Abstract: A safety control system with real-time diagnostic monitoring of a plurality of actuators each adapted to mitigate one or more safety events when actuated, comprises a D&A module adapted to be in electric communication with an actuator circuit comprising at least one actuator via an actuation circuit the D&A module having a resistance analyzer adapted to measure an electrical resistance of the actuator circuit connected to the actuation circuit wherein the safety control system being adapted to determine whether the measured electrical resistance of the actuator circuit aligns and/or falls within a predetermined range or predetermined threshold to determine a status of the actuator circuit and wherein an interface of the control system being adapted to display indicators relating to the status of the actuator circuit

Abstract: A safety control system including a control panel and a number of detection/actuation modules located remote from the control panel. A communication connection for each of the detection/actuation modules connects a respective detection detection/actuation module with the control panel for electronic communication. Each of the detection/actuation modules receive input signals from a plurality of detectors connected to the respective detection/actuation module over an input connection. Each detection/actuation module monitors the input signals from each of the detectors connected to the respective detection/actuation module and, upon identification of a safety event, to actuate one or more actuators connected to the respective detection/actuation module by sending output signals to the actuators over an output connection. Each of the detection/actuation modules indicate the safety event to the control panel via the communication connection.

Abstract: A dispensing valve apparatus and method for rapidly dispensing fluid from a fluid reservoir of a pressure vessel include a piston translatable within a cavity that closes a discharge passage opening the cavity when positioned in a first position and opens the discharge passage to fluid flow from the fluid reservoir when positioned in a second position. The piston may be rapidly repositioned from its position to its second position by venting a cavity disposed between the piston and an actuator cap by selectively opening a check valve to vent the pressure within the cavity to the discharge passage.

Abstract: A dispensing valve apparatus and method for rapidly dispensing fluid from a fluid reservoir of a pressure vessel include a piston translatable within a cavity that closes a discharge passage opening the cavity when positioned in a first position and opens the discharge passage to fluid flow from the fluid reservoir when positioned in a second position. The piston may be rapidly repositioned from its position to its second position by venting a cavity disposed between the piston and an actuator cap by selectively opening a check valve to vent the pressure within the cavity to the discharge passage.

Abstract: A mechanical time delay apparatus for creating a time delay between a pneumatic inlet for connection to a source of pressurized gas and a pneumatic outlet includes a primary pneumatic flow path from the inlet to the outlet. A movable gate is associated with the primary pneumatic flow path and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The gate is urged by a biasing force to the closed position. In the closed position, the gate is disposed to block a flow of gas through the primary pneumatic flow path. In the open position, the gate permits such flow. The time delay apparatus further includes an accumulation chamber in communication with the gate for a gas pressure within the accumulation chamber to urge the gate against the biasing force to the open position when the gas pressure exceeds a threshold pressure. A secondary pneumatic flow path extends the inlet to the accumulation chamber.

Abstract: A device and method for locking out an explosion suppressor that includes a discharge valve with a load end and a discharge end. The load end and the discharge end define a discharge path therethrough. The discharge valve includes a side opening transverse of the discharge path. A storage container is connected to the discharge valve at the load end. The storage container delivers a pressurized fluid to the discharge valve through the load end when the system is in a discharge mode. A lockout member is removably insertable into the side opening. The lockout member mechanically blocks the discharge path, whereby the lockout member prevents inadvertent fluid discharge through the discharge end of the discharge path. The presence of the lockout member is monitored by a magnetic switch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing fluid including a pressure vessel at a first pressure and a reservoir at a second pressure. The reservoir communicates with the pressure vessel via a first aperture and with an environment at a third pressure via a second aperture. A reservoir vent having open and closed positions, that when opened the reservoir vents to a fourth pressure, and when closed the reservoir does not vent. A piston moveably disposed within the reservoir, and defines an aperture therethrough. A first burst seal disposed in the first aperture seals the pressure vessel from the reservoir, and engaged with the piston to be moveable therewith. A second burst seal disposed in the second aperture seals the reservoir from the environment. When the reservoir vents to the fourth pressure, the piston ruptures the second seal, and a first and third pressure difference ruptures the first seal.

Abstract: A mechanical time delay apparatus for creating a time delay between a pneumatic inlet for connection to a source of pressurized gas and a pneumatic outlet includes a primary pneumatic flow path from the inlet to the outlet. A movable gate is associated with the primary pneumatic flow path and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The gate is urged by a biasing force to the closed position. In the closed position, the gate is disposed to block a flow of gas through the primary pneumatic flow path. In the open position, the gate permits such flow. The time delay apparatus further includes an accumulation chamber in communication with the gate for a gas pressure within the accumulation chamber to urge the gate against the biasing force to the open position when the gas pressure exceeds a threshold pressure. A secondary pneumatic flow path extends the inlet to the accumulation chamber.

Abstract: A device and method for locking out an explosion suppressor that includes a discharge valve with a load end and a discharge end. The load end and the discharge end define a discharge path therethrough. The discharge valve includes a side opening transverse of the discharge path. A storage container is connected to the discharge valve at the load end. The storage container delivers a pressurized fluid to the discharge valve through the load end when the system is in a discharge mode. A lockout member is removably insertable into the side opening. The lockout member mechanically blocks the discharge path, whereby the lockout member prevents inadvertent fluid discharge through the discharge end of the discharge path. The presence of the lockout member is monitored by a magnetic switch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing fluid including a pressure vessel at a first pressure and a reservoir at a second pressure. The reservoir communicates with the pressure vessel via a first aperture and with an environment at a third pressure via a second aperture. A reservoir vent having open and closed positions, that when opened the reservoir vents to a fourth pressure, and when closed the reservoir does not vent. A piston moveably disposed within the reservoir, and defines an aperture therethrough. A first burst seal disposed in the first aperture seals the pressure vessel from the reservoir, and engaged with the piston to be moveable therewith. A second burst seal disposed in the second aperture seals the reservoir from the environment. When the reservoir vents to the fourth pressure, the piston ruptures the second seal, and a first and third pressure difference ruptures the first seal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapid fluid venting that includes a burst seal disposed in a venting aperture. The burst seal seals the venting aperture so that fluid flow therethrough is not enabled. A piston defining at least one piston aperture therethrough, the piston being movably disposed proximate the burst seal. At least one actuator, actuatable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The actuator is engaged with the piston such that when the actuator actuates from the first configuration to the second configuration, the actuator impels the piston so that the piston ruptures the burst seal. With the burst seal ruptured, the piston aperture and the venting aperture are in communication so as to enable fluid flow through the venting aperture and the piston aperture.