• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    PNEUMATIC SENSOR APPARATUS A pneumatic sensing apparatus for use in a fire or overheating alarm system comprising a sensor assembly comprising a sensor means 51, 61, 71 containing a pressurized gas, coupled to a pressure sensor 52, 62, 72. pressure sensor 52, 62, 72 is configured to produce a signal that is indicative of gas pressure. Pressure sensor 52, 62, 72 comprises an optical pressure sensor and the signal comprises an optical signal.
    公开号:BR102014006083B1
    申请号:R102014006083-9
    申请日:2014-03-14
    公开日:2021-05-11
    发明作者:Paul Alan Rennie；Paul David Smith
    申请人:Kidde Technologies, Inc.；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    TECHNICAL FIELD
    [0001] The examples described here refer to a pneumatic sensor device that can be used, among other applications, in a fire alarm system. The sensor device can be used in a fire alarm system in an airplane. BACKGROUND
    [0002] A known fire or overheat alarm system comprises a sensing tube in fluid communication with a pneumatic pressure detector, also known as a pressure switching module. The sensor tube commonly comprises a metallic sensor tube containing a metal hydride core, typically titanium hydride, and an inert gas filler such as helium. Such a system is shown in US-3122728 (Lindberg).
    [0003] Exposure of the sensor tube to an elevated temperature causes the metal hydride core to give off hydrogen. The associated pressure rise in the sensor tube causes a normally open pressure switch in the detector to close. This generates a discreet alarm. The pneumatic pressure detector is also configured to generate an average snubber overheat alarm due to pressure rise associated with thermal expansion of the inert gas fill. Medium and discrete alarm states can be detected as a single alarm state using a single pressure switch or separately using at least two pressure switches;
    [0004] It is also common practice to incorporate an integrity pressure switch that is kept closed, under normal temperature conditions, by the pressure exerted by the inert gas filling. A known pneumatic pressure detector having an alarm switch and an integrity switch is shown in US-5136278 (Watson et al.). The detector uses an alarm diaphragm and an integrity diaphragm having a common geometric axis. SUMMARY
    [0005] A pneumatic sensor apparatus for use in a fire or overheating alarm system is described herein comprises a sensor assembly comprising a sensor means containing a pressurized gas, coupled to a pressure sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to produce a signal that is indicative of the gas pressure. The pressure sensor comprises an optical pressure sensor and the signal comprises an optical signal.
    [0006] In some of the examples described here, the sensor apparatus may further comprise a control unit, the control unit comprising an interrogator, wherein . the pressure sensor is in communication with the interrogator. The interrogator may further comprise means for receiving the signal from the pressure sensor and may also further comprise means for processing the signal to provide data indicating gas pressure.
    [0007] In examples described here, the sensor apparatus may further comprise an alarm means. The interrogator can be in communication with the alarm means and the interrogator can; further comprising means for comparing data indicative of gas pressure with the first gas pressure threshold, the interrogator being further configured to activate the alarm means to provide an alarm output based on the comparison with the first gas pressure threshold.
    [0008] In an example described here, the pressure sensor can be responsive to a change in pressure of the pressurized gas and configured to produce a signal that is indicative of that change in pressure.
    [0009] In an example described here, the optical pressure sensor can be connected to the interrogator through an optical fiber.
    [0010] In an example described here, the interrogator can be configured to activate the alarm means if the signal is above the first pressure threshold, thereby indicating an overheating.
    [0011] In an example described here, the interrogator can be configured to activate the alarm means if the signal is below the first pressure threshold, thereby indicating a failure in the apparatus.
    [0012] In an example described here, the interrogator can be configured to activate the alarm means if the signal is above the first pressure threshold, thereby indicating an overheating and further configured to activate the alarm means if the signal is below of a second pressure threshold, thereby indicating a device failure.
    [0013] In an example described here, the alarm means can have first and second means of alarm output and the interrogator can be configured to activate the first means of alarm output if the signal is above the first pressure threshold of that mode indicating an overheating and further configured to activate the second means of alarm output if the signal is below the second pressure threshold, thereby indicating an instrument failure.
    [0014] In an example described here, the interrogator can be configured to process the optical signal indicative of gas pressure to provide data indicating whether the detected pressure is above and/or below a plurality of pressure thresholds, and the interrogator can be configured to activate the alarm means if the signal is above and/or below the plurality of pressure thresholds.
    [0015] In an example described here, the interrogator can be configured to continuously receive and process the signal indicative of gas pressure from the optical pressure sensor and provide data indicative of the gas pressure, and/or a change in pressure of gas, based on the continuously received pressure signal. In one example, the interrogator can be configured to process this data and provide additional information based on that data.
    [0016] In an example, the information may be a gas pressure rise rate. In another example, the infoimation might be long-term trending of the gas pressure.
    [0017] In an example the interrogator can be configured to process data indicative of a continuously variable pressure signal and provide information based on that data. In one example, the information might be a gas pressure rise rate. In another example, the information may be long-term trending of gas pressure. ■ J
    [0018] In an example described here, the sensor apparatus may further comprise a plurality of sensor assemblies. In that example, the control unit may also further comprise a multiplexer which is in communication with the plurality of sensor assemblies and also in communication with the interrogator. The multiplexer can be configured to receive the signal from the pressure sensors of each of the plurality of sensor assemblies and transmit these: signals to the interrogator to . i. processing.
    [0019] The plurality of sensor assemblies may be in communication with the multiplexer through an optical fiber or fibers and each of the signals may be transmitted from the plurality of pressure sensors to the multiplexer via that optical fiber or fibers.
    [0020] In an example described here, the sensor apparatus may further comprise a distributed fiber optic sensor, and the distributed fiber optic sensor and the sensor assembly or assemblies may be connected to a multiplexer, the multiplexer being further configured to transmit a signal from the fiber optic distributed sensor and the sensor assembly or assemblies to the interrogator for processing.
    [0021] In a further example described herein, the apparatus may further comprise a plurality of such distributed fiber optic sensors, the multiplexer being further configured to transmit a signal from each of the plurality of distributed fiber optic sensors to the interrogator.
    [0022] In any of the examples described here, the multiplexers described can be connected to the interrogator through a fiber or optical fibers. In one example, the multiplexer can be connected to the interrogator via a single optical fiber.
    [0023] In any of the examples described here that comprise a control unit, the control unit may be located near or remotely from the sensor assembly.
    [0024] In any of the examples described here, the optical fiber(s) used to connect the pressure sensor(s) to the multiplexer and/or the interrogator may comprise a metal coated silica fiber.
    [0025] In a further example, at least a portion of the optical fiber(s) used to connect the pressure sensor(s) to the multiplexer and/or interrogator may understand a sapphire fiber.
    [0026] The pressure sensor(s) may comprise an intensity-based fiber optic pressure sensor.
    [0027] The pressure sensor(s) may comprise a fiber Bragg Network sensor.
    [0028] The pressure sensor(s) may comprise a pressure sensor based on Fabry-Perot.
    [0029] In an example where the pressure sensor comprises a diaphragm, the pressure diaphragm may be formed at least partially of etched silicon, and may be at least partially formed of etched silicon carbide. The pressure diaphragm can also be formed at least partially from a metal. In one example, the metal may comprise TZM alloy.
    [0030] Examples of pressure sensing apparatus will be described / - r now with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a known pneumatic sensing device.
    [0032] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a known intensity-based fiber optic pressure sensor.
    [0033] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a known Faber-Perot based fiber optic pressure sensor.
    [0034] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sensor apparatus as described here.
    [0035] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an additional example of a sensor apparatus as described here.
    [0036] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an additional example of a sensor apparatus as described here. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
    [0037] An example of a known type of pneumatic pressure detector fire alarm system, such as that described in US 5,691,702, is shown in figure 1. The detector includes electrical circuitry connected to terminal 1 to provide a voltage 28 volt DC. A capillary sensing tube 11 is connected to a responsive assembly 10. Such capillary sensing tubes can be placed, for example, in the compartment of an aircraft where fire or overheating conditions are to be detected. In one example, the sensor tube can be placed in an airplane engine compartment.
    [0038] The sensor tube comprises a core element 12 that stores hydrogen gas and is configured to allow a gas path in the event of damage to the sensor such as crushing or deformation. Wall 13 encloses the core and seals in pressurized helium gas.
    [0039] The responder assembly 10 comprises a gas-tight hot air duct 15, to which the sensor tube 11 is connected. The responder assembly further contains both an alarm switch 14 and an integrity switch 16. Terminal 2, which is connected to metal diaphragms 17 and 18, provides an alarm signal whenever one switch closes and the other switch opens, as described. bellow.
    [0040] The ambient helium gas pressure provided in sensor tube 11 is directly related to the average temperature in the area that the detector must be positioned and thus an increase in temperature in the region of sensor tube 11 causes a proportional rise in pressure of : Helium gas. In a situation where the compartment temperature rises to: the factory-set alarm rating, the diaphragm 17, which is inside the gas hot air duct 15, is therefore forced against the contact 1, thereby closing the switch normally open alarm and thus activating the alarm. When compartment cooling occurs, the gas pressure reduces, thereby opening the alarm switch so that the alarm no longer activates and is ready to respond again. When an actual fire is indicated, as opposed to overheating, hydrogen gas in the I core 12 is released to close the alarm switch.
    [0041] In an event where the sensor tube 11 is cut, helium gas escapes thereby causing the diaphragm 18, which is tightly closed against the contact 3, to open the integrity switch; 16, thereby signaling system failure.
    [0042] A further example described in US 5,691,702 has an associated control electronics stage (not shown in Figure 1) which is remotely located from the responder assembly and which is provided to receive, process and indicate signal conditions that ; are present in the responder set. A single wire connects the remote control electronics stage to the responder assembly. .
    [0043] A further example of a known pneumatic fire detector apparatus is described in US 2009/0236205 Al. The fire alarm system incorporates a vanadium or titanium wire inserted into a capillary sensor tube. The wire is exposed to high temperature and pressurized hydrogen gas and absorbs the gas and stores it as the cold cools. This saturated wire is inserted into a sensor tube, pressurized with an inert gas, and sealed at both ends to form a pressure vessel, which can then be used as a pneumatic detector. One end is incorporated into a housing comprising a hot air duct where the integrity and alarm switches are located. When the sensor tube portion of the pneumatic detector is exposed to an increasing temperature, the pressure inside the sensor tube also increases. Preformed metal diaphragms are positioned to provide an open switch (alarm switch) and a closed switch (integrity switch). In the event of an overheating, or fire condition, the pressure in the sensor tube and hot air duct rises and if a predetermined elevated temperature condition is reached, the pressure in the hot air duct increases to such a point that the diaphragm will be deformed from mode to close the alarm switch and thereby activate the alarm. Conversely, for the integrity switch configuration, the diaphragm is deformed so that it responds to a predetermined drop in antecedent pressure to lose electrical contact and create an open switch. Electrical wiring is used to connect the respective alarm and integrity switches to an electronic control unit.
    [0044] Although such pneumatic pressure detectors do not rely on electron conduction mechanisms as their primary mode of operation, they still utilize a pressure switch that closes an electrical contact as described above. A disadvantage of this is that such sensors experience electromagnetic interference problems. Furthermore, since the control unit for such sensors is normally positioned remotely from the aircraft compartment in which the sensor tube is positioned, these electromagnetic interference problems are increased by the fact that long electrical cables must then be used to route the signal back to the control unit.
    [0045] A new linear pneumatic sensor is therefore described here that overcomes problems associated with such known sensors and the electromagnetic interference they experience. ‘ >.
    [0046] In the examples shown in figures 4, 5 and 6, the new sensor apparatus comprises a sensor assembly comprising a sensor means 51, 61, 71, and an optical pressure sensor 52, 62, 72. The pressure sensor Optical 52, 62, 72 is therefore used in place of an electrical pressure switch. The optical pressure sensor can be used in combination with an interrogator 53, 63, 73 which can be provided in a control unit 58, 68, 78 (not shown in figure 4) which may or may not be located remotely from the pressure sensor. optical pressure 52, 62, 72. An optical fiber 54, 64, 74 can further connect the optical pressure sensor 52, 62, 72 to the interrogator 53, 63, 73, to thereby forward information, via a light signal, from the optical pressure sensor back to the interrogator. Because of this, a new type of sensor is provided that is immune to electromagnetic interference, even if the control unit is supplied remotely from the sensor assembly.
    [0047] In detail, Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the circuitry of a new sensor apparatus 50, comprising a pneumatic sensing means 51. Any type of pneumatic sensing means can be used, such as those described above and in US 5,691 .702 or US 2009/0236205 Al. In one example, the sensor means 51 may comprise a capillary sensor tube similar to that described above with reference to Figure 1. As described above, with such pneumatic pressure sensors, the pressure of helium gas contained in the sensing means is directly related to the temperature being detected by the sensing means 51.
    [0048] In contrast died the known example shown in figure 1, however, and as shown in figures 4, 5 and 6, instead of being connected to a responder assembly comprising electrical switches, the pneumatic sensing means 51, in this example, is rather, connected to an optical pressure sensor 52, which is responsive to the gas pressure in the sensor means, and/or to a change in gas pressure in the sensor means, and provides a light signal that is indicative of the pressure of gas and/or change in pressure of; gas to the control unit.
    [0049] Different types of optical pressure sensors that can be used with the sensor apparatus, described here, include, but are not limited to, intensity based pressure sensors, F-P based pressure sensors, or FBG based pressure sensors.
    [0050] An example of a known intensity-based pressure sensor 30 is described in US 8074501 B2, and is further depicted in figure 2. This figure shows the basic operation of the sensing mechanism of this intensity-based fiber optic pressure sensor. . Light from a multimode optical fiber 31 is incident on a diaphragm 32, which reflects light incident on a second multimode fiber 33. An increase in applied pressure, caused, for example, by an increase in temperature, causes that the diaphragm deflects and this causes a variation in the intensity of the light collected by the second fiber. If used in the sensing apparatus examples described herein, this would produce a signal that is indicative of the gas pressure, or change in gas pressure, in the pneumatic sensing means.
    [0051] This sensor and the technique by which it works is quite simple and does not require complex and expensive interrogation techniques. In its simplest form all that is required is a low-cost LED and photodiode coupled to the respective fibers 31, 33. Although it can be said that this simple approach only has relatively moderate measurement accuracy and resolution over a relatively narrow pressure range compared to some other sensors, this does not adversely affect the sensor apparatus described here, as it does not require a high measurement resolution over a wide pressure range. As such, the use of such a relatively simple and low-cost intensity-based technique provides advantages as it keeps cost to a minimum as well as reduces the complexity of the apparatus.
    [0052] Another known type of optical pressure sensor that can be used with the sensor apparatus described here is a pressure sensor based on Fabry-Perot 40, as described in US 8253954 B2. Figure 3 shows the basic operation of the sensing mechanism of this FP 40-based fiber optic pressure sensor. A Fabry-Perot cavity 41 is formed between the face of the fiber optic 42, and the reflective surface 43 of the diaphragm 44. Light is thrown onto the fiber and the resulting interference pattern transmitted back along the same fiber to an interrogator (not shown).
    [0053] The length of cavity 41 changes as diaphragm 44 is deflected by pressure and this causes a change in the interference pattern created by cavity FP 41. If used in the sensor apparatus examples described here, this would also produce a signal that is indicative of the gas pressure, or change in gas pressure, in the pneumatic sensing means.
    [0054] The interrogator for this technique has a higher complexity and cost compared to intensity-based techniques as described above, but offers the advantage of improved measurement accuracy resolution over a wider range of pressures.
    [0055] An additional type of known optical pressure sensor that can be used with the sensor apparatus described here is a fiber Bragg Network pressure sensor (hereinafter referred to as FBG sensor). These fall into two categories, the first being an intrinsic FBG pressure sensor, where the pressure acts directly on the FEG. This causes an ellipsoidal deformation of the fiber core and a corresponding change in the reflected FBG spectra. The second most common approach is indirect pressure measurement where pressure is converted through an appropriate transducer into a compression or longitudinal extension of the FBG. The pressure-induced change in voltage generates an alteration in the reflected FBG spectra.
    [0056] Examples of such sensors are provided in US 8176790 and US 6563970. In many cases, additional steps have been taken to include a reference FBG to compensate for temperature-induced changes in the FBG spectra. Examples of this are described in US 20110048136 and US 20110264398. The interrogator for this technique has a higher cost and complexity compared to intensity-based techniques, but offers the advantage of improved measurement resolution and accuracy over a wider measurement range .
    [0057] As described above, the optical pressure sensor 52, 62, 72 can be connected to the interrogator by an optical fiber and can therefore transmit this light signal through that optical fiber 54, 64, 74 to the interrogator 53 , 63, 73, which can be provided in the control unit (not shown in figure 4). Since an optical fiber is used, as opposed to an electrical cable, electromagnetic interference does not become a problem, even if the control unit is located remotely from the sensor assembly. The interrogator 53, 63, 73 can then provide initial signal processing dependent on the fiber optic detection technique employed to provide pressure data indicating the gas pressure.
    [0058] In some examples described here, the interrogator may further comprise means for comparing this data with a first gas pressure threshold. The interrogator can be further connected to an alarm means, which can comprise an alarm output means, and in the examples shown in figures 4 to 6, it comprises both first 55, 65, 75 and second alarm output means 56, 66 , 76. Of course, any number of alarm output means can be used, depending on choice. The interrogator can therefore use this data in relation to gas pressure in order to cause the alarm means to provide an alarm output or outputs based on this data, and/or if such certain threshold conditions are met.
    [0059] For example, the signal provided by the optical pressure sensor can be processed by the interrogator to provide data indicating that the detected pressure (and therefore temperature) is above a certain defined threshold, as in the case of a fire or overheating . In such a situation, the alarm means 55, 56, 65, 66, 75, 76 can have a first alarm output means 55, 65, 66 and the interrogator can be configured to activate that first alarm output means to indicate that there was a fire or overheating.
    [0060] Alternatively, the signal can be processed by the interrogator to provide data indicating that the detected pressure is below a certain defined threshold, as in the case of an apparatus failure (for example, if the sensor integrity has been compromised with subsequent loss depression). In that case, the interrogator can be configured to activate the second alarm output means 56, 66, 76 to indicate that there has been a fault.
    [0061] The control unit can also be configured to react to multiple alarm thresholds or set points and can also be defined to provide outputs, per. for example, under conditions of general superheat on expanding the inert gas fill, or a discrete fire alarm when a short length is heated to a higher temperature and hydrogen is given off to provide a higher pressure.
    [0062] The control units described here can therefore provide the added benefit of allowing additional signal processing to be performed by the interrogator. This can provide additional information eg pressure rise rate and hence temperature which is not normally available with previously known systems. In an example described here, the control unit's interrogator can be configured to continuously receive a signal from the optical pressure sensor and process that signal (which can be continuously variable) to provide data indicative of gas pressure (and, therefore, temperature) over time. It can therefore also provide additional information such as the rise rate or long-term trend.
    [0063] Multiple sensors at different locations, say on an aircraft engine, can also be mapped. Thus, an overall increase in temperature can be seen as normal operation (at thresholds), but a differential between elements can cause an alarm. Figure 5 shows such a situation, where a control unit 68 comprises an interrogator 63 as well as a multiplexer 67 so that multiple sensors can be multiplexed and interrogated by a single control unit 68. Additional interrogators can also be used for provide redundancy for increased reliability.
    [0064] In this example, since multiple sensor assemblies each comprising at least one pressure sensor 62, 62', 62" and a half sensor 61, 61', 61" can be multiplexed onto a single 64' optical fiber ” (74'” in figure 6), an advantage is provided in that weight and complexity are saved compared to known systems. In addition, the 64, 64', 64" (74, 74', 74" in figure 6) fiber optic cables connecting the sensor(s) to the control unit may weigh less than an equivalent electrical cable, thereby again reducing the overall weight of the sensor. Multiple sensor assemblies are, therefore 62, 62’, 62” pressure sensors can also be multiplexed onto a single cable.
    [0065] As shown in figure 6, in some cases, in particular when using optical pressure sensors based on FBG, it may be possible to use the same electronic control unit 58, 68,78 to interrogate both a pneumatic fire/superheat detector 51, 61, 71 or a plurality thereof, as well as a fiber optic distributed temperature sensor (DTS), or a plurality thereof 79, 79', 79” (DTS).
    [0066] A DTRS 79 fiber optic, based on FBG's, such as that disclosed in US 7418171, can provide higher fidelity temperature data than pneumatic superheat/fire detectors, however such fiber optic DTS sensors are not suitable for the extremely high temperature environments (1100°C) for which pneumatic fire/overheat detectors are designed. This example therefore provides the advantage that fiber optic DTS 79 can be employed for lower temperature environments (ie bleed air leak detection) in combination with pneumatic 71 fire/overheat detectors in high temperature environments. higher temperature (ie, turbine/engine overheat/fire detection).
    [0067] Pneumatic pressure sensors or detectors 51, 61, 71 as described here for detection of fire or overheating are required to operate in high temperature environments. The sensing element is generally therefore designed to survive temperatures in excess of 1100°C. The pressure sensing element 52, 62, 72 may also be required to survive similar temperatures.
    [0068] Such temperatures are a challenge for commonly used polyamide coated silica optical fibers. Polyamide coated silica optical fibers are limited to ambient temperatures <350 °C. Metal-coated silica fibers can be employed to extend this to <600°C. The use of sapphire fibers allows this to be further extended to 1100°C. The high cost of sapphire fiber must, however, be considered. The additional cost can be minimized only by using sapphire fiber in the “hot zone”. Outside the “hot zone” this can then be coupled with standard low cost silica fiber. In one example, therefore, sapphire optical fibers can be used in the region of the pressure sensor(s) 52, 62, 72 and sensor means 51,61,71 and the material from which the optical fiber is made can change as it extends away from the high temperature region accordingly.
    [0069] Pressure diaphragms in pressure sensors that are formed from etched silicon are similarly challenged at elevated temperatures and are only suitable for use at temperatures <60Ô°C. In one example, therefore, a metal diaphragm can be used for high temperature operation, such as one made of TZM alloy, for example (titanium, zirconium, molybdenum). Etched Silicon Carbide diaphragms can also be an option with the potential to operate at temperatures « 1100°C.
    [0070] The examples described here therefore provide a sensor that is immune to electromagnetic interference. They also additionally allow information regarding gas pressure and therefore temperature to be processed by a control unit and since in some examples the variable gas pressure, and therefore temperature, can be measured against multiple thresholds, and /or measured continuously, trends can be obtained over time, thereby providing a much more detailed analysis of gas pressure and temperature. In addition, many different sensors can be multiplexed into an interrogator and the data compiled therein to create even more detailed analysis than is currently possible. The use of optical fibers also reduces the weight of the system, compared to a system that uses a lot of electrical cables.
    权利要求:
    Claims (17)
    [0001]
    1. Pneumatic sensing apparatus for use in a fire or overheating alarm system, characterized in that it comprises a sensor assembly comprising a sensor means (51, 61, 71) containing a pressurized gas coupled to a pressure sensor; and, a control unit (58, 68, 78), the control unit comprising an interrogator (53, 63, 73);
    [0002]
    2. that the pressure sensor is in communication with the interrogator (53, 63, 73);
    [0003]
    3. an interrogator (53, 63, 73) comprising means for receiving the signal from the pressure sensor, and means for processing the signal to provide data indicative of gas pressure;
    [0004]
    4. that the pressure sensor is configured to produce a signal which is indicative of said gas pressure;
    [0005]
    5. wherein said pressure sensor comprises an optical pressure sensor (52, 62, 72) and wherein the signal comprises an optical signal;
    [0006]
    6. sensor apparatus further including alarm means; wherein the interrogator (53, 63, 73) is in communication with the alarm means; and, wherein the interrogator (53, 63, 73) further comprises means for comparing data indicative of gas pressure to a first gas pressure threshold, the interrogating means (53, 63, 73) being further configured to activate the alarm means for providing an alarm output based on the comparison with the first gas pressure threshold; wherein the interrogator (53, 63, 73) is configured to activate the alarm means if the signal is below the first pressure threshold, thereby indicating a fault in the apparatus.
    [0007]
    7. Sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that said optical pressure sensor is connected to said interrogator (53, 63, 73) through an optical fiber (54, 64, 74).
    [0008]
    8. Sensor apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said interrogator (53, 63, 73) is configured to activate said alarm means if said signal is above said first pressure threshold, of that mode indicating an overheating.
    [0009]
    9. Sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that the alarm means comprises a first (55, 65, 75) and a second (56, 66, 76) alarm output means, wherein the interrogator (53, 63, 73) is configured to activate the first alarm output means (55, 65, 75) if the signal is above a first threshold and where the interrogator (53, 63, 73) is configured to activate the second alarm output means (56, 66, 76) if the signal is below a second threshold.
    [0010]
    10. Sensor apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the interrogator (53, 63, 73) is configured to process said optical signal indicative of gas pressure to provide data indicating whether said detected pressure is above and/or below a plurality of pressure thresholds, and said interrogator (53, 63, 73) is configured to activate said alarm means if said signal is above and/or below the plurality of pressure thresholds.
    [0011]
    11. Sensor apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said interrogator (53, 63, 73) is configured to continuously receive and process said signal indicative of gas pressure from said optical pressure sensor and providing said data based on said continuously received pressure signal.
    [0012]
    12. Sensor apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said apparatus further comprises a plurality of said sensor assemblies and wherein said control unit (68) further comprises a multiplexer (67) that is in communication with said plurality of sensor assemblies and with said interrogator (53, 63, 73), the multiplexer (67) being configured to receive said signal indicative of gas pressure from each of said plurality of pressure sensors and transmit said signals to said interrogator (53, 63, 73).
    [0013]
    13. Sensor apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that said plurality of sensor assemblies is in communication with said multiplexer (67) through an optical fiber or fibers and in which each of said signals is transmitted from said plurality of pressure sensors to said multiplexer via said optical fiber or fibers.
    [0014]
    14. Sensor apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises a distributed optical fiber sensor, said distributed optical fiber sensor and said sensor assembly being connected to the multiplexer (67), said multiplexer ( 67) being further configured to transmit a signal from said distributed fiber optic sensor and said signal indicative of gas pressure from said sensor assembly to said interrogator (53, 63, 73).
    [0015]
    15. Sensor apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of said distributed fiber optic sensors, said multiplexer (67) being further configured to transmit a signal from each of said plurality of distributed sensors optical fiber to said interrogator (53, 63, 73).
    [0016]
    16. Sensor apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that said multiplexer (67) is connected to said interrogator (53, 63, 73) through an optical fiber.
    [0017]
    17. Sensor apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said control unit (58, 68, 78) is located remotely from said sensor assembly.
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    GB2511803B|2015-07-29|
    GB2511803A|2014-09-17|
    BR102014006083A2|2014-12-23|
    CA2844093A1|2014-09-14|
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    法律状态:
    2014-12-23| B03A| Publication of a patent application or of a certificate of addition of invention [chapter 3.1 patent gazette]|
    2018-11-13| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2020-03-31| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2021-04-27| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-05-11| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 14/03/2014, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    GB1304573.7|2013-03-14|
    GB1304573.7A|GB2511803B|2013-03-14|2013-03-14|Pneumatic sensing apparatus|
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