Abstract: Fire spikes and fire spike tips adapted to penetrate a surface and distribute a fire suppressant, such as, water, on the opposite side of the surface are provided. The fire spike tips include a cylindrical body having a first end adapted to be received by a conduit and a second end having a pointed projection adapted to penetrate the surface; an internal cavity in the cylindrical body having an open first end and a closed second end; a plurality of first orifices in the body, each of the plurality of first orifices directed in a first substantially radial direction; and a plurality of second orifices in the body, each of the plurality of second orifices directed in a second direction which at least partially intersects with the first direction of the plurality of first orifices. Kits for the fire spikes and methods of suppressing fire are also provided.

Abstract: Fire training props and methods of using fire training props are provided. The props may be suitable for table-top training and include an enclosure; at least one internal panel positioned within the enclosure and defining a plurality of internal volumes within the enclosure; a transparent top panel positioned on the top of the enclosure; at least one side aperture and a side aperture cover in at least one of the sides of the enclosure; and at least one panel aperture having an aperture cover in the at least one internal panel. When a source of visible fluid, for example, smoke, is introduced to the enclosure, a flow of the visible fluid in the enclosure can be monitored by a user through the transparent top panel. Aspects of the invention are uniquely adapted for training firefighters and other first responders on the dynamics of fire, for example, in an engaged structure.

Abstract: A sandwich press or food holder for use with a cooking appliance, such as a toaster or oven. Sidewalls of the press that define a space in which a food item is received can have one or more ridges that define a convex surface inside the cavity and a concave surface on an exterior of the sidewall. The concave surface can be positioned adjacent a heating element when the press is received in a cooking cavity of the appliance. One or more openings can be provided in the sidewall, e.g., to allow radiant energy to pass and/or steam to escape. A handle can permit two-handed manipulation of the press and can have a gripping portion that is offset from an area directly above the press.

Abstract: A food holder for use with a cooking appliance, such as a toaster or oven. Sidewalls of the holder that define a space in which a food item is received. The sidewalls may be secured by engagement features, e.g., components that can be plastically deformed to secure portions of the sidewall relative to each other. A handle attached to the sidewalls may have a grip portion that is movable relative to a sidewall to which the handle is attached, e.g., by bending a portion of the handle. Lateral end walls and/or a bottom wall can be pleated or otherwise arranged to accommodate movement of the sidewalls towards each other, e.g., when compressing a food item between the sidewalls.

Abstract: A heating arrangement for a cooking appliance, such as a toaster or oven. Heating elements can be exposed in a cavity of the appliance and can have a shield that permits infrared energy to pass but blocks microwaves and/or provides physical support for internal components such as a quartz tube or resistance element. The shield can be grounded to one or more cavity walls by grounding elements that engage with the shield and a portion of the cavity wall. The heating element can emit a greater amount of infrared radiation in one direction than an opposite direction, e.g., due to a convex or other shape of the resistance element. Sets of heating elements can be controlled so that a second element begins to emit visible light at a same time that a first element stops emitting visible light. Convection air can be directed at one or more heating elements, which diffuse the air flow or otherwise prevent flow of air directly to food in the cavity.

Abstract: A sandwich press or food holder for use with a cooking appliance, such as a toaster or oven. Sidewalls of the press that define a space in which a food item is received can have one or more ridges that define a convex surface inside the cavity and a concave surface on an exterior of the sidewall. The concave surface can be positioned adjacent a heating element when the press is received in a cooking cavity of the appliance. One or more openings can be provided in the sidewall, e.g., to allow radiant energy to pass and/or steam to escape. A handle can permit two-handed manipulation of the press and can have a gripping portion that is offset from an area directly above the press.

Abstract: Fire training props and methods of using fire training props are provided. The props may be suitable for table-top training and include an enclosure; at least one internal panel positioned within the enclosure and defining a plurality of internal volumes within the enclosure; a transparent top panel positioned on the top of the enclosure; at least one side aperture and a side aperture cover in at least one of the sides of the enclosure; and at least one panel aperture having an aperture cover in the at least one internal panel. When a source of visible fluid, for example, smoke, is introduced to the enclosure, a flow of the visible fluid in the enclosure can be monitored by a user through the transparent top panel. Aspects of the invention are uniquely adapted for training firefighters and other first responders on the dynamics of fire, for example, in an engaged structure.

Abstract: A heating arrangement for a cooking appliance, such as a toaster or oven. Heating elements can be exposed in a cavity of the appliance and can have a shield that permits infrared energy to pass but blocks microwaves and/or provides physical support for internal components such as a quartz tube or resistance element. The shield can be grounded to one or more cavity walls by grounding elements that engage with the shield and a portion of the cavity wall. The heating element can emit a greater amount of infrared radiation in one direction than an opposite direction, e.g., due to a convex or other shape of the resistance element. Sets of heating elements can be controlled so that a second element begins to emit visible light at a same time that a first element stops emitting visible light. Convection air can be directed at one or more heating elements, which diffuse the air flow or otherwise prevent flow of air directly to food in the cavity.

Abstract: A heating arrangement for a cooking appliance, such as a toaster or oven. Heating elements can be exposed in a cavity of the appliance and can have a shield that permits infrared energy to pass but blocks microwaves and/or provides physical support for internal components such as a quartz tube or resistance element. The shield can be grounded to one or more cavity walls by grounding elements that engage with the shield and a portion of the cavity wall. The heating element can emit a greater amount of infrared radiation in one direction than an opposite direction, e.g., due to a convex or other shape of the resistance element. Sets of heating elements can be controlled so that a second element begins to emit visible light at a same time that a first element stops emitting visible light. Convection air can be directed at one or more heating elements, which diffuse the air flow or otherwise prevent flow of air directly to food in the cavity.

Abstract: A heating arrangement for a cooking appliance, such as a toaster or oven. Heating elements can be exposed in a cavity of the appliance and can have a shield that permits infrared energy to pass but blocks microwaves and/or provides physical support for internal components such as a quartz tube or resistance element. The shield can be grounded to one or more cavity walls by grounding elements that engage with the shield and a portion of the cavity wall. The heating element can emit a greater amount of infrared radiation in one direction than an opposite direction, e.g., due to a convex or other shape of the resistance element. Sets of heating elements can be controlled so that a second element begins to emit visible light at a same time that a first element stops emitting visible light. Convection air can be directed at one or more heating elements, which diffuse the air flow or otherwise prevent flow of air directly to food in the cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for training firefighters and other first responders are provided. The systems include a plurality of sensors configured to detect at least one ambient condition, such as, temperature; a receiver configured to receive the electric signals from the plurality of sensors; and a digital storage device operatively connected to the receiver and adapted to store the electrical signals corresponding to the detected ambient conditions. The data detected by the sensors can be retrieved for later review, analysis, and training. The systems may include at least one video recorder and/or at least one infrared image recorder each configured to detect images that can be stored for later retrieval and a synchronizing device adapted to synchronize the sensor data with the recorded images for later review. Methods of implementing the systems and portable cases enclosing the system are also provided.

Abstract: A sandwich press or food holder for use with a cooking appliance, such as a toaster or oven. Sidewalls of the press that define a space in which a food item is received can have one or more ridges that define a convex surface inside the cavity and a concave surface on an exterior of the sidewall. The concave surface can be positioned adjacent a heating element when the press is received in a cooking cavity of the appliance. One or more openings can be provided in the sidewall, e.g., to allow radiant energy to pass and/or steam to escape. A handle can permit two-handed manipulation of the press and can have a gripping portion that is offset from an area directly above the press.

Abstract: Fire spikes and fire spike tips adapted to penetrate a surface and distribute a fire suppressant, such as, water, on the opposite side of the surface are provided. The fire spike tips include a cylindrical body having a first end adapted to be received by a conduit and a second end having a pointed projection adapted to penetrate the surface; an internal cavity in the cylindrical body having an open first end and a closed second end; a plurality of first orifices in the body, each of the plurality of first orifices directed in a first substantially radial direction; and a plurality of second orifices in the body, each of the plurality of second orifices directed in a second direction which at least partially intersects with the first direction of the plurality of first orifices. Kits for the fire spikes and methods of suppressing fire are also provided.

Abstract: A sandwich press or food holder for use with a cooking appliance, such as a toaster or oven. Sidewalls of the press that define a space in which a food item is received can have one or more ridges that define a convex surface inside the cavity and a concave surface on an exterior of the sidewall. The concave surface can be positioned adjacent a heating element when the press is received in a cooking cavity of the appliance. One or more openings can be provided in the sidewall, e.g., to allow radiant energy to pass and/or steam to escape. A handle can permit two-handed manipulation of the press and can have a gripping portion that is offset from an area directly above the press.

Abstract: Fire spikes and fire spike tips adapted to penetrate a surface and distribute a fire suppressant, such as, water, on the opposite side of the surface are provided. The fire spike tips include a cylindrical body having a first end adapted to be received by a conduit and a second end having a pointed projection adapted to penetrate the surface; an internal cavity in the cylindrical body having an open first end and a closed second end; a plurality of first orifices in the body, each of the plurality of first orifices directed in a first substantially radial direction; and a plurality of second orifices in the body, each of the plurality of second orifices directed in a second direction which at least partially intersects with the first direction of the plurality of first orifices. Kits for the fire spikes and methods of suppressing fire are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for training firefighters and other first responders are provided. The systems include a plurality of sensors configured to detect at least one ambient condition, such as, temperature; a receiver configured to receive the electric signals from the plurality of sensors; and a digital storage device operatively connected to the receiver and adapted to store the electrical signals corresponding to the detected ambient conditions. The data detected by the sensors can be retrieved for later review, analysis, and training. The systems may include at least one video recorder and/or at least one infrared image recorder each configured to detect images that can be stored for later retrieval and a synchronizing device adapted to synchronize the sensor data with the recorded images for later review. Methods of implementing the systems and portable cases enclosing the system are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for training firefighters and other first responders are provided. The systems include a plurality of sensors configured to detect at least one ambient condition, such as, temperature; a receiver configured to receive the electric signals from the plurality of sensors; and a digital storage device operatively connected to the receiver and adapted to store the electrical signals corresponding to the detected ambient conditions. The data detected by the sensors can be retrieved for later review, analysis, and training. The systems may include at least one video recorder and/or at least one infrared image recorder each configured to detect images that can be stored for later retrieval and a synchronizing device adapted to synchronize the sensor data with the recorded images for later review. Methods of implementing the systems and portable cases enclosing the system are also provided.