Abstract: An alarm valve and a backflow preventer are provided by a check valve and an alarm valve with a passageway provided between the check valve and the alarm valve preferably having a relief valve which selectively drains the passageway in response to the pressure in the main conduit upstream of the check valve. An alarm is sounded when the alarm valve is open. An impeller flow sensor may be provided in the backflow prevention device.

Abstract: An automatically activated fire extinguishing device for a stove. The device is installable in a hood over the stove and has a compact design which substantially hides portions of the device from normal viewing. The invention also includes an automatic stove shut-off which shuts off the electricity and/or gas to the stove in the event of a fire.

Abstract: An elevator cab fire extinguishing system is carried by an elevator cab and is arranged to discharge a non-toxic fire extinguishing agent into the interior of the elevator cab in response to a fire in the elevator cab to extinguish the fire quickly and without harm to passengers and property present in the elevator cab, and includes controls responsive to the discharge of the fire extinguishing agent for automatically shutting down the ventilation fan of the elevator cab, sounding an audible alarm, and delivering the elevator cab to a designated egress level in the building within which the elevator cab travels.

Abstract: The detector includes an electrically conductive probe located within a drum drip adjacent the bottom end thereof, close to the conventional discharge gate valve. Water which accumulates in the drum drip makes contact with the probe, and a circuit is completed between the probe and the conductive wall of the drum drip. This circuit includes a local and/or remote alarm or indicating device.

Abstract: A fire extinguisher and alarm apparatus for a container having a rim and a cavity to retain combustible materials comprising a reservoir having a chamber for retaining a fire extinguishing fluid under gas pressure, a hollow nozzle for ejecting the fire extinguishing fluid, a temperature sensitive device which softens in the presence of heat, a device for mounting the reservoir on the container rim with the nozzle and temperature sensitive device located ajacent the container cavity, an alarm which issues an audible signal responsive to gas under pressure, and a valve responsive to softening of the temperature sensitive device for simultaneously connecting the fire extinguishing fluid in the reservoir to the nozzle for ejection therethrough into the container cavity and connecting the gas under pressure in the reservoir to the alarm to issue the audible signal.

Abstract: A water-flow detector with an electronic time delay. There is a light-emitting diode and photo-transistor detector pair, a timer comprising an oscillator and a counter, and an alarm relay. The output of the photo-transistor is applied to the reset input of the counter, and the counter output is applied to the relay. The electronic assembly is positioned over the actuator arm of a paddle-type flow sensor assembly in such a way that movement of the arm by water-flow blocks the light path between the emitter and detector, which causes the photo-transistor output to go low, which releases the reset on the counter. The counter counts a predetermined time delay sufficient to avoid nuisance alarms due to temporary surges in the water conduit, and then activates the relay.

Abstract: An improved automatic french frying machine and method uses a supply of cooking oil which remains in a cooking vat during normal operation and is heated directly in the cooking vat. A system of thermostats combines with a heating element within the cooking vat to ensure proper cooking temperature and safe operation. An automatic initialization and monitoring system ensures safe startup and operation. Preferred embodiments also include an automatic flushing cycle which is activated at predetermined intervals to clean the cooking vat and replenish the cooking oil within the vat. A specially shaped cooking vat ensures that food particles will be removed from the vat during the flushing cycle. Oil degradation is minimized by either an open-topped cooking vat or a cooking vat having a lid which remains open during cooking.

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 fire and explosion detection and suppression system protects a hangar within which may be stored jet aircraft whose engines may be run up particularly in the re-heat mode. Two radiation sensors are mounted within the hangar and detect for at least predetermined amounts of radiation of predetermined and different types (e.g. one sensor may be a UV sensor and the other may be an IR sensor). When they simultaneously detect sufficient radiation, they operate an AND gate. This fires off suppressor units. To prevent false alarms due to radiation emitted by a running jet engine or a jet engine running in re-heat mode, such a running jet engine is sensed by a transducer responsive to the emitted acoustic or vibrational energy. This blocks the AND gate.

Abstract: Extinguisher provided with a temperature compensated pressure controller, comprising a propelling agent and an extinguishing agent under gaseous form, wherein it comprises a sealed chamber filled with a mixture having a thermodynamic characteristic similar to that of the two agents in the extinguisher, a system for measuring the differential pressure exisiting between the inside of the sealed chamber and the chamber per se and a device actuated by the system for measuring the differential pressure and generating an alarm signal when the differential pressure exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: Apparatus capable of fitting over the upper exposed end of a chimney liner and operable in the event of a chimney fire to extinguish the fire, the invention can be fitted to existing chimney structures without alteration of the chimney or liner structure. The present apparatus includes an air flow restriction plate which is held in a position allowing free flow through the chimney in normal use situations, the plate being held in place by a heat fusible element. The extremely high temperatures existing during even the first moments of a chimney fire cause melting of the fusible element and therefore closing of the air flow restriction plate to restrict air flow through the chimney and thereby quickly extinguish combustion.

Abstract: A supervisory alarm accessory for a fire sprinkler stop valve of the type including a rotatable valve actuator driving a valve spindle. The accessory contains an adaptor sleeve connectable between the actuator and the spindle to rotate with the actuator. The adaptor sleeve has an externally threaded part, and a fixed housing supported on the sleeve to permit relative rotation of the sleeve and enclosing the threaded part. A follower is threadably engaged with the threaded part and keyed to the housing. An alarm generator, and activating arrangement are supported on the housing and provide an activating connection between the alarm generator and the follower to initiate an alarm.

Abstract: A sprinkler head has a flow passage closed by a valve member. The valve member is movable to an open position in response to release of a latch by a temperature sensor. A sensor for sensing a predetermined amount of movement of the valve member towards its open position is provided for generating an electrical signal indicative of such movement.

Abstract: A mechanism for supporting a conventional portable fire extinguisher wherein the support mechanism is modified or adapted to include an audible warning device such as a siren, whistle or bell. When a person removes the extinguisher from the support mechanism an audible warning sound is generated to alerted nearby individuals of the existence of a fire or the fact that the extinguisher may be in the process of being stolen. The individuals are thus alerted to the requirement for some action on their part.

Abstract: An automatic fire extinguisher and alarm apparatus, particularly suitable for use with waste receptacles, which discharges fire extinguisher fluid when exposed to a fire and sounds an audible alarm. Fire extinguisher fluid is quickly discharged from a reservoir onto the fire when heat from the fire melts a fusible alloy plug. A second reservoir contains a partially gaseous alarm agent, and is connected through a valve to a vibrating diaphragm gas horn. The valve stem is connected to a diaphragm separating the two reservoirs. When pressure is lost in the first reservoir upon discharge of the fire extinguisher fluid, the pressure of the alarm agent in the second reservoir moves the diaphragm and valve stem and opens the valve, allowing alarm agent to be discharged through the gas horn, raising an audible alarm.

Abstract: An electrical protection system including a plurality of suppressor units each activatable by either a first or a second electrical current responsive activator to suppress abnormal condition. The system further includes a supervisory electrical current source, an activation electrical current source, a first connector circuit connecting all of the first activators in series and a second connector circuit connecting all of the second activators in series. A control circuit connects the supervisory source in parallel with the first and second connector circuits so as to provide in each a predetermined supervisory current that is insufficient to energize the activators.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing apparatus and an actuating system. The actuating system includes a plurality of actuators connected in parallel and a source of electrical signal for said actuators. Each actuator is connected in parallel with a device whose resistance decreases with increasing current through the device.

Abstract: In a fire sprinkler system a plurality of physically distributed actuators are connected in a normally balanced bridge circuit. The bridge circuit is impressed with a pulsed measuring voltage thereacross to conserve power. LEDs are connected to the bridge for indicating either normal or unbalanced conditions of the bridge as well as indicating which actuator branch of the bridge is causing unbalance.

Abstract: A heat alarm for releasing a strong readily noticeable odor when subjected to heat above a preselected level. A glass container having an elongated breakable neck portion is filled with an odoriferous fluid. When the neck portion is broken, the fluid can escape from the container. The fluid upon contact with the atmosphere creates a strong odor the presence of which is immediately apparent to all persons within the surrounding area. A heat reactive member that bends upon being subjected to heat above a preselected level is arranged around the neck portion of the container. When this heat reactive member is subjected to heat above the preselected level, the member bends and breaks the neck portion of the container thereby enabling the fluid to escape.

Abstract: In a fire detection system having at least one fire sensor, a receiver including a power source connected to the fire sensor for supplying a power source voltage to the fire sensor and a receiving relay for receiving a fire detection signal from the fire sensor, and at least one power/signal line for coupling the fire sensor to the receiver, the receiver comprises a timer for producing a clock signal over the time of day and command means for providing predetermined detection sensitivity change commands of the fire sensor which are programmed according to the time of day in response to the clock signal from the timer, and the fire sensor comprises sensitivity change control means for changing the detection sensitivity of the fire sensor in response to the detection sensitivity change command from the command means. The fire detection sensitivity of the fire sensor is varied in accordance with predictive fire damage conditions predetermined in view of the activities of people during the time of day.

Abstract: A self-contained fire protection system can be supplied in kit form and is specifically adapted for installation by a novice in prefabricated or site built housing, such as, a mobile home, travel trailer or like building structure. The system comprises an inlet delivery line which can be suspended beneath the floor of the mobile home and attached to a source of water under pressure with one or more risers extending upwardly from the delivery line through the floor into the interior of the mobile home, and upper branch lines containing automatic sprinkler heads are arranged in series in each branch line and can be attached directly to the risers and inlet line as well. The delivery line has a dual check valve and water flow indicator or switch, the latter being responsive to opening of any one or more of the sprinkler heads to activate a shunt trip breaker circuit so as to automatically interrupt electrical service to the home including the gas line into the home while activating an alarm circuit.

Abstract: A quick releasable clamp bracket for supporting a portable fire extinguisher on a wall mounted panel is provided with the conventional vertical affixation strap and lateral flexible clamping strap, the straps overlapping in a double thick welded area midway of the height of the affixation strap. An electric alarm switch is embedded in the panel under the overlap area with its spring actuated push button extending through registering holes in the overlap to contact the body of the extinguisher. Removal of the extinguisher from the bracket causes the push button to spring out and close the alarm circuit.

Abstract: A water spray system applied directly to cooking units in a kitchen rather than to the ventilating duct for the cooking units. The system may be a wet system with water pressure maintained at spray nozzles which open in case of fire, or an open head, or dry, system controlled by thermostats and a solenoid water valve. Safeguards are provided against loss of water pressure, surges in the water supply line, flare ups after partial cooling of the thermostats, closing of a solenoid gas valve supplying gas burners in the cooking units as a result of momentary outages in the electric service supplying the control circuits, and other contingencies.

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: An improved sprinkler head for use in fire retarding systems including means for confirming the presence of water pressure at the sprinkler head. The confirming means includes a valve means provided in the sprinkler head and coupled to the water input of the sprinkler head and a pressure detection port provided in the sprinkler head coupled to the water input of the sprinkler head via the valve means whereby a pressure gauge may be connected to the port and the valve means opened so that the water pressure may be determined.

Abstract: A sprinkler flow detector which can detect and rapidly respond to the onset of water flow in a sprinkler system which results, for example, from the release of one or more sprinklers. The detector senses the pressure vs. time profile of the system or house side of the sprinkler system. An increase in pressure is accurately tracked without causing alarm. If, however, the pressure falls in excess of certain predetermined rates and amounts, and holds in the lower state for in excess of a second certain predetermined amount of time, the detector enters an alarm state. In a preferred embodiment the detector features a trouble state in which it responds to one of several monitored conditions, for example, a component failure in the detector electrical circuitry, excessive pressure in the sprinkler system, or dangerously low pressure in the sprinkler system.

Abstract: A process for the automatic reporting and extinguishing of fires and an automatic fire reporting and extinguishing system capable of performing such process are provided. The process uses at least two different types of fire reporting devices and requires a signal from each type of device in order to respond by releasing extinguishing agent. This requirement eliminates many false alarms and unnecessary releasing of extinguishing agent. According to the process extinguishing agent is released in a predetermined quantity and then a check is made to determine whether the fire has been extinguished. If the fire is not extinguished, another quantity of extinguishing agent, equal to the first, is released. Succeeding quantities of extinguishing agent are released until the fire is extinguished or the extinguishing agent is spent.

Abstract: A sprinkler system having a pressurized sprinkler conduit which is separated from a water supply by a normally closed valve, and a fire alarm system having a circuit which is connected with this valve and opens the same in response to the detection of a fire by the circuit, is operated by detecting the absence of electrical energization of the fire alarm circuit, and thereupon operating the sprinkler system as a function of pressure losses in the sprinkler conduit rather than as a result of the operation of the fire alarm system.