Abstract: A method of detecting a fire condition in a monitored region including the operations of: concurrently monitoring the region using: a plurality of fire combustion product emission band sensors, each band sensor sensitive to radiation within a respective waveband which includes at least part of a respective fire combustion product emission band of a plurality of fire combustion products, the plurality of fire combustion products equal to n; a first reference band sensor sensitive to radiation within a first reference waveband which includes at least some wavelengths shorter than the n fire combustion product emission bands; and a second reference band sensor sensitive to radiation within a second reference waveband which includes at least some wavelengths longer than the n fire combustion product emission bands; and using the band sensors to obtain n+2 measurement values of radiation intensity emitted from the monitored region in determining the presence or absence of the fire condition.

Abstract: A method of detecting a fire condition in a monitored region including the operations of: concurrently monitoring the region using: a plurality of fire combustion product emission band sensors, each band sensor sensitive to radiation within a respective waveband which includes at least part of a respective fire combustion product emission band of a plurality of fire combustion products, the plurality of fire combustion products equal to n; a first reference band sensor sensitive to radiation within a first reference waveband which includes at least some wavelengths shorter than the n fire combustion product emission bands; and a second reference band sensor sensitive to radiation within a second reference waveband which includes at least some wavelengths longer than the n fire combustion product emission bands; and using the band sensors to obtain n+2 measurement values of radiation intensity emitted from the monitored region in determining the presence or absence of the fire condition.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of a predetermined vapor of a predetermined concentration in a monitored area, the method including the steps of (a) exposing gas in or from the monitored area to radiation at wavelengths at least covering and surrounding from both sides a main absorption peak of the vapor; (b) simultaneously sensing the radiation after passing through the gas by a signal sensor and a reference sensor, each of the sensors including a radiation sensing element, wherein the signal sensor further includes a first optical filter passing wavelengths covering the main absorption peak, yet substantially blocking wavelengths from both sides of the main absorption peak of the vapor, whereas the reference sensor further includes a second optical filter passing wavelengths surrounding from both sides the main absorption peak, yet substantially blocking wavelengths covering the main absorption peak of the vapor; and (c) comparing signals obtained from the signal and reference sensors for determining a p

Abstract: A method of extinguishing a fire, which includes pre-positioning a fire extinguishing device which includes at least two reactants such that when the reactants are activated they react to create solid particulate products having a diameter of about one micron or less such that, when the products come in contact with the fire they chemically inhibit the chain reactions of the fire flame and bring about the extinguishing of the fire. In one embodiment, the device is submerged in a liquid coolant and includes means for preventing entry of coolant into the device while allowing the escape of said products into the coolant when activated. Another embodiment is used to generate non-toxic smoke using a device which includes a first reactant which is potassium chlorate, potassium perchlorate, potassium dichromate, cesium nitrate or potassium nitrate, and a second reactant serving as a reduction agent.

Abstract: A system for extinguishing a fire in a volume includes a fire extinguishing device for delivery from a distance into communication with the volume, the device including a composition which includes a first reactant and a second reactant. The composition is activated so as to cause the first reactant and the second reactant to react with each other to create solid particulate products having a diameter of about one micron or less which are effective in extinguishing fires. The device includes a convoluted path defined by a plurality of metal protrusions through which the products are made to travel, the path serving as a flame arrestor.

Abstract: A method for extinguishing a fire in a volume having walls or other surfaces includes pre-positioning a fire-extinguishing device in communication with the volume. The device includes a solid-fuel composition comprising a first reactant and a second reactant. The pre-positioning of the method comprises painting or coating the composition on surfaces of the walls or on the other surfaces of the volume. A coolant material may also be painted over the pre-positioned composition. The composition is activated by igniting it so as to cause the first and second reactants to react with each other to create an aerosol of solid particulate products having a diameter of about one micron or less. The solid particulate products of the aerosol are effective in extinguishing the fire by chemically inhibiting the chain reactions of the fire.

Abstract: A system for extinguishing a fire includes a conventional fire extinguishing cylinder for releasing a pressurized fire extinguishing gas, and a device including a composition which includes a first reactant and a second reactant. The composition is activated so as to cause the first reactant and the second reactant to react with each other to create solid particulate products having a diameter of about one micron or less which are effective in extinguishing fires. The device is located so that the fire extinguishing gas and the particulate products intermix.

Abstract: Methods and related systems for extinguishing a fire in a volume which includes pre-positioning a fire extinguishing medium in or near the volume. The medium includes at least two reactants, typically an oxidant and a reducing agent which are activated manually or automatically in response to the fire causing the two reactants to react with each other and to form an aerosol capable of interacting with the propagation centers of the fire, interrupting the propagation of the fire, and thereby extinguishing it.

Abstract: Methods and related systems for extinguishing a fire in a volume which includes pre-positioning a fire extinguishing medium in or near the volume. The medium includes at least two reactants, typically an oxidant and a reducing agent which are activated manually or automatically in response to the fire causing the two reactants to react with each other and to form an aerosol capable of interacting with the propagation centers of the fire, interrupting the propagation of the fire, and thereby extinguishing it. The methods and systems further include various mechanisms for cooling the gases formed upon the reaction of the two reactants so as to enable the gases to disperse more evenly and more effectively over the fire.

Abstract: A method of detecting a fire condition in a monitored region includes concurrently monitoring the region by a first sensor sensitive to radiation within a first bandwidth which includes the CO.sub.2 emission band, by a second sensor sensitive to radiation within a second bandwidth which includes wavelengths mainly lower than the CO.sub.2 emission band, and by a third sensor sensitive to the radiation within a third bandwidth which includes wavelengths higher than the CO.sub.2 emission band. The measurements of all these sensors are utilized in determining the presence or absence of the fire condition in the monitored region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a predetermined hydrocarbon vapour of a predetermined concentration in a monitored area by: exposing gas in or from the monitored area to radiation from a Xenon flashlamp which includes ultraviolet radiation of a predetermined ultraviolet spectral range and infrared radiation of a predetermined infrared spectral range; detecting the radiation after having passed through the gas; and comparing the detected radiation with a reference of predetermined attenuation characteristics of the hydrocarbon vapour and concentration in the respective ultraviolet and infrared spectral range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing ecological protection with respect to equipment using halogenated hydrocarbons in which the release, escape or discharge of a halogenated hydrocarbon from such equipment is detected, and a source of radiation for effecting selective dissociation of the halogenated hydrocarbon is energized to separate the halogen atoms therefrom and to convert them to a halide salt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the occurrence of a fire or an explosion in a monitored space, or the penetration of a projectile through a barrier, by: transmitting to the monitored space an electromagnetic signal of at least one radio frequency; receiving the transmitted signal as scattered by the monitored space; and analyzing at least one parameter of the received signal to produce an indication whether a fire or explosion has occurred, or a projectile has penetrated through a barrier, in the monitored space.

Abstract: A method of extinguishing a fire by generating an intense electric field and/or a gaseous plasma constituted of a body of electrically-charged particles, and directing the electric field and/or plasma to the base of the fire until the fire is extinguished.

Abstract: Detection apparatus comprising UV sensing apparatus, IR sensing apparatus, inhibitible AND gate logic apparatus operative to receive outputs from the UV sensing apparatus and the IR sensing apparatus and being operative unless inhibited by receipt of an inhibit signal to produce an output signal in response to simultaneous detection by the UV and IR sensing apparatus, and inhibit signal generating apparatus operative to produce an inhibit signal in response to characteristics of the UV sensed by the UV sensing apparatus.

Abstract: Detection apparatus which is sensitive both to radiation and to the proximity of the radiation source, as well as destruction apparatus embodying detection apparatus.

Abstract: Actuation circuitry causes emergency energization of a vehicle fire and explosion detection and suppression system when the vehicle is not in operation. The actuation circuitry includes a simple fire and/or explosion detector which draws a small amount of power relative to that required by the main fire and explosion detection and suppression system when operative. When the detector detects an event which may be a fire or explosion the actuation circuitry activates the main system which analyzes the event by its more sophisticated circuitry and acts accordingly. When such event is no longer detected by the detector of the actuation circuitry, the main system is shut down.

Abstract: A module for use in a fire extinguishing system and comprising a housing which contains detector apparatus for detecting characteristics of a fire or an incipient fire; control apparatus adapted to be actuated by detection at the detector apparatus; and fire extinguishing apparatus adapted to be discharged by the control apparatus.

Abstract: Self-calibrating radiation detection apparatus comprising a detector element and calibration apparatus for maintaining a generally constant response of the detector element to a predetermined radiation input notwithstanding changes in the level of background radiation sensed by the detector element. There is also provided control apparatus for operating a plurality of radiation detectors including apparatus for disabling the output of the detectors in response to a continuing radiation input of predetermined duration.

Abstract: A protective barrier or enclosure comprising a protective wall element including inner and outer wall portions, a protective liquid located between the inner and outer wall portions, the protective liquid being characterized in that it absorbs a significant amount of kinetic energy from a moving projectile passing therethrough, causing a pressure buildup in the liquid.