Abstract: There is provided a fire extinguisher comprising a fire extinguishing agent; a first mechanism configured to operate said fire extinguisher via a manual operation; a second mechanism configured to operate said fire extinguisher automatically; and wherein said fire extinguisher comprises at least one detector to detect the existence of a fire and cause the operation of said second mechanism.

Abstract: A switch may comprise a metal plate. A eutectic alloy may be proximate to the metal plate. An insulating material may be proximate to the insulating material. The insulating material may include a recess in the insulating material adjacent the eutectic alloy. A lead may be fixed in place by the insulating material. A first end of the lead is exposed from the insulating material by the recess.

Abstract: An odor-emitting port is provided in a housing member composed mainly of an inorganic material. An odorous material is contained in the housing member, and the odor-emitting port is sealed with a low-melting metal to constitute a heat-sensitive odor-emitting component. In this heat-sensitive odor-emitting component, as soon as the temperature of a heat generation site has reached a predetermined value, the low-melting metal is instantaneously melted down to open the odor-emitting port through which the odorous material contained in the housing member is immediately spread around the odor-emitting component. Therefore, the odor-emitting component is highly sensitive to temperature. Further, since the housing member is formed of an inorganic material, the long-term stability can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food contamination detector associated with a double bar code, given the trademark GILBAR™ by the owner of the present invention, that includes coded indicia used to identify the presence of conditions indicative of microbial contamination in food, including toxic contaminants, bacterial metabolites, and other microbial secretions. Of the two bar code symbols associated with the food contamination detector, the first identifies the food product in terms of the type of food, the quantity, the price and the like, while the second bar code symbol is designed to identify the presence of contaminants. When contamination is not detected, the first bar code symbol is scanner readable, whereas the second bar code symbol is not. Once contamination is detected, bars in both bar code symbols can appear or disappear causing the first bar code symbol to become scanner unreadable and the second bar code symbol to become scanner readable.

Abstract: A temperature sensor has a flexible nylon tube connected by a fluid-tight coupling to a metal bellows within a metal housing. The interior of the tube and bellows is filled with a pressurized liquid whose critical temperature corresponds to a threshold temperature to be sensed. The pressurized liquid holds the bellows extended, holding an actuating piston back against the action of a spring. When the threshold temperature is reached, the liquid in the tube must boil and ruptures the tube, causing the bellows to collapse and the actuating piston to move. A projecting actuator then mechanically initiates a response such as the closing of a damper in an air-conditioning duct.

Abstract: A fire alarm which consists of a housing, an alarm assembly and a switch assembly. A driving spring in the alarm assembly is used for storing driving energy. As soon as a nylon string in the alarm is burnt and broken, the driving spring will drive small hammers to hit a bell cup to send out a warning signal to warn people that a fire is taking place. At the same time, a switch is closed to actuate an electric alarm to provide a persistent alarm as long as electric power is available.

Abstract: A simple, compact and inexpensive battery powered fire alarm unit has a normally closed spring-loaded electrical contact which is held open by a cermet metal strip, or the like, which is constructed to melt and fail at a predetermined high temperature level indicative of a fire condition. When the strip fails, the contact closes and connects an electrically activated sounder across the battery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus with which a sealed gas containing first container, which is disposed in a sealed inaccessible and not visually observable further container, can be detectably opened. A thermally inducible opening mechanism disposed in a gas flow or connecting path in the wall of the first container is actuated and the gas escaping through the connecting path is detected acoustically. Among other uses, the invention can be used, in particular, for containers having radioactive contents which can be manipulated, welded and leak checked only in hot cells. The method is particularly suitable for leak checking fuel element containers or molds containing highly radioactive vitrified waste since the closing member of the first container can be composed of a soft solder plug and this plug can be melted out by local heating.

Abstract: A heat sensitive air/gas sampling device including an apertured housing for connection to a pipe leading to a smoke detector device the housing including a blocking device for preventing air/gas to enter the housing, the blocking device being ineffective to prevent ingress of air/gas when the surrounding temperature exceeds a predetermined maximum for a predetermined period of time. The blocking device may be held by, or composed of, a low melting point wax. The blocking device may be comprised of a bimetallic strip.

Abstract: A fusible solder temperature sensor adapted for use with a trapped fluid pressure header alarm system. The sensor includes an insulating plastic fitting having threads at one end and a bore therethrough for connection to and fluid communication with the header system. A brass tube is connected at one end to the other end of the plastic fitting for fluid communication therewith. The other end of the brass tube is closed by a bronze closure disc attached thereto by fusible solder responsive to ambient air or other gas temperature above a determined level. When the ambient temperature reaches the determined level, the solder melts, releasing the closure disc from the tube, thereby releasing pressure from the alarm system to generate an alarm signal or the like.

Abstract: A well packer, in particular for a bore hole pump, comprises a packer sleeve having a tapered external surface surrounded by a collet ring which has a tapered internal surface. The collet ring is of resilient material and can be stressed to a smaller diameter configuration in which two adjacent collet-holding fingers of a removable holding mechanism engage in two now closely spaced holes of the collet ring to hold the collet ring in engagement with the smaller diameter lower part of the tapered external surface of the packer sleeve. The collet-holding mechanism can be operated to rotate a cam link of the mechanism to withdraw a safety link and to retract the fingers radially inwardly to release the collet allowing it to spring radially outwardly against a well casing in which the packer sleeve and the collet ring have been positioned by lowering down the well casing.

Abstract: A heat sensor is provided having a support member, an actuating member mounted pivotally therewith by a spring operatively engaging, in tensioned condition, a portion of the support member and the actuating member, and a member fabricated of two separable portions each bound to the other by fusible material which when fused at a predetermined temperature permits the two separable portions to be released, thus activating the heat sensor. It is also contemplated that the heat sensor operate in conjunction with a canister of compressed gas and a horn which are operatively associated with the heat sensor to sound an alarm when the heat sensor is activated.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive assembly mountable as unit and responsive to predetermined ambient temperature conditions above normal room temperature for activating a device for protection against heat or fire, comprising thin metal plates soldered face to face with eutectic solder, with large surface area and small mass and minimum contact with the elements to which they are connected. Also an alarm assembly comprising a supporting housing, an acoustic device, a coupler assembly supported by said housing and connecting said acoustic device and said container, a thermally responsive assembly mounted on said coupler assembly. Means on said coupler assembly conducting gas from said container to said acoustic device. A valve is opened on activation of said thermally responsive assembly to cause actuation of said acoustic device. A visual signal is given by swinging down of a guard member if the container contents leak. A container can be snapped into its place in the coupler assembly.

Abstract: A manually operated release and test apparatus is disclosed for use with mechanically powered protection devices. A spring powered fire alarm, for example, is triggered either by exposure of its sensitive fusing element to a predetermined temperature, or by complete physical removal of the sensitive fusing element from the device. The release and test apparatus of this invention is a lever mounted on the alarm device for the consistent removal of the fuse assembly for testing the alarm while avoiding inflicting any damage thereto. This apparatus facilitates the testing and demonstration of the alarm device, without modifying the aesthetic appearance of the alarm. Also disclosed is a chain attachment which permits a remote force to be directly applied to the release lever so as to provide a release and test means for manual activation of the alarm in emergency situations.

Abstract: Activation means for activating at least one percussive flashlamp unit located within a flashlamp article. An activator moves within a casing when released by a pivotal retaining arm to engage and effect release of the flashlamp unit's striker spring. The retaining arm provides release of the activator in response to external actuation, e.g., the opening of a door or window.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive assembly mountable as unit and responsive to predetermined ambient terperature conditions above normal room temperature for activating a device for protection against heat or fire, comprising thin metal plates soldered face to face with eutectic solder, with large surface area and small mass and minimum contact with the elements to which they are connected. Also an alarm assembly having a supporting housing, an acoustic device, a coupler assembly supported by said housing and connecting said acoustic device and said container, a thermally responsive assembly mounted on said coupler assembly. A flexible tube on said coupler assembly conducting gas from said container to said acoustic device. A valve is opened on activation of said thermally responsive assembly to cause actuation of said acoustic device. A visual signal is given by swinging down of a guard member if the container contents leak. A container can be snapped into its place in the coupler assembly.

Abstract: A pressurized container fitted with a fusible plug and containing a suitable propellent with a vapor operated sounding alarm attached is constructed as a selfcontained sounding device that produces its sound when subjected to heat sufficient to cause the fusible plug to melt permitting the propellent to escape through the alarm attached to the container.

Abstract: A smoke and heat detector alarm including a compressed gas, self contained, stored energy source. A T-fitting connects to the compressed gas tank through a fusible element activated valve and feeds separate conduit systems leading to individual sounding devices. One of the conduit systems receives compressed gas directly from the valve to automatically permit transfer of the compressed gas to a first sounding device upon the presence of elevated temperatures sufficient to fuse the fusible element. The valve includes a lever arm that is functioned by operation of the fusible element to trigger an additional electrical alarm circuit. A solenoid operated switch is interposed in the other conduit system to normally prevent the flow of gas. The solenoid is responsive to a smoke detector and is wired to open the solenoid valve upon sensing the presence of a predetermined concentration of smoke to permit transfer of the compressed gas to a second sounding device.

Abstract: A self-contained fire alarm is described that is activated by a temperature-sensitive release mechanism. The alarm is a simple inexpensive device that requires minimal maintenance and is independent of any electrical power source.

Abstract: The passage-way between a freon cylinder and a freon-powered horn is plugged by a eutectic metal plug. When sufficient heat loosens the plug, the horn is activated. A switch in the passageway senses the back pressure from the freon gas flow and activates a remote electrical indicator which can be used to determine which of a plurality of horns has been activated.

Abstract: A combination smoke and heat detector alarm including a self contained stored energy source in the form of a cylinder of compressed gas. A T-fitting connects to the cylinder and feeds separate conduit systems leading to individual sounding devices. A fusible element is interposed in one of the conduit systems to automatically permit transfer of the compressed gas to a first sounding device upon the presence of elevated temperatures. A solenoid operated switch is interposed in the other conduit system to normally prevent the flow of gas. The solenoid is responsive to a smoke detector and is wired to open the solenoid valve upon sensing the presence of a predetermined concentration of smoke.

Abstract: This device comprises an audible alarm member arranged to be sounded by spring operated clapper means which is normally held inoperative by temperature responsive devices all in a perforated housing suitable for installation in a room. The temperature responsive devices include a body of wax like material disposed between two cup shaped members of good heat conductive material and holding said members apart at all ordinary room temperatures. If the temperature surrounding the device is raised to a predetermined limit, as by a fire in the room, the wax body will soften or melt and this will permit the cup shaped members to be moved and cause the alarm to be sounded.