Abstract:
A fire alarm system utilizes an ionization type aerosol detector having first and second intercommunicating and electrically in series ionization regions or chambers irradiated by a particle source. Electrodes are provided which operate in conjunction with a DC voltage source to establish a relatively large voltage gradient across the first region and a relatively small voltage gradient in the second region. Also, the location of the ion source and the effective volumes of the regions are arranged to establish a comparatively high ion density in the first region. In operation, the impedance or resistance of the first region to ion current flow is substantially uninfluenced by the presence of combustion or smoke aerosols due to the relatively high field gradient while the impedance or resistance of the second region is measurably changed thereby. The insensitivity of the first region to the presence of smoke is due to the high voltage gradient therein, as well as to the high ion density therein. The detector operates by the method of employing the second region as a signal or sensing ion chamber and the first region as a reference chamber, thereby to develop electrical signals on the electrodes representative of detected smoke aerosols for driving the associated fire alarm circuitry. The ion collecting electrode in the second region defines a sensing volume which communicates with the surrounding atmosphere to be monitored and which is located at the optimum distance from the particle source to maximize ion production and collection.
Abstract:
An improved chamber assembly for a dual chamber ionization smoke detector. A fluorocarbon plastic insulation member provides a non wettable insulating dividing wall between the two chambers.
Abstract:
An ionization detection chamber, in particular for a fire detecting apparatus, of the type comprising an ionizing source and two electrodes each of which constitutes an ion collecting electrode of a given sign. In order to minimize the variation of the ion collection current when the surrounding pressure increases, the chamber further comprises at least one ion collecting member integral with one of the electrodes, said collecting member extending towards the ionizing source in the radiation beam of the latter.
Abstract:
This disclosure relates to anemometers and particularly to ion anemometers. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a directional, ion anemometer where an alpha nuclear radiation source is positioned between two electrodes of opposing polarity in a balanced electrical field. The ion cloud concentration generated by the radiation source is changed by motion of the air to cause a differential voltage or current, between the source and the electrodes, proportional to the wind velocity.
Abstract:
Improved ionization detectors capable of analyses at temperatures of 500* C. or more for use with analysis instruments such as gas chromatographs, utilize a radioactive source of nickel-63.