Fire extinguisher notification system and method of use

摘要

A system for notifying when a fire extinguisher is discharged or moved uses a device mounted on the fire extinguisher for monitoring one or more conditions. For example, the device may be interconnected with a trigger detecting mechanism otherwise present on the extinguisher or sense a sudden drop in pressure to detect when the extinguisher is activated. An accelerometer may be provided to detect motion. GPS processing can identify the location of the fire extinguisher when an event occurs. When the device detects a change in one or more of the conditions, or needs to send periodic updates of the fire extinguisher conditions, a message is forwarded from the device to a third party clearinghouse via a wireless communication network. The clearinghouse reviews the data, and forwards the data, as may be appropriate, to one or more authorized parties identified in the database.

主权项

1. A notification device for a fire extinguisher, comprising:
a pressure sensor for coupling to the fire extinguisher for sensing pressure in the fire extinguisher; a wireless communication transmitter for transmitting via a public cellular wireless mobile communication network; a receiver for receiving signals to determine a location of the fire extinguisher; and a programmed microprocessor for controlling operations of the transceiver and the receiver, wherein programming of the microprocessor configures the notification device for responding to the pressure sensor by:
upon determining when the sensed pressure meets a first report criteria related to a sudden drop of the pressure in the fire extinguisher,
initiating processing of signals through the receiver to obtain information identifying a current location of the fire extinguisher;generating a first notification message containing an identification of the fire extinguisher and the information identifying the current location of the fire extinguisher; andoperating the wireless communication transmitter to send the first notification message through the public cellular wireless communication network addressed for delivery to signal a first party of a discharge of the fire extinguisher; andupon determining when the sensed pressure meets a second report criteria related a slow drop or to certain amount of the pressure in the fire extinguisher;
initiating processing of signals through the receiver to obtain information identifying a current location of the fire extinguisher;generating a second notification message containing an identification of the fire extinguisher and the information identifying the current location of the fire extinguisher; andoperating the wireless communication transmitter to send the second notification message through the public cellular wireless communication network to signal a second party to recharge the fire extinguisher;wherein the notification device is configured to be mounted on the fire extinguisher.