Abstract: An original method and products are described for fire quenching in all substrata such as forests, cultivated areas, city areas, industrial units, transport vehicles, etc. Aqueous suspensions of fire quenching special products contain endomolecularly water up to 300 g water/g of polymeric product, and the water is kept very strongly so that pressure is needed to take the water out. These products are used in quantities of 1-3%, and to the quenching water are added complimentary other products such as detergents, emulsifiers, adhesion promoters, and inorganic products such as carbonates, sulfates silicones etc. Quenching fires utilizes the solution containing these or a selection of these products, and the solution is thrown in the fire edges to rapidly extinguish the fires, because the water contained in the special organic products is liberated in the fire edges, where quenching immediately occurs.

Abstract: A device and a method for explosive quenching of fires are indicated, for example forest and area fires. The quenching device contains two flexible hoses (1, 2) disposed next to one another and transversely to the direction of risk (5), and closable at both ends, for accommodating quenching agents, and in each case an explosive (3, 4) in or on the hoses (1, 2) atomizes the quenching agent by its ignition to form a mist, which is applied to the fire. In order to achieve a directed ejection of the quenching agent in the direction of the area of risk, the pulse (I.sub.1) which emerges from the first hose (1) facing way from the area of risk is greater than the pulse (I2) emerging from the second hose (2) facing the area of risk. For differing hose diameters, dimensioning of the quantities of explosive in relation to the diameter of the associated hose is effected taking into account the density (of the quenching agent according to a formula according to the invention.

Abstract: Control of smoke and fire in a region threatened by a fire through the use of an exit door and a doorcase around an exit door is accomplished in such a manner to first supply water from a water source to a water supply tube which is connected to the doorcase in a constant level of pressure by a pump. The water supply tube which is connected to the doorcase in a constant level of pressure by a pump. The water supply tube is provided with a solenoid valve for controlling the water flow into the doorcase and a branch-connecting portion. Further, pressurized air is supplied to an air supply tube connected to the branch-connecting portion to fluid-communicate with the water supply tube. The air supply tube is provided with an air solenoid valve for controlling the airflow into the branch-connecting portion. The solenoid valve is opened to render the water to flow into the doorcase having a plurality of nozzle holes facing to the exit door, if a fire is detected either by a detector or a manual actuator.

Abstract: A support system for positioning a sprinkler head relative to a support structure in a ceiling, floor, or wall includes a central hub adapted to receive the sprinkler head, a first leg attached to the central hub and having a first end configured to be attached to the support structure, a second leg attached to the central hub and having a second end configured to be attached to the support structure, the second leg being spaced-apart from and substantially parallel to the first leg. The support system combines increased flexibility in installation with increased support for the sprinkler head during operation.

Abstract: A fire is extinguished and suppressed, by a dual stage fire extinguisher. In a first stage, a sufficient amount of an inerting agent is delivered to extinguish the fire. Once the fire is extinguished, in the second stage, a different amount of inerting agent is delivered to the fire to prevent its re-ignition. Since suppression typically requires less of the inerting agent than extinguishing, a reduction in the weight of the inerting agent is achieved with the dual stage process making the system particularly amenable to aircraft applications such as in an engine nacelle or cargo dry bay.

Abstract: A fire is inerted, extinguished and suppressed, by a dual stage fire extinguisher. In a first stage, a sufficient volume percentage of an inerting agent is delivered to extinguish the fire. Once the fire is extinguished, in the second stage, a different amount of inerting agent is delivered to the fire to suppress it and prevent re-ignition. Since suppression typically requires less of the inerting agent than extinguishing, a reduction in the weight of the inerting media is achieved with the dual stage process making the system particularly amenable to aircraft applications such as in an engine nacelle or cargo dry bay.

Abstract: A device for introducing CO.sub.2 into a preferably liquid extinguishing medium includes a housing (1) with a feed line (2) for extinguishing fluid, a feed pipe (4), provided with a metering valve (3), for CO.sub.2, as well as an outlet line (5). The housing (1) is aligned with its longitudinal axis vertical; the feed line (2) for extinguishing fluid is connected to the housing at the lower end thereof; the outlet line (5) branches off from the upper end of the housing. The CO.sub.2 feed pipe (4) opens into the housing from above, extends as far as the lower end thereof and is provided at the pipe end with injection fluid (6). The CO.sub.2 is directed in the feed pipe in the opposite flow direction to the extinguishing fluid; the length of the feed pipe between the metering valve (3) and injection fluid (6) is dimensioned such that during operation with the metering valve (3) closed a gas cushion (7) forms on its downstream side.

Abstract: A gas charged fluid flow line of a dry pipe sprinkler system is continuously monitored to detect rate of loss of pressure (dp/dt). The rate of pressure loss is used to detect whether there is an open sprinkler head in a sprinkler grid of the system. Detection of an open sprinkler head and opening of a dry valve may occur in a matter of a few seconds, allowing for a quick response to a fire condition and accurate discrimination of a pressurized gas leak condition. The system may operate at charge pressures in the range of about 7 psig to about 15 psig.

Abstract: An assembled length of water pipe sections having a nozzle pipe section at an inby end is moved from a crosscut of a mine into a mine entry to stop the advance of a fire in the entry without requiring firefighters to be positioned in the fire entry. The nozzle pipe section is moved across the entry to a position adjacent to an opposite entry sidewall. The nozzle pipe section is connected at an outby end in the crosscut by assembled sections of extension water pipes to a water feedline. Water under pressure is supplied through the extension pipes to the nozzle pipe section and discharged from the nozzles to generate a series of intersecting sprays directed at selected angles in a range between about 0.degree. to 90.degree. in the entry, forming a water curtain the complete height and width of the entry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus generates slack in a tensioned cable upon the presence of flame or excessive heat in a predetermined area. The apparatus comprises an enclosure having first, second, and third openings therein with the tensioned cable extending between the first and second openings; a pulley positioned on the cable intermediate the first and second openings the pulley having an eyelet extending therefrom; and a fusible disc secured to the third opening with the fusible disc having a hook extending therefrom and into the enclosure. The hook is attached to the eyelet of the pulley for restraining the pulley, and hence the tensioned cable, in a nonlinear or offset position with respect to the first and second openings. The fusible disc comprises a melting alloy which, upon reaching a known temperature level, undergoes a change in physical properties so as to allow the fusible disc to separate, thereby releasing restraint on the pulley and hence introducing slack into the tensioned cable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a liquid, such as a fire suppressing gent, with a gas wherein both the liquid and a combustible propellant for generating the gas are stored in separate sealed compartments at atmospheric pressure. The liquid is stored in a chamber between an annular piston and a central pedestal containing a gas generating canister. A portion of the gas generated drives the piston to expel the liquid into a mixing chamber in the pedestal, and another gas portion is fed into the mixing chamber so as to mix with and propel the liquid through a nozzle. The liquid may be atomized or vaporized depending on its composition. Mixing of the liquid with the gas may be enhanced by tangentially injecting the liquid into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a new method for extinguishing fires. The method is advantageously used for fighting fires in engine rooms and similar spaces. According to the method, the fire is extinguished or at least suppressed by means of concentrated fog sprays with strong penetrating power, by utilizing high operating pressure, which is gradually decreased for the provision of spread fog-like liquid spraying providing for effective heat absorption and control of fire. The extinguishing liquid is preferably delivered to spray heads (43, 44, 45) by using hydraulic accumulators (41, 41a).

Abstract: A method for extinguishing flammable and combustible liquid tank fires using foam comprising empirically determining a footprint for a plurality of nozzles and configuring and aiming nozzles with respect to a tank such that predicted footprint and foam run would cover a tank surface with foam.

Abstract: A method of installing sprinkler-head mounting pipes for supply of water to sprinkler heads employed for a fire water release system and a piping arrangement for sprinkler-head mounting wherein the joints each have at least two outlet ports and sprinkler heads are coupled to the outlet ports via flexible pipes.

Abstract: A fluid drop system for an aircraft for use in firefighting is described The preferred embodiment uses electronic control circuitry coupled with a hydraulic controller that opens and closes the fluid tank's door panels to rate-control fluid drops based on fluid volume remaining in the tank. The circuitry produces a command generated drop rate profile based upon manual drop rate and drop fraction selector controls. It does so by constant comparison of the instantaneous volume of fluid remaining in the tank with a predetermined, desired instantaneous remnant volume in accordance with a defined, declining-volume profile, e.g. one defining a constant drop rate. A stabilized feedback control circuit ensures that, at any instant of time, the opening in the tank's door panels releases a volume of fluid that will maintain the remnant tank volume equal to the desired tank volume.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for delivering compressed particulate solid fire fighting agent includes a pneumatic system for entraining particulate fire fighting agent in a high pressure gas stream, compressing the agent into quasi-discrete quasi-solid slugs, and delivering the compressed slugs in a constant stream at a high rate of speed to the center of the fire being fought from a safe distance. The system includes a high pressure gas supply, a pressure regulator, a pressure compensator, a pressure sink, an agent storage vessel, and a multi-stage delivery nozzle including a pressure imbalance mechanism. Particulate agent is sequentially compressed in the multiple nozzle stages by virtue of a pulsating gas supply effect, and ejected in a constant stream of solid slugs at speeds near or above Mach 1.

Abstract: Method for protecting an area, in particular against fire, by emission of a cloud of water droplets, comprising at least two of the three successive stages, in an order which is appropriate to the problem faced:a first stage, corresponding to remote fire prevention, in which droplets are emitted which are smaller than 100 micrometers, suitable in particular for rehydrating plants,a second stage, used in proximal prevention, which comprises in addition the emission of droplets of 100 to 300 micrometers, giving a more long lasting mist,and a third stage, for immediate prevention, in which droplets of 300 to 800 micrometers are added to the previous droplets, for a drizzle effect.

Abstract: A steerable compression clamp assembly includes a guide plate for aligning the assembly with an oil wellhead casing and clamp and compression assemblies for collapsing the casing to seal same. The clamp assembly provides an articulating arm which cooperates with a stop arm. The compression assembly includes a pair of crushing dies which mount to a hydraulic ram. In alternative configurations, a cable directed drag skid or a tracked vehicle support the compression assembly. Remotely mounted controls direct machine operation and steering. A hydraulic cylinder may also be included with a split duide plate to provide a controlled separation of the guide plate during compression.

Abstract: An extended fire-extinguishing discharge system discharges a fire-extinguishing material at a predetermined mass flow rate. The extended discharge system includes an extended discharge container filled with a fire-extinguishing material, at least one discharge nozzle connected with the extended discharge container for discharging the fire-extinguishing material into a protected space, and a variable pressure controller interconnected between the container and the discharge nozzle. The fire extinguishing material flows through the variable pressure controller which produces a regulated pressure as a function of the inlet pressure to the variable pressure controller. By varying the regulated pressure, the extended discharge system of the present invention is able to maintain a mass flow rate within a predetermined optimum range at any temperature of the fire-extinguishing material.

Abstract: A fire suppression water spray array for an underground mining machine includes an accumulator, and a normally open electrically operated valve interconnected in the machine hydraulic control system for operating a hydraulically operated water spray control valve to initiate the water spray in the event of interruption of electrical power to the machine.

Abstract: A device and a method for fire extinguishing, particularly but not exclusively useful as a fire-extinguisher for vehicles, comprises a rigid tank containing an expansible water chamber for receiving a quantity of water to be used for extinguishing a fire, and an expansible air chamber for receiving pressurized air in order to pressurize the water in the water chamber; a water inlet into the water chamber for introducing water thereinto; an air inlet into the air chamber for introducing pressurized air thereinto for pressurizing the water in the water chamber; a discharge nozzle from said water chamber for discharging water therefrom in the form of a fog jet; and a control valve for controlling the discharge of water from the water chamber through the discharge nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire fighting method, consisting of using non-propagative elements or of employing means for rendering combustible elements non-propagative in such a manner that the percentage of non-propagative sites which a fire front is likely to encounter is greater than a given threshold of less than 100%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire fighting process, characterized in that it consists of using nonpropagative elements or of employing means for rendering the combustible elements non-propagative, in such a way that the percentage of non-propagative sites which the fire is liable to encounter is greater than a given threshold of less than 100%.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system for roof fires or the like includes a fire sensor for monitoring a condition indicative of a fire and for signaling the sensing of the condition. A first fire extinguishing member is provided for spraying a fire retardant fluid onto an exterior surface of an associated roof. A logic circuit is connected to the fire sensor and the first fire extinguishing member for actuating the first fire extinguishing member as driven by the fire sensor.

Abstract: A sprinkler head jig for installing in place for a fire sprinkler head during construction, comprises a body having dimensions including a length and outer configuration conforming generally to those of a fire sprinkler head to be installed, and conduit means formed in and along the length of said body and having threads on opposite ends thereof for installing in a sprinkler fitting and for receiving a removable closure.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel compositions and methods for neutralization and solidification of hazardous alkali spills. A dry particulate composition containing an organic neutralizing acid and, materials having varying adsorption rates may be used to neutralize alkaline spills, and solidify the spills to render them harmless. These compositions may be applied to the spills by fire-extinguisher-like delivery devices which spread the compositions on the spills from a relatively safe distance without splattering the hazardous materials.

Abstract: The body (1) of the sprinkler unit and the valve body (2) are formed with three cooperating shoulders (14,15) in the flow passage (6,8) to accommodate a seal (3) which, in the working state, serves both as a locking ring for the valve body (2) and to partly elastically absorb changes in the length of a rupturable valve caused by variations in the ambient temperature, while an O-ring (4) between the valve body (2) and the bulb (5) absorbs the remaining tensions. A third upstream shoulder (12) formed on the valve body (2) entrains the sealing element (3) when inserting the bulb (5) and the valve body (2) through the flow passage (6, 8).

Abstract: A fire protection system, having spaced outlet heads as water spray sources, the outlet heads having sets of outlet nozzles for providing concentric zones of water spray coverage, either 360.degree. or less than 360.degree. to achieve a generally uniform spray coverage for minimization and more effectiveness of water use. The outlets are adjustable as to both droplet size and direction of the spray dispensed; and remote control of actuation of individual outlet nozzles or of sets thereof further minimizes and makes more effective the water use.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a system for extinguishing fires which consists in first maintaining a supply of liquid fire extinguishing medium in a tank under a pressure cushion of expellant material; the medium is delivered upon detection of a hazard by opening a normally closed valve in a delivery line connected to the tank; this operation triggers a sequential operation of a plurality of groups of expellant containers which causes additional expellant material to be delivered to the tank to maintain therein a given pressure so as to effect quick and total evacuation of the fire extinguishing medium from the tank to the hazard.

Abstract: A method and means for providing a protective environment for submerged pumps are described. For a submerged water pump a shell or casing is installed to enclose at least a lower portion of the pump, and a protective fluid medium, typically compressed air, is introduced in the shell to exclude water from contacting the pump operating components or lines when the pump is not in use. Means are provided for quickly removing the protective medium and permitting water to enter the pump when it is desired to put the pump into operation.

Abstract: This specification discloses a means for providing a barrier against the passage of fire through that portion of a wall aperture surrounding an electrical conduit, pipe, or the like. This is accomplished by placing a sleeve around that portion of the conduit passing through the wall, which sleeve is the central portion of an envelope which is anchored peripherally to the wall or to a more or less rigid material blocking the aperture through the wall and which sleeve connects to end portions of the envelope, each of which end portions extends to connect with the conduit on an opposite side of the wall. The annular region between the conduit and the surrounding envelope is filled with an intumescent gel. The boot is flexible and capable of some movement to compensate for thermal expansion, vibration or other forces during the life of the installation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering constant water flow rates to the fire hose of a pumper truck at each of a plurality of selectable flow rate settings including the steps of transmitting a digital signal corresponding to a particular fire hose and pumper truck, receiving and decoding the digital signal, activating a multi-position valve in response to the decoded signal to set a particular valve position, and maintaining a constant flow rate to the fire hose by automatically varying the valve position in response to changes in the output pressure of the pump and pressure drop in the fire hose.

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.

Abstract: A spraying apparatus and a method for spraying a liquid in a pattern which can be adjusted without stopping the spraying operation. The apparatus comprises a pair of nozzles, each including an orifice providing a liquid stream therefrom. The nozzles are mounted on opposed radially extending arms, each arm extending a predetermined distance along an axis which is normal to the central axis of the apparatus. Means are provided for adjusting the angular orientation of the nozzles with respect to the central axis to enable each nozzle's orifice to extend at any predetermined angle within the range of parallel to the central axis up to an angle of approximately 45.degree. with respect to the central axis. When the nozzles are oriented with their respective orifices parallel to the central axis the apparatus provides a pair of liquid streams in a relatively straight line which is parallel to the axis.