Abstract: A method of generating nontoxic smoke is taught. The method comprises: (a) submerging a nontoxic smoke creating device in a liquid coolant while preventing entry of coolant into said device; said device includes a composition which comprises: (1) a first reactant selected from the group consisting of potassium chlorate, potassium perchlorate, potassium dichromate, cesium nitrate, and potassium nitrate; and (2) a second reactant serving as a reduction agent; (b) activating said smoke creating device by reacting said composition comprising said first reactant and said second reactant, to create solid particulate products having a diameter of about one micron or less which create the nontoxic smoke; and (c) passing said solid particulate products into said coolant through at least one downwardly directed tuyere hydraulically connected at or near the top of said device without any accompanied destruction of said nontoxic smoke creating device.

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.