Chemical Mixing Patents (Class 169/27)
  • Patent number: 10605409
    Abstract: Example implementations relate to Additive Manufacturing (AM) pressurization diffusers. An example diffuser includes an integral component configurable for receiving and diffusing pressurant. Particularly, the integral component includes multiple elements manufactured as a single-piece structure, including an inner filter, outer shell, and flange. The inner filter includes micro-diamond holes that enable pressurant received at an opening of the inner filter to diffuse out of the inner filter and subsequently through holes positioned in a shell surface of the outer shell. The flange can position the diffuser such that the opening of the inner filter is in pressurant communication with a pressurant source (e.g., opening of a tank) enabling the diffuser to receive and diffuse pressurant in a predefined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Christopher C. Veto, Martin E. Lozano, Victor John Barackman, Gary D Grayson, Scott K Oechsle, Alfredo Lopez
  • Patent number: 9605798
    Abstract: An expansion tank is fastened to a support using a bracket with a U-shaped cross-section formed by a back and two sidewalls. The edges of the sidewalls each have a notch mating with a weld bead on the tank. Fasteners hold the back of the bracket to the support. First and second hose clamps pass through the sidewalls by the back to encircle the tank and clamp it to the edges of the sidewall when the hose clamps are tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Securus, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Brown, Virgil O'Neil
  • Patent number: 8967284
    Abstract: Fire suppression apparatuses include a housing with gas generant material disposed therein, an initiator for igniting the gas generant material, and a cooling system. The cooling system includes a first chamber with a coolant material disposed therein and a second chamber. The coolant material is caused to flow from the first chamber into the second chamber to cool gas formed by the ignition of the gas generant material upon exiting from the housing under pressure. The cooling system may further include a piston disposed within the first chamber and movable responsive to gas pressure. Methods for cooling a fire suppressant gas and methods for suppressing a fire include flowing a fire suppressant gas into first and second chambers of a cooling system, flowing a coolant material from the first chamber into the second chamber, and contacting the fire suppressant gas with the coolant material to cool the fire suppressant gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventor: William P. Sampson
  • Patent number: 8939225
    Abstract: A fire suppression apparatus that includes a housing defining a first chamber containing a gas generant. The apparatus further includes an initiator operatively associated with the first chamber and in reaction initiating communication with the gas generant. The initiator, upon actuation, acts to ignite at least some of the gas generant to form gas. The housing further defines a second chamber adjacently disposed to the first chamber. The second chamber contains an endothermically-alterable material and a piston assembly including a piston. Upon actuation, the piston moves to expel at least a portion of the endothermically-alterable material from the second chamber such that the expelled endothermically-alterable material contacts and cools gas formed by the ignition of the gas generant. The housing further has at least one discharge opening to permit cooled gas to exit the housing. Corresponding or associated methods for suppressing a fire are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Cox, Bradley W. Smith, David W. Parkinson
  • Patent number: 8511396
    Abstract: Aqueous droplets encapsulated in a flame retardant polymer are useful in suppressing combustion. Upon exposure to a flame, the encapsulated aqueous droplets rupture and vaporize, removing heat and displacing oxygen to retard the combustion process. The polymer encapsulant, through decomposition, may further add free radicals to the combustion atmosphere, thereby further retarding the combustion process. The encapsulated aqueous droplets may be used as a replacement to halon, water mist and dry powder flame suppression systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Clyde F. Parrish
  • Patent number: 8496067
    Abstract: Example embodiments provide a device for protecting an inner space of an object against fire, including a housing provided with at least one passage opening; an aerosol-forming extinguishing element arranged in the housing and which may include a container for holding extinguishing material which can be activated at a fixed activating temperature; at least one outlet opening which can be connected to the passage opening in the housing and along which the activated extinguishing material can be carried into the inner space of the object so as to extinguish the fire; an activating element for bringing at least part of the extinguishing material to the activation temperature; at least one detection unit arranged in or close to the housing for detecting at least one physical and/or chemical parameter representative of fire in the inner space; and a control unit arranged in the housing for causing thermal activation of the extinguishing element by the activating element when a preset activation value of the detect
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventors: Fernandus Cornelis Koelewijn, Pieter Plaizier
  • Patent number: 8453752
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fire-extinguishing agent for a fire extinguisher and a fire extinguishing apparatus is provided. The fire-extinguishing agent is manufactured by dissolving 55 g to 65 g of diammonium hydrogen phosphate in 300 to 350 mL of hot water at 70° C. to 90° C. to prepare a solution, dissolving 6 g to 8 g of ammonium sulfate in the prepared solution, dissolving 170 g to 190 g of potassium carbonate in the resultant solution, and adding, to the resultant solution, 25 to 35 mL of the undiluted solution of an aqueous film-forming foam fire-extinguishing agent. The total amount of the fire-extinguishing agent is adjusted to 600 mL. A throw-type fire extinguisher having a total weight of 700 g to 800 g is produced by charging a container with 600 mL of the fire-extinguishing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Japan Fire Protect Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Katsuraku
  • Patent number: 8453751
    Abstract: A fire control system according to various aspects of the present invention includes an extinguishant configured to absorb heat from the fire. In one embodiment, the extinguishant is configured to absorb thermal radiation from the fire and inhibit reflection of thermal radiation from the extinguishant and/or other surfaces back into the fire. In additional and alternative embodiments, the extinguishant includes a thermal absorbant may be configured to transfer heat into the surface and/or interior of suppressant particles or droplets to promote activation of the suppressant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Firetrace USA, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Michael Bennett
  • Patent number: 8439668
    Abstract: A container for holding a combustible is provided, the container having a first portion for receiving the combustible and a second portion containing an extinguishing substance, characterized in that the extinguishing substance is in thermal contact with the first portion and is adapted to be set free if it exceeds a predefined temperature. Also provided is a candle comprising such a container, wherein the first portion contains candle wax, lamp oil or petroleum gel, and a wick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: SER S.p.A.
    Inventor: Piergiorgio Ambroggio
  • Patent number: 8286719
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a structure from fire includes a foam generation system by mixing compressed air, water from a pump and a foaming agent from a metered supply together with a series of motor driven nozzles and a control device which is programable to provide a program of operation to control the motors of the nozzles so as to pre-determine a pattern by which a building is repeatedly covered by a layer of the foam. The control device can include plurality of different programs of operation of the nozzles with different times for different fire conditions. A remote control allows the apparatus to be activated from a safe remote location. An arrangement is provided to automatically start the foam generation system including an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Tuffbuilt Products Inc
    Inventor: Jan Vetesnik
  • Publication number: 20120186831
    Abstract: Apparatus for rapid discharge of one or more fire extinguishing agent(s). The apparatus includes a sealed container forming an interior volume in communication with a rapidly opening valve assembly. The interior volume contains fire extinguishing agent(s), super-pressurised by a gas such as nitrogen. A portion of the nitrogen is dissolved into the fire extinguishing agent(s). When an incident is detected which requires the discharge of the fire extinguishing agent(s) the valve is opened. Opening the valve causes rapid dissolution of the nitrogen from the fire extinguishing agent(s), forming a two-phase mixture (like a foam or mousse) which substantially fills the volume and causing the discharge of fire extinguishing agent(s) from the valve assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Kidde IP Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Greg Simpson, Bill Elliott, Steve Hodges, Robert Dunster, Adam Chattaway, Simon Davies
  • Patent number: 8042619
    Abstract: A fire control system according to various aspects of the present invention includes an extinguishant having a suppressant and a thermal absorbant. The suppressant is configured to suppress the fire. The thermal absorbant is configured to absorb heat from the fire. In one embodiment, the thermal absorbant is configured to absorb thermal radiation from the fire and inhibit reflection of thermal radiation from the suppressant and/or other surfaces back into the fire. In additional and alternative embodiments, the thermal absorbant may be configured to transfer heat into the surface and/or interior of suppressant particles or droplets to promote activation of the suppressant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Firetrace USA, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Michael Bennett
  • Patent number: 8020628
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Christian Fabre, Christophe Bourdet, Philippe Mangon
  • Publication number: 20100221674
    Abstract: A container for holding a combustible is provided, the container having a first portion for receiving the combustible and a second portion containing an extinguishing substance, characterized in that the extinguishing substance is in thermal contact with the first portion and is adapted to be set free if it exceeds a predefined temperature. Also provided is a candle comprising such a container, wherein the first portion contains candle wax, lamp oil or petroleum gel, and a wick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: SER S.P.A.
    Inventor: Piergiorgio Ambroggio
  • Patent number: 7775292
    Abstract: A monitor apparatus and method for monitoring, verifying, and prompting an existing CO2 type fire suppression system in a room or building protected by the suppression system. In its most preferred form the monitor apparatus is a unit contained in a cabinet or housing placed in the protected room, with only a signal connection to the suppression system. The monitor apparatus has a suppressant gas concentration sensor enabled by a discharge signal received from the suppression system, and a datalogger to keep a verifiable record of the suppression system's discharge performance. The monitor unit sends a continue-discharge signal back to the suppression system independently of the continuity of the suppression system's discharge signal if a desired gas concentration level in the room is not reached or held per the suppression system's own requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Ernest K. Romanco
  • Patent number: 7464766
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Williams Fire & Hazard Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis W. Crabtree, Dwight P. Williams
  • Patent number: 7207391
    Abstract: An industrial scale fire fighting nozzle and method, the nozzle having a selectively adjustable discharge gap and providing for gap coordinated, independently selectable additive proportioning ratio selection, the method including discharging fire fighting fluid at a selectively adjustable flow rate with an independently selectable, gap coordinated adjustable additive proportioning ratio, and use of reinforced high temperature polymer for at least a barrel element or a bafflehead element component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Williams Fire & Hazard Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis W. Crabtree, Thomas E. Mason, Kirk A. Barnes
  • Patent number: 7143833
    Abstract: A portable aerosol fire-extinguisher has an elongate metal casing (3) with a handle (2) and an internal chamber (4) for housing a charge (5) of a solid substance which can be transformed, at a predetermined temperature, into an aerosol with flame-extinguishing properties, and which is delivered through an opening (7). An inflammable charge (13) which can be ignited by means of an activation element (14, 16) is provided for triggering the reaction of the extinguishing charge (5). The activation element can be operated manually in order to produce friction between the inflammable charge (13) and the activation element (14, 16), such as to bring about ignition of the inflammable charge (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Euro Spare Parts S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giovanni Gaidano, Giuseppe Lavesi
  • Patent number: 7028782
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for suppressing a fire utilizing non-azide solid gas propellant generation to produce and transport a suitable gas for suppressing a fire in a normally occupied area. The nitrogen gas produced by the solid propellant gas generation is optionally treated to remove undesirable elements such as water and/or carbon dioxide from the product gas prior to the delivery of the product gas to the protected hazard area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: NZ Towers Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Tartar Richardson
  • Patent number: 6571882
    Abstract: A fire fighting unit to be installed and transported on a relatively small vehicle, comprising, in combination, frame structure sized for installation on a vehicle; fluid supply apparatus carried on the frame structure; and including a water supply tank, a fire fighting foam tank, a compressed gas source, fluid delivery lines from the tanks, and controls including pumps carried on the frame structure, for controlling fluid delivery via the lines, and in mixed condition to at least one fluid delivery nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Ping-Li Yen
  • Patent number: 6352121
    Abstract: A vehicle fire extinguisher system for extinguishing a fire in event of a crash or another adverse vehicle mishap. The vehicle fire extinguisher system includes a central processing unit being adapted to be securely mounted in a vehicle including airplanes; and also includes a plurality of heat and impact sensors adapted to be disposed about a vehicle and being connected to the central processing unit; and further includes a fire extinguisher assembly being adapted to be securely disposed in a vehicle and being connected to the central processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventors: Mark P. Pitell, Linda L. Pitell
  • Publication number: 20020023967
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating a fine liquid mist includes a container capable of holding fluid; one of a perforated basket and a porous bag disposed in the container; a liquid supply connector connected to the container; a mixing chamber connected to the container; and at least one convergent/divergent nozzle connected to the mixing chamber. A method of forming an effervescent fine liquid mist includes mixing liquid and chemical reactant to form non-toxic, noncombustible gas bubbles; mixing the liquid and the gas bubbles to form a two-phase fluid flow; and directing the two-phase fluid flow through at least one convergent/divergent nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph E. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 6244353
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing device for extinguishing a fire from a stationary fire extinguisher. The fire extinguishing device includes a housing having a top wall. A peripheral wall is integrally coupled to and extending downwardly away from the top wall such that the housing has an open bottom side. A canister for disbursing a fire retardant material is securely coupled to an inner surface of the top wall such that a valve mechanically coupled to the canister is directed towards the open bottom side. The canister contains a fire retardant material in a respectively pressurized environment. Control circuitry for actuating the valve is securely coupled to an inner surface of the peripheral wall and is operationally coupled to the valve. A sensor for sensing relatively high heat is electronically coupled to the control circuitry. The sensor is securely attached to the peripheral wall. A plurality of fastening members removably fastens the bottom wall to a ceiling wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Bromfield R. Greer
  • Patent number: 6241164
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating a fine liquid mist includes a container capable of holding fluid; one of a perforated basket and a porous bag disposed in the container; a liquid supply connector connected to the container; a mixing chamber connected to the container; and at least one convergent/divergent nozzle connected to the mixing chamber. A method of forming an effervescent fine liquid mist includes mixing liquid and chemical reactant to form non-toxic, noncombustible gas bubbles; mixing the liquid and the gas bubbles to form a two-phase fluid flow; and directing the two-phase fluid flow through at least one convergent/divergent nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Joseph E. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 6102308
    Abstract: A firefighting nozzle has a low-turbulence liquid flow channel that is directed outwardly by a baffle. Surrounding the flow channel is an annular concentrate chamber. The concentrate chamber leads from a concentrate inlet to a concentrate entry port on a rearward wall opposed to the baffle. Liquid flowing past the baffle draws concentrate through the concentrate entry port into the flow. The concentrate and liquid subsequently mix to produce fire-fighting foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Task Force Tips, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Steingass, David Kolacz
  • Patent number: 5588493
    Abstract: A method of extinguishing a fire, which includes pre-positioning a fire extinguishing device which includes at least two reactants such that when the reactants are activated they react to create solid particulate products having a diameter of about one micron or less such that, when the products come in contact with the fire they chemically inhibit the chain reactions of the fire flame and bring about the extinguishing of the fire. In one embodiment, the device is submerged in a liquid coolant and includes means for preventing entry of coolant into the device while allowing the escape of said products into the coolant when activated. Another embodiment is used to generate non-toxic smoke using a device which includes a first reactant which is potassium chlorate, potassium perchlorate, potassium dichromate, cesium nitrate or potassium nitrate, and a second reactant serving as a reduction agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Spectronix Ltd.
    Inventors: Yechiel Spector, Esther Jacobson, Vida Naishtut, Michael Vittenberg, Zohar Beinert
  • Patent number: 5449041
    Abstract: An apparatus for suppressing a fire comprises a gas generator in communication with a vaporizable liquid by means of a first conduit. When activated, the gas generator generates an elevated temperature burst of a first gas containing carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and/or water vapor. This first gas vaporizes substantially all of the vaporizable liquid, generating a second gas having flame suppressing capabilities. The second gas is directed at the fire to suppress and extinguish it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventor: Lyle D. Galbraith
  • Patent number: 4617174
    Abstract: The foam is produced by mixing an isocyanate with a polyalcohol from a tight storage tank with two compartments, each of which contains one of the aforementioned products, the upper part of the tank being provided with a solid propellant trip or starter, which generates a pressurization gas form the tank. In the lower part of the storage tank, there is a pressure threshold mixer, whose operation is automatically controlled by the pressure prevailing in the tank and which has a mixing chamber entered (under the effect of the same pressure) by the isocyanate and the polyol via lateral injection nozzles, which produce a rotation of the mixture, the polyols being previously emulsified by a neutral gas (such as air or nitrogen) from a pressurized storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Bernard Bazelaire, Jean-Claude Clebant
  • Patent number: 4231430
    Abstract: A soda-acid fire extinguisher system reacts to the sensing of a fire in a building and starts a chemical reaction inside a sealed container. The chemical reaction produces carbon dioxide and water which is piped to the fire location and is sprayed on the fire by a nozzle. The fire extinguisher may also be manually activated and a nozzle is hand-held for extinguishing the fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Inventor: Dong J. Byun