Patent Grant
7188679
This invention relates to portable fire extinguishers, e.g., of the type for domestic, office, school, or industrial use, and more particularly to apparatus for remote inspection of such fire extinguishers located at one or a system of fire extinguisher stations.
Portable fire extinguishers are stationed for use in case of a fire in all manner of environments. Typically, the fire extinguishers are placed in standby condition at a system of fire extinguisher stations found throughout a facility at locations selected for reasonably easy access in a fire emergency. Standards and procedures for periodic inspection of fire extinguishers at fire extinguisher stations are set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in “NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers” (1998 Edition), the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In its relevant portion (§4-3.2), NFPA 10 sets forth the elements of the inspection of fire extinguishers and fire extinguisher stations required to take place at regular intervals, e.g., approximately every thirty days, as follows:
4-3.2 Procedures Periodic Inspection of Fire Extinguishers Shall Include a Check of at Least the Following Items:
Typically, these inspections are performed manually, and inspection of fire extinguishers at a system of fire extinguisher stations located throughout a facility, e.g., such as a manufacturing plant or an office complex, or throughout an institution, e.g., such as a school campus or a hospital, may occupy one or more employees on a full time basis. Procedures for more frequent inspections are generally considered cost prohibitive, even where it is recognized that a problem of numbers of missing or non-functioning fire extinguishers may not be addressed for days or even weeks at a time, even where manpower may otherwise be available.
According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for remote inspection of portable fire extinguishers at installed positions at one or a system of fire extinguisher stations comprises: a fire extinguisher gauge mounted to a portable fire extinguisher comprising a fire extinguisher tank defining a volume containing fire extinguishing material and disposed in communication with the volume for detection and display of pressure condition of the fire extinguishing material contained within the volume of the fire extinguisher tank; and an electronic circuit in communication between the fire extinguisher and a remote central station for issue of a wireless signal to the central station upon detection of one or more predetermined conditions selected from: predetermined internal conditions, e.g., an out-of-range pressure condition of fire extinguishing material contained within the volume of the fire extinguisher tank of the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station, and a detector therefore, and predetermined external conditions, e.g., lack of presence of a fire extinguisher in its installed position at the fire extinguisher station, and a detector therefore, and/or presence of an obstruction to viewing of or access to the fire extinguisher station, and a detector therefore.
Preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include one or more of the following additional features. A detector for the external conditions comprises a tether, e.g., an electronic tether in electronic communication with the fire extinguisher. A detector for the external conditions comprises a detector for movement (other than removal) of the fire extinguisher relative to its installed position at the fire extinguisher station to dislodge engagement of the tether.
According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for remote inspection of portable fire extinguishers in installed positions at one or a system of fire extinguisher stations comprises: a fire extinguisher gauge mounted to a portable fire extinguisher comprising a fire extinguisher tank defining a volume containing fire extinguishing material and disposed in communication with the volume for detection and display of pressure condition of the fire extinguishing material contained within the volume of the fire extinguisher tank; and an electronic circuit in communication between the fire extinguisher and a remote central station to issue a wireless signal to the central station upon detection of one or more predetermined conditions selected from: predetermined internal conditions, e.g., an out-of-range pressure condition of fire extinguishing material contained within the volume of the fire extinguisher tank of the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station, and predetermined external conditions, e.g., lack of presence of a fire extinguisher in its installed position at the fire extinguisher station and/or presence of an obstruction to viewing of or access to the fire extinguisher station.
Preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention, or of both aspects of the invention, may include one or more of the following additional features. The electronic circuit comprises a detector for a predetermined internal condition adapted to initiate a signal to the remote central station upon detection of the predetermined internal condition. Preferably, the detector for the predetermined internal condition comprises the fire extinguisher gauge for detecting the out-of-range pressure condition of fire extinguishing material contained within the volume of the fire extinguisher tank at the fire extinguisher station. More preferably, the fire extinguisher gauge comprises a gauge pointer and a gauge scale, the gauge pointer being moveable relative to the gauge scale for indication of pressure, and the apparatus further comprises a magnet mounted to the gauge pointer and a sensor, e.g., a Hall Effect sensor responsive to proximity of the magnet as the tank approaches an out-of-range pressure condition. Preferably, the out-of-range pressure condition comprises a low-pressure condition and/or a high-pressure condition, and the sensor comprises a Hall Effect sensor positioned to detect the low-pressure condition and/or a Hall Effect sensor positioned to detect the high-pressure condition. The Hall Effect sensor is mounted generally in a plane of the gauge scale, e.g., at a rear surface of the gauge scale. The electronic circuit comprises a detector for the predetermined external condition adapted to initiate a wireless signal to the remote central station upon detection of the predetermined external condition. Preferably, the predetermined external condition comprises movement and/or removal of the fire extinguisher relative to its installed position at the fire extinguisher station. The predetermined external condition comprises presence of an obstruction to viewing of or access to the fire extinguisher station. The obstruction is disposed within a range of about 6 inches to about 10 feet from the fire extinguisher station. The detector for the predetermined external condition comprises a proximity sensor, e.g., comprising a sound wave emitter and a sound wave detector. Preferably, the proximity sensor comprises an ultrasonic transducer. The detector for the predetermined external condition comprises an electronic tether engaged and in electronic communication with the fire extinguisher, and movement of the fire extinguisher relative to its installed position at the fire extinguisher station dislodges engagement of the tether and severs electronic communication, to initiate a wireless signal to the remote central station indicative of the predetermined external condition comprising lack of presence of the fire extinguisher in its installed position at the fire extinguisher station. Preferably, movement of the fire extinguisher relative to its installed position at the fire extinguisher station to dislodge engagement of the tether comprises removal of the fire extinguisher from its installed position. The predetermined external condition comprises lack of presence of a fire extinguisher in its installed position at the fire extinguisher station and/or presence of an obstruction to viewing of or access to the fire extinguisher station. The detector for detecting the predetermined internal condition comprises the fire extinguisher gauge for detecting the out-of-range pressure condition of fire extinguishing material contained within the volume of the fire extinguisher tank of the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station. The detector for the predetermined external condition comprises a proximity sensor. The detector for the predetermined external condition comprises an electronic tether engaged and in electronic communication with the fire extinguisher, and movement of the fire extinguisher relative to its installed position at the fire extinguisher station dislodges engagement of the tether and severs electronic communication, to initiate a wireless signal to the remote central station indicative of the predetermined external condition comprising lack of presence of the fire extinguisher in its installed position at the fire extinguisher station. The apparatus for remote inspection further comprises a bracket for mounting the fire extinguisher to a support and positioning the fire extinguisher at its installed position. The electronic circuit is further adapted to issue a wireless signal to the remote central station and to receive a wireless signal from the remote central station. The electronic circuit comprises a wireless electronic signal means and the electronic circuit is adapted to issue a wireless electronic signal. The electronic circuit comprises a wireless electronic signal receiver for receiving a wireless electronic signal from the remote central station source. The electronic circuit is adapted to issue an audio signal. The electronic circuit comprises an antenna and wireless signal means, and the electronic circuit is adapted to issue a wireless signal. The electronic circuit comprises a wireless signal receiver for receiving a wireless signal from the remote central station. The electronic circuit is further adapted to issue radio frequency, infrared, and/or optical signal(s). The fire extinguisher tank further defines a fire extinguisher tank outlet; the portable fire extinguisher further comprises a fire extinguisher valve assembly mounted at the fire extinguisher tank outlet; and the fire extinguisher valve assembly comprises: a fire extinguisher valve housing, a fire extinguisher valve disposed relative to the fire extinguisher tank outlet for metering release of the fire extinguishing material from the volume, and a fire extinguisher valve trigger mounted for movement of the fire extinguisher valve between a first position for containing the fire extinguishing material within the volume and a second position for metering release of the fire extinguishing material.
According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for remote inspection of portable fire extinguishers in installed positions at one or a system of fire extinguisher stations comprises: means for detecting lack of presence of a fire extinguisher in its installed position at the fire extinguisher station; means for detecting out-of-range pressure of contents of the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; means for detecting an obstruction to viewing of or access to the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; and means for communicating inspection report information by wireless signal between the fire extinguisher station and a remote central station.
Preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention may further include means for maintaining a record of inspection report information for fire extinguishers at one or a system of fire extinguisher stations.
The invention thus provides an apparatus for remote inspection of fire extinguishers at one or a system of fire extinguisher stations, permitting at least more frequent, and, if desired, continuous, monitoring and inspection of fire extinguishers at fire extinguisher stations. The apparatus for remote inspection of the invention thus makes it possible to meet, or even to far exceed, all applicable requirements of NFPA 10, typically at a comparable, or even a reduced, cost, as follows:
4-3.2 Procedures Periodic Inspection of Fire Extinguishers Shall Include a Check of at Least the Following Items:
The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
Referring to
As an example of a remote inspection apparatus 10 of the invention, in
Referring next to
Referring next to
Referring again to
In the embodiment shown in
Referring now to
According to one embodiment, the signals 100, 104 are communicated via the electronics and communications connection 80 of the male connector element 58 of the docking station tether 32 with the female socket 56 of the fire extinguisher 12 to electronics and communications circuit 94 within docking station 30. The signal 100 indicating lack of presence of the fire extinguisher 12 in its installed position at the fire extinguisher station 16 and signal 104 indicating that pressure of the fire extinguishing material in the fire extinguisher tank 34 is below the predetermined minimum pressure level 78, e.g., indicative of a discharge, leak or other malfunction (or, in an embodiment with a pair of Hall Effect sensors 74, 75, above a predetermined maximum pressure level 79) are received by a connection and termination strip process control board 116 and transmitted via hardwire connection 118 to the remote central station 26. In this embodiment, the tether 32 includes a two wire connection in normally closed state, signaling the presence of the fire extinguisher 12, and a two wire connection in normally open state that signals that pressure in the fire extinguisher tank is above the predetermined minimum level 78. The signals are received and transmitted over the hardwire connection 118. However, it is contemplated that, in other embodiments, signals 100, 102, 104 may be communicated, e.g., via RF (or other) wireless communication circuitry via antennae 120 (
Referring to
An electronics and communication tether 132 may extend between connections to the housing 130 and the fire extinguisher 12, as indicated in dashed line, e.g., engaged through an aperture of an I-bolt 33 anchored into a wall W, such that any significant movement of the fire extinguisher 12 relative to its position at rest, in excess of a predetermined threshold value, results in disengagement of the male connector element 58 (
Wireless communication circuitry and antenna 120 (
Briefly, in summary, in a preferred embodiment, the means 18 for detecting the lack of presence of a fire extinguisher 12 in its installed position (i.e., as installed by a fire extinguisher professional) at a fire extinguisher station 16 may include an electronics and communications tether 32 extending from a docking station 30, with a male connector element 58 at its free end 60 releasably engaged in a female socket 56 defined by the fire extinguisher valve gauge housing 54. When the fire extinguisher 12 is removed, or, in the preferred embodiment, moved, from its installed position, the male connector element 58 at the free end 60 of the tether 32 is disengaged from the socket 56, causing issue of a signal to the remote central station 26. The means 20 for detecting out-of-range pressure includes a magnet 72 mounted to the pressure gauge pointer 68 and one or, more preferably, a pair of Hall Effect sensors 74, 75 mounted, e.g., to a rear surface 76 of the valve gauge scale 70, whereby, as the gauge pointer 68 approaches either the lower limit 78 or the upper limit 79 of its predetermined range of pressure, P, of fire extinguishing material within the tank volume, the associated Hall Effect sensor 74, 75, respectively, is triggered by proximity of the magnet 72 to issue a signal through the electronics and communications tether 32 to the docking station 30. An out-of-range pressure signal is then transmitted to the remote central station 26. The means 22 for detecting an obstruction to viewing of or access to a fire extinguisher 12 at a fire extinguisher station 16 includes a sonar module 90 mounted within (FIG. 2), or mounted in connection to (FIG. 3), the docking station 30. The sonar module 90 periodically emits an ultrasonic signal and detects when the signal is returned (reflected) by an obstruction within a predetermined region or range, e.g., from about 6 inches to about 10 feet from the docking station 30. Upon detection of an obstruction, a signal is issued to the remote central station 26.
The remote inspection information is communicated to means 28, e.g., a computer 106 (
In operation of a remote inspection apparatus 10 of the invention, a portable fire extinguisher 12 is releasably mounted, e.g., upon a bracket 82 fixedly secured to a wall or other support surface, W (FIG. 2), or within a wall cabinet, C (FIG. 3), the bracket 82 having a pair of opposed arms 84 that releasably engage about the neck region 86 of the fire extinguisher tank 34, generally below the valve assembly body 40. A fire extinguisher professional, after inspection of the fire extinguisher 12 for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzle in compliance with NFPA 10, §4-3.2(f), positions the portable fire extinguisher 12 so that the operating instructions on the fire extinguisher nameplate are legible and facing outward as required by NFPA 10, §4-3.2(c), and with its HMIS label in place as required by NFPA 10, §4-3.2(j). The male connector element 58 of the electronics and communications tether 32 is inserted into the female socket 56 defined by the valve gauge housing 54 to connect the docking station 30 and the fire extinguisher 12. As mentioned above, the length of the tether 32 is preferably predetermined so that any substantial movement of the fire extinguisher 12 relative to the docket station 30, whether removal or rotation in the bracket 82, dislodges the male connector element 58 of the tether 32 from the socket 56, with a resulting signal to the remote central station 26 indicating that the fire extinguisher 12 has been moved from its installed position at the fire extinguisher station 16 (i.e., lack of presence) as required by NFPA 10, §4-3.2(a).
If the contents of the fire extinguisher tank 34 reach a predetermined low pressure limit 78, the magnet 72 mounted to the gauge pointer 68 at the end of the Bourdon guage coiled tubing 62 is brought into range of the Hall Effect sensor 74 mounted unobtrusively to the rear surface 76 of the valve gauge scale 70. The proximity of the magnet 72 causes the Hall Effect sensor 74 to trigger, sending a signal indicative of the out-of-range pressure condition of the fire extinguisher contents through the electronics and communications tether 32 to the docking station 30. A low pressure signal will thus issue, e.g., if there is a fire extinguisher discharge resulting in loss of fullness and reduction in weight as required by NFPA 10, §4-3.2(e), including from tampering, resulting in broken or missing safety seals or tamper indicators as required by NFPA 10, §4-3.2(d), possibly resulting in a clogged nozzle as required by NFPA 10, §4-3.2(f). Referring to
The sonar module 90 contained within the docking station 30 periodically emits an ultrasonic signal. The docking station 30 detects any return (reflected) signal indicative of the presence of an obstruction, e.g., to viewing of or access to the fire extinguisher station 16, within a predetermined range, e.g., about 6 inches to about 10 feet from the docking station 30, to issue a signal indicative of the presence of an obstruction as required by NFPA 10, §4-3.2(b).
The remote inspection apparatus 10 of the invention thus provides protection that meets or exceeds the requirements of NFPA 10, §4-3.2. Surveillance can be provided 24 hours per day, if desired.
The remote central station 26 may also send signals 122 to the fire extinguisher stations 16 to periodically check for these, and/or other, predetermined internal and external conditions.
Other means may be employed for developing an electronic signal of an out-of-range position of the pressure gauge needle or indicator. For example, an optical sensor has advantages similar to those of the Hall Effect sensors 74, 75, i.e., low cost and simplicity, with no additional modulation circuitry required to develop the measured quantity, but optical sensors typically must be shielded from extraneous light. Hall Effect sensors have a further advantage of being generally impervious to external light (which can vary according to lighting conditions); however, Hall Effect sensors can be affected by magnetic fields. Both Hall Effect and optical sensors can be operated in either digital mode, for detecting when the gauge pointer moves through a discrete arc of motion, or in linear mode, if a continuously variable measure or signal is desired (not typically required for this application). Alternatively, a pressure signal might be generated by electronic sensing, without visual indication, or by sensing of the position of the needle body or the Bourdon gauge coiled tubing, or by use of a different form of pressure sensor.
In the preferred embodiment, a non-contact ultrasonic sensor (sonar module 90) is employed for detecting the presence of an obstruction. Alternatively, a non-contact optical sensor may be employed. Both have sensitivity over wide ranges of distances (e.g., about 6 inches to about 10 feet, or other ranges as may be dictated, e.g., by environmental conditions). As an obstruction may move slowly, or may be relatively stationary, it may not be necessary to have the sensor active at all times; periodic sampling, e.g., once per hour, may be sufficient. On the other hand, the sonar module 90 of the docking station 30 may also be utilized as a proximity or motion sensor, e.g., in a security system, e.g., to issue a signal to a remote central station 26 and/or to sound an alarm when movement is detected in the vicinity of a fire extinguisher station 16 while a building is secured, e.g., after business hours or during weekends or vacations. In this case, continuous operation may be dictated, at least during periods when the security system is active. Other features and characteristics that may be optimally employed, as desired, include: wide angle and narrow angle sensitivity, digital output (Is there an obstruction or not?), and/or analog output (e.g., How large an obstruction? and How far away from the docking station?).
In the preferred embodiment, the electronics and communications tether 32 is used to determine the lack of presence of the fire extinguisher 12 in its installed position at the fire extinguisher station 16. In the preferred circuit design, an A-to-D converter in the docking station microprocessor discriminates between a valid gauge sensor signal, indicating a fire extinguisher 12 is present, and a signal indicating a missing fire extinguisher (or a disconnected tether 32). Preferably, the tether 32 is sufficiently short (relative to the distance from the docketing station 30 to the mounted fire extinguisher 12) so that any significant displacement of the fire extinguisher 12 from its installed position (either by rotation or movement in the bracket 82 or by removal) will result in disconnection of the tether 32 from the fire extinguisher 12 and a subsequent change in voltage sensed at the docking station 30. The arrangement of the present invention has the further advantage of requiring no additional power to sense the lack of presence of a fire extinguisher 12. The following alternatives are all active sensors and thus require power: non-contact, such as optical devices, or capacitive, inductive, and magnetic quantity devices in contact or non-contact applications. In other applications, e.g., to decrease the number of false alarms, the length of the tether 32 may be selected to signal only when the fire extinguisher 12 is removed from (and not merely moved at) the fire extinguisher station 16. The tether 32 may also be used only for communications between the pressure gauge 50 and the docking station 30, e.g., and not for detecting lack of presence (or movement) of the fire extinguisher 12. A non-powered tether may be employed, with issue of a signal when dislodgement of an end of the tether from a socket or other connection is detected.
A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, other features that might be provided in connection with a remote inspection apparatus of the invention may include, in some instances: an electronic circuit contained on a circuit board mounted to the fire extinguisher valve assembly, beneath gauge scale, and powered, e.g., by battery disposed within the docking station, or within a compartment defined by the fire extinguisher valve assembly body. The circuit may optionally further include an electro luminescent light panel, e.g., mounted upon the face of the valve gauge scale. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may include the valve gauge pointer and a contact located in a region upon the face surface of the gauge scale selected for inter-engagement of the contact and the gauge pointer, e.g., when the contents of the tank are at a low-pressure condition. Interengagement of the gauge pointer and contact may optionally complete a circuit to illuminate the light panel, thereby to generate a visual signal to passersby, warning of the low-pressure condition of the fire extinguisher. In some embodiments, an electronic circuit may include a flashing unit for intermittent illumination of the light panel, thereby to better attract the attention of passersby, and also to conserve battery life. The electronic circuit additionally or instead may, in some embodiments, include a contact located in a region selected for interengagement of the contact and the gauge pointer when the contents of the tank are at a high or overcharged pressure condition. The electronic circuit may also include an audio signaling device, e.g., as part of the docking station, for emitting, e.g., a beeping sound, instead of or in addition to the visual signal. The audio signal device may be triggered when the fire extinguisher is placed in use, e.g., upon removal from the bracket. The audio signal may consist of a recorded information message, e.g., instructions for use of the fire extinguisher including the type of fire for which use is appropriate, e.g., paper, electrical, liquid, all types. The electronic circuit may also include a battery condition sensor to actuate a visual and/or audio signal, e.g., at the remote central station, when a low battery condition is detected. The electronic circuit may also include a light sensor, e.g., of ambient light conditions, to actuate illumination of the light panel in low or no light conditions, e.g., to signal the location of the fire extinguisher, or fire extinguisher station, at night or upon loss of power to external lighting. The electronic circuit may also include a sensor adapted to sense other local conditions, e.g., smoke or fire, to actuate illumination of the light panel and/or audio signal device when smoke or other indications of a fire are sensed, e.g., to signal the location of the fire extinguisher, or fire extinguisher station, when visibility is low. The electronic circuit may include a timer set to actuate the visual and/or the audio signal after a predetermined period of time, e.g., the recommended period between inspections, unless the timer is reset. The electronic circuit may be responsive to a signal from an external source, e.g., a system of smoke detectors, another fire extinguisher or fire extinguisher station, a suppression system, or the like, to actuate the visual and/or the audio signal. The electronic circuit may also include an encoded identification specific to each fire extinguisher for receiving and dispatching signals or messages, e.g., of fire extinguisher condition or local status, via the electronics and communications, e.g., connected with the docking station or in a housing defined by or mounted to a fire extinguisher, and/or an internal antenna, identifiable as relating to that fire extinguisher or fire extinguisher station, to the remote central station and/or to other elements of a home or facility security system. The docking station or housing may contain a circuit board programmed with the protocols for certain alarms or signals relating to predetermined internal and external conditions, and may include a battery for primary or auxiliary power.
In other embodiments, two or more sonar modules 90 may be employed to provide additional beam coverage. Also, various technologies may be implemented to communicate by wireless signal among the fire extinguisher 12 and/or the fire extinguisher station 16 and/or the remote central station 26. Along with radio frequency (RF) signaling, infrared (IR) signaling, optical signaling, or other similar technologies may provide communication links. RF signaling, IR signaling, optical signaling, or other similar signaling technologies may also be implemented individually or in any suitable combination to communicate by wireless signal among the fire extinguisher 12, the fire extinguisher station 16, and the remote central station 26.
In other embodiments, wireless signaling technology may incorporate telecommunication schemes (e.g., Bluetooth) to provide point-to-point or multi-point communication connections among the fire extinguishers 12 and/or the fire extinguisher stations 16 and/or the remote central stations 26. These telecommunication schemes may be achieved, for example, with local wireless technology, cellular technology, and/or satellite technology. The wireless signaling technology may further incorporate spread spectrum techniques (e.g., frequency hopping) to allow the extinguishers to communicate in areas containing electromagnetic interference. The wireless signaling may also incorporate identification encoding along with encryption/decryption techniques and verification techniques to provide secure data transfers among the devices.
In other embodiments a Global Positioning System (GPS) may be located on the fire extinguisher 12 and/or the fire extinguisher station 16 and/or the remote central stations 26. The GPS may determine, for example, the geographic location of each fire extinguisher and provide location coordinates, via the wireless signaling technology, to the other fire extinguishers and/or the remote central stations. Thus, the GPS system may provide the location of the fire extinguishers and allow, for example, movement tracking of the extinguishers.
In still other embodiments, various sensing techniques, besides the sonar modules 90, may sense objects obstructing access to the fire extinguishers. Similar to sonar, obstructing objects may be detected by passive or active acoustic sensors. In other examples, obstructions may be sensed with electromagnetic sensing techniques (e.g., radar, magnetic field sensors), infrared (IR) sensing techniques (e.g., heat sensors, IR sensors), visual sensing techniques (e.g., photo-electric sensors), and/or laser sensing techniques (e.g., LIDAR sensors). These technologies may, for example, be utilized individually or in concert to sense obstructions that block access to the fire extinguishers.
Also, the signaling may use networking techniques to provide one-directional and/or multi-directional communications among the devices. In one example, signals may be networked asynchronously, such as in an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM). The signals may also be networked synchronously, such as, for example, in a synchronous optical network (SONET). In still another example, the signals may be transmitted over a landline in an integrated services digital network (ISDN), as well as over other similar media, for example, in a broadband ISDN (BISDN).
Also, the communications and electronics tether 132 may be looped through an anchoring point, e.g., an I-bolt or bracket, whereby the male connector is caused to dislodge upon movement of the fire extinguisher 12 (FIG. 12). Alternatively, the tether 132 may be looped through other types of anchoring points, e.g., an opening in a wall or floor or other similar apertures points. Detection of dislodgement of an end of a non-conductive tether or leash may also be employed to initiate issue of a wireless or other signal.
A remote inspection apparatus of the invention may also be employed for remote inspection of multiple fire extinguishers at one or a system of fire extinguisher stations. Communication, including wireless communication, or inspection or other information, between the fire extinguisher and the central station, may be carried on directly, or indirectly, e.g. via signal or relay devices, including at the fire extinguisher station.
Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/832,531, filed Apr. 11, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,055, issued Jul. 1. 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/212,121, filed Dec. 15, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,218, issued Oct. 16, 2001, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/879,445, filed Jun. 20, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,651, issued Dec. 15, 1998, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/590,411, filed Jan. 23, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,430, issued Jul. 7, 1998, and a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT/US97/01025, with an International Filing Date of Jan. 23, 1997, now abandoned, the complete disclosures of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 08879445 | Jun 1997 | US |
| Child | 09212121 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 09832531 | Apr 2001 | US |
| Child | 10274606 | US | |
| Parent | 09212121 | Dec 1998 | US |
| Child | 09832531 | US | |
| Parent | 08590411 | Jan 1996 | US |
| Child | 08879445 | US | |
| Parent | PCT/US97/01025 | Jan 1997 | US |
| Child | 08590411 | US |
