Systems and methods for specific alarm and fault messaging

Abstract

A fire suppression system includes a container of fire suppressant, a nozzle positioned to direct the fire suppressant from the container towards a hazard, and an actuator configured to cause the fire suppressant to pass from the container to the nozzle. The system also includes a user interface, a controller coupled to the actuator and the user interface, a detection circuit coupled to the control, a first optical sensor coupled to the controller via an optical interface module and a second sensor coupled to the controller. The optical interface module and the second sensor are each configured to adjust a resistance of the detection circuit. The controller is configured to determine the resistance of the detection circuit and compare the determined resistance to a predetermined resistance band lookup to identify an event corresponding with the resistance. The controller is further configured to generate a response based on the event.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SPECIFIC ALARM AND FAULTMESSAGINGCROSS-REFERNECE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 587,957, filed on October 4, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to fire suppression systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to detection subsystems for fire suppression systems.SUMMARY

[0003] At least one aspect relates to a fire suppression system. The fire suppression system includes a container of fire suppressant, a nozzle positioned to direct the fire suppressant from the container to toward a hazard, an actuator configured to cause the fire suppressant to pass from the container to nozzle, and a first optical sensor configured to provide an input signal indicating a presence of a fire. The fire suppression system further includes an optical interface controller including a plurality of resistors selectively coupled to the detection circuit by a plurality of relays, wherein in response to the input signal the optical interface controller is to open or close at least one of the plurality of relays to change an arrangement of the plurality of resistors and control the resistance of the detection circuit to a first resistance. The fire suppression system further includes a second sensor including at least one resistor and configured to adjust a resistance of the detection circuit using the at least one resistor to a second resistance in response to detecting the presence of a fire, wherein the second sensor is at least one of a spot detector, a linear wire detector, or a linear pressure detector. The fire suppression system further includes a controller configured to determine, based on the resistance of the detection circuit, whether the first sensor detected the presence of the fire or the second sensor detected the presence of the fire. In response to determining that the first sensor detected the presence of the fire, the controller is configured to initiate afirst response. In response to determining that the second sensor detected the presence of the fire, the controller is configured to initiate a second response, the second response different than the first response.

[0004] At least one aspect relates to a method of operating a fire suppression system. The method includes detecting, at an interface controller comprising one or more processors, a signal from a first optical sensor; controlling, at the interface controller, at least one of a plurality of relays to change an arrangement of a plurality of resistors to set a resistance of a detection circuit to a first resistance; detecting, at a controller comprising one or more processors, the resistance of the detection circuit; determining, at the controller, if the resistance corresponds to the first resistance indicating a fire is detected by the first optical sensor or a second resistance indicating a fire is detected by a second sensor, wherein the second sensor is at least one of a spot detector, a linear wire detector, or a linear pressure detector; generating, by the controller, a first response comprising first alert in response to a determination the fire is detected by the first optical sensor; and generating, by the controller, a second response comprising a second alert in response to a determination the fire is detected by the second sensor, the second alert being different than the first alert.

[0005] At least one aspect relates to a fire suppression system. The fire suppression system includes a detection circuit, a first sensor, a second optical sensor, and a controller. The detection circuit has a resistance. The first sensor is to detect a fire and configured to adjust the resistance to a first resistance in response to detecting the fire, the first sensor comprising at least one of a spot detector, a linear wire detector, or a linear pressure detector. The second optical sensor is to detect a fire and configured to generate a fire detection signal. The controller includes a plurality of resistors selectively coupled to the detection circuit by a plurality of relays, wherein the controller is configured to open or close at least one of the plurality of relays to change an arrangement of the plurality of resistors and control the resistance of the detection circuit to a second resistance in response to the fire detection signal, the second resistance being different than the first resistance

[0006] This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described hereinwill become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram of a fire suppression system.

[0009] FIG. 2 is an example of a block diagram of a controller for the fire suppression system of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3 is an example of a block diagram of select components of an interface module for the fire suppression system of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 4 is an example of a flow diagram of a method for differentiating signal sources on a single circuit of a fire suppression system.

[0012] FIG. 5 is an example of an illustration of different alerts provided by the controller of FIG. 2.

[0013] FIG. 6 is an example of a schematic illustration of a fire suppression systemDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain implementations in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0015] Referring generally to the figures, a fire suppression system includes a controller that manages the operation of the fire suppression system. The controller receives sensor data from fire detection sensors, which can include heat detectors (e.g., spot detectors, linearwire detectors, etc.) and / or optical detectors (e.g., infrared sensors). In response to receiving an indication from the fire detection sensors that a fire is present, the controller provides an alert and / or controls one or more actuators to trigger dispensing of fire suppressant to address the fire.

[0016] To determine if one of the fire detection sensors is indicating that the fire is present, the controller monitors the resistance of the detection circuit. The value of the resistance on the detection circuit is correlated with a state of the detection circuit. Throughout operation various events occur — such as detecting a fire or a fault in one of the fire detection sensors — which change the resistance value of the detection circuit. Depending on the value of the resistance, the controller may respond differently.

[0017] A fire suppression system may include both optical sensors and heat detectors. It can be useful for the controller to differentiate if the source of a signal is the optical sensor or the heat detector. However, the optical sensors may communicate with a different protocol (e.g., a digital protocol) while the heat detectors may communicate with an analog protocol. In order for the controller to receive signals from both the optical sensors or the heat detectors, it may need to include interfaces for both digital and analog protocols, which can increase the complexity and cost of the system. In some systems, a single fire detection circuit can couple both optical sensors and heat detectors to the controller. This may hinder the ability of the controller to determine the source of the indication.

[0018] To differentiate between indications provided by the optical sensors and indications provided by the heat detectors on a single circuit, an interface module on the detection circuit between the optical sensors and the controller can set the resistance on the circuit when an optical sensor is indicating to be different than the resistance which would occur if one of the heat detectors indicates a fire is present. The controller may utilize the ability to distinguish between the source of the indication to provide different responses to the different indications.System Overview

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a fire suppression system, fire extinguishing system, or fire management system is shown as system 10. The system 10 may be configured to identify thepresence of a fire (e.g., through the use of one or more sensors). Once a fire has been identified (e.g., through the sensors or a manual actuation of the system 10 by a user), the system 10 directs fire suppressant (e.g., water, a chemical agent, etc.) toward the fire to suppress (e.g., reduce the intensity of, extinguish, prevent from restarting, etc.) the fire. The system 10 may direct the fire suppressant to only a small area identified as being nearby the fire or may blanket or flood a larger area with suppressant.

[0020] The system 10 may be utilized in a variety of different environments or applications. The system 10 can be used onboard a vehicle (e.g., a mining vehicle, construction equipment, logging equipment, etc.), such as shown in the configuration of FIG. 12. The system 10 can be used within one or more rooms of a building (e.g., in a kitchen, a workshop, an aircraft hangar, a museum, a data center, etc.). The system 10 can be used throughout (e.g., within, atop, nearby, etc.) another type of structure (e.g., a facility that processes and / or store petroleum products, etc.).

[0021] The system 10 includes processing circuitry, shown as controller 20, that controls operation of the system 10. The controller 20 includes a processor 22 and a memory device, shown as memory 24. The memory 24 may contain one or more instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller 20 to execute one or more of the processes described herein. The controller 20 may be configured to (e.g., structured to) receive one or more inputs (e.g., data, commands, etc.) from and / or provide one or more outputs (e.g., data, commands, etc.) to other components of the system 10.

[0022] The system 10 includes a fire suppression or output circuit or system, shown as release circuit 30, that is operatively (e.g., communicably) coupled to the controller 20. The release circuit 30 is configured to control the release of fire suppressant by the system 10. As shown, the release circuit 30 includes one or more activators, actuators, or flow control devices, shown as actuators 32. Each actuator 32 is coupled (e.g., fluidly coupled, operatively coupled, etc.) to one or more supplies of fire suppressant or containers of fire suppressant (e.g., vessels, tanks, canisters, vats, etc.), shown as suppressant containers 34. When activated, the actuators 32 are configured to initiate a flow of the fire suppressant from the corresponding suppressant containers 34 to one or more outlets or flow shaping devices, shown as nozzles 36. The nozzles 36 may be fluidly coupled to suppressant containers 34 byone or more conduits (e.g., pipes, hoses, etc.), manifolds, flow control devices (e.g., valves), or other devices. The nozzles 36 may be positioned to direct the fire suppressant toward one or more items, shown as hazards H.

[0023] The suppressant containers 34 may contain a type of fire suppressant that is selected based upon the type of hazard H that will be protected by the system 10. The fire suppressant can be water. By way of example, the suppressant container 34 may be a tank of water, a well, or a municipal water supply. The fire suppressant can be a fire suppressant agent. By way of example, the fire suppressant may be liquid agent, a dry chemical agent, a foam agent, or another type of agent. The fire suppressant can be a gas (e.g., an inert gas, etc.). The system 10 can be configured to sequentially provide two or more different types of fire suppressant from the same nozzle 36 or set of nozzles 36. By way of example, the system 10 may initially supply a fire suppressant agent to extinguish flames affecting a hazard H and subsequently supply water to cool the hazard H and prevent reignition of the fire.

[0024] The fire suppressant can be stored the suppressant containers 34 under pressure. By way of example, an expellant gas may be added to the suppressant container 34. The actuator 32 can be a flow control device, such as a valve. The valve may be opened to release the fire suppressant from the corresponding suppressant container 34, initiating the flow of the fire suppressant toward the nozzles 36. The fire suppressant can be stored a relatively low pressure (e.g., at atmospheric pressure). Expellant gas can be stored in a separate container (e.g., an expellant gas cartridge). The actuator 32 may be configured to selectively fluidly couple the expellant gas container to the suppressant container 34 such that the expellant gas passes into the suppressant container 34 and forces the fire suppressant toward the nozzles 36. By way of example, the actuator 32 may be a valve. By way of another example, the actuator 32 may include a puncturing device (e.g., a needle or pin) that is configured to rupture a seal of the expellant gas cartridge.

[0025] The system 10 includes a fire detection or input circuit or system, shown as detection circuit 40, operatively (e.g., communicably) coupled to the controller 20. The detection circuit 40 is configured to indicate the presence of a fire (e.g., whether or not a fire is present or is likely to be present). The detection circuit 40 may provide additional information, such as a location of the fire or a condition of the fire (e.g., a temperature of thefire, a size of the fire, etc.). In response to receiving a fire detection signal through the detection circuit 40, the controller 20 may be configured to control one or more of the actuators 32 to release the fire suppressant from the nozzles 36.

[0026] The detection circuit 40 can operatively couple one or more sensors, shown as fire detection sensors 42a, 42b, and 42c to the controller 20. The fire detection sensors 42a, 42b, and 42c may provide sensor data indicating the presence or absence of a fire. Fire detection sensors 42a are spot thermal detectors configured to provide an indication of a temperature of the surrounding air. The controller 20 may determine that a fire is present when a spot thermal fire detection sensor 42a indicates that the surrounding air exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature. Fire detection sensors 42b are linear detection wire including two wires that are separated by an insulating material with a predetermined threshold melting temperature. When the threshold melting temperature is exceeded, the wires are brought into contact with one another, providing an electrical signal to the controller 20 indicating the presence of a fire. Fire detection sensors 42c are optical sensors, such as for example optical infrared sensors. Such optical sensors as fire detection sensors 42c may differentiate between open flames and hydrocarbon signatures. Such optical sensors may be coupled to an optical sensor interface module 300 and / or an interface expansion module 350. The optical sensor interface module 300 can adjust the resistance value of the detection circuit based on an indication from the fire detection sensors 42c. For example, the optical sensor interface module 300 may include a number of relays and resistors, and by opening and closing the relays in unique combinations arrange the resistors in unique arrangements to result in different resistance values on the detection circuit 40. The interface expansion module 350 can allow for additional fire detection sensors 42c to couple to an optical sensor interface module 300. By way of another example, fire detection sensors 42d may include linear pressure detectors that monitor the pressure of a volume of a gas (e.g., air) that increases with the surrounding temperature. The controller 20 may determine that a fire is present in response to the pressure of the gas exceeding a predetermined threshold pressure. The fire detection sensors can include other types of sensors. The same fire detection circuit can include at least one the fire detection sensors 42a, 42b, 42c, or 42d.

[0027] The detection circuit 40 can operatively couple one or more pull stations, manual interfaces, manual indicators, or manual activators, shown as manual activators 44, to the controller 20. The manual activators 44 are configured to provide an interface through which a user can manually trigger an actuation of the system 10. Specifically, the manual activators 44 permit a user to manually indicate the presence of a fire. The manual activators 44 may include buttons, levers, switches, knobs, or other input devices configured to receive an input from a user. The manual activators 44 may adjust the resistance of the detection circuit 40 to unique value or range of values uniquely associated with the manual activators 44.

[0028] The system 10 can include one or more electrical energy supplies or storage devices, shown as power supplies 50, electrically coupled to the controller 20. The power supplies 50 are configured to supply electrical energy to power the controller 20 and / or other devices within the system 10 (e.g., the actuators 32, the fire detection sensors 42, etc.). The power supplies 50 can include energy storage devices, such as batteries or capacitors. The power supplies can include connections to a power grid, generators (e.g., an alternator coupled to an engine of a vehicle, an electric motor operating as a generator to provide a braking force), solar panels, and / or other types of energy sources. The power supplies 50 may provide direct current electrical energy and / or alternating current electrical energy.

[0029] The system 10 can include one or more input devices, output devices, or interfaces, shown as user interfaces 60, that are operatively coupled to the controller 20. The user interfaces 60 may facilitate operator control over the system 10. The user interfaces 60 may be configured to receive information provided by a user (e.g., user inputs, commands, selections, data, etc.) and provide the information to the controller 20. By way of example, a user interface 60 may be configured to receive a user selection of an operating mode for the system 10 (e.g., a recording mode in which sensor data is recorded to a storage device, a maintenance mode in which the actuators 32 are disabled, a standard operating mode, a silent mode, etc.). The user interfaces 60 can provide information (e.g., system statuses, sensor measurements, etc.) from the controller 20 in a format that can be consumed by a user (e.g., visually, audibly, etc.). By way of example, a user interface 60 may indicate a current operating mode of the system 10, the date and time at which a discharge event (i.e., a dispensing of fire suppressant) occurred, an indication of a fault detected by the controller 20,etc. The user interfaces 60 may include one or more input devices, such as touchscreens, switches, knobs, dials, buttons, keyboards, mice, microphones, or other input devices. The user interfaces 60 may include one or more output devices, such as displays, lights, speakers, haptic feedback devices, or other output devices.

[0030] The system 10 can include one or more memory devices or physical media, shown as removable storage 70. The removable storage 70 may be operatively coupled to the controller 20. The removable storage 70 can be removably coupled to the controller 20. By way of example, the controller 20 may define a port or interface that can be selectively coupled to the removable storage 70. The controller 20 can define a universal serial bus (USB) port, and the removable storage is a flash drive including a corresponding USB interface. The removable storage 70 may be configured to store data for transportation to other devices (e.g., the external device 80). Accordingly, the removable storage 70 may be removably coupled to other devices. The controller 20 may provide the data to the removable storage 70 and / or provide commands to the removable storage 70, causing the removable storage 70 to record or erase data.

[0031] The system 10 can be operatively coupled to one or more external devices, shown as external device 80. As shown in FIG. 1, the external device 80 includes a processor 82 and a memory device, shown as memory 84. The memory 84 may contain one or more instructions that, when executed by the processor 82, cause the external device 80 to execute one or more of the processes described herein. The external device 80 may be configured to receive data from the system 10. The external device 80 may store the data, analyze the data, provide notifications to a user based on the data (e.g., based on the analysis of the data), and / or provide commands to the controller 20 based on the data. The external device 80 can be a user device, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer, or a desktop computer. The external device 80 is a server. The external device 80 may include one or more user interfaces to facilitate user interaction with the external device 80.

[0032] The external device 80 can be configured to communicate with the controller 20. The external device 80 can be configured to communicate with the controller 20 over a network 86. The network 86 may facilitate communication of data from the external device 80 to the controller 20 and / or communication of data from the controller 20 to the externaldevice 80. The network 86 may be a local area network or a wide area network (e.g., the Internet). The external device 80 can communicates directly with the controller 20. The external device 80 and the controller 20 may communicate over a wired connection (e.g., Ethernet, fiber optics, etc.) or may communicate wirelessly over a wireless connection (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, a cellular network, etc.).

[0033] The external device 80 and the controller 20 can be isolated from one another (e.g., the external device 80 and / or the controller 20 are configured as air-gapped computers). The removable storage 70 can transfer data between the controller 20 and the external device. By way of example, the removable storage 70 may be operably coupled to the controller 20, and the controller 20 may command the removable storage 70 to record a set of sensor data. The removable storage 70 may be disconnected from the controller 20 and subsequently connected to the external device 80. The external device 80 may then read the sensor data from the removable storage 70.

[0034] The system 10 can be configured to communicate with one or more related systems 90. Specifically, the controller 20 may be configured to communicate with the related systems 90 (e.g., directly, over a network such as the network 86, etc.). The related systems 90 may have functions that are related to the operation of the system 10, and the related systems 90 may provide information (e.g., sensor data) regarding operation of these functions to the controller 20.

[0035] By way of example, if the system 10 is installed on a vehicle, the related system 90 may be a control system for the vehicle. The related system 90 may communicate information to the controller 20 regarding operation of the vehicle, such as vehicle speed, engine speed, engine temperature, fuel levels, or other vehicle-specific information. The controller 20 may communicate with the vehicle control system over a controller area network (CAN) bus.

[0036] By way of another example, if the system 10 is installed within a building (e.g., within a kitchen of a building), the related system 90 may be a building control system for the building. The related system 90 may communicate information to the controller 20 regardingthe operation and / or status of the building, such as building temperatures, air flow rates, the operation status of various ventilation devices, or other building-specific information.Controller Configuration

[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, certain components of the controller 20 are shown. The controller 20 includes a base, chassis, or substrate, shown as printed circuit board (PCB) 100, that supports the various components and circuitry of the controller 20. The PCB 100 may include various electrical components that facilitate the connections and functionality described herein. The PCB 100 can be contained within and / or supported by a housing. Although the controller 20 is shown as having a single PCB 100 that supports and connects the various components of the controller 20, the controller 20 can be split across multiple PCBs 100. As shown, the processor 22 and the memory 24 are implemented as a microprocessor 102 coupled to (e.g., mounted on) the PCB 100. The processor 22 and the memory 24 can be otherwise configured.

[0038] The controller 20 can include one or more energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, capacitors, etc.), shown as internal batteries 104. The internal batteries 104 may be coupled to the PCB 100. The internal batteries 104 can power one or more functions of the controller 20. By way of example, the internal batteries 104 may provide a continuous power source regardless of whether or not the controller 20 is connected to the power supplies 50. The inclusion of the internal batteries 104 may be useful for certain continuous functions of the controller 20, such as operating an internal clock. The internal batteries 104 can be charged by the power supplies 50.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 20 includes several interfaces that facilitate communication between the controller 20 (e.g., the microprocessor 102 of the controller 20) and the other components of the system 10. The interfaces may include circuitry that facilitates the transfer of power and / or data. The interfaces may be built into and / or mounted to the PCB 100. The interfaces can be coupled to or include one or more of the sensors described herein (e.g., the controller sensors 130).

[0040] The controller 20 includes a release circuit interface 110 that is operatively coupled to the release circuit 30. The release circuit interface 110 facilitates communication between-l ithe controller 20 and the actuators 32. The controller 20 further includes a detection circuit interface 112 that is operatively coupled to the detection circuit 40. The detection circuit interface 112 facilitates communication between the controller 20 and the detection circuit 40. The controller 20 further includes a power supply interface 114 that is operatively coupled to the power supplies 50. The power supply interface 114 is configured to facilitate power transmission (e.g., the transfer of electrical energy) between the power supplies 50 and the controller 20. The controller 20 further includes one or more user interface connectors 116 operatively coupled to the user interfaces 60. The user interface connectors 116 facilitate communication between the user interfaces 60 and the controller 20. The controller 20 further includes a storage interface 118 operatively coupled to the removable storage 70. The storage interface 118 facilitates communication between the controller 20 and the removable storage 70. The storage interface 118 can include a USB port. The controller 20 further includes a network interface 120 that is operatively coupled to the external device 80, the network 86, and / or the related systems 90. The network interface 120 facilitates communication between the controller 20 and the external device 80, the network 86, and / or the related systems 90. The network interface 120 may include Ethernet adapters, Wi-Fi adapters, Bluetooth adapters, and / or other types of communication interfaces.

[0041] Referring still to FIG. 2, the controller 20 may include one or more sensors (e.g., sensors internal to the controller 20), shown as controller sensors 130, that provide sensor data characterizing operation of the system 10. The controller sensors 130 may measure phenomena that are internal and / or external to the controller 20. The controller sensors 130 may be analog sensors and / or digital sensors. Each of the controller sensors 130 is operatively coupled to the microprocessor 102 such that the sensor data can be processed by the processor 22 and / or stored in the memory 24. The controller 20 may use the sensor data directly or may mathematically transform the data to a different format (e.g., from a resistance of the sensor to a corresponding characteristic, such as temperature).

[0042] As shown, the controller 20 includes one or more electrical sensors 140, shown as voltage sensors 142, current sensors 144, and resistance sensors 146, that are operatively coupled to the microprocessor 102. The electrical sensors 140 are configured to measure one or more electrical characteristics of the system 10 (e.g., properties of electrical energy withinthe system 10). Specifically, the voltage sensors 142 are configured to provide sensor data indicating a voltage of the system 10. The current sensors 144 are configured to provide sensor data indicating an electrical current of the system 10. The resistance sensors 146 are configured to provide sensor data indicating a resistance of the system 10. The controller 20 can utilize the sensor data directly. By way of example, the controller 20 may utilize a voltage sensor 142 to measure a voltage at a specific point within the PCB 100. The controller 20 can mathematically determine an electrical characteristic utilizing sensor data relating to other electrical characteristics. By way of example, the controller 20 may utilize a current sensor 144 and a resistance sensor 146 to measure a current and a resistance, respectively, at a specific point within the PCB 100 and use the sensor data to mathematically determine the voltage at that point.

[0043] The electrical sensors 140 can measure a voltage of a charge pump circuit (e.g., a DC to DC converter) within the PCB 100. The electrical sensors 140 can measure a voltage of one or more capacitors within the PCB 100. The electrical sensors 140 can measure a voltage of a rail (e.g., a power supply node) within the PCB 100. The electrical sensors 140 can measure an electrical characteristic of electrical energy in communication with one of the related systems 90 (e.g., voltage supplied by the related systems 90). The measured electrical characteristic may indicate a status of the related system 90 (e.g., a sensor reading of the related system 90, a mode of operation of the related system 90, etc.). The electrical sensors 140 can measure a voltage of the internal batteries 104 and / or a voltage of the power supplies 50. The electrical sensors 140 can measure the current supplied by the internal batteries 104 and / or the power supplies 50.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 20 includes one or more thermal energy sensors, shown as temperature sensors 150, that are operatively coupled to the microprocessor 102. The temperature sensors 150 are configured to measure a temperature within the system 10 (e.g., a temperature of a component of the system 10). By way of example, the temperature sensors 150 may measure a temperature of the PCB 100.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 20 includes one or more movement sensors (e.g., gyroscopes, accelerometers, velocity sensors, etc.), shown as accelerometers 160, that are operatively coupled to the microprocessor 102. The movement sensors are configured toprovide sensor data characterizing the movement of a portion of the system 10. Specifically, the accelerometers 160 may measure an acceleration (e.g., magnitude and / or direction) of a component of the system 10, such as the controller 20.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 20 includes one or more battery capacity sensors 170 that are operatively coupled to the microprocessor 102. The battery capacity sensors 170 are configured to measure a capacity (e.g., a current charge level, a total amount of electrical energy that the device is capable of providing before it is depleted) of an energy storage device. By way of example, the battery capacity sensors 170 may measure a voltage and / or current supplied by the energy storage device over time and provide an estimated battery capacity. The battery capacity sensors 170 may measure the battery capacity of the power supplies 50 and / or the internal batteries 104.Interface Module Configuration

[0047] Referring to FIG. 3, select components of the optical sensor interface module 300 are shown. The interface module can include various electrically components that facilitate the connections and functionality described herein. The interface module 300 can be include or be on a base, chassis, or substrate, such as PCB, and may be split on one or more PCBs.

[0048] The interface module 300 contains an interface module (IM) microcontroller circuit, shown as IM pC CKT 310. The IM pC CKT 310 may include a processor 312 and memory 314. The IM pC CKT 310 receives power from a power conditioning circuit, shown as IM power conditioning circuit 305. The interface module 300 can be installed within a vehicle, and the IM power conditioning circuit may receive power from the vehicle, such as 24V DC power and provide that power to the IM power conditioning circuit 305. The interface module 300 can be installed within a building and receives 120V AC power. The interfaces may include circuitry that facilitates the transfer of power and / or data. The interface module 300 includes an optical sensor circuit 315 that is operatively coupled to one or more optical sensors 42c and an optical sensor circuit 315 that is operatively coupled to the an interface expansion module (IEM) or an end-of-line device (EOL), shown as IEM 350. The optical sensor circuits 315 facilitates communication between the optical sensors 42c and IEM 350 and the IM pC CKT 310.

[0049] Still referring to FIG. 3, the interface module 300 may include a resistance setting circuit, shown as IM ALARM / FAULT CKT 335, operatively coupling the interface module 300 to the detection circuit 40. The IM ALARM / FAULT CKT 335 may be configured to set a resistance level on the detection circuit 40 to indicate if one or more of the optical sensors 42c and / or the IEM 350 indicate a fault or alarm. The IM ALARM / FAULT CKT 335 may include one or more relays, shown as alarm relay 340 and fault relay 345, configured to connect one or more resistors, shown as resistor 342, resistor 347, and resistor 349. The alarm relay 340 and the fault relay 345 each connect the resistors 342, 345, 347 in a unique way to set a specific resistance on the detection circuit 40. As shown, when the alarm relay 340 and the fault relay 345 are open, the resistance is determined by the resistor 349. When the alarm relay 340 is closed resistor 342 and resistor 349 are coupled in parallel. When the alarm relay 340 is open and the fault relay 345 is closed, the resistor 347 and the resistor 349 are coupled in parallel. The IM ALARM / FAULT CKT 335 may be coupled to the IM pC CKT 310 and the IM pC CKT 310 may be configured to control the operation of the relays 340, 345 to set the resistance on the detection circuit 40. It should be understood that any number of relays and resistors can be included in the IM ALARM / FAULT CKT 335 for setting fewer or additional resistance levels on the detection circuit 40.

[0050] As described above, the IM pC CKT 310 may control the operation of the IM ALARM / FAULT CKT 335 to set the resistance level on the detection circuit 40. The memory 314 of the IM pC CKT 310 may include firmware for processing the signals from the optical sensors 42c and / or the IEM 350 and setting the appropriate resistance level, which are shown in resistance band 316. Resistance band 316 defines one or more bands or ranges of resistance values on the detection circuit 40 and the status or event corresponding to that band. For example, in a normal state, the resistance of the detection circuit 40 may be between 2001 and 7999 ohms. In the event one or more of the optical sensors 42c indicate the presence of a fire to the IM pC CKT 310, the IM pC CKT 310 may direct the alarm relay 340 to open or close and thereby change the resistance of the detection circuit 40 to a resistance between 301 and 499 ohms shown as Band 1. In the event of a fault within the interface module 300, the IM pC CKT 310 may direct the fault relay 345 to open or close and thereby change the resistance of the detection circuit 40 to a resistance between 8000 and 9000 ohms. A fault condition may indicate that a portion of the system 10 is malfunctioning and requiresmaintenance. The criteria for identifying a fault condition may be predetermined and stored in the memory 24 and / or memory 314. While the resistance band in firmware 316 is shown divided into seven regions (i.e., Alarm, Band 1, EMA, Band 2, Normal, Band 3, Open Fault) the resistance band 316 may include more or fewer sections. The associated events or statuses of for each region may also vary. The resistance of the resistors 342, 345, 347 may be selected such that the operation of relays 350, 345 correlates in the resistance of the detection circuit 40 corresponding to the appropriate region as indicated in the resistance band 316.

[0051] As shown, the interface module 300 includes one or more user interfaces, shown as IM reset switch 325 and IM LED CKT 330. The IM reset switch 325 allows a user to interact with the interface module 300 and reset one or more operations of the interface module 300. The IM LED CKT 330 may indicate a status of one or more of the optical sensors 42c or the IEM 350.Method of Operation

[0052] Referring to FIG. 4, a method of operating the system 10 is shown as method 400. The method 400 may be performed by one or more components of the system 10 after the initial installation and commissioning of the system 10. Control logic to facilitate the method 400 may be stored in the memory 24 of the controller 20 and / or the memory 314 of the interface module 300 such that the controller 20 and / or the interface module 300, individually or in conjunction, manage performance of the method 400. Although the method 400 is shown including steps in a particular sequence, the steps of the method 400 may be omitted, reordered, and / or repeated throughout operation of the system 10.

[0053] In step 402 of the method, the hazard is detected with an optical sensor 42c on the detection circuit 40. The optical sensors 42c can be configured to monitor one or more areas of interest and detect a presence of fire at the one or more areas of interest. Optical sensors 42c can be temperature sensors. Optical sensors 42c can be any photoconductive devices, photovoltaic or solar cells, infrared detectors, photodiodes, phototransistors, optical switches, etc., to detect light intensity and / or light wavelength and generate an electrical signals based on the detected light intensity and / or the light wavelength. In response to detecting the hazardthe optical sensors 404 may provide a signal or indication announcing the same. Step 402 is optional and may not occur. Step 408 may occur instead. Both steps 404 and 408 may occur.

[0054] In step 404, the interface module 300 receives the signal indicating the hazard from the optical sensor 42c. The signal may be provided to the interface module 300 through optical sensor circuit 315. The signal may be provided wirelessly from the optical sensors 42c to the interface module 300. Step 404 is optional and may occur in response to step 404. The IM pC CKT 310 may analyze the signal to determine if the signal represents an alarm condition or a fault condition.

[0055] In step 406, the interface module 300 sets the resistance on the detection circuit 40 to R1 based on the signal. The IM pC CKT 310 can reference the resistance band 316 to determine the appropriate resistance value for the indicating an alarm from the optical sensors 42c. The IM pC CKT 310 can control one or more of the relays 340, 345 within the IM ALARM / FAULT CKT 335 to open or close to set the resistance value of the detection circuit 40. By way of example, R1 may correspond to a resistance between 301 and 499 ohms to indicate the optical sensors 42c detect the hazard. The specific value of the resistance may vary, so long as the resistance indicated is associated with the appropriate alarm condition as indicated in the resistance band. By way of example, the resistance band 316 could indicate an alarm condition for the optical sensors 42c is between 1001 and 2001 ohms. Step 406 is optional and may not occur.

[0056] In step 408, the hazard is detected by a spot detector 42a and / or a linear detector 42c on the detection circuit 40. The detection circuit 40 can include an optical sensors 42c and at least one of a spot detector 42a or linear detector 42c. The combination of different types of fire detectors 42a, 42b, and 42c improves the performance and reliability of the detection system. In order to allow the interface module 300 and / or controller 20 to differentiate between signals provided by the spot detector 42a and / or a linear detector 42c and optical sensors 42c, the resistance band 316 can be partitioned into additional regions with discrete regions for the alarms and faults of the heat detectors (spot detectors 42 and / or linear detectors 42b) and the optical sensors 42c. In implementations with either spot detectors 42a and / or a linear detectors 42b or optical sensors 42c, a user can set the resistance band of thecontroller to include regions for only the fire detection sensors which are present. Step 408 is optional and may not occur. Step 402 may occur instead. Both steps 404 and 408 may occur.

[0057] In step 410, the resistance on the detection circuit 40 is set to R2 based on the signal from the spot detectors 42a and / or a linear detectors 42b. The spot detectors 42a and / or a linear detectors 42b can be coupled to the detection circuit 40 and contain various electrical components configured to change the resistance value of the detection circuit 40. The various electrical components may be selected such that the resistance value set by the spot detectors 42a and / or a linear detectors 42b corresponds to the appropriate resistance as indicated in the resistance band 316. For example, the resistance band may indicate an alarm from one of the spot detectors 42a and / or a linear detectors 42b corresponds to a resistance on the detection circuit between 0 and 300 ohm, such that R2 may be any value within or equal to that range. R1 and R2 are different resistance values which correspond to different regions of the resistance band 316, which can be stored in the memory 24 and / or the memory 314. Accordingly, by R1 and R2 lying in different regions of the resistance band 314, signals from the spot detectors 42a and / or a linear detectors 42b and the optical sensors 42c can be distinguished.

[0058] In step 412, the controller 20 detects the resistance of the detection circuit 40. The controller 20 may utilize the processor 22 and / or the memory 24 to determine the resistance of the detection circuit 40. The controller 20 is operatively coupled to the detection circuit 40 via the detection circuit interface 112. The detection circuit interface of the memory 24 of the controller 20 may contain the resistance band 316 for identifying the event or status that corresponds with the resistance on the detection circuit 40. By way of example, referring to the resistance band 316 shown in FIG. 3, the resistance band may be divided into seven regions — alarm, band 1, EMA, band 2, normal, band 3, and open fault. The alarm region has a lower limit of 0 ohms and an upper limit of 300 ohms. The alarm region may correspond with one of the spot detectors 42a and / or a linear detectors 42b indicating a fire is present. Band 1 may have a lower limit of 301 ohms and an upper limit of 499 ohms. In implementations where a user input to the controller has indicated that no optical sensor 42c are present, band 1 may correspond to a fault condition. In implementations with both spot detectors 42a and / or a linear detectors 42b and optical sensors 42c, band 1 may correspondwith an alarm condition for the optical sensors 42c. Emergency manual activation (EMA) has a lower limit of 500 ohms and an upper limit of 700 ohms. EMA may correspond with an activation of the manual activators 44 on the detection circuit 40. Band 2 has a lower limit of 701 ohms and an upper limit of 2000 ohms (+0 / - 10%). Band 2 may correspond with a fault condition of the spot detectors 42a and / or a linear detectors 42b. Normal may have a lower limit of 2001 ohms and an upper limit of 7999 ohms. Normal may correspond to the normal state of the detection circuit with no fault or alarm conditions present. Band 3 has a lower limit of 8000 ohms and an upper limit of 9999 ohms. In some implementations where a user input to the controller has indicated that no optical sensor 42c are present, Band 3 may correspond to a continuation of the normal region. In implementations with both spot detectors 42a and / or a linear detectors 42b and optical sensors 42c, band 3 may correspond with a fault for the optical sensors 42c. Open fault may have a lower limit of 10000 ohms and higher, and correspond with an open fault on the detection circuit 40.

[0059] In step 414, the controller 414 determines the resistance on the detection circuit 40 and its correlation with the resistance band 316. The response of the controller 20 depends on what event as defined in the resistance band 316 is indicated by the resistance. If R=R1 and R1 is within Band 1, process 400 proceeds to step 416 and the controller 20 initiates a first response. If R=R2 and R2 is within Alarm, process 400 proceeds to step 418 and the controller 20 initiates a second response. The second response can be different than the first response. The response (e.g., first response, second response, etc.) may include controlling the operation of the release circuit 30, the user interface 60 or any other component of the system 10. The controller 20 may also record one or more identified events (e.g., fault conditions, fire detections, alarms, commands issued by the controller 20, inputs received from a user, etc.) in one or more event logs. The controller 20 may generate the event log throughout operation based on the analysis of the received data. The controller 20 may display the event log on a user interface 60. The controller 20 may transfer the event log to the removable storage 70 and / or the external device 80 for review by a user. The event log may include a series of event listings, each event listing logging an event identified by the controller 20. As shown, each event listing includes a date / time stamp that identifies a time and date when the event occurred and a description describing the event.

[0060] While only steps 416 and 418 are shown proceeding from step 414, it should be understood that additional steps and / or responses from controller 20 can follow depending on the value of the resistance of the detection circuit 40. For example, if the resistance falls within the open fault range of the resistance band 316, the controller 20 can provide an open fault response which may include cutting power to one or more components of system 10, providing an alert to a user of the open fault via the user interface 60, or otherwise controlling the operation of the system 10.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first or second response may include an alert provided to a user as a first alert of a first type (e.g., audible, visual, audible and visual, etc.) and of a first set of characteristics, such as an audible alert with a repetition frequency, tone, volume, etc., or a visual alter with a color, intensity, repetition frequency, etc. The controller 414 may receive an input from a user, for example via user input 60, and in response to the user input adjust one or more characteristics of the alert. The user input may, for example, be through a manual input (e.g., button, lever, switch) on one or more of the controller 20, the optical sensor interfrace module 300, the spot / linear detectors 42a / 42b, or the optical sensor 42c. The controller 414 may, in response to the user input, adjust the type of alert to a different type or adjust one or more characteristics of the alert. For example, the alert may be an audible and visual alert including a flashing light and a repeating tone. In response to the user input, the controller 414 may silence the repeating tone, such that the alert is now only a visual alert. In some embodiments, the user input may indicate to adjust one or more characteristics of the present alert and future alerts until a predetermined event occurs that overrides the user input, the audible alert. For example, in response to the user input, the present and / or future alerts may be set to be of the visual type, and rely on different colors to indicate different alert sources or status rather than different tones. The predetermined event can include a second user input, fault of a specific type such as an alarm, a set duration of time, a loss of power, etc.

[0062] If the resistance on the detection circuit equals R1 which is in within Band 1, the process 400 proceeds to step 416. In step 416, the controller 20 initiates a first response. The first response to the alarm condition can include the controller 20 initiating a control action including one or more actions such as one or more of controlling the release circuit 30 tocontrol the release of fire suppressant by the system 10 or controlling one or more components of the user interface 60 to provide an indication of the event to a user. In response to the controller 20 identifying the presence of a fire the controller 20 triggers a release or distribution of fire suppressant. The controller 20 may trigger the release by providing an activation signal to one or more of the actuators 32. In response to receiving the activation signal, the actuators 32 may release the fire suppressant from the corresponding suppressant containers 34, permitting the fire suppressant to pass out of the nozzles 36 to address the fire affecting the hazards. The controller 20 can provide the activation signal to all of the actuators 32 such that all of the fire suppressant is released at one time. The controller 20 can provide the activation signal to a subset of the actuators 32 corresponding to an area where the fire is located.

[0063] Prior to and / or during the distribution of the fire suppressant, the controller 20 may activate one or more alarms. By way of example, the controller 20 may utilize the user interfaces 60 and / or the related systems 90 to provide one or more alarms to alert a user to the presence of a fire. The alarms may be auditory (e.g., sirens, bells, etc.) and / or visual (e.g., flashing lights) and may also indicate the source of the alarm is the optical sensors 42c.

[0064] Beneficially, this allows for responders or maintenance professionals to quickly identify the source of the signal and improves response times. The content of the information provided to the user via user interface 60 can change depending on the resistance value and its corresponding event as indicated by the resistance band 316. For example, when the resistance is in Band 1 and indicates an alarm for the optical sensors 42c, an alarm pattern and audible warning can be provided by user interface 60, and the controller 20 may also control the release circuit 30 to deliver fire suppressant to the hazard. Step 416 is optional and may not occur. Step 418 may occur instead. In some implementations, neither of steps 416 and 410 may occur.

[0065] If the resistance on the detection circuit equals R2 which is in within Alarm, the process 400 proceeds to step 416. In step 416, the controller 20 initiates a second response. The second response can be different than the first response. For example, the first response may include marking in an event log of the controller 20 that the optical sensors 42c indicate an alarm, and the second response may include marking in an event log of the controller 20that the spot detector 42a and / or the linear detector 42b indicate an alarm. For further example, the controller 20 may provide an audible warning in the first response that is different than the audible warning in the second response. In the first response, the audible warning may indicate that the alarm source is the optical sensor 42c. In the second response, the audible warning may indicate that the alarm source is the spot detector 42a and / or the linear detector 42b. The second response may include controlling one or more components of the system 10, including the release circuit 30. Step 418 is optional and may not occur. Step 416 may occur instead. In some implementations, neither of steps 416 and 410 may occur.

[0066] While process 400 is shown with step 402 and a hazard being present, it should be understood that process 400 can also be performed when a fault on either the spot detector 42a and / or the linear detector 42b or the optical sensor 42c, and the resistance of the detection circuit 40 can be set to an appropriate resistance value as defined in the resistance band 316 to indicate the fault. In response to the controller 20 identifying a fault condition or an event, a notification of the fault (i.e., event) may be provided. Specifically, the controller 20 may provide a notification (e.g., an audible alarm, a text notification on a display, a flashing light, etc.) to a user indicating that a fault condition or an identified event has been identified. The controller 20 may control one or more of the user interfaces 60 to provide the notification. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 20 may control the external device 80 to provide the notification.

[0067] The controller 20 can export the received data gathered and / or received during process 400. The controller 20 may store the received data at multiple points in time (e.g., each with a corresponding time stamp), such that the exported data illustrates the changes in the received data over time. The range of time corresponding to the exported data and / or the frequency with which the data are recorded may be specified by the user (e.g., by providing an input to a user interface 60). By way of example, a user may specify a time range over which the user wishes the data to be recorded (e.g., from a first date / time to a second date / time, storing a rolling 20 minute set of data that continuously updates until the data is exported, etc.). By way of another example, the user may specify that the data is updated and recorded once per second. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 20 may automatically record data surrounding (e.g., before and / or after) one or more events. By way of example,when a fault condition is identified, the controller 20 may record data from the 20 minutes prior to the fault condition and for 20 minutes after the fault condition for exporting.

[0068] The controller 20 can export the received data by saving the received data to the removable storage 70. A user may then disconnect the removable storage 70 from the controller 20 and connect the removable storage 70 to the external device 80. The external device 80 may transfer the exported data from the removable storage 70 to the memory 84.

[0069] The controller 20 can export the received data over the network 86 to the external device 80 or directly to the external device 80. A user may initiate a transfer of the exported data from the controller 20 to the external device 80 by interacting with a user interface 60 of the controller 20 or a user interface of the external device 80. By way of example, the user may initiate a transfer of the exported data by interacting with a graphical user interface of the user interface 60. By way of another example, the user may initiate a transfer of the exported data by interacting with a user interface of the external device 80. Prior to initiating a transfer of exported data, the controller 20 may require a form of identification (e.g., a password, a biometric input, etc.) in order to verify that the user has permission to initiate the transfer.Visual Alerts

[0070] Referring to FIG. 5, a series of alerts is shown as chart 500. As described herein, in response to detecting one or more events the controller 20 may provide an alarm / alert. By way of example, the controller 20 may utilize the user interfaces 60 and / or the related systems 90 to provide one or more alarms to alert a user to the presence of a fire. The alarms may be auditory (e.g., sirens, bells, etc.) and / or visual (e.g., flashing lights). The alert may indicate different events based on the frequency and duration of the alert. Charts 510-550 depict patterns for auditory or visual alerts. The various charts 510-550 may correspond to different regions of the resistance band 316.

[0071] Chart 510 illustrates the open fault condition of the resistance band 316. As shown in chart 510, the alert (i.e., audible tone, LED light, etc.) triggers once a second, and may repeat every 10 seconds. Chart 520 illustrates an EMA fault on the detection circuit 40 or a release circuit fault on release circuit 30. As shown in chart 520, the alert triggers twice asecond with the second alert approximately a quarter of a second after the first alert. This pattern may repeat every 10 seconds. Chart 530 illustrates a low resistance fault on the detection circuit 40. As shown in chart 530, the alert triggers three times a second, with each successive alert approximately a quarter second after the last alert. This pattern may repeat every 10 seconds. Chart 540 illustrates an optical sensor fault on the detection circuit 40. As shown in chart 540, the alert triggers four times a second, with each successive alert approximately a quarter second after the last alert. This pattern may repeat every 10 seconds. Chart 550 illustrates an ground fault on the detection circuit 40. As shown in chart 550, the alert may be constant for one second. This pattern may repeat every 10 seconds.

[0072] While charts 510-550 illustrate various patterns and frequencies for alerts provided by the controller 20 and / or the interface module 300, it should be understood that other patterns, or frequencies may be possible without departing from the scope of the invention. Both audible and visual alerts can be provided.System Configuration

[0073] Referring to FIG. 6, a suppression system 600 as shown as a configuration of the system 10. The system 600 may be substantially similar to the system 10, except as otherwise specified herein. The system 600 is included within a vehicle 602 (e.g., a mining vehicle, a logging vehicle, etc.). Accordingly, the system 600 may be configured to address one or more fires onboard the vehicle 602.

[0074] The system 600 can include a fire suppressant agent supply coupled to a nozzle 36 (e.g., a fixed nozzle) to protect a hazard H or area in which an ignition source and fuel or flammable materials may be found. As shown, the fire suppressant agent supply may include one or more storage tanks or cylinders 614 (e.g., suppressant containers 34) containing the fire suppressant, such as for example a chemical agent. Each storage tank 614 has a corresponding a pressurized cylinder assembly 616 containing expellant gas. The pressurized cylinder assemblies 616 are configured to provide the expellant gas to pressurize the cylinders 614 for delivery of the fire suppressant agent under an operating pressure to the nozzle 36 to address a fire affecting the hazard H. The pressurized cylinder assembly 616 can include a rupturing device 616a (e.g., an actuator 32) which punctures a rupture disc of apressurized cylinder 616b containing a pressurized expellant gas, such as for example nitrogen, to pressurize the storage tank 614 for delivery of the fire suppressant agent.

[0075] In order to operate the rupturing device 616a, the system 600 may provide for automatic actuation and manual operation of the rupturing device 616a to provide for respective automated and manual delivery of the chemical agent in response a fire for protection of the hazard H. The rupturing or actuating device 616a or assembly 616 may include a puncturing pin or member that is driven into the rupture disc of the pressurized cylinder 616b for release of the pressurized gas. The puncturing pin of the rupturing device 616a may be driven electrically or pneumatically to puncture the rupture disc of the pressurized cylinder 616b.

[0076] One or more manual activators, shown as manual activation cartridges 605, may be used to manually actuate the rupturing devices 616a. Each manual activation cartridge 605 includes a volume of compressed gas and an interface (e.g., a button). When the interface is activated, the compressed gas is released into a conduit, shown as hose 607. The hose 607 is fluidly coupled to each of the rupturing devices 616a. The hose 607 directs the compressed gas to a chamber of each of the rupturing devices 616a such that the compressed gas forces the puncturing pin downward to puncture the rupture disc of the pressurized cylinder 608.

[0077] The controller 20 may provide one or more electrical signals to automatically actuate the actuating device 616a. The actuating device 616a may include a protracted actuation device (PAD) 618 for driving the puncturing pin of the assembly into the rupture disc. The PAD 618 includes an electrically coupled rod or member that is disposed above the puncturing pin. When an electrical signal is delivered to the PAD 618 (e.g., from the controller 20), the rod of the PAD 618 is driven directly or indirectly into the puncturing pin, which punctures the rupture disc of the pressurized cylinder 616b.

[0078] The controller 20 can operatively couple to an audio alarm or speaker 623. The speaker 623 may an auditory alarm indicating the status of the system 600. The speaker 623 can be incorporated into the user interface 60.

[0079] As shown, the fire detection sensors 42 can include analog and digital devices for various modes for fire detection including: (i) spot thermal detectors 42a to determine whenthe surrounding air exceeds a set temperature, (ii) linear detection wire 42b which conveys a detection signal from two wires that are brought into contact upon a separating insulation material melting in the presence of a fire, (iii) optical sensors 42c which differentiate between open flames and hydrocarbon signatures, and (iv) a linear pressure detector 42d in which pressure of an air line increases in the presence of sufficient temperature. The manual activator 44 is shown as a manual push button which sends an actuating signal to the controller 20. The optical sensors 42c may be coupled to the controller 20 by an interface module 300. The interface module 300 may operate to set the resistance of the detection circuit 40 to a different value when the optical sensor 42c triggers as compared to when one of the other fire detection sensors triggers (i.e., spot thermal detectors 42a, linear detection wire 42b, or linear pressure detector 42d). The different resistance levels allow the controller 20 to differentiate between multiple signals and / or identify the source of a signal, facilitating faster trouble shooting and response times, while also allowing the controller 20 to initiate different control actions and responses in response to different signals and their respective sources.

[0080] As utilized herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean + / - 10% of the disclosed values. When the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are applied to a structural feature (e.g., to describe its shape, size, orientation, direction, etc.), these terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0081] It should be noted that the term “exemplary” or variations thereof, as used herein to describe various implementations, are intended to indicate that such implementations are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible implementations (and suchterms are not intended to connote that such implementations are necessarily extraordinary or superlative implementations).

[0082] The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

[0083] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other implementations, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0084] The hardware and data processing components used to implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the implementations disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor also may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and amicroprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and / or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. The memory can be communicably connected to the processor via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by the processing circuit or the processor) the one or more processes described herein.

[0085] The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. The scope of the present disclosure includes program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine- readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

[0086] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0087] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system 10 as shown in the various implementations is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in may be incorporated or utilized with any other implementations disclosed herein. For example, the speaker 623 shown in at least FIG. 6 may be incorporated in the system 10 shown in at least FIG. 1. Although only one instance of an element that can be incorporated or utilized in another implementation has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various implementations may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other implementations disclosed herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A fire suppression system, comprising: a container of fire suppressant; a nozzle positioned to direct the fire suppressant from the container to toward a hazard; an actuator configured to cause the fire suppressant to pass from the container to nozzle; a first optical sensor configured to provide an input signal indicating a presence of a fire; a detection circuit having a resistance; an optical interface controller comprising a plurality of resistors selectively coupled to the detection circuit by a plurality of relays, wherein in response to the input signal the optical interface controller is to open or close at least one of the plurality of relays to change an arrangement of the plurality of resistors and control the resistance of the detection circuit to a first resistance; a second sensor comprising at least one resistor and configured to adjust a resistance of the detection circuit using the at least one resistor to a second resistance in response to detecting the presence of a fire, wherein the second sensor is at least one of a spot detector, a linear wire detector, or a linear pressure detector; and a controller configured to: determine, based on the resistance of the detection circuit, whether the first sensor detected the presence of the fire or the second sensor detected the presence of the fire; in response to determining that the first sensor detected the presence of the fire, initiate a first response; and in response to determining that the second sensor detected the presence of the fire, initiate a second response, the second response different than the first response.

2. The fire suppression system of Claim 1, wherein the first response comprises an audible alert indicating the first optical alarm detected the fire.

3. The fire suppression system of Claim 2, further comprising: a user interface configured to receive a user input from the user, wherein the controller is further configured to: receive a first user input after the first response; silence the audible alert based on the first user input; and initiate the second response as a visual alert.

4. The fire suppression system of Claim 1, wherein either of the first response or the second response comprise at least one of controlling the actuator to deliver the fire suppressant from the container to the nozzle.

5. The fire suppression system of Claim 4, wherein the controller further comprises a resistance band lookup, the resistance band lookup comprising a plurality of resistance bands, each of the plurality of resistance bands associated with at least one of a plurality of events of the fire suppression system..

6. The fire suppression system of Claim 1, wherein the first optical sensor is further configured to each indicate a fault, and wherein in response to the fault the optical interface controller opens or closes at least one of the plurality of relays to change an arrangement of the plurality of resistors and control the resistance of the detection circuit to a third resistance.

7. The fire suppression system of Claim 1, wherein the second sensor is further configured to each indicate a fault, and wherein in response to the fault the second sensor is configured to control the resistance of the detection circuit to a fourth resistance.

8. A method of operating a fire suppression system comprising: detecting, at an interface controller comprising one or more processors, a signal from a first optical sensor; controlling, at the interface controller, at least one of a plurality of relays to change an arrangement of a plurality of resistors to set a resistance of a detection circuit to a first resistance; detecting, at a controller comprising one or more processors, the resistance of the detection circuit;determining, at the controller, if the resistance corresponds to the first resistance indicating a fire is detected by the first optical sensor or a second resistance indicating a fire is detected by a second sensor, wherein the second sensor is at least one of a spot detector, a linear wire detector, or a linear pressure detector; generating, by the controller, a first response comprising first alert in response to a determination the fire is detected by the first optical sensor; and generating, by the controller, a second response comprising a second alert in response to a determination the fire is detected by the second sensor, the second alert being different than the first alert9. The method of Claim 8, generating, by the controller, a second response comprising a second alert in response to a determination the fire is detected by the second sensor, the second alert being different than the first alert10. The method of Claim 8, wherein at least one of the first response or the second response further comprise generating, by the controller, control signals to control an actuator to cause fire suppressant to pass from a container and exit a nozzle towards a hazard.

11. The method of Claim 8, wherein determining if the resistance corresponds to the first resistance indicating a fire is detected by the first optical sensor or a second resistance indicating a fire is detected by a second sensor comprises referencing a predetermined resistance band lookup comprising a plurality of resistance bands, each of the plurality of resistance bands associated with at least one of a plurality of events of the fire suppression system.

12. The method of Claim 8, wherein the first response comprises an audible alert indicating the first optical alarm detected the fire.

13. The method of Claim 8, further comprising determining, at the controller, if the resistance corresponds to a first optical sensor fault or a second sensor fault, and generating, at the controller, a third response in response to a determination of a first optical sensor fault.

14. The method of Claim 8, further comprising receiving, at the controller, a first user input, and controlling at least one of the first alert or the second alert to be a silent alert based on the first user input.

15. A fire suppression system, comprising: a detection circuit having a resistance; a first sensor to detect a fire and configured to adjust the resistance to a first resistance in response to detecting the fire, the first sensor comprising at least one of a spot detector, a linear wire detector, or a linear pressure detector; a second optical sensor to detect a fire and configured to generate a fire detection signal; and a controller comprising a plurality of resistors selectively coupled to the detection circuit by a plurality of relays, wherein the controller is configured to open or close at least one of the plurality of relays to change an arrangement of the plurality of resistors and control the resistance of the detection circuit to a second resistance in response to the fire detection signal, the second resistance being different than the first resistance.

16. The fire suppression system of Claim 15, further comprising a release controller to detect the resistance of the detection circuit and initiate at least one of a plurality control actions based on the resistance of the detection circuit.

17. The fire suppression system of Claim 16, further comprising a resistance band lookup comprising a plurality of resistance bands, each of the plurality of resistance bands associated with at least one of a plurality of events of the fire suppression system, wherein the controller is configured to determine an event associated with the resistance and initiate the at least one of the plurality of control actions based on the event.

18. The fire suppression system of Claim 16, further comprising: a container of fire suppressant; a nozzle positioned to direct the fire suppressant from the container to toward a hazard; andan actuator configured to cause the fire suppressant to pass from the container to nozzle, wherein the at least one of the plurality of control actions comprises controlling the actuator to deliver the fire suppressant from the container to the nozzle.

19. The fire suppression system of Claim 16, further comprising a resistance band lookup comprising a plurality of resistance bands, each of the plurality of resistance bands associated with at least one of a plurality of events of the fire suppression system, wherein the controller is configured to determine at least one resistance band and associated even corresponding to the resistance.

20. The fire suppression system of Claim 16, wherein the at least one of a plurality of control actions based on the resistance of the detection circuit being the first resistance is different than the at least one of the plurality of control actions based on the resistance of the detection circuit being the second resistance.

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