GB2520088A

GB2520088A - Gas burner safety system, sensor unit and method

Info

Publication number: GB2520088A
Application number: GB1319914.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Benjaminin Feiner; Daniel Feiner
Original assignee: YOUGREEN Ltd
Current assignee: YOUGREEN Ltd
Priority date: 2013-11-12
Filing date: 2013-11-12
Publication date: 2015-05-13
Also published as: GB201319914D0

Abstract

A gas burner safety system has a gas burner 100 and a sensor 108. The sensor is configured to detect a surface 104 in proximity to the gas burner and in response to a detection result, trigger a safety measure of the system. The sensor may be a radiation sensor, and may be arranged for receiving radiation from the gas burner either reflected from the surface 112 or received directly from the surface 110. The surface is associated with an object 102 which is heated, and the object may be a cooking pan, and the burner may be associated with gas combustion devices, such as a gas hob, a camping gas stove, a Bunsen burner, etc. Alternatively the sensor can detect the removal of an item on a gas hob and trigger an alarm if the item is absent for a predetermined time period. The safety measure may be one of isolation of the gas, illuminate a light or activate a warning sound, send an alert to a mobile phone, etc.

Description

GAS BURNER SAFETY SYSTEM, SENSOR UNIT AND METHOD

Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to safety systems, devices and methods for gas burners.

Background of the Invention

Gas burners, such as gas hobs, are devices commonly used in domestic, to business or manufacturing environments. In spite of safety measures introduced for such devices, such as extractor fans and shut-off valves, there remain significant dangers associated with such devices, in particular with the gas burner remaining lit after use.

For example, in domestic use, gas hobs left on by accident by users after a pan has been removed from the hob cause damage to the hob or other kitchen equipment, and in some cases cause fires. This can be a particular problem for gas devices with elderly users.

The accidental non-shut-off of gas burners arises in other environments. For example, Bunsen burners typically used in schools can be left on accidentally by staff or pupils. Gas stoves, such as camping stoves, can readily cause damage or fire if left on after use. Oxyacetylene torches and other high-powered burners can quickly cause significant damage if normal shut-off devices fail after intended use is completed.

Furthermore the operation of some such gas burners, particularly in the case of gas hobs on cookers, is difficult to amend (for example for safety reasons) once the burner has been installed; cookers are usually large and unwieldy, and their installation and gas supply installation requires time and gas technician expertise.

The present invention aims to address these problems and provide improvements upon the known devices and methods.

Summary of the Invention

Aspects and embodiments of the invention are set out in the accompanying claims.

In general terms, one embodiment of a first aspect of the invention can provide a gas burner safety system, comprising: a gas burner; and a sensor, the sensor configured to: detect a surface in proximity to the gas burner; and in response to a detection result, trigger a safety measure of the system.

This provides a means for increasing safety for a gas burner, by detecting the presence or otherwise of a surface near the burner, and allowing prompting of a safety measure in response.

Preferably, the sensor is a radiation sensor. Suitably, the sensor is arranged for receiving radiation from the surface. The sensor may be arranged to receive radiation from the gas burner reflected by the surface, or radiation directly from the surface itself.

The sensor may be a light sensor or a heat sensor. The sensor may for example detect infra-red radiation.

Suitably, the sensor is configured to trigger the safety measure if a detection result is that no surface is detected in proximity to the gas burner. Preferably, the sensor is configured, on receipt of no radiation reflected from the surface, to note a detection result that no surface is detected.

In an embodiment, the sensor is configured to take sensor readings at intervals, and to generate a detection result for readings. The sensor may generate a detection result for each reading, or for a set of readings.

Preferably, the sensor is configured to note a detection result that no surface is detected on receipt of no radiation within a pre-defined time period.

The sensor may be configured to measure radiation (or lack of radiation, i.e. non-receipt of radiation) since a previous measurement instance, or within a time period including a plurality of measurements, or continued lack of radiation over a time threshold, or cumulative radiation receipt over the time period. The sensor may be configured to measure a time between a lack of radiation receipt and a return of radiation receipt.

Suitably, the sensor is configured, in response to the detection result, to trigger a gas shut-off device.

The sensor may comprise a processor. The processor may be configured to carry out such steps as noted above for configuration of the sensor. The sensor may comprise a memory, and a battery. It may be connected to a power source of the gas burner, and to components of the gas burner, such as a shut-off valve for the burner.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a sensor for detecting the presence of an item on a gas hob, which is arranged to activate a timer when the item is removed from the hob, so that the timer triggers an alarm in the event of non-replacement of the item within a predetermined time period.

The sensor is ideally a standalone, retro-fit device and may be adapted to be stuck on a hob or cooker surface or simply placed on the surface of the hob or cooker.

In another embodiment the sensor is adapted to communicate with other electronic components, for example as part of a system, via a short range radio S frequency signal, such as one operating on one of the following protocols: Zigbee (Trade Mark) or Bluetooth (Trade Mark).

When configured, the system is capable of including: a radio transmitter (wi-ti) to send or relay a message short message service (SMS), alarm or alert to a device, such as a local or remote alarm. The local alarm may be worn by a person and optionally include a vibrating device (for use by deaf or hearing impaired) people and the remote alarm may be at a control room or in a caretaker or carer's residence.

In another embodiment the local or remote device may be a mobile telephone (celiphone) or pager or similar device for receiving a radio signal. The remote or local device optionally includes a visual and/or audible alert and may be configured, for example in combination with an application software (APP) to display a message, relay an alert to a server, send a text or other short message service (SMS) under control of software.

In another embodiment, the sensor may be adapted to be disposable, so that at the end of a 6 month or 12 month life cycle that can be recycled and replaced.

In an alternative embodiment, the sensor is configured, in response to the detection result, to trigger a user alert device.

The user alert device may comprise a light, or an audible alarm. The user alert device may comprise a transmitter, which may transmit an alert signal to a mobile unit. The mobile unit may comprise an alert device, such as a light, audible alarm, vibrating alert, or the like.

One embodiment of a second aspect of the invention can provide a sensor unit attachable to a gas burner system, the sensor unit configured to: detect a surface in proximity to the gas burner; and in response to a detection result, trigger a safety measure of the system.

This allows the sensor to be retro-fittable to a gas burner, so that no complex installation or dismantling of the burner is required.

One embodiment of a third aspect of the invention can provide a method of providing a safety measure for a gas burner system, the method comprising the steps of: using a sensor disposed on the gas burner system to detect a surface in proximity to the gas burner; and in response to a detection result of the sensor, triggering a safety measure of the gas burner system.

IS One embodiment of a fourth aspect of the invention can provide a sensor for detecting the presence of an item on a gas hob, which is arranged to activate a timer when the item is removed from the hob, so that the timer triggers an alarm in the event of non-replacement of the item within a predetermined time period.

Preferably1 the sensor includes an infra-red sensor. Suitably, the sensor is adapted to detect a variation in temperature.

In an embodiment, the sensor is fitted to a gas cooking appliance. Suitably, the sensor is adapted to be placed on a hob.

In an embodiment, the sensor sends an alert signal to a mobile unit. Preferably, the mobile unit is a pendant adapted to be worn by a person. Alternatively, the mobile unit is a mobile communication device, for example a mobile telephone.

Suitably, the timer is variable. Preferably, a timer interval is between 30 and 120 seconds. The timer may be adapted to be set by a user.

The above aspects and embodiments may be combined to provide further aspects and embodiments of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a sensor and gas burner safety system according to an embodiment of the invention. I0

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention In embodiments, the invention provides a system and/or sensor for increasing safety for gas burners, such as gas hobs, the sensor detecting a surface of an object near the burner, and initiating a safety measure if the object is removed or not detected for a period. The safety measure may for example be alerting a user, or automatically shutting off a gas supply.

Figure 1 illustrates components of an example of a gas burner safety system and sensor according to an embodiment of the invention. A gas burner (100) has an outlet which may be directed towards an object to be heated (102). In the example of a gas cooker, the burner would comprise the gas hob. One surface (104) of the object 102 is placed in proximity to the burner 100 (for example a pan placed on a hob).

A sensor (108) is disposed next to or on the burner. In the example of a gas cooker, the sensor will be a light or heat sensor of the type known to the art, able to collect incoming radiation, for example an infra-red sensor.

In use, when the burner is lit the heat and exhaust from the burner is directed from the burner as indicated by arrow 106. The sensor will then receive heat or tight radiation either (a) reflected (112) from the surface 104, or (b) directly from the surface (110), or both. In the case of(b), the radiation may only be received once the surface has heated sufficiently to itself radiate heat/light.

This sensor system may therefore be used to monitor the presence of the object 102 near the burner 100. When the object 102 is removed from the presence of the burner, no radiation will be reflected from (or emitted by) the object in the vicinity of the sensor.

The sensor may for example simply continuously monitor receipt of radiation, and at the point when radiation is no longer being received (or an amount of radiation below a pre-set threshold) trigger the safety measure. This can be as simple as a trip activated by the removal of a signal linked to or generated by the incoming radiation. The trip or some simple logic can be used to initiate the safety measure.

Alternatively, the sensor may be employed in various ways. The sensor can, in order to save energy and/or complexity, take readings only at intervals, and trigger the safety measure at the first interval without receiving (sufficient) radiation or at a determined number of intervals afterwards.

The sensor (in conjunction with any associated logic or processor) can instead allow a pre-determined amount of time to elapse before triggering the safety measure. For example, in the case of a gas hob, it may allow time for a pan to be removed from a hob for stirring or adding ingredients, before being returned to the hob a short time later.

In one embodiment this is achieved by a timer (not shown) which can be set by the user. In an embodiment, the timer may be set to between 30 and 120 seconds.

The safety measure triggered by the sensor may be one or more of a selection of measures. In one embodiment, the sensor may simply trip an alert device, such as a warning light (for example, mounted on the sensor or nearby), or an audible aiarm (again, which may be mounted on the sensor or nearby). The alert device may be more complex, and be able to choose the type of alarm depending on the time elapsed since the object was last present, for example by adding further alert types cumulatively. The alert device may, for example, light a warning lamp as soon as the object is removed from the burner, and only raise a further alert, such as a warning sound, after a determined period of time.

The alert device may comprise a transmitter, which transmits an alert signal to a second unit. The second unit may be a fixed unit (for example, mounted in a dining room near a kitchen housing the gas appliance), or a mobile unit carried by a user. The alert signal can prompt the second unit to start an alert, such as a light or warning sound, or vibrating portion of the unit. The mobile unit may be a pendant worn by the user, or a mobile device carried by the user, such as a mobile telephone, watch or the like. The mobile unit may comprise a panic button or function, which when pressed or activated by the user after the alert, can raise a further alarm (for example calling a help number) or trigger a further safety feature, such as a remotely controlled gas shut-off valve.

In one embodiment, the safety measure triggered is that of shutting-off the gas supply to the burner. Therefore, rather than alerting the user, the gas itself can be cut-off automatically. This may also be included as a further measure or fail-safe in a system using a user alert initially.

In these embodiments, the sensor is connected to a shut-off valve, either one pre-installed on the burner, or installed on installation of the safety system. The sensor may trip the valve directly, or a processor of the sensor (unit) instruct triggering of the valve electronically.

The sensor may be a self-contained unit, comprising any components required to carry out the safety measure(s). The sensor may comprise a sensor unit housing, as examples: sensor material to face the reflecting/emitting surface; logic or a processor to process signals from the sensing material; a transmitter; a generator for an alert signal; a light or sound emitter for the alert; a memory for storing routines for the simple logic or processor.

The sensor or system may be retro-fitted to existing gas burners and appliances, in particular in the case of the self-contained unit described above. Alternatively, the sensor may be installed as part of manufacture of the burner, for example as part of manufacture of a gas cooker. In the case of retro-fitting, the sensor or sensor unit may be connected to the relevant parts of the burner, for example being mounted near the burner site, and connected to any shut-off valve, pre-existing logic, display or warning unit (for example, the existing display of a gas cooker), and transmitter (for example, an existing transmitter on a gas appliance).

The sensor and/or system may of course be used for various different types of gas burner. In one embodiment, a sensor is mounted on a Bunsen burner or gas stove, to measure radiation emitted from or reflected by the surface of an item placed on them.

In another embodiment, a sensor is mounted on a torch or other high-powered burner. Such high-powered torches commonly have additional safety and fail-safe features due to the hazard entailed. For example, a torch will usually be activated by the user only when a lever or the like is depressed, and therefore the gas will be shut off on release of the lever. However, if this or another fail-safe feature of the torch or burner malfunctions, the burner may nevertheless remain activated. In this case, the sensor can as above measure the reflected or emitted heat from a proximal surface (such as an item being welded) and trigger an alarm or automatic shut-off on removal, for a determined period.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention has been described by way of example only, and that a variety of alternative approaches may be adopted without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A gas burner safety system, comprising: a gas burner; and a sensor, the sensor configured to: detect a surface in proximity to the gas burner; and in response to a detection result, trigger a safety measure of the system.
2. A system according to Claim 1 wherein the sensor is a radiation sensor.
3. A system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the sensor is arranged for receiving radiation from the surface.
4. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the sensor is configured to trigger the safety measure if a detection result is that no surface is detected in proximity to the gas burner.
5. A system according to Claim 4 as dependent on Claim 2, wherein the sensor is configured, on receipt of no radiation reflected from the surface, to note a detection result that no surface is detected.
6. A system according to Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the sensor is configured to take sensor readings at intervals, and to generate a detection result for each reading.
7. A system according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein the sensor is configured to note a detection result that no surface is detected on receipt of no radiation within a pre-defined time period.
8. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the sensor is configured, in response to the detection result, to trigger a gas shut-off device.
9. A system according to any of the Claims 1 to 7, wherein the sensor is configured, in response to the detection result, to trigger a user alert device.
10. A sensor unit attachable to a gas burner system, the sensor unit configured to: detect a surface in proximity to the gas burner; and in response to a detection result, trigger a safety measure of the system.
11. A method of providing a safety measure for a gas burner system, the method comprising the steps of: using a sensor disposed on the gas burner system to detect a surface in proximity to the gas burner; and in response to a detection result of the sensor, triggering a safety measure of the gas burner system.
12. A sensor for detecting the presence of an item on a gas hob, which is arranged to activate a timer when the item is removed from the hob, so that the timer triggers an alarm in the event of non-replacement of the item within a predetermined time period.
13. A sensor according to claim 12 wherein the sensor includes an infra-red sensor.
14. A sensor according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the sensor is adapted to detect a variation in temperature.
15. A sensor according to any preceding claim which is fitted to a gas cooking appliance.
16. A sensor according to claim any of claims 12 to 14, which is adapted to be placed on a hob.
17. A sensor according to claim any of the Claims 12 to 16, which sends an alert signal to a mobile unit.
18. A sensor according to claim 17 wherein the mobile unit is a pendant adapted to be worn by a person.
19. A sensor according to claim 17 wherein the mobile unit is a mobile communication device, for example a mobile telephone.
20. A sensor according to any of the Claims 12 to 19, wherein the timer is variable.
21. A sensor according to any of the Claims 12 to 20, wherein a timer interval is between 30 and 120 seconds.
22. A sensor according to Claim 20 wherein the timer is adapted to be set by a user.Amendments to the claims have been made as follows: Claims 1. An alarm for detecting the presence of an item on a gas hob includes: a sensor that is arranged to detect heat and/or light radiation reflected from a surface of the item and a timer which is activated when the item is removed from the gas hob and when a flame is present, whereby the timer triggers an alarm in the event of non-replacement of the item within a predetermined time period.2. An alarm according to claim 1 wherein the sensor includes an infra-red sensor adapted to receive radiation from an under surface of the item.3. An alarm according to claim I wherein the sensor is adapted to detect a variation in temperature. :" 15 *...4. An alarm according to claim I wherein the sensor detects variations in ambient light levels.5. An alarm according to any preceding claim which is fitted to a gas cooking appliance.* 6. An alarm according to claim any of claims 1 to 4 which is adapted to be placed on a gas hob.* 25 7. A alarm according to claim any of the claims 1 to 6 which sends a wireless alert signal to a remote mobile unit.8. An alarm according to claim 7 wherein the mobile unit is a pendant adapted to be worn by a person.9. An alarm according to claim 7 wherein the mobile unit is a mobile communication device, for example a mobile telephone.10. An alarm according to any preceding claim wherein the S predetermined time period is variable.11. An alarm according to any preceding claim wherein the predetermined time period is between 30 seconds and 120 seconds.12. An alarm according to Claim 10 wherein the timer is adapted to be set by a user.13. An alarm substantially as hereindescribed with reference to the Figures.**.* 15 * *. *** * S * ** * * * ** * ** *4 * * 4 * 4 ** * * * S 4 4*