U.S. patent application number 11/564647 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-07 for range hood with integrated co monitor.
This patent application is currently assigned to ROBERTSHAW CONTROLS COMPANY. Invention is credited to Andrew Crnkovich.
Application Number | 20070125364 11/564647 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38092868 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070125364 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Crnkovich; Andrew |
June 7, 2007 |
Range Hood With Integrated CO Monitor
Abstract
A range hood having a carbon monoxide sensor positioned therein
is provided. The vent fan of the range hood is activated upon the
detection of carbon monoxide so as to increase the ventilation of
the cooking area. A visual and/or audible alarm may also be
provided. If carbon monoxide levels increase or persist, the range
hood may increase the speed of the vent fan to provide additional
ventilation. Continued presence of carbon monoxide will result in
the sounding of a warning. Interface to external warning devices
and systems is also provided.
Inventors: |
Crnkovich; Andrew;
(Elmhurst, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
REINHART BOERNER VAN DEUREN P.C.
2215 PERRYGREEN WAY
ROCKFORD
IL
61107
US
|
Assignee: |
ROBERTSHAW CONTROLS COMPANY
1701 Byrd Avenue
Richmond
VA
23230-3011
|
Family ID: |
38092868 |
Appl. No.: |
11/564647 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60741715 |
Dec 2, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/299R |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24C 15/2021
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/299.00R |
International
Class: |
F24C 15/20 20060101
F24C015/20 |
Claims
1. An apparatus configured for installation over a cooking
appliance, comprising: a vent fan; an exhaust in fluid
communication with the vent fan whereby air drawn by the vent fan
is exhausted through the exhaust; and a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor
positioned therein; and wherein the CO sensor turns on the vent fan
when the CO sensor detects a presence of CO; and wherein the CO
sensor increases a speed of the vent fan when a level of CO
detected by the CO sensor remains above a predetermined safe level
after a first predetermined period.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the CO sensor is positioned to
sense air in proximity to the cooking appliance.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the CO sensor increases the
speed of the fan at predetermined intervals is the level of CO does
not drop below the predetermined safe level.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the CO sensor increases the
speed of the fan continuously until a drop in the level of CO is
detected.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the CO sensor generates an
alarm when the level of CO detected by the CO sensor remains above
the predetermined safe level after a second predetermined
period.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the CO sensor transmits an
alarm activation signal to an external CO detector to activate its
alarm.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the CO sensor transmits a text
message to a smart home gateway.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a visual indicator,
and wherein the CO sensor activates the visual indicator when the
CO sensor detects a presence of CO.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the visual indicator is an
light emitting diode (LED).
10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an audible
indicator, and wherein the CO sensor activates the audible
indicator when the CO sensor detects a presence of CO.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an audible
indicator and a visual indicator, and wherein the CO sensor
activates the audible indicator and the visual indicator when the
CO sensor detects a presence of CO.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the CO sensor is a
self-testing CO sensor.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising an audible alarm,
and wherein the audible alarm is triggered when the self-testing CO
sensor determines that it is not functioning properly.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a visual alarm,
and wherein the visual alarm is triggered when the self-testing CO
sensor determines that it is not functioning properly.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the CO sensor turns on the
vent fan when the CO sensor detects a level of CO above a
predetermined threshold.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the CO sensor turns on the
vent fan when the CO sensor detects a level of CO for a period of
time.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the level of CO is inversely
related to the period of time.
18. A method of increasing the safety of cooking with a gas cooking
appliance, comprising the steps of: monitoring for carbon monoxide
(CO) in proximity to the gas cooking appliance; energizing an
exhaust fan located over the gas cooking appliance when the step of
monitoring detects the presence of CO; and increasing the speed of
the exhaust fan when the step of monitoring continues to detect the
presence of CO above a predetermined safe level after a period of
time.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of
providing an indication of the presence of CO when the step of
monitoring detects the presence of CO.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of providing an
indication of the presence of CO comprises the step of transmitting
a radio frequency alarm activation signal to an external CO
detector to cause it to sound its alarm.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/741,715, filed Dec. 2, 2005,
the teachings and disclosure of which are hereby incorporated in
their entireties by reference thereto.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention generally relates to consumer or commercial
appliances, and more particularly to a range hood or over-the-range
microwave oven.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Accidental Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning is a growing
issue. Every year hundreds of people are sickened and several
deaths occur due to Carbon Monoxide poisoning, principally from
improperly vented or maintained appliances. Ten States now require
the installation of CO alarms in residential new construction and
several metropolitan areas, including Chicago and New York City,
require CO alarms in all residential dwellings.
[0004] Holiday cooking has been identified as a common cause of
non-lethal CO poisoning. This may be the result of extended cooking
in poorly ventilated areas and/or with poorly maintained equipment.
This results in elevated CO levels, causing residents to report
flu-like symptoms (headaches, nausea, fatigue etc.) which are
indicative of low level CO poisoning. Since holiday cooking often
occurs over several hours, even very low levels of CO can result in
these symptoms.
[0005] Previous systems for venting the CO that results from
cooking do not adequately address the long term, low level exposure
that can result in the low level CO poisoning. One such system is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,920,874, to Siegel, entitled
Intelligent Ventilating Safety Range Hood. This system is capable
of sensing CO and turn on the range hood ventilating fan when CO is
detected above a certain minimum level. However, if the initial fan
speed does not eliminate the hazardous condition, and even if the
CO levels rise but remain below 35 ppm, typically because the
cooking activity continues to produce CO, the fan speed is not
increased. Indeed, the system of Siegel '874 does not take into
account to duration of the exposure whatsoever, and provides no
alarm unless the CO level rises above 35 ppm. Indeed, even when the
Siegel '874 system does provide an alarm, it is only a local alarm
in the range hood, which could result in confusion in homes with CO
detectors installed because these detectors may not sound at all.
This may result in occupants thinking that the range hood or their
CO detectors are malfunctioning and not take appropriate action. As
a result, a person could continue to suffer from low level CO
poisoning.
[0006] There exists, therefore, a need in the art for a range hood
or over-the-range microwave oven that can detect the presence of
carbon monoxide, dynamically exhaust it in order to avoid low level
CO poisoning, and provide adequate alarming an notification of the
hazardous condition.
[0007] Embodiments of the invention provide such an appliance.
These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional
inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the
invention provided herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In view of the above, an embodiment of the present invention
provides a new and improved consumer or commercial appliance that
overcomes one or more of the problems existing in the art. More
particularly, the present invention provides a range hood or
over-the-range microwave oven that can detect the presence of
carbon monoxide and provide ventilation thereof.
[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention an Carbon
Monoxide (CO) sensor is incorporated into a range hood or
over-the-range microwave oven to monitor CO levels. If elevated CO
levels are detected, the CO sensor will automatically activate the
exhaust fan. If the hazardous condition does not improve, the speed
of the exhaust fan will be increased in an effort to vent the CO.
If the hazardous condition, including persistent low levels of CO,
persists, the CO sensor transmits a CO alarm activate signal to the
external CO detectors in the residence to cause them to sound their
alarm. Additional information may also be sent over a gateway for a
smart home system.
[0010] Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention
will become more apparent from the following detailed description
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part
of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present
invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention. In the drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 is an isometric illustration of a gas cooking range
and ventilation hood constructed in accordance with the teachings
of the present invention.
[0013] While the invention will be described in connection with
certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to
those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all
alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a typical consumer dwelling 10 having
kitchen with a range (or cook top) 12. A range hood (or
over-the-range microwave oven, etc.) 14 is positioned over the
range 12 to provide ventilation thereof. This ventilation may
preferably be to the exterior of the dwelling 10.
[0015] A CO sensor 16 is incorporated into range hood 14 and
continuously monitors the level of CO in the cooking area. In one
embodiment, the CO sensor 16 includes an electrochemical CO sensor
and controller circuitry. According to the Consumer Products Safety
Commission (CPSC), the health effects of CO depend on the level of
CO and length of exposure, as well as each individual's health
condition. The concentration of CO is measured in parts per million
(ppm). Health effects from exposure to CO levels of approximately 1
to 70 ppm are uncertain, but most people will not experience any
symptoms. Some heart patients might experience an increase in chest
pain. As CO levels increase and remain above 70 ppm, symptoms may
become more noticeable (headache, fatigue, nausea). As CO levels
increase above 150 to 200 ppm, disorientation, unconsciousness, and
death are possible.
[0016] In the event unusual or persistent levels of CO are detected
that may indicate a problem condition, the vent fan in the range
hood 14 is activated. The CO levels may be similar as those
currently used to activate a CO alarm in standard CO detectors
installed today (UL 2034), e.g. an inverse relationship between the
level of CO concentration and the time duration of exposure.
Alternatively, the threshold for activation of the fan may be lower
than the levels that would trigger a CO detector to sound its
alarm, e.g. less than 30 ppm. Indeed, embodiments of the present
invention activate the fan based on the detection of CO or the
detection of CO above a certain level, e.g. 2 ppm.
[0017] Additionally or alternatively, a visual indicator 18 (e.g.
message on LED display) is enabled to alert the resident that the
vent fan is operating to improve indoor air quality due to the
detected CO condition. In one embodiment, if CO levels do not
improve over time, the speed of the vent fan will be increased
automatically. If CO levels do not improve with increased air
circulation, one embodiment of the present invention provides an
audible and visual CO warning, advising the resident to move to
fresh air. Such increase in fan speed and sounding of the alarm
will occur even if the CO level does not increase, but remains at a
low level for an extended period of time. Indeed, in one
embodiment, the fan speed will continue to increase to its maximum
until the level of CO drops.
[0018] If the home is equipped with RF enabled CO alarms 20, a
signal is sent from the range hood 14 causing the alarms 20 to
activate if the level of CO does not improve. This, despite an
increase in fan speed. The range hood 14 will also signal for an
alarm if it senses CO levels and time duration that would require
alarming under UL 2034. If the home is equipped with a smart or
connected home system, such as the Samsung Homevita system, a text
message alerting the homeowner to the condition may also be sent
over the gateway.
[0019] The Range hood preferably would incorporate a long-life CO
sensor 16, such as a sensor that utilizes the Invensys Monox.TM.
self-test technology, and would preferably be field serviceable. In
the event the sensor 16 is not functioning, a visual and/or audible
signal would alert the homeowner to replace the sensor. The range
hood would continue to function normally in this condition.
[0020] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0021] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0022] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *