Abstract: A nozzle extends through an opening in the side wall of the vessel of a pressure fryer and normally is disposed in an inactive position in which discharge ports in the nozzle are sealed with respect to and are protected from the contents of the vessel. If a fire occurs, pressurized fire suppressant first extends the nozzle into the interior of the vessel to render ineffective the seal at the discharge ports. The suppressant then sprays through the discharge ports of the extended nozzle to extinguish the fire in the vessel.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system for a residential cookstove or range includes a fire extinguisher mounted above a hood in a cabinet positioned over the cookstove or range. The fire extinguisher is connected by flexible hoses and/or adjustable pipes to a pair of nozzles within the hood to dispense fire suppressant over the cookstove or range. The fire extinguisher includes an operator normally biased to the operable position, but held in the inoperable position by a cable system having a plurality of fusible or reusable, heat-activated links distributed therein. The cable system is held in tension adjacent the inner periphery of the hood and includes a section of chain to facilitate installation. Upon the occurrence of a fire, at least one of the links separates, releasing the cable system and allowing the operator to move to the operating position whereby the fire extinguisher releases the fire suppressant.

Abstract: An automatically activated fire extinguishing apparatus mounted within a stove hood. The apparatus has a plastic bag liner enclosing a composition of fire extinguishing materials under pressure within a metal necked container. A pressure gauge housing having an interior channel containing an end of the plastic liner separates the necked container from an actuating header. A plastic nipple, located in a channel of the actuating header, closes an open end of an insert connected to the plastic liner. A fire sensitive device actuates a trigger which causes a cutting ram to sever the end of the nipple to permit exit of the fire extinguishing composition.

Abstract: An automatic mechanical flue fire extinguishing system includes a pressurized container of fire-extinguishing material which communicates with a thermally sensitive valve installed in a flue pipe of a wood stove or the like near the bottom of the flue pipe. When a predetermined temperature is reached, a fusible metal disk within the valve melts, opening the valve and releasing the fire extinguishing material into the flue pipe, thereby extinguishing the flue fire. The fire extinguishing system may also be manually operated.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for reducing temperatures within a firebox to provide reduced temperatures within a firebox and accordingly eliminate combustion occurring within a flue assembly of the firebox. A solenoid apparatus is operative upon closure of a circuit effected by actuation of a bi-metallic strip in response to elevated flue temperatures. A pressurized water container directs extinguishing fluid, such as water, through a spray nozzle interiorly of the firebox to reduce temperatures within the firebox.

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: A liquid composition includes as a major component thereof a detergent mixture of linear alkylate sulfonate, non-ionic detergent and lauric superamide. Depending upon the particular use of the composition, it also includes effective amounts of other components. In use for fighting Class D (burning metal) fires, the composition includes alfalfa, vitamin B-6, sodium chloride, and bicarbonate of soda and the amount of water is minimized so that it is only enough to properly mix the other components together before they are added to the detergent mixture. When used for fighting Class A and B fires, the composition includes alfalfa, vitamin B-6, bicarbonate of soda, water, and optionally bovine urine. When used for extinguishing burning coal fires, the composition includes alfalfa, vitamin B-6, and water. When used as an oil dispersant, the liquid composition includes vitamin B-6, bicarbonate of soda, water, and lemon or lime juice.

Abstract: Fire extinguisher apparatus that is operated by the force of a cartridge such as that used in a nail gun. The cartridge operated fire extinguisher has two detectors that are activated by two separate types of emissions that are characteristic of a fire. Both of these detectors must be simultaneously activated in order for the fire extinguisher apparatus to be operated by the cartridge. The fire extinguisher apparatus also is capable of shutting off electrical equipment such as stoves.

Abstract: A chimney fire extinguisher includes a small diameter narrow conduit removably insertable through a small aperture in a chimney wall. A source of fire extinguishate under pressure is coupled to one end of the conduit for delivery of the extinguishate through the conduit. A sprinkler head is fixed to the opposite end of the conduit for insertion through the chimney wall aperture. The sprinkler head comprises an enclosed chamber, a restrictor for restricting the flow of extinguishate from the conduit into the chamber, a small orifice for spraying extinguishate from the chamber into the chimney and a fusible seal for normally sealing the sprinkler head orifice. In an alternate embodiment the sprinkler head orifice is not sealed but is only loosely covered. A temperature sensor is provided for sensing the temperature within the chimney. A valve which is opened in response to the detection of chimney temperatures in excess of about 1200.degree. F.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system for a cookstove or range includes a fire extiisher mounted above a hood positioned over the cookstove or range. The fire extinguisher is connected to a pair of nozzles within the hood to dispense fire suppressant over the cookstove or range. The fire extinguisher includes an operator normally biased to the operable position, but held in the inoperable position by a cable having a plurality of fusible links distributed therein. The cable is held in tension adjacent the inner periphery of the hood. Upon the occurrence of a fire, at least one of the links separates, releasing the cable and allowing the operator to move to the operating position whereby the fire extinguisher releases the fire suppressant. A low-voltage control circuit is used to cut off the flow of electricity or gas to the stove and to sound an alarm. A battery is provided with the low-voltage control circuit so that the system will still operate if house current is interrupted.

Abstract: An automatic fire extinguishing system for ranges having top burners, including a hood, mountable over the range, tanks containing fire extinguishing fluids remotely located from the hood, solenoid operated valves connected in circuit with heat sensors and power lines to discharge fluid from the tanks when the heat sensors are operated. The range may have electric or gas burners. A solenoid operated switch or solenoid operated valve is connected in circuit with the heat sensors to open the power line to the electrical burners or to open the gas main to the gas burners when the heat sensors operate. An automatically operated exhaust fan and audible alarms are also provided. The system includes manually operable set and reset switch means.

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 or gas to the stove in the event of a fire.

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 fire extinguishing system for a cookstove or range includes a fire extinguisher mounted above a hood positioned over the cookstove or range. The fire extinguisher is connected to a pair of nozzles within the hood to dispense fire suppressant over the cookstove or range. The fire extinguisher includes an operator normally biased to the operable position but held in the inoperable position by a cable having a plurality of fusible links distributed therein. The cable is held in tension adjacent the inner periphery of the hood. Upon the occurrence of a fire, at least one of the links separates, releasing the cable and allowing the operator to move to the operating position whereby the fire extinguisher releases the fire suppressant.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing composition including potassium carbonate, a boron-containing compound, and water. In another embodiment, the fire extinguishing composition, in addition to the above, includes a potassium salt of an organic acid having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The fire extinguishing composition is non-corrosive to metals.

Abstract: A fire prevention system useful for controlling actuation of equipment such as combustion or heating devices used in food preparation. The system according to this invention includes a fire alarm circuit and a timer circuit which automatically shuts down energy supplies to such equipment either in response to the detection of a fire, or during preselected periods of scheduled inoperation of the equipment. The system, therefore, in addition to operating as a fire alarm, reduces the likelihood that a fire will be started when equipment is unattended. The fire prevention system according to this invention further includes a manually operated override circuit which restores energy supplies to the controlled equipment irrespective of the control signals provided by the fire alarm circuit and timer.

Abstract: A kit is disclosed which provides a novel way of extinguishing charcoal fires. The kit includes a flexible metal net, the net being of sufficient thickness and mesh size to hold burning charcoal briquets. The net has at least two handles along its periphery. The kit also includes a water resistant bag, and may also include a rigid container for supporting the bag in an upright position. When a charcoal fire is to be extinguished, the net is laid on the ground, and the charcoal briquets are dumped onto the net. The net is then raised, by its handles, so as to lift the pile of briquets from the ground. The net is immersed in the bag, the bag having been filled with water. After the briquets are extinguished, all but one of the handles of the net are released, and the charcoal briquets are allowed to fall into the bag. The open end of the bag may then be tied, and the bag can be easily discarded. The method described is neat and economical, and the kit can be used more than once.

Abstract: A fire resistant blanket which is tossed or placed over a fire in order to smother the flames comprising a square shaped blanket made of a permanently fire proof material, on the backside of which are attached two handles made of the same clothlike material. At strategic points about the perimeter magnets are positioned and secured in pockets of the blanket. The blanket's primary function is to be used to extinguish small household fires such as may arise in the kitchen while cooking. The blanket is designed to allow storage directly on the side of a refrigerator or other metallic surface or on the kitchen wall by draping over a dowel where it will be readily accessible in the event of a kitchen fire. The handles on the back are designed to allow the operator to approach the fire while protecting himself and his hands. The spaced magnets weight the blanket optimally for tossing the blanket onto a fire.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing composition which comprises bromofluorohydrocarbon and/or bromochlorofluorohydrocarbon and a fluorine-containing high molecular compound.

Abstract: An aqueous solution useful in extinguishing fires is disclosed comprising diammonium phosphate, a water soluble polyol, a water soluble gas-generating agent, a non-combustible viscosity builder and water; when sprayed upon burning surfaces, the solution intumesces and generates a flame-resistant polymeric foam having a high char value; the foam shuts off the air supply to the burning surface and thereby quickly and effectively extinguishes the fire.

Abstract: A fire suppression and control system for a commercial cooking unit having a conventional chemical fire retardant discharge system has a flexible fire curtain supported by a hood and adapted to enclose the cooking unit from the room between the hood and the floor. A housing for storing the curtain in folded condition is positioned on the hood and includes a release mechanism for releasing the curtain from the housing when a fire occurs. A heat-responsive control for discharge of the fire-resistant chemical is coupled to the release mechanism for the curtain to release the curtain at the time the fire-retardant chemical is delivered to the cooking unit. The fire-retardant chemical is preferably a Halon 1211 gas. The release mechanism includes an electromagnetic coupling which is connected through an electrical circuit to a switch at a mechanical actuator for the valve in the chemical fire-retardant delivery system.

Abstract: An aqueous fire-extinguishing composition comprising an aqueous solvent and a water-soluble high molecular compound which contains a fluoroalkyl group and a water-solubilizable group, has an average molecular weight of not less than 5,000 and fluorine content of not less than 10% by weight and is soluble in water in an amount of at least 0.1% by weight at 25.degree. C. and the surface tension of which is not more than 50 dyn/cm when measured on 0.1 to 5.0% by weight aqueous solution at 25.degree. C. has excellent fire-extinguishing performance on fire of cooking oil, particularly of frying oil.

Abstract: Semiautomatic food frying apparatus is disclosed which provides apparatus which may be easily and safely operated to prepare small portions of various food products. In one embodiment, the food frying apparatus includes an upright cabinet with a fan assembly mounted to exhaust air through the top of the cabinet while drawing air in, through and from the lower portion of the cabinet. A removable one-piece filter unit is positioned in the path of air flow to remove odors, gases, smoke, etc. . . . from the air before the air is exhausted back into the room. The removable filter includes a paper filter together with activated charcoal particles configured as an integral unit. In another embodiment, the fan assembly and filter unit are replaced by a closed-loop air cleaning system which does not discharge the internal air of the apparatus into the room. A container for holding a supply of cooking oil is located in the lower portion of the cabinet.

Abstract: Fire suppression piping systems for delivering prescribed quantities of chemical powder propelled by compressed gas, such as dry nitrogen to extinguish fires occurring in commercial and industrial equipment, i.e.

Abstract: Food frying apparatus is disclosed which provides apparatus which may be easily and safely operated to prepare small portions of various food products. The food frying apparatus includes an upright cabinet with a fan assembly mounted in the upper-most portion of the cabinet to exhaust air through the top of the cabinet while drawing air in, through and from the lower portion of the cabinet. A removable one-piece filter unit is positioned in the path of air flow to remove odors, gases, smoke, etc. from the air before the air is exhausted back into the room. The removable filter includes a paper filter together with activated charcoal particles configured as an integral unit. A container for holding a supply of cooking oil is located in the lower portion of the cabinet and is positioned in an insulative shroud with a resulting decrease in BTU's required to operate the apparatus. The heater element is embedded in the bottom portion of the container and does not directly contact the cooking oil.

Abstract: A flue fire controller is provided which includes a temperature responsive valve between a source of pressurized fire retardant or extinguishing material and the interior of the flue pipe. When the temperature of the flue pipe increases to a level indicative of a flue fire, the valve automatically opens to allow the material to extinguish the fire. Means are also provided to close the valve after the temperature has dropped below the preselected value.

Abstract: Food frying and dispensing apparatus is disclosed which is housed in a supporting cabinet and includes a device for holding a supply of cooking oil and a heating device for maintaining the temperature of the cooking oil sufficiently high for cooking successive batches of food products introduced into the oil by a food support basket. A fan assembly exhausts air through the top of the cabinet. A derated precipitator, a charcoal filter, a fragrance holding apparatus and an ozone generator are positioned upstream of the fan assembly and in the path of air flow to eliminate any smoke or odor produced within the apparatus prior to discharge of the air from the cabinet. Food handling apparatus pivotally positions the food support basket in three separate and distinct positions with the three positions being in the cooking oil in a "cook" position, out of the oil in a food product "dispense" position and out of the oil in a "ready" position.

Abstract: A kitchen range has a compartment containing a flame-retardant blanket disposed immediately below the heating elements. In one embodiment of the invention, an access opening to the compartment at the front of the range is normally covered by a hinged door. One end of the blanket is releasably secured to the interior of the hinged door. In the event of a fire occurring on one of the heating elements, the door may be opened to expose the blanket, which may be readily withdrawn and draped over the fire. Operating handles may be provided on the front end of the blanket to facilitate its withdrawal and manipulation in a manner protecting a user from the flames. In another embodiment of the invention, the compartment may include a pull-out drawer containing the blanket. The door or drawer may also be used to control a switch for cutting off an energy supply to the range when the door or drawer is opened.

Abstract: An automatic chimney fire extinguisher and method includes a housing for insertion in a chimney at the outlet thereof and a flare in the housing connected thereto by a cord to suspend the flare below the housing at a predetermined distance. The flare is releasably retained in the housing and the extinguisher is responsive to a preselected temperature level in the chimney for releasing the flare to permit same to drop below the housing and to be suspended by the cord. The flare is ignited in response to the release thereof.

Abstract: The unburned particulate accumulation within the exhaust for a combustion system, such as the liner of a flue for a stove, is monitored by a circuit which receives a temperature indicating signal from a thermo couple mounted within the flue. The circuit includes comparators which process the temperature signal to determine whether the temperature is within in any of three ranges. When the temperature is within a normal burning range, the elapsed time that the temperature remains within such range is stored as a first count whose magnitude is proportional to the accumulation of particulates. When the first count exceeds a prescribed level, a warning device is activated. When the temperature reaches a higher cleaning range that is sufficient to burn the accumulated particulates, the elapsed time that the temperature remains within such range is stored in a second counter. The first counter is reset when the value of the second counter reaches a prescribed value.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus comprises a cylinder assembly supported by a harness through a mounting bracket. The bracket has a leg with an open-ended slot into which a grooved portion of the cylinder assembly is passed. The assembly is secured by screwing a pressure-reducing valve onto the shut-off valve of the cylinder assembly, in so doing a knurled ring on the pressure-reducing valve coming into position adjacent to an edge of the bracket to prevent subsequent withdrawal of the cylinder assembly from the slot.

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 fire extinguishing system is automatically actuated in response to flames from a fire on the upper surface of a stove having a vent hood. A pressurized fire extinguisher includes a lever actuated valve spring biased to the open position and contains a supply of fire extinguishing material. A discharge manifold extends between the valve of the fire extinguisher and a plurality of nozzles which are positioned within the vent hood to distribute the fire extinguishing material over the upper surface of the stove when the valve is released into the open position. A fusible link secures a strut which maintains the valve in a closed position. A fuse extends from an area above the upper surface of the stove to a capsule of gun powder which surrounds the fusible link. A fire in the stove top area ignites the exposed end of the fuse which controllably transfers fire to the capsule of gun powder.

Abstract: An air ventilation and washing system for extracting noxious or other impure air, such as is present above the cooking surface of a stove having automatically activated electrical and mechanical fire control apparatus selectively responsive to changes in temperature is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a kitchen ventilating system, where a kitchen hood communicates through an exhaust duct to the exterior atmosphere, where a fan in the duct operates for powered venting of the kitchen, and where a damper can be closed to separate the kitchen from the exhaust duct. This invention teaches means for shifting the damper between the closed position and the open position, which means is a fluid power actuator in the form of a power cylinder. The power cylinder is operated by water, typically from the same source as the regular kitchen water, and control valve means utilized between this source of water under pressure and the cylinder controls the shifting of the damper. The preferred system provides that the valve means shifts by spring pressure to the position corresponding to where the damper is closed and is electrically shifted to open the damper, so that should a power failure occur the damper will automatically be closed.