Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical firefighting device optimized to limit injury to firefighting personnel and to minimize damage to property by suppressing flashover in a structural compartment fire by venting superheated gases and smoke from the compartment, as well facilitating the rapid emergency egress of firefighters from the compartment.

Abstract: A field portable pipe-mounted pipe cutting system with integral controls. The system includes a torch carriage assembly having a torch for cutting a cylindrical pipe. A saddle and cap ring assembly is secured to the pipe. A ring gear engages the saddle and cap ring. At least one drive gear engages the ring gear. A drive gear step motor rotates the drive gear. A motion control module controls movement of the step drive motor. The lead screw assembly moves the torch carriage assembly longitudinally parallel to an axis of the pipe. A lead screw step drive motor drives the lead screw assembly and a motion control module controls movement of the lead screw step drive motor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical firefighting device capable of operating unattended once it has been configured from the outside of a burning structure. With no firefighter presence required in the burning structure, the device removes heated air and smoke from the structure and allows the application of materials to douse the fire, thereby minimizing the occurrence of flashover, the simultaneous combustion of the contents of a burning compartment which causes a fire to burn out of control.

Abstract: A method of treating substrates, such as wood, including the steps of applying an alkali silicate solution to one or more substrates and applying an alkali borate solution with boric oxide (B2O3) content to the substrates. Substrates that have been treated using the present method include a borate-silicate polymer within the substrate. When the present substrates are wood, wood products, or green lumber, they may be used to build structures.

Abstract: A method for treating wood products is provided wherein wood products are treated in an aqueous solution of a silicate, a rheology modifier, a wetting agent and, optionally, borax and/or a bacteriocide or fungicide; the aqueous solution having a pH of at least 9.0, preferably, a pH of 10-14, and most preferably, 13.0. A suitable dye can be added to the aqueous solution to color the wood product. The present invention is also directed to an aqueous solution for pressure treating wood and a wood product prepared according to the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for treating wood products is provided wherein wood products are treated in an aqueous solution of a silicate, a rheology modifier, a wetting agent and, optionally, borax and/or a bacteriocide or fungicide; the aqueous solution having a pH of at least 9.0, preferably, a pH of 10-14, and most preferably, 13.0. A suitable dye can be added to the aqueous solution to color the wood product. The present invention is also directed to an aqueous solution for pressure treating wood and a wood product prepared according to the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for treating wood products is provided wherein wood products are treated in an aqueous solution of a silicate, a rheology modifier, a wetting agent and, optionally, borax and/or a bacteriocide or fungicide; the aqueous solution having a pH of at least 9.0, preferably, a pH of 10-14, and most preferably, 13.0. A suitable dye can be added to the aqueous solution to color the wood product. The present invention is also directed to an aqueous solution for pressure treating wood and a wood product prepared according to the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for treating wood products is provided wherein wood products are treated in an aqueous solution of a silicate, a rheology modifier, a wetting agent and, optionally, borax and/or a bacteriocide or fungicide; the aqueous solution having a pH of at least 9.0, preferably, a pH of 10-14, and most preferably, 13.0. A suitable dye can be added to the aqueous solution to color the wood product. The present invention is also directed to an aqueous solution for pressure treating wood and a wood product prepared according to the method of the present invention.