IP Library › Granted Patent US 7,719,433
Granted Patent B1
US 7,719,433 · App. 11/781,715 · Granted May 18, 2010

Extended smoke alarm system

Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,719,433
App. No.
11/781,715
Granted
May 18, 2010
Kind
B1
Abstract

An extended smoke alarm system and related methods are disclosed. In particular, embodiments of an extended smoke alarm system having wireless-signal-send-and-receive functionalities wherein the system includes one or more flashlights having at least wireless-signal-receiving functionality are detailed. Related methods for system use are also disclosed.

Claims (30)

1. A system comprising:

a smoke detector comprising a first computing system, in a home or other building, supporting at least wireless-signal-sending functionality;

a hand-held flashlight having at least wireless-signal-receiving functionality; and

an offsite device comprising a second computing system,

wherein the first computing system

detects smoke or fire near in the home or other building, transmits a wireless activation signal that is transmitted to and received by the hand-held flashlight and thereby activates a light beam projection from the hand-held flashlight, and transmit data on smoke or fire status from the smoke detector to the offsite device.

2. The computer-based system of claim 1 , wherein the offsite device is associated with an emergency responder.

3. The computer-based system of claim 1 , wherein the offsite device is associated with a homeowners insurance company.

4. The computer-based system of claim 1 , wherein the data on smoke or fire status is transmitted from the smoke detector to the offsite device via a dedicated line.

5. The computer-based system of claim 1 , wherein the data on smoke or fire status is transmitted from the smoke detector to the offsite device via a communications network.

6. A method comprising:

detecting smoke or fire near a smoke detector located in a home or other building;

transmitting a wireless activation signal from the smoke detector to a hand-held flashlight based on the detecting;

receiving the wireless activation signal at the hand-held flashlight;

activating a light beam projection from the hand-held flashlight based on the receiving of the wireless activation signal; and

transmitting data on smoke or fire status from the smoke detector to an offsite device.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the offsite device is associated with an emergency responder.

8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the offsite device is associated with a homeowners insurance company.

9. The method of claim 6 , wherein the data on smoke or fire status is transmitted from the smoke detector to the offsite device via a dedicated line.

10. The method of claim 6 , wherein the data on smoke or fire status is transmitted from the smoke detector to the offsite device via a communications network.

11. A computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions, which when executed by a processor cause the processor to:

detect smoke or fire near a smoke detector located in a home or other building;

transmit a wireless activation signal from the smoke detector to a hand-held flashlight based on detection;

receive the wireless activation signal at the hand-held flashlight;

activate a light beam projection from the hand-held flashlight based on receipt of the wireless activation signal; and

transmitting data on smoke or fire status from the smoke detector to an offsite device.

12. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 11 , wherein the offsite device is associated with an emergency responder.

13. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 11 , wherein the offsite device is associated with a homeowners insurance company.

14. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 11 , wherein the data on smoke or fire status is transmitted from the smoke detector to the offsite device via a dedicated line.

15. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 11 , wherein the data on smoke or fire status is transmitted from the smoke detector to the offsite device via a communications network.

Assignments (3)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 30, 2019
From: USAA PROPERTY HOLDINGS, INC.
To: HS LABS, INC.
Reel/Frame 049323/0768 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 23, 2019
From: UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION (USAA)
To: USAA PROPERTY HOLDINGS, INC.
Reel/Frame 048113/0104 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 25, 2007
From: BILLMAN, BRADLY JAY
To: UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION (USAA)
Reel/Frame 019610/0443 →