With Means To Isolate Fire From Atmosphere And Extinguish Patents (Class 169/49)
  • Patent number: 4836292
    Abstract: A method and product for use in smothering a nuclear fire resulting from an accident in a nuclear plant comprises the discharging onto the fire liquified inert gas, e.g. argon, so the gas will block the flow of oxygen to the fire. The liquified argon may be contained in reinforced allantoidal casings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Inventor: Cecil R. Behringer
  • Patent number: 4646847
    Abstract: Apparatus capable of fitting over the upper exposed end of a chimney liner and operable in the event of a chimney fire to extinguish the fire, the invention can be fitted to existing chimney structures without alteration of the chimney or liner structure. The present apparatus includes an air flow restriction plate which is held in a position allowing free flow through the chimney in normal use situations, the plate being held in place by a heat fusible element. The extremely high temperatures existing during even the first moments of a chimney fire cause melting of the fusible element and therefore closing of the air flow restriction plate to restrict air flow through the chimney and thereby quickly extinguish combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Inventor: George Colvin
  • Patent number: 4597450
    Abstract: The fire-proof cover has a high melting point, is flame-proof and at least almost gas tight. It is preferably made of glass thread fabric and may also be provided with an aluminum sheet. It is possible to make fire-proof a fabric by impregnation and it can be metallized under vacuum. The fire-proof cover is preferably provided with handling bands on its upper edge and it is folded so as to form a packet which is arranged in a package to be used as a fire protection assembly. The handling bands are projecting from one side of the package. The ends of the handling bands are detachably connected at the outer surface of the package. The package is provided with weakening lines. By pulling the handling bands, the package may be opened and the fire-proof cover may be unfolded so as to be ready for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Inventor: Hermann Budmiger
  • Patent number: 4580638
    Abstract: A fire suppression and control system for a commercial cooking unit having a conventional chemical fire retardant discharge system has a flexible fire curtain supported by a hood and adapted to enclose the cooking unit from the room between the hood and the floor. A housing for storing the curtain in folded condition is positioned on the hood and includes a release mechanism for releasing the curtain from the housing when a fire occurs. A heat-responsive control for discharge of the fire-resistant chemical is coupled to the release mechanism for the curtain to release the curtain at the time the fire-retardant chemical is delivered to the cooking unit. The fire-retardant chemical is preferably a Halon 1211 gas. The release mechanism includes an electromagnetic coupling which is connected through an electrical circuit to a switch at a mechanical actuator for the valve in the chemical fire-retardant delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Assignee: Mon/Arc, Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell M. Jones, James L. Sattler, Richard Paul, Neil S. Miller
  • Patent number: 4497374
    Abstract: A candle snuffer is disclosed in the form of a unitary member having a pair of generally parallel, elongated tines. The tines are spaced by a distance slightly larger than the thickness of a normal candle wick and the flame is extinguished by placing the base of the wick between the tines and lifting the snuffer upwardly. As the tines pass the end of the wick, the flame is immediately extinguished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1985
    Inventor: William G. Millar
  • Patent number: 4433733
    Abstract: A snuffer is provided for putting out fires in oil tanks or oil wells which consists of a framework for maintaining an asbestos or the like covering, forming a cap which can be lowered over the fire. A fire retardant fluid may be injected within the snuffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1984
    Inventor: Byron H. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 4392412
    Abstract: A gaseous blast reducer employs a membrane which is effective to contain a ass of gas having properties different from air, in the vicinity of the source of the blast. The blast is forced to propagate through the mass of gas before propagating in the air. An acoustic mismatch caused by the difference in properties between the gas and air reduces or attenuates the blast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Edward M. Schmidt, George D. Kahl
  • Patent number: 4356869
    Abstract: Apparatus for smothering a liquid sodium fire comprises a pan, a perforated cover on the pan, and tubes depending from the cover and providing communication between the interior of the pan and the ambient atmosphere through the perforations in the cover. Liquid caught in the pan rises above the lower ends of the tubes and thus serves as a barrier which limits the amount of air entering the pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Buttrey
  • Patent number: 4250967
    Abstract: A safety trash container for disposal of cigars, cigarettes, papers and the like, comprising in combination a receptacle having an opening at one end and a closure member adapted to fit the opening. Structure is provided within the receptacle for mounting the closure member for movement between an open position wherein the opening of the receptacle is exposed and accessible for deposit of trash, and a closed position wherein the opening is substantially sealed off. A heat responsive mechanism is also provided within the receptacle, for sensing a rise in its internal temperature due to inadvertent ignition of the contents thereof, and a powered operator device is associated with the mounting structure for the closure member and connected with the latter for advancing it to its closed position in response to operation of the heat-responsive mechanism, thereby sealing off the receptacle opening and confining and smothering any flames resulting from a fire occurring therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1981
    Assignee: Joseph M. Geremia
    Inventors: Elwood R. Horwinski, Joseph M. Geremia, John Jarmie
  • Patent number: 4171020
    Abstract: A charcoal extinguisher that is portable and adapted to receive a quantity of glowing charcoals therein and to extinguish the flame thereof such that the same may be re-used, the device includes a triangular shaped member having a grating thereon for holding the coals until they extinguish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1979
    Inventor: Richard Leporati
  • Patent number: 4091875
    Abstract: The device comprises at least one receptacle for collecting an accidental outleakage of liquid fuel and especially liquid sodium at high temperature. The receptacle is fitted with a cover which is provided with sloping channels for the flow of the liquid fuel and with openings through which it passes to the base of the channels. The openings are closed by retractable shutters which withdraw under the pressure of the liquid fuel within the channels and close automatically after it has flowed into the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1978
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jacques Colome, Alain Duchene, Jean Regnier
  • Patent number: 4037665
    Abstract: A thixotropic high internal phase ratio emulsion which is essentially nonflammable is employed as a fire extinguishing agent. In the preferred embodiment the emulsion contains an aqueous internal phase which makes up the major part of the emulsion, usually in excess of 90%, but preferably in excess of 95%, and a minor amount of an external phase which is of low volatility and/or flammability such as a heavy oil and an emulsifying material. Because it is thixotropic and cohesive, it forms a blanket over a fire, and coats adjacent surfaces, preventing the spread of the fire. This composition is particularly useful in fighting forest fires where the emulsion can be dropped or sprayed from aircraft with a minimum loss due to dispersion in air currents.The invention also comprises a fire extinguisher comprising a container containing a high internal phase ratio emulsion and means for expelling said emulsion onto or in the path of a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1977
    Assignee: Petrolite Corporation
    Inventor: Larry R. Hopper