Abstract: Improved flow control valves are disclosed which are exceedingly accurate in maintaining a constant predetermined flow rate regardless of inlet and outlet pressures. The valves are preferably designed to enable them to be fabricated almost entirely from suitable polymeric composition materials. One embodiment disclosed is extremely well suited for ultra-pure applications which require extreme care to avoid any possible contamination of the liquid flowing therethrough. Another embodiment is disclosed which is designed to achieve substantially zero leakage flow thereby rendering it particularly well suited for use in applications requiring exceedingly precise flow control and in particular relatively low flow rate applications wherein leakage flow is of greater significance.

Abstract: An adjustable ratio mixing valve is disclosed which incorporates an automatic pressure compensating arrangement whereby the fluid pressure immediately upstream of each of the metering orifices is maintained in substantial equilibrium. This arrangement then enables the respective fluids to be intermixed in any desired volumetric ratio by merely suitably adjusting the open flow area of the metering orifices. In one embodiment the metering orifices are each externally adjustable to enable relatively easy changes in the mixing ratio to be made and may also be interconnected whereby flow volume may be changed while maintaining the desired present mixing ratio. In another embodiment, rapidly acting on/off valving is provided integral with the valve so as to render it uniquely suited for cyclic fluid flow.

Abstract: Improved flow control valves are disclosed which are exceedingly accurate in maintaining a constant predetermined flow rate regardless of inlet and outlet pressures. The valves are preferably designed to enable them to be fabricated almost entirely from suitable polymeric composition materials. One embodiment disclosed is extremely well suited for ultra-pure applications which require extreme care to avoid any possible contamination of the liquid flowing therethrough. Another embodiment is disclosed which is designed to achieve substantially zero leakage flow thereby rendering it particularly well suited for use in applications requiring exceedingly precise flow control and in particular relatively low flow rate applicatins wherein leakage flow is of greater significance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fire extinguisher comprising a container separated into two compartments, one compartment containing pressurized gas and the other containing an extinguishant. The container has a valve to release the extinguishant, which is forced from the container when the bladder is expanded by the pressurized gas. The center of the bladder has a force absorbtion means for protection against the impact of the bladder striking the inner wall of the container. The force absorbtion means has two disks clamped together to retain an annular bead of the bladder.

Abstract: A fire suppression bottle having a state-of-change indicator constructed to include two separate bellows arranged in opposed relationship. Each bellows is isolated from the other bellows, such that failure of either bellows has a fail-safe effect. The use of springs or other mechanisms that would affect the accuracy of the indicator is avoided.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the relative position of at least two parts. A first movable member has two bores formed therein with a frusto-conical portion formed at one end of the bores. A second fixed member has a pair of threaded apertures formed therein. The apertures in the fixed member have a distance between their axes different from the distance between the axes of the bores. Threaded cams are disposed within the bores and apertures so that rotation of the threaded cams causes an adjustment force to be applied to the movable member.

Abstract: A rapid-acting fire suppressant valve that includes a linearly-movable poppet having a long stroke enabling the poppet to move beyond the suppressant flow stream. Poppet motion is initiated by venting a pre-pressurized piston-cylinder unit; ledge mechanism attached to the piston moves out of the poppet path to permit the valve-open action. The valve is characterized by redundant seal action during standby periods, and rapid poppet motion during the valve-opening operation.

Abstract: A portable fire extinguisher designed to increase the discharge velocity and maximum throw distance of the extinguishant. A poppet type valve manually operable to open and close the extinguisher. Tappets placed outside the path of the discharging extinguishant and a smoothly finished discharge passage to provide an obstruction free discharge path. The obstruction free discharge path reduces turbulence and the resultant pressure drop in the extinguishant and increases both the discharge rate and throw distance.

Abstract: A liquid spray nozzle especially designed to spray vaporizable liquid fire extinguishant onto an explosive fireball. A minor portion of the incoming liquid is used to develop transversely directed liquid pulses which act on the liquid mainstream to deflect the stream from one nozzle boundary wall to another boundary wall. The exit stream from the nozzle exhibits a transversely oscillating character for minimizing vacant spots in the spray pattern while achieving a relatively divergent spray cross section. The method of oscillating the mainstream uses a relatively small energy expenditure so that the mainstream has a relatively long spray penetration distance.

Abstract: A gas-operated motor that comprises a divergent nozzle helically wrapped around a rotary support shaft to convey gas from a high pressure inlet chamber to a low pressure outlet chamber. The gas is progressively depressurized during its flow along the nozzle passage; pressure energy is converted to a turning force on the shaft. The structure represents a relatively simple, low cost mechanism for converting gas pressure energy into high speed rotary motion.

Abstract: A novel portable light beam projector device, related system apparatus, and attendant novel method for wide variety use in conjunction with military vehicles, to establish optimum placement of optical fire detection sensors relative to installation of the vehicle's fire suppression system. These inventions are similarly usable to novelly establish corresponding optimum placement of various optical type intrusion and/or fire-detection sensors to similarly protect various confidential areas including storage facilities and attendant personnel/equipment/data and the like whether of a military, industrial or commercial character.Each light projector device has an adjustable tubular shroud to adjustably focus the light beam cone angle. The desired cone angle of the light beam is initially set by use of associated system apparatus including an associated light beam calibration chart and some optional projector support stands.

Abstract: A nozzle for discharging vaporizable liquid fire suppressant material tow a flame area to be suppressed. A nozzle includes internal mechanism for forcing an insulator shroud around the liquid fire suppressant while the suppressant is still within the nozzle. The shroud insulates the liquid material while the liquid stream is traveling toward the target flame, thereby preventing premature flashing or vaporization of the liquid. A particular aim of the invention is to increase the penetration distance, i.e., travel distance before the liquid is dissipated.

Abstract: A pilot-actuated valve for controlling outflow of pressurized fire-supprent fluid from a thick-walled container. The valve includes a stepped piston that is disposed in an internally stepped housing. To effect a discharge cycle an annular pressurizable chamber is vented to reduce the pressure on one face of the piston, thereby enabling unbalanced pressure forces to rapidly move the piston toward a flow-control diaphragm; an annular cutter on the leading end of the piston ruptures the diaphragm to permit outflow of pressurized fire suppressant. The valve is characterized by leak-free operation during standby periods, and rapid fluid discharge during the actuation cycle.

Abstract: A laboratory testing mechanism for determining conformance of an optical iation detector to prespecified time response requirements, comprising an electrically-operated shutter and a fast-moving rotary disc located between a radiation source and the detector under testing. Proximity switch associated with the disc provide electrical signals representing the time at which the window of the detector is initially exposed to the radiation source and selected elapsed time intervals thereafter.

Abstract: A dual valve actuator mechanism for a fire extinguisher bottle in a milit vehicle. The mechanism includes an electrical trigger system for operating the valve automatically in response to energization of an electronic optical fire sensor; alternately the electrical trigger system can be operated by closure of a manual switch from within the vehicle interior. A second cable system is provided to operate the valve manually from a point external to the vehicle, as when the vehicle is unoccupied at onset of the flame or when the soldiers are forced to exit the vehicle to avoid inhalation of fumes or vapors. Unfortunately the valve actuation stroke is very small, on the order of two-tenth inch or less. The present invention relates to a lost-motion connection in the cable for lengthening the stroke necessary to operate the valve; this prevents inadvertant valve actuation due to vehicle vibrations or installation tolerances.

Abstract: In a military vehicle having an upright fuel tank, an improved hollow panel ontaining pressurized fire-suppressant, the panel being located so that the suppressant sprays through an opening formed in the panel by an enemy projectile after its passage through the fuel tank. The hollow panel is reinforced against premature bursting forces by the provision of internal partitions running parallel to the major axis of the panel; the major walls of the panel are curved or bowed parallel to the minor axis of the panel to further reinforce the panel against premature bursting.

Abstract: In turbine engine systems liquid diesel fuel (more viscous than gasoline) s heretofore been purged of water impurity and solid impurity by a two stage system comprised of a disposable cartridge type depth filter and a water coalescer. The present invention modifies the conventional system by replacing the disposable cartridge type depth filter with an extended life cyclone; concentrated impurities are vented from the cyclone and coalescer to an additional separator mechanism. This additional separator mechanism returns purified fuel to the fuel tank; separated impurity is exhausted out of the system.