Abstract: A system and method for protecting an area from fire having one or more area fire prevention units capable of discharging fire suppressant via a directable nozzle, each fire prevention unit being communicatively coupled to a computing device which detects airborne firebrands, predicts their trajectories and final landing positions, and directs one or of the fire prevention units to discharge fire suppressant toward the firebrand at its final landing position. Depending on configuration, the system may further use wind data, GPS, and terrain models to calculate the trajectory and final position of the firebrand. Also depending on configuration, the system may calculate a spread and distance of suppressant discharge, a nozzle aperture, and an amount of suppressant to discharge. Some embodiments may use trained machine learning algorithms to make one or more of the system's calculations.

Abstract: A system and method that is both effective and accessible. The system is machine-learning enabled, reliable, scalable, versatile, and may be efficiently installed. The system will improve US, state, and local fire suppression efforts because more homeowners will successfully evacuate if they have access to protection. Also, it may allow more fire crews to focus their efforts on the flame front, rather than suppressing structural spot fires in areas where the systems are installed. The system significantly reduces insurance and governmental suppression costs which would provide significant incentives to homeowners. The system minimizes fire related damage to the home, may operate independently from local utilities, may remain in service with minimal attention from the homeowner, and minimize the impact of system discharge on the environment. The system does this by precisely targeting firebrands and discharging only the amount of aqueous solution needed to extinguish the firebrand.

Abstract: A piston having a head includes a circumferential compression ring groove having a top surface, a bottom surface and an inset rear wall extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, wherein a confined area of the compression ring groove is hardened.