Abstract: A fire protection system for helping to prevent an area from catching fire comprising a large fire-resistant tarp for draping over the area; cables slidably attached along the side edges of the tarp via eyelets; a guide rope near the bottom of the tarp for helping to help spread the tarp over the area; a plurality of attachment components at the bottom of the tarp for attaching to a structure in the area to secure the tarp; a weighted component disposed near the bottom edge of the tarp to help guide the tarp to a particular position over the area or help prevent the tarp from being blown by drafts; and a flap disposed at the bottom edge of the tarp, the flap remains unrestrained when the tarp is secured over the area, wherein an individual can take shelter beneath the flap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing fires. A computer system is configured to receive fire related information from at least a first portion of a plurality of assets and analyze the fire-related information to generate a result. The computer system is configured to coordinate an operation of a second portion of the plurality of assets using the result.

Abstract: A hub assembly for supporting a portion of a flexible sprinkler assemblage within a ceiling, the hub assembly including a primary support mounted to a ceiling support member, and a secondary support member rotatable relative to a primary support member between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, portions of the supports are overlapping and cut outs formed in the primary support cooperate together with cut outs formed in the secondary support to define a hub opening configured to receive the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage. The hub assembly also includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively connect the primary support to the secondary support, and an adjustment mechanism disposed on the primary support that is configured to secure the position of the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage within the hub opening, and is separate from the locking mechanism.

Abstract: Portable wall-attachable firefighting monitor apparatus and method of use, including structure designed in combination to affix a monitor to a wall rim portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inerting method for reducing a risk of fire outbreak in an enclosed space as well as a device therefor. A continuous inerting of the enclosed space to spatially-separated zones of the enclosed space is performed as necessary without needing structural separations. At least one inert gas having a gas density (?Gas) which differs from the mean gas density (?Gas) of the ambient atmosphere of the space is introduced into the enclosed space such that a gas stratification including a first gas layer (A) and a second gas layer (B) forms in the enclosed space, wherein the oxygen content in the first gas layer (A) corresponds substantially to the oxygen content of the ambient atmosphere, and wherein the oxygen content in the second gas layer (B) corresponds to a specific, definable oxygen content which is lower than the oxygen content of the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A control system for a fire fighting component includes a detector for detecting a position of at least a portion of a fire fighting component relative to an axis, which generates an output position signal indicative of the position of the at least a portion of the fire fighting component, and a controller in communication with the detector and receiving the output position signal. The controller generates a display output signal based on the output position signal. The system further includes a display that is in communication with the controller and receives the display output signal. The display generates an icon that is a graphical representation of the fire fighting device, and configures the icon based on the output display signal wherein the configuration of the icon indicates the position of the at least a portion of the fire fighting device.

Abstract: A method for altering the course of a conflagration involving firing a projectile comprising a powder mixture of oxidant powder and nanosized reductant powder at velocity sufficient for a violent reaction between the oxidant powder and the nanosized reductant powder upon impact of the projectile, and causing impact of the projectile at a location chosen to draw a main fire to a spot fire at such location and thereby change the course of the conflagration, whereby the air near the chosen location is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause a spot fire at such location. The invention also includes a projectile useful for such method and said mixture preferably comprises a metastable intermolecular composite.

Abstract: A fire suppression system includes a divert valve downstream of a fire suppressant source. The divert valve is selectively movable between an initial first position which communicates extinguishing agent into a first distribution network and a second position which communicates extinguishing agent into a second distribution network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a versatile multi-layer elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer based thermal and/or sound insulation material with improved fire retardant properties together with low smoke generation, the process for manufacturing of such material and the use of such material and resulting composites.

Abstract: An automated teller machine security system is provided. The system includes at least one gas detector (100) operatively arranged to detect a flammable gas inside an ATM (20); and at least one fire suppressing agent dispenser (140) arranged so that responsive to detection of said gas, a fire suppressing agent (116) is released within the ATM (20). The system advantageously inhibits ignition of flammable gases within the ATM, and thereby inhibits the ability for thieves to explode an ATM and steal its contents.

Abstract: A sprinkler system and a method for mitigating scaling, microbiological influenced corrosion and oxidative corrosion are disclosed. The system includes a piping network in fluid communication with a source of pressurized water and an air pump. The network is vented to the ambient. The air pump moves initially dry ambient air through the system, either by maintaining a negative or a positive air pressure within the network. The dry air absorbs residual water within the network and exhausts it to the ambient. Rate of air flow through the system is controlled by restrictor elements such as orifices, throttle valves or venturies within the piping network.

Abstract: A method for protecting a user in an enclosed environment includes providing an enclosed environment that holds cargo that has first odor; flowing a gas to the enclosed environment; and adding an odorant having a second odor to the gas, the first odor being distinctive from the second odor such that a presence of the second odorant provides a warning that the gas is present.

Abstract: A pendant sprinkler head includes a sprinkler body, with an orifice that forms an inlet and an outlet. A deflector is movably supported by a deflector support assembly and is movable between a retracted position wherein the deflector is adjacent the outlet and an extended position where the deflector is spaced from the outlet. At least a portion of the deflector support assembly is located in the orifice when the deflector is in its retracted position.

Abstract: A method and device for preventing fire and for extinguishing fire in an enclosed space in which a permanent negative pressure is set, includes fresh air being supplied in a regulated manner to the compartment atmosphere as supply air and exhaust air being discharged from the compartment atmosphere in a regulated manner, and wherein should a fire occur or to prevent a fire, an extinguishing agent which is gaseous under normal conditions is supplied to the compartment atmosphere as the supply air. In order to achieve a relieving of pressure without changing the set negative pressure, or upon a sudden flooding of the space with the gaseous extinguishing agent, the total volume flow of fresh air and/or extinguishing agent supplied to the compartment atmosphere as supply air is at all times less than or equal to the volume flow of the exhaust air discharged from the compartment atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for attenuating deflagration pressure produced by combustion of combustible gas in a defined region of a process vessel. The method generally comprises selecting and placing attenuating material in the defined region of the process vessel, wherein the selected attenuating material maintains its physical shape under the operating conditions. The attenuating material should occupy at least 20% of the volume of the defined region of the process vessel. Use of the inventive method may be beneficially applied for the safe operation of oxidation reactors with flammable, high hydrocarbon concentration feeds in order to attain increased productivity.

Abstract: An automatic fire suppression system used to provide protection of window glass and other structural elements in aircraft terminals which are exposed to exterior fires caused by natural, accidental, or intentional events comprises a directional passive microwave receiver, a central processor for processing received microwave signals over time and comparing the received signals over time with thermal event signatures stored in memory to selectively actuate a sprinkler system for protecting the window glass in the vicinity of an identified fire event. The memory may further store a model of the aircraft terminal, and the processor utilizes a fire dynamics simulator to simulate a thermal event at the terminal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fire egress/escape comprising a first container for storing a first fluid, a second container for storing a propellant, a nozzle to mix and atomize material from the first and second containers for forming a mist to suppress flame by evaporation, and an activation mechanism to enable a user to release material in the first and second containers for generating the mist.

Abstract: A method for activating a sprinkler system comprises maintaining a liquid extinguishant in system pipes under a standby pressure that is less than the operating pressure, determining an arrangement of the sprinklers that will control a fire, and opening the sprinkler system valve in response to a drop in pressure in each of the pipes to which at least one of the sprinklers of the arrangement is connected. An alternate method comprises providing a bypass around the system valve, and opening the system valve in response to (1) a predetermined flow of liquid extinguishant through the bypass and (2) a drop in pressure in the sprinkler system below a predetermined pressure. In a variation of the alternate method, the system valve is opened in response only to a predetermined flow of liquid extinguishant through the bypass.

Abstract: In the event of a failure of a fire prevention or extinguishing system, an inertization method reduces the fire risk in an enclosed protected area, where the oxygen content in the area can be maintained on a control concentration that lies below an operating concentration for a certain time period, so that the emergency operation phase is sufficiently long to prevent the ignition and/or re-ignition of combustible materials therein. The control concentration is maintained for an emergency operation period by a redundant secondary source. Alternatively, the control concentration and the operating concentration, while forming a safety margin, can be lowered so far below the design concentration that in the event of a primary source failure, the growth curve of the oxygen content reaches a limit concentration determined for the area in a predefined period, which is sufficiently long to continue to prevent the ignition and/or re-ignition of the combustible materials.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for suppression of fires are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a housing is provided with a first opening (or set of openings), a second opening (or set of openings) and a Row path defined between the first and second openings. A fire-suppressing gas is produced, such as from a solid propellant composition, and is introduced into the flow path in such a way that a volume of ambient air is drawn from a location external to the housing, through the first opening and into the flow path. The volume of ambient air may be subjected to an oxygen-reducing process and mixed with the fire-suppressing gas to form a gas mixture. The gas mixture is discharged from the flow path through the second opening and into an associated environment for suppression of a fire located therein.

Abstract: A fire suppression device including a fire suppression agent generator. The device further includes trigger mechanism adapted to begin generation of the fire suppression agent from the fire suppression agent generator. A container at least partially surrounds the fire suppression agent generator and the trigger mechanism, the container includes a discharge port that directs fire suppression agent in at least two opposed directions. In one example, the discharge port extends substantially around a perimeter of the container.

Abstract: The present invention is a spraying system that extinguishes flying embers that may land on a roof from brush fires or forest fires. This includes a submersible pump at the bottom of a well that is attached to a supply pipe that allows water to be pumped into a reservoir. Another submersible pump is inside the reservoir that pumps water thru a supply pipe that is attached to the roof. This area is called a water station that may also be equipped with a generator for a backup power source. The supply pipe has pipe couplings attached at certain intervals and has sprayers installed into the couplings. These sprayers will then give off an adequate amount of water to soak down the entire roof area in the event of an approaching fire. All of this is assembled and placed in specially designed roof fasteners that are installed throughout the entire hip and ridge of the roof.

Abstract: CPVC piping systems comprising a network of CPVC pipe lengths in which at least some of the pipe lengths are interconnected with mechanical devices having resilient sealing members that are chemically compatible with the CPVC composition are described herein. Repairs and system modifications can be made without the use of solvent cement. In-line joints are formed with a coupling device including a pair of arcuate coupling segments having a first end, a second end, and an interior concave surface extending between the first end and the second end. A longitudinal channel extends along the concave surface. At least one mechanical fastener is operative to detachably connect the pair of coupling segments. A resilient annular seal is located within the longitudinal channel of each segment. A branching device connects a branch pipe to a main pipe through an orifice in the main pipe utilizing a saddle-like sealing member.

Abstract: A fire protection system comprises a supply pipe having a first fluid pressurized to a first pressure and a network of pipes having a plurality of sprinklers. The network of pipes have a second fluid being pressurized to a second pressure at approximately 5.5 times the first pressure. The system further comprises a dry pipe valve including a body defining a passage extending along a longitudinal axis between an inlet coupled to the supply pipe and an outlet coupled to the network of pipes. The inlet has an inlet diameter of approximately WD inches and a seat disposed in the body has a seating surface with a diameter AD approximately less than two times WD inches. The dry pipe valve further includes a clapper pivotable about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis between a first position occluding the passage when the ratio of the second pressure to the first pressure is at least 5.5 and a second position permitting fluid flow through the passage when the ratio is less than 5.5.

Abstract: Fire sprinkler system comprising a network of CPVC pipe lengths in which at least some of the pipe lengths are interconnected with mechanical devices having resilient sealing members that are chemically compatible with the CPVC composition. Repairs and system modifications can be made without the use of solvent cement. In-line joints are formed with a coupling device including a pair of arcuate coupling segments having a first end, a second end, and an interior concave surface extending between the first end and the second end. A longitudinal channel extends along the concave surface. At least one mechanical fastener is operative to detachably connect the pair of coupling segments. A resilient annular seal is located within the longitudinal channel of each segment. A branching device connects a branch pipe to a main pipe through an orifice in the main pipe utilizing a saddle-like sealing member. The pipe assemblies are able to pass UL testing protocols for wet fire sprinkler systems.

Abstract: Non-reactive test agents may be used to test fire suppression systems in which reactive fire suppression agents may be used to release catalytic fire suppression agents for transport by naturally occurring flows paths downstream to the vicinity of flame holding regions for fire suppression for example, in aircraft.

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.

Abstract: A nondestructive retrofit fire sprinkler protection system including a sprinkler fitting with a unique shape that inserts behind a wall surface and that securely connects a sprinkler head emerging from a wall location to preferably concealed sprinkler piping located in a room at a point where the ceiling surface meets a wall surfaces. In addition, a room coupler fitting is adapted to be inserted between wall structures to connect sprinkler piping in adjacent rooms.

Abstract: A fire protection system comprising at least one sprinkler, a source of pressurized water, a piping network connecting at least one sprinkler to the source of pressurized water, and a nitrogen generator coupled to the sprinkler system. The nitrogen generator may be a nitrogen membrane system or a nitrogen pressure swing adsorption system. The present systems and methods reduce or nearly eliminate corrosion that typically affects conventional fire protection systems, such as caused by oxygen and microbial systems, which can deteriorate or compromise function. Initial, repeated, or continuous displacement of oxygen with nitrogen in the fire protection system significantly reduces or eliminates corrosion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas-foam fire-extinguishing product consisting of a clean gas fire-extinguishing agent and a foam fire-extinguishing agent, a process for preparing the product, use of the product and a fire-extinguishing system using the product. According to the present invention, the clean gas fire-extinguishing agent is used as a foaming agent for the foam fire-extinguishing agent and is contained in the generated foams. The present invention solved a problem in the prior art for a long time that the combustible liquids with Slow boiling point are difficult to be fire-extinguished.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using liquid nitrogen to render crises safe, as in circumstances of hostage crises, entering Methamphetamine labs, purging the accumulating toxic or flammable gases, ending the dispersal of substances from aerosols and capturing the material dispersed by condensing it and sealing it in containers for disposal, picking up spills by solidifying them or gelling the material and containing it for disposal—this includes Mercury spills, sealing and repairing broken pipes and dikes and dams, enabling a combustion engine to quit running, changing the conditions in a weather system to counter funnel formation in a tornado threat, strengthening levee structures by freezing the core for the length of the levee when severe crises occur, rapid cooling lava flows to structure the solid lava formation to something useful in that location, purging the coalmine fire environment of Oxygen to quell the long-term blaze, and treating industrial stack gas to useful soot, water and Carbon dioxide componen

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device comprises a container having a dispensing portion, a contents under pressure within the container, and an integrated circuit (IC) sensor device comprising a pressure sensor in communication with the contents under pressure. In various embodiments, the device can further comprise a fire extinguisher, a diving tank, a diving cylinder, a scuba tank, and an oxygen tank. Other embodiments of the invention relate to methods of monitoring, pressure sensing systems, and sensor and sensing modules.

Abstract: An ignition unit for a fire extinguishing assembly has an ignition unit housing with a firing pin disposed within the housing. A spring is coupled to the firing pin, and a restraining device holds the pin in place in the housing. A formed eutectic holds the restraining device in place such that when the eutectic deforms, the firing pin is released and moved by the spring in a desired direction.

Abstract: In a process and device for extinguishing metal fires, a totally water-free liquid which reacts with the extinguished metal to form a silicate covering the metal fire source is used as extinguishing agent.

Abstract: A method for extinguishing fires includes the steps of loading an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) onto a transport aircraft and carrying the UAV to an altitude and location in proximity to a fire area. The UAV is launched from the transport aircraft and guided over the fire area using controllable fixed or deployable aerodynamic structures operably connected to the UAV. Once over the appropriate location, the UAV releases fire extinguishing or retardant material onto the fire or anticipated fire path.

Abstract: An adjustable escutcheon assembly as provided for mounting a sprinkler in a sloped ceiling so that the sprinkler can be mounted parallel to the ceiling and with a refined appearance.

Abstract: A system for a firefighting vehicle including a single compressor, driven by the engine of the firefighting vehicle, which generates a compressed fluid supply for operation of both the compressed air foam system and air brakes of the firefighting vehicle. The system can include a fluid storage tank that receives compressed fluid generated by the compressor. The storage tank can be in fluid communication with a dryer and a foaming system. The dryer dries a portion of the compressed fluid and supplies the dry fluid to one or more brake system tanks, which further provide a fluid supply to one or more air brakes of the vehicle to provide a braking force to stop the vehicle. An optionally undried portion of the fluid in the fluid storage tank can be in communication with a conduit which is further in communication with a foam supply and a liquid supply which mix with the compressed fluid to create a compressed fluid foam firefighting material.

Abstract: A test system for proportioning fire fighting and fire suppression systems is provided. This test system includes a foam-water proportioning system and at least one test apparatus connectable to or incorporated into the foam-water sprinkler system. In an exemplary embodiment, the foam-water proportioning system further includes: (i) at least one proportioning valve; (ii) at least one source of water; and (iii) at least one source of foam concentrate. The test apparatus further includes: (i) a means for bypassing the at least one source of foam concentrate; (ii) a first flow meter; and (iii) an optional second flow meter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protection device for ventilation ducts where at least one duct opening for the supply and/or evacuation of air is provided, in particular for fire protection of air conditioned rooms for information technology installations. To separate the protection zones in the event of an emergency according to high safety standards, it is suggested that said protection device comprises at least one protection slide that is supported in a vertically displaceable manner and furthermore includes a sliding mechanism by means of which said protection slide is movable from an open position to a closed position of said duct opening, said duct opening being completely covered by said protection slide in said closed position.

Abstract: A fire extinguisher has a container filled with a fire extinguisher material. One wall of the container has tear-open segments that breach the container when opened and allow the fire extinguisher material to exit the container. An initiator forces open the tear-open segments. The initiator has a cup that is coupled to the container wall. The cup contains combustible material and is closed by a cap. The cap is bonded to the cup to form a strong initiator housing. A fuse exits the initiator to the outside of the container wall.

Abstract: Systems, methods and aspect thereof for a fire protection system including a releasing control panel. In one aspect a fire protection system for a residential unit as defined in the 2002 Edition of the National Fire Protection Association Standard 13, 13D and 13R having at least one dwelling is provided. The fire protection system preferably includes a liquid supply source along a main line and a network of pipes in communication with the dwelling. The system includes at least one sprinkler in the network to discharge a fluid within about fifteen seconds of sprinkler activation. In addition, the system includes at least one fire control panel disposed between the main line and the pipe network to control release of a fire fighting fluid under various control modes. The system further include at least one fire detector disposed in the at least one dwelling and in communication with the at least one fire control panel.

Abstract: A waste water containment, filtration, and transportation system captures polluted waste water from various waste water sources including fire sprinkler systems and fire hydrants. The system includes a sight tube which connects to a female swivel connection on, for example, a Fire Department Connection (FDC). A flexible hose connects the sight tube to a mobile holding tank. The sight tube allows the observation of a waste water flow from the fire sprinkler system or fire hydrant to ensure that a complete flushing has been accomplished. A rod attached to an end of the sight tube holds a clapper in the FDC open during testing. The waste water is held in the mobile holding tank for later disposal. The containment and transportation system allows compliance with NFPA Standards, California State Fire Marshal's “Title 19 Regulations, the Federal Clean Water laws, the Federal Coastal Zone laws, as well as local city ordinances.

Abstract: An automated or manually operated portable pump house for producing water pressure includes a portable housing structure, a fire pump positioned within the housing structure, a fire pump driver operably coupled to the fire pump, means for controlling the fire pump driver operably coupled to the fire pump driver, a pressure control pump positioned within the housing structure, means for controlling the pressure control pump operably coupled to the pressure control pump, means for electrical power generation positioned within the housing structure, and means for automatically detecting and reporting a status condition to an external location.

Abstract: A sprinkler wedge designed for inhibiting water discharge from an open or activated sprinkler head. The sprinkler wedge generally comprises a main body having proximal and distal ends. A handle assembly connected toward the proximal end for easy grasping by a human hand, and a forked tip toward the distal end. The sprinkler wedge is designed for improved single-handed insertion into the water stream of an activated sprinkler head.

Abstract: A self-contained automatic fire extinguishing device that is located within a wall or ceiling and housed within the space between two studs or joists. This unit includes a tank or series of tanks attached via flexible pressurized joints, and held in place by an expanding bracket. This fire extinguisher maintains a constantly high pressure inside a shell of the fire extinguisher through out a shelf-life of the fire extinguisher and which can indicate the charge status of the tank via a visible indicator. A sensor is attached to the unit, which reacts to prolonged exposure to direct heat and which can extend a nozzle beyond the wall or ceiling into the living space when actuated. The self-contained automatic fire extinguishing device is hidden behind a decorative face plate which permits the passage of the sensing device and a tank fill status indicator and which actuates out of the path of the nozzle upon activation.

Abstract: A vehicular firefighting system includes a vehicle, a boom pivotally coupled to the vehicle about a horizontal axis and a nozzle pivotally coupled to the boom. In one embodiment, the system includes a linkage having a first end coupled to the nozzle and a second end coupled to the vehicle such that the linkage maintains an orientation of the nozzle as the boom pivots about the horizontal axis. In another embodiment, the boom forms at least one fluid conduit in fluid communication with the nozzle so as to deliver firefighting agent to the nozzle.

Abstract: An onboard fire suppression system for an automotive vehicle includes at least one reservoir containing a fire suppressant agent, and a propellant device for evacuating the fire suppressant agent from the reservoir. The propellant device is located within the reservoir. An electrically powered initiator, operatively connected with the propellant device, initiates a discharge of gas from the propellant device. The initiator is energized by an initiator conductor which is housed within an axially compliant conduit which extends through at least one wall of the reservoir, and which defines an enclosed pathway from the exterior of the reservoir to the initiator. The axial compliance of the conduit permits weldless use of the conduit with a composite reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for suppression of fires are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a housing is provided with a first opening (or set of openings), a second opening (or set of openings) and a flow path defined between the first and second openings. A fire-suppressing gas is produced, such as from a solid propellant composition, and is introduced into the flow path in such a way that a volume of ambient air is drawn from a location external to the housing, through the first opening and into the flow path. The volume of ambient air may be subjected to an oxygen-reducing process and mixed with the fire-suppressing gas to form a gas mixture. The gas mixture is discharged from the flow path through the second opening and into an associated environment for suppression of a fire located therein.

Abstract: A method for the detection and combating of forest and surface fires includes the steps of observing and detecting fires using an infrared camera on board an observation aircraft; georeferencing image obtained by the infrared camera pixel-wise using location data of the observation aircraft as obtained by a satellite navigation system; testing the georeferenced infrared image for hot points caused by a fire, and transmitting coordinates of the hot points via a data link to a central data processing system on the ground; automatically generating deployment plans for available firefighting vehicles in the central data processing system taking into consideration data relating to the terrain and data on available firefighting equipment; transferring the deployment plans generated in the central data processing system to on-board management systems of deployed vehicles; representing deployment data and coordinates corresponding to the deployment plans with output apparatus by the on-board management systems of the

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and method for positioning and supporting a sprinkler head in a ceiling, floor, or wall. In one aspect of the invention, a sprinkler head may be received by a sleeve extending through a broad surface of the plate. The plate may be configured to be removably attached to a support structure in the ceiling, floor, or wall and having an exterior surface exposed to the room or the plate may be attached to a decorative panel which is configured to be removably attached to a support structure in the ceiling, floor, or wall and having an exterior surface exposed to the room. The sleeve may be defined by an opening in the plate or it may be a separate structure permanently or removably attached to the plate.