Abstract: A multi-modular aerial firefighting control method and apparatus for use by firefighters to control fire. The multi-modular aerial firefighting control method and apparatus generally includes multi-modular units that are held together to form an aerial firefighting system. The modular units may work together or independently. The multi-modular system comprises more than one modular unit, fluid, fluid conduit, reservoir, air flow generator, multi-modular unit support structure, aerial suspension system and aerial lift system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an alarm valve station (1) for a fire alarm system (100), having an alarm valve (3) with an extinguishing fluid inlet (5) and an extinguishing fluid outlet (7), wherein the alarm valve (3) is set up for selectively releasing or blocking the extinguishing fluid flow between the extinguishing fluid inlet (5) and the extinguishing fluid outlet (7), having a pressure sensor (11) which is in a fluid-communication with the alarm valve (3) and which is configured to detect a change in pressure and for converting this into an electrical alarm signal (13), and having an alarm delay device (15) for delaying the alarm signal. It is proposed according to the invention that the alarm delay device (15) is designed as an electrical alarm delay device (15) and is connected in signal-communication with the pressure sensor (11).

Abstract: An imaging system illuminates a portion of a plant with a light source comprising a near-infrared (NIR) light source to cause fluorescent emission by a fluorescent imaging agent absorbed by the plant and distributed within the plant via transpiration. The imaging system receives the fluorescent emission from the illuminated portion of the plant. The imaging system generates a fluorescent image of the portion of the plant from the received fluorescent emission. The imaging system displays, on a display device of the imaging system, the fluorescent image. Based on the fluorescent image, a determination that the plant has a disease or injury can be made.

Abstract: A system includes a raised floor, a sub-floor space below the raised floor, electrical components in the sub-floor space, and a fire suppression device coupled to the raised floor. The fire suppression device dispenses fire suppression material the electrical components in the sub-floor space.

Abstract: A combination mechanical/electrical valve actuator providing tactile feedback similar to a purely mechanical valve actuator is disclosed.

Abstract: In an example, a power source for an electric propulsion system of an aerial vehicle includes a body having an electrical energy storage device configured to store electrical energy. The power source also includes a plurality of terminals coupled to the electrical energy storage device for supplying the electrical energy from the electrical energy storage device to the electric propulsion system of the aerial vehicle. The power source further includes a plurality of flight control surfaces extending outwardly from the body. The flight control surfaces are actuatable to adjust a flight attitude of the power source. Additionally, the power source includes a flight control system including a processor and configured to actuate the plurality of flight control surfaces to fly the power source to a target location when the power source is jettisoned from the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a plastic compound suitable for preparing articles, such as pipe fittings and valves, with good physical properties, such as impact strength, and resistance to environmental stress cracking (ESC). In particular, the technology relates to a vinyl chloride resin, which includes chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (“CPVC”) homopolymer. Furthermore, the invention relates to vinyl chloride homopolymer compounds containing the vinyl chloride homopolymer resin, and articles made from such compounds, which compounds meet 23447 cell classifications under ASTM D1784.

Abstract: A fire suppressant system mounted above the flammable liquid within the rim space between a floating roof and the tank wall that stores solid fire suppressant materials within a container reactant to increased temperature by disintegrating and dropping the fire suppressant material to create an oxygen barrier and retard the spread of a fire.

Abstract: A method of protecting commodities stored in a plurality of adjoining racks, having a vertical flue space provided between a set of racks of the plurality of adjoining racks, includes covering a rack, of the plurality of adjoining racks, and the vertical flue space with one or more solid horizontal barriers provided at a predetermined height. Each solid horizontal barrier has a width that is at least equal to a width of the rack and a depth that is at least equal to a sum of a depth of the rack and a depth of the vertical flue space. The method also includes providing one or more rack-level fire protection sprinklers in the vertical flue space below a solid horizontal barrier, of the one or more solid horizontal barriers, each rack-level sprinkler being vertically spaced from the commodities stored on the rack that is covered by the solid horizontal barrier.

Abstract: A method of laser (30) based fire fighting, the method comprising: delivering energy from an emitted energy beam source to an active fire affected area (10) so as to process combustible material by one of cutting, ablating, charring and total oxidation so as to reduce the quantity of combustible material. Preferably the provided energy exhibits a total fluence of at least 50 micro-joule per square centimeter measured over a window of no more than 0.1 milliseconds. Preferably the provided energy is from a laser.

Abstract: A water injector for an aviation cooling system includes a body having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. A conduit extends through the body from the first end to the second end. A spray nozzle is fluidically connected to the conduit and arranged at one of the first end and the second end. A mounting plate is arranged at the other of the first end and the second end. The mounting plate is configured and disposed to secure the body to an aviation cooling component. A filter is supported at the body and is fluidically exposed to the conduit. The filter is configured and disposed to capture particulate flowing into the water injector towards the spray nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extinguishing and/or suppressing an electrical fire within a wooden conduit. The apparatus includes a source of pressurized fire suppressant coupled to fluid dispenser by a flexible hose. The fluid dispenser includes a coupling element securable to the flexible hose and a body element formed from a tubular wall with a plurality of fluid passage apertures for distribution of the fire suppressant. A leading element of the fluid dispenser is available for securement to a draw line for pulling the fluid dispenser through the conduit. Further disclosed is the method for extinguishing and/or suppressing the electrical fire which includes mixing of a non-conductive fire suppressant fluid, and distributing the fluid throughout the wooden conduit by drawing the fluid dispenser through the conduit with either a fish line or a discarded electrical wire.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a system for enhancing the fire extinguishing properties of water. A volumetric screw feeder is employed to transfer super absorbent polymers from a storage vessel into a liquid reservoir employed with fire fighting equipped amphibious airplanes.

Abstract: The present application is directed to fire fighting appliances. The application provides a system for recording flows on a fire appliance to address deficiencies in the prior art where such information is only analysed during an event.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a wildfire and structure fire containment system by means of a fire-resistant Mesh Sheet (13). Said Mesh Sheet (13) is held aloft by a fire resistant Balloon (11) or Balloons (21) which are filled with a lighter-than-air material comprising gas, plasma, liquid, solid, or a combination. Propellants (10) are attached to said Balloon (11) or Balloons (21). A fire resistant Base or Anchor (16) is along the bottom edge of said Mesh Sheet (13). One or more additional said Mesh Sheets (13) can be attached horizontally using a Lip (32) and Channel (31) system. Additional said Mesh Sheets (13) can be added to vertically extend the embodiment to higher elevations. A Flap (14) exists covering an opening on the bottom section of the Mesh Sheet (13). Various electronic cameras, heat sensors, wind sensors, and other electronic and digital devices can be attached.

Abstract: A building sprinkler system includes a pump having an input for receiving water and an output that is connected to selectively feed a plurality of sprinkler heads. A driver is operatively connected to the pump for driving the pump. A cooling arrangement is provided for cooling the pump during pump testing operations. The cooling arrangement includes: a heat exchanger with a primary loop formed by a flow path for delivering water from the output of the pump through the heat exchanger and back to the input of the pump, and a secondary loop formed by a flow path for delivering coolant from the heat exchanger through a radiator and back to the heat exchanger so that heat is transferred from the water to the coolant via the heat exchanger and from the coolant to air via the radiator.

Abstract: A fire safety control system includes a storage container with an agent; a valve on the storage container for releasing the agent; a control head on the valve for actuating the valve; and a connection sensor on the control head for sensing whether the control head is connected to the valve and for producing a connection status signal.

Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler system is provided for the protection of commodities including Class I-IV hazards, Group A cartoned and exposed plastics (expanded and unexpanded), flammable liquids, tires, roll paper, and aerosols, stored in a plurality of adjoining racks having a longitudinal flue space between the racks. The system includes at least one fluid supply conduit in fluid communication with a source of a fire protection fluid. The system also includes at least one solid horizontal barrier covering each rack and the longitudinal flue space at a predetermined vertical spacing. The system further includes one or more rack-level fire protection sprinklers in fluid communication with the fluid supply. The sprinklers are disposed in the vertical flue space between adjacent horizontal barriers, and each sprinkler is spaced vertically from the commodities stored between adjacent horizontal barriers.

Abstract: A thermally actuated lock for an appliance incorporates a fusible material that holds a spring-loaded bolt in retraction. Temperatures that would indicate an appliance fire allow the bolt to extend between the housing and appliance door to lock the appliance door in a closed position.

Abstract: A system where a sensor is placed in proximity to the nozzle of a hose to monitor pressure. The system includes a communication link between the sensor and a remote station. Pressure values can be transmitted to a receiver and optional processor located near a pump. An operator can then adjust the pump to produce the desired pressure at the nozzle. Optionally, the processor can directly control the pump through a closed-loop feedback system.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler support assembly includes a leg configured to extend transverse to each of a pair of adjacent parallel spaced beams. The leg includes levered clamp assemblies that are configured for connecting and supporting each end of the leg to a corresponding one of the beams. The levered clamp assemblies include a first plate and a second plate, each plate configured to straddle the beam. The levered clamp assemblies also include a lever assembly. The lever assembly includes a rod passing through corresponding rod openings in the first and second plates, and a lever pivotally connected to one end of the rod. The lever includes a cam surface disposed adjacent to the first plate. The lever assembly is configured to reduce spacing between the plates upon actuation of the lever, whereby the leg is secured to the beam.

Abstract: A fire extinguisher device for aircraft has a hanger structure and a reservoir of extinguishing agent, the aforementioned reservoir being hung beneath the aforementioned hanger structure by metal fittings held by fasteners to the aforementioned hanger structure. The aforementioned extinguisher wherein the reservoir has means of suspension and the hanger structure has carriers complementary to the means of suspension, the aforementioned means of suspension and the aforementioned carriers being such that when the fasteners are withdrawn, the reservoir is in a position called the “intermediate position,” in which the metal fittings are free and the reservoir is suspended by interaction of the means of suspension and the carriers. The disclosed embodiments also relate to a method for fastening such an extinguishing device.

Abstract: A system and method remotely mechanically controls the direction of fluid flow from a firefighting monitor. For example, a control handle mounted in the cabin of a vehicle can be operably mechanically coupled to a pivotable firefighting monitor mounted outside the vehicle (e.g., near the front) by an arrangement of cables. The handle and cables are arranged such that horizontal pivoting of the handle results in a corresponding horizontal pivot of the firefighting monitor, and vertical pivoting of the handle results in a corresponding vertical pivot of the firefighting monitor. The direct mechanical link between the handle and firefighting monitor ensures a rapid and reliable control over the monitor direction and orientation, while providing an intuitive and user friendly operational modality.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are provided for inhibiting the propagation of a flame front that is ignited by a pumping mechanism which draws a waste stream from a process chamber. The apparatus comprises a foreline for conveying the waste stream which is drawn from the process chamber to the pumping mechanism. The foreline comprises an isolation valve for selectively isolating the pumping mechanism from the process chamber and a bypass positioned around the isolation valve. The apparatus further comprises a controller for actuating the isolation valve. The controller is configured to cause the isolation valve to be closed when the waste stream is initially drawn from the process chamber. During which time the waste stream is conveyed to the pumping mechanism via the bypass, the bypass comprises means for inhibiting propagation of a flame front therethrough.

Abstract: An explosion-venting method for an aerosol fire suppression apparatus, comprising the following steps: 1) when the aerosol fire suppression apparatus explodes, an explosion-venting device matching the aerosol fire suppression apparatus generating a limited displacement along a direction that a hot air stream of the aerosol fire suppression apparatus is jetting towards; 2) when an extremity of the explosion-venting device reaches an edge of the aerosol fire suppression apparatus, being limited, the explosion-venting apparatus stops the displacement along the direction that the hot air stream of the aerosol fire suppression apparatus is jetting towards, thus achieving for the aerosol fire suppression apparatus the effects of explosion-venting and reduced recoil force.

Abstract: A method for controlling and/or preventing a fire in a vehicle air-conditioning system which contains 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene as a coolant includes bringing the components of the air-conditioning system containing the coolant into contact with an extinguishing agent which contains an aqueous solution or suspension of a compound containing calcium and a gelling extinguishing agent additive.

Abstract: A unique method for suppressing the spread of and extinguishing underground electrical fires in confined areas such as tunnels and conduits. A super absorbent polymer is mixed with water to form a hydrated super absorbent polymer and this admixture is applied to an electrical fire. The admixture has superior fire suppression and extinguishing properties than the fire suppression and extinguishing properties of plain water. The admixture has the ability to cling to the object(s) to which it has been applied and both cool down the object(s) and block the fire from reaching the object(s). The super absorbent polymer and water admixture also encapsulates the noxious and toxic gases produced by electrical fires and prevents the release of these toxic gases into the atmosphere. Finally, the super absorbent polymer and water mixture retains the ash, particulates, and other byproducts of the electrical fire to enable a thorough cleanup.

Abstract: Described herein are an inerting method as well as an inerting system (1) for preventing and/or extinguishing fire, wherein a gas separation system (3, 4) is provided to set and/or maintain a predefinable oxygen content, which is reduced compared to normal ambient air, in the spatial atmosphere of an enclosed room (2), said system separating off at least a portion of the oxygen contained in an initial nitrogen/oxygen gas mixture and thereby provide a nitrogenated gas mixture at the outlet (4a) of the gas separation system (3, 4). In order to achieve the setting and maintaining of a predefined inerting level with the lowest possible expenditure of energy, the description herein provides for a control device (5) designed to control the gas separation system (3, 4) such that the residual oxygen content of the nitrogenated gas mixture is changed as a function of the oxygen content prevailing at that moment in the spatial atmosphere of the enclosed room (10).

Abstract: A system and method provide portable protection against a fire. An expandable fire protection enclosure has at least a base enclosure member, an intermediate enclosure member and a top enclosure member. The enclosure members are nested in a transportable configuration. When needed, the expandable fire protection enclosure is placed on a surface and the enclosure members are pulled from the nested, transportable configuration to an occupiable, expanded configuration. The enclosure members are constructed from a thermally-resistant material such as thermal protection system (TPS) silica. The system may include a flexible barrier positionable around an inner perimeter of the base enclosure member. The system may be placed on a thermally protective blanket.

Abstract: A fire protection system includes a dry pipe system and a controlled discharge gas vent. The dry pipe system and controlled discharge gas vent operate using a breathing cycle to displace oxygen and/or water vapor from within the piping network of the dry pipe system. The controlled gas discharge vent allows displacement of pressurized air with nitrogen, for example, using manual or automated processes that can employ one or more sensors. Corrosion resulting from oxygen, water, and/or microbial growth is reduced or nearly eliminated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compressed air foam producer, wherein a fire or decontamination specific additive is injected directly into the foam forming flow supplied to the main water flow and/or the main water flow. A mixing pump for the foaming agent draws off an auxiliary and motive water flow, wherein initially the additive and then the foaming agent is injected. The foaming agent-additive-water mixture, which is produced directly on site, is mixed well together and with the main water flow ensuring a fine, uniform distribution of the additives in the compressed air foam. The thus produced compressed air foam ensures optimal, economical and environmentally friendly fire-fighting and decontamination.

Abstract: A hub assembly for supporting a portion of a flexible sprinkler assemblage within a ceiling, the hub assembly including a primary support mounted to a ceiling support member, and a secondary support member rotatable relative to a primary support member between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, portions of the supports are overlapping and cut outs formed in the primary support cooperate together with cut outs formed in the secondary support to define a hub opening configured to receive the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage. The hub assembly also includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively connect the primary support to the secondary support, and an adjustment mechanism disposed on the primary support that is configured to secure the position of the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage within the hub opening, and is separate from the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A solid propellant gas generator releases a flowing mixture from a solid propellant, separated from a surrounding area, into the surrounding area. The solid propellant gas generator includes a cooling system for cooling the flowing mixture. The cooling system has at least one feed device for feeding a gas from the surrounding area to the flowing mixture in order to mix the flowing mixture prior to entering into the surrounding area with the gas from the surrounding area.

Abstract: Thermally activated devices, including thermally activated release devices. These devices may be used as part of any device or system in which thermal activation may be desired. In particular, described herein are thermally activated devices configured as sprinkler valves. The thermally activated devices typically include a channel and a plug element, where the plug element is a shape memory material, which may be a single-crystal shape memory alloy. The channel has two connected regions, where the first region has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of a plug element in a first configuration and the second region has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the plug element in the first configuration but greater than the diameter of the plug element in its second configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fire-protection storage means (10) having a fire-protection bag (20) suitable for being fastened to a partition (9) of a hold (5) of a vehicle (1). Said fire-protection bag (20) is provided with airtight closure means (30), the fire-protection bag (20) having a vacuum pump (40) and extinguisher means (50) for extinguishing a fire that occurs in the interior (INT) of said fire-protection bag (20).

Abstract: A temperature-activated valve for a conventional fire sprinkler utilizing a hyperelastic single-crystal shape memory alloy is described. The shape-memory element expands as it is heated, forcing a bolt to break, thereby opening the sprinkler valve. The shape memory element typically communicates with the valve so as to force it open. The devices described are less susceptible to accidental breakage than conventional actuators, and have fewer moving parts. Transition temperature of the shape memory alloy can be tuned to a narrow range.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing the propagation of a flame to or from a refrigerant source and an ignition source in or adjacent to a cooling system, comprising positioning a metal mesh flame arrestor between said refrigerant source and said ignition source. The methods allow the use of flammable refrigerants with reduced risk of fire.

Abstract: In a method or in a device for fighting or preventing fires in the interior, on the surface, or in the surroundings of an electrochemical energy store, a unit is provided which ensures that the concentration of an inert gas or of a mixture of inert gases in the interior, on the surface, or in the surroundings of the electrochemical energy store does not fall below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method of treating a material to improve flame retardancy, the method comprising applying to the material urea, phosphorous acid or a salt thereof, and a base comprising a monovalent metallic cation.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving safety conditions at the work site and to respond to emergencies to mitigate the damage/injuries caused by such emergencies. The method may include positioning an emergency response system at a work site. The work site may be remotely located, e.g., a distance from additional local emergency response services. An exemplary work site may be an oil field site. The emergency response system may include a fire suppression system and a medical care unit. The fire suppression system may include a pump in fluid communication with a supply tank. The supply tank may store a fire retardant material. The fire suppression system may suppress a fire by pumping the fire retardant material from the supply tank through a delivery hose and onto the fire. The fire suppression system may further include a communication system to coordinate additional emergency response services.

Abstract: An anti-piracy system for a vessel produces a non-lethal all of water along the side of the vessel to wash away a pirate. A cylindrical cap has a top, a bottom edge, a hollow interior, and an outside surface. A slit is defined within the outside surface forming a partial opening within the cap from the interior to the outside surface. A threaded hose fitting is formed within the interior, wherein the cap can be secured to a fire suppression node on the vessel with the downward face positioned over a side of the vessel for forcibly dispersing water through the slit downward over the side of the vessel. The cap is positioned near the deck of the vessel, just over the side of the vessel such that upon activation of the tire suppression system the water is directed downward over the side of the vessel.

Abstract: Control method and control apparatus of the electric motors of a pump unit of a fire protection system, which fire protection system comprises spray nozzles (112), a pump unit, a control system with pressure-measuring means, and piping (105) for conducting extinguishing medium from the pump unit to the spray nozzles, which pump unit comprises pump drives, each of which comprises a pump (101) and an AC electric motor (102, 203a-203f) rotating it, which AC motor can be connected to an AC electricity network via a contactor device (206a-f), in which pump unit the AC electric motors are controlled on the basis of the pressure to be measured in the piping, and in which one of the electric motors (102, 203a-203f) at a time is controlled by means of a frequency converter (108, 204) such that the motor to be controlled with the frequency converter operates as a motor that under the control of the frequency converter steplessly adjusts pressure and the others are started up into the network as steplessly adjusting mot

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for testing the fire hazard of a material. According to one embodiment of the method, a plane region of the surface of a specimen made of the material is brought in contact for at most a predetermined contact time with a glow wire, which has been heated to a predetermined temperature. Image data of the specimen are furthermore acquired by at least a first camera at least while the specimen is in contact with the glow wire. Image processing of the acquired image data of the specimen is furthermore carried out, preferably in realtime, ignition of the specimen by the glow wire being detected if applicable. A first duration is then determined, which corresponds to the length of time between the application of the tip of the glow wire on the specimen and the ignition of the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-in-oil polymer dispersions comprising of a continuous organic phase and therein finely dispersed and cross-linked, water-swellable polymerizates, where these have a residual monomer content of less than 1,000 ppm. The present invention relates further to a process for the production of polymer dispersions according to the invention. In addition, the present invention relates to devices for fire prevention and firefighting and to the use of the polymer dispersions according to the invention.

Abstract: A system for automatically setting up a truck-mounted pump driven by an engine for pumping operation, comprising a transmission control having a visual indicator and coupled to a transmission of the truck, a pump control having a visual indicator and coupled to the pump, a prime control having a visual indicator and coupled to a prime pump, a master system control switch operable to receive operator input, and a main controller in data communication with the transmission control, pump control, prime control, and the master system control switch, the main controller receiving an input from the master system control switch to initiate pump setup operation, and automatically transmitting alert signals to the visual indicators of the transmission control, pump control, and prime control to provide visual guidance to the operator in the proper sequence of steps to set up the pump for pumping operation.

Abstract: A wet pipe fire protection sprinkler system and method of operating a wet pipe fire sprinkler system includes providing a sprinkler system having a pipe network, a source of water for the pipe network, at least one sprinkler head connected with the pipe network and a drain valve for draining the pipe network. An inert gas source, such as a nitrogen gas source, is connected with the pipe network. Inert gas is supplied from the inert gas source to the pipe network. Water is supplied to the pipe network thereby substantially filling the pipe network with water and compressing the inert gas in the pipe network.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler support assembly includes a leg configured to extend transverse to each of a pair of adjacent parallel spaced beams. The leg includes levered clamp assemblies that are configured for connecting and supporting each end of the leg to a corresponding one of the beams. The levered clamp assemblies include a first plate and a second plate, each plate configured to straddle the beam. The levered clamp assemblies also include a lever assembly. The lever assembly includes a rod passing through corresponding rod openings in the first and second plates, and a lever pivotally connected to one end of the rod. The lever includes a cam surface disposed adjacent to the first plate. The lever assembly is configured to reduce spacing between the plates upon actuation of the lever, whereby the leg is secured to the beam.

Abstract: The controlling of a plurality of smoke and heat evacuation and ventilation (SHEV) devices is shown, in which the devices are connected to field wiring that also includes fire detection devices and alarms. A constant limited current (705) is supplied in a first direction for fire detection. A non-limited voltage is applied to supply alarm current 708 in a second direction for sounding alarms and opening the SHEV DEVICES. A non-limited positive voltage 712 is applied to supply reset current in the first direction for closing the SHEV devices.

Abstract: A hub assembly for supporting a portion of a flexible sprinkler assemblage within a ceiling, the hub assembly including a primary support mounted to a ceiling support member, and a secondary support member rotatable relative to a primary support member between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, portions of the supports are overlapping and cut outs formed in the primary support cooperate together with cut outs formed in the secondary support to define a hub opening configured to receive the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage. The hub assembly also includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively connect the primary support to the secondary support, and an adjustment mechanism disposed on the primary support that is configured to secure the position of the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage within the hub opening, and is separate from the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A releasing control panel (RCP) for use with residential fire protection systems and methods. The RCP provides a primary communication between a liquid supply source and a network of pipes and sprinklers using a series of three control valves. The RCP also encloses a pressure source providing pressurized gas to an auxiliary line that is isolated from the pipe network and sprinklers, with pressurized gas being provided in response to a pressure in the isolated auxiliary line. The RCP also encloses a secondary communication between the series of the control valves and a drain without the use of a bypass system for the primary communication. The RCP further encloses a power supply and a controller that communications with a fire detector disposed in a dwelling at a defined spacing to a sprinkler.