Stream Impregnating Patents (Class 169/15)
  • Patent number: 12062459
    Abstract: Nozzles mix coolant from different sources together in an outlet to prevent differences in coolant output. Different flow path configurations are useable in the nozzle, including a multiple-path configuration with flows from different sources jacketed or concentrically arranged around flows from other sources. Swirl vanes may be installed in the nozzle to impart mixing or filtering the fluid flow. Diffusers may be used to passively suction or accelerate flow and mixing the same like a jet pump. Nozzles can be combined with filtration systems like trap filters that capture debris based on a momentum difference between the denser debris and fluid. Filters can use magnetic, adhesive, or porous materials to capture debris without blocking a flow path. Filters can be disengaged, such as when clogged, such that coolant flows around the system. Nozzles can be installed on feedwater sparger assemblies in varying manner to distribute coolant from multiple nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: Eric P. Loewen, James P. Sineath, Dean D. Molinaro, William C. Dawn, Robin D. Sprague, Theron D. Marshall, Joel P. Melito
  • Patent number: 11788222
    Abstract: A washing machine having a bubble generator includes a bubble spray part provided at an upper side of a tub and configured to discharge bubbles from a top to a bottom inside the tub; a wash liquid jet nozzle provided inside the bubble spray part and configured to jet wash liquid; a blowing fan provided in the bubble spray part and configured to blow air in a direction in which the wash liquid jet nozzle jets the wash liquid; and a porous plate member provided at a front end of the bubble spray part and including a plurality of holes, wherein when the wash liquid jetted from the wash liquid jet nozzle collides with the porous plate member, bubbles are generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hwang-mook Cho, Geon-ung Lee, Eun-suk Bang, Dong-pil Seo, Eung-ryeol Seo
  • Patent number: 11590374
    Abstract: A mobile compressed foam firefighting unit comprising a mixing chamber connected at the outlet to the foam feeder, and the following systems connected to the mixing chamber inlet: a water supply system comprising a water pump and a water pump drive, a foam concentrate supply system comprising a foam pump and a foam pump drive, and an air supply system comprising an air compressor and an air pump drive. The system includes a drive motor, and drives of the air compressor and the foam pump comprise variable hydraulic transmissions kinetically connected to the drive motor, and the system is equipped with a water flow meter, a throttle valve with an electric drive and a check valve, and an electronic control unit of the throttle valve installed in the water supply pipe between the water pump and the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignees: JOINT STOCK COMPANY “ROSENERGOATOM”, JOINT STOCK COMPANY “SCIENCE AND INNOVATIONS”, LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY “THE URAL-SIBERIAN FIRE-FIGHTING AND TECHNOLOGICAL COMPANY”
    Inventor: Aleksandr Mikhailovich Burdin
  • Patent number: 11376454
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an air handling unit having a housing that defines an air flow path therethrough, a heat exchanger disposed within the air flow path and configured to flow a working fluid therethrough, and a nozzle configured to deliver a fire suppression agent into the air flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Air Distribution Technologies IP, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Bogart, Derek M. Sandahl
  • Patent number: 11351407
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optimized foam former (1) for foaming a foam-water concentrate, which foam former consists of a curved grate having diamond-shaped openings (13) and sharp edges (12). The structure of the foam former increases the foam formation and ensures uniform distribution of the foam over a large area. Existing water sprinklers having a nozzle (3) and a spray disk (2) can be provided with the foam former (1) and thus converted into foam sprinklers in a simple manner. The foam former (1) is arranged in such a way that the foam former (1) protrudes beyond the spray disk (2) toward the nozzle (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: EUROSPRINKLER AG
    Inventors: Markus Thoma, Jens Stubenrauch
  • Patent number: 11298573
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for extinguishing and/or suppressing fire in a structure. Particularly, the present systems and methods discharge clean agents over an extended period of time at an occupiable level to protect life, reduce personnel training time and expense, and preserve valuable items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: ETG Fire, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris van der Stokker
  • Patent number: 11075992
    Abstract: Ameliorative actions are taken using a system equipped with sensors and equipment for attending to a patient. Operation of the system is controlled at a remote site or alternatively at the location of an injury. Injury assessment and the patient's affective and/or cognitive state may be facilitated through the analysis of data obtained by the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas David Erickson, Clifford A. Pickover, Maja Vukovic, Komminist Weldemariam
  • Patent number: 10927280
    Abstract: Methods of and systems for dispensing dust suppressant are provided. The methods comprise forming an aqueous dispersion stream by delivering a surfactant composition to an aqueous liquid stream. The aqueous dispersion stream is mixed to form a dust suppressant. The dust suppressant is dispensed to a surface at a pressure sufficient to provide coverage of the surface. Surface tension of the dust suppressant is measured via a tensiometer, and the measurement is relayed to a controller. The forming of the aqueous dispersion stream is adjusted according to the measured surface tension relayed to the controller. The systems are configured to carry out one or more of the provided methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin O'Brien, Nicholas S. Ergang, Sankar Bhattacharja, Andrew Brinkmeier, John C. Cranfill, III, Shaun P. Lendrum
  • Patent number: 10758759
    Abstract: An agent distribution system includes a water tank, a flush line, a flush valve, an agent storage tank, an agent line, an agent valve, a first flow meter, and a second flow meter. The flush line receives water from the water tank. The flush valve is configured to selectively prevent water from flowing along the flush line downstream of the flush valve. The agent line receives agent from the agent tank. The agent valve is configured to selectively prevent agent from flowing along the agent line downstream of the agent valve. The flush line extends into the agent line at a junction. The junction is disposed downstream of the agent valve. The first flow meter is positioned along the agent line downstream of the junction. The second flow meter is positioned downstream of the first flow meter and upstream of a discharge system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Shively, Tim Nelson, David Kay, Seth Newlin
  • Patent number: 10502450
    Abstract: An insulated cover for a whole-house fan includes a base defining an opening for disposal over the whole-house fan, and first and second, oppositely disposed, ceiling doors each hingedly connected to the base. In a closed configuration the ceiling doors each sit at an acute angle with respect to a horizontal plane corresponding with a bottom surface of the base. The base and ceiling doors are formed from thermal insulation board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: AIR VENT, INC.
    Inventors: Robert B. Holland, Grayson M. Griffin
  • Patent number: 10427179
    Abstract: A system for metering liquids at very low flows for use with agricultural sprayers is provided. The system may utilize two electronically controlled solenoid valves in series with a storage chamber in between. The flow may be a function of the PWM control of each of the valves, the phase relationship between the control signals, the storage chamber in between, the pressure difference across the metering device, and the fluid being metered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: John Posselius, Tim Stombaugh, Yongbo Wan
  • Patent number: 10286237
    Abstract: An integrated operator interface for a fire suppression system is provided. The fire suppression system includes an engine, a water source, a water pump, a foam system and a compressed air system. The integrated operator interface includes a control panel including a plurality of one-touch activation controls. Each one-touch activation control is configured to cause the output of a predetermined fire suppression fluid from the fire suppression system and cause a predetermined increase in engine speed resulting in an associated increase in water pump pressure. The predetermined fire suppression fluid comprising a predetermined flow of water, a predetermined type of foamant, a predetermined concentration of the predetermined type of foamant, and a predetermined flow of compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: HALE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Laskaris, Alan Smith
  • Patent number: 10220108
    Abstract: A decontamination system on-board a vehicle may comprise a reservoir on-board a vehicle and the reservoir contains a disinfectant solution. The system may also include a pressurized air supply on-board the vehicle; and, one or more nozzles secured on-board the vehicle and in fluid communication with the reservoir and the pressurized air supply. In addition, one or more pumps may be on-board the vehicle and the one or more pumps are in fluid communication with the reservoir and the one or more nozzles. The system may also include a programmable controller in signal communication with the one or more pumps and pressurized air supply to activate the one or more pumps and pressurized air supply to deliver the disinfectant solution and pressurized air to the one or more nozzles, wherein the solution is dispersed in atomized form in an interior space of the vehicle to be decontaminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Aeroclave, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald D. Brown, David J. Robinson, Michael G. Quinoy, James S. Amrhein
  • Patent number: 10099078
    Abstract: A compressed air foam (CAF) mixing device is suitable for use in a CAF system which includes a pressurized source of a water soap mixture and a pressurized air source. The CAF mixing device includes an inlet portion, a venturi portion and a deceleration portion. The venturi portion communicates with the inlet portion and includes a constricted zone which presents a smaller cross sectional area than the inlet portion. The venturi portion opens into the deceleration portion which has a substantially larger cross sectional area than the venturi portion. At least one pressurized air conduit communicates with the pressurized air source and is arranged to be adjacent to the deceleration portion. At least one aperture which communicates between the pressurized air conduit and the deceleration portion introduces high pressure air into the deceleration portion in order to produce a water soap foam (CAF) suitable for firefighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Gregory A. Blanchat
  • Patent number: 10071269
    Abstract: Rock dust is applied to a mine wall for mine fire suppression in combination with a chemical foam, by generating the foam from air and a foamable liquid in a mixing chamber, and delivering the foam through one flexible conduit and air-entrained rock dust through another flexible conduit to a portable assembly composed of a Y-joint and a delivery nozzle for combining the foam and rock dust and applying the combination directly to a mine wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Rusmar Incorporated
    Inventor: Ricky VanBuren
  • Patent number: 10018195
    Abstract: A pump intake pressure control apparatus includes a conduit joining a pump to a liquid source, a flow controller configured to control the flow of liquid through the conduit, pressure sensors for detecting the pressure of the liquid in the conduit upstream and downstream of the flow controller, and an electronic master controller programmed to receive input from the pressure sensors and to actuate the flow controller to reduce the pressure downstream of the flow controller to a predetermined approximate value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Inventor: John E. McLoughlin
  • Patent number: 9907986
    Abstract: An exemplary fire suppression system includes a sprinkler nozzle. At least one conduit is connected to the nozzle for delivering a fire suppression fluid to the nozzle. The conduit and the nozzle establish a discharge path. A pneumatically driven pump is connected with the conduit for pumping fluid into the conduit. A gas source provides pressurized gas to the pump for driving the pump. The gas source also provides gas to the discharge path for achieving a desired discharge of the fluid from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: UTC Fire & Security Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan Robert Siewert, Ulf J. Jonsson, Mike Lindsay
  • Patent number: 9894926
    Abstract: Provided is a household appliance for food preparation, comprising a working body having a cover, and a working tool arranged in the working body, the cover comprising at least two spouts for inserting food into the working body. The cover comprises an upper collector leading into at least two of the spouts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Fabien Delavaud, Christian Raude, Nicolas Suberbie, David Ginestet
  • Patent number: 9855517
    Abstract: A waste liquid solidification system includes a chamber at least partially enclosing a volume, a liquid outlet positioned to spray a liquid into the volume, and a powder outlet adjacent the liquid outlet positioned to discharge a super-absorbent polymer powder into the volume. The liquid outlet and powder outlet are configured such that the liquid and the super-absorbent polymer powder undergo airborne mixing within the volume enclosed by the chamber to create a solid waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SST Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Rock, Abigail Grommet
  • Patent number: 9849318
    Abstract: An exemplary fire suppression system includes a sprinkler nozzle. At least one conduit is connected to the nozzle for delivering a fire suppression fluid to the nozzle. The conduit and the nozzle establish a discharge path. A pneumatically driven pump is connected with the conduit for pumping fluid into the conduit. A gas source provides pressurized gas to the pump for driving the pump. The gas source also provides gas to the discharge path for achieving a desired discharge of the fluid from the nozzle. A controller selectively controls at least one of (i) the gas provided to the pump, which controls the fluid pressure in the conduit, or (ii) the gas provided to the nozzle or the conduit, which controls the gas pressure delivered to the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: UTC FIRE & SECURITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bryan Robert Siewert, May L. Corn, Jeffrey M. Cohen, Michael R. Carey, Mike Lindsay
  • Patent number: 9737741
    Abstract: A fire-suppression technology system has a tank with outlet and inlet orifices. A reservoir has a dispensing orifice. The tank receives water. The reservoir receives a quantity of powder adapted to be converted to a fire-suppressing fluid when mixed with water. A pump operatively couples the tank and the reservoir. A hose is operatively coupled to the pump. A spool is supports the hose. A primary path of travel constitutes a closed loop path between the tank and the pump and the reservoir to create a fire-suppressing fluid. A secondary path of travel constitutes an open path for dispensing the fire-suppressing fluid from the tank and the pump toward a region to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Paul Van Lingen
  • Patent number: 9724548
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for environment protection (climate change) from toxic elements and subsidence by existing underground coal seam fires by expansion termination of these fires. The method is based on creating, on the path of or around a burning coal seam fire, a subterranean void-barrier, with non-combustible gases (or fluids) and absence of oxidiser. The void-barrier may be substantially free from combustible material. The void-barrier will prevent further expansion of the existing coal seam fire, and may be created by known methods of coal extraction in gasified form, such as Underground Coal Gasification (USG). By-products from void-barrier creation can be utilized to reduce environmental pollution and for production of useful commercial entities such as gas or liquid fuels like: petrol, diesel, jet fuel, avgas, paraffin or electrical power generation and/or chemicals like CO2 for enrichment of coal or which may be sold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Engineering Projects Management International Ltd
    Inventors: David Lechtman, David Johnson
  • Patent number: 9687685
    Abstract: A device for generating compressed air foam for use in fire suppression, the device may be attached to standard pressurized sources of water used for fighting fires. The device comprises a water chamber adjacent to an air chamber with a partition there between. A water impeller resides at least partially within the water chamber and an air impeller resides at least partially within the air chamber. The pressurized source of water drives the water impeller, which in turn is connected to drive the air impeller. The air impeller sucks air into the air chamber and compresses the air. The air then passes through a nozzle in the partition to aerate the source of water containing foam solutes to form compressed air foam. The compressed air foam exits the device with a velocity to coat a fire to be extinguished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Paul Chmielewski
  • Patent number: 9650691
    Abstract: A quenching process for quenching a flowing first fluid with a flowing second fluid may involve a first hollow pipe for containing the flowing first fluid and a second hollow pipe for containing the flowing second fluid; dividing the flowing second fluid into a first baffle flow along a first side of a longitudinal baffle and a second baffle flow along a second side of the longitudinal baffle within the second hollow pipe; providing a transverse baffle protruding from the longitudinal baffle for directing the first baffle flow from a first baffle flow outlet and the second baffle flow from a second baffle flow outlet in the second hollow pipe and into the flowing first fluid in the first hollow pipe; and configuring an area of the first baffle flow outlet area to be greater than or equal to an area of the second baffle flow outlet area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Sandipan Kumar Das, Steven Alan Treese
  • Patent number: 9522291
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fire extinguishing apparatus being inexpensive in manufacturing cost, easy to handle, and it enables a storage tank to be refilled with fire extinguishing sand during a fire extinguishing. A fire extinguishing apparatus of the present invention includes a sand container having fire extinguishing sand a nitrogen gas cylinder, and an ejector provided nitrogen gas taken out via a decompression valve from the nitrogen gas cylinder. The ejector is connected to a suction tube sucking the fire extinguishing sand from the sand container using negative pressure generated by a nitrogen gas stream and a delivery tube delivering the sucked fire extinguishing sand and the nitrogen gas. The sand container has a lid plate provided with a sand inlet enabling opening and closing, which enables the sand container to be refilled with the fire extinguishing sand during a fire extinguishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventor: Motohiro Fukuhara
  • Patent number: 9487842
    Abstract: An injection system may include a first hollow pipe through which a first fluid flows and a second hollow pipe through which a second fluid flows, the first fluid for mixing into the second fluid. The second hollow pipe may reside through a wall of the first hollow pipe and have an opening near its end that is near a centerline of the first hollow pipe. A longitudinal baffle may reside within the second hollow pipe and together with the second hollow pipe, define a first and second baffle flow path within the second hollow pipe for the second fluid. A transverse baffle may be attached to the longitudinal baffle to protrude into the opening of the second hollow pipe. The transverse baffle divides the opening into a first baffle flow outlet and a second baffle flow outlet, for the first baffle flow path and the second baffle flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Sandipan Kumar Das, Steven Alan Treese
  • Patent number: 9486841
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an autonomous mobile foam-producing unit for cleaning, specifically said unit allows the cleaning and sanitization of agricultural and livestock areas. The invention also enables to generate a large quantity of foam quickly and ejected with high pressure, preventing in turn a water hammer or Zhukowski pulse. The present invention is also autonomous, including power systems based on gasoline or diesel engines with the ability to be adapted to batteries and solar cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Quimica Rosmar, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Rodrigo Martinez Romero, Humberto Martinez Romero
  • Patent number: 9453243
    Abstract: A transportation device, transporting a material to a target, includes an input module, a transmission module and an output module. The input module has a containing unit and at least one filter. The at least one filter is connected to the containing unit, and a carrier fluid and the material are stored in the containing unit. The transmission module is coupled to the at least one filter of the input module. The output module has a guiding unit, a throat portion, a first opening and a second opening. The throat portion is positioned between the first opening and the second opening. One end of the guiding unit is connected to the transmission module. The other end of the guiding unit has a guiding corner for connecting to the first opening. The material will enter the output module through the first opening and reaches the target through the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: CHIEN-LUNG CHEN
    Inventor: Chien-Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 9381388
    Abstract: A fire suppression system for a container including a first tank containing a first liquid component of a two-part foam and a second tank containing a second liquid component of the foam. The system also includes at least one liquid component release device configured to be selectively capable of releasing the first and second components from their respective containers upon receipt of a signal from a fire detector upon detection of a fire. The two-part foam components are propelled through the system by a pressurized propellant that, upon release of the release device, causes the exit of the foam components from their respective tanks, through a mixing conduit to at least one nozzle. The nozzle is configured to spray the liquid component foam mixture into the container wherein the foam cures into a substantially semi-rigid, closed cell foam that is substantially impermeable and may have charring and/or intumescence properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventor: William Armand Enk, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9307688
    Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a down force cylinder configured to apply a downward force to a row unit, and a depth control cylinder configured to vary a penetration depth of a ground engaging tool of the row unit. The agricultural implement system also includes a valve assembly in fluid communication with the down force cylinder and the depth control cylinder. The valve assembly is configured to automatically adjust the downward force by varying fluid pressure within the down force cylinder based on fluid pressure within the depth control cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Adams, Keith W. Wendte
  • Patent number: 9126209
    Abstract: An attachment for a fluid sprayer comprises a main flow passage, a quick disconnect portion that facilitates connection of the attachment to a first flow constrictor providing flow at a first pressure and a second flow constrictor between the main flow passage and the quick disconnect portion. The second flow constrictor provides flow at a second pressure less than the first pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Wolfgram, Brian R. Olsson
  • Patent number: 9073020
    Abstract: A cartridge system for mixing and applying a mixable material has a discharge opening and at least two cartridges which have interiors delimited in some areas by a cartridge head. A device regulates streams from the cartridges, is arranged on the cartridge head and has an outflow opening and conveying mechanisms for conveying the starting components to the outflow opening. Each conveying mechanism has a connection to an interior of a cartridge, which has a cartridge opening, and is arranged rotatably in the device. Volumetric flows of the components are defined by the angular velocities of the conveying mechanisms, and the conveying mechanisms are coupled to each other in such a way that the ratio of the angular velocities relative to each other is fixed, such that a defined mixing ratio can be generated at the outflow opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Heraeus Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Vogt, Hubert Buechner
  • Patent number: 9027661
    Abstract: A foam chamber of a fire suppressant system having a closable testing outlet is disclosed. The foam chamber can operate in a testing mode and an operation mode. The invention has an inlet conduit for accepting a fire suppressant fluid attached to an expansion conduit. An expansion enclosure having two closable outlets is also attached to the inlet conduit and surrounds the expansion conduit. One outlet empties into the expansion enclosure. The other outlet extends through the wall of the expansion enclosure and empties outside of the expansion enclosure. Both of the closable outlets can be fitted with either an unbreakable seal or a frangible seal. If the foam chamber is configured for normal operation, the unbreakable seal is placed on the outlet that extends through the wall of the expansion enclosure and a frangible seal is placed on the outlet that empties into the expansion enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Baker
  • Patent number: 9016392
    Abstract: A two-phase liquid/inert gas flow inerting fire suppression system is provided having improved liquid fire suppressant distribution within the inert gas flow. The system includes a flow distribution network having a first pipe interconnected with a second pipe at a flow splitting tee. A liquid flow redistribution device is disposed in the first pipe upstream with respect to fluid flow of the flow splitting tee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: UTC Fire & Security Corporation
    Inventors: Yehia F. Khalil, Muhidin A. Lelic, Giuliano Amantini, Ravi K. Madabhushi, Marios C. Soteriou, May L. Corn, Robert G. Dunster, Rob J. Lade
  • Patent number: 8991727
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating a mist is provided. The apparatus has at least one working fluid supply conduit having an inlet in fluid communication with a supply of working fluid and an outlet in fluid communication with a first mixing chamber. The apparatus also includes a plurality of transport fluid passages, each of which has an inlet adapted to receive a supply of transport fluid and an outlet in fluid communication with the mixing chamber. Downstream of the mixing chamber is a nozzle having an inlet in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, an outlet, and a throat portion intermediate the nozzle inlet and outlet. The throat portion of the nozzle has a cross sectional area which is less than that of either the nozzle inlet or the nozzle outlet. The apparatus enhances the atomization of the working fluid to generate the mist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventors: Jude Alexander Glynn Worthy, James Oliver French
  • Patent number: 8882001
    Abstract: A fire suppression apparatus and method of generating foam are provided in which a foam-forming liquid is introduced under high velocity and pressure into a mixing manifold through a plurality of jets, and a non-combustible gas is introduced under high velocity and pressure into the center of the mixing manifold, downstream of the jets and in the direction of flow of the foam-forming liquid. The foam generated in the mixing manifold is discharged through a hose and nozzle connected to the mixing manifold. The apparatus may be a self-contained unit, supported on a frame, with its own supply of foam-forming liquid and non-combustible gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Forced Gas Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Darren Sean Henry
  • Publication number: 20140262354
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a fire-extinguishing system and method for injecting foamant into a stream of water. The system can include a flow meter determining a flow rate of the stream of water and a foam pump having an inlet coupled to a supply of foamant and an outlet coupled to the stream of water. The system includes a servo motor driving the foam pump. The servo motor includes a sensor used to determine a rotor shaft speed and/or a rotor shaft torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan Gamble, Ron Flanary, Robert L. Hosfield, Harold McCabe, Martin Piedl, Charles Ford, Troy Anderson
  • Patent number: 8833476
    Abstract: A unique method and apparatus for suppressing the spread of and extinguishing fires in confined areas such as underground tunnels and conduits. The new method includes mixing a super absorbent polymer supplied from a backpack, in one embodiment, with water to form a hydrated super absorbent polymer and applying this admixture to an electrical fire. The super absorbent polymer can be contained in a backpack. The admixture has the ability to cling to the object(s) to which it has been applied and either cool down the object(s) after it is on fire, or block the fire from reaching the object. The super absorbent polymer and water admixture also encapsulates the noxious and toxic gases and prevents the release of these toxic gases into the atmosphere. The super absorbent polymer and water admixture retains the ash, particulates, and other byproducts of the electrical fire to enable a rapid and thorough cleanup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: GelTech Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Cordani
  • Publication number: 20140251643
    Abstract: An exemplary device for introducing an agent into a fire suppression fluid includes a housing having an inlet configured to receive the agent into the housing. The housing also has an outlet configured to release the agent from the housing. A stopper is moveable between a closed position where the stopper prevents passage from the inlet to the outlet and an open position where the inlet is in communication with the outlet. A vane causes movement of the stopper from the closed position to the open position responsive to contact between the vane and fire suppression fluid flowing past the vane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: UTC FIRE & SECURITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian J. Stumm, Stephanie C. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140238703
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the accuracy of a foam addition system on a firefighting vehicle are disclosed. The methods may include measuring the amount of a test water stream flowing through a foam metering device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: E-One, Inc.
    Inventors: Leroy C. Stephens, Rickie W. White
  • Publication number: 20140131055
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to an eductor assembly for mixing polymeric material with water for fire extinguishment and retardation. An eductor assemblage provides a means of introducing the polymeric material to the flow of water. The eductor assemblage comprises of a source of super absorbent polymeric material and an eductor member. The eductor member is comprised of an inlet connectable to a source of water, an outlet connected to either the intake on a fire truck or a discharge line on a fire truck, and a conduit positioned between the inlet and outlet for addition of the dry polymeric material. The flow of water from the inlet to outlet through a removable nozzle educts the super absorbent polymers through the conduit by venturi and flows into the cylindrical housing forming a mixture for dispensing through the outlet onto combustible sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: GelTech Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Cordani
  • Patent number: 8720592
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly for encapsulating a gaseous solution in bubbles comprises a discharge tube having a diffuser and a foam solution spray nozzle mounted therein. The discharge tube has upstream and downstream ends. The discharge tube has a front face at the upstream end with a first opening configured to be joined to a gas supply line that provides a gaseous solution and a second opening configured to receive a non-expanded foam solution. The downstream end of the discharge tube is open. A chamber is formed within the discharge tube to receive the gaseous solution at the upstream end and release the gaseous solution through the diffuser into the discharge tube towards the downstream end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Mitchell J. Hubert, Stephen A. Barker, Donald Bjorkman, Gregory R. Walker
  • Patent number: 8701789
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compressed air foam producer, wherein a fire or decontamination specific additive is injected directly into the foam forming flow supplied to the main water flow and/or the main water flow. A mixing pump for the foaming agent draws off an auxiliary and motive water flow, wherein initially the additive and then the foaming agent is injected. The foaming agent-additive-water mixture, which is produced directly on site, is mixed well together and with the main water flow ensuring a fine, uniform distribution of the additives in the compressed air foam. The thus produced compressed air foam ensures optimal, economical and environmentally friendly fire-fighting and decontamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sogepi S.A.
    Inventors: Tino Kruger, Gunther Dorau
  • Patent number: 8622145
    Abstract: A firefighting station is provided. The firefighting station includes an optional portable cart, one or more chemical foam proportioners, one or more first manifolds, one or more first valves, one or more first check valves, one or more second manifolds and one or more optional chemical fire suppression agent reservoirs. Methods of suppressing or preventing a fire are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: James D. Guse
  • Patent number: 8573317
    Abstract: The method is for continuously producing compressed-air foam, notably for fire fighting or for decontamining, by supplying both compressed air and a mixture of water and at least a foaming agent to a foaming chamber (5) outputting foam to a nozzle (9) via a pipe (8). The mixture of foam agent and water and the compressed air are each continuously supplied to the foaming chamber (5) at a constant pressure and at a constant volume flow rate, e.g. by means of pressure regulators (1, 2) and of flow rate regulators (3, 4). The foam pressure is regulated at the outlet of the foaming chamber (5) for maintaining the foam mixing pressure in the foaming chamber constant, preferably by a self-operating valve (6). The foaming chamber can advantageously be of a static type comprising sieves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: SOGEPI S.A.
    Inventors: Tino Krüger, Günter Dorau
  • Publication number: 20130284462
    Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing the fire extinguishing properties of water for use in combination with a pressure washer. The pressure washer distribution wand includes a high pressure nozzle attached to the discharge end of the wand. The nozzle is positioned in a mixing chamber adjacent to an inlet coupled to a source of dry polymeric material. The velocity of the water exiting the high pressure nozzle vacuums the polymeric material through a pick-up tube into the mixing chamber for admixing with the pressurized water without clogging. The mixture of water and polymeric material is discharged through another nozzle. The system provides a means for a homeowner to quickly modify an existing pressure washer into a distribution system of a mixture that enhances the fire resistance of structures, vegetation, or any other combustible matter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Cordani
  • Patent number: 8555991
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process for preventing and extinguishing fires. Particularly to process capable of adding a dehydrated superabsorbent polymer to water in an amount sufficient to extinguish and prevent additional co.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: GelTech Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Cordani
  • Patent number: 8534370
    Abstract: The roof-mounted remotely controlled firefighting tower is disposed on the top of the roof of a building and is controlled by a wireless, remote control device. Atop the tower there is a receiver that receives command signals from the remote control device. The firefighting apparatus includes a control set that has electrical and electronic circuits inside and is in operable communication with a motor and gear train engaging a telescoping mast to raise and lower the mast according to wirelessly transmitted commands from a user. A high pressure pump extracts water and foam from a tank and sends it to a distribution vessel on top of the mast. An inverted sprinkler dish distributes the foam and water under pressure to top and sides of the building via the connected sprinklers and water booms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Wasmeyyah M. A. S. Al Azemi
  • Patent number: 8485045
    Abstract: A system(s) and method(s) of testing the foam delivery system(s) of fire suppression systems. Systems are adapted to test the foam delivery system of a fire suppression system under test while minimizing the release of foam to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Rance Tetsuo Kudo
  • Patent number: 8479593
    Abstract: A system(s) and method(s) of testing the foam delivery system(s) of fire suppression systems. Systems are adapted to test the foam delivery system of a fire suppression system under test while minimizing the release of foam to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Rance Tetsuo Kudo