FFE’s Light Cancelation Technology Receives UK Patent

FFE has been awarded a UK patent (Patent No. GB2513366) for its innovative new light cancelation technology for its Fireray range of infrared beam smoke detectors.

The technology works by actively monitoring ambient light levels on the detector and ‘subtracting’ them away from the ‘real’ signal. This allows the detector to work under the most difficult light conditions, including sunlight, sodium lamps and fluorescent lighting.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that this technology is unique,” comments FFE research engineer Dr. Daniel Waldron. “No-one else offers ambient light cancellation technology that allows the beam to cope with all manner of challenging light conditions, both natural and man-made. This means fewer false alarms and false readings.”

“FFE is focussed on our customers and it is their needs that drive our innovation,” adds managing director Mark Osborne. “Through our ongoing R&D programme we are developing world-leading technologies. I’m delighted with this patent as it demonstrates yet again our ability to understand and address the challenges faced in the fire industry on a daily basis.”

By using infrared beams, Fireray beam detectors can identify smoke over much larger areas than traditional fire detection devices, making them perfectly suited for large indoor spaces such as warehouses, sports arenas and aircraft hangars.

Usually wall-mounted at near-ceiling level, they work by transmitting a beam of invisible infrared light across the building space to be protected. A receiver detects and measures the light and can recognise smoke interference anywhere along the beam path, triggering the alarm signal when the pre-determined threshold is reached.

About FFE FFE is a global design and manufacturing business, dedicated to supplying specialist detection products to the fire industry. Headquartered in the UK with offices in the USA, Dubai, India and China, the company’s two leading brands are the Fireray optical beam smoke detector, with over half a million units installed worldwide, and the Talentum flame detector, one of the world’s most respected flame detector brands.

FFE also leads the global market in providing fire extinguishers for aviation use and produces a range of vibration switches for industrial applications. FFE is a Halma Company.