Explosion-proof gas detector: US Pat. No. 7,687,776

U.S. Patent No. 7,687,776, issued on March 30, 2010 to General Monitors, Inc. of Lake Forest, CA, discloses an infrared imaging system for remote detection of hazardous gas emissions and having an explosion-proof housing.

The patent discloses a system which utilizes infrared light to detect gas leaks and/or flames in a hazardous environment (e.g., a chemical plant or refinery).  Gas clouds or flame sources can be distinguished from other sources of infrared radiation in the system’s field of view by image processing techniques which analyze the spectral content, size, shape, and evolution of the source by comparing sequential frames of image data. 

According to the company’s website, two corporate committments have been instrumental in its success: (i) a committment to technical innovation and product exellence, and (ii) a committment to its employees to provide an unequaled work environment which offers the opportunity for personal and professional growth.  In addition, the company’s mission statement details its values placed on people, solutions, and integrity. 

According to the USPTO database, General Monitors is the assignee of seven other U.S. patents besides the ’776 patent, the most recent of which issued in 2007.