Abstract: A configurable fluid vessel including a flexible bladder having a fluid port through which a fluid such as water can be provided into the bladder. The fluid vessel includes an internal support frame within the flexible bladder to increase rigidity and can be manipulated into a predetermined shape. The fluid vessel is collapsible for storage whilst retaining rigidity when in use. The fluid vessel is particularly suited for use in explosive jet disruptors for tailoring the formation of a fluid jet.

Abstract: A heat-activated triggering device, such as for a missile or munition, includes a firing pin that is driven into a primer, to initiate a detonation and/or combustion reaction. The firing pin may be mechanically coupled to a linkage that prevents egress of output from the primer if the firing pin has not been moved. The linkage may include, for example, a cylindrical valve element with a through hole, the through hole being alignable with an output channel from the primer when the firing pin has been moved sufficiently. The movement of the firing pin slides a dowel pin that is attached to the firing pin. This in turn translates a cam element that turns the cylindrical element. Partial movement of the firing pin still may leave the valve closed. Preventing the primer from prematurely operating to trigger explosion, for example preventing full operation due to a primer being heated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for firefighting includes a containerless core of a fire retardant material, compressed to form a prolate spheroid shape. A shaft with fins and a carrying hook can extend from the core tail. The core can have a core charge of an explosive material within the core channel. An altimeter sensor coupled to the core charge and a triggering mechanism is coupled between the altimeter sensor and the core charge, and causes the triggering mechanism to detonate the core charge when the apparatus reaches an altitude. A delivery apparatus is included with a frame having carry harness, and at least one holding hook on the frame coupled to the carrying hook. The carry harness supports delivery apparatus in transport. Powders of calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, ammonium sulfate, diammonium sulfate, diammonium phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, or monoammonium phosphate can be intermixed as fire retardant, along with indigenous plant seed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering fire retardant to a ground fire from an aircraft. The apparatus includes a dispenser casing that dispenses fire retardant after the casing has been released from an aircraft. The apparatus includes a dispenser fuse that actuates the dispenser casing to dispense the fire retardant in response to one or more predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A weapon system includes a number of WAN components, each WAN component includes a warhead, a launch mechanism for launching the warhead, an aiming mechanism for aiming the launch mechanism to launch the warhead in a desired direction, and a controller that, upon receipt of a command to aim and launch the warhead, operates the aiming mechanism to aim the warhead in the desired direction and then operates the launch mechanism to launch the warhead. The weapon system also includes a WAN component deployment mechanism for deploying the plurality of WAN components in a defended area; and a command center for instructing the controller of one or more of the WAN components to aim and launch the warhead of the each WAN component at a target that has been detected in the defended area.

Abstract: A non-pyrotechnic disseminator includes a body portion with a cover; a first compartment adjacent to the cover that is configured to hold disseminating materials; a chamber adjacent to the first compartment; a disk within the chamber and adjacent to the first compartment; a flow control device adjacent to the chamber opposite the disk; a second compartment adjacent to the flow control device and including a pin; an actuating mechanism connected to the pin; a third compartment adjacent to the second compartment opposite the flow control device that is configured to hold compressed gas; and a seal separating the second compartment from the third compartment. Actuation of the actuating mechanism causes the pin to break the seal causing release of the compressed gas into the second compartment and through the flow control device in a predetermined delayed timing, and then causing the compressed gas to burst the disk thereby pushing the disseminating materials out of the body portion by rupturing the cover.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for releasing a fluid to the atmosphere comprises a housing (12) for the fluid. The housing can comprise a biodegradable polymer, or a polymer that has been adapted to biodegrade. The polymer can also comprise a component that is reflective to infrared radiation so as to prevent melting of the housing polymer during immersion in or whilst in proximity to flame. The apparatus further comprises a mechanism (30,32,42,50,56,58) for causing the fluid to be released to the atmosphere from the housing. The mechanism can be housed in a second housing (14) that is detachably mounted to the first housing to define a housing unit. Further, a restraint mechanism (34) can be provided for regulating when the fluid is to be released from the housing to the atmosphere. The restraint mechanism can be deactivated once a certain force of apparatus impact with a surface has been reached.

Abstract: A fire-extinguishing bomb that can be pre-programmed to explode 2-200 feet above the ground or tree line. The bomb employs a laser or barometric altitude sensor in combination with a GPS-altitude sensor for failsafe detonation with extreme accuracy at the proper altitude. The redundant failsafe altitude-dependent detonation system ruptures a container carrying a payload of wet or dry fire retardant/suppressant, preferably dry environmentally-friendly fire-retardant powder having no toxicity and having fertilizer properties. Upon detonation the device coats the ground below with a uniform fire extinguishing coating. The core components of the bomb can be biodegradable, or alternatively can be readily retrieved and reused after each activation, thereby increasing both economy and reducing environmental concerns.

Abstract: A system for launching, controlling and delivering in a preselected target pattern a plurality of low-cost, guided fire-retardant-containing vehicles, i.e., “smart water bombs” equipped with control surfaces sufficient to provide limited lift and maneuverability to respond to guidance command to place it at a selected GPS coordinate within a large footprint in time and space and to discharge its payload of fire retardant at a preselectable altitude in a very precise manner and dispersion pattern. A controller determines bombing patterns and timing for all bombs and trajectories for each guided bomb. Dynamic differential equations are used to determine location and time of release of the guided bombs to achieve the target while avoiding collisions among guided bombs and aircraft.

Abstract: Device to extinguish a fire produced in a building, characterized by having a bomb comprising a hollow body whose inner part carries a load of a fire-retarding component and an actuator that, when it hits the surface of the building, activates a detonator that makes the charge explode, scattering the fire-retarding component over the whole surface area of the radius of action, the detonator and explosive charge contained inside a receptacle and the detonator being connected by means of an electrical wire to one or various actuators installed on the surface of the body of the bomb.

Abstract: A fuel-storing ordnance canister for release from military aircraft that does not explode upon impact, its collapsible accordion-like structure instead forcefully dispersing atomized fuel in an upwardly direction in the impact zone after descent for dispersal in, around, and beyond the impact zone. When the fuel from multiple canisters is released into a drop zone and later ignited by a dropped or ground-based incendiary device, all life in the dispersal area is eliminated. Tail fins assure nose-down flight and provide handles for easy canister handling and loading onto airplanes. The configuration of a pop-open tail plug allows for its partial release upon canister collapse to create a spray nozzle that atomizes the fuel stored in the canister as it is being dispersed. The most preferred application is by the U.S. Military to eliminate terrorists hiding in caves, hidden ordnance, and other areas previously resistant to air-released ordnance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a forest, terrain and urban fire fighting device and method, and more particularly, to a fire extinguishing system and method offering reduced risk of fire spread and safety of firemen. This extinguishing device consists of an encapsulated cryogenic projectile with a payload of solidified and frozen mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, combination of gases and compacted solid extinguishing agents. These strategically located and cryogenically stored devices are launched at the outbreak of fire, aerially or terrestrially over a blaze. An embedded explosive charge is detonated at a predetermined and optimum height causing the solidified gases/compacted solid extinguishing agents to be dispersed instantaneously and forcefully over targeted and specified areas. The release of high pressure, low temperature oxygen exclusion gases penetrate the fire from above, chills the substrate and extinguishes the fire.

Abstract: A projectile with a frangible shell having both an exterior surface and an inner cavity. The exterior surface is made up of a plurality of polygonal panels. The inner cavity contains a dispersible substance. The frangible shell may have a spherical configuration formed by fusing together two hemispherical shells. Also, a method of manufacturing projectiles. In the method, two hemispheres are formed. A dispersible substance in tablet form is inserted into one of the hemispheres. The second hemisphere is then brought into contact with the first hemisphere and the two are fused together to form a spherical shell. Finally, the tablet is disturbed so that the dispersible substance is freed within the inner cavity. Sonic energy may be provided in order to weld the two hemispheres together and also to disturb the tablet. The hemispheres may have an exterior surface made up of a plurality of polygonal panels.

Abstract: A housing unit includes two parts that define a fire-smothering chemical storing interior volume. The housing unit is transported to a target area of a forest fire by an aircraft and dropped onto the target area. An explosive charge is located inside the housing unit and is detonated when the housing unit impacts the ground. The explosion associated with the detonated charge separates the two parts of the housing and disperses the chemical from the open housing unit.

Abstract: A water pod for assisting a user in extinguishing forest fires includes a hollow shell constructed with a biodegradable plastic that ruptures upon impact when dropped from an aircraft. The shell includes a fill port allowing it to be filled with water or another flame retardant material. The shell may include a detonation device allowing the pod to be ruptured prior to impact, if desired.

Abstract: An explosion simulator including a chamber at least partially filled with a pyrotechnic material, the chamber being formed with a plurality of holes arranged for fluid products of an explosion of the pyrotechnic material to pass therethrough, and a delaying detonator adapted to detonate the pyrotechnic material, the detonator being adapted to delay onset of the explosion of the pyrotechnic material a period of time after actuation of the detonator.

Abstract: Munitions are dropped from military aircraft to quickly combat large area fires within vast threatened regions. Each munition has a shell-shaped case having a chamber containing an air-bag power module and fire retardant. A lid closes one end of the chamber, and switches on the case provide signals for the air-bag power module to suddenly forcefully displace the lid from the chamber by the air-bag module and suddenly forcefully eject the fire retardant from the chamber and out of the case by the air-bag module. Munitions containing fire retardant can be targeted accurately at single hot spots, isolated structures, and along fire lines or can be quickly and accurately dropped to create a protected zone behind an area that has been made not to burn by munitions to protect fire fighters trapped in the path of runaway fires. Munitions are deployed from aircraft by military crewmen without requiring additional training.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a device for generating a V agent vapor and aerosol. The device comprises a container having a first and second chamber separated by a destructable diaphragm. The chemical components necessary to form the V agent are divided between the two compartments. Freon or a similar fluorinated hydrocarbon is placed in one of the chambers which communicates with an ejection nozzle through a sealed opening. An explosive charge is detonated to remove the diaphragm between the compartments and to allow the chemical components to combine and form the V agent. The heat of the reaction in the presence of the freon causes the pressure to increase in the chamber. This pressure, together with the heat of reaction, breaks the seal between the chambers and the ejection nozzle and the V agent is ejected from the nozzle as a vapor and aerosol.

Abstract: A smoke forming composition is provided suitable for being explosively dirsed in projectiles, bombs, grenades and the like munitions which is composed of a mixture of finely divided solid particles of smoke forming material and a liquid component in an amount sufficient to densify the solid particles of smoke forming materials to increase the bulk density thereof as well as reducing the danger of ignition or "flashing" of the smoke forming materials when explosively dispersed.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic, aircraft carried bomb such as a smoke bomb, illumination b, flare bomb and the like. The bomb comprises detachable delay and nose sections and two main body sections separable from each other and each holding a pyrotechnic charge. The tail section houses a braking parachute which is deployed by the action of a time fuze upon release from the carrier aircraft. The tail and nose sections further house each a main parachute associated each with one of the main body sections. After a certain delay the deployed braking parachute starts an ignition train which causes ejection of the tail and front sections, deployment of the main parachutes, separation of the two main body sections from each other and ignition of the pyrotechnic charges therein. The two main body sections parachute down and reach the ground in soft landing with the pyrotechnic charges burning during the descent and, if desired, they may be arranged to continue to burn for a while after landing, e.g. in case of a smoke bomb.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispersing liquids, comprises a casing which houses a reservoir for the liquid to be dispersed. A plurality of nozzles communicate with the reservoir, in which the liquid is placed under pressure. Any of a variety of devices for initiating dispensing of the liquid can be provided. Among these are, in the case of an aerial bomb, an inertial mass that ruptures the nozzles to open them upon impact of the bomb, or a slow-burning charge the pressure of whose combustion gases is applied to the liquid, or a parachute whose pull moves parts of the apparatus relative to each other to open the nozzles. The nozzle can selectively dispense directly to the atmosphere, to form a spray, or dispense through filters to form an aerosol.