Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of a predetermined vapor of a predetermined concentration in a monitored area, the method including the steps of (a) exposing gas in or from the monitored area to radiation at wavelengths at least covering and surrounding from both sides a main absorption peak of the vapor; (b) simultaneously sensing the radiation after passing through the gas by a signal sensor and a reference sensor, each of the sensors including a radiation sensing element, wherein the signal sensor further includes a first optical filter passing wavelengths covering the main absorption peak, yet substantially blocking wavelengths from both sides of the main absorption peak of the vapor, whereas the reference sensor further includes a second optical filter passing wavelengths surrounding from both sides the main absorption peak, yet substantially blocking wavelengths covering the main absorption peak of the vapor; and (c) comparing signals obtained from the signal and reference sensors for determining a p

Abstract: A method of generating nontoxic smoke is taught. The method comprises: (a) submerging a nontoxic smoke creating device in a liquid coolant while preventing entry of coolant into said device; said device includes a composition which comprises: (1) a first reactant selected from the group consisting of potassium chlorate, potassium perchlorate, potassium dichromate, cesium nitrate, and potassium nitrate; and (2) a second reactant serving as a reduction agent; (b) activating said smoke creating device by reacting said composition comprising said first reactant and said second reactant, to create solid particulate products having a diameter of about one micron or less which create the nontoxic smoke; and (c) passing said solid particulate products into said coolant through at least one downwardly directed tuyere hydraulically connected at or near the top of said device without any accompanied destruction of said nontoxic smoke creating device.

Abstract: A method of extinguishing a fire, which includes pre-positioning a fire extinguishing device which includes at least two reactants such that when the reactants are activated they react to create solid particulate products having a diameter of about one micron or less such that, when the products come in contact with the fire they chemically inhibit the chain reactions of the fire flame and bring about the extinguishing of the fire. In one embodiment, the device is submerged in a liquid coolant and includes means for preventing entry of coolant into the device while allowing the escape of said products into the coolant when activated. Another embodiment is used to generate non-toxic smoke using a device which includes a first reactant which is potassium chlorate, potassium perchlorate, potassium dichromate, cesium nitrate or potassium nitrate, and a second reactant serving as a reduction agent.

Abstract: A system for extinguishing a fire in a volume includes a fire extinguishing device for delivery from a distance into communication with the volume, the device including a composition which includes a first reactant and a second reactant. The composition is activated so as to cause the first reactant and the second reactant to react with each other to create solid particulate products having a diameter of about one micron or less which are effective in extinguishing fires. The device includes a convoluted path defined by a plurality of metal protrusions through which the products are made to travel, the path serving as a flame arrestor.

Abstract: A method for extinguishing a fire in a volume having walls or other surfaces includes pre-positioning a fire-extinguishing device in communication with the volume. The device includes a solid-fuel composition comprising a first reactant and a second reactant. The pre-positioning of the method comprises painting or coating the composition on surfaces of the walls or on the other surfaces of the volume. A coolant material may also be painted over the pre-positioned composition. The composition is activated by igniting it so as to cause the first and second reactants to react with each other to create an aerosol of solid particulate products having a diameter of about one micron or less. The solid particulate products of the aerosol are effective in extinguishing the fire by chemically inhibiting the chain reactions of the fire.

Abstract: A system for extinguishing a fire includes a conventional fire extinguishing cylinder for releasing a pressurized fire extinguishing gas, and a device including a composition which includes a first reactant and a second reactant. The composition is activated so as to cause the first reactant and the second reactant to react with each other to create solid particulate products having a diameter of about one micron or less which are effective in extinguishing fires. The device is located so that the fire extinguishing gas and the particulate products intermix.

Abstract: Methods and related systems for extinguishing a fire in a volume which includes pre-positioning a fire extinguishing medium in or near the volume. The medium includes at least two reactants, typically an oxidant and a reducing agent which are activated manually or automatically in response to the fire causing the two reactants to react with each other and to form an aerosol capable of interacting with the propagation centers of the fire, interrupting the propagation of the fire, and thereby extinguishing it. The methods and systems further include various mechanisms for cooling the gases formed upon the reaction of the two reactants so as to enable the gases to disperse more evenly and more effectively over the fire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a predetermined hydrocarbon vapour of a predetermined concentration in a monitored area by: exposing gas in or from the monitored area to radiation from a Xenon flashlamp which includes ultraviolet radiation of a predetermined ultraviolet spectral range and infrared radiation of a predetermined infrared spectral range; detecting the radiation after having passed through the gas; and comparing the detected radiation with a reference of predetermined attenuation characteristics of the hydrocarbon vapour and concentration in the respective ultraviolet and infrared spectral range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing ecological protection with respect to equipment using halogenated hydrocarbons in which the release, escape or discharge of a halogenated hydrocarbon from such equipment is detected, and a source of radiation for effecting selective dissociation of the halogenated hydrocarbon is energized to separate the halogen atoms therefrom and to convert them to a halide salt.

Abstract: A method of extinguishing a fire by generating an intense electric field and/or a gaseous plasma constituted of a body of electrically-charged particles, and directing the electric field and/or plasma to the base of the fire until the fire is extinguished.