EP1495265A2 - Appareil de securite - Google Patents

Appareil de securite

Info

Publication number
EP1495265A2
EP1495265A2 EP03712404A EP03712404A EP1495265A2 EP 1495265 A2 EP1495265 A2 EP 1495265A2 EP 03712404 A EP03712404 A EP 03712404A EP 03712404 A EP03712404 A EP 03712404A EP 1495265 A2 EP1495265 A2 EP 1495265A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
appliance
fuel
cut
remote location
signal
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP03712404A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Garry Lewis
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.)
Individual
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
Priority claimed from GBGB0207999.4A external-priority patent/GB0207999D0/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1495265A2 publication Critical patent/EP1495265A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C3/00—Registering or indicating the condition or the working of machines or other apparatus, other than vehicles
    • G07C3/02—Registering or indicating working or idle time only
    • G07C3/04—Registering or indicating working or idle time only using counting means or digital clocks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23D—BURNERS
    • F23D14/00—Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid
    • F23D14/46—Details
    • F23D14/72—Safety devices, e.g. operative in case of failure of gas supply
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
    • F23N5/00—Systems for controlling combustion
    • F23N5/24—Preventing development of abnormal or undesired conditions, i.e. safety arrangements
    • F23N5/242—Preventing development of abnormal or undesired conditions, i.e. safety arrangements using electronic means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
    • F23N2231/00—Fail safe
    • F23N2231/02—Fail safe using electric energy accumulators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
    • F23N2231/00—Fail safe
    • F23N2231/20—Warning devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
    • F23N2231/00—Fail safe
    • F23N2231/30—Representation of working time
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
    • F23N2237/00—Controlling
    • F23N2237/14—Controlling burners with gasification or vaporizer elements

Definitions

  • This invention relates to safety apparatus and, more particularly, to safety apparatus for interrupting or preventing the flow of fuel to a fuel-driven appliance or other device in the event of an emergency, such as a fire, a fuel leak or a build up of carbon monoxide or other harmful gas being detected within a predetermined area around the appliance or device.
  • appliances and devices run by combustion of carbon-based fuels.
  • gas burners and cookers are widely used, in both domestic and industrial premises, for heating, burning and cooking.
  • Another example is an internal combustion engine used to drive most motor vehicles.
  • Such appliances and devices pose a fire hazard in the event of a fuel leak and, in the event of a fire in the vicinity of such appliances and devices, there is a serious danger of an explosion due to the significant rise in temperature of the fuel caused by the fire.
  • Detectors exist and are widely used for detecting fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, gas leaks, and the like. Such detectors generally provide an audio and/or visual warning to a user of the presence of a hazard. Once the user is aware of the presence of a potential hazard, they can switch off any appliances and devices which run on combustible fuels, either to prevent further build up of smoke, carbon monoxide or other combustion products or to prevent an explosion caused by a fire.
  • the hazard may occur when there is nobody in the vicinity of the device or appliance (or the hazard detector), such that no action is taken to prevent or minimise the harmful effects of the detected hazard.
  • apparatus for interrupting or cutting off the fuel supply to an appliance or device which employs combustible fuel, the apparatus comprising cut-off means for preventing the flow of fuel to or within said appliance or device, receiving means for receiving a radio frequency signal from a remote location, and means for deploying said cut-off means to prevent said flow of fuel in response to the receipt of said signal.
  • the cut-off means preferably comprises a valve which may be mounted in a unit connected or connectable between the fuel supply and the appliance or device.
  • the valve beneficially comprises a solenoid and a blocking device for blocking the flow of fuel from or through a pipe.
  • the blocking means may be mounted within the flow path, with the solenoid also being mounted or disposed within the flow path, or externally thereof.
  • the valve is preferably normally open, permitting the flow of fuel, and, in response to the receipt of a radio frequency signal from, for example, a smoke, fire or carbon monoxide detector, the solenoid is deployed to move the blocking means to a position in which it blocks the flow of fuel to the appliance or device.
  • the receiver means may be battery powered and/or mains powered. In the case of a battery powered receiver means, the battery or batteries are preferably rechargeable.
  • the apparatus may be usually run from the mains electricity supply, with a battery back-up being provided in case of failure of the mains supply.
  • apparatus for interrupting or cutting off the electricity supply to an electrical appliance or device comprising cut-off means for selectively preventing the passage of electricity to or within said appliance or device, receiving means for receiving a radio frequency signal from a remote location, and means for deploying said cut-off means to prevent said passage of electricity in response to the receipt of said signal.
  • the cut-off means preferably comprises a trip switch which is beneficially deployed to break the connection between a mains power supply and the appliance or device in response to the receipt of a signal from, for example, a gas, fire or smoke detector.
  • the apparatus may be used to cut out the fuel or electricity supply to a plurality of devices or appliances connected thereto.
  • the present invention extends to an appliance or device including the apparatus of the first or second aspects of the present invention arranged to receive a radio frequency signal from remote hazard detector to cause the cut-off means in either case to be deployed.
  • apparatus for interrupting or cutting off the fuel supply to an appliance or device which employs combustible fuel, the apparatus comprising cut-off means for preventing the flow of fuel to or within said appliance or device and timing means for causing said cut-off means to be deployed when a predetermined period of time has elapsed.
  • the predetermined time may, for example, represent a service or maintenance period for the appliance or device.
  • the timing means and/or said cut-off means preferably includes a reset mechanism, and the reset mechanism is beneficially arranged such that it can only be operated by one or more authorised persons, such as a service engineer or the like, once the required maintenance or other action has been carried out in respect of the appliance or device.
  • the apparatus may include means for transmitting one or more messages to a remote location when the predetermined period of time has elapsed and/or shortly before the predetermined time has elapsed.
  • Such means for transmitting messages may include or comprise a telephone dialling means, which is beneficially adapted to transmit an e-mail and/or telephone text message (SMS) to a remote location.
  • SMS telephone text message
  • safety apparatus for use with an appliance or device which employs combustible fuel, the apparatus comprising cut-off means for preventing the flow of fuel to or within said appliance or device, means for deploying said cut-off means, and means for transmitting a message to a remote location in response to deployment of said cut-off means.
  • the apparatus may include detection means for detecting at least one combustion product in an area in which the appliance or device is located, and means for deploying the cut-off means in response to detection of said at least one combustion product.
  • the apparatus may include means for receiving a radio frequency signal from a remote location, and means for deploying said cut-off means in response to receipt of the signal.
  • the message transmitted to the remote location preferably includes an indication that a potentially hazardous situation exists in respect of said appliance or device, if that is indeed the case.
  • the apparatus beneficially includes reset means for resetting the cut-off means and thereby permitting the flow of fuel to or within the appliance or device to resume. Again, such reset means is preferably operable only by one or more authorised persons.
  • safety apparatus for use with an appliance or device which employs combustible fuel, the apparatus comprising timing means for determining when a predetermined period of time has elapsed, and means for transmitting a message to a remote location when and/or shortly before said predetermined period of time has elapsed, indicating that action in respect of said appliance or device is required to be taken.
  • the means for transmitting a message may include or comprise a telephone dialler, which is preferably adapted to transmit an e-mail or telephone text message (SMS) to a remote location indicating that action in respect of the appliance or device is required to be taken.
  • SMS telephone text message
  • the safety apparatus of the fifth aspect of the invention may include cut-off means for preventing the flow of fuel to or within the appliance or device, and means for deploying the cut-off means when the above-mentioned predetermined period of time has elapsed.
  • the safety apparatus may again comprise reset means for resetting the timing means and/or the cutoff means, in which case the reset means is preferably operable only by one or more authorised persons.
  • the cut-off means beneficially comprises a valve disposed between the appliance or device and its fuel supply.
  • means may be provided to play back a pre-recorded voice message, identifying for example a problem, potential problem, or an action required to be taken. This may be in addition to or instead of any other warning means.
  • the valve when deployed, preferably blocks a fuel flow path between said fuel supply and the appliance or device.
  • the valve may deployed by means of a solenoid, the solenoid being provided with an electrical current or voltage in response to receipt of a signal from a remote location to move the valve to a position in which it prevents said flow of fuel to the appliance or device.
  • the solenoid may be disposed within or externally of the fuel flow path.
  • the cut-off means may be disposed within a housing having an inlet connected or connectable to a fuel supply and an outlet connected or connectable to the appliance or device.
  • the safety apparatus may be operable by means of an electrical power supply, provided by a mains power supply and/or one or more (possibly rechargeable) batteries.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present, invention.
  • apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention comprises a valve 10 mounted within a housing 12.
  • the housing 12 is provided with an inlet 14 and an outlet 16, the inlet 14 having a connector 18 for connection of the housing to the outlet of a fuel (such as gas) supply and the outlet 16 having a similar connector 20 for connection to the fuel inlet of a gas appliance or device.
  • a fuel such as gas
  • the valve 10 comprises a blocking plate 22 connected to a solenoid 24 within the housing 12.
  • the blocking plate 22 is in the position shown, i.e. away from the inlet 14, such that there is provided a flow path for the fuel to flow from the inlet 14 to the outlet 16 via the housing 12.
  • the apparatus further comprises a radio signal receiver unit 26 mounted on a receiver mounting plate 28 provided on the outside of the housing 12.
  • the receiver unit 26 is electrically powered, usually via the electrical mains (through, for example, a 9V mains adaptor 30), with a back-up battery supply 32 being provided in case of failure of the mains supply.
  • the solenoid 24 is deployed to move the blocking plate 22 towards the inlet 14 and block the flow of gas therefrom the appliance or device, thereby switching the appliance or device off.
  • a reset means may be provided to manually (or automatically) reset the apparatus and move the valve back to the original position in which gas is permitted to flow from the supply to the appliance or device in the event that the detected hazard is eliminated or the appliance or device has been serviced.
  • the unit can be selectively turned on or off by means of a switch 106, which may be manually or remotely operable.
  • the unit 100 includes a printed circuit board 108 on which is mounted a radio signal receiver unit 110 (and/or a timer mechanism - not shown), a low voltage transformer 112 for reducing the voltage supply from the mains to the receiver unit 110, and a relay unit 114.
  • the relay unit 114 includes a relay switching mechanism 116 and a reset button 118 (manually or remotely operable). In use, if the unit 100 is switched on (i.e.
  • the switch 106 is closed) and the radio signal receiver unit 110 receives a signal from a remote hazard detector (such as a gas, smoke or fire detector) or the timer mechanism indicates that a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the relay switching mechanism 116 is caused to open, thereby breaking the mains power supply connection to the appliance or device (not shown) to which the unit 100 is connected and/or valve such as that described with reference to figure 1 is deployed to prevent flow of fuel to or within the appliance or device.
  • a remote hazard detector such as a gas, smoke or fire detector
  • the reset button 118 may be used to close the connection, thereby resuming the power supply to the appliance or device (and/or a similar reset means may be provided to re-open the cut-off valve and reset the timer).
  • the unit 100 is optionally provided with one or more warning/power lights 120 to indicate that the power supply to the unit 100 is on (or off), that the unit 100 has been deployed because a hazard has been detected, that the fuel supply to the device or appliance has been cut-off, that the appliance or device is required to be serviced, etc.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Feeding And Controlling Fuel (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil de sécurité destiné à couper l'alimentation en carburant vers un mécanisme ou dispositif fonctionnant au carburant, en réponse à la réception d'un signal émis par un détecteur de risque à distance. Cet appareil de sécurité comprend une soupape (10) montée à l'intérieur d'un logement (12), disposé entre la sortie de l'alimentation en carburant et l'admission de carburant du mécanisme ou dispositif. Cet appareil de sécurité comprend également une unité de réception de signal radio (26) destinée à recevoir un signal émis par un détecteur de risque à distance (non montré), tel qu'un détecteur d'incendie, de fumée, de gaz ou de monoxyde de carbone. En règle générale, la soupape (10) se trouve dans une position permettant au carburant de circuler entre l'alimentation en carburant et le mécanisme ou dispositif par l'intérieur du logement. Cependant, si cette unité réceptrice (26) reçoit un signal du détecteur de risque indiquant la présence d'un risque potentiel, cette soupape est déployée (au moyen d'un solénoïde 24), de sorte qu'une plaque de blocage (22) se déplace vers une position, dans laquelle cette plaque bloque la trajectoire du carburant et coupe, de manière effective, le mécanisme ou dispositif. La présente invention concerne, en outre, un appareil de coupure automatique de l'alimentation électrique vers un mécanisme ou dispositif électrique en cas de détection d'un risque potentiel.
EP03712404A 2002-04-05 2003-03-24 Appareil de securite Withdrawn EP1495265A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0207999 2002-04-05
GBGB0207999.4A GB0207999D0 (en) 2002-04-05 2002-04-05 Safety apparatus
GB0225237 2002-10-30
GB0225237A GB2387257A (en) 2002-04-05 2002-10-30 Safety apparatus
PCT/GB2003/001249 WO2003087640A2 (fr) 2002-04-05 2003-03-24 Appareil de securite

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1495265A2 true EP1495265A2 (fr) 2005-01-12

Family

ID=29252437

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03712404A Withdrawn EP1495265A2 (fr) 2002-04-05 2003-03-24 Appareil de securite

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1495265A2 (fr)
AU (1) AU2003217018A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2003087640A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060275720A1 (en) * 2005-06-02 2006-12-07 Hotton Bruce A Low power control system and associated methods for a water heater with flammable vapor sensor
CA2734544A1 (fr) 2007-08-16 2009-02-19 Marvin Dean Butt Dispositif de commande destine a un systeme d'arret automatique de securite

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1494834A (fr) * 1966-07-06 1967-09-15 Procédé et dispositif pour assurer le fonctionnement cyclique d'un appareil de chauffage commandé par un thermostat
JPS58142118A (ja) * 1982-02-18 1983-08-23 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd 燃焼制御装置
JPS58200926A (ja) * 1982-05-17 1983-11-22 Mitsubishi Electric Corp 燃焼制御回路
JPS60501913A (ja) * 1983-07-25 1985-11-07 クオンタム　グル−プ　インコ−ポレイテツド 光電制御装置
BR9006410A (pt) * 1989-04-11 1991-08-06 Mobil Oil Switzerland Sistema de monitoracao de manutencao
JP3061429B2 (ja) * 1991-02-01 2000-07-10 パロマ工業株式会社 燃焼器具の使用状況監視装置
US6025788A (en) * 1995-11-24 2000-02-15 First Smart Sensor Corp. Integrated local or remote control liquid gas leak detection and shut-off system
US6032693A (en) * 1997-07-01 2000-03-07 Home; William Solenoid valve assembly for controlling gas supply
US6199573B1 (en) * 1998-09-09 2001-03-13 Craft-Weld Enterprises, Inc. Gas flow arrestor
US6339379B1 (en) * 2000-06-02 2002-01-15 Michael A. Argus Carbon monoxide detector

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO03087640A2 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2003087640A2 (fr) 2003-10-23
AU2003217018A8 (en) 2003-10-27
WO2003087640A3 (fr) 2003-11-20
AU2003217018A1 (en) 2003-10-27

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