Directional Emergency Exit Sign - Fire Escape Aid

Using a standard illuminated door “Exit” sign, and mounting of “off the shelf” laser lights (example; used as presentation pointers), in outward pointing positions, at 90 and 60 orientations from the center line axis of the sign mounting face, this device will aid occupants of a smoke filled area by providing a specific directional guide to the area exit. There would be 4 – 8 lasers per sign, each powered by the power supply for the sign and/or back up battery (power requirement is 100 mW/ea., 400 - 800 mW total/sign). For activation, the Laser Guiding System could be hard wired to the fire emergency warning system for the building, or activated via RF. Alternatively, a smoke detection device could be mounted internal to the "Exit" sign to activate the Laser Guiding System.

The advantage to using laser light to guide occupants out of a fire/smoke filled area is that this type of light does not have the diffraction properties of incandescent or fluorescent light sources. The light stream emitted from the laser will remain a solid line, and even enhanced when exposed to atmospheric conditions containing particulates from the burning of materials, water vapor, or other atmospheric particulates. Thus, a highly visible directional light will be emitted to guide occupants in an internal structure fire condition to the safety of an exit, capable of emmittng the light of distances of 200 feet +.

There are three methods of activation using standard smoke detection devices:
1) Internal smoke alarm. Incorporated into the Exit sign is a photoelectric style of smoke alarm.
2) RF smoke alarm activation from existing smoke alarm systems (where available).
3) Hard wired activation from existing smoke alarm systems
Mounting and powering of the Laser devices can be in kit form for existing signs, or packaged as a complete system, providing a simple, cost effective, fire safety device.