US3908309A

US3908309A - Particulate products of combustion detector for closure frame

Info

Publication number: US3908309A
Application number: US404311A
Authority: US
Inventors: Gordon L Coulter; Duane D Pearsall
Original assignee: Rixson Firemark Inc
Current assignee: Rixson Firemark Inc
Priority date: 1972-01-07
Filing date: 1973-10-09
Publication date: 1975-09-30
Anticipated expiration: 1992-09-30

Abstract

A door frame having a head member defining the top of a door opening with the head member optionally supporting an electrically actuated door holder-closer. A module having a frame shell section and a detector for the particulate products of combustion supported on the interior of the frame shell section with access openings being formed in the shell section to enable particulate products of combustion to pass through the shell to the detector. A socket formed in the head member receives the module so that any particulate products of combustion flowing through the door opening pass through the module access openings to actuate the detector. The detector is electrically connected to the door holder-closer to effect closing of an otherwise open door in response to the detection of the products of combustion. The detector may be either an ionization or photocell type detector.

Description

United States Patent Coulter et al.

1*Sept. 30, 1975 Inventors: Gordon L. Coulter, Arlington Heights, "1.; Duane D. Pearsall, Morrison, Colo.

[73] Assignee: Rixson-Firemark, lnc., Franklin Park, Ill.

[ Notice: The portion of the term of this patent subsequent to Dec. 1 l, 1990, has been disclaimed.

[22] Filed: Oct. 9, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 404,311

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuationin-part of Ser. No. 2l6,202, Jan. 7,

1972, Pat. No. 3.777.423.

[52] US. Cl. 49/31; 49/2; 49/504; 340/237 S [51] Int. Cl. EOSF 15/20 [58] Field of Search..... 49/1, 2. 31, 379, 501, 49/504; 52/], 22]; 16/485; 160/1; 250/381; 340/237 S [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3.410.245 l l/l968 Kashdcn et al. 49/504 X 3.678.511 7 1972 Benedict 340/237 5 3757.471 9/1973 Dougherty 49 2 3.777.423 12/1973 Coulter et al 49 2 Primary E.\'aminer-Kenneth Downey [57] ABSTRACT A door frame having a head member defining the top of a door opening with the head member optionally supporting an electrically actuated door holder-closer. A module having a frame shell section and a detector for the particulate products of combustion supported on the interior of the frame shell section with access openings being formed in the shell section to enable particulate products of combustion to pass through the shell to the detector. A socket formed in the head member receives the module so that any particulate products of combustion flowing through the door opening pass through the module access openings to actuate the detector. The detector is electrically connected to the door holder-closer to effect closing of an otherwise open door in response to the detection of the products of combustion. The detector may be either an ionization or photocell type detector.

10 Claims, 20 Drawing Figures US. Patent Sept. 30,1975 Sheet 1 of 5 3,908,309

US. Patent Sept. 30,1975 Sheet 3 of5 3,908,309

7 US. Patent Sept. 30,1975 Sheet4 of5 3,908,309

U.S. Patent Sept. 30,1975 Sheet 5 of5 3,908,309

PARTICULATE PRODUCTS OF COMBUSTION DETECTOR FOR CLOSURE FRAME RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is related to applicants copending applications Ser. No. 216,202, filed Jan. 7, 1972 now US PATENT FILED INVENTOR TITLE 1,392,002 6-21-19 Engle Thermo Control for Fire Doors 2,665,129 1-5-54 Durbin et a1 Thermoelectric Door Operating Mechanism 3,009,138 1 1-14-61 Lindsay Radioactive Burglar Alarm System 3,039,764 6-19-62 Heinsman et al Electric Door Operator 3,069,997 12-25-62 Julian Apparatus for Preventing Exfiltration of Amoke-Laden Air from Smokehouse Enclosures 3,207,273 9-21-65 .lurin Closure release Device 3,382,762 3-9-61 Basel et a1 Smoke Detecting Device 3,430,220 2-25-69 Deuth Fire Detector 3,445,669 -20-69 Jordan et a1 Radiation Sensitive Carbon Monoxide Detector 3,447,152 5-27-69 Jensen Fire and Smoke Alarm Device 3,495,353 2-17-70 Forsberg Door Operating Mechanism 3,496,381 2-17-70 Wisnia Proximity Control Guard Plate 3,497,995 3-3-70 Forsberg Height Sensitive Proximity Door Operator System 3,500,368 3-10-70 Magoa Abe Automatic Ionic Fire Alarm System 3,534,499 10-20-70 Chaffee Door Opening Apparatus U.S. Pat. No. 3,777,423 and Ser. No. 368,827, filed.

June 11, 1973, both for Condition Responsive Door Holder-Closer.

This application is a also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat, No. 3,777,423.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION employed has been a photocell (refraction type) detector or an ionization detector mounted on the ceiling of a corridor, approximately five feet from a fire resistant door to effect a barrier which will prevent passage of the products of combustion from one section of a building to another. As a general rule, if the top of the door,

or lintel, extends below the corridor ceiling over eighteen inches, it is standard practice to install a second ;detector on the opposite side of the door, again approximately 5 feet from the door. The corridor closure may be a single door or a dual door using an electromagnetic door holder-closer on each door. In any event, each detector is located remotely from the controlled holder-closer. Accordingly, at least two units must be separately mounted with interconnecting wiring.

1n the event products of combustion are generated, a detector located on the ceiling causes the release of all controlled doors to close the corridors. At this stage, personnel evacuation of a building is possible since the doors will open in the direction of egress from the building. However, in many cases premature and unsafe door closing is effected because the detection of ceiling smoke will occur well before the exitways Applicants related applications above noted describe door holder-closer structures each incorporating a particulate products of combustion detector as an integral part of the holder-closer structure and within the same housing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention herein described incorporates a particulate products of combustion detector module located in the door frame. The module is preferably located above the door opening in a socket recess formed in the frame head member. Any products of combustion pass through multiple passageways located within the module to actuate the detector. Location of the detector at this point and within the door effects a major safety advantage. Instead of each controlled door closing at the first evidence of smoke at the ceiling (and the ceiling may be from seven to fourteen feet high), each door will now remain open until the smoke level builds downwardly from the ceiling to the height of the door leaving the doors open for persons to move in either direction until such time as smoke or products of combustion begin to block the actual exitway.

It is impossible to predict the logic of most persons under a fire or panic -condition. Faced with closed doors, many persons will panic even though the doors will manually open with a normal force. Moreover, early door closing is highly disadvantageous for those buildings within which non-ambulatory patients are housed.

The location of the detector near the center of the door opening or, in thecase of a double door closure, near the center of the corridor, is an advantageous location to detect smoke or products of combustion. This detector location is effectively attained by this invention because the detector module is preferably centrally located on the head member. There is a natural flow of air or draft through a door opening. This flow will carry the products of combustion through this opening and also effectively through the detector fluid flow passageways formed in the detector module of this invention. The detectors, however, is not actuated until the exitway is subject to smoke passage; thus, facilitating evacuation until the last possible safe moment.

Additionally, the present invention has the economic advantage that regardless of the height of the corridor ceiling relative to the height of the door, one detector is all that is required to properly monitor the door. The

interconnection of separated ceiling detectors and controlled frame mounted holder-closer is eliminated.

From an esthetic aspect, the detector module is formed with the same surface contour as the adjacent head member and without any substantial projection of elements. Accordingly, a pleasing and simple uncluttered appearance results at the door frame.

Moreover, inasmuch as the detector module does not project from the door frame, the incidence of malfunctioning due to vandalismmay be substantially reduced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that all of the structural features for attaining the objects of this invention may be readily understood, reference is herein made to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view showing the application of a first embodiment of the door frame detector module of this invention to a single door controlled by a surface mounted door holder-closer;

FIG. 2 is a view showing the application of the detector module of FIG. 1 in a double door corridor frame;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the detector module of FIG. I removed from the associated header frame portion;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the detector module showing the bottom row of module openings with the ionization chamber and its shield being shown in broken outline;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the structure of FIG. 4 showing the two side rows of module openings with the ionization chamber shield being shown in broken outline;

FIG. 6 is a section view, taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5, which shows an internal top view of the detector module;

FIG. 7 is a section view taken along line 77 of FIG. 6, which shows an internal side elevation view of the detector module;

FIG. 8 is a section view, taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7, which shows details of the ionization chamber, its protective screen, and also the static shield;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the ionization chamber and its shield;

FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit which shows the failsafe connection of the ionization chamber module to its associated circuitry, with the principal components of a door holder-closer being diagrammatically shown;

FIG. 11 is a view corresponding generally to that of FIG. 2, but with a second or modified disposition of module openings;

FIG. 12 is a view showing a third disposition of module openings;

FIG. 13 is a view showing a fourth disposition of module openings;

FIG. 14 is a view corresponding generally to that of FIG..1, but with a photocell detector substituted for an ionization chamber;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view showing the detector module of FIG. 14 removedfrom the associated header frame portion;

FIG. 16 is an elevation view of the interior of the photocell detector module;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the photocell detector module;

FIG. 18 is a section view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a detailed view showing the two source light paths taken in the photocell detector; and

FIG. 20 is a schematic circuit, corresponding generally to that of FIG. 10, but modified to show the photocell detector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, the products of combustion detector and control of this invention is shown applied to a door frame which outlines a single door opening. This door is controlled by an electromechanically operated door holder-closer of the type shown in Gaysowski U.S. Pat. No. 3,648,326 and also in Crane et al U.S. Pat. No. 3,729,771. In particular, door frame 1, which is preferably fabricated from metallic rail sections, is formed with a socket which receives door frame detector module 2. Door holder-closer 3 is surface mounted on the head member of frame 1. The door holder-closer 3 includes a track 4 within which a slide block (not shown) reciprocates. The left end of standard arm 5 is coupled to the slide block. The right end of arm 5 is coupled to the projecting end of a rotating drive spindle 6 which is an integral part of the holder-closer mechanism and which extends from the housing.

As is described in the aforementioned Gaysowski and Crane et al patents, door holder-closer 3 includes as principal components a coil spring, a link chain, a dashpot and an electromagnetic lever assembly. This structure when coupled to door 7, as is shown in FIG. 1, and also when electrically connected to a particulate products of combustion detector, is capable of holding a door open to a desired position. In response to the detection of smoke or other particulate products of combustion, the electromagnetic lever assembly is actuated to enable the coil spring to close the door. This door control action isolates smoke and tire to a given room or area and thus enhances fire safety.

Door 7 is preferably a metallic door which may be supported by a plurality of butt hinges 8 (only one of which is shown) upon door frame 1.

As is described in applicants copending U.S. Pat. applications Ser. No. '2l6,202 and Ser. No. 368,827, the

head portion of a door is an ideal location for a prod ucts of combustion detector. The location of a detector at this area enables a fire detection system to respond to smoke and other products of combustion sources located on either or both sides of the door opening and to hold the door open until such time as the smoke passes from one side of the door frame to the other side. This is an ideal mode of operation from a safety aspect. I

The head member of frame 1 receives detector module 2 which is formed and designed as an insert for a socket or opening formed in the head member. Thus, a generally continuous contour is formed at the head member,and the products of combustion detector does not create anunsightly appearance. Additionally, the

vandalism to which projecting members may be subjected is minimized by making detector module 2 appear as an integral part of the door frame. The contour of module 2 is substantially identical to that of the adjacent portions of the head member of frame 1.

Module 2 contains a particulate products of combustion detector, such as an ionization detector or a photocell detector, as a principal internal element. The shell of the module, as will be hereafter outlined in detail, is formed with a plurality of access openings so that the products of combustion can pass into and out of the module and thereby actuate the detector.

FIG. 2 shows the application of a single door frame detector module 2 to control a pair of corridor doors 7 and 7'. Each door 7, 7' is controlled by a door holdercloser 3, 3', respectively. In the structural arrangement of FIG. 2, the detection of the particulate products of combustion by detector module 2 actuates closers 3, 3' so that both

doors

7, 7 can be appropriately closed to isolate the double door corridor. As is hereafter outlined, the electrical circuitry of closers 3 and 3' are interconnected so that if detector module 2 detects the particulate products of combustion, both closers are activated simultaneously so as to close doors 7, 7' in response to such detection. It is unnecessary in the application of a pair of doors which close off a hall or corridor to employ individual detectors for each of

closers

3, 3 inasmuch as a single detector module is capable of adequately monitoring the relatively wider head member of the closure frame.

FIG. 3 shows detector module 2 removed from head member 9 of frame 1. Head member 9 is one of the many metallic channel constructions commonplace in the steel door frame art. In general, such frame channels are preferably fabricated of metal where integrity to fire is a prime consideration. Head member 9 includes vertically disposed casing or face trim sections 10, 10', horizontally disposedjamb sections 11, l l and a door stop section 12. In a particular building installation, the channel may or may not be filled with adjacent structural material such as concrete or building mortar.

A portion of the channel of head member 9 is removed to form a socket or opening 13 which is to receive module 2. Module 2 includes as its principal components a metallic frame shell 14 which supports a products of combustion detector 15 as hereinafter set forth in detail. Frame shell 14 is contoured or formed in a manner corresponding to the adjacent contours of head member 9; thus, the shell includes a facing section 16, a jamb section 17, a vertical stop section 18, and a horizontal stop section 19. Four mounting brackets supported by head member 9 project into socket 13. When module 2 is elevated into socket l3 and screws 21 are affixed, the module is held rigidly in place within head member 9. Accordingly, the head member presents a generally uniform contour to the viewer without any substantial projections which would detract from 'the door frame decor.

Module stop sections

18, 19 are formed with a plurality of

access openings

22, 23, respectively.

Access openings

22, 23 permit the products of combustion to pass into the interior of the module so that these products may actuate the products of combustion detector 15 to appropriately operate door holder-closer 3 (FIG. I).

The particular detector 15 shown in FIG. 3 is an ionization type detector and this detector employs as its principal components a U-shaped electrostatic shield 24 which is formed with appropriate passageways so that products of combustion entering the shield may also find their way into the interior of an ionization chamber 25, shown in broken outline in FIG. 4. Fluid flow access (i.e., particulate products of combustion) may be into either of

access openings

22 or 23, depending on the particular location of the products of combustion source relative the door frame. In any event, a flow into and out of the detector module by way of the ionization chamber is provided so that early detection can be attained.

FIG. 5 shows electrostatic shield 24 in broken line side elevation. The disposition of

access openings

22 and 23 relative U-shaped shield 24 shows that fluid flow from one set of access openings to the other must necessarily flow through electrostatic shield 24 of the ionization detector 15.

Connector 26 (FIG. 3) and its associated electrical conductors located within the channel of head member 9 interconnect detector module 2 and holder-closer 3 and also the line source. The use of a connector enables module 2 to be removed readily from head member 9 so that necessary inspection, repair and replacement of the module can be easily made.

FIGS. 6 through 9 (FIG. 9 on sheet 4) show the principal components which comprise ionization detector 15. These components are housed within and supported on frame shell 14 of detector module 2. Metallic electrostatic shield 24 which is of a U-shaped metallic construction is located within the

stop sections

18, 19 of the shell. In particular, the electrostatic shield comprises spaced

plates

27 and 28 integrally connected one to the other by means of curved top 29. As is shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 9, top 29 is slotted so that vertically projecting

tabs

30, 31 emanate therefrom. A long screw 32 passes through apertures formed in

tabs

30, 31 so that electrostatic shield 24 is supported by this screw on support bar 33. Spacer bushing 34 extends between

tabs

30, 31 and spacer bushing 35 extends between tab 31 and support bar 33. Screw 32 passes through

bushings

34 and 35.

Ionization chamber support plate 36 is also fixed to support bar 33. Additionally,

side plates

37 and 38 extend perpendicularly relative bar 33 and support plate 36.

Plates

37 and 38 are spaced so that electrostatic shield 24 and its spaced

leglike plates

27, 28 are fixed tightly therebetween. Side plate 38 is formed with a plurality of access openings which are in alignment with stop access openings 22 (FIG. 7). Accordingly, products of combustion entering

stop access openings

22, 23 pass between spaced

plates

27, 28 of electrostatic shield 24.

Ionization chamber cup 40 extends and is sandwiched between plates 28 and 36 (FIG. 8). Plate 28 is formed with a circular hole 41 (FIGS. 7, 8) which mates with the opening of cup 40. Cup 40 defines ion chamber 25. Cup 40 is generally formed with a cylindrical side wall which is closed at its right end (FIG. 8) by a metallic bottom 43. Radioactive source 44 is supported on the left end of metallic positive electrode post 45 so that the source is centrally located within the ion chamber. Insulator bushing 46 isolates electrode 45 from metallic support plate 36. In a preferred commercial embodiment, radioactive source 44 is a sandwich comprising a silver layer 44a, a gold layer 44b containing dispersed Americium oxide and a gold sealing layer 440.

The passing of the particulate products of combustion through the space defined by

plates

27, 28 of electrostatic shield 24 through opening 41 into ion chamber 42 affects the electrical conductivity between radioactive source 44 and ion chamber cup 40 so that the appropriate amplifier circuitry can detect such prod ucts due to the change in electrical current flow in the ion chamber.

In view of the fact that small particles other than those created by the products of combustion, such as insects, can also create a current flow change within ion chamber 25 which simulates smoke or fire, screen 47 envelops the outside surface of cup 40. This screen also extends between

shield plates

27 and 28. Accordingly, all fluid flow into ion chamber 25 must pass through the cylindrical wall of the screen 47. Thus, foreign particles such as insects cannot enter into ion chamber 25.

Additionally, the screen prevents radioactive source 44 from falling from detector module 2 in the event that the source support on post 45 is broken. This is a desirable and necessary safety measure.

The right end of positive electrode 45 (FIG. 8) and associated electrical preamplifier components are shielded within metallic housing 48 supported on the right surface of metallic support plate 36. Additional electrical circuit components generally denominated as 49 are supported on insulator circuit board 50. Insulator circuit board 50 also supports a male socket connector 51 which mates with the electrical connector 26 (FIG. 3) so that the detector module can be connected to external circuitry. Circuit board 50' and its supported components are carried by shell jamb section 17. In view of the fact that the shell is metallic, insulator 52 is sandwiched between

elements

17 and 50 to provide the necessary electrical isolation.

Shell face section 16 supports reset pushbutton switch 53 and pilot light 54 (FIG. 6) so that these two components are exposed through appropriately located openings positioned in frame shell 14. The operation of

components

53 and 54 is hereafter described with respect to the schematic circuitry of FIG. 10.

FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 show alternative frame shell arrangements for detector module 2. In particular in FIGS. 11 and 12, the frame shells 14 have identical contours with that previously described with reference to the FIGS. 3 and 4. However, in FIG. ill access holes 55 and 56 are located on shell face section 16 and shell jamb section 17. With reference to FIG. 122, access holes 57 and 58 are located on shell face section 16 and horizontal stop section 19. These alternative hole dispositions of shell section 14 provide different fluid flow characteristics which may be particularly advantageous in securing proper fluid flow of particulate products of combustion in certain locations. In FIG. 13 it should be noted that the door should be located on the far side of the head member 9., so that fluid flow through access holes 57 and 58 will not enable the particulate products of combustion to pass around a closed door.

In FIG. 13 access holes 59 and 59' are located on the vertical portions of stop 12. In this construction, particulate products of combustion can not pass through a closed door in view of the fact that access holes 59 and 59, depending upon which side of stop 12 the door is located, will be covered in response to door closing.

The schematic circuit of FIG. 10 shows the electrical interconnection of door frame detector module 2 to door holder-closer 3. A preferred detailed circuit description for module 2 is described in US. Pat. No. 3,673,586, issued to Lyman C. Blackwell for Resistance Controlled Timed Pulse Generator.

In order that the electrical operation of the structure of FIG. 10 may be understood, it will be necessary to describe generally the construction of door holdercloser 3. The closer comprises as its principal components a helical spring 60 (FIG. 10) connected to a dashpot rotor 61. Whenever door 7 (FIG. 1) is opened, standard arm 5 which is connected to dashpot rotor 61, rotates the rotor responsively until roller 62 is engaged by armature latch 63. The engagement of

elements

62, 63 will be maintained in the event electromagnet 64 is energized. In the

event elements

62, 63 are latched and electromagnet 64 is energized, as hereafter set forth in response to the detection of the particulate products of combustion by detector 15, electromagnet 64 will be deenergized. In response to this deenergization, the latch of

elements

62, 63 is broken and the compression force of spring 60 causes a clockwise rotation of the dashpot rotor 61. This rotation of the rotor causes a movement of standard arm 5 which enables door 7 to close.

The schematic circuit of FIG. 10 shows an electrical circuit effecting the interconnection of electromagnet 64 to ionization chamber 25 to effect hold-open and closing of door 7 in a failsafe manner of operation. Additionally, the schematic circuitry incorporates a detector and amplifier unit within module 2 which is failsafe in operation. In particular, if all of the components of the module 2 are properly operating, door 7 will remain in hold-open effected by the latching of roller 62 by armature 63 in response to the manual closing of control switch 65. If, however, module 2 is not properly operating or, alternatively, this unit senses a condition such as smoke, door 7 will be released from a latched holdopen position and closed in response to the closing force exerted by coil spring 60.

The detailed operation of the circuitry of FIG. 17 is as follows:

Assuming module 2 is in proper operating condition and that the ionization chamber 25 input applied to

terminals

66 and 67 indicates an absence of a smoke condition, door 7 will be held in the open position in response to the manual closing of switch that is, the closing of switch 65 applies line voltage from

terminals

68 and 69 to amplifier A of module 2. The application of line voltage to amplifier A energizes amplifier output relay '70, thereby closing normally open contact 700. The closing of contact 70a applies line voltage to the coil of power relay 71. With this occurrence, normally open contact 71a is closed, thereby applying line voltage to fullwave bridge rectifier 72 to energize electromagnet 64 with a pulsating-direct-current voltage. The energization of electromagnet 64 drives magnetic armature 63 into locking engagement with roller 62. Thus, so long as electromagnet 64 is energized, door 7 will be held in an open position.

In the event, however, (a) a slight manual closing.

force is applied to door 7, (b) switch 65 is opened. (c) module 2 malfunctions, or (d) an undesired condition such as smoke is detected by chamber 25, armature 63 will be pivoted from engagement with roller 62, and

spring 60 will close the door to the position shown in FIG. 1.

In the situation of case (a) above, the manual override closing force causes armature 63 to release the latch formed with roller 62.

In situations (b), (c) and (d) above, electromagnet 64 is deenergized, thereby enabling the camming action of roller 62 to elevate armature 63.

In a multiple door installation, such as the corridor application shown in FIG. 2, the electromagnet of holder-closer 3' is merely interconnected with the circuitry for holder-closer 3 so that both electromagnets (corresponding to electromagnet 64) are energized or deenergized simultaneously.

Reset pushbutton switch 53 is connected to amplifier A of module 2 so that the circuitry can be again placed in a detection readiness condition after the closer has released in response to a fire or alarm condition. Switch 53 is accessible for manual operation from the front of frame shell 14 (FIGS. 3 and 6).

Pilot light 54 is also connected to amplifier A of module 2. When the circuitry is in a properly operating supervisory condition, the pilot light will periodically emit light. When smoke is detected, the pilot light will remain on. A deenergized pilot light indicates an electrical malfunction. In a preferred circuit arrangement the circuitry locks into an alarm condition (pilot light 54 on) and remains in an alarm condition until the unit is reset by manual operation of switch 53.

FIGS. 14 through 20 describe a second embodiment of this invention in which a photocell detector 80 is employed in lieu of the ionization detector 15 described with reference to the prior Figures. The principal difference in the second embodiment is that the ionization chamber has been replaced by a light tube which senses the obscuration effect of the particulate products of combustion in a path defined by a light source and a photocell detector. Additionally, a compensating tube is employed to compensate for variations which might occur in the light source due to aging.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the module shell for the second embodiment is essentially the same as that described with reference to FIG. 2. In particular, the shell comprises sections l6, 17, 18 and 19.

The principal difference is that the access holes formed in

sections

18 and 19 for the embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15 are elongated slots which traverse a greater horizontal length. This variation in access holes 81 and 82 is required in order to effect optimum entry of the particulate products of combustion into the photocell detector as hereafter described.

More particularly, these products must pass into elongated detector tube 88 so that light emanating from source 83 (FIGS. l6, l9 and 20) may be absorbed or attenuated in its path of travel to photocell 89. De tector tube 88 is formed by a plurality of spaced support plates 90 which extend from the front to the rear 'of tube 88. The peripheral edges of support plate 90 carry blackened wire screen 91 whose interstices permit the passage of smoke into the interior chamber of detector tube 88. Each of the plates 90 is formed with Light from source 83 also travels through a second path which includes second light conduit elbow 96. Light traveling in this conduit elbow is reflected by mirror 84 and follows a path through lens 97 into closed standard tube 98 to thus impinge upon photocell 85. The interior chamber formed by standard tube 98 is hermetically sealed and, accordingly, products of combustion cannot enter this tube and, therefore, no light absorption occurs within this tube during smoke entry into the inner confines of detector module 2.

Referring now to FIG. 20,

photocells

89 and 85 are connected in a bridge circuit with

variable resistors

86 and 87.

Output terminals

66 and 67 of the bridge circuit correspond to like numbered terminals shown in the schematic circuit of FIG. 10. The only circuit change is the substitution of the photocell particle detector for ionization particle detector 15. Circuit operation is attained which is substantially identical to that previously described with respect to FIG. 10.

Variable resistors

86 and 87 are normally adjusted so that with ambient (smoke absent) conditions no signal appears at the output of amplifier A. However, in the event smoke enters detector tube 88 through wire screen 91, the bridge becomes unbalanced and a signal change appears at

terminals

66 and 67. This signal change is applied to amplifier circuit A in accordance with the operation previously described with reference to FIG. 10, thus causing door holder-closer 3 to close door 7.

It should be understood that the above described embodiments are merely illustrative and that changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In a closure frame having a head member defining the top of a closure opening with the head member supporting an electrically actuated closure holder-closer, the improvement comprising a module including a frame shell section providing a module base and a detector for the particulate products of combustion supported on the interior of the frame shell section with access openings being formed in the shell section to enable particulate products of combustion to pass through the shell to the detector, a socket formed in the head member to receive the module whereby particulate products of combustion passing through the closure opening pass through the module access openings to actuate thereby the detector, and means electrically connecting the detector to the closure holder-closer to effect closing of an otherwise open closure in response to the actuation of the detector upon the detection of the products of combustion.

2. In a door frame having a head member defining the top of a door opening with the head member supporting an electrically actuated door holder, the improvement comprising a module including a frame shell section providing a module base and a detector for the particulate products of combustion supported on the interior of the frame shell section with access openings being formed in the shell section to enable particulate products of combustion to pass through the shell to the detector, a socket formed in the head member to receive the module whereby particulate products of combustion passing through the door opening pass through the module access openings to actuate thereby the detector, and means electrically connecting the detector to the door holder to permit release of an otherwise open door in response to the actuation of the detector upon the detection of the products of combustion.

3. The combination of claim 2 in which the frame shell section has a contour substantially identical to that portion of the head member adjacent to socket whereby the head member has a substantially continu ous surface contour.

4. The combination of claim 3 in which the head member includes a horizontal jamb section, a casing or face section and a closure stop section.

5. The combination of claim 4 in which the access openings are formed in the frame shell section corresponding to the stop of the head member.

6. The combination of claim 4 in which the access openings are formed in the frame shell section corresponding to the horizontal jamb section.

7. The combination of claim 4 in which the access openings are formed in the frame shell section corresponding to the casing or face element.

8. The combination of claim 4 in which the access openings are formed in at least two of the frame mem ber sections.

9. The combination of claim 4 in which the detector is an ionization detector.

10. In a closure frame having a head member defining the top of a closure opening, the improvement comprising a module including a frame shell section providing a module base and a particulate products of combustion detector in which detector an electrical current characteristic is altered in response to the detection of such particulate products of combustion, the detector being supported within the interior of the frame shell section with access openings being formed in the shell section to enable particulate products of combustion to pass through the shell to the detector, and a socket formed in the head member to receive the module whereby particulate products of combustion passing through the closure opening pass through the module access openings to actuate thereby the detector.

Claims

3. The combination of claim 2 in which the frame shell section has a contour substantially identical to that portion of the head member adjacent to socket whereby the head member has a substantially continuous surface contour.

8. The combination of claim 4 in which the access openings are formed in at least two of the frame member sections.

9. The combination of claim 4 in which the detector is an ionization detector.