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.

Abstract: A system for enhancing the fire extinguishing properties of water for use in combination with a pressure washer. The pressure washer distribution wand includes a nozzle located at the discharge end of the wand having an inlet for receipt of pressurized water, an eductor formed integral with said nozzle positioned along an area of reduced diameter for use in drawing polymeric material through a pick-up tube for admixing with the pressurized water, and an outlet for discharge of the mixture of water and polymeric material. 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.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a redundant stationary fire fighting system and method for use in a structure coupled to a water supply and a main water pump(s) that generates a water stream. The system includes one or more water flow meters to measure the water stream and generate a water flow signal. The system includes a primary foam proportioning system and a redundant secondary foam proportioning system, each including a foam pump, a motor, a foam flow meter, and a controller. The controller is configured to automatically operate the foam pump based on the water flow signal in order to inject liquid foam concentrate directly into the water stream. The redundant secondary foam proportioning system can be automatically started in case of component failure in the primary foam proportioning system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a fire extinguishing system including an electronic control unit in communication with a software library, a foam proportioning system including foam proportioning equipment, and a smart connector. The smart connector includes a controller, and the smart connector is connected to the foam proportioning equipment. The controller automatically initiates an authentication procedure when the smart connector is connected to the electronic control unit. The controller causes the electronic control unit to automatically unlock at least one routines in the software library after the authentication procedure is complete to enable control of the foam proportioning equipment.

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.

Abstract: Fire fighting method and apparatus including pumping at least 2000 gpm water from large water reservoir toward an industrial hazard and adding, in an around-the-pump system, at least one water additive from a source to the pumped water through a fitting established on the suction side of the pump, the fitting in fluid communication between the reservoir outlet and the suction side.

Abstract: A fire suppression system having a foam proportioning system, a water source, and a controller. The foam proportioning system includes a foam tank having at least two types of chemical foamants, a selector valve in fluid communication with the foam tank for selecting one of the at least two types of chemical foamants, a foam pump in fluid communication with the selector valve for supplying the selected chemical foamant to a discharge unit, and a foam controller operatively connected to the foam pump and the selector valve. The water source is connected to the foam proportioning system for mixing water with the selected chemical foamant to form a fire suppression fluid. The controller is operatively connected to the foam proportioning system and includes a one-touch activation control for activating the controller. The controller is also configured to automatically output to the foam controller inputs for configuring the foam pump.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing device comprises an extinguishing agent tank and pressurised gas generation means such that the generated gas can enter into the tank when the extinguishing agent is to be ejected on a fire area. The device according to the invention also comprises means of regulating the pressure inside the extinguishing agent tank: thus, the pressure inside the tank remains controlled with time, with a profile predetermined by the user as a function of regulatory parameters and criteria, in order to optimise the action of the extinguishing agent and the necessary quantity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a foam proportioning system. The foam proportioning system can include a foam pump, at least one foam line, a divert, and at least one controller. The divert can direct a portion of a flow of a liquid foam concentrate downstream of the foam pump back through the foam pump. The controller, which can be in communication with the foam pump and the divert, can be configured to automatically maintain a minimum flow rate of the liquid foam concentrate through the foam pump.

Abstract: A high expansion foam fire-extinguishing system including: an emission nozzle (9) to which a foam solution (Wg) prepared by mixing water (W) with a foam concentrate (16) containing a surface active agent (18) is sent under pressure; a flow passage (2); and a foam screen (7) upon which the foam solution discharged from the emission nozzle impinges. The foam concentrate used is one of one in which a mixing ratio of the foam concentrate with respect to the foam solution is an adjusted mixing ratio higher than a standard mixing ratio and one in which a content rate of the surface active agent with respect to the foam concentrate is a design content rate that is higher than a standard content rate, and in which a mixing ratio of the surface active agent is a concentration for design foam expansion ratio.

Abstract: Improved fire fighting foam proportioning devices and systems include an improved ratio controller and an improved bladder tank. The improved ratio controller is characterized by a modified foam concentrate metering orifice disposed in a foam concentrate inlet proximate to an annular low pressure chamber, the metering orifice having a central circular passage having a length at least 50 per cent of the diameter of the passage, the improved orifice decreasing the turbulence of foam concentrate and providing a smoother flow transition into the annular low pressure chamber. The improved bladder tank is characterized by a modified discharge tube having a plurality of holes disposed along its length, wherein the combined area of holes per foot of length is at least 50 per cent of the inner diameter of the discharge tube.

Abstract: A water and inert gas fire suppression system (10), and method for extinguishing a fire in a protected space are provided with a simple and inexpensive freeze protection mechanism. To prevent the water, or other liquid fire extinguishing agent, entrained in the inert gas flow from freezing during transport through the inert gas distribution network (15, 15a, 15b, 17, 19) a secondary liquid is introduced into the inert gas flow and then removed from the inert gas flow upstream of the discharge of the two-phase water and inert gas flow into the space being protected. The inert gas is heated by means of the thermal inertia (TI) of the secondary liquid, which may be excess amount of water or an amount of another liquid having a thermal inertia (TI) at least equal to that of water.

Abstract: A fire nozzle foam-generator homogeneously expands a water/foam-forming agent and air premix. A nozzle spout is coaxial with a divergent cone having splines that generate divergent, strong, and separate jets of the premix that are incident on an internal surface of the nozzle spout where the jets merge to cause sucking of air towards the inside of the nozzle spout. As a result, the contact surface area between the air and premix increases, there is powerful mixing between the air and the premix, and an increase in to the range of the foam jet by progressive acceleration of the premix.

Abstract: A fire suppressant system having a pipe system, spray nozzles connected to the pipe system and a control system for selectively charging the pipe system with foam. The control system includes a pilot line for generating a signal based upon sensing an environmental parameter and a first control valve for activating the system based upon the signal. Preferably, the first control valve forms i) an interior cavity for mixing the compressed air and compressed air liquid, ii) an outlet in fluid communication with the interior; iii) a first inlet, oriented substantially perpendicular to a flow through the outlet, in fluid communication with the interior and the compressed air; and iv) a second inlet, oriented substantially perpendicular to the flow, in fluid communication with the interior and the compressed air liquid.

Abstract: A fire fighting foam dispensing system includes a water inlet adapted to receive a flow of water, a first variable speed pump adapted to inject foam concentrate into the flow of water, a second variable speed pump adapted to inject foam concentrate into the flow of water, a foam outlet adapted to discharge fire fighting foam, a measuring apparatus adapted to measure flow rate in at least one of the water inlet and the foam outlet, and a system controller adapted to detect the flow rate from the measuring apparatus, and activate the second variable speed pump only upon the measured flow rate exceeding a predetermined flow rate value.

Abstract: To obtain a desired foam expansion ratio even after aspiration of smoke, provided is a high expansion foam fire-extinguishing system, which discharges foam using a foam solution that has a dynamic surface tension ? of 25 mN/m or less, which is measured at a life time of 100 msec by a maximum bubble pressure method under a condition of a liquid temperature of 20° C.

Abstract: A foam type fire extinguishing apparatus includes a selector which is operable to produce selected constant air flows for mixing with foam to provide variations in foam consistency and strength in accordance with the type of foam agent being used and the type of fire to be extinguished. The selector has a plurality of outputs with tunable valves connected with each output except for a first output. Each valve is adjusted to provide a different flow rate. By operating the selector to choose the appropriate output, different air flows are provided for mixture with the foam.

Abstract: A fire fighting vehicle of the type having a system for introducing a liquid foam concentrate into a water delivery hose so that the percentage concentration of foamant in the mixture remains at a predetermined set value irrespective of variations in the water flow rate. The improvement provided involves the addition of an AutoStart feature whereby upon application of power to the foam control system, the system comes up in an on mode without the need for human intervention.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, equipment for making holes by cutting in walls etc. is disclosed in case of fire in spaces in buildings etc. for fire fighting. The equipment includes a vehicle-mounted pressure source for pressurised extinguishing liquid, a lance carried by the operator with his hands and provided with an extinguishing nozzle, and a tubing between the pressure source and the extinguishing nozzle for supplying the extinguishing liquid. The extinguishing liquid flows as a jet out of the extinguishing nozzle and towards the wall etc. to cut the wall for making the hole and, when cutting through, be injected into the space on fire and extinguish the fire. The equipment also includes a vessel carried by the operator on his back and containing an additive, the vessel being connected to the extinguishing nozzle for regulated supply of the additive to the extinguishing liquid for improving the cutting and/or extinguishing effect.

Abstract: A hybrid foam system for providing a variety of proportioned foam solutions is provided. The system includes a low flow foam proportioning system operatively associated with a high flow foam proportioning system and a system controller for controlling the operating conditions of the overall hybrid foam system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a foam proportioning system. The foam proportioning system can include a foam pump, at least one foam line, a divert, and at least one controller. The divert can direct a portion of a flow of a liquid foam concentrate downstream of the foam pump back through the foam pump. The controller, which can be in communication with the foam pump and the divert, can be configured to automatically maintain a minimum flow rate of the liquid foam concentrate through the foam pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing two or more fluids, gases or other substances and conveying said fluids, gases or other substances through a convergent-divergent (C-D) nozzle to produce a highly atomized output flow that is adjustable from no atomization to full atomization, said preferred embodiment of said apparatus having a housing and a nose portion and a gripping portion, the housing including an outer conduit and an inner conduit, the outer and inner conduits positioned and arranged to convey fluids, gases and other substances from an entry point to an exit point and into the entry end of a C-D nozzle and through said C-D nozzle to produce an output flow. The location of the outer conduit, inner conduit and C-D nozzle may be adjusted to vary the output flow from no atomization to full atomization. The pressure and flow rate in each conduit may also be separately adjusted to obtain the desired output flow.

Abstract: A fire fighting foam dispensing system includes a water inlet adapted to receive a flow of water, a first variable speed pump adapted to inject foam concentrate into the flow of water, a second variable speed pump adapted to inject foam concentrate into the flow of water, a foam outlet adapted to discharge fire fighting foam, a measuring apparatus adapted to measure flow rate in at least one of the water inlet and the foam outlet, and a system controller adapted to detect the flow rate from the measuring apparatus, and activate the second variable speed pump only upon the measured flow rate exceeding a predetermined flow rate value.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to an apparatus and method for fire extinguishment and retardation. The method comprises of a means for introducing polymeric material to a flow of water from an outside source before the flow of water enters a pumping unit within a mobile fire fighting apparatus, thereby forming a mixture of water and polymeric material. An eductor assemblage provides a means of introducing the polymeric material to the flow of water. The eductor assemblage comprises of a hopper and an eductor member. The hopper contains an amount of polymeric material, specifically super absorbent polymers. The eductor member comprises of an inlet connectable to the outside source of water, an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet and connected to the intake on a mobile fire fighting apparatus, and an additive inlet positioned between the inlet and outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing chamber for producing compressed air foam in fire extinguishing devices. The mixing chamber has a compressed air inlet, an extinguishing agent inlet and a compressed air foam outlet. The contour of the mixing chamber tapers towards the compressed air foam outlet. The invention also includes a fire extinguishing device. The fire extinguishing device includes an extinguishing agent container, a connecting device for connecting a source of compressed air to a mixing chamber of the kind described above.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a stationary fire fighting system for retrofitting into a structure. The system can include a flowmeter in fluid communication with a water line in the structure. The flowmeter can generate a flow rate signal. The system can include a controller connected to the flowmeter and a proportioner pump connected to the controller. The system can include an additive supply tank in fluid communication with the proportioner pump. The controller can operate the proportioner pump based on the flow rate signal to provide additive from the additive supply tank to the water line to create a solution. The system can include at least one sprinkler head to distribute the solution within the structure.

Abstract: A fire-fighting foam is made by cooling a liquid concentrate, combining the cooled liquid concentrate composition with an expansion gas, and allowing the combined liquid concentrate and expansion gas to expand. A diffuser for dispensing a fire-extinguishing product has a discharge line having an interior, a discharge line intake and a diffuser outlet. There is a casing around a portion of the discharge line, the casing enclosing a space around said portion of the discharge line. The casing has an inlet and an outlet, and the discharge line has an aspirator inside the casing. A fire-fighting foam can be made by flowing a liquid concentrate through the diffuser via the diffuser intake, flowing an expansion gas into the inlet, and dispersing the liquid-gas composition via the diffuser outlet to yield a fire-fighting foam.

Abstract: A system for providing a fire suppression gel spray, including: a water tank; a water pump in fluid communication with the water tank; a gel tank; a gel pump in fluid communication with the gel tank; a spray nozzle in fluid communication with the water pump and the gel pump; a water flow control mounted on the spray nozzle; a gel flow control mounted on the spray nozzle; and a gel recirculation line for directing gel flow from the gel pump back into the gel tank, wherein the water flow control and the gel flow control are independently controllable at the spray nozzle. In addition, an optional system for spraying gel directly over the cab of a fire truck to which the present system is mounted is also included.

Abstract: A fire fighting vehicle of the type having a system for introducing a liquid foam concentrate into a water delivery hose so that the percentage concentration of foamant in the mixture remains at a predetermined set value irrespective of variations in the water flow rate. The improvement provided involves the addition of an AutoStart feature whereby upon application of power to the foam control system, the system comes up in an on mode without the need for human intervention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high expansion foam fire-extinguishing system including: an emission nozzle (9) to which a foam solution (Wg) prepared by mixing water (W) with a foam concentrate (16) containing a surface active agent (18) is sent under pressure; a flow passage (2); and a foam screen (7) upon which the foam solution discharged from the emission nozzle impinges, in which the foam concentrate used is one of one in which a mixing ratio of the foam concentrate with respect to the foam solution is an adjusted mixing ratio higher than a standard mixing ratio and one in which a content rate of the surface active agent with respect to the foam concentrate is a design content rate that is higher than a standard content rate, and in which a mixing ratio of the surface active agent is a concentration for design foam expansion ratio.

Abstract: A fire suppression system is disclosed. The system includes a gaseous extinguishing agent and a liquid extinguishing agent. At least one emitter is in fluid communication with the liquid and gas. The emitter is used to establish a gas stream, atomize and entrain the liquid into the gas stream and discharge the resulting liquid-gas stream onto the fire. A method of operating the system is also disclosed. The method includes establishing a gas stream having first and second shock fronts using the emitter, atomizing and entraining the liquid with the gas at one of the two shock fronts to form a liquid-gas stream, and discharging the stream onto the fire. The method also includes creating a plurality of shock diamonds in the liquid-gas stream discharged from the emitter.

Abstract: An onboard fire suppression system for an automotive vehicle includes a reservoir structured for mounting to a vehicle. A primary component of a binary fire suppression agent is contained within the reservoir. A secondary component of the binary fire suppression agent is contained within a secondary reservoir or component delivery system which is activated by a flow of the primary component such that the primary component and the secondary component will be combined before being discharged from a series of nozzles.

Abstract: A method for forming a barrier to seal off a remote chamber includes the steps of: forming a borehole that communicates between a first location and the remote chamber; inserting a conduit through the borehole to extend into the remote chamber; introducing a flowable material through the conduit to the remote chamber and dispensing the flowable material from the conduit to the desired location for the barrier, the flowable material upon being dispensed producing a substantially solid, self-sustaining composition; maintaining dispensing the flowable material to produce a sufficient quantity of the self-sustaining composition to form the barrier to seal the remote chamber, while ensuring that the composition does not block the borehole from communicating between the first location and the remote chamber; and thereafter removing the conduit to allow access to the borehole.

Abstract: A fire fighting vehicle of the type having a system for introducing a liquid foam concentrate into a water delivery hose so that the percentage concentration of foamant in the mixture remains at a predetermined set value irrespective of variations in the water flow rate. The improvement provided involves the addition of an AutoStart feature whereby upon application of power to the foam control system, the system comes up in an on mode without the need for human intervention.

Abstract: A multi-stage fluid power turbine having application as a fire extinguisher to be ideally carried by a fire truck (e.g., a tanker or a pumper) so as to fight outdoor fires. An impeller and a propeller are located at one end of the fire extinguisher, and a fan is located at the opposite end. The propeller and the fan are mounted on a common inner shaft so as to rotate in a first direction. The impeller is mounted on a hollow outer shaft or tube that surrounds the inner shaft. The impeller includes a plurality of curved blades, each of which having a fluid duct running therethrough. Water under pressure being supplied from a source to the impeller blades is ejected from the fluid ducts thereof and thrust against the blades of the propeller, whereby to impart a rotational force to the propeller and a corresponding rotational force to the fan. The water ejected from the curved impeller blades causes the impeller to rotate in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A foam-generating assembly for use in generating a nitrogen-containing foam useful in preventing or extinguishing fires includes a foam generator, a first tank containing a foamable aqueous liquid and a second tank containing nitrogen gas, the foam generator including a header which is hollowed out to provide a swirl chamber defined by an outer cylindrical wall, an inner cylindrical wall and a floor, a spray nozzle in the center of the floor for spraying foamable aqueous liquid supplied from the first tank, and an orifice in the inner cylindrical wall to supply a tangential flow of nitrogen gas from the second tank into the swirl chamber and around the spray nozzle and the liquid spray emitted therefrom and provide a vortex flow of a mixture of foamable aqueous liquid and nitrogen gas. First and second foaming screens are provided through which the vortex flow passes to provide first a coarse nitrogen-containing foam and then a fine nitrogen-containing foam.

Abstract: Systems and methods for high volume, low pressure foam generation are provided that have a wide range of applications, particularly in fire fighting and fire prevention fields. The foam may be effectively delivered to targets that have heretofore been difficult, if not impossible, to reach in a timely, cost effective and/or efficacious manner. Nozzles and nozzle-containing systems are provided for combining water, injected foam and air to generate and/or deliver high volume, low pressure foam. The foam generation systems may be part of portable units that may be worn or otherwise supported by a user (e.g., a back pack), manually transported (e.g., a push cart), or transported with power-assistance (e.g., a power-assist cart). The systems may also be vehicle-mounted. Exemplary nozzle systems include a diffuser unit that facilitates aeration of the water and foam mixture that is fed to the nozzle system.

Abstract: The method of the invention comprises the steps of proportioning a foam concentrate into a non-flammable liquid to form a foam concentrate/liquid mixture and creating a flowing stream of the foam concentrate/liquid mixture. Nitrogen is introduced into the stream of the foam/liquid mixture to initiate the formation of a nitrogen expanded foam fire suppressant. In one embodiment the nitrogen is chilled below ambient temperature. The flowing stream carrying the initially nitrogen expanded foam is dispensed, which completes the full expansion of the nitrogen expanded foam fire suppressant, into the confined area involved in fire thereby to smother the fire and to substantially close off contact between combustible material involved in fire and the ambient atmosphere substantially reducing the danger of explosion or flash fires.

Abstract: The method of the invention comprises the steps of proportioning a foam concentrate into a non-flammable liquid to form a foam concentrate/liquid mixture and creating a flowing stream of the foam concentrate/liquid mixture. Nitrogen is introduced to the stream of the foam/liquid mixture to initiate the formation of a nitrogen expanded foam fire suppressant. The flowing stream carrying the initially nitrogen expanded foam is dispensed, which completes the full expansion of the nitrogen expanded foam fire suppressant, into the confined area involved in fire thereby to smother the fire and to substantially close off contact between combustible material involved in fire and the ambient atmosphere substantially reducing the danger of explosion or flash fires. The apparatus of the invention is adapted for expanding and dispensing foam and comprises a housing defining an interior through which extend a discharge line.

Abstract: A portable fire extinguisher comprising a blower tube assembly that includes an outer tube with an inner mixing chamber disposed “upstream” from an adjacent outlet port that provides a passage to direct a discharge flow of mixed air and fire retardant out of the outer tube to extinguish a fire. The inner mixing chamber is adapted for communication with a portable reservoir containing a liquid fire retardant which is enabled to flow into the inner mixing chamber. The blower tube assembly further includes an inner tube that defines a blower tube inlet port adapted to receive the outlet port of a portable forced air blower. The inner tube is disposed for communication with the inner mixing chamber of the outer tube to enable a continuous volume of forced air to flow from a portable forced air blower, through the inner tube and into the inner mixing chamber of the outer tube.

Abstract: A compressed air foam system for use in extinguishing fire includes a conduit, a water flow sensor, a foam proportioning apparatus, an air conduit, an air flow sensor, an air flow control valve and a system controller. The water flow sensor is configured to sense a water flow rate through the conduit. The air flow sensor is configured to sense an air flow rate through the air conduit. The system controller has a user adjustable ratio input. The system controller is configured to receive the sensed water flow rate, to receive the sensed air flow rate, to output a first control signal to the air flow control valve and to output a second control signal to the foam proportioning apparatus. The system controller automatically adjusts the first and second control signals to maintain a ratio of air flow to foam flow based upon the user adjustable ratio input.

Abstract: A fire fighting adapter that converts a conventional back pack blower, which has a discharge tube with a free end through which blown air is provided, into a water and foam fire fighter. The adapter includes a housing and a diffuser unit. The housing attaches to, and communicates with, the free end of the discharge tube of the conventional back pack blower to receive the blown air therefrom. The diffuser unit is contained in the housing, and diffuses the water and the foam to engage with the blown air from the free end of the discharge tube of the conventional back pack blower so as to be propelled by the blown air out of the housing.

Abstract: A fire-fighting system in which multiple water discharge lines each have associated with them a foam concentrate delivery line where each of the foam concentrate delivery lines are supplied from a foam concentrate tank by way of a positive displacement pump having the capability of having its flow rate adjusted. Each of the water discharge lines includes a flow meter as do all of the foam concentrate delivery lines. The foam concentrate delivery lines also include a valve whose orifice size is electrically controlled. Associated with each of the foam concentrate delivery lines is a microprocessor-based line controller module that receives inputs from the flow meters in the water discharge lines and the flow meters in the foam concentrate delivery lines whereby the proportion of foam concentrate to water in the separate water discharge lines can be set at predetermined values.

Abstract: A compressed air foam system for use in extinguishing fire includes a conduit, a water flow sensor, a foam proportioning apparatus, an air conduit, an air flow sensor, an air flow control valve and a system controller. The water flow sensor is configured to sense a water flow rate through the conduit. The air flow sensor is configured to sense an air flow rate through the air conduit. The system controller has a user adjustable ratio input. The system controller is configured to receive the sensed water flow rate, to receive the sensed air flow rate, to output a first control signal to the air flow control valve and to output a second control signal to the foam proportioning apparatus. The system controller automatically adjusts the first and second control signals to maintain a ratio of air flow to foam flow based upon the user adjustable ratio input.

Abstract: A reservoir of super absorbent polymers which can be independently pressurized, remotely stored and a supply of water which is admixed with the SAP at a point closely adjacent of an adjustable nozzle. In one embodiment the system involves a home unit with a portable hand carrided reservoir which can be pressurized. Yet another system involves a back pack carried by a homeowner or firefighter for spraying which can be pressurized. Yet another embodiment involves a reservoir which can be independently pressurized with a pump so that any reduction in the water pressure in a tap line can be overcome by the SAP auxiliary pressure delivery. Other embodiments relate to a portable unit containing both the water reservoir and the SAP reservoir to the end that it is self-contained, and the admixing can be a function of wherever the homeowner, firefighter or rescue person should don the equipment.

Abstract: A fire fighting vehicle of the type having a system for introducing a liquid foam concentrate into a water delivery hose so that the percentage concentration of foamant in the mixture remains at a predetermined set value irrespective of variations in the water flow rate. The improvement provided involves the addition of an AutoStart feature whereby upon application of power to the foam control system, the system comes up in an on mode without the need for human intervention.

Abstract: A self-metering, automatic (i.e. pressure regulating) industrial-scale fire fighting nozzle, with or without self-eduction, for self-metering a concentrate in accordance with varying liquid flow through the nozzle occasioned by the pressure regulating, with additional features of having a “ratio selectable” means for self-metering for different selected additive concentrations or mixing ratios and of having a mechanical flowmeter.

Abstract: A system for supplying a pre-determined ratio of liquid foam concentrate and water to a mixing device immediately upstream from a fire fighting nozzle. The system is electronically balanced by measuring pressure from a plurality of pressure signal sensors and transmitting said pressure signals to a controller unit. A foam additive pump is powered by a fixed displacement piston motor which in turn is electronically modulated independently of the level of operation of the water pump by a control system that is responsive both to the water pressure developed by the water pump and to the foam liquid concentrate pressure developed by the additive pump.

Abstract: A fire suppression apparatus for mixing a first fluid, such as water, with a second fluid, such as foam, to be delivered through a fluid delivery line. A ratio controller is disposed within the delivery line and includes a first restriction area through which the first fluid passes, and that also accepts the second fluid. A fluid control mechanism is connected to the ratio controller, and includes a second restriction area. The fluid control mechanism delivers the second fluid to be mixed with the first fluid in the delivery line. A pressure sensing module measures the pressures of the first and second fluids. A control computer processes the pressures measured from the pressure sensing module, and maintains the pressure of the second fluid equal to the pressure from the first fluid. The first restriction area and the second restriction area define a ratio that determines a flow amount of the second fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods adaptable to all gaseous agents including Helium to suppress fire in at least one enclosed space. Suppressants are delivered by a dedicated subsystem connected to cargo compartments or to engine nacelles, or by an integrated system connected to cargo compartments and engine nacelles. For example, at least a first reservoir stores fire suppressant composition for knocking down a fire in an enclosed space. Piping delivers the composition from the at least first reservoir to the enclosed space. A pressure sensor senses pressure of the composition in the piping, and a controllable purging device permits air to exit the enclosed space responsive to sensed pressure in the piping of the composition.