Abstract: A method of purging an enclosed space of an explosive or combustible gas or vapor comprises filling the space with a foam the bubbles of which are filled with a preprepared gaseous mixture of air and a non-toxic fire-suppressant gas, such as bromotrifluoromethane, in predetermined proportions and allowing the foam to decay. The proportions of air and said fire-suppressant gas in the gaseous mixture are such that when the foam decays the gaseous mixture remaining in the tank and freed by the decay of the foam is capable of supporting human life.

Abstract: Improved hardware for luggage comprises handle studs mounted on a valance member and pivotally supporting latches that are spring-biased to an open position and that are held closed by spring-biased control rods. Manual actuators move the control rods in a direction to release the latches, and a combination lock mounted in one handle stud blocks or permits such movement. In a modification, a single latch and manual actuator are employed with a combination lock disassociated from the luggage handle.

Abstract: The invention is a temperature probe assembly including a probe for insertion into food products and comprising a temperature responsive sensor. Secured to the probe is a coaxial cable having electrically isolated inner and outer conductors connected to the temperature responsive sensor and an outer insulative sheath. The insulative sheath is discontinuous so as to create at a plurality of spaced apart locations on the cable insulation gaps in which a length of the outer conductor is exposed. Molded over each of the insulation gaps and bonded intimately to each of the exposed lengths of the outer conductor is an insulative unit. In response to a predetermined relative movement between an insulative unit and the insulative sheath, the attached length of outer conductor is severed to open an electrical circuit.

Abstract: An electrical fire protection system including a plurality of extinguishant filled suppressor units activatable by explosive squibs connected in series. In response to the detection of an abnormal condition associated with fires, a control circuit initiates an activating current flow that detonates the explosive squibs and induces release of the extinguishant from the suppressor units. A supervisory current supply establishes through the series connected squibs, a constant level of supervisory current flow that is insufficient to induce detonation of the squibs but establishes a detectable voltage drop thereacross. In response to the detection of an abnormally high voltage level across the series connected squibs, a switching circuit switches the squibs from a series to a parallel circuit relationship.

Abstract: A fire protection system including a plurality of suppressor units activatable to suppress a detected fire; a plurality of electrical current responsive activators, one associated with each of the suppressor units and adapted to induce activation thereof; a control circuit connecting the activators in series and including an actuator for initiating activating current flow to the activators; and an auxiliary circuit for connecting the activators parallel in response to the initiation of activating current flow by the actuator, the auxiliary circuit including a plurality of electronic switches, one connected between the supply and each of the junctions between each pair of series connected activators.