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Apparatus for remote monitoring of a portable pressurized container, such as the tank of a fire extinguisher, includes a pressure sensor that detects pressure of material contained within a volume defined by the portable container and communications circuitry in communication with the pressure senso

Apparatus for remote monitoring of a portable pressurized container, such as the tank of a fire extinguisher, includes a pressure sensor that detects pressure of material contained within a volume defined by the portable container and communications circuitry in communication with the pressure sensor that issues a signal containing information about the pressure detected by the pressure sensor to a remote central station.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. Apparatus for remote monitoring of a fire extinguisher, the apparatus comprising: a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure of fire extinguishing material contained within a volume defined by a fire extinguisher tank; communications circuitry in communication with the p

What is claimed is: 1. Apparatus for remote monitoring of a fire extinguisher, the apparatus comprising: a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure of fire extinguishing material contained within a volume defined by a fire extinguisher tank; communications circuitry in communication with the pressure sensor and configured to issue a signal containing information about the pressure detected by the pressure sensor to a remote central station; a gauge mounted to the fire extinguisher and disposed in communication with the volume for detection and display of a pressure condition of the fire extinguishing material contained within the volume of the fire extinguisher tank; wherein the gauge comprises: a gauge scale, and a gauge pointer moveable relative to said gauge scale for indication of pressure; and an electrical switch that is tripped when the gauge pointer moves to a predetermined location relative to the gauge scale indicating the pressure condition is at a predetermined pressure reading. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fire extinguisher is a portable fire extinguisher. 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the portable fire extinguisher is a hand-held portable fire extinguisher. 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the communications circuitry is configured to issue a signal upon detection by the pressure sensor of a predetermined pressure condition. 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the predetermined pressure condition comprises a predetermined pressure reading. 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the communications circuitry is configured to periodically issue a signal containing information about the pressure detected by the pressure sensor to the remote central station. 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the gauge comprises a Bourdon coiled tube gauge. 8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a docking station. 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein docking station is configured to house at least part of the communications circuitry. 10. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the portable fire extinguisher is configured to be installed in a predetermined location, the apparatus further comprises: a second sensor configured to detect removal of the portable fire extinguisher from its predetermined location, and wherein the electronic circuit is further configured to issue a signal to the remote central station upon detection of removal of the portable fire extinguisher from its predetermined location. 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the second sensor comprises a tether. 12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an electroluminescent light panel configured to illuminate a portion of the fire extinguisher in a low light condition. 13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an audio signaling device configured to emit an audible signal upon detection of an out-of-range pressure condition detected by the pressure sensor. 14. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a timer configured to trigger an alert when an inspection is due for the fire extinguisher. 15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the communications circuitry is powered with a battery. 16. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a battery monitor configured to trigger an alert when the battery reaches a predetermined low power level. 17. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a light sensor configured to detect a low light condition. 18. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising circuitry for illuminating at least a part of a fire extinguisher when the light sensor detects a low light condition. 19. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the communication circuitry is configured to receive signals from the remote central station. 20. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the signal issued by the communications circuitry also includes identification information that identifies the fire extinguisher for which the signal was issued. 21. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the signal comprises a wireless signal.