Patent Description:
Linear heat detectors may be used in connection with fire detection. The heat detectors have a characteristic known as activation temperature. The heat detectors include two conductive cores separated by an outer material. When the heat given off by a fire meets or exceeds the activation temperature of the linear heat detector, the outer material of the detector melts. The internal conductive cores contact each other and cause a circuit to short. The shorted circuit signals an elevated temperature and that a fire may be occurring.

<CIT> discloses a fire suppression system for a kitchen including temperature sensors positioned within a hood and a duct. The temperature sensor type and the manner in which these are connected to the controller are not disclosed.

<CIT> discloses a multi-function cable-type linear thermal fire detector including a first pair of conductors separated by an insulator, the insulator being configured to decompose to permit electrical coupling of the first pair of conductors in response to reaching an activation temperature. According to the present invention, there is provided a fire detection and suppression system for use with an appliance and a ventilation hood positioned above the appliance, the system comprising:.

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring generally to the figures, a kitchen area or system includes cooking appliances that may generate the same or different amounts of heat to cook different food products. These appliances may include a stove, oven, grill, fryer, etc., or any combination thereof. Each of these appliances may use a different cooking technique (gas, grease, oil, electricity, etc.) to cook the food products. Certain materials (e.g., fluids, etc.) may be subject to ignition/operation at various temperatures. For example, vegetable oil may ignite at a temperature of <NUM> (<NUM>°F), and gas burners may operate at a temperature of <NUM> (<NUM>°F).

The kitchen system can also include an overhead hood. The overheard hood can provide features such as ventilation, fire detection, lighting, and fire suppression. Ventilation systems can remove fumes from and circulate fresh air into desired areas. Fire detection systems can include components such as smoke detectors, infrared sensors, and linear heat detectors usable to determine whether a fire is occurring. Upon detection of a fire, the fire suppression system may be activated to contain the fire. The suppression system can include overhead fluid distribution mechanisms (e.g., a sprinkler, nozzle, diffuser, etc.) that spread an extinguishing material (e.g., water, foam, chemical agent, etc.) to extinguish the fire.

In some kitchen systems, the cooking appliances are positioned in proximity to one another (e.g., located next to, etc.) and share one fire detection system. In such kitchen systems, one linear heat detector may be used for all appliances (e.g., such that a fire at any one of the devices would activate the linear heat detector). In this arrangement, the linear heat detector has a constant activation temperature throughout its length that detects when the temperature anywhere along the length of the linear heat detector meets or exceeds a threshold activation temperature of the heat detector. For example, a kitchen system that includes an oven, an oil fryer, and a grill may use one linear heat detector with an activation temperature of <NUM> (<NUM>°F). Using a single linear heat detector may result in a limited fire detection capability (e.g., in the case where different appliances may operate at relative higher/lower temperatures).

To address fires that occur in a kitchen system with different cooking appliances, various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a fire detection system including multiple linear heat detectors of different activation temperatures that are used in connection with the multiple different cooking appliances. Specifically, the multiple linear heat detectors may be connected (e.g., in series) using one or more connectors (e.g., linear heat detector connectors) that is capable of withstanding high temperatures (e.g., exceeding <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (<NUM>°F, <NUM>°F, <NUM>°F,) etc.) associated with the cooking processes. The temperature resistance of the connector facilitates placing all components of the circuit (e.g., linear heat detectors, linear heat detector connectors, etc.) directly above the appliances (e.g., heat source). In other systems where connectors are not able to withstand temperatures that meet or exceed the activation temperatures of the linear heat detectors, the connectors may not be capable of being located within the ventilation hood. Instead, the linear heat detection wires may be routed out of the hood such that the connectors can be positioned in a lower temperature area.

Linear heat detectors can be electrically coupled to create a circuit of linear heat detectors of different activation temperatures using one or more connectors. Although a kitchen system is shown herein, the systems and methods shown and described here may be used in other systems or locations. By way of example, the systems and methods described herein may be used to detect and/or suppress fires in other types of buildings (e.g., storage facilities, commercial buildings, etc.), onboard vehicles (e.g., mining vehicles, forestry vehicles, construction equipment, commuter vehicles, etc.), or in other areas.

Referring now to <FIG>, a system <NUM> (e.g., a kitchen system, a cooking area, a room, etc.) is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. System <NUM> includes a cooking system <NUM>. Cooking system <NUM> is shown to include appliances <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. As shown, appliance <NUM> is a grill, appliance <NUM> is a range, and appliance <NUM> is a fryer according to an exemplary embodiment. In alternative embodiments, various other appliances (e.g., oven, microwave, boilers, steamers, etc.) or any combination thereof are included in system <NUM>. In some embodiments, appliances <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may use different cooking methods or techniques (e.g., oil, electricity, gas, etc.) and operate at different temperatures to cook food products. Accordingly, appliances <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may output differing amounts of thermal energy to the surrounding environment during operation.

Cooking system <NUM> also includes a ventilation hood or ventilation device, shown as overhead hood <NUM>. Overhead hood <NUM> is shown to cover an area directly above appliances <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In some embodiments, overhead hood <NUM> may cover a larger area than the top surface area of the appliances. In other embodiments, overhead hood <NUM> may cover a smaller area than the top surface area of the appliances. In some embodiments, overhead hood <NUM> can be used to ventilate contaminants (e.g., fumes, food particles, dust, etc.) and/or provide fresh air using an HVAC system. As shown in <FIG>, overhead hood <NUM> at least partially encloses or contains fire safety components (e.g., detectors, sprinklers, etc.) of a fire safety system or fire detection and suppression system, shown as fire suppression system <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment. In other embodiments, overhead hood <NUM> may contain additional features (e.g., lighting, appliance control systems, etc.) or any combination thereof.

Still referring to <FIG>, fire suppression system <NUM> is shown to include a controller <NUM>, a lead wire assembly <NUM>, linear heat detectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, an end-of-line device <NUM>, linear heat detector connectors <NUM>, a fire suppression material conduit <NUM>, and fluid distribution mechanisms <NUM> (e.g., nozzles, etc.) according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, controller <NUM> may receive inputs (e.g., information, signals, etc.) from linear heat detectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. According to the invention, the signals from linear heat detectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are indicative of an elevated temperature and/or the presence of a fire. In some embodiments, controller <NUM> may output control commands to drive a fire suppression material or fire suppressant (e.g., foam, water, etc.) through conduit <NUM> and out fluid distribution mechanisms <NUM> to address a fire. By way of example, in response to an indication from one or more of linear heat detectors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that a fire is present at one of the appliances, controller <NUM> may output a signal to a valve that then fluidly couples a supply (e.g., a pressurized tank) of fire suppressant to conduit <NUM>. In some embodiments, controller <NUM> may include a user interface (e.g., a touchscreen interface, one or more buttons or manual actuation devices, etc.) configured to supply information to a user and/or receive information (e.g., commands) from a user.

Lead wire assembly <NUM> is shown to electrically couple linear heat detector <NUM> to controller <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. By way of example, lead wire assembly <NUM> may include one or more conductors (e.g., wires). In some embodiments, assembly <NUM> may be configured to transmit energy (e.g., electrical energy, etc.), control commands (e.g., outputs from controller <NUM>, etc.), and/or input signals (e.g., signals from linear heat detectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>). In other embodiments, assembly <NUM> may include additional features (e.g., communications interfaces, etc.) or any combination of features.

In some embodiments, lead wire assembly <NUM> may be part of a series circuit of linear heat detectors configured to detect an elevated temperature and/or the presence of a fire. In an alternative embodiment, linear heat detector <NUM> may be wired directly into controller <NUM>. As shown, linear heat detector <NUM> is coupled to linear heat detector <NUM> by a connector <NUM>, and linear heat detector <NUM> is coupled to linear heat detector <NUM> by a second connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, detectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may have the same or different activation temperatures (e.g., corresponding to the type of appliance above which the linear heat detector operates). Detector <NUM> may be terminated with end-of-line device <NUM> (e.g., including a resistor, etc.) according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, detector <NUM> may be coupled to additional detectors using additional connectors or other components. By way of example, fire suppression system <NUM> may include any number of linear heat detectors, connectors <NUM>, or end-of-line devices <NUM>.

The circuit including assembly <NUM>, detectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, connectors <NUM>, and end-of-line device <NUM> are connected in a series configuration according to an exemplary embodiment. In other embodiments, other configurations may be utilized. In some embodiments, the circuit may allow for multiple detectors of different activation temperatures to be used. In some embodiments, the series circuit may allow one continuous circuit of detectors and connectors to be coupled with controller <NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, the circuit facilitates individual fire detection of appliances <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

Fire suppression system <NUM> also includes conduit <NUM> (e.g., a pipe, etc.) configured to deliver a fire suppressant (e.g., water, foam, chemical agent, etc.) to the cooking system <NUM> to address one or more fires, according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, the fire suppression material is released through fluid distribution devices <NUM> (e.g., sprinklers, nozzles, etc.) to cooking system <NUM>. In some embodiments, controller <NUM> may output a control command to distribute fire suppressant to cooking system <NUM>.

As shown, hood <NUM> defines an aperture <NUM>, through which linear heat detector <NUM> extends, and an aperture <NUM>, through which conduit <NUM> extends. Connectors <NUM> and end-of-line device <NUM> are resistant to elevated temperatures and contaminants associated with cooking, and are thus able to be positioned within hood <NUM>. Accordingly, only one aperture <NUM> is required to connect the linear heat detectors to controller <NUM>. In other systems where connections are not able to be made within a hood, multiple apertures are required to permit the use of multiple linear heat detectors.

Referring to <FIG>, a linear heat detector system <NUM> is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. System <NUM> is shown to include overhead hood <NUM> and appliances <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Appliances <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> generate and emit thermal energy, shown as heat <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. System <NUM> also includes a linear heat detector circuit <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. Circuit <NUM> is shown to include linear heat detectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and connectors <NUM>. Circuit <NUM> is shown to enter the area under hood <NUM> at a first aperture <NUM> and exit the area under hood <NUM> at a second aperture <NUM>. The entire portion of circuit <NUM> between first aperture <NUM> and second aperture <NUM> is located within the area or volume <NUM> located between the hood <NUM> and the appliances <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, circuit <NUM> may include more or fewer linear heat detectors and/or more or fewer connectors. In other embodiments, such as the circuit <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the circuit may include an end-of-line device (e.g., resistor, etc.) such as device <NUM>, such that the circuit is terminated within the volume <NUM>. In such embodiments, the second aperture <NUM> may be omitted.

According to the invention, linear heat detectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> have different activation temperatures. By way of example, linear heat detectors <NUM> and <NUM> may have the same activation temperature, while linear heat detector <NUM> may have a different activation temperature. By way of another example, the activation temperature of each linear heat detector may be different. In some embodiments, the activation temperatures of detectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be selected based on the operating temperatures or other characteristics associated with appliances <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Detector <NUM> is connected to detector <NUM> in series and detector <NUM> is connected to detector <NUM> in series using linear heat detector connectors <NUM> to form circuit <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment.

Cooking appliance <NUM> is shown as a boiler, appliance <NUM> is shown as a fryer, and appliance <NUM> is shown as a range according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, other cooking appliances (e.g., stoves, microwaves, toasters, etc.), additional cooking appliances, or any combination thereof may be utilized in connection with linear heat detector system <NUM>. In some embodiments, cooking appliances <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may generate different amounts of heat <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. For example, appliance <NUM> generates low heat <NUM>, appliance <NUM> generates high heat <NUM>, and appliance <NUM> generates moderate heat <NUM> according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, the activation temperatures of linear heat detectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may correspond to temperatures that exceed those corresponding to the amounts of heat <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Circuit <NUM> is shown to be directly exposed to heat <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a process <NUM> is shown to illustrate a method of fire detection using linear heat detectors according to an exemplary embodiment. Process <NUM> begins with step <NUM>. Step <NUM> may involve a fire igniting. In some embodiments, the fire may be ignited at or near an appliance (e.g., stove, oven, fryer, etc.) capable of cooking food products. In some embodiments, the fire may produce elevated temperatures that exceed the operating temperatures of an appliance. Process <NUM> continues with step <NUM>. Step <NUM> may involve the heat generated by the fire of step <NUM> decomposing (e.g., degrading, destructing, melting, etc.) the outer coating of a linear heat detector. In some embodiments, the outer material of the linear heat detector may decompose at an activation temperature of the linear heat detector. In some embodiments, the activation temperature of the linear heat detector may be less than the temperature of the fire of step <NUM>.

Process <NUM> is shown to continue with step <NUM>. Step <NUM> may involve the conductive cores of the linear heat detector contacting each other. In some embodiments, linear heat detectors may include two or more conductive cores. In an unactivated state of the linear heat detector, the cores may be separated (e.g., electrically decoupled from one another) by the outer material of the linear heat detector. As the material melts, the cores are permitted to contact one another. In some embodiments, the contact between the conductive cores may be direct, physical contact. In some embodiments, the contact between the conductive cores causes a change in an electrical characteristic (e.g., an overall resistance, a current passing through the circuit, etc.) of the electrical circuit <NUM> (e.g., such that the circuit <NUM> is shorted).

Process <NUM> is shown to continue with step <NUM>. Step <NUM> may involve a controller receiving a signal of the shorted circuit of step <NUM> (i.e., a detection signal). In some embodiments, the detection signal may include a change in current flow. In some embodiments, the detection signal includes a change in resistance of the circuit. In other embodiments, the detection signal may include an input signal from an external sensor capable of detecting the shorted circuit. In some embodiments, the controller may be capable of analyzing the location of the shorted circuit from the signal. In other embodiments, the controller <NUM> may detect a shorted circuit independent of the location of the shorted circuit.

Process <NUM> is shown to continue with step <NUM>. Step <NUM> may involve the controller outputting a signal to activate a fire suppression system (i.e., an activation signal). In some embodiments, the activation signal may be transmitted to an external controller capable of controlling a fire suppression system. In other embodiments, the activation signal is transmitted directly from the controller to the fire suppression system. Process <NUM> continues with step <NUM>. Step <NUM> may involve activation of a fire suppression system. In some embodiments, a fire suppressant may be transferred through a conduit to the location of the fire. In some embodiments, activation may involve actuating a pump, a valve, or another component (e.g., a container of pressurized gas, etc.) that initiates flow of the fire suppression material. Process <NUM> ends with the fire suppression system suppressing and/or extinguishing the fire.

Referring now to <FIG>, a process <NUM> is shown to illustrate a method of fire detection using multiple linear heat detectors according to an exemplary embodiment. Process <NUM> begins with step <NUM>. Step <NUM> involves providing multiple linear heat detectors. The multiple linear heat detectors may be wired in a series circuit similar to circuit <NUM> of <FIG>. The multiple linear heat detectors may be connected using one or more linear heat detector connectors. In some embodiments, the connectors may be capable of withstanding direct exposure to an elevated temperature. Process <NUM> continues with step <NUM>. Step <NUM> is shown to involve the activation of at least one linear heat detector. In some embodiments, activating at least one linear heat detector may be similar to steps <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>.

Process <NUM> continues with step <NUM>. Step <NUM> involves transmitting a detection signal to a controller. In some embodiments, the controller may be similar to controller <NUM> of <FIG>. In some embodiments, the detection signal may include a change in current flow. In some embodiments, the detection signal includes a change in resistance of the circuit. In other embodiments, the signal may include an input signal from an external sensor capable of detecting the shorted circuit. According to the invention, the signal indicates the presence of an elevated temperature.

Process <NUM> continues with step <NUM>. Step <NUM> involves determining the location of an elevated temperature. In some embodiments, determining the location of the elevated temperature may include determining the location of a fire. In some embodiments, determination of the location may involve a controller analyzing the location of a shorted circuit. In other embodiments, the location of an elevated temperature may not be determined.

By way of example, a circuit (e.g., the circuit <NUM>) may include multiple linear heat detectors each connected in series, with a resistor (e.g., resistor <NUM>) completing the circuit. When the linear heat detectors are in a normal, non-activated state, the circuit <NUM> may have a first resistance associated with current flow through each of the linear heat detectors and the resistor. When a first one of the linear heat detectors is activated, a short may be experienced within the first linear heat detector (e.g., the linear heat detector <NUM>), changing the overall resistance of the circuit to a second resistance associated with current flow through the first linear heat detector and the second linear heat detector, but not through the resistor. When the second linear heat detector (e.g., the linear heat detector <NUM>) is activated, a short may be experienced within the second linear heat detector, changing the overall resistance of the circuit to a resistance associated with current flow through the second linear heat detector, but not through the first linear heat detector or the resistor. Using the resistance of the circuit (e.g., or a property associated with the resistance, such as a current flowing through the circuit at a fixed voltage), controller <NUM> may determine if and where a fault has occurred, and accordingly the location of the fire that caused the fault.

Process <NUM> continues with step <NUM>. Step <NUM> involves activating a local fire suppression system, or a local portion or component of a fire suppression system. In some embodiments, activating a local fire suppression system may involve a controller outputting a signal to activate a suppression system similar to step <NUM> of <FIG>. In some embodiments, activating a local fire suppression system may involve delivering a fire suppression material through a conduit to a location of the elevated temperature. In some embodiments, activation may involve actuating a pump or other component capable of pressurizing a fire suppression material.

Referring to <FIG>, an assembled view of a linear heat detector connector <NUM> is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Connector <NUM> may be the same as or similar to linear heat detector connectors <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Connector <NUM> is shown to couple (e.g., electrically, etc.) a first linear heat detector <NUM> with a second linear heat detector <NUM> (e.g., which may be the same as or similar to the linear heat detectors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>). Detectors <NUM>, <NUM> may including any of the features of the linear heat detectors shown and described herein. Connector <NUM> includes a first end cap <NUM>, a second end cap <NUM>, a central body <NUM>, and a body cap <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, end caps <NUM> and <NUM>, central body <NUM>, and body cap <NUM> may be produced from a material capable of withstanding high temperatures (e.g., temperatures greater than <NUM> or <NUM>° C ((<NUM>°F, or <NUM>°F,) etc.) generated by a fire. In other embodiments, end caps <NUM> and <NUM>, central body <NUM>, and body cap <NUM> may be produced from a combination of different materials capable of withstanding temperatures generated by a fire.

Linear heat detectors <NUM> and <NUM> are coupled within central body <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. Detector <NUM> is shown to enter first end cap <NUM> through a first end cap aperture <NUM> and continue into central body <NUM>. Detector <NUM> is shown to enter second end cap <NUM> through a second end cap aperture <NUM> and continue to central body <NUM>. Detectors <NUM> and <NUM> may couple with connector <NUM> within central body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first end cap aperture <NUM> is aligned with second end cap aperture <NUM>.

In some embodiments, end cap <NUM> may be removably coupled (e.g., via a threaded connection, magnetic, etc.) with central body <NUM>, and end cap <NUM> may be removably coupled with body cap <NUM>. In other embodiments, end caps <NUM> and <NUM> may be permanently coupled (e.g., soldered, adhered, etc.) with central body <NUM> and body cap <NUM>. In some embodiments, end caps <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of a desired cross-sectional shape (e.g., cylindrical, hexagonal prism, etc.). The shapes and/or surface finish of end caps <NUM> and <NUM> may facilitate applying a torque to tighten or loosen the threaded connections of the end caps with central body <NUM> and body cap <NUM>.

In some embodiments, linear heat detectors <NUM> and <NUM> are directly coupled to one another within central body <NUM>. In other embodiments, detectors <NUM> and <NUM> are indirectly coupled to one another through another component (e.g., a connector, an electrical conductor, terminal block, etc.). In some embodiments, detectors <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled to complete a circuit in series capable of conducting electrical current. In some embodiments, detectors <NUM> and <NUM> may have different activation temperatures.

Central body <NUM> is shown to include a cylindrical structure. In some embodiments, central body <NUM> may include a different-shaped structure (e.g., cube, hexagonal prism, etc.). In some embodiments, central body <NUM> may be configured to prevent contaminants (e.g. smoke, grease, dust) from entering the body with sealing components.

Body cap <NUM> is shown to couple with central body <NUM> and end cap <NUM>. In some embodiments, body cap <NUM> may be removably coupled (e.g. via a threaded fastening, a magnetic connection, etc.) with central body <NUM> to allow selective access inside an internal volume, shown as body volume <NUM>, defined within central body <NUM>. Body cap <NUM> is shown to include a knurled exterior surface to facilitate applying a torque to tighten or loosen body cap <NUM> (e.g., by hand). In other embodiments, body cap <NUM> may include other textured features (e.g., etching, sanding, etc.). In some embodiments, body cap <NUM> may be formed of a desired cross-sectional shape (e.g., hexagonal, etc.) that facilitates applying a torque to tighten or loosen the threaded connections between central body <NUM> and body cap <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exploded view of linear heat detector connector <NUM> is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Connector <NUM> is shown to include sealing bodies <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, protruded couplers <NUM> and <NUM>, a coupler <NUM>, and threaded system <NUM>.

Sealing bodies <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (e.g., sealing members, seals, O-rings, etc.) are produced from rubber or a similar compliant material according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, sealing bodies <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be produced from other materials (e.g., metal, polymer, composites, etc.). Sealing bodies <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are shown to include a toroidal shape according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, sealing bodies <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include other shapes (e.g., disk, square, etc.).

In some embodiments, sealing bodies <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be capable of sealing end cap apertures <NUM> and <NUM> and a body cap aperture <NUM>. Sealing body <NUM> may engage and form a seal between coupling end cap <NUM>, protruding coupler <NUM>, and linear heat detector <NUM>. Sealing body <NUM> may engage and form a seal between central body <NUM> and body cap <NUM>. Sealing body <NUM> may engage and form a seal between end cap <NUM>, protruding coupler <NUM>, and linear heat detector <NUM>. In some embodiments, sealing bodies <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be configured to seal the body volume <NUM> from the surrounding atmosphere, preventing the ingress of solids and liquids. During operation, cooking appliances (e.g., fryers, grills, stoves, etc.) may introduce contaminants, such as water, grease, or oil, into the air surrounding the appliance. Such contaminants are drawn upward and into the associated ventilation hoods (e.g., by forced air systems within the hoods). By placing linear heat detectors and the associated connectors within the hood, the connectors are continuously subjected to these contaminants. Sealing bodies <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> prevents these contaminants from entering body volume <NUM> and interfering with or damaging the connection between linear heat detectors <NUM>, <NUM>. Accordingly, the sealed arrangement of the connector <NUM> facilitates placement of the connector <NUM> within ventilation hood. Other connectors without this sealed arrangement may be susceptible to ingress of contaminants, and thus must be placed outside of the ventilation hood, increasing the complexity of installation. In some embodiments, sealing bodies <NUM> and <NUM> may indirectly couple linear heat detectors <NUM> and <NUM> and end caps <NUM> and <NUM>.

Connector <NUM> is shown to include protruding couplers <NUM> and <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, protruding couplers <NUM> and <NUM> may be capable of coupling end cap <NUM> with central body <NUM> and end cap <NUM> with body cap <NUM>. In some embodiments, protruding couplers <NUM> and <NUM> may include a threaded system for coupling end cap <NUM> with central body <NUM> and end cap <NUM> with body cap <NUM>. By tightening these threaded connections, sealing bodies <NUM> and <NUM> may be compressed, further increasing their sealing effectiveness. In other embodiments, protruding couplers <NUM> and <NUM> may utilize other methods of coupling (e.g., soldering, adhering, etc.).

Central body <NUM> includes coupling region <NUM> (e.g., an exterior threaded surface corresponding to an interior threaded surface of body cap <NUM>) capable of fastening body cap <NUM> to central body <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, coupling region <NUM> may include a threaded system capable of coupling body cap <NUM> with central body <NUM>. By tightening this threaded connection, sealing body <NUM> may be compressed, further increasing its sealing effectiveness. In other embodiments, coupling region <NUM> may utilize other methods of coupling (e.g., soldering, adhering, etc.).

Connector <NUM> is shown to include coupler <NUM> (e.g., an electrical coupler, a ceramic terminal block, etc.) that electrically couples linear heat detectors <NUM> and <NUM> to complete a single circuit according to an exemplary embodiment. Coupler <NUM> may be positioned within the body volume <NUM>. In some embodiments, coupler <NUM> may be produced at least in part from a high-temperature resistant material (e.g., ceramic). In some embodiments, coupler <NUM> may be capable of conducting electricity between linear heat detectors <NUM> and <NUM>. By way of example, coupler <NUM> may include one or more conductive contacts that engage linear heat detectors <NUM> and <NUM> and conduct electrical energy therethrough. In other embodiments, coupler <NUM> directly couples linear heat detectors <NUM> and <NUM> in direct physical contact with one another. In some embodiments, coupler <NUM> may electrically couple detectors <NUM> and <NUM> to form a single series circuit.

Each component of connector <NUM> may be configured to withstand high temperatures (e.g., temperatures greater than <NUM> or <NUM> (<NUM>°F, or <NUM>°F), etc.) generated by a fire. Specifically, connector <NUM> may continue to operate normally, electrically coupling the linear heat detectors, until the air surrounding connector <NUM> exceeds a maximum operating temperature. After exceeding the maximum operating temperature, connector <NUM> may start to degrade and stop operating as intended (e.g., breaking one of the desired seals, electrically decoupling the linear heat detectors, etc.). In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature of connector <NUM> is at least <NUM> (<NUM>°F). In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature of connector <NUM> is at least <NUM> (<NUM>°F). Other connectors have lower maximum operating temperatures, and are thus able to operate as intended when exposed to the temperatures experienced within a ventilation hood.

According to the invention, as shown in <FIG>, each of the linear heat detectors <NUM>, <NUM> include a pair of conductors or cores, shown as wires <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The wires <NUM> and <NUM> are electrically isolated from one another by an outer layer of material, shown as insulation <NUM>. Similarly, the wires <NUM>, <NUM> are electrically isolated from one another by an outer layer of material, shown as insulation <NUM>. The insulation <NUM> is configured to decompose (e.g., deform, melt, etc.) at the activation temperature of linear heat detector <NUM>, placing wire <NUM> in contact and direct electrical communication with wire <NUM>. Similarly, insulation <NUM> is configured to decompose at the activation temperature of linear heat detector <NUM>, placing wire <NUM> in contact and direct electrical communication with wire <NUM>. Within connector <NUM>, a portion of insulation <NUM> and insulation <NUM> are stripped away to expose wires <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Wires <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are each inserted through separate apertures defined by coupler <NUM> and held in place by fasteners, shown as screws <NUM>. With screws <NUM> tightened, wire <NUM> is electrically coupled to wire <NUM>, and wire <NUM> is electrically coupled to wire <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an alternative embodiment of connector <NUM>. This embodiment may be substantially similar to the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, except as otherwise described herein. In this embodiment, end caps <NUM>, <NUM> are cylindrical and have a textured (e.g., knurled) outer surface to facilitate applying a torque to the end caps. Central body <NUM> includes a textured (e.g., knurled) outer surface, shown as knurled surface <NUM>, that facilitates applying a torque to central body.

Referring to <FIG>, a heat detector circuit <NUM> is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Circuit <NUM> is shown to include controller <NUM>, end-of line device <NUM>, one or more heat detector connectors <NUM>, and linear heat detectors <NUM> and <NUM>. Detector <NUM> is shown to include two conductive cores 702a and 702b. Conductive cores <NUM> are shown to be coupled (e.g., electrically, etc.) with controller <NUM>. In some embodiments, core 702a may be covered with a coating <NUM> and core 702b may be covered with a coating <NUM>. According to the invention, coatings <NUM> and <NUM> include a material capable of electrical insulation (e.g., a polymer material, etc.). According to the invention, coatings <NUM> and <NUM> have an activation temperature at which the material decomposes. In other embodiments, coatings <NUM>, <NUM> are omitted.

In some embodiments, coatings <NUM> and <NUM> may be covered with an outer jacket <NUM>. Jacket <NUM> may include a material capable of electrical insulation (e.g., a polymer material, etc.). In some embodiments, outer jacket <NUM> does not decompose in response to reaching the activation temperature of coatings <NUM> and <NUM>. Rather, outer jacket <NUM> remains intact to ensure that cores <NUM> are held in close proximity to one another. In other embodiments, jacket <NUM> may have an activation temperature at which the material decomposes. In such embodiments, the activation temperature of jacket <NUM> may be similar to the activation temperature of coatings <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, the coatings <NUM> and <NUM> may be twisted (e.g., braided) within jacket <NUM>. According to the invention, the activation temperatures of coatings <NUM> and <NUM> and jacket <NUM> cause the material of coatings <NUM> and <NUM> and jacket <NUM> to decompose (e.g., melt). According to the invention, the decomposed material causes conductive cores 702a and 702b to couple (e.g., physically, electrically, etc.). The coupling of conductive cores 702a and 702b may cause circuit <NUM> to short.

Linear heat detector <NUM> is shown to include conductive cores 712a and 712b, coatings <NUM> and <NUM>, and outer jacket <NUM>. In some embodiments, conductive cores <NUM> are shown to couple (e.g., physically, electrically, etc.) with end-of-line device <NUM> (e.g., including a resistor). In other embodiments, conductive cores <NUM> may be wired into additional detectors using additional connectors. In some embodiments, core 712a may be covered with coating <NUM>, and core 712b may be covered with coating <NUM>. In some embodiments, coatings <NUM> and <NUM> may be twisted (e.g., braided) within jacket <NUM>. In some embodiments, the components of detector <NUM> may include similar features (e.g., activation temperature, conductance, materials, etc.) as the components of detector <NUM>. In other embodiments, the components may include one or more different features as the components of detector <NUM> (e.g., a different activation temperature).

Connector <NUM> is shown to include coupler <NUM>. Coupler <NUM> couples (e.g., physically, electrically) the conductive cores <NUM> with conductive cores <NUM> using contacts <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, contacts <NUM> may include a material capable of conducting electricity. In some embodiments, coupler <NUM> includes a material capable of withstanding elevated temperatures. In some embodiments, the material of coupler <NUM> may be capable of withstanding the activation temperatures of outer coatings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and jackets <NUM> and <NUM>. In various alternative embodiments, circuit <NUM> may include more or fewer components than those shown in <FIG>. For example, additional connectors and heat detectors may be utilized to provide for additional local heat detection. Circuit <NUM> provides an integrated fire detection circuit configured to detect elevated temperatures at various locations, and employs connectors suitable for use within such high temperature environments that are sealed to avoid ingress of undesirable materials (e.g., smoke particles, debris, cooking grease or other fluids, etc.).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an end-of-line device (e.g., a linear heat detector connector or connector assembly) is shown as connector <NUM>. Connector <NUM> may be the same as or similar to end-of-line device <NUM>. The construction of connector <NUM> may be substantially similar to that of connector <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> except as otherwise specified herein. In connector <NUM>, body cap <NUM> is replaced with a body cap <NUM>. Body cap <NUM> omits protruded coupler <NUM>, instead having a flat sealed end. Connector <NUM> and connector <NUM> may be similarly sealed and may have similar resistances to high temperatures. Accordingly, connector <NUM> may placed within a ventilation hood without being damaged by elevated temperatures or contaminants associated with operation of a corresponding appliance.

As shown in <FIG>, connector <NUM> includes an end-of-line device or circuit terminator (e.g., a conductor, a resistor, etc.), shown as resistor <NUM>. Resistor <NUM> is electrically coupled to connector <NUM>. Connector <NUM> electrically couples resistor <NUM> to wire <NUM> and wire <NUM>, such that resistor <NUM> completes the circuit shown in <FIG>, according to an exemplary embodiment. Resistor <NUM> may be configured to withstand the elevated temperatures experienced by connector <NUM> (e.g., greater than <NUM> (<NUM>°F), greater than <NUM> (<NUM>°F), etc.). In some embodiments, resistor <NUM> has a predetermined resistance. The resistance of resistor <NUM> may stay substantially constant throughout the range of operating temperatures experienced by connector <NUM>.

As utilized herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

The term "coupled" and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If "coupled" or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of "coupled" provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., "directly coupled" means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of "coupled" provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

The hardware and data processing components used to implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor also may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to the processor via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by the processing circuit or the processor) the one or more processes described herein.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure.

Claim 1:
A fire detection and suppression system (<NUM>) for use with an appliance (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) and a ventilation hood (<NUM>) positioned above the appliance (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>), the system comprising:
a first linear heat detector (<NUM>) including a first pair of conductors (<NUM>,<NUM>) separated by an insulator (<NUM>), the insulator (<NUM>) being configured to decompose to permit electrical coupling of the first pair of conductors (<NUM>,<NUM>) in response to reaching a first activation temperature;
a second linear heat detector (<NUM>) including a second pair of conductors (<NUM>,<NUM>) separated by an insulator (<NUM>), the insulator (<NUM>) being configured to decompose to permit electrical coupling of the second pair of conductors (<NUM>,<NUM>) in response to reaching a second activation temperature different than the first activation temperature;
a connector assembly (<NUM>) electrically coupling the first linear heat detector (<NUM>) and the second linear heat detector (<NUM>);
a source of fire suppressant at least selectively coupled to at least one nozzle (<NUM>); and
a controller (<NUM>) coupled to the first linear heat detector (<NUM>) and the second linear heat detector (<NUM>) and configured to initiate distribution of the fire suppressant through the at least one nozzle (<NUM>) in response to receiving an activation signal, the activation signal indicating at least one of:
(a) the first linear heat detector (<NUM>) has reached the first activation temperature; or
(b) the second linear heat detector (<NUM>) has reached the second activation temperature,
wherein the connector assembly (<NUM>) is configured to be positioned within the ventilation hood (<NUM>).