IP Library › Granted Patent US 7,180,406
Granted Patent B2
US 7,180,406 · App. 10/907,181 · Granted Feb 20, 2007

Onboard fire alert system

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,180,406
App. No.
10/907,181
Granted
Feb 20, 2007
Kind
B2
Abstract

The method is for warning for alcohol fueled fires in vehicles such as racing vehicles. The method comprises providing a vehicle ( 44 ) with an engine ( 46 ) fueled by alcohol. Sensors ( 20, 22, 24 ) are mounted adjacent to the engine. The sensors sense a trigger temperature ( 54, 56, 58 ) of an alcohol-fueled fire ( 62 ) and send a signal to a central unit ( 12 ). The central unit activates a smoke generator ( 41 ) to generate a visible smoke ( 60 ) in response to the signal from the sensors.

Claims (13)

1. A method of warning for alcohol fueled fires, comprising:

providing a vehicle ( 44 ) with an engine ( 46 ) fueled by alcohol;

mounting sensors ( 20 , 22 , 24 ) adjacent to the engine;

the sensors sensing a trigger temperature ( 54 , 56 , 58 ) of an alcohol-fueled fire ( 62 ) and sending a signal to a central unit ( 12 ); and

the central unit activating a smoke generator ( 41 ) to generate a visible smoke ( 60 ) in response to the trigger temperature sensed by the sensors.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the method further comprises activating adjustment buttons ( 26 , 28 , 30 ) for setting temperature ranges of the sensors.

3. The method according to claim 2 wherein the method further comprises displaying the temperature ranges on a display ( 32 ).

4. The method according to claim 3 wherein the method further comprises switching the central unit ( 12 ) between a set mode ( 36 ), a run mode ( 38 ) and an engagement mode ( 40 ).

5. The method according to claim 1 wherein the method further comprises mounting the sensors in an engine compartment ( 42 ) of the vehicle ( 44 ).

6. The method according to claim 5 wherein the method further comprises placing the sensor ( 24 ) below the engine ( 46 ).

7. The method according to claim 1 wherein the method further comprises the sensors sensing normal temperatures ( 48 , 50 , 52 ) and setting the trigger temperatures ( 54 , 56 , 58 ) higher than the normal temperatures, the trigger temperatures triggering the smoke generator ( 41 ) to generate the visible smoke ( 60 ).

8. The method according to claim 7 wherein the method further comprises adding a color to the smoke generator ( 41 ) to color the smoke ( 60 ).

9. The method according to claim 1 wherein the method further comprises placing the sensors ( 20 , 22 ) on each side of the engine ( 46 ).

Continuity (1)
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