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the cover includes at least one of tinting and printed text.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the light assembly is an egress light having a brightness sufficient to illuminate an adjacent pathway or exit.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments actuation of the actuatable mechanism is configured to perform an operation associated with the life safety device.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments actuation of the actuatable mechanism initiates a test operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments actuation of the actuatable mechanism performs a hush operation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments actuation of the actuatable mechanism enrolls the life safety device within a system, the life safety device being configured to communicate wirelessly.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the housing includes a lower housing portion and the actuatable mechanism is arranged adjacent a center of the lower housing portion.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of operating the life safety device defined in claim <NUM> includes sensing a condition via at least one detector of the life safety device and illuminating the light assembly of the life safety device in response to sensing the condition.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments illuminating the light assembly occurs automatically in response to sensing the condition.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments illuminating the light assembly indicates a location of an exit.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments operation of the actuatable mechanism does not directly control illumination of the light assembly.

The figures show features relevant to elements of the invention. The embodiments disclosed in relation to <FIG> fall under the scope of the claims. The embodiments disclosed in relation to the other figures show features of a life safety device compatible with the invention. The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, an example of a life safety device <NUM> is illustrated. The life safety device <NUM> includes a housing assembly <NUM> having a first, upper housing portion <NUM> and a second, lower housing portion 26that is removably connected to the first housing portion <NUM>. The life safety device <NUM> further includes a control system <NUM> including at least one detection circuit <NUM> and at least one alarm circuit <NUM> to be described in more detail below with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. When the first and second housing portions <NUM>, <NUM> are connected, the first and second housing portions <NUM>, <NUM> enclose the control system <NUM> and other components necessary to operation of the device <NUM>. As used herein, the terms "upper", " lower", and the like are in reference to the device <NUM> in use as it is mounted on a surface, such as a ceiling in a building for example. Therefore, the upper housing portion <NUM> is typically closer to the ceiling than the lower housing portion <NUM>, and the lower housing portion <NUM> is typically the portion of the device <NUM> that will face downward toward the floor of the building. In some embodiments device <NUM> may be mounted on a wall such that upper housing portion <NUM> is closer to the wall than the lower housing portion <NUM>, and the lower housing portion <NUM> is typically the portion of the device <NUM> that will face outward toward the interior space of the room or space to be monitored.

In the non-limiting embodiment of <FIG>, the upper housing portion <NUM> includes a base plate <NUM> and a trim plate <NUM> disposed upwardly adjacent the base plate <NUM>. The trim plate <NUM> is typically positioned adjacent to or flush with a mounting surface, such as a ceiling or wall for example. As shown, both the trim plate <NUM> and the base plate <NUM> include a centrally located opening <NUM>, <NUM> respectively, having a similar size and shape. In embodiments where the device <NUM> is "hardwired", a power source <NUM> located within the mounting surface, such as an AC power supply for example, may extend into the aligned openings <NUM>, <NUM>.

A printed circuit board <NUM> is disposed generally between the base plate <NUM> and an adjacent surface of the lower housing portion <NUM>. The printed circuit board <NUM> includes the circuitry and/or components associated with the at least one detection circuit <NUM> and at least one alarm circuit <NUM>. In embodiments where the life safety device <NUM> is "hardwired", the printed circuit board <NUM> is directly connected to the power source <NUM>. In such embodiments, part of the printed circuit board <NUM> may extend into the central opening <NUM>, <NUM> of the upper housing portion <NUM> to connect to the power source <NUM>. The printed circuit board <NUM> may be adapted to receive one or more batteries sufficient to provide power thereto to operate the device <NUM> for an extended period of time. The power provided by the batteries may be the sole source of power used to operate the device <NUM>, or alternatively, may be supplemental to the power source <NUM>, for example in the event of a failure or loss of power at the power source.

A sound generation mechanism <NUM> may be disposed between the printed circuit board <NUM> and the lower housing portion <NUM>. The sound generation mechanism <NUM> receives power from the printed circuit board <NUM> to generate a noise in response to detection of a condition. Coupled to the lower housing portion <NUM> is an actuatable mechanism <NUM>, such as a button. The actuatable mechanism <NUM> may be a button configured to perform one or more functions of the life safety device <NUM> when actuated. Examples of operations performed via the actuatable mechanism <NUM> include, but are not limited to, a press to test function, a smoke alarm "hush", a low battery "hush", and end of life "hush", radio frequency enrollment of additional life safety detectors <NUM> such as in a detection system including a plurality of life safety detectors configured to communicate with one another wirelessly, and to reset the unit once removed from its packaging for example.

In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the actuatable mechanism <NUM> is received within an opening formed in the lower housing portion <NUM>, and is operably coupled to a control system <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>. Although the actuatable mechanism <NUM> is shown positioned at the center of the lower housing portion, embodiments where the actuatable mechanism <NUM> is located at another position are also within the scope of the disclosure. Further, it should be understood that in embodiments where the actuatable mechanism <NUM> performs multiple operations, there may be only a single actuatable mechanism <NUM> located on the detector <NUM> and no other mechanism is required. Alternatively, the detector <NUM> may include a plurality of actuatable mechanisms <NUM>, each being operable to perform a distinct function or the actuatable mechanism <NUM> may be divided to form a plurality of actuatable mechanisms. In embodiments where the detector <NUM> includes a plurality of separate actuatable mechanisms <NUM>, the actuatable mechanisms <NUM> may be located at any location relative to the housing <NUM>.

With reference <FIG>, a schematic diagram of an example of a control system <NUM> of the device <NUM> is shown in more detail. The control system <NUM> includes a microcontroller <NUM> operable to receive an input from the at least one detector circuit <NUM>, for example from a conventional ion or photoelectric smoke chamber <NUM> and a carbon monoxide detector circuit <NUM>. However, it should be understood that the detector <NUM> may be adapted for detection of a variety of hazardous conditions, including but not limited to smoke, carbon monoxide, explosive gas, and heat for example. It will also be understood from the following that the particular technology of the detector circuits <NUM>, <NUM> are not a limiting aspect of the invention. Further, while the discussion herein refers to a microcontroller, one skilled in the art will recognize that the functionality and intelligence associated with this element may be alternatively embodied in a microprocessor with associated input/output and buffering circuits, in a programmable logic device (PLD), in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), of other intelligent, programmable device. Therefore, the use of the term microcontroller herein shall be construed to cover all of these alternative structures as well.

The microcontroller <NUM> also receives an input from a user-actuated switch <NUM> input, for example coupled to the actuatable mechanism <NUM>. The microcontroller <NUM> utilizes the inputs from these components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to generate an output alarm condition when the sensed environmental conditions so dictate. A single alarm circuit <NUM> is utilized to broadcast via the sound generation mechanism <NUM> the appropriate audible sound, depending on which condition has been detected. The alarm circuit <NUM> may include both tone and synthesized voice message generation capabilities, or may be a simple piezo-electric type device. It should be understood that the life safety device <NUM> illustrated and described herein is intended as an example only and that a life safety device <NUM> having any configuration and capability is contemplated herein.

With reference now to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the control system <NUM> of the device <NUM> additionally includes a visual warning system <NUM> including at least one light source <NUM>, such as a light emitting diode (LED) for example, and a circuit <NUM> for operating the light source <NUM>. The light generated by the at least one LED <NUM> is visible through the housing <NUM>, such as through the lower housing portion <NUM> for example. The at least one light source <NUM> may be controlled to generate distinct outputs in response to a plurality of detected conditions. Although light source <NUM> is described herein as an LED, in some embodiments other types of illumination sources may be used in alternative or in addition to an LED.

In an embodiment, the device <NUM> includes a light transmission device <NUM>, such as a light pipe for example, positioned within the housing <NUM> generally between the printed circuit board <NUM> and the lower housing portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). Inclusion of the light transmission device <NUM> enhances the visibility of the light output by the LED <NUM> at the exterior ot the device <NUM>. The light transmission device <NUM> is a passive device formed from a clear or generally transparent plastic material and is configured to diffuse and evenly distribute the light generated by the at least one LED <NUM>.

An example of the light transmission device <NUM> is illustrated in more detail in <FIG> In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the light transmission device <NUM> is hollow and generally conical or frustoconical in shape. However, other shapes are also within the scope of the disclosure. A first end <NUM> of the light transmission device <NUM> may extend through an opening formed in the lower housing portion <NUM> adjacent the actuatable mechanism <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first end <NUM> of the light transmission device <NUM> is concentric and therefore coaxial with the actuatable mechanism <NUM> relative to the lower housing portion <NUM>. As a result, an inner diameter of the light transmission device <NUM> adjacent the first end <NUM> is generally equal to or complementary to an outer diameter of the actuatable mechanism <NUM>. However, embodiments where the light transmission device <NUM> is spaced away from or apart from the actuatable mechanism <NUM> are also within the scope of the disclosure.

The light transmission device <NUM> additionally includes at least one port <NUM> located adjacent the at least one LED <NUM> for communicating light to the first end <NUM>. In embodiments where the visual warning system <NUM> includes a plurality of LEDS <NUM>, the light transmission device <NUM> may include a plurality of ports <NUM>, each of which is associated with a distinct LED <NUM> of the plurality of LEDs. However, in other embodiments, a port <NUM> may be associated with more than one of the plurality of LEDs <NUM>. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the visual warning system <NUM> includes at least two LEDs. A first LED 70a has a first color, such as green for example, and the second LED 70b has a second distinct color, such as red for example. The LEDs <NUM> may be operated independently to generate either the first color or the second color, and may be operated in unison to create a third color, distinct from the first and second colors.

As an example, a green LED 70a may be operated in unison with a red LED 70b to create a yellow color. However, embodiments where the system <NUM> includes another LED having a third color associated therewith are also contemplated herein. As another example, if a blue LED is included, a red LED 70a and a blue LED 70b may be operated in unison to create magenta; in yet another example, a green LED 70a and a blue LED 70b may be operated in unison to create cyan. In addition, it should be understood that the system <NUM> may include one or more LEDs associated with each color, such as two green LEDs and two red LEDs for example. This may allow different levels of brightness. Additional colors may be operated mdependently. Further, it should be understood that a system <NUM> having any number of LEDS <NUM>, including one LED or more than two LEDs, as well as any number of colors associated therewith is contemplated herein.

In addition, the light transmission device <NUM> has a bi-directional configuration. Accordingly, light is not only transmitted from the at least one LED <NUM> through the device <NUM> to the exterior of the housing <NUM>, but also ambient light may be transmitted through the light transmission device <NUM> to a sensor capable of measuring the ambient light to determine a time of day and select a corresponding mode of operation. The at least one LED <NUM> may be operable as the sensor for measuring ambient light. In such embodiments, the at least one LED <NUM> converts ambient light transmitted thereto into a voltage that can be used to identify a corresponding time of day. The at least one LED <NUM> is therefore operable as both a transmitter for generating light, and a receiver for receiving and measuring ambient light. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, a distinct LED, 70c, is configured as the sensor for measuring ambient light.

In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the light transmission device <NUM> additionally includes a post <NUM>, separate from the ports <NUM>, for communicating ambient light to the sensor, LED 70c. The post <NUM> may be encased within a light blocking material <NUM>, illustrated in <FIG>, to prevent light transmitted by any of the plurality of LEDs <NUM> from interfering with the ambient light. Light blocking material <NUM> may be disposed between light transmission device <NUM> and lower housing portion <NUM>. As shown, the post <NUM> is radially offset from the center of the light transmission device <NUM>, but other configurations of post <NUM> and light blocking material <NUM> are within the scope of the disclosure.

During operation of the device <NUM>, ambient light is communicated through the light transmission device <NUM>, specifically through the post <NUM>, to the adjacent LED 70c. The microcontroller <NUM> processes the voltage information provided by LED 70c to determine a time of day and control operation of the device <NUM> in either a daytime mode or night time mode.

In the daytime mode, the visual warning system <NUM> continuously indicates a status of the detected conditions and/or of the device <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, in the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, if no condition has been detected by the device <NUM>, a first LED, such as the green LED 70a for example, is illuminated. The light generated by the first LED 70a, is transmitted through an adjacent port <NUM> in the light transmission device <NUM> to illuminate the first end <NUM> of the device <NUM>. If a dangerous condition has been detected, such as an unacceptable level or either carbon monoxide or smoke for example, a second LED, such as the red LED 70b, will be operated. The light from the LED 70b will transmit through an adjacent port <NUM> in the light transmission device <NUM> to illuminate the first end <NUM> of the device <NUM>, visible at the exterior of the housing <NUM>.

In an embodiment, if an error within the device <NUM> is detected, both the first LED 70a and the second LED 70b are operated. The red and green light are transmitted into the light transmission device <NUM> where they mix to create a yellow light visible at the first end <NUM> thereof. Accordingly, a first color is visible at the exterior of the housing <NUM> during a first condition, a second color visible at the exterior of the housing <NUM> during a second condition, and in some embodiments, a third color is visible at the exterior of the housing <NUM> during a third condition. The colors and functions illustrated and described herein are intended as an example only. Other exemplary conditions such as a pending or unconfirmed alarms may be demonstrated with additional colors or light patterns.

In some embodiments, when operating in the daytime mode, the LED 70c operating as the ambient light sensor may be configured to continuously measure the ambient light and/or provide an indication of the ambient light to the microcontroller <NUM>. Alternatively, the LED 70c may be configured to measure the ambient light and/or provide an input of the ambient light to the microcontroller <NUM> at intervals. In an embodiment, upon detection of a reduced amount of ambient light indicating a time of day after sunset or that the lights within an area adjacent the device <NUM> are not on, operation of the first and second LEDs 70a, 70b is generally discontinued and the device <NUM> is transitioned to operation in a night time mode. However, it should be understood that upon detection of a corresponding condition, these LEDs 70a, 70b may be activated regardless of whether the device <NUM> is in a daytime mode or a night time mode. Furthermore, the operation of the LEDs 70a-70n may differ depending on the current state of the device <NUM>, e.g. if the device is in test or setup mode.

In the night time mode, the LED 70c is selectively operated as both a receiver and transceiver. Power is supplied to the LED 70c in a manner causing the LED 70c to pulse or flash to reduce the level or nuisance to a person nearby. In an embodiment, the brightness of the LED 70c is less than the brightness of the LEDS 70a, 70b. When the LED 70c is illuminated, light transmits through the post <NUM> to the end <NUM> of the light transmission device <NUM>. During the periods between the flashes, a measurement of the ambient light communicated to the LED 70c via the post <NUM> is taken. Upon determining that the lights within the area adjacent the device <NUM> are on or that the sun has risen, the device <NUM> will transform to the daytime mode.

Although the LED 70c for measuring the ambient light is illustrated and described herein as being distinct from the LEDS 70a, 70b operable during the daytime mode, it should be understood that the same LED may be used in both modes of operation. For example, the LED 70c may be a green LED, operable in place of LED 70a during the daytime mode. Further, the intensity level of the color output by such an LED may vary based on the mode of operation of the device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the intensity of the color output by the LED may be controlled via the current supplied thereto or via pulse width modulation. In some embodiments, LED 70c may be a separate color LED 70c as described above, or in some embodiments may the same LED as LED 70a or 70b. In embodiments where an alternate light source incapable of communicating voltage based on ambient light, or in other embodiments where a separate LED is desirable, LED 70c may function to provide voltage information from received ambient light rather than to transmit light.

With reference now to <FIG>, in an embodiment of the invention, the actuatable mechanism <NUM> visible at the exterior of the lower housing portion <NUM> includes a light assembly <NUM> embedded therein. As shown in the FIGS. , the exposed surface of the actuatable mechanism <NUM> includes a transparent cover or lens <NUM> connected to a light skirt <NUM>. Although the cover <NUM> is shown as have a generally convex curvature, embodiments where the cover is generally planar are also contemplated herein. Further, in an embodiment, the cover <NUM> may include a feature, such as a plurality of concentric rings formed therein to diffuse light. The concentric rings may also focus light. However, embodiments without concentric rings and/or with a feature including alternative textures such as ridges, or patterns formed therein, or a lens array are also contemplated herein. In some embodiments cover <NUM> may include tinting and/or printed text as described below.

A first end <NUM> of at least a portion of the light skirt <NUM> is positioned adjacent an LED, illustrated schematically at <NUM>. In an embodiment, the skirt <NUM> may include a port (not shown) having a first end positioned generally adjacent the LED <NUM>. The LED <NUM> is distinct from the LEDs associated with the light transmission device <NUM>. The light emitted by the LED <NUM> is transmitted through the light skirt <NUM> to the cover <NUM> positioned adjacent the second end <NUM>. By forming the second end <NUM> of the skirt <NUM> with a diameter greater than the portion adjacent the LED <NUM>, the area adjacent the device <NUM> illuminated by the LED <NUM> is increased.

According to the invention, illustrated in <FIG>, the components of the light assembly <NUM> are nested within the hollow interior of the light transmission device <NUM>. The shape of the light skirt <NUM> may be generally complementary to the interior of the light transmission device <NUM>. Further, the exposed surface of the cover <NUM> may be flush with the first end of the light transmission device <NUM>, or alternatively, may be offset therefrom.

The light assembly <NUM> of the actuatable device <NUM> is automatically operable in response to detection of a predetermined condition. In an embodiment, the light assembly <NUM> is activated by the microcontroller <NUM> in response to an alarm condition where an unacceptable level or either carbon monoxide or smoke has been detected. In general, however, operation of the actuatable mechanism <NUM> does not directly control i.e. turn on and off the light assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments, the light output by the light assembly <NUM> has a brightness or intensity intended to illuminate the adjacent area in order to provide a person in the area with enough visibility to identify an exit or a pathway to the nearest exit, for example at night or in the event of a power failure, or may be placed to indicate the location of an exit. In an alternative embodiment, cover <NUM> may include tinting and/or printed text to indicate the location of an exit or other information.

Claim 1:
A life safety device (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a detector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for detecting one or more conditions; and
an actuatable mechanism (<NUM>) coupled to and visible at an exterior of the housing, the actuatable mechanism including a light assembly (<NUM>) operable in response to detection of at least one of the one or more conditions, wherein the light assembly is embedded within the actuatable mechanism and comprises a first light source (<NUM>), a transparent cover (<NUM>), and a light skirt (<NUM>) for communicating light from the first light source to the cover; and
a light transmission device (<NUM>) positioned within the housing, the light transmission device being operable to transmit light from a second light source (<NUM>) to an exterior of the housing, wherein the light assembly is nested within the hollow interior of the light transmission device.