Abstract: The present invention is directed to an aerial delivery system that provides for the controlled delivery of items from an aircraft into a selected drop zone. In accordance with the present invention, the aerial delivery system includes a base and a sidewall arrangement adjacent the base. The sidewall arrangement generally acts as a sleeve defining an inner volume. Within the inner volume is a tray or cassette configured to be moveable within the inner volume. Adjacent the sidewall arrangement opposite the base is a top cover. The top cover is generally oversized relative to the shape defined by the sidewall arrangement. A plurality of straps connects the top cover, sidewall arrangement and, optionally, the material within the inner volume. The aerial delivery system is activated by an air stream that catches the oversized top cover, forcing the separation between the top cover and the other portions of the aerial delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling and putting down woodland fires, said method comprising the steps of collecting earth at a region encompassing the fire region and projecting the collected earth to the combustion region as well as adjoining regions thereof.

Abstract: Characterized in that in a first stage are loaded or produced on board in a mother aircraft at least a product or mixed of products to act on forest fires, pests or atmospheric phenomena; in a second stage the said product is stored in a glider container with gliding flight ability and equipped with a precision guidance system; in a third stage the glider container is dropped from the mother aircraft and guided towards the release point of the load; in a fourth stage the glider container releases of its interior the load of product on the release point, and in a fifth stage the glider container is recovered for a following reusing.

Abstract: Methods of reducing smoke levels in smoke-affected areas, reducing the level of toxic compounds produced by fires, fire suppression, and increasing flame retardancy. In particular, methods according to the present invention comprise dispersing nanocrystalline particles in the areas affected by smoke for sorption of smoke particulates and toxic compounds produced from a fire. The nanocrystalline particles are also effective for use in methods of fire suppression and flame retardancy.

Abstract: The current invention relates to water-swellable polymers at least partially comprised of sulfonic acid group containing monomers as additives for fire extinguishing water, which exhibits an elevated NaCl content, used in fire prevention and to combat fire.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a mine fire by delivering a water-absorbent polymeric composition to a rock structure involved in a fire and infusing the polymeric composition into the rock structure. The polymeric composition may also be used to create a seal across a mine entry for controlling underground mine fires.

Abstract: Delivery of pelletized carbon dioxide (dry ice) to a target material such as a hazardous material or a fire from a distance, by projection, spraying, or aerial dropping the pelletized carbon dioxide onto the target material using gravity. Delivery may be made by a mobile apparatus. The types of target material with which the present invention is designed to apply may include, e.g., hydrocarbon material, hazardous material, burning material, and the like. The carbon dioxide may be pelletized to diameters in a size range of about 3 mm to 100 mm.

Abstract: A turret control system and method for a fire fighting vehicle is disclosed. The turret control system includes one or more control modules, such as an envelope control module, turret targeting module, a turret pan module, a turret deploy module, a turret store module. The preferred turret control system also provides improved turret control flexibility and improved operator feedback.

Abstract: Fire retardant compositions containing an extract of African Oil Palm fruit, methods of preparing such compositions, and their use in imparting fire resistance to objects are disclosed.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system for use with gas or electric range stove top to automatically deploy and energize an audible alarm. The system includes a pressurized supply of inert gas within an inflatable bag. A grease fire on the stove top breaks the fusible cord and allows the case to open, releasing the inert gas supply. The inert gas inflates a flame resistant bag to cover the burners of the stove top. The bottom of the flame resistant bag is a specific temperature sensitive material that will decompose on contact with the grease fire. As the bottom decomposes, the flame resistant material surrounds the cooking container containing the grease fire. The grease fire becomes isolated by flame resistant materials and inert gas. The bottom two layers of the bag have an additional layer of non-flammable absorbent fiber between the two layers of the decomposing bottom.

Abstract: A fire fighting tool includes an elongated hollow cylindrical nozzle having a plurality of openings surrounding the nozzle, a tubular member and a coupling for connecting the tubular member to a hose. The tool also includes a mounting member for positioning the nozzle within an interior of a structure. The mounting member includes a base, an upper member and a pair of rotatable clamping members adjustably mounted on the mounting member for engaging inner and outer surfaces of a wall. The mounting member and nozzle extend through an opening in the wall for spraying water or other fire suppressant onto the fire. The tool also includes a rotatable heat shield for protecting a fireman from heat and smoke and a handle for carrying the tool.

Abstract: Methods of reducing smoke levels in smoke-affected areas, reducing the level of toxic compounds produced by fires, fire suppression, and increasing flame retardancy. In particular, methods according to the present invention comprise dispersing nanocrystalline particles in the areas affected by smoke for sorption of smoke particulates and toxic compounds produced from a fire. The nanocrystalline particles are also effective for use in methods of fire suppression and flame retardancy.

Abstract: Characterized in that in a first stage are loaded or produced on board in a mother aircraft at least a product or mixed of products to act on forest fires, pests or atmospheric phenomena; in a second stage the said product is stored in a glider container with gliding flight ability and equipped with a precision guidance system; in a third stage the glider container is dropped from the mother aircraft and guided towards the release point of the load; in a fourth stage the glider container releases of its interior the load of product on the release point, and in a fifth stage the glider container is recovered for a following reusing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a suppression system in which a carrier gas and suppression liquid are contained in a common containment vessel and separated by a separation member. The separation is one or more of movable, deformable, or shape changing in response to pressure exerted by the stored gas.

Abstract: A firefighting training fluid (FFTF) comprising a paraffin blend. The blends of paraffins typically have no less than about two carbon atoms and no more than about twelve carbon atoms. The blends of paraffins may possess Reid vapor pressures in the range from about 2 to about 6.5 pounds per square inch. The blends also typically possess an initial boiling point of not less than about 80 degrees Fahrenheit and an end boiling point of not more than about 370 degrees Fahrenheit. The blends burn relatively cleanly and keep emissions of volatile organic compounds, compounds containing sulfur, smoke, particulates, olefins, and aromatics to a minimum. The blend components mixed to create the blends of paraffins are controlled in order to maintain Reid vapor pressure and initial and end boiling points. Oxygenates may be added to an FFTF in order to further reduce smoke emissions.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a fire in a multi-floored building, a method of treating fire in a multi-floored building, and a portable apparatus for assembly and subsequent treating of a fire in a multi-floored building are disclosed. The apparatus, method and system include a curvilinear tubular structure and a bracing system coupled to a source of a fluid pressure.

Abstract: Fire extinguishing mixtures, systems and methods are provided. The fire extinguishing mixtures can include one or more extinguishing compounds, such as, for example, one or more of fluorocarbons, fluoroethers, and fluorocarbons. The fire extinguishing mixtures can also include one or more of nitrogen, argon, helium and carbon dioxide. In an exemplary aspect the extinguishing mixture includes an extinguishing compound, a diluent gas and water.

Abstract: Fire extinguishing mixtures, systems and methods are provided. The fire extinguishing mixtures can include one or more extinguishing compounds, such as, for example, one or more of fluorocarbons, fluoroethers, and fluorocarbons. The fire extinguishing mixtures can also include one or more of nitrogen, argon, helium and carbon dioxide. In an exemplary aspect the extinguishing mixture includes an extinguishing compound, a diluent gas and water.

Abstract: A forest fire is brought under control and extinguished through the use of ordnance to create a fire break. The fire break location is chosen along a front in the direction of travel of the fire. Ordnance is used to quickly knock down trees and other potential fuel for the fire. The fuel is then removed from the fire break. A back burn is optionally used to further create a fire break. The back burn is ignited using ordnance. Mop-up operations make use of ordnance to expose and disperse smoldering fuels by exploding hot spots.

Abstract: A water bucket system having a water bucket is provided. The water bucket system comprises computer controlled loading of the water bucket from a water source, partial drop control means for controlling the drop of water from the water bucket onto a desired location, and variable flow rate control means for varying the flow of water from the water bucket. A water bucket for carrying water is also provided. The water bucket comprises a main support cable, a spreader plate secured to the main support cable, a plurality of secondary support cables secured to the spreader plate, a plurality of equally spaced webbing straps secured to the secondary support cables, a fabric envelope secured to the webbing straps, and a compression hoop secured to the webbing straps and the fabric envelope, and a valve secured to the fabric envelope.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing agent contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an alkali hydrogencarbonate and an alkali carbonate, the alkali hydrogencarbonate being thermally decomposed to generate carbon dioxide and an alkali carbonate, a metal oxide that reacts with the alkali carbonate to generate carbon dioxide, and a hydrophobic binder.

Abstract: It is disclosed that a fire extinguishing method by gas, characterized in that, a fire extinguishing chemical of a gas type comprising at least one member selected from a group consisting of argon, nitrogen and carbon dioxide is discharged using foams, powder or water as a carrier so as to extinguish.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for removing oil, extinguishing fire and containment for oil spills using crushed glass.

Abstract: Solid composition has an organic spill absorbing material in which is absorbed certain of a liquid organic compound or composition. The organic spill absorbing material can be water insoluble, particulate polymer particles that imbibe liquid organic materials. A halogenated organic can provide the liquid organic compound or composition. The halogenated organic can be a halogenated hydrocarbon. A fire can be fought by transmitting the solid composition containing a suitable flame retardant to the base of the fire under conditions such that the absorbed liquid in liquid or vapor form is released; and a living target can be stupefied by transmitting the solid composition containing a suitable stupefying agent under conditions such that vapors of the stupefying agent are released and stupefy the target.

Abstract: A foam concentrate or fire fighting composition for extinguishing and/or retarding fires is provided that meets UL162, Class B performance criteria for at least one of AFFF agents, AR-AFFF agents and fluoroprotein (FP) agents. The concentrate is used to form the fire fighting composition when mixed with water. The concentrate or fire fighting composition includes a high molecular weight fluoropolymer and water and may have a fluorine content wherein less than about 0.008% fluorine by weight of the fire fighting composition is provided from any fluorochemical surfactant. Further, the composition may meet the UL162, Class B performance criteria without forming a stable seal on cyclohexane.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing device and associated methods. The device is adapted to be positioned in proximity to a fire and operable in response to heat output by the fire. The device includes a first reservoir, containing a fluid, adapted to receive the heat from the fire and thereby exert a pressure and a second reservoir, communicating with the first reservoir, containing a fire fighting material. The device further includes a pressure-sensitive membrane, forming a pressure-sensitive barrier between the first reservoir and the second reservoir, adapted to rupture upon a predetermined pressure being attained in the first reservoir and thereby releasing a steam into the second reservoir. The steam expels the fire fighting material onto the fire. Additionally disclosed are methods for using the device to control and extinguish 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 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: An improved method and apparatus for producing an extremely fine micron and sub-micron size water mist using an electronic ultrasonic device that produces the mist at ambient-pressure and delivering the mist for application in suppressing fire. A piezoelectric transducer is arranged to produce a water mist having at least a portion of sub-micron size droplets. The water mist is produced by high frequency pressure waves or ultrasonic waves of predetermined or variable frequency, including frequencies which may exceed 2.5 MHz. The water mist is directed to a firebase to be self-entrained by the fire's flame. The momentum provided the water mist in directing the mist is minimized to enhance the ability of the fire to entrain the mist, and the flow of the carrier medium is usually directed tangentially about the water fountain creating the mist. Further, the throughput and concentration of the mist is controlled to ensure that the entrained mist will be sufficient to cool and suppress the fire.

Abstract: A firefighting bomblet includes a container having rigid supportive walls that together define a faceted-sphere shape, a cavity disposed inside the container and defined by the walls, and an opening in one of the walls for filling the cavity with a fire retardant. The bomblet can further include a weak seam formed in one of the walls, the weak seam being adapted to be more easily ruptured than the remainder of the walls. A method for aerial firefighting includes the step of dropping at least one of the containers enclosing a fire retardant from an aircraft over a fire.

Abstract: A new set of effective, environmentally safe, nonflammable, low-toxicity refrigerants, solvents, foam blowing agents, propellants, and firefighting agents is disclosed. The agents are clean, electrically nonconductive, and have short atmospheric lifetimes, zero ozone-depletion potential, and low global warming potentials. The agents comprise at least one fluoroiodocarbon agent satisfying the general formula CaHbBrcCldFeIfNgOh, wherein a is between and including 1 and 8; b is between and including 0 and 2; c, d, g, and h are each between and including 0 and 1; e is between and including 1 and 18; and f is between and including 1 and 2, either neat or mixed with additives selected from the group consisting of: alcohols, esters, ethers, fluoroethers, hydrocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, and perfluorocarbons.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing and fire retarding method is provided comprising the step of confining a fire extinguishing and fire retarding agent in slurry, liquid or gaseous form within a shell wherein the shell comprises such an agent in solid form. An agent such as ice water, or liquid carbon dioxide is useful when employing the shell as “non-lethal” device. The solid shell is sublimable and will burst upon impact or upon exposure to the environmental conditions at the target site to release the contents of the shell as well as the fragments of the shell onto the target site.

Abstract: Disclosed is an environment-friendly, pH-neutral, loaded stream extinguishant and a method for preparing the same. The extinguishant is prepared from a mixture of a fire extinguishable component, an organic acid, a surfactant and water. It is very effective in controlling A class fires, as well as showing excellent flame retardance. Also, the extinguishant is neutral in pH so as to neither corrode extinguisher parts, nor affect soil negatively. It can be also applied to portable extinguishers.

Abstract: A method for subduing a fire (70) is disclosed. This method is performed by operating a jet turbine (20), having an exhaust (22), to direct the exhaust (22) into a moving front of the fire (72), generally against the movement of the front of the fire (72). A retardant (30), preferably dust, is directed from a supply tank (40) into the exhaust (22), through a pressurized conduit (42). Alternately, dust or other material (32) is lifted from the land around the fire (70) and blown into the fire (70), extinguishing the fire (70) or decreasing its intensity. To completely extinguish the fire (70), it may be necessary to further douse the fire with either or both water and a second retardant.

Abstract: In the fire location, an ambient or atmospheric air mass flow (been a gas mixture of dry air and superheated water vapor) is compressed by a compression package. A hose transports this compressed air mass flow a given distance away up to a flames site, where an arrangement of pipes, elbow accessories, throttle valves, nozzles, and a distribution manifold, conforming together a fire fight boom with a “blast-gun”, allow the operator to direct upon the flames, a high speed ambient air jet containing water droplets with a high flame front aerodynamic penetration capability, which brings about the flames blown off and remaining not burned materials combustion inhibition. Such a high speed air jet containing water droplets is generated by the compressed air mass flow expansion in a jacketed convergent-divergent nozzle, whereinto a condensation sock wave is established producing such water droplets from the local ambient air water vapor contents.

Abstract: A fire suppressant, fire suppressant mist, and method of atomizing a water mist for suppressing a fire are provided by in-situ atomization of water droplets within a fire using water-in-oil microemulsions. The discrete phase of emulsion is a low boiling point oil or water immiscible fluid additive combined with water and a surfactant or cosurfactant. Each dropet provides a microemulsion. During the heating of the microemulsion droplet inside the flame, the water immiscible fluid vaporizes and causes fragmentation of the water droplet, producing extremely small droplets useful in fire suppression.

Abstract: A fire blanket comprising a generally flexible substrate and a chemical compound which reacts endothermically when heated. The chemical compound is preferably an alkali metal salt and more preferably a potassium or sodium salt. The compound may be a solid at room temperature s or forms an alkali solution.

Abstract: The outer shell fabric according to the invention is made of a textile material which is a double-weave woven fabric or a warp-knit knitted fabric constructed in such a manner that preferably a majority of one yarn type is placed on the face of the fabric and the majority of a different yarn type is placed on the back surface. One of the yarns may consist of multi-filamentary meta-aramid fiber (e.g. Nomex), the other of either a multi-filamentary or a spun (staple) para-aramid fiber (e.g. Kevlar). The textile material can be visualized as two separate fabrics being interlaced together by the sharing of yarns between them. When used as part of a firefighter or work garment for protection against heat and flame, the outer shell fabric has superior tear resistance, abrasion resistance, UV resistance, and thermal protective performance when compared to other outer shell fabrics used for the same application.

Abstract: A single-piece manifold for use with a residential or other building sprinkler system is disclosed which comprises a body having an inlet in communication with a water supply and an outlet that communicates with a sprinkler system having a conduit adapted for fluid flow formed between the inlet and the outlet. The body includes a main valve that provides a means of manually shutting off communication with the water supply and a combination pressure relief and test valve for draining and testing the sprinkler system. A pair of check valves are positioned across the conduit for preventing fluid flow therethrough when the sprinkler system is inactive with a space being defined between the first and second check valves for communication with a vent passageway. The vent passageway communicates with atmosphere and prevents false alarms due to water surges in the supply line.

Abstract: Highly fluorinated, saturated, and unsaturated fluoroethers are efficient, economical, non-ozone-depleting fire extinguishing agents used alone or in blends with other fire extinguishing agents in total flooding and portable systems. Methods for producing ethers, halogenated ether intermediates, and fluoroethers are disclosed. Novel fluoroether compositions are disclosed. Fluoroether extinguishing mixtures, methods, and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extinguishing a fire in a burning building includes a hollow, conically-shaped, hardened metallic device attached to an articulating arm of a boom. The device is provided with plural nozzles formed through its outer surface. The device is impelled from the articulating arm to impact and crash through the building adjacent the fire. Fire extinguishing fluids are supplied via the plural nozzles to extinguish the fire.

Abstract: A fire fighting apparatus (20) for fighting a fire (10) having a relatively large area or volume (11, 12), said apparatus including a targeting system (23) for identifying a target area to be doused with fire retardant and an ordnance (21) for discharging a multiplicity of projectiles (22) having the fire retardant contained therein (32). The ordnance of the apparatus includes at least one barrel assembly (30), said at least one barrel assembly having a barrel (39), a plurality of projectiles (35) axially disposed within the barrel for operative sealing engagement with the bore of the barrel (39), and discrete propellant charges (36) for propelling respective projectiles sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel, whereby said fire retardant is dispersed over the target area or within the target volume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for pneumatically controlling the operation of a water cannon such that the need for electrically power in the immediate vicinity of the water cannon is substantially avoided.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing and fire retarding method is provided comprising the step of confining a fire extinguishing and fire retarding agent in slurry, liquid or gaseous form within a shell wherein the shell comprises such an agent in solid form. An agent such as ice water, or liquid carbon dioxide is useful when employing the shell as “non-lethal” device. The solid shell is sublimable and will burst upon impact or upon exposure to the environmental conditions at the target site to release the contents of the shell as well as the fragments of the shell onto the target site.

Abstract: An improved fire-fighting device designed to allow variable positioning of a quenching agent dispensing point. The fire-fighting device also allows high quenching agent flow rates. The device uses an articulable boom arrangement and solid pipeline to achieve these advantages.

Abstract: A gel is produced by magnetically treating and mixing two solutions and in one embodiment subsequently introducing carbon dioxide gas. The first solution is comprised of water and sodium bicarbonate, and the second solution is comprised of water and sodium silicate. The first solution is passed through a positively charged magnetic field, and the second solution is passed through a negatively charged magnetic field. The two solutions are then mixed together to form a gel. The resulting gel has excellent fire-fighting capabilities because of its high heat absorption and emissive qualities. The gel can also be used to aid in the removal of surface coatings.

Abstract: An atomizing nozzle and fixed clean agent fire suppression system. The system stores gas fire suppressant in a liquefied state separate from propellant gas. Upon demand, the propellant charges the gas fire suppressant to provide a piston flow system that pushes the gas fire suppressant in the liquid state through a pipe network to the protected area of a building. The system includes a plurality of atomizing nozzles for atomizing the gas fire suppressant where it more easily vaporizes. Each atomizing nozzle comprises a nozzle body and a deflector body secured together in fixed relation. A conical flow passage is formed between the nozzle body and deflector body. The conical flow passage extends radially outward to a circumferential outlet slot that spreads the liquid clean agent out into a thin liquid conical fan that breaks up into droplets and atomizes quickly.

Abstract: A class of fire suppressant compounds which have labile bromine atoms bound to atoms other than carbon have been discovered to be more effective at suppressing fires than Halon 1211 and Halon 1301. Moreover, this class of fire suppressant compounds hydrolyze or oxidize rapidly in the troposphere and as a consequence thereof, they have minimal ozone depletion potential.

Abstract: A class of fire suppressant compounds which have labile bromine atoms bound to atoms other than carbon have been discovered to be more effective at suppressing fires than Halon 1211 and Halon 1301. Moreover, this class of fire suppressant compounds hydrolyze or oxidize rapidly in the troposphere and as a consequence thereof, they have minimal ozone depletion potential.

Abstract: A class of fire suppressant compounds which have labile bromine atoms bound to atoms other than carbon have been discovered to be more effective at suppressing fires than Halon 1211 and Halon 1301. Moreover, this class of fire suppressant compounds hydrolyze or oxidize rapidly in the troposphere and as a consequence thereof, they have minimal ozone depletion potential.