CA2067287A1 - Device for detecting atmospheric impurities - Google Patents

Device for detecting atmospheric impurities

Info

Publication number
CA2067287A1
CA2067287A1 CA002067287A CA2067287A CA2067287A1 CA 2067287 A1 CA2067287 A1 CA 2067287A1 CA 002067287 A CA002067287 A CA 002067287A CA 2067287 A CA2067287 A CA 2067287A CA 2067287 A1 CA2067287 A1 CA 2067287A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
alarm
impurities
means comprise
control signals
display
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002067287A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Bruno Massalongo
Paolo Bolla
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
EUROGIADA Srl
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of CA2067287A1 publication Critical patent/CA2067287A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08BSIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G08B21/12Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons responsive to undesired emission of substances, e.g. pollution alarms
    • G08B21/16Combustible gas alarms
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08BSIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B17/00Fire alarms; Alarms responsive to explosion
    • G08B17/10Actuation by presence of smoke or gases, e.g. automatic alarm devices for analysing flowing fluid materials by the use of optical means
    • G08B17/117Actuation by presence of smoke or gases, e.g. automatic alarm devices for analysing flowing fluid materials by the use of optical means by using a detection device for specific gases, e.g. combustion products, produced by the fire
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08BSIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G08B21/12Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons responsive to undesired emission of substances, e.g. pollution alarms
    • G08B21/14Toxic gas alarms

Landscapes

  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Electric Means (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials Using Thermal Means (AREA)

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The device for detecting atmospheric impurities has a detector with a threshold adjuster, for detecting the presence of gaseous impurities in the ambient atmosphere, which emit variable control signals. The detector is connected to analogue instruments for displaying the level of the impurities represented by the variable control signals, and the threshold adjuster is connected to an alarm actuator for selectively or simultaneously controlling an acoustic alarm, a visual alarm, a solenoid valve for closing gas ducts and/or a relay for disactivating power lines.

Description

2~1~72~7 The present invention relates to a device for detecting atmospheric impurities in enclosed spaces, such as living spaces, public places, vehicle interior compartments and the like.
Gas detectors, in particular detectors which are sensitive to methane gas or carbon dioxide or to carbon monoxide, for household use, are currently known; said detectors are suitable for indicating, by means of simple alarms, usually acoustic ones, the presence of explosive or noxious gases in an amount which exceeds a preset threshold.
This threshold is usually set at a dPnsity level per cubic meter of explosive or noxious gas in air which is lower than the characteristic risk threshold of the particular gas.
Such devices, however, are unable to indicate the quality o~ the air in the enclosed space in which they are located. In fact they only have alarms or controls which are activated when the preset threshold is reached but provide no information at lower levels, which would be a precise and definitely better item of information regarding the state of the air.

The aim of the present invention is to eliminate or substantially reduce the problems described above by providing a device for detecting atmospheric impurities which provides a precise assessment of the atmosphere of the enclosed space in which it is located or, so to speak, of ; its ~degree" of pollution.
Within the scope of the above aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a detection device which ' . . ;

: ; ~

2~728~

also indicates that specific danger thresholds have been exceed~d for at least one noxious gas.
Not least object of the present invention is to provide a detection device which is highly reliable, easy to install and can be produced at competitive costs.
This aim, the objects mentioned and others which will become apparent hereinafter are achieved by a device for detecting atmospheric impuriti~s, according to the invention, which comprises means for detecting the presence of gaseous impurities in thQ atmosphere, said means being suitable for emitting variable control signals, me~ns for displaying the level of said impurities by displaying levels of said variable control signals, and an electric power supply ~or said detection means and for said dlsplay means.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a device for detecting atmospheric impurities according to the invention, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the only figure in the accompanying drawing, which is a block diagram of a device according to the inven-tion.

With reference to the described figure, a device for detecting atmospheric impurities comprises means for detecting the presence of gaseous impurities in the atmosphere, designated by the general reference numeral 1.
~he detection means 1 generate variable control signals for controlling means, designated by the general reference numeral 2, for displaying the level of impurities by 4 2~72~7 displaying levels reached by the variable control signals which flow in the electrical connection shown in solid lines in the figure.
The detection means 1 and the display means 2 are furthermore powered by an electric power supply 3.
The detection means 1 comprise at least one sensor, or a plurality of sensors, depending on whether the device must be sensitive to one or more types of impurities in the air~
The type of sensor or capsule suitable for being used comprises a resistor, for example of the layer type or of the filament-in-air type and in any case comprising catalyst materials, such as for example platinum and stannous dioxide, which is initially raised and kept at a temperature of approximately several tens of degrees Celsius and varies its resistance as a function of the amount of impurities of one or more gases present in the atmosphere. The resistance variations of the resistor entail variations of the absorbed current, i.P. of the dissipated power, which become the variable control signals directed to the display means 2.
2Q Capsules of the described type are commercially available in a wide range of formats, sizes, power dissipation capabilities and detectable gases, such as for example the sensors 812 and 813 manufactured by the ~apanese company Figaro and the sensor FGS-7712 of the Japanese company Hakuto.
The display means 2 comprise analogue instruments, for example of the dial or deflection type, or digital instruments. Preferred display means may be cathode-ray-tube displays, liquid-crystal displays or LED displays, which have the advantage of being readable under any lighting 20~7287 condition.
As regards the liquid-crystal displays and LED
displays, they can either provide a direct reading of the momentary value of the impurities, which are indicated by means of a string of numbers, or a history reading, and thus a time-based control. In the latter case, they are matrices of liquid crystals or of LEDs which have a time-related weight ~actor on the abscissa and a weight ~actor which indicates the impurities on the ordinate. The activation of elements wlthin this matrix, according to a well-defin-d proportionality with respect to the ordinates and depending on the provided time interval, provides in the course of time a chart of the impurities condition in the enclosed space in which the device according to the invention is inserted.
For LED displays it is possible to think of the so-calIed "traffic lights", usually composed of at least onered LED, at least one yellow LED and at least one green LED, which provide a qualitative evaluation of the atmosphere ~uality state, constantly updating the display according to the changes in the degree of pollution of the ambient atmosphere.
In order to make the detection means 1 independent from the ambient variations in temperature and/or humidity, it is preferable to prearrange a system 4 ~or controlling the temperature and, possibly, the humidity which subjects the detection means 1 to thermostatic control. Said control system 4 thus allows to keep the sensitivity of the ; detection means 1 constant, even if the climatic and ambient conditions change.

20~72~7 The variable control signals can advantageously control a ventilation system 5 so as to continuously vary the rotation rate of the motor or motors of said ventilation system 5 in order to provide an exchange of air between the enclosed space and the outside which is more or less intense according to the degree of pollution detected.
The variable control signals can conveniently also ; control alarm means which warn that a preset threshold of risk for the health of the persons present in the controlled enclosed space is exceeded. The alarm means comprise an alarm activator 6 the threshold whereof i5 variable according to the different type of gas being monitored, which can sel~ctively or simultaneously control an acoustic alarm apparatus 7, a visual alarm apparatus 8, a solenoid or electxic valve 9 for closing gas ducts and a relay 10 for example for deactivating the power lines.
The above mentioned risk thresholds can be adjusted through adjustment means, designated by the reference numeral 11 in the figure, which can comprise at least one rotary potentiometer or at least one decade potentiometer or an adjustment device provided with a display of the selected level by numeric indication; such adjustment device can be of the pushbutton type or of the gear type. The adjustment ; means 11 activate the alarm activator 6 if at least one risk threshold is exceeded.
Conveniently, the electric power supply 3, which must provida the various compon~nts of the above described circuit with a voltage of for example 5 volts, can comprise a power supply/transformer which converts the alternating mains voltage into the re~uired 5 volts, or a power supply , .
.

2~67287 which converts a direct voltaye, for example of 12 volts, into the supply voltage of the circuit, and a battery pack capable of providing, in any case, the state of the enclosed space even in case of power failure at the mains or other source. Said battery pack can conveniently be of the rechargeable type, and can thus be recharged when the power supply voltage o~ the device according to the invention is available. In this manner, the device, in its various versions, can be advantageously located in household rooms, work rooms and the like, as well as in interior compartments of motor vehicles, boats and aircraft.
; In practical tests it has been observed that the invention achieves the intended aim and objects, constituting a considerable advance with raspect to known alarm devices, since it provides its users with a reference (digits, color codes and the like) for deciding whether to ventilate a room even before risk thresholds are reached, and thus reduce pollution-related dangers in enclosed spaces.
The invention thus conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept. All the details may furthermore be replaced with other technically equivalent element6.

, .. . . ~ :: .

Claims (15)

1. Device for detecting atmospheric impurities, comprising detection means for detecting the presence of gaseous impurities in the atmosphere, and for emitting variable control signals, display means for displaying the level of said impurities by displaying levels of said variable control signals, and an electrical power supply for said detection means and for said display means.
2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said detection means comprise at least one sensor or capsule for detecting the presence of impurities in the air.
3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the or each sensor comprises a resistor for varying its resistance according to the degree of pollution of one or more specific polluting gases.
4. Device according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature control system for providing thermostatic control of said detection means.
5. Device according to claim 1, wherein said display means selectively comprise analogue instruments and digital instruments.
6. Device according to claim 5, wherein said display means comprise a cathode ray tube display.
7. Device according to claim 5, wherein said display means comprise a liquid-crystal display.
8. Device according to claim 5, wherein said display means comprise an LED display.
9. Device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one ventilation system which can be controlled by said variable control signals and can be powered by said electrical power supply.
10. Device according to claim 1, further comprising alarm means for indicating that one or more risk thresholds have been exceeded, said alarm means being activatable by said variable control signals.
11. Device according to claim 10, wherein said alarm means comprise a variable-threshold alarm activator and an alarm apparatus, said alarm apparatus being activatable by said alarm activator.
12. Device according to claim 10, wherein said alarm means comprise an acoustic and/or visual alarm apparatus.
13. Device according to claim 10, wherein said alarm means comprise a variable-threshold alarm activator for activating a solenoid or electric valve for closing gas ducts.
14. Device according to claim 10, wherein said alarm means comprise a relay.
15. Device according to claim 1, further comprising adjustment means for presetting said activation and/or risk thresholds and activate said variable-threshold alarm activator.
CA002067287A 1991-04-29 1992-04-28 Device for detecting atmospheric impurities Abandoned CA2067287A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITVR91A000037 1991-04-29
ITVR910037A IT1249197B (en) 1991-04-29 1991-04-29 ATMOSPHERIC IMPURITIES DETECTION DEVICE

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2067287A1 true CA2067287A1 (en) 1992-10-30

Family

ID=11427322

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002067287A Abandoned CA2067287A1 (en) 1991-04-29 1992-04-28 Device for detecting atmospheric impurities

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0511582A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2067287A1 (en)
IT (1) IT1249197B (en)

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2294794A (en) * 1994-11-02 1996-05-08 William Michael Sheret Fuel leak monitoring apparatus
GB9604319D0 (en) * 1996-02-29 1996-05-01 Coleman Cyril W The Coleman-Sims safety valve
EP0814444B1 (en) * 1996-06-22 2002-07-24 Huberg Gasmesstechnik GmbH Safety device
FR2761756B1 (en) * 1997-04-04 1999-06-04 Dtn Fr Sa SAFETY DEVICE FOR A STOVE COMPRISING A SENSOR MEASURING THE THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF GASES
DE29809490U1 (en) * 1998-05-28 1999-10-07 Wendling Umwelttechnik, 55481 Kirchberg Gas explosion protection device
IT1299493B1 (en) * 1998-06-05 2000-03-16 Feliciano Cauzzo SAFETY SYSTEM TO SUSPEND THE GAS SUPPLY WHEN A LEAK IS DETECTED
EP1170710A1 (en) * 2000-07-06 2002-01-09 D'Urania Electrodomesticos Decoration Cocinas S.L. Safety device for combustible gases or liquids
ES2282006B1 (en) * 2005-04-18 2008-06-01 Servinge, S.L. SECURITY DEVICE FOR GAS FACILITIES AND DETECTION PROCEDURE.
CN103900131A (en) * 2012-12-26 2014-07-02 博西华电器(江苏)有限公司 Smoke exhaust ventilator and control method thereof
CN103345817A (en) * 2013-06-13 2013-10-09 无锡商业职业技术学院 Fuel gas safety monitoring and controlling system

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3740718A (en) * 1971-06-01 1973-06-19 Westinghouse Electric Corp Control apparatus for an environmental data system
US3955186A (en) * 1974-05-17 1976-05-04 Compugraphic Corporation Character image generation apparatus and CRT phototypesetting system
US4088986A (en) * 1976-10-01 1978-05-09 Boucher Charles E Smoke, fire and gas alarm with remote sensing, back-up emergency power, and system self monitoring
US4388822A (en) * 1981-07-15 1983-06-21 Mine Safety Appliances Company Atmospheric sampling system
NL187595C (en) * 1981-10-08 1991-11-18 Westinghouse Electrotechniek E DEVICE FOR DETECTING GAS OR SMOKE PARTICLES.
GB2137389B (en) * 1983-03-30 1986-03-05 Ca Minister Nat Defence Monitoring presence of chemical agents
ATE71727T1 (en) * 1986-08-02 1992-02-15 Heinz Hoelter DEVICE FOR DETECTING DIFFERENT POLLUTANT CONTENT IN GAS FLOW.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ITVR910037A1 (en) 1992-10-29
ITVR910037A0 (en) 1991-04-29
EP0511582A1 (en) 1992-11-04
IT1249197B (en) 1995-02-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP4741008B2 (en) Gas alarm system with wind direction indicator
EP0511582A1 (en) Device for detecting atmospheric impurities
US5439414A (en) Networked fume hood monitoring system
US4391913A (en) Temperature regulating system for the control of temperature in a room
US5682145A (en) Toxic gas detector with a time measurement sensor
EP2425410B1 (en) Detectors
US4668940A (en) Portable hazard warning apparatus
KR960025256A (en) Gas detection and alarm system to monitor gases such as carbon monoxide
NO150179B (en) GAS NOTICE FOR USE IN GAS EXPLOSION HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS
US4185491A (en) Gas monitors
KR890017646A (en) Indoor inspection and adjustment system
US5539384A (en) Electronic water utility safety apparatus
US7292154B1 (en) Monitor and method for sensing temperature differences
US4028057A (en) Gas analyzer
US5218347A (en) Apparatus for detecting hazardous gases
US5642097A (en) Remotely readable fuel tank indicator system
US4990896A (en) Light responsive device for monitoring on-line indicator lights
JPH0352823B2 (en)
AU764000B2 (en) Electronic brake controller and display
US6307478B1 (en) Multi-zone gas detection system
US4801922A (en) Low temperature alarm
US4131877A (en) Low tire pressure indicator circuit
US4220950A (en) Air flow sensor
US4001776A (en) Multiple indication display
US2535950A (en) Flammable gas detector

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FZDE Discontinued