CA2083990A1 - Device for testing heat detectors, smoke detectors and smoke alarms - Google Patents
Device for testing heat detectors, smoke detectors and smoke alarmsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2083990A1 CA2083990A1 CA 2083990 CA2083990A CA2083990A1 CA 2083990 A1 CA2083990 A1 CA 2083990A1 CA 2083990 CA2083990 CA 2083990 CA 2083990 A CA2083990 A CA 2083990A CA 2083990 A1 CA2083990 A1 CA 2083990A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- powder
- interior cavity
- smoke
- detectors
- divider
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B29/00—Checking or monitoring of signalling or alarm systems; Prevention or correction of operating errors, e.g. preventing unauthorised operation
- G08B29/12—Checking intermittently signalling or alarm systems
- G08B29/14—Checking intermittently signalling or alarm systems checking the detection circuits
- G08B29/145—Checking intermittently signalling or alarm systems checking the detection circuits of fire detection circuits
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fire-Detection Mechanisms (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A device for testing rate of rise heat detectors, smoke detectors and smoke alarms consisting of a body having a first end, a second end and an interior cavity. The first end is adapted to fit over a detector or alarm. A divider is disposed within the interior cavity of the body thereby dividing the interior cavity into a first portion adjacent the first end and a second portion adjacent the second end. The divider is heated from a heat source disposed in the second portion of the interior cavity, this indirectly heats the first portion of the interior cavity thereby facilitating testing of detectors sensitive to heat. A reservoir adapted to receive powder is attached to the body. A powder passage extends from the powder reservoir to the first portion of the interior cavity adjacent the divider. An air bellows is provided for blowing powder from the powder reservoir through the powder passage into the first portion of the interior cavity. The powder generates smoke upon contact with the heated divider thereby facilitating testing of detectors sensitive to smoke.
A device for testing rate of rise heat detectors, smoke detectors and smoke alarms consisting of a body having a first end, a second end and an interior cavity. The first end is adapted to fit over a detector or alarm. A divider is disposed within the interior cavity of the body thereby dividing the interior cavity into a first portion adjacent the first end and a second portion adjacent the second end. The divider is heated from a heat source disposed in the second portion of the interior cavity, this indirectly heats the first portion of the interior cavity thereby facilitating testing of detectors sensitive to heat. A reservoir adapted to receive powder is attached to the body. A powder passage extends from the powder reservoir to the first portion of the interior cavity adjacent the divider. An air bellows is provided for blowing powder from the powder reservoir through the powder passage into the first portion of the interior cavity. The powder generates smoke upon contact with the heated divider thereby facilitating testing of detectors sensitive to smoke.
Description
~r~ r~ Y3q'~
The present invention relates to a Device for testing rate of rise heat detectors, smoke detectors, and smoke alarms.
Fire alarm systems must have trlggering mechanisms which activate an alarm when the presence of heat or a product of combustion ls detected. These triggering mechanisms can be grouped into categories; rate of rise heat detectors, smoke detectors, and smoke alarms.
As the triggering mechanisms are the most critical components of any fire alarm system, methods and apparatus have been developed for testing the reliability of these triggering mechanisms both at the factory and n situ. Rate of rise heat detectors are tested with forced hot air from a hot air blower or, alternatively, by radiant heat from an infrared lamp.
Smoke detectors are tested with aerosol sprays, magnetic devices or some method of smoke production, such as a smouldering rope wick.
S~MMAR~ OF T~ INVENTIO~
What is required is a single testing device which can be used to test both rate of rise heat detector and smoke detector triggering mechanisms.
According to the present invention there is provided a device for testing rate of rise heat detectors, smoke detectors and smoke alarms which is comprised of a device for testing rate of rise heat detectors, smoke detectors and smoke alarms which is comprised of a body having a first end, a second end and an interior cavity. The first end is adapted to fit over a detector. A divider is disposed within the interior cavity of the body thereby dividing the interior cavity into a first portion adjacent the first end and a second portion adjacent the second end. Means for heating the divider is disposed in the second portion of the interior cavity, such that the first portion of the interior cavity is indirectly heated thereby facilitating testing of detectors sensitive to heat. A powder reservoir adapted -to receive powder is attached to the body.
A powder passage extends from the powder reservoir to the first portion of the interior cavity adjacent the divider. Means is provided for directing powder from the powder reservoir through the powder passage into the first portion of the interior cavity. The powder produces smoke upon contact with the heated divider thereby facilitating testing of detectors sensitive to smoke.
The device, as described, is capable of producing both heat to test rate of rise heat detectors and smoke to test smoke detectors and smoke alarms. It is preferred that the means for heating the divider be an open flame generated by a propane torch. It is preferred that an air bellows be used to blow powder from the powder reservoir through the passage into the first portion of the interior cavity in which the smoke detector is positioned for testing.
BRI13F DE~;CRIPTION OF ~HE DR~WI~GS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which re~erence is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
FI~URE 1 is section view of a device for testing rate of rise heat detectors, smoke detectors and smoke alarms constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
DE:TALILBD DESCRIPTIO~ OF T}IE PREP'~R~ED E~BODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, a device for testing rate or rise heat detectors, smoke detectors and smoke alarms generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FI~UR~ 1.
Testing device lO consists of a funnel-form tubular body 1~ having a first end 14, a second end 16 and an interior cavity 18. First end 14 is flared in order to be adapted to -3 ~r,r~ 3~
fit over a detector. Firs-t end 14 has a lip covered by a sealing gasket 15. A bowl--like divider 20 i6 disposed within interi~r cavity 18 o~ funnel-form body 12. Divider 20 divides interior cavity 18 into a first portion 22 adjacent first end 14 and a second portion 24 adjacent second end 16. Divider 20 has a bowl portion 26 extending into second portion 24 of interior cavity 18. A propane torch 30 is disposed in second portion 24 of interior cavity 18. Propane torch 30 has a nozzle 32 disposed adjacent bowl portion 26 of divider 20. A
passage 28 is provided into second portion 24 of interior cavity 18 for the purpose of inserting a match to light propane torch 30 and provide a source of combustion air to propane torch 30. A powder reservoir 34 is attached to body 12. A
passage 36 extends from powder reservoir 34 to first portion 22 of interior cavity 18 adjacent divider 20. An air bellows 38 with a bellows output passage 40 is connected to powder reservoir 34. A handle 42 is provided on body 12.
The use and operation of testing device 10 will now be described with reference to FI~URE 1. Propane torch 30 is ignited causing an open flame to be directed from nozzle 32 onto bowl portion 26 of divider 20. As divider 20 is directly heated by means of propane torch 30, first portion 22 of interior cavity 18 is indirectly heated. Body '12 is then lifted by means of handle 42 to place flared first end 14 over a rate of rise heat detector thereby facilitating testing of the heat detectors sensitivity to heat. If a smoke detector or smoke alarm is to be tested, flared first end 14 is similarly placed over the smoke detector or smoke alarm. Once body 12 is in place, air bellows 38 is manually manipulated to send a jet of air through bellows output passage 40 into powder reservoir 34, which blows powder from reservoir 34 through passage 36 into first portion 22 of interior cavity 18. As powder is brought into communication with heated divider 20, the powder produces smoke thereby facilitating testing of the smoke detectors sensitivity to smoke.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the intent oE the present invention is to provide heat and the products of combustion in the form of smoke without there being any danger of combustion actually occurring. Care has been taken to ensure that the powder is not exposed to an open flameO The quantity of powder used is minute. It i6 indirectly heated and immediately turns into smoke. There are an infinite varieties of powder that can be used, skim milk powder, powdered sawdust and the like.
It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art the ease with which the device may be used. No ladder i8 required in most situations as the device is merely lifted up into place with flared first end 14 covering the detector or alarm.
It will finally be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the Claims. In particular, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that there are alternate heat sources which could be placed within second portion 24 to accomplish the objectives of indirectly heating first portion 22 of interior cavity 18. An example of such a heat source is a battery powered heating element. There are also alternate means which could be employed for injecting powder into first portion 22 of interior cavity 18.
The present invention relates to a Device for testing rate of rise heat detectors, smoke detectors, and smoke alarms.
Fire alarm systems must have trlggering mechanisms which activate an alarm when the presence of heat or a product of combustion ls detected. These triggering mechanisms can be grouped into categories; rate of rise heat detectors, smoke detectors, and smoke alarms.
As the triggering mechanisms are the most critical components of any fire alarm system, methods and apparatus have been developed for testing the reliability of these triggering mechanisms both at the factory and n situ. Rate of rise heat detectors are tested with forced hot air from a hot air blower or, alternatively, by radiant heat from an infrared lamp.
Smoke detectors are tested with aerosol sprays, magnetic devices or some method of smoke production, such as a smouldering rope wick.
S~MMAR~ OF T~ INVENTIO~
What is required is a single testing device which can be used to test both rate of rise heat detector and smoke detector triggering mechanisms.
According to the present invention there is provided a device for testing rate of rise heat detectors, smoke detectors and smoke alarms which is comprised of a device for testing rate of rise heat detectors, smoke detectors and smoke alarms which is comprised of a body having a first end, a second end and an interior cavity. The first end is adapted to fit over a detector. A divider is disposed within the interior cavity of the body thereby dividing the interior cavity into a first portion adjacent the first end and a second portion adjacent the second end. Means for heating the divider is disposed in the second portion of the interior cavity, such that the first portion of the interior cavity is indirectly heated thereby facilitating testing of detectors sensitive to heat. A powder reservoir adapted -to receive powder is attached to the body.
A powder passage extends from the powder reservoir to the first portion of the interior cavity adjacent the divider. Means is provided for directing powder from the powder reservoir through the powder passage into the first portion of the interior cavity. The powder produces smoke upon contact with the heated divider thereby facilitating testing of detectors sensitive to smoke.
The device, as described, is capable of producing both heat to test rate of rise heat detectors and smoke to test smoke detectors and smoke alarms. It is preferred that the means for heating the divider be an open flame generated by a propane torch. It is preferred that an air bellows be used to blow powder from the powder reservoir through the passage into the first portion of the interior cavity in which the smoke detector is positioned for testing.
BRI13F DE~;CRIPTION OF ~HE DR~WI~GS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which re~erence is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
FI~URE 1 is section view of a device for testing rate of rise heat detectors, smoke detectors and smoke alarms constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
DE:TALILBD DESCRIPTIO~ OF T}IE PREP'~R~ED E~BODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, a device for testing rate or rise heat detectors, smoke detectors and smoke alarms generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FI~UR~ 1.
Testing device lO consists of a funnel-form tubular body 1~ having a first end 14, a second end 16 and an interior cavity 18. First end 14 is flared in order to be adapted to -3 ~r,r~ 3~
fit over a detector. Firs-t end 14 has a lip covered by a sealing gasket 15. A bowl--like divider 20 i6 disposed within interi~r cavity 18 o~ funnel-form body 12. Divider 20 divides interior cavity 18 into a first portion 22 adjacent first end 14 and a second portion 24 adjacent second end 16. Divider 20 has a bowl portion 26 extending into second portion 24 of interior cavity 18. A propane torch 30 is disposed in second portion 24 of interior cavity 18. Propane torch 30 has a nozzle 32 disposed adjacent bowl portion 26 of divider 20. A
passage 28 is provided into second portion 24 of interior cavity 18 for the purpose of inserting a match to light propane torch 30 and provide a source of combustion air to propane torch 30. A powder reservoir 34 is attached to body 12. A
passage 36 extends from powder reservoir 34 to first portion 22 of interior cavity 18 adjacent divider 20. An air bellows 38 with a bellows output passage 40 is connected to powder reservoir 34. A handle 42 is provided on body 12.
The use and operation of testing device 10 will now be described with reference to FI~URE 1. Propane torch 30 is ignited causing an open flame to be directed from nozzle 32 onto bowl portion 26 of divider 20. As divider 20 is directly heated by means of propane torch 30, first portion 22 of interior cavity 18 is indirectly heated. Body '12 is then lifted by means of handle 42 to place flared first end 14 over a rate of rise heat detector thereby facilitating testing of the heat detectors sensitivity to heat. If a smoke detector or smoke alarm is to be tested, flared first end 14 is similarly placed over the smoke detector or smoke alarm. Once body 12 is in place, air bellows 38 is manually manipulated to send a jet of air through bellows output passage 40 into powder reservoir 34, which blows powder from reservoir 34 through passage 36 into first portion 22 of interior cavity 18. As powder is brought into communication with heated divider 20, the powder produces smoke thereby facilitating testing of the smoke detectors sensitivity to smoke.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the intent oE the present invention is to provide heat and the products of combustion in the form of smoke without there being any danger of combustion actually occurring. Care has been taken to ensure that the powder is not exposed to an open flameO The quantity of powder used is minute. It i6 indirectly heated and immediately turns into smoke. There are an infinite varieties of powder that can be used, skim milk powder, powdered sawdust and the like.
It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art the ease with which the device may be used. No ladder i8 required in most situations as the device is merely lifted up into place with flared first end 14 covering the detector or alarm.
It will finally be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the Claims. In particular, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that there are alternate heat sources which could be placed within second portion 24 to accomplish the objectives of indirectly heating first portion 22 of interior cavity 18. An example of such a heat source is a battery powered heating element. There are also alternate means which could be employed for injecting powder into first portion 22 of interior cavity 18.
Claims (5)
1. A device for testing rate of rise heat detectors, smoke detectors and smoke alarms, comprising:
a. A body having a first end, a second end and an interior cavity, the first end being adapted to fit over a detector;
b. a divider disposed within the interior cavity of the body thereby dividing the interior cavity into a first portion adjacent the first end and a second portion adjacent the second end;
c. means for heating the divider disposed in the second portion of the interior cavity, such that the first portion of the interior cavity is indirectly heated thereby facilitating testing of detectors sensitive to heat;
d. a powder reservoir adapted to receive powder attached to the body;
e. a powder passage extending from the reservoir to the first portion of the interior cavity adjacent the divider; and f. means for directing powder from the powder reservoir through the powder passage into the first portion of the interior cavity, the powder producing smoke upon contact with the heated divider thereby facilitating testing of detectors sensitive to smoke.
a. A body having a first end, a second end and an interior cavity, the first end being adapted to fit over a detector;
b. a divider disposed within the interior cavity of the body thereby dividing the interior cavity into a first portion adjacent the first end and a second portion adjacent the second end;
c. means for heating the divider disposed in the second portion of the interior cavity, such that the first portion of the interior cavity is indirectly heated thereby facilitating testing of detectors sensitive to heat;
d. a powder reservoir adapted to receive powder attached to the body;
e. a powder passage extending from the reservoir to the first portion of the interior cavity adjacent the divider; and f. means for directing powder from the powder reservoir through the powder passage into the first portion of the interior cavity, the powder producing smoke upon contact with the heated divider thereby facilitating testing of detectors sensitive to smoke.
2. The device for testing rate of rise heat detectors, smoke detectors and smoke alarms as defined in Claim 1, the means for heating the divider being an open flame.
3. The device for testing rate of rise heat detectors, smoke detectors, and smoke alarms as defined in Claim 2, the open flame being generated by a propane torch disposed in the second portion of the interior cavity.
4. The device for testing rate of rise heat detectors, smoke detectors and smoke alarms as defined in Claim 1, the means for directing powder from the reservoir through the passage into the first portion of the interior cavity being an air bellows having an air bellows passage connected to a top of the powder reservoir and the powder passage extending from the top of the powder reservoir.
5. A device for testing rate of rise heat detectors, smoke detectors and smoke alarms, comprising:
a. a tubular body having a flared first end, a second end and an interior cavity, the first end being adapted to fit over a detector;
b. a bowl-like divider disposed within the interior cavity of the body thereby dividing the interior cavity into a first portion adjacent the first end and a second portion adjacent the second end;
c. a propane torch for heating the divider disposed in the second portion of the interior cavity, such that the first portion of the interior cavity is indirectly heated thereby facilitating testing of detectors sensitive to heat;
d. a powder reservoir adapted to receive powder attached to the body, the reservoir having a top;
e. a powder passage extending from the top of the powder reservoir to the first portion of the interior cavity adjacent the divider; and f. an air bellows having an air bellows passage connected to the top of the powder reservoir, such that a jet of air from the air bellows serves as means for directing powder from the powder reservoir through the powder passage into the first portion of the interior cavity, the powder producing smoke upon contact with the heated divider thereby facilitating testing of detectors sensitive to smoke.
a. a tubular body having a flared first end, a second end and an interior cavity, the first end being adapted to fit over a detector;
b. a bowl-like divider disposed within the interior cavity of the body thereby dividing the interior cavity into a first portion adjacent the first end and a second portion adjacent the second end;
c. a propane torch for heating the divider disposed in the second portion of the interior cavity, such that the first portion of the interior cavity is indirectly heated thereby facilitating testing of detectors sensitive to heat;
d. a powder reservoir adapted to receive powder attached to the body, the reservoir having a top;
e. a powder passage extending from the top of the powder reservoir to the first portion of the interior cavity adjacent the divider; and f. an air bellows having an air bellows passage connected to the top of the powder reservoir, such that a jet of air from the air bellows serves as means for directing powder from the powder reservoir through the powder passage into the first portion of the interior cavity, the powder producing smoke upon contact with the heated divider thereby facilitating testing of detectors sensitive to smoke.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2083990 CA2083990A1 (en) | 1992-11-27 | 1992-11-27 | Device for testing heat detectors, smoke detectors and smoke alarms |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2083990 CA2083990A1 (en) | 1992-11-27 | 1992-11-27 | Device for testing heat detectors, smoke detectors and smoke alarms |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2083990A1 true CA2083990A1 (en) | 1994-05-28 |
Family
ID=4150753
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2083990 Abandoned CA2083990A1 (en) | 1992-11-27 | 1992-11-27 | Device for testing heat detectors, smoke detectors and smoke alarms |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2083990A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2002027293A3 (en) * | 2000-09-29 | 2002-08-01 | Tormaxx Gmbh | Gas or heat detector, gas or heat generator, flue gas generator, method for testing a gas detector or a heat detector, and method for testing a flue gas detector |
| GB2409319A (en) * | 2003-12-16 | 2005-06-22 | Sata Ltd | Synthetic smoke generator and smoke detector tester |
| AU2006202285B2 (en) * | 2005-08-03 | 2007-04-26 | Jason Sam D'Amico | Apparatus and Method for Testing Smoke and Fire Detectors |
| GB2432703A (en) * | 2005-11-24 | 2007-05-30 | Sata Ltd | Testing hazard detectors using a plurality of test stimuli |
| WO2007138329A1 (en) * | 2006-06-01 | 2007-12-06 | Bill Rossiter | Apparatus for dispensing particles |
-
1992
- 1992-11-27 CA CA 2083990 patent/CA2083990A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2002027293A3 (en) * | 2000-09-29 | 2002-08-01 | Tormaxx Gmbh | Gas or heat detector, gas or heat generator, flue gas generator, method for testing a gas detector or a heat detector, and method for testing a flue gas detector |
| EP1970872A3 (en) * | 2000-09-29 | 2010-11-17 | Tormaxx GmbH | Test system for detecting the presence of a gas. |
| US7934411B2 (en) | 2000-09-29 | 2011-05-03 | Tormaxx Gmbh | Gas or heat detector, gas or heat generator, smoke gas generator, and method for the testing of a gas detector or a heat detector and method for the testing of a smoke gas detector |
| GB2409319A (en) * | 2003-12-16 | 2005-06-22 | Sata Ltd | Synthetic smoke generator and smoke detector tester |
| GB2409319B (en) * | 2003-12-16 | 2006-11-15 | Sata Ltd | Synthetic smoke generator and smoke detector tester using such a generator |
| AU2006202285B2 (en) * | 2005-08-03 | 2007-04-26 | Jason Sam D'Amico | Apparatus and Method for Testing Smoke and Fire Detectors |
| GB2432703A (en) * | 2005-11-24 | 2007-05-30 | Sata Ltd | Testing hazard detectors using a plurality of test stimuli |
| WO2007138329A1 (en) * | 2006-06-01 | 2007-12-06 | Bill Rossiter | Apparatus for dispensing particles |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |