A fire protection and monitoring system and method

Abstract

A fire protection and monitoring system (1) comprises a main housing (5) having an upper mounting plate (17) for securing to a ceiling or other suitable mounting. The main housing (5) comprises an upper stationary fixed part (7) and a lower rotatable part (9) which is rotatable about a main rotational axis (10) relative to the upper stationary fixed part (7). A stationary upstream water accommodating conduit (32) is fixed in the upper stationary fixed part (7) and defines an inlet port (29) for connecting to a high pressure water source. A downstream conduit (40) terminating in an outlet port (30) is connected to the upstream conduit (32) through upstream and downstream right-angle bends (37,41) and upstream and downstream rotary couplings (34,39). A thermal imaging camera (62) is mounted on the downstream conduit (40) adjacent the outlet port (30). The downstream conduit (40) and the thermal imaging camera (62) are rotatable with the lower rotatable part (9) about the main rotational axis (10), and are pivotal about a secondary rotational axis (42) defined by the downstream rotary coupling (39) for scanning a protected area to detect a heat source, such as a fire or a precursor thereto. On a heat source being detected, an alert signal is outputted to a remote smart electronic device. On receipt of an acknowledgement signal from the smart electronic device, control of the fire protection and monitoring system (1) is ceded to the smart electronic device, otherwise within a first predefined time period, a pressurised waterjet is directed at the heat source through the outlet port (30).

Description

[0001] A fire protection and monitoring system and method

[0002] The present invention relates to a fire protection and monitoring system, and the invention also relates to a fire protection and monitoring method.

[0003] It is important that premises, such as industrial and commercial premises, warehouses, industrial and commercial open and uncovered areas, such as storage yards, coal yards, oil terminals and any other areas, both indoor and outdoor where the risk of fire exists, be monitored as a precaution to prevent fire. Additionally, on detection of a fire' in such indoor and outdoor areas, which are being monitored, it is important that on a fire being detected, that action to quench the fire be carried out quickly, and ideally, immediately upon detection or within minutes of the fire being detected. Unfortunately, this is not always possible, particularly at night when such areas are unmanned, and at other times when such areas are unmanned. While monitoring systems for monitoring for fire are known, they suffer from a number of disadvantages. Firstly, on detection of a fire, a signal in general is sent to a central monitoring station which in turn advises one or more authorised persons by text message, by e-mail or by telephone of the detection of a fire. The authorised person then must alert the local fire utility service, which must then travel to the site of the fire in order to attend to it. This takes some considerable time, and in many cases a fire can have taken a considerable hold before the fire utility service arrives at the site. While some fire monitoring systems do incorporate a sprinkling system for sprinkling water over the area where the fire has been detected, unfortunately, such sprinkling systems have a number of disadvantages, in that the volume of water dispensed through the sprinkling system may be insufficient to cope with the fire, and the water may not be directed at the fire, and furthermore, the water from the sprinkling system may be spread over a wide area resulting in unnecessary water damage.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a fire protection and monitoring system which addresses at least some of the problems of known systems. There is also a need for a fire protection and monitoring method which addresses at least some of the problems of known fire protection and monitoring methods.

[0005] The present invention is directed towards providing such a fire protection and monitoring system, and the invention is also directed towards providing a fire protection and monitoring method.

[0006] According to the invention there is provided a fire protection and monitoring system for monitoring a protected area, the fire protection and monitoring system comprising a fire extinguishing medium delivery means comprising an outlet port through which a fire extinguishing medium is delivered by the delivery means, a thermal sensing means configured to scan the protected area and to produce a signal indicative of the current temperature of respective scanned incremental areas of the protected area as the thermal sensing means is scanning the protected area incremental area by incremental area, a communicating means configured to communicate with one or more of a fire prevention system for the protected area and / or a remote smart electronic device, and a signal processor, the signal processor being programmed: to sample the signal produced by the thermal sensing means at predefined sampling time intervals as the thermal sensing means is scanning the protected area, to determine from each sampled signal if the sampled signal is indicative of a heat source of temperature exceeding a predefined upper temperature value having been detected, and in response to detection of the detected heat source, to operate the delivery means to orient the outlet port into alignment with the detected heat source, and to operate the communicating means to output an alert signal alerting to the detection of the detected heat source to the one or more of the fire prevention system for the protected area and / or the remote smart electronic device.

[0007] Preferably, the communicating means is configured to communicate with the remote smart electronic device in the form of one or more of a remote authorised computer, an authorised tablet and / or an authorised smart mobile phone.

[0008] Advantageously, the communicating means is adapted for two-way communication.

[0009] Preferably, the signal processor is programmed to read signals received by the communicating means, and in response to an acknowledgement signal from the remote smart electronic device, the signal processor is programmed to cede control of the delivery means to the remote smart electronic device from which the acknowledgement signal is received in response to reception of the acknowledgement signal from the remote smart electronic device.

[0010] Advantageously, the signal processor is programmed to cede control of the delivery means to the remote smart electronic device from which the acknowledgement signal is received through the signal processor.

[0011] Preferably, the signal processor is programmed to cede control of the thermal sensing means to the remote smart electronic device from which the acknowledgement signal is received in response to reception of the acknowledgement signal from the remote smart electronic device.

[0012] Advantageously, the signal processor is programmed to cede control of the thermal sensing means to the remote smart electronic device from which the acknowledgement signal is received through the signal processor.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention the signal processor is programmed to operate the delivery means to deliver the fire extinguishing medium through the outlet port to the detected heat source on the outlet port of the delivery means being oriented into alignment with the heat source.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment of the invention the signal processor is responsive to the absence of an acknowledgement signal being received from the remote smart electronic device within a first predefined time period from the commencement of the outputting of the alert signal such that on the first time period having elapsed, the signal processor operates the delivery means to delivery the fire extinguishing medium through the outlet port to the detected heat source.

[0015] Preferably, the signal processor is programmed to deliver the fire extinguishing medium for at least one second predefined time period.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention a first one of the at least one second predefined time periods is timed from the commencement of delivery of the fire extinguishing medium by the delivery means or from the end of the first predefined time period.

[0017] Advantageously, the signal processor is programmed to operate the delivery means to terminate delivery of the fire extinguishing medium at the end of each second predefined time period.

[0018] In another embodiment of the invention the signal processor is programmed to time a third predefined time period at each end of the second predefined time period, and the signal processor is responsive to the absence of an acknowledgement signal being received from the remote smart electronic device from the commencement of the outputting of the alert signal to the end of the currently timed third predefined time period to operate the delivery means to deliver the fire extinguishing medium to the detected heat source for another second predefined time period. Advantageously, the signal processor is programmed to continue intermittently delivering the fire extinguishing medium to the detected heat source for further second predefined time periods between respective third predefined time periods in the absence of an acknowledgement signal from the remote smart electronic device from the commencement of the outputting of the alert signal for at least two further cycles of second / third predefined time periods.

[0019] Preferably, the signal processor is programmed to continue intermittently delivering the fire extinguishing medium to the detected heat source for further second predefined time periods between respective third predefined time periods in the absence of an acknowledgement signal from the remote smart electronic device from the commencement of the outputting of the alert signal for at least four further cycles of second / third predefined time periods.

[0020] Advantageously, the signal processor is programmed to continue intermittently delivering the fire extinguishing medium to the detected heat source for further second predefined time periods between respective third predefined time periods in the absence of an acknowledgement signal from the remote smart electronic device from the commencement of the outputting of the alert signal for at least ten further cycles of second / third predefined time periods.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention each third predefined time period lies in the range of 30 seconds to 10 minutes. Preferably, each third predefined time period lies in the range of 1 minute to 8 minutes. Advantageously, each third predefined time period is approximately 2 minutes to 3 minutes.

[0022] In another embodiment of the invention each second predefined time period lies in the range of 1 minute to 10 minutes. Preferably, each second predefined time period lies in the range of 1 minute to 8 minutes. Advantageously, each second predefined time is approximately 4 minutes to 5 minutes.

[0023] In another embodiment of the invention the first predefined time period lies in the range of 10 seconds to 10 minutes. Preferably, the first predefined time period lies in the range of 1 minute to 8 minutes. Advantageously, the first predefined time period is approximately 2 minutes to 3 minutes.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention the signal processor is programmed to determine the temperature of the detected heat source from the signal read from the thermal sensing means at predefined time intervals during the first and each third predefined time period. Preferably, the signal processor is programmed to operate the thermal sensing means to recommence scanning of the protected area if the signal read from the thermal sensing means is indicative of the temperature of the detected heat source having dropped below the predefined upper temperature value during the first predefined time period.

[0025] Advantageously, the signal processor is programmed to terminate the delivery means intermittently delivering the fire extinguishing medium to the detected heat source for any further cycles of second / third predefined time periods, and to operate the thermal sensing means to recommence scanning of the protected area if the temperature of the detected heat source determined from the signal read from the thermal sensing means is indicative of the temperature of the detected heat source having dropped below the predefined upper temperature value during the first predefined time period or the currently timed third predefined time period.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention each predefined time interval lies in the range of 1 second to 30 seconds. Preferably, each predefined time interval lies in the range of 10 seconds to 20 seconds. Advantageously, each predefined time interval is approximately 15 seconds.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention the signal processor is programmed to operate the communicating means to continuously output the alert signal until an acknowledgement signal is received from the remote smart electronic device or until the signal read from the thermal sensing means is indicative of the temperature of the detected heat source having dropped below the predefined upper temperature value.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention the signal processor operates the thermal sensing means to stop scanning in response to detection of a detected heat source.

[0029] Preferably, the signal processor is programmed to determine if the detected heat source is a moving heat source.

[0030] Advantageously, the signal processor is programmed to bring the thermal sensing means to a halt on detecting of the heat source, and to determine the heat source as being a moving heat source if the heat source moves relative to the thermal sensing means.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention the thermal sensing means comprises a thermal imaging device, and preferably, a thermal imaging camera, and advantageously, the thermal sensing means comprises an early fire detection camera.

[0032] In another embodiment of the invention the signal processor is programmed to operate the thermal imaging device to centre the detected heat source centrally in a captured image frame captured by the thermal imaging device, and the signal processor is programmed to determine the heat source as being a moving heat source in response to the thermal imaging device having to move in order to retain the detected heat source centrally in subsequent captured image frames after the detected heat source has been centred in the image frame captured by the thermal imaging device.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the invention the predefined upper temperature value is greater than 50°C. Preferably, the predefined upper temperature value is greater than 60°C. Advantageously, the predefined upper temperature value is 80°C. Ideally, the predefined upper temperature is greater than 80°C.

[0034] In another embodiment of the invention the predefined upper temperature value is greater than 100°C, and preferably, is greater than 115°C, and advantageously, the predefined upper temperature value lies in the range of 80°C to 120°C.

[0035] Preferably, the signal produced by the thermal sensing means is indicative of the distance of the detected heat source from the thermal sensing means.

[0036] Advantageously, the signal produced by the thermal sensing means is indicative of the distance of the detected heat source from the outlet port of the delivery means.

[0037] Preferably, the signal produced by the thermal sensing means is indicative of the area of the detected heat source.

[0038] In one embodiment of the invention the outlet port of the delivery means comprises a nozzle.

[0039] Preferably, the nozzle comprises an adjustable nozzle adapted for adjusting the shape of a jet of the fire extinguishing medium exiting the nozzle. Advantageously, the nozzle is adjustable to alter the fan angle and / or the cone angle at which the jet of the fire extinguishing medium exits the nozzle.

[0040] Preferably, the signal processor is programmed to adjust the nozzle so that the cross-sectional area of the jet adjacent the detected heat source substantially encompasses the detected heat source.

[0041] In one embodiment of the invention the signal processor is programmed to operate the outlet port to move from side-to-side, and / or up-and-down while the fire extinguishing medium is being directed towards the detected heat source if the cross-sectional area of the jet adjacent the detected heat source does not encompass the area of the detected heat source, in order to ensure that the fire extinguishing medium is directed over the entire area of the detected heat source.

[0042] Preferably, the signal processor is programmed to operate the nozzle to direct the fire extinguishing medium to a peripheral area extending outwardly from and around the detected heat source.

[0043] Advantageously, the signal processor is programmed to permit access to the signal produced by the thermal imaging device indicative of the captured image frames captured by the thermal imaging device to the one or more remote authorised smart electronic devices.

[0044] In another embodiment of the invention the signal processor is programmed to permit access to the signal indicative of the captured image frames in real time.

[0045] Preferably, the thermal imaging device is revolvable relative to a main rotational axis through at least one scanning arc.

[0046] Advantageously, the thermal imaging device is revolvable relative to a main rotational axis through a plurality of scanning arcs.

[0047] In one embodiment of the invention each scanning arc extends through an angular distance of 90° about the main rotational axis. Preferably, each scanning arc extends through an angular distance of at least 180° about the main rotational axis. Advantageously, each scanning arc extends through an angular distance of at least 270° about the main rotational axis. Ideally, each scanning arc extends through an angular distance of approximately 360° around the main rotational axis. In one embodiment of the invention each scanning arc defines a scanning path defining spaced apart opposite peripheral side edges thereof.

[0048] Preferably, the thermal imaging device is configured to scan the protected area with the adjacent peripheral side edges of adjacent scanning arcs substantially coinciding with each other or overlapping each other.

[0049] Advantageously, the thermal imaging device is configured so that the number of scanning arcs and the transverse width thereof between the opposite peripheral side edges of the paths thereof is sufficient to scan the protected area.

[0050] Advantageously, the thermal sensing means is mounted adjacent the outlet port of the delivery means.

[0051] Advantageously, the thermal sensing means is mounted adjacent the nozzle of the outlet port.

[0052] Preferably, the thermal sensing means is mounted on the delivery means adjacent the outlet port.

[0053] Advantageously, the outlet port of the delivery means is adapted to move synchronously with the thermal sensing means.

[0054] In one embodiment of the invention the delivery means is adapted to deliver the fire extinguishing medium in a form of a liquid.

[0055] In another embodiment of the invention the fire extinguishing medium comprises a pressurised liquid, and preferably, pressurised water.

[0056] In one embodiment of the invention the delivery means comprises a mounting member and a rotatable element mounted on the mounting member, and rotatable relative to the mounting member.

[0057] Preferably, the rotatable element is rotatable about the main rotational axis.

[0058] Advantageously, the outlet port is connected to the rotatable element. Preferably, the fire extinguishing medium is accommodated to the outlet port through a fire extinguishing medium accommodating conduit system extending from an inlet port.

[0059] Advantageously, the fire extinguishing medium accommodating conduit system comprises a fixed non- rotatable upstream conduit extending from the inlet port, and a downstream conduit terminating in the outlet port.

[0060] In one embodiment of the invention the non-rotatable upstream conduit is connected to the downstream conduit through an intermediate conduit. Preferably, the intermediate conduit comprises a first intermediate conduit rotatably connected to the non-rotatable upstream conduit by a first connector about the main rotational axis. Advantageously, the first intermediate conduit and the non-rotatable conduit define respective central axes adjacent the first connector, the respective central axes adjacent the first connector coinciding with each other and defining a first rotational axis substantially coinciding with the main rotational axis.

[0061] In another embodiment of the invention the intermediate conduit comprises a second intermediate conduit extending between the first intermediate conduit and the downstream conduit, the second intermediate conduit being rotatably connected to the first intermediate conduit by a second connector about a secondary rotational axis.

[0062] Preferably, the first intermediate conduit and the second intermediate conduit define respective central axes adjacent the second connector, the respective central axes thereof coinciding with each other and defining a secondary rotational axis extending generally transversely of the main rotational axis.

[0063] Advantageously, the downstream conduit is pivotal relative to the second intermediate conduit about the secondary rotational axis.

[0064] In one embodiment of the invention the downstream conduit extends from the outlet port to a downstream right-angle bend upstream of the outlet port, and the downstream right-angle bend is connected to the second intermediate conduit through the second connector.

[0065] Preferably, the second connector comprises a downstream rotary coupling defining a rotational axis coinciding with the secondary rotational axis.

[0066] Advantageously, the first connector comprises an upstream rotary coupling defining a rotational axis coinciding with the main rotational axis.

[0067] Preferably, the first intermediate conduit comprises an upstream right-angle bend.

[0068] In one embodiment of the invention the secondary rotational axis defined by the downstream rotary coupling lies in a common plane containing the main rotational axis.

[0069] In another embodiment of the invention the mounting member is adapted for mounting on a support structure with the rotatable element located beneath the mounting member.

[0070] The invention also provides a fire protection and monitoring method for monitoring a protected area, the method comprising scanning the protected area with a thermal sensing means, the thermal sensing means being configured to produce a signal indicative of the current temperature of respective scanned incremental areas of the protected area during scanning thereof by the thermal sensing means, reading the signal produced by the thermal sensing means, and if the signal read from the thermal sensing means is indicative of a heat source of temperature greater than a predefined upper temperature value being detected in the currently scanned incremental area, operating a fire extinguishing medium delivery means having, an outlet port through which the fire extinguishing medium is delivered, to align the outlet port with the detected heat source, and outputting an alert signal alerting to the detection of the detected heat source to one or both of a fire prevention system for the protected area and / or to a remote smart electronic device.

[0071] Preferably, the alert signal is outputted to the remote smart electronic device in the form of one or more of a remote authorised computer, an authorised tablet and / or an authorised smart mobile phone.

[0072] Preferably, in response to an acknowledgement signal from the remote smart electronic device, control of the delivery means is ceded to the remote smart electronic device from which the acknowledgement signal is received.

[0073] Advantageously, control of the thermal sensing means is ceded to the remote smart electronic device from which the acknowledgement signal is received.

[0074] In one embodiment of the invention the delivery means is operated to deliver the fire extinguishing medium through the outlet port to the detected heat source on the outlet port of the delivery means being oriented into alignment with the heat source.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment of the invention in response to the absence of an acknowledgement signal being received from the remote smart electronic device within a first predefined time period from the commencement of the outputting of the alert signal, the delivery means is operated to deliver the fire extinguishing medium through the outlet port to the detected heat source.

[0076] Preferably, the delivery means is operated to deliver the fire extinguishing medium for at least one second predefined time period.

[0077] In one embodiment of the invention a first one of the at least one second predefined time periods is timed from the commencement of delivery of the fire extinguishing medium by the delivery means or from the end of the first predefined time period.

[0078] Advantageously, the delivery means is operated to terminate delivery of the fire extinguishing medium at the end of each second predefined time period.

[0079] Preferably, a third predefined time period is timed at the end of each second predefined time period, and in the absence of an acknowledgement signal being received from the remote smart electronic device from the commencement of the outputting of the alert signal to the end of the currently timed third predefined time period the delivery means is operated to deliver the fire extinguishing medium to the detected heat source for another second predefined time period.

[0080] Advantageously, the delivery means is operated to continue intermittently delivering the fire extinguishing medium to the detected heat source for further second predefined time periods between respective third predefined time periods in the absence of an acknowledgement signal from the remote smart electronic device from the commencement of the outputting of the alert signal for at least two further cycles of second / third predefined time periods. Preferably, the delivery means is operated to continue intermittently delivering the fire extinguishing medium to the detected heat source for further second predefined time periods between respective third predefined time periods in the absence of an acknowledgement signal from the remote smart electronic device from the commencement of the outputting of the alert signal for at least four further cycles of second / third predefined time periods.

[0081] Advantageously, the delivery means is operated to continue intermittently delivering the fire extinguishing medium to the detected heat source for further second predefined time periods between respective third predefined time periods in the absence of an acknowledgement signal from the remote smart electronic device from the commencement of the outputting of the alert signal for at least ten further cycles of second / third predefined time periods.

[0082] In one embodiment of the invention the temperature of the detected heat source is determined from the signal read from the thermal sensing means at predefined time intervals during the first predefined time period or the currently timed third predefined time period.

[0083] Advantageously, the thermal sensing means is operated to recommence scanning of the protected area if the temperature of the detected heat source determined from the signal read from the thermal sensing means is indicative of the temperature of the detected heat source having dropped below the predefined upper temperature value during the first predefined time period.

[0084] Preferably, the delivery means is operated to terminate intermittent delivery of the fire extinguishing medium to the detected heat source for any further cycles of second / third predefined time periods, and to operate the thermal sensing means to recommence scanning of the protected area if the temperature of the detected heat source determined from the signal read from the thermal sensing means is indicative of the temperature of the detected heat source having dropped below the predefined upper temperature value during the first predefined time period or the currently timed third predefined time period.

[0085] In one embodiment of the invention the alert signal is continuously outputted until an acknowledgement signal is received from the remote smart electronic device or until the signal read from the thermal sensing means is indicative of the temperature of the detected heat source having dropped below the predefined upper temperature value. In one embodiment of the invention the thermal sensing means is brought to a halt in response to detection of a detected heat source.

[0086] In another embodiment of the invention the thermal sensing means comprises a thermal imaging device, and preferably, a thermal imaging camera, and advantageously, an early fire detection camera.

[0087] Preferably, a determination is made as to whether the detected heat source is a stationary heat source or a moving heat source.

[0088] Advantageously, the detected heat source is determined as being a moving heat source if the detected heat source moves relative to the thermal sensing means when the thermal sensing means has been brought to a halt.

[0089] In an alternative embodiment of the invention on a heat source being detected the thermal imaging device is operated to centre the detected heat source centrally in an image frame captured by the thermal imaging device, and the heat source is determined as being a moving heat source if the thermal imaging device must move in order to retain the detected heat source centrally in subsequently captured image frames after the detected heat source has been centred in one of the image frames.

[0090] In one embodiment of the invention the outlet port of the delivery means comprises a nozzle.

[0091] Preferably, the nozzle comprises an adjustable nozzle adapted for adjusting the shape of a jet of the fire extinguishing medium exiting the nozzle.

[0092] Advantageously, the nozzle is adjustable to alter the fan angle and / or the cone angle at which the jet of the fire extinguishing medium exits the nozzle.

[0093] Preferably, the nozzle is adjusted so that the cross-sectional area of the jet adjacent the detected heat source substantially encompasses the detected heat source.

[0094] Advantageously, the nozzle is operated to direct the fire extinguishing medium to a peripheral area extending outwardly from and around the detected heat source. Preferably, the thermal sensing means is mounted adjacent the nozzle of the outlet port.

[0095] Preferably, the outlet port of the delivery means is moved from side-to-side, and / or up-and-down while the fire extinguishing medium is being directed towards the detected heat source if the cross-sectional area of the jet adjacent the detected heat source does not encompass the area of the detected heat source, in order to ensure that the fire extinguishing medium is directed over the entire area of the detected heat source.

[0096] Preferably, the thermal sensing means is revolvable relative to a main rotational axis through at least one scanning arc.

[0097] Advantageously, the thermal sensing means is revolvable relative to a main rotational axis through a plurality of scanning arcs.

[0098] The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that on detection of a heat source by the fire protection and monitoring system according to the invention, action can be immediately taken, if the heat source is a fire, to quench the fire by directing a waterjet at the detected source. Indeed, the fire protection and monitoring system provides a further advantage in that the fire protection and monitoring system according to the invention is adapted to detect a heat source before it actually develops into a fire.

[0099] A further advantage of the invention is that on detection of a heat source, the fire protection and monitoring system directs a high pressure waterjet directly at the heat source. This is a significant advantage in that the fire can be extinguished with a minimum of water damage to the surrounding areas. By intermittently directing the high pressure waterjet at the detected heat source, the minimum amount of high pressure water is required, thereby further limiting water damage.

[0100] The above advantages and many other advantages of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0101] Accordingly, the invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a non-limiting preferred embodiment of the invention which is described solely as a non-limiting example of the implementation of the invention, and is given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a fire protection and monitoring system according to the invention,

[0102] Fig. 2 is another perspective view of the fire protection and monitoring system in a different state to that of Fig. 1,

[0103] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the fire protection and monitoring system of Fig. 1 in a different state to that of Figs. 1 and 2 with parts of the fire protection and monitoring system removed to allow illustration of components concealed by the removed parts,

[0104] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the fire protection and monitoring system of Fig. 1 in a further different state to those of Figs. 1 to 3 and with similar parts removed to the parts removed in Fig. 3,

[0105] Fig. 5 is another perspective view of the fire protection and monitoring system of Fig. 1 in a further different state to those of Figs. 1 to 4 and with similar parts removed to the parts removed in Fig. 3,

[0106] Fig. 6 is a front elevational view of the fire protection and monitoring system of Fig. 1 illustrated with similar parts removed to the parts removed in Fig. 3,

[0107] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the fire protection and monitoring system of Fig. 6 on the line VII-VII of Fig. 6,

[0108] Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the fire protection and monitoring system of Fig. 6,

[0109] Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the fire protection and monitoring system of Fig. 8,

[0110] Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the fire protection and monitoring system of Fig. 1,

[0111] Fig. 11 is another exploded perspective view of a part of the fire protection and monitoring system of Fig. 1, and

[0112] Fig. 12 is a circuit diagram of a control circuit for controlling operation of the fire protection and monitoring system of Fig. 1. Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a fire protection and monitoring system according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for monitoring an area, hereinafter referred to as a protected area in order to detect the presence of a heat source of temperature exceeding a predefined upper temperature value in the protected area, which would be indicative of a fire or a heat source which may develop into a fire, and to extinguish the fire, or at least to contain the fire until the fire brigade service arrives. As will be described below, the fire protection and monitoring system 1 is configured to deliver a fire extinguishing medium, in this case a high pressure waterjet at the detected heat source. The protected area may be an outdoor area or an indoor area.

[0113] The fire protection and monitoring system 1 comprises a main framework 3 carried on a main housing 5. The main housing 5 comprises an upper stationary fixed part 7 and a lower rotatable part 9. The lower rotatable part 9 is rotatable relative to the upper stationary fixed part 7 about a main rotational axis 10. The main framework 3 is secured to the lower rotatable part 9 and is rotatable about the main rotational axis 10 with the lower rotatable part 9 as will be described below.

[0114] The upper stationary fixed part 7 of the main housing 5 comprises an upper cylindrical side wall 12 extending between a circular top plate 14 and a geared slewing bearing 2, which defines the main rotational axis 10. An upper flange 4 extending around and outwardly from the upper side wall 12 is secured to the top plate 14 by screws (not shown). The upper side wall 12 terminates in a lower flange 6 extending around the upper side wall 12 both inwardly and outwardly therefrom, and is secured to an outer stationary part 11 of the geared slewing bearing 2 by screws (not shown) extending through the lower flange 6 on the inner side of the cylindrical upper side wall 12. A stationary ring gear 26 is secured to and extending around the outer stationary part 11 of the geared slewing bearing 2, for a purpose to be described below.

[0115] A pair of spaced apart upstanding members 15 extend upwardly from the top circular plate 14 and are rigidly secured thereto, and terminate in and are rigidly secured to an upper mounting member, in this embodiment of the invention an upper mounting plate 17 for rigidly securing the fire protection and monitoring system 1 to a support structure. The support structure may be any type of structure, for example, a bracket extending from the side wall of a building, the roof or ceiling of a building, or an upwardly vertically extending support member specifically dedicated for mounting the fire protection and monitoring system 1 thereon. Screw accommodating openings 18 in the upper mounting plate 17 are provided for accommodating screws for securing the upper mounting plate 17 to the structure, or a mounting bracket extending from the upwardly vertically extending support member or a mounting bracket extending from a structure.

[0116] The lower rotatable part 9 of the main housing 5 comprises a base wall 20 and a lower partly cylindrical side wall 22 extending upwardly from the base wall 20 to act as a safety guard around the ring gear 26. The base wall 20 is secured to an inner rotatable part 13 of the geared slewing bearing 2 by screws (not shown) through screw accommodating openings 16. The inner rotatable part 13 of the geared slewing bearing 2 is rotatable in the outer stationary part 11 thereof about the main rotational axis 10. With the base wall 20 secured to the inner rotatable part 13 of the geared slewing bearing 2, the lower partly cylindrical side wall 22 extends upwardly around the ring gear 26 and terminates just short of the lower flange 6 of the upper cylindrical side wall 12. The main framework 3 extends downwardly from and is rigidly secured to the base wall 20 of the lower rotatable part 9 by welding and rotates with the base wall 20, and in turn with the lower rotatable part 9 as the lower rotatable part 9 rotates about the main rotational axis 10 relative to the upper fixed part 7 of the main housing 5.

[0117] An electrically powered drive motor 24 is secured to the base wall 20 by screws (not shown) and extends downwardly therefrom. A drive shaft 19 of the drive motor 24 extends through an opening 21 in the base wall 20 and terminates in a pinion gear 28 mounted fast on the drive shaft 19. The pinion gear 28 engages the ring gear 26, and as the pinion gear 28 is driven by the drive motor 24, the pinion gear 28 orbits around the ring gear 26 for in turn rotating the lower rotatable part 9 and the main framework 3 about the main rotational axis 10 relative to the upper fixed part 7 of the main housing 5.

[0118] A fire extinguishing medium delivery means for delivering the high pressure waterjet to the detected heat source from a high pressure water source (not shown) comprises a fire extinguishing medium accommodating conduit system 27, extending from an inlet port 29 to an outlet port 30, for accommodating the high pressure water for delivery to the detected heat source. The fire extinguishing medium accommodating conduit system 27 comprises a non-rotatable stationary upstream conduit 32 and a downstream conduit 40. An intermediate conduit comprising a first intermediate conduit 35 and a second intermediate conduit 38 join the stationary upstream conduit 32 to the downstream conduit 40 as will be described below. The downstream conduit 40 terminates in and defines the outlet port 30 through which the high pressure waterjet is directed to the heat source. The stationary upstream conduit 32 defines the inlet port 29, which is adapted for connecting to the high pressure water source. The stationary upstream conduit 32 extends downwardly from the inlet port 29 centrally through the main housing 5 and defines a central axis which coincides with the main rotational axis 10 of the main housing 5. The stationary upstream conduit 32 extends centrally through the geared slewing bearing 2, and in turn through an opening 8 in the base wall 20 of the lower rotatable part 9, and terminates at its lower end in a lower stationary conduit 32a. The stationary upstream conduit 32 and the lower stationary conduit 32a are sealably joined together by respective coupling flanges 32b and 32c.

[0119] The lower stationary conduit 32a is sealably secured to a first connector, in this case an upstream rotary coupling 34 by respective coupling flanges 32d and 34a. The upstream upper rotary coupling 34 is sealably secured to the first intermediate conduit 35 which in this embodiment of the invention comprises an upstream right angle bend 37. The upstream right angle bend 37 extends between a pair of mounting plates, namely, an upstream mounting plate 33 and a downstream mounting plate 36 which extends perpendicularly to each other. The upstream mounting plate 33 defines a coupling flange 33a, which is sealably secured to a coupling flange 34b of the upstream rotary coupling 34.

[0120] The upstream rotary coupling 34 defines a central rotational axis which coincides with the main rotational axis 10, and the lower stationary conduit 32a defines a central axis and the right-angle bend 37 defines a central axis adjacent the upstream mounting plate 33 which coincides with the central axis defined by the lower stationary conduit, and both central axes coincide with the main rotational axis 10. The upstream and downstream mounting plates 33 and 36 are welded together at 58. The upstream mounting plate 33 extends from the coupling flange 33a and terminates in an apex 33b which is secured to the main framework 3 by a link member 48. The link member 48 is secured to the upstream mounting plate 33 at the apex 33b thereof and is secured to a bracket 3a of the main framework 3, so that the upstream rightangle bend 37 rotates about the main rotational axis with the main framework 3 and the lower rotational part 9 of the main housing 5.

[0121] The downstream mounting plate 36 defines a coupling flange 36a which is sealably coupled to a second connector, in this embodiment of the invention a downstream rotary coupling 39 by a coupling flange 39a of the downstream rotary coupling 39. The second intermediate conduit 38 comprises a downstream right-angle bend 41 which is coupled to the downstream rotary coupling 39 by respective coupling flanges 41a and 39b. The downstream rotary coupling 39 defines a secondary rotational axis 42 which extends perpendicularly to the main rotational axis 10, and the downstream right-angle bend 41 of the second intermediate conduit 38 is pivotal relative to the upstream right-angle bend 37 of the first intermediate conduit 35 about the secondary rotational axis 42.

[0122] The secondary rotational axis 42 defined by the downstream rotary coupling 39 extends perpendicularly to the main rotational axis 10, and lies in a common plane 46a containing the main rotational axis 10, so that the downstream conduit 40 is pivotal about the secondary rotational axis 42 upwardly through an angle a relative to the common plane 46a, and in turn relative to the main rotational axis 10 from 0° with the downstream conduit 40 extending substantially vertically downwardly from the secondary rotational axis 42 through at least 120° with the downstream conduit 40 extending in a generally upwardly outwardly sidewardly direction from the secondary rotational axis 42. The downstream conduit 40, and in turn the outlet port 30 are rotatable about the main rotational axis 10 as the lower rotatable part 9 of the main housing 5 and the main framework 3 are rotated about the main rotational axis 10 by the drive motor 24. Accordingly, the downstream conduit 40 can be raised and lowered about the secondary rotational axis 42 and can be rotated through an arc of 360° around the main rotational axis 10.

[0123] The downstream conduit 40 terminates in the outlet port 30 and extends from the outlet port 30 to a main valve 44, and is coupled to the downstream right-angle bend 41 through the main valve 44. A central portion 40a of the downstream conduit 40 extending between the main valve 44 and a distal portion 40b of the downstream conduit 40 is angled. The distal portion 40b of the downstream conduit 40 terminates in the outlet port 40 and defines a central axis 43 through which the waterjet is directed outwardly through the outlet port 30. The angling of the central portion 40a of the downstream conduit 40 is such that the central axis 43 defined by the distal portion 40b of the downstream conduit 40 extends substantially perpendicularly to the secondary rotational axis 42 and lies substantially in a plane 46b containing the main rotational axis 10 and to which the secondary rotational axis 42 is perpendicular. Thus, as the lower rotatable part 9 and the outlet port 40 are being rotated about the main rotational axis 10, and the downstream conduit 40 is being pivoted through the angle a about the secondary rotational axis 42, the central axis 43 defined by the distal portion of the downstream conduit 40 and by the outlet port 30 will always lie substantially in the plane 46b.

[0124] The conduits and the right-angle bends of the fire extinguishing medium accommodating conduit system 27 are all rigid self-supporting conduits and bends, typically of steel or stainless steel material.

[0125] A nozzle 31 rotatably mounted on the downstream conduit 40 adjacent the outlet port 30 allows the cone and / or the fan angles of the waterjet exiting therethrough to be adjusted as will be described below.

[0126] A first linear actuator, namely, a first double-acting hydraulic ram 45 acting between a portion 49 of the downstream mounting plate 36 and a plate member 47 which is rigidly secured to the coupling flange 41a of the downstream right-angle bend 41 of the second intermediate conduit, pivots the downstream conduit 40 about the secondary rotational axis 42 through the angle a relative to the common plane 46a and the main rotational axis 10.

[0127] A second linear actuator comprising a second double-acting hydraulic ram 50 acting between a mounting plate 52 and an operating lever 54 of the main valve 44 operates the main valve 44 between an isolating state and a fully open state for accommodating the pressurised water therethrough to the outlet port 30. The mounting plate 52 is rigidly secured to a tubular member 51 extending rigidly from a housing 53 of the main valve 44. An operating shaft 55 extends through and is rotatable in the tubular member 51 for operating the main valve 44 between the isolating state and the fully open state. The operating lever 54 is mounted fast on the operating shaft 55 and is operated by the second ram 50 for rotating the operating shaft 55 for in turn operating the main valve 44 between the isolating state and the open state.

[0128] The nozzle 31 located adjacent the outlet port 30 is adjustable for adjusting the cone angle and the fan angle of the waterjet issuing from the outlet port 30 by rotating the nozzle 31 relative to the outlet port 30 about the central axis 43 defined by the downstream conduit 40 and extending through the nozzle 31. By adjusting the cone angle or the fan angle of the waterjet exiting the nozzle 31 the length of travel of the waterjet and the cross-sectional area of the waterjet along the length of the waterjet from the nozzle 31 are adjustable. A third linear actuator comprising a third double-acting hydraulic ram 57 acting between a carrier member 59 rigidly secured to the downstream conduit 40 and an adjustment plate 60 rigidly secured to the nozzle 31 rotates the nozzle 31 relative to the outlet port 30 for adjusting the cone angle and / or the fan angle of the waterjet exiting the nozzle 31.

[0129] A thermal sensing means in this embodiment of the invention comprising a thermal imaging device, namely, a thermal imaging camera 62, of the type commonly referred to as an early fire detection camera, located in a cowling 63 is mounted on the downstream conduit 40 adjacent the outlet port 30 with a central axis of a lens 64 of the camera 62 directed parallel to the central axis 43 of the distal portion 40b of the downstream conduit 40 and the outlet port 30. The cowling 63 of the thermal imaging camera 62 is carried on a strut 72 extending between a plate member 61 extending around the distal portion 40b of the downstream conduit 40 and the carrier member 59. Accordingly, as the downstream conduit 40 is rotated through an arc of 360° about the main rotational axis 10, the thermal imaging camera 62 scans through an arc of 360° of the protected area. The first ram 45 pivots the downstream conduit 40 about the secondary rotational axis 42 through an appropriate angle a at the end of each 360° scanning arc before the next 360° scanning arc of the protected area is commenced by the thermal imaging camera 62. The angle through which the downstream conduit 40 is pivoted about the secondary rotational axis 42 by the first ram 45 between each scanning arc of 360° is dependent on the transverse width of the path of the protected area scanned by the thermal imaging camera 62 during each scanning arc, and is determined so that adjacent side edges of each pair of adjacent scanning arcs of 360° substantially coincide or slightly overlap with each other, so that the entire protected area is scanned.

[0130] In this embodiment of the invention the thermal imaging camera 62 is a video thermal imaging camera 62 and continuously produces a signal indicative of thermal imaging frames of the incremental areas captured by the thermal imaging camera 62 of the protected area as the protected area is being scanned through each of the 360° scanning arcs about the main rotational axis 10. The signal produced by the thermal imaging camera 62 is indicative of the temperature of each incremental area of the corresponding image frame captured by the thermal imaging camera 62. If an incremental area captured by the thermal imaging camera 62 in an image frame contained a heat source, which for example, could be indicative of a fire or a precursor to a fire, the signal produced by the thermal imaging camera 62 would be indicative of the temperature of the detected heat source. Additionally, the signal produced by the thermal imaging camera 62 is also indictive of the distance of any detected heat source and the area thereof in each incremental area in the corresponding captured image frame captured by the thermal imaging camera 62.

[0131] The operation of the fire protection and monitoring system 1 is controlled by a control means, namely, a signal processor, which in this embodiment of the invention comprises a microprocessor 65 in a control circuit 67, see Fig. 12, although in some embodiments of the invention the signal processor may comprise a programmable logic controller. The control circuit 67 is located in a control housing 66 which is rigidly secured to the main framework 3, and rotates with the main framework 3 and the lower rotational part 9 of the main housing 5 as the lower rotational part 9 of the main housing 5 is rotated about the main rotational axis 10 by the drive motor 24. The operation of the drive motor 24 is controlled by the microprocessor 65 through a drive controller 71 for rotating the lower rotational part 9 of the main housing 5 about the main rotational axis 10. A hydraulic control circuit 69 operated under the control of the microprocessor 65 controls the operation of the first ram for pivoting the downstream conduit 40 about the secondary rotational axis 42, the second ram 50 for operating the main valve 44 between the isolating state and the fully open state, and the third ram 57 for rotating the nozzle 31 about the central axis 43 defined by the distal portion 40b of the downstream conduit 40 relative to the outlet port 30 for adjusting the cone angle and / or the fan angle of the pressurised waterjet exiting the outlet port 30.

[0132] One or more suitable sensors 74 are located at suitable locations on the upper stationary fixed part 7 and the lower rotatable part 9 for monitoring the angular displacement of the lower rotatable part 9 relative to the upper stationary fixed part 7 about the main rotational axis 10 from a know datum position. One or more suitable sensors 75 are located in suitable locations on the downstream conduit 40 or the downstream right-angle bend 41 and the downstream plate member 36 for monitoring the angular displacement of the downstream conduit 40 about the secondary rotational axis 42 relative to the downstream plate member 36 from a know data position. The microprocessor 65 reads the signals from the sensors 74 and 75 for determining the angular position of the downstream conduit 40 about the main rotational axis 10 and about the secondary rotational axis 42 relative to the respective datum positions. The microprocessor 65 is programmed to determine the precise location of the outlet port 30 and the direction of the central axis 43 defined by the distal portion 43b of the downstream conduit 40, so that the location of the protected area on which a jet of high pressure water exiting the outlet port 30 of the downstream conduit 40 would impinge. From the signals read from the sensors 74 and 75, the microprocessor 65 also determines the location of the incremental location captured by the thermal imaging camera 62 in the currently captured image frame.

[0133] The microprocessor 65 reads the signal produced by the thermal imaging camera 62 and samples the read signal and is programmed to determine from each sampled signal the maximum temperature of any part of the incremental area in the currently captured image frame thereof. The microprocessor 65 is programmed to compare the read maximum temperature with a stored value of the predefined upper temperature value stored in the microprocessor 65. The value of the predefined upper temperature value in this embodiment of the invention is selectable and is enterable into the microprocessor through a suitable interface (not shown). In general, it is envisaged that the stored predefined value of the upper temperature value will be selected to be 80°C, although, the selected value of the stored predefined upper temperature value may range from 80°C to 120°C, depending on the protected area being scanned, as well as, for example, whether the scanning is being carried out during day-time hours or during night-time hours.

[0134] The microprocessor 65 is programmed so that on detecting the maximum value of the temperature of an incremental area of a captured image frame being equal to or exceeding the predefined upper temperature value, the microprocessor 65 determines that a heat source which may be a fire, or a precursor to a fire, exists in that incremental area of the captured image. On determining the existence of such a heat source, the microprocessor 65 is programmed to determine from the signal sampled from the thermal imaging camera 62, the distance of the detected heat source from the thermal imaging camera 62, and the area of the detected heat source. The microprocessor 65 is programmed to determine the location of the heat source from the signals read from the sensors 74 and 75.

[0135] The microprocessor 65 is programmed to then operate the drive motor 24 to rotate the lower rotatable part 9 relative to the upper stationary fixed part 7 about the main rotational axis 10 through an appropriate angular displacement relative to the corresponding datum position, and to operate the first ram 45 to pivot the downstream conduit 40 through an appropriate angular displacement about the secondary rotational axis 42 relative to the corresponding datum position thereof, so that the distal portion 40b of the downstream conduit 40, the outlet port 30, the nozzle 31 and the central axis 43 defined by the distal portion 40b of the downstream conduit 40, are directed at the detected heat source, and the microprocessor 65 operates the third ram 57 to adjust the nozzle 31 so that the cone and fan angles of a high pressure waterjet exiting the outlet port 30 and the nozzle 31 will reach the detected heat source, and will be of cross-sectional area adjacent the heat source to substantially encompass the detected heat source. At an appropriate time, described below, the microprocessor 65 then operates the second ram 50 to operate the main valve 44 from the isolating state to the open state in order to connect the outlet port 30 to the high pressure water supply connected to the inlet port 29 for producing the high pressure waterjet through the outlet port 30 and the nozzle 31.

[0136] A communicating means, in this case, a two-way communication system 68 is located in the control circuit 67 and is capable of two-way communication over the internet and via a telecommunications network for transmitting an alert signal to one or more authorised smart electronic devices 70 in response to the signal read from the thermal imaging camera 62 being indicative of a heat source being detected of temperature exceeding the stored value of the predefined upper temperature value. On operating the communication system 68 to transmit the alert signal to one or more authorised smart electronic devices, the microprocessor 65 reads signals from the communication system 68 to detect an acknowledgement signal from one or more of the authorised smart electronic devices 70. The authorised smart electronic devices 70 may be any one or more of a remote computer, a smart mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop or any other such remote smart electronic devices.

[0137] Additionally, as well as transmitting the alert signal to the one or more authorised smart electronic devices 70, the communication system 68 also transmits the alert signal to an existing conventional fire protection system which would be capable of communicating directly or indirectly with a local fire utility, so that the fire protection system may output an appropriate message to the local fire utility service.

[0138] In order to assist in an understanding of the invention, the operation of the fire protection and monitoring system 1 will now be described. The microprocessor 65 operates the drive motor 24 to continuously rotate the lower rotational part 9 of the main housing 5 about the main rotational axis 10. As the lower rotational part 9 of the main housing 5 is rotated through each 360°, the thermal imaging camera scans a 360° scanning arc of the protected area. The microprocessor 65 reads the signal produced by the thermal imaging camera 62 as the camera scans through each 360° scanning arc, and compares the maximum temperature of each incremental area of the scanning arc from the signal of the current image frame produced by the thermal imaging camera 62 and compares the maximum temperature of each current image frame with the stored value of predefined upper temperature value, which as discussed above in this embodiment of the invention is 80°C. At the end of each 360° scanning arc, the microprocessor 65 operates the first ram 45 through the hydraulic control circuit 69 to pivot the downstream conduit 40 through an appropriate angle, so that the adjacent side edges of the next 360° scanning arc and the just completed 360°scanning arc either coincide with or slightly overlap each other.

[0139] In general, the first of the 360° scanning arcs commences with the downstream conduit 40, and in turn the thermal imaging camera 62 extending substantially vertically downwardly at a relatively small angle a to the common plane 46a, and in turn to the main rotational axis 10, sufficient to ensure that the protected area adjacent the main rotational axis 10 is fully scanned during the first 360° scanning arc. Thereafter, the downstream conduit 40 is pivoted about the secondary rotational axis 42 by the first ram 45 through an appropriate displacement angle, so that the adjacent edges of each 360° scanning arc and the just previously completed 360° scanning arc either coincide with or slightly overlap each other. This procedure continues until the entire protected area has been scanned. At that stage, the first ram 45 is operated by the microprocessor 65 through the hydraulic control circuit 69 to return the downstream conduit 40 and the thermal imaging camera 62 to commence scanning with the downstream conduit 40 and the thermal imaging camera 62 extending substantially downwardly from the secondary rotational axis 42 for the first of the next series of 360° scanning arcs. The scanning process continues until the signal read from the thermal imaging camera 62 is indicative of a heat source being captured in the current image frame exceeding the stored value of the predefined upper temperature value.

[0140] The microprocessor 65 is programmed that on detecting a heat source of temperature exceeding the stored value of the predefined upper temperature value to check if the detected heat source is a moving object, for example, if the detected heat source is a moving vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine, which would be operating normally in the protected area. To check if the detected heat source is a moving object, the microprocessor 65 operates the drive motor 24 and the first ram 45 to centre the detected heat source in the current image frame captured by the thermal imaging camera 62. Once the detected heat source is centred in the image frame, if the microprocessor 65 must continue operating one or both of the drive motor 24 and the first ram 45 to maintain the detected heat source centred in the current image frame captured by the thermal imaging camera 62, the microprocessor 65 determines the detected heat source to be a moving object, and thus not a heat source which would be a fire or a precursor to a fire, and the microprocessor 65 operates the fire protection and monitoring system 1 to recommence scanning of the protected area. Alternatively, to determine if the heat source is a moving object, the microprocessor may be programmed so that on detecting a heat source of temperature equal to or exceeding the stored value of the predefined upper temperature value, the microprocessor 65 would deactivate the drive motor 26 to bring the scanning to a halt for a predefined time period, for example 10 seconds to 20 seconds, and if the detected heat source moved out of the image frame in that predefined time, the microprocessor 65 would determine the heat source as a moving object, and operate the fire protection and monitoring system to recommence scanning of the protected area.

[0141] If the microprocessor 65 determines that the detected heat source is stationary, if the outlet port 30 and the nozzle 31 are not aligned with the detected heat source, the microprocessor 65 operates the drive motor 24 and / or the first ram 45 to align the outlet port 30 and the nozzle 31 with the detected heat source.

[0142] The microprocessor 65 is programmed to determine from the signal read from the thermal imaging camera 62, the distance of the detected heat source from the thermal imaging camera 62 and from the nozzle 31 of the outlet port 30, as well as the area of the detected heat source. The microprocessor 65 then operates the third ram 57 to adjust the nozzle 31 in order to set the cone angle and / or the fan angle of the high pressure waterjet, so that the high pressure waterjet outputted through the nozzle 31 will travel to the detected heat source, and the transverse cross-sectional area of the waterjet when it reaches the detected heat source will be of area to encompass the detected heat source.

[0143] Simultaneously with aligning the outlet port 30 with the detected heat source, the microprocessor 65 operates the communication system 68 to continuously output the alert signal alerting to the presence of the detected heat source to the existing fire prevention system of the protected area, and to the one or more remote authorised smart electronic devices 70. Additionally, along with the alert signal, the microprocessor 65 operates the communication system 68 to continually transmit the current image frame comprising the heat source captured by the thermal imaging camera 62 to the remote authorised smart electronic devices 70 in real time.

[0144] On the commencement of outputting of the alert signal, the microprocessor 65 reads signals received by the communication system 68 and awaits reception of an acknowledgement signal from one of the remote authorised smart electronic devices 70. On receipt of an acknowledgement signal, the microprocessor 65 cedes control of the fire protection and monitoring system 1, including control of the drive motor 24, the first, second and third rams 45, 50 and 57, and also the thermal imaging camera 62 to the remote authorised smart electronic device 70 from which the acknowledgement signal has been received. The control of the fire protection and monitoring system 1 is ceded to the remote authorised smart electronic device 70 from which the acknowledgement signal is received through the microprocessor 65. Once control of the fire protection and monitoring system 1 has been ceded to the remote authorised smart electronic device from which the acknowledgement signal has been received, the person manning the remote authorised smart electronic device 70 operates the fire protection and monitoring system 1 to direct a high pressure waterjet at the detected heat source.

[0145] Immediately upon commencement of outputting of the alert signal, the microprocessor 65 is programmed to time a first predefined time period of typically 2 or 3 minutes. If an acknowledgement signal has not been received from any of the remote authorised smart electronic devices 70 by the end of the first predefined time period and the temperature of the detected heat source still exceeds the predefined upper temperature value of 80°C, the microprocessor 65 operates the second ram 50 to operate the main valve 44 into the fully open state to communicate the outlet port 30 with the high pressure water source, and a high pressure jet of water is directed at the detected heat source. At the end of the first predefined time period, and simultaneously with operating the main valve 44 into the fully open state, the microprocessor 65 is programmed to time a second predefined time period, typically of 4 or 5 minutes, during which the high pressure waterjet is directed at the detected heat source.

[0146] On the second predefined time period having timed out, the microprocessor 65 operates the second ram 50 to in turn operate the main valve 44 into the isolating state to terminate the jet of high pressure water. At the end of the second predefined time period, simultaneously with operating the main valve 44 into the isolating state, if an acknowledgement signal has still not yet been received by the communication system 68, the microprocessor 65 is programmed to time a third predefined time period, typically, of 2 or 3 minutes.

[0147] If at the end of the third predefined time period an acknowledgement signal has still not yet been received by the communication system 68, the microprocessor 65 is programmed to operate the second ram 50 to again operate the main valve 44 into the fully open state to direct the high pressure waterjet through the outlet port 30 at the detected heat source, and simultaneously with operating the main valve 44 into the fully open state, the microprocessor 65 is programmed to time another second predefined time period of 4 to 5 minutes during which the high pressure waterjet is again directed towards the detected heat source. If at the end of that second predefined time period an acknowledgement signal has still not yet been received, the microprocessor 65 operates the second ram 50 to operate the main valve 44 into the isolating state and commences to time another third predefined time period of 2 or 3 minutes, and so operation of the fire protection and monitoring system 1 continues for further cycles of second / third predefined time periods until the fire protection and monitoring system has cycled through six cycles of second / third predefined time periods, during which the high pressure waterjet is directed at the detected heat source for each second predefined time period of the second / third predefined time period cycles.

[0148] If an acknowledgement signal has not been received at the end of the six second / third predefined time period cycles, the fire protection and monitoring system 1 is operated to recommence scanning the protected area.

[0149] If at any time during the first predefined time period or any of the second and third predefined time periods an acknowledgement signal is received from any one of the remote authorised smart electronic devices 70, the control of the fire protection and monitoring system 1 through the microprocessor 65 is automatically ceded to the remote authorised smart electronic device 70 from which the acknowledgement signal has been received. At predefined time intervals of 15 seconds during the first predefined time period and each third predefined time period, the microprocessor 65 determines the temperature of the heat source from the signal read from the thermal imaging camera 62. If the temperature of the detected heat source has fallen below the stored value of the predefined upper temperature value, the microprocessor 65 operates the system 68 to terminate outputting of the alert signal, and operates the drive motor 24 to commence driving the pinion gear 28 to rotate the lower rotatable part 9 of the main housing 5 about the main rotational axis 10, so that scanning of the protected area is recommenced.

[0150] In use, the fire protection and monitoring system 1 is installed in the area to be protected. If the area to be protected is an indoor area, in general, the fire protection and monitoring system 1 is secured to the ceiling of the indoor area. Typically, the fire protection and monitoring system 1 is secured to the ceiling by suitable fixings, for example, masonry bolts through the screw accommodating openings 18 in the upper mounting plate 17. The inlet port 29 is connected to a source of high pressure water. In general, the fire protection and monitoring system 1 is secured to the ceiling at a central location within the protected area, so that the entire protected area can be scanned by the thermal imaging camera 62 by rotating the lower rotatable part 9 of the main housing 5 by the drive motor 24 through consecutive 360° scanning arcs, and operating the first ram 45 to pivot the downstream conduit 40 and the thermal imaging camera 62 about the secondary rotational axis 42 through the appropriate displacement angle a at the end of each 360° scanning arc.

[0151] If the protected area is an outdoor area, the fire protection and monitoring system 1 may be mounted on a dedicated support pilar carrying an upper mounting bracket to which the upper mounting plate 17 of the fire protection and monitoring system 1 is secured. Ideally, the fire protection and monitoring system 1 would be located centrally in the protected area.

[0152] However, if it is not possible in an outdoor protected area to mount the fire protection and monitoring system 1 centrally in the protected area, the fire protection and monitoring system 1 may, for example, be mounted on a mounting bracket extending outwardly from a wall of a building with the upper mounting plate 17 secured to the bracket. In which case, if the fire protection and monitoring system 1 is mounted on such a wall intermediate the ends thereof, the fire protection and monitoring system 1 may be operated such that on each scan by the thermal imaging camera 62, the thermal imaging camera 62 may only be operated through 180°. However, if the fire protection and monitoring system 1 were mounted to a wall adjacent an external corner thereof, it is envisaged that each scan by the thermal imaging camera 62 could be up to 270°.

[0153] Typically, the fire protection and monitoring system 1 is connected to a large volume water tank from which the water is pumped by a high pressure pump to the inlet port 29 of the fire protection and monitoring system 1. It is envisaged that in order to minimise the energy requirements of the high pressure pump, provision would be made for the high pressure pump to be controlled by the microprocessor 65, so that the high pressure pump would only be operated during the second predefined time periods during which the main valve 44 is operated by the second ram 50 into the open state.

[0154] Additionally, if the area of the heat source is such that the area of the pressurised waterjet adjacent the heat source is less than the area of the heat source, the microprocessor 65 is programmed to operate the drive motor 24 to rotate the lower rotatable part 9 through a small arc from side-to-side of the position at which the outlet port 30 and the nozzle 31 are aligned with the heat source in order to operate the waterjet from side-to-side across the detected heat source. The microprocessor 65 is also programmed to operate the first ram 45 to pivot the downstream conduit about the secondary rotational axis 42 through a small arc upwardly and downwardly about the position of the downstream conduit 40 when the outlet port 30 and the nozzle 31 are aligned with the heat source, in order to urge the pressurised waterjet upwardly and downwardly over the heat source, in order that the entire area of the heat source is subjected to the pressurised waterjet.

[0155] Once installed and activated, the fire protection and monitoring system 1 operates as already described.

[0156] While the fire protection and monitoring system has been described as comprising linear actuators in the form of first, second and third rams, any other suitable actuators, be they linear or rotary actuators, may be provided for pivoting the downstream conduit 40 about the secondary rotational axis 42 and / or for operating the main valve 44 between the isolating state and the fully open state and / or for adjusting the nozzle 31. While the first, second and third rams have been described as being double-acting hydraulic rams, the first second and third rams may be pneumatic rams, and furthermore, the first, second and third rams instead of being double-acting rams may be single acting rams with spring return. Additionally, the linear actuators instead of being provided by first, second and third rams, may be provided by other suitable linear motors, for example, electrically powered linear motors or electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically powered rotary motors. It will also be appreciated that other suitable means for rotating the lower rotatable part 9 relative to the upper stationary fixed part 7 of the main housing 5 may be provided besides an electrically powered motor driving a pinion gear engageable with a ring gear, for example, in some embodiments of the invention a linear motor may be used to rotate the lower rotatable part 9 about the main rotational axis 10, such as an electrically powered linear motor, a hydraulic or pneumatic powered ram, and in cases where the fire protection and monitoring system would be operated to scan an arc of less than 360°, for example, an arc of 270°, 180° or 90°, a linear motor may be preferable

[0157] It will also be appreciated that as well as or instead of delaying delivery of the high pressure waterjet for the first predefined time period from the commencement of the transmission of the alert signal to the one or more authorised smart electronic devices, immediately upon determining the existence of a detected heat source, and the nozzle and the outlet port have been directed to the heat source, the microprocessor may operate the main valve from the isolating state to the open state to immediately direct the jet of high pressure water at the detected heat source, and the main valve may be operated either intermittently in the open state as described above or continuously in the open state.

[0158] While the thermal sensing means has been described as comprising a thermal imaging camera, any other suitable thermal sensing means may be used for detecting for the presence of a heat source of temperature exceeding the predefined upper temperature value, and while the thermal imaging camera has been described as being located in the cowling, which is mounted on the strut extending between the carrier plate 61 and the carrier member 59, the cowling may be mounted directly onto the carrier plate 61, or the thermal imaging camera may be located in any other suitable location with or without the cowling.

[0159] It is envisaged that the thermal imaging camera or other suitable thermal sensing means, instead of being mounted on the downstream conduit 40, may be mounted independently of the downstream conduit. In which case, the relative positions of the thermal sensing means and the downstream conduit would be programmed into the microprocessor, and on determining a detected heat source in the protected area, the microprocessor would then rotate the lower rotatable part 9 of the main housing 5 to urge the downstream conduit into the aligned state with the outlet port aligned with the detected heat source. However, it will be appreciated that the advantage of mounting the thermal imaging camera or other suitable thermal sensing means on the downstream conduit is that once the thermal imaging camera or other suitable thermal sensing device is aligned centrally with the detected heat source, minimal movement of the downstream conduit is required in order to align the outlet port and the nozzle with the detected heat source.

[0160] It will also be appreciated that while the fire protection and monitoring system has been described as comprising a main housing adapted for mounting on a structure or a pillar, the main housing may be mounted on any other suitable support means, for example, a support bracket which could be mounted on a vertical wall, and in which case, it is envisaged that the lower rotatable part of the main housing would be configured to rotate to an extent such that the downstream conduit and in turn the thermal imaging camera or other suitable thermal sensing means would be swept through an appropriate arcuate scan, which may be up to 270° in the event of the fire protection and monitoring system 1 being mounted on an external wall adjacent an outer corner of a building, or if the support member or bracket were mounted on a vertical wall in between corners, the lower rotatable part of the main housing would be configured to rotate in order that the downstream conduit and the thermal sensing means would be swept through an arcuate scan of approximately 180°.

[0161] It will also be appreciated that while the fire extinguishing medium has been described as being pressurised water, any other suitable fire extinguishing medium may be used pressurised or otherwise.

[0162] While time periods of specific values have been described, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that time periods of the first, second and third predefined time periods may be of any other suitable and appropriate time duration. It will also be appreciated that while each predefined time interval has been described as being of 15 second duration, the predefined time interval may be of any other suitable time duration. It is envisaged in some embodiments of the invention that the first predefined time period may lie in the range of 10 seconds to 10 minutes, although preferably, it is envisaged that the first predefined time period would like in the range of 1 minute to 8 minutes, and in some embodiments of the invention may be 2 minutes or 3 minutes. It is also envisaged that the second predefined time period may lie in the range of 1 minute to 10 minutes, although preferably, it is envisaged that the second predefined time period would like in the range of 1 minute to 8 minutes, and in some embodiments of the invention the second predefined time period would like in the range of 2 to 5 minutes.

[0163] It is also envisaged that the third predefined time periods may lie in the range of 10 seconds to 10 minutes, although preferably, it is envisaged that each third predefined time period would lie in the range of 1 minute to 8 minutes, and in some embodiments of the invention may be 2 minutes or 3 minutes. While a specific predefined upper temperature value has been described, the predefined upper temperature value may be of any other suitable value. In some embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the predefined upper temperature value may be higher than 80°C, and in some embodiments of the invention may be greater than 100°C, while in other embodiments of the invention the upper predefined temperature may be as high as 150°C, and in some cases, even higher than 150°C.

[0164] Further, it is envisaged that the microprocessor may be programmed to permit setting of the stored value of the predefined upper temperature value at different values for day-time scanning and night-time scanning, and also for day-time scanning during particular times of the day. For example, it is envisaged that the microprocessor may be programmed to permit setting a number of stored values of the predefined upper temperature value for different times of the day, for example, the stored value of the predefined upper temperature value may be set to increase from a value of, for example, 80°C or 100°C at the earlier part of the day, and to increase to a maximum higher value, which may be as high as 200°C towards the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest, and if there were metal components in the protected area, the sun could raise the temperature of the metal components to a temperature close to such a maximum temperature. From the middle of the day onwards, the microprocessor would be programmed to reduce the value of the predefined temperature value back to either 80°C or 100°C towards the evening of the day. It is also envisaged that in open areas and also in indoor areas where vehicles powered by, for example, an internal combustion engine are operating, the stored value of the predefined upper temperature value may be set at a value of, for example, 250°C during times that such vehicles would be known to be operating in the open area, or in the indoor area.

[0165] It is also envisaged that in some embodiments of the invention the microprocessor may be programmed to read signals from a temperature sensor which would monitor the ambient temperature in the protected area being scanned, and the stored value of the predefined upper temperature value may be set relative to the ambient temperature in the protected area.

[0166] It is also envisaged that in the event of the fire protection and monitoring system 1 being mounted on top of an upstanding pillar, the fire protection and monitoring system 1 may be inverted, with the mounting plate 17 secured to the top of the pillar, and the upstanding members 15 extending upwardly from the mounting plate 17 with the main housing 5 mounted on and above the upstanding members 15. In which case, it is envisaged that a central opening would be located in the mounting plate 17, and the stationary conduit 32 would extend downwardly through the mounting plate 17 with the axis of the stationary conduit 32 coinciding with the main rotational axis 10. The inlet port 29 to the stationary conduit 32, would then face downwardly, and could be connected to a conduit extending centrally upwardly through the pillar or along the outside of the pillar for connecting the stationary conduit 32 to the high pressure water source. The downstream conduit and the outlet port would extend downwardly from the secondary rotational axis 42 and would be configured to be pivoted by the first ram about the secondary rotational axis through the angle a from the generally downwardly extending direction to a generally upwardly outwardly direction.

Claims

Claims1. A fire protection and monitoring system for monitoring a protected area, the fire protection and monitoring system comprising a fire extinguishing medium delivery means comprising an outlet port through which a fire extinguishing medium is delivered by the delivery means, a thermal sensing means configured to scan the protected area and to produce a signal indicative of the current temperature of respective scanned incremental areas of the protected area as the thermal sensing means is scanning the protected area incremental area by incremental area, a communicating means configured to communicate with one or more of a fire prevention system for the protected area and / or a remote smart electronic device, and a signal processor, the signal processor being programmed: to sample the signal produced by the thermal sensing means at predefined sampling time intervals as the thermal sensing means is scanning the protected area, to determine from each sampled signal if the sampled signal is indicative of a heat source of temperature exceeding a predefined upper temperature value having been detected, and in response to detection of the detected heat source, to operate the delivery means to orient the outlet port into alignment with the detected heat source, and to operate the communicating means to output an alert signal alerting to the detection of the detected heat source to the one or more of the fire prevention system for the protected area and / or the remote smart electronic device.

2. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 1 in which the communicating means is configured to communicate with the remote smart electronic device in the form of one or more of a remote authorised computer, an authorised tablet and / or an authorised smart mobile phone.

3. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the communicating means is adapted for two-way communication.

4. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the signal processor is programmed to read signals received by the communicating means, and in response to an acknowledgement signal from the remote smart electronic device, the signal processor is programmed to cede control of the delivery means to the remote smart electronic device from which the acknowledgement signal is received in response to reception of the acknowledgement signal from the remote smart electronic device.

5. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 4 in which the signal processor is programmed to cede control of the delivery means to the remote smart electronic device from which the acknowledgement signal is received through the signal processor.

6. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 4 or 5 in which the signal processor is programmed to cede control of the thermal sensing means to the remote smart electronic device from which the acknowledgement signal is received in response to reception of the acknowledgement signal from the remote smart electronic device.

7. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 6 in which the signal processor is programmed to cede control of the thermal sensing means to the remote smart electronic device from which the acknowledgement signal is received through the signal processor.

8. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the signal processor is programmed to operate the delivery means to deliver the fire extinguishing medium through the outlet port to the detected heat source on the outlet port of the delivery means being oriented into alignment with the heat source.

9. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 7 in which the signal processor is responsive to the absence of an acknowledgement signal being received from the remote smart electronic device within a first predefined time period from the commencement of the outputting of the alert signal such that on the first time period having elapsed, the signal processor operates the delivery means to delivery the fire extinguishing medium through the outlet port to the detected heat source.

10. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 8 or 9 in which the signal processor is programmed to deliver the fire extinguishing medium for at least one second predefined time period, the first one of the at least one second predefined time periods being timed from the commencement of delivery of the fire extinguishing medium by the delivery means or from the end of the first predefined time period.

11. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 10 in which the signal processor isprogrammed to operate the delivery means to terminate delivery of the fire extinguishing medium at the end of each second predefined time period.

12. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 10 or 11 in which the signal processor is programmed to time a third predefined time period at the end of each second predefined time period, and the signal processor is responsive to the absence of an acknowledgement signal being received from the remote smart electronic device from the commencement of the outputting of the alert signal to the end of the currently timed third predefined time period to operate the delivery means to deliver the fire extinguishing medium to the detected heat source for another second predefined time period.

13. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 12 in which the signal processor is programmed to continue intermittently delivering the fire extinguishing medium to the detected heat source for further second predefined time periods between respective third predefined time periods in the absence of an acknowledgement signal from the remote smart electronic device from the commencement of the outputting of the alert signal for at least two further cycles of second / third predefined time periods.

14. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 12 or 13 in which the signal processor is programmed to continue intermittently delivering the fire extinguishing medium to the detected heat source for further second predefined time periods between respective third predefined time periods in the absence of an acknowledgement signal from the remote smart electronic device from the commencement of the outputting of the alert signal for at least four further cycles of second / third predefined time periods.

15. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 14 in which the signal processor is programmed to continue intermittently delivering the fire extinguishing medium to the detected heat source for further second predefined time periods between respective third predefined time periods in the absence of an acknowledgement signal from the remote smart electronic device from the commencement of the outputting of the alert signal for at least ten further cycles of second / third predefined time periods.

16. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 15 in which each third predefined time period lies in the range of 30 seconds to 10 minutes.

17. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 16 in which each third predefined time period lies in the range of 1 minute to 8 minutes.

18. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 17 in which each third predefined time period is approximately 2 minutes or 3 minutes.

19. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 18 in which each second predefined time period lies in the range of 1 minute to 10 minutes.

20. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 19 in which each second predefined time period lies in the range of 1 minute to 8 minutes.

21. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 20 in which each second predefined time is approximately 4 minutes or 5 minutes.

22. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 21 in which the first predefined time period lies in the range of 10 seconds to 10 minutes.

23. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 22 in which the first predefined time period lies in the range of 1 minute to 8 minutes.

24. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 23 in which the first predefined time period is approximately 2 minutes or 3 minutes.

25. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 24 in which the signal processor is programmed to determine the temperature of the heat source from the signal read from the thermal sensing means at predefined time intervals during the first and each third predefined time period.

26. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 25 in which the signal processor is programmed to terminate the delivery means intermittently delivering the fire extinguishing medium to the detected heat source for any further cycles of second / third predefined time periods, and to operate the thermal sensing means to recommence scanning of the protected area if the temperature of the heatsource determined from the signal read from the thermal sensing means is indicative of the temperature of the detected heat source having dropped below the predefined upper temperature value during the first predefined time period or the currently timed third predefined time period.

27. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 25 or 26 in which each predefined time interval lies in the range of 1 second to 30 seconds.

28. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 25 to 27 in which each predefined time interval lies in the range of 10 seconds to 20 seconds.

29. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 25 to 28 in which each predefined time interval is approximately 15 seconds.

30. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the signal processor is programmed to operate the communicating means to continuously output the alert signal until an acknowledgement signal is received from the remote smart electronic device or until the signal read from the thermal sensing means is indicative of the temperature of the detected heat source having dropped below the predefined upper temperature value.

31. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the signal processor operates the thermal sensing means to stop scanning in response to detection of a detected heat source.

32. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the signal processor is programmed to determine if the detected heat source is a moving heat source.

33. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 32 in which the signal processor is programmed to bring the thermal sensing means to a halt on detecting of the heat source, and to determine the heat source as being a moving heat source if the heat source moves relative to the thermal sensing means.

34. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the thermal sensing means comprises a thermal imaging device, and preferably, a thermal imaging camera, andadvantageously, the thermal sensing means comprises an early fire detection camera.

35. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 35 in which the signal processor is programmed to operate the thermal imaging device to centre the detected heat source centrally in a captured image frame captured by the thermal imaging device, and the signal processor is programmed to determine the heat source as being a moving heat source in response to the thermal imaging device having to move in order to retain the detected heat source centrally in subsequent captured image frames after the detected heat source has been centred in the image frame captured by the thermal imaging device.

36. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the predefined upper temperature value is greater than 50°C.

37. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the predefined upper temperature value is greater than 60°C.

38. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the predefined upper temperature value is 80°C.

39. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the predefined upper temperature is greater than 80°C.

40. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the predefined upper temperature value is greater than 100°C.

41. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the predefined upper temperature value is greater than 115°C.

42. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the predefined upper temperature value lies in the range of 80°C to 120°C.

43. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the signal produced by the thermal sensing means is indicative of the distance of the detected heat source from thethermal sensing means.

44. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the signal produced by the thermal sensing means is indicative of the distance of the detected heat source from the outlet port of the delivery means.

45. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the signal produced by the thermal sensing means is indicative of the area of the detected heat source.

46. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the outlet port of the delivery means comprises a nozzle.

47. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 46 in which the nozzle comprises an adjustable nozzle adapted for adjusting the shape of a jet of the fire extinguishing medium exiting the nozzle.

48. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 47 in which the nozzle is adjustable to alter the fan angle and / or the cone angle at which the jet of the fire extinguishing medium exits the nozzle.

49. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 47 or 48 in which the signal processor is programmed to adjust the nozzle so that the cross-sectional area of the jet adjacent the detected heat source substantially encompasses the detected heat source.

50. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 49 in which the signal processor is programmed to operate the outlet port to move from side-to-side, and / or up-and-down while the fire extinguishing medium is being directed towards the detected heat source if the cross-sectional area of the jet adjacent the detected heat source does not encompass the area of the detected heat source, in order to ensure that the fire extinguishing medium is directed over the entire area of the detected heat source.

51. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the signal processor is programmed to operate the nozzle to direct the fire extinguishing medium to a peripheralarea extending outwardly from and around the detected heat source.

52. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the signal processor is programmed to permit access to the signal produced by the thermal imaging device indicative of the captured image frames captured by the thermal imaging device to the one or more remote authorised smart electronic devices.

53. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 52 in which the signal processor is programmed to permit access to the signal indicative of the captured image frames in real time.

54. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the thermal imaging device is revolvable relative to a main rotational axis through at least one scanning arc.

55. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the thermal imaging device is revolvable relative to a main rotational axis through a plurality of scanning arcs.

56. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 54 or 55 in which each scanning arc extends through an angular distance of 90° about the main rotational axis.

57. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 54 to 56 in which each scanning arc extends through an angular distance of at least 180° about the main rotational axis.

58. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 54 to 57 in which each scanning arc extends through an angular distance of at least 270° about the main rotational axis.

59. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 54 to 58 in which each scanning arc extends through an angular distance of approximately 360° around the main rotational axis.

60. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 54 to 59 in which each scanning arc defines a scanning path defining spaced apart opposite peripheral side edges thereof.

61. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 54 to 60 in which the thermal imaging device is configured to scan the protected area with the adjacent peripheral side edgesof adjacent scanning arcs substantially coinciding with each other or overlapping each other.

62. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 54 to 61 in which the thermal imaging device is configured so that the number of scanning arcs and the transverse width thereof between the opposite peripheral side edges of the paths thereof is sufficient to scan the protected area.

63. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the thermal sensing means is mounted adjacent the outlet port of the delivery means.

64. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the thermal sensing means is mounted adjacent the nozzle of the outlet port.

65. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the thermal sensing means is mounted on the delivery means adjacent the outlet port.

66. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the outlet port of the delivery means is adapted to move synchronously with the thermal sensing means.

67. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the delivery means is adapted to deliver the fire extinguishing medium in a form of a liquid.

68. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the fire extinguishing medium comprises a pressurised liquid, and preferably, pressurised water.

69. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the delivery means comprises a mounting member and a rotatable element mounted on the mounting member, and rotatable relative to the mounting member.

70. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 69 in which the rotatable element is rotatable about the main rotational axis.

71. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 69 or 70 in which the outlet port isconnected to the rotatable element.

72. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 69 to 71 in which the fire extinguishing medium is accommodated to the outlet port through a fire extinguishing medium accommodating conduit system extending from an inlet port.

73. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 72 in which the fire extinguishing medium accommodating conduit system comprises a fixed non-rotatable upstream conduit extending from the inlet port, and a downstream conduit terminating in the outlet port.

74. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 73 in which the non-rotatable upstream conduit is connected to the downstream conduit through an intermediate conduit.

75. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 74 in which the intermediate conduit comprises a first intermediate conduit rotatably connected to the non-rotatable upstream conduit by a first connector about the main rotational axis.

76. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 75 in which the first intermediate conduit and the non-rotatable conduit define respective central axes adjacent the first connector, the respective central axes adjacent the first connector coinciding with each other and defining a first rotational axis substantially coinciding with the main rotational axis.

77. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 74 to 76 in which the intermediate conduit comprises a second intermediate conduit extending between the first intermediate conduit and the downstream conduit, the second intermediate conduit being rotatably connected to the first intermediate conduit by a second connector about a secondary rotational axis.

78. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 77 in which the first intermediate conduit and the second intermediate conduit define respective central axes adjacent the second connector, the respective central axes thereof coinciding with each other and defining a secondary rotational axis extending generally transversely of the main rotational axis.

79. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 78 in which the downstream conduitis pivotal relative to the second intermediate conduit about the secondary rotational axis.

80. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 77 to 79 in which the downstream conduit extends from the outlet port to a downstream right-angle bend upstream of the outlet port, and the downstream right-angle bend is connected to the second intermediate conduit through the second connector.

81. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 77 to 80 in which the second connector comprises a downstream rotary coupling defining a rotational axis coinciding with the secondary rotational axis.

82. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 75 to 81 in which the first connector comprises an upstream rotary coupling defining a rotational axis coinciding with the main rotational axis.

83. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 75 to 82 in which the first intermediate conduit comprises an upstream right-angle bend.

84. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in Claim 83 in which the secondary rotational axis defined by the downstream rotary coupling lies in a common plane containing the main rotational axis.

85. A fire protection and monitoring system as claimed in any of Claims 69 to 84 in which the mounting member is adapted for mounting on a support structure with the rotatable element located beneath the mounting member.

86. A fire protection and monitoring method for monitoring a protected area, the method comprising scanning the protected area with a thermal sensing means, the thermal sensing means being configured to produce a signal indicative of the current temperature of respective scanned incremental areas of the protected area during scanning thereof by the thermal sensing means, reading the signal produced by the thermal sensing means, and if the signal read from the thermal sensing means is indicative of a heat source of temperature greater than a predefined upper temperature being detected in the currently scanned incremental area, operating a fire extinguishing medium delivery means having an outlet portthrough which the fire extinguishing medium is delivered to align the outlet port with the detected heat source, and outputting an alert signal alerting to the detection of the detected heat source to one or both of a fire prevention system for the protected area and / or to a remote smart electronic device.

87. A method as claimed in Claim 86 in which the alert signal is outputted to the remote smart electronic device in the form of one or more of a remote authorised computer, an authorised tablet and / or an authorised smart mobile phone.

88. A method as claimed in Claim 86 or 87 in which in response to an acknowledgement signal from one of the remote smart electronic devices, control of the delivery means is ceded to the remote smart electronic device from which the acknowledgement signal is received.

89. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 88 in which control of the thermal sensing means is ceded to the remote smart electronic device from which the acknowledgement signal is received.

90. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 89 in which the delivery means is operated to deliver the fire extinguishing medium through the outlet port to the detected heat source on the outlet port of the delivery means being oriented into alignment with the heat source.

91. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 89 in which in response to the absence of an acknowledgement signal being received from any of the remote smart electronic devices within a first predefined time period from the commencement of the outputting of the alert signal, the delivery means is operated to deliver the fire extinguishing medium through the outlet port to the detected heat source.

92. A method as claimed in Claim 91 in which the delivery means is operated to deliver the fire extinguishing medium for at least one second predefined time period, the first one of the second predefined time periods being timed from the commencement of delivery of the fire extinguishing medium by the delivery means or from the end of the first predefined time period.

93. A method as claimed in Claim 92 in which the delivery means is operated to terminate delivery of the fire extinguishing medium at the end of each second predefined time period.

94. A method as claimed in Claim 92 or 93 in which a third predefined time period is timed at theend of each second predefined time period, and in the absence of an acknowledgement signal being received from the remote smart electronic device from the commencement of the outputting of the alert signal to the end of the currently timed third predefined time period the delivery means is operated to deliver the fire extinguishing medium to the detected heat source for another second predefined time period.

95. A method as claimed in Claim 94 in which the delivery means is operated to continue intermittently delivering the fire extinguishing medium to the detected heat source for further second predefined time periods between respective third predefined time periods in the absence of an acknowledgement signal from any one of the remote smart electronic devices from the commencement of the outputting of the alert signal for at least two further cycles of second / third predefined time periods.

96. A method as claimed in Claim 94 or 95 in which the delivery means is operated to continue intermittently delivering the fire extinguishing medium to the detected heat source for further second predefined time periods between respective third predefined time periods in the absence of an acknowledgement signal from any one of the remote smart electronic devices from the commencement of the outputting of the alert signal for at least four further cycles of second / third predefined time periods.

97. A method as claimed in any of Claims 94 to 96 in which the delivery means is operated to continue intermittently delivering the fire extinguishing medium to the detected heat source for further second predefined time periods between respective third predefined time periods in the absence of an acknowledgement signal from any one of the remote smart electronic devices from the commencement of the outputting of the alert signal for at least ten further cycles of second / third predefined time periods.

98. A method as claimed in any of Claims 94 to 97 in which each third predefined time period lies in the range of 30 seconds to 10 minutes.

99. A method as claimed in any of Claims 94 to 98 in which each third predefined time period lies in the range of 1 minute to 8 minutes.

100. A method as claimed in any of Claims 94 to 99 in which each third predefined time period is approximately 2 minutes or 3 minutes.

101. A method as claimed in any of Claims 92 to 100 in which each second predefined time period lies in the range of 1 minute to 10 minutes.

102. A method as claimed in any of Claims 92 to 101 in which each second predefined time period lies in the range of 1 minute to 8 minutes.

103. A method as claimed in any of Claims 92 to 102 in which each second predefined time is approximately 4 minutes or 5 minutes.

104. A method as claimed in any of Claims 91 to 103 in which the first predefined time period lies in the range of 10 seconds to 10 minutes.

105. A method as claimed in any of Claims 91 to 104 in which the first predefined time period lies in the range of 1 minute to 8 minutes.

106. A method as claimed in any of Claims 91 to 105 in which the first predefined time period is approximately 2 minutes or 3 minutes.

107. A method as claimed in any of Claims 91 to 106 in which the temperature of the heat source is determined from the signal read from the thermal sensing means at predefined time intervals during the first predefined time period or the currently timed third predefined time period.

108. A method as claimed in Claim 107 in which the delivery means is operated to terminate intermittent delivery of the fire extinguishing medium to the detected heat source for any further cycles of second / third predefined time periods, and to operate the thermal sensing means to recommence scanning of the protected area if the temperature of the detected heat source determined from the signal read from the thermal sensing means is indicative of the temperature of the detected heat source having dropped below the predefined upper temperature value during the first predefined time period or the currently timed third predefined time period.

109. A method as claimed in Claim 107 or 108 in which each predefined time interval lies in the range of 1 second to 30 seconds.

110. A method as claimed in any of Claims 107 to 109 in which each predefined time interval lies in the range of 10 seconds to 20 seconds.

111. A method as claimed in any of Claims 107 to 110 in which each predefined time interval is approximately 15 seconds.

112. A method as claimed in any of Claims 107 to 111 in which the alert signal is continuously outputted until an acknowledgement signal is received from any one of the remote smart electronic devices or until the signal read from the thermal sensing means is indicative of the temperature of the detected heat source having dropped below the predefined upper temperature value.

113. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 112 in which the thermal sensing means is brought to a halt in response to detection of a detected heat source.

114. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 113 in which the thermal sensing means comprises a thermal imaging device.

115. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 114 in which a determination is made as to whether the detected heat source comprises a stationary heat source or a moving heat source.

116. A method as claimed in Claim 115 in which the detected heat source is determined as being a moving heat source if the detected heat source moves relative to the thermal sensing means after the thermal sensing means has been brought to a halt.

117. A method as claimed in Claim 115 or 116 in which on a heat source being detected the thermal imaging device is operated to centre the detected heat source centrally in an image frame captured by the thermal imaging device, and the heat source is determined as being a moving heat source if the thermal imaging device must move in order to retain the detected heat source centrally in subsequently captured image frames after the detected heat source has been centred in one of the image frames.

118. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 117 in which the predefined upper temperature value is greater than 50°C.

119. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 118 in which the predefined upper temperature value is greater than 60°C.

120. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 119 in which the predefined upper temperature value is 80°C.

121. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 120 in which the predefined upper temperature is greater than 80°C.

122. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 121 in which the predefined upper temperature value is greater than 100°C, and preferably, is greater than 115°C.

123. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 122 in which the predefined upper temperature value lies in the range of 80°C to 120°C.

124. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 123 in which the signal produced by the thermal sensing means is indicative of the distance of the detected heat source from the outlet port of the delivery means.

125. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 124 in which the signal produced by the thermal sensing means is indicative of the distance of the detected heat source from the thermal sensing means.

126. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 125 in which the signal produced by the thermal sensing means is indicative of the area of the detected heat source.

127. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 126 in which the outlet port of the delivery means comprises a nozzle.

128. A method as claimed in Claim 127 in which the nozzle comprises an adjustable nozzle adapted for adjusting the shape of a jet of the fire extinguishing medium exiting the nozzle.

129. A method as claimed in Claim 127 or 128 in which the nozzle is adjustable to alter the fan angle and / or the cone angle at which the jet of the fire extinguishing medium exits the nozzle.

130. A method as claimed in any of Claims 127 to 129 in which the nozzle is adjusted so that the cross-sectional area of the jet adjacent the detected heat source substantially encompasses the detected heat source.

131. A method as claimed in any of Claims 127 to 130 in which the nozzle is operated to direct the fire extinguishing medium to a peripheral area extending outwardly from and around the detected heat source.

132. A method as claimed in any of Claims 127 to 131 in which the thermal sensing means is mounted adjacent the nozzle of the outlet port.

133. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 132 in which the outlet port of the delivery means is moved from side-to-side, and / or up-and-down while the fire extinguishing medium is being directed towards the detected heat source if the cross-sectional area of the jet adjacent the detected heat source does not encompass the area of the detected heat source, in order to ensure that the fire extinguishing medium is directed over the entire area of the detected heat source.

134. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 133 in which the thermal sensing means is revolvable relative to a main rotational axis through at least one scanning arc.

135. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 134 in which the thermal sensing means is revolvable relative to a main rotational axis through a plurality of scanning arcs.

136. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 135 in which each scanning arc extends through an angular distance of 90° about the main rotational axis.

137. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 136 in which each scanning arc extends through an angular distance of at least 180° about the main rotational axis.

138. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 137 in which each scanning arc extends through an angular distance of at least 270° about the main rotational axis.

139. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 138 in which each scanning arc extends through an angular distance of approximately 360° around the main rotational axis.

140. A method as claimed in any of Claims 134 to 139 in which each scanning arc defines a scanning path defining spaced apart opposite peripheral side edges thereof.

141. A method as claimed in any of Claims 134 to 140 in which the thermal imaging device is configured to scan the protected area with the adjacent peripheral side edges of adjacent scanning arcs substantially coinciding with each other or overlapping each other.

142. A method as claimed in any of Claims 134 to 141 in which the thermal imaging device is configured so that the number of scanning arcs and the transverse width thereof between the opposite peripheral side edges of the paths thereof is sufficient to scan the protected area.

143. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 142 in which the thermal sensing means is mounted adjacent the outlet port of the delivery means.

144. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 143 in which the thermal sensing means is mounted on the delivery means adjacent the outlet port.

145. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 144 in which the outlet port of the delivery means is adapted to move synchronously with the thermal sensing means.

146. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 145 in which the delivery means is adapted to deliver the fire extinguishing medium in a form of a liquid.

147. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 146 in which the fire extinguishing medium comprises a pressurised liquid.

148. A method as claimed in any of Claims 86 to 147 in which the fire extinguishing medium comprises water.

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