On Air-borne Vehicle Patents (Class 169/53)
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Patent number: 12198519Abstract: A method of detecting a small area wildfire is described. The method includes: (i) receiving, at a processor, an electronic map of an area of interest; (ii) receiving, at the processor from a satellite, location information for a high-altitude balloon disposed above the area of interest; (iii) determining, using the processor and based one or more different types of sensor data that is received from one or more different types of sensors on the high-altitude balloon and the high-altitude balloon location, one or more wildfire locations; (iv) embedding each of the wildfire locations on the electronic map to produce a fire activity map; and (v) causing to display or displaying the fire activity map including the wildfire locations within the area of interest.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2022Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Inventors: David Solomon, Daniel Patrick Bowen
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Patent number: 12138498Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of fire extinguishing equipment, and in particular, relates to a multi-mode starting dry powder fire extinguishing ball for fire alarm and automatic starting of a fire extinguishing device, comprising a ball body. A fire extinguishing medium is provided in the ball body; the ball body is also provided with a driving device for enabling the inside of the ball body to expand to the explosion thereof after being started; the driving device is provided with a first lead which extends to the outside of the ball body and can enable the driving device to start after being heated; the driving device is also provided with a second lead which extends to the outside of the ball body and can enable the driving device to start after being powered on.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2019Date of Patent: November 12, 2024Assignee: HUNAN ANMIN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Yonghua Zheng, Cuifang Chen, Yong Li, Bin Huang
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Patent number: 12129030Abstract: A concentric, double hull, damage tolerant airframe vehicle double clad with a lightweight, impact resistant ceramic matrix composite for heat shielding and flame resistance, and fitted with insulation, to provide thermal protection from 35° C. to 1,650° C. of the internal fuselage areas for an extended period of time within an extreme heat environment, that will serve as a semi or fully autonomous vehicle, manned or unmanned, preferably an unmanned aerial vehicle designed as the delivery means to suppress or extinguish flames by repeatedly discharging pressure waves against flames without having to exit the fire environment.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2018Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: INCAENDIUM INITIATIVE CORPORATIONInventor: Michael S. Thomas
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Patent number: 12121760Abstract: A fire extinguishing or fire prevention device comprises an extinguishing agent conduit arrangement. The extinguishing agent conduit arrangement comprises a plurality of longitudinal conduit elements each adapted to conduct a fire extinguishing agent therethrough, and a plurality of transverse conduit elements each adapted to conduct a fire extinguishing agent therethrough. Each of the longitudinal conduit elements is connected to one of the transverse conduit elements by at least one connecting element, the connecting elements each being suitable for further conducting the fire extinguishing agent from a longitudinal conduit element into a transverse conduit element or from a transverse conduit element into a longitudinal conduit element.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2020Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Inventor: Horst Tarnawski
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Patent number: 12017773Abstract: A dump gate system for a fluid hopper in a firefighting aircraft. A gate sealably engages a gate opening in the hopper at a closed position. The gate is hingedly connected about the gate opening, and a drive shaft is supported within the hopper. A crank arm is fixed to the drive shaft and is further coupled to the gate by a connecting link. The crank arm and the connecting link define an over-center geometry while the gate is at the closed position, such that weight of the fluid on the gate induces torque on the drive shaft in a gate-closing direction. A linear electric motor is selectively coupled to rotate the drive shaft in a gate-opening direction to thereby enable control of the fluid flow from the hopper according to an angular position of the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2022Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Inventor: Victor D. Trotter
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Patent number: 12017100Abstract: A dump gate system for a fluid hopper in a firefighting aircraft. A gate sealably engages a gate opening in the hopper at a closed position. The gate is hingedly connected about the gate opening, and a drive shaft is supported within the hopper. A crank arm is fixed to the drive shaft and is further coupled to the gate by a connecting link. The crank arm and the connecting link define an over-center geometry while the gate is at the closed position, such that weight of the fluid on the gate induces torque on the drive shaft in a gate-closing direction. An electric motor is selectively coupled to rotate the drive shaft in a gate-opening direction to thereby enable control of the fluid flow from the hopper according to an angular position of the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2022Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Inventor: Victor D. Trotter
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Patent number: 12012209Abstract: The invention relates to a water scooping apparatus (2) for an aircraft (1), comprising a water scooping unit (7) that is associated with a water tank (10) via an extendible tubular member (5). The water scooping unit being provided with an intake opening (20) that is in fluidic communication with the extendible tubular member and arranged at a side of the water scooping unit facing away from the sky when the water scooping apparatus is in an active state, the water scooping unit (7) being provided with a plurality of surface-piercing hydrofoils (25, 26, 27, 28) arranged surrounding the intake opening (20) and configured to generate an upward force when being moved through a body of water to position the water scooping unit with respect to a surface (9) of the body of water in such a way to ensure water intake via the intake opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2020Date of Patent: June 18, 2024Assignee: SCODEV INTERNATIONAL B.V.Inventors: Jacobus Gerardus Hendrikus Maria Benedik, Stefano Brizzolara
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Patent number: 11992715Abstract: A modular fire extinguishing vehicle comprising a drive module and a releasable connected fire extinguishing module and comprising a plurality of containers comprising different types of fire distinguishing agents and a fluid line connected thereto. The fluid line comprises a connecting interface for connection to a port of another vehicle. The vehicle also comprises a control device configured to obtain information about an ongoing or imminent fire in another vehicle and a position of the other vehicle and to autonomously or remotely operate the modular fire extinguishing vehicle to drive to a position of the other vehicle based on the position information, to connect the fluid line to a port of the other vehicle; and control transfer of a selected one of the different types of fire extinguishing agents into the fluid line, wherein the selected type of fire extinguishing agent is based on the information about the ongoing or imminent fire.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2019Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: Scania CV ABInventors: Morgan Colling, Mikko Kallio, Sami Teppola, Tomas Skeppström, André Claesson, Robert Sjödin, Linus Ährlig
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Patent number: 11919021Abstract: A UAV includes a body and rotor coupled to the body. The UAV may include a boom connected to the body, and a nozzle connected to a distal end of the boom, wherein an operational configuration of the nozzle is responsive to a second control signal. The rotor, boom, and nozzle are arranged such that the nozzle is disposed further away from the body than the rotor. The UAV may further include a sensor disposed on either the body or the boom, wherein the sensor is configured to generate a detection signal associated with a distance between the sensor and a surface disposed proximate to the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2020Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: LURYTO, LLCInventors: Luke Busby, Todd Iverson, Ryan McMaster
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Patent number: 11840341Abstract: An aircraft for unmanned firefighting may include a water tank fillable via a scoop operation during flight of the aircraft, and configured to be emptied by a release operation at a target of interest, a communications module configured to employ wireless communication via a ground link and/or a satellite link to provide real time or near real time communication with a remote configuration or monitoring facility, an imaging module configured to obtain image data at the target of interest for identifying updated target information, and a navigation module configured to enable remote or autonomous operation of the aircraft during the scoop operation and the release operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2022Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Inventor: Joseph Klein
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Patent number: 11818493Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fire source detection method and device under the condition of a small sample size, and a storage medium, and belongs to the field of target detection and industrial deployment. The method includes the steps of acquiring fire source image data from an industrial site; constructing a fire source detection model; inputting the fire source image data to the fire source detection model, and analyzing the fire source image data via the fire source detection model to obtain a detection result, where the detection result includes a specific location, precision and type of a fire source. By means of the method, the problems of insufficient sample capacity and difficulty in training under the condition of a small sample size are solved, and different enhancement methods are used to greatly increase the number and quality of samples and improve the over-fitting ability of models.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2022Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Anhui UniversityInventors: Jie Chen, Jianming Lv, Zihan Cheng, Zhixiang Huang, Haitao Wang, Bing Li, Huiyao Wan, Yun Feng
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Patent number: 11759664Abstract: A dump gate system for a fluid hopper in a firefighting aircraft. A gate sealably engages a gate opening in the hopper at a closed position. The gate is hingedly connected about the gate opening, and a drive shaft is supported within the hopper. A crank arm is fixed to the drive shaft and is further coupled to the gate by a connecting link. The crank arm and the connecting link define an over-center geometry while the gate is at the closed position, such that weight of the fluid on the gate induces torque on the drive shaft in a gate-closing direction. An electric motor is selectively coupled to rotate the drive shaft in a gate-opening direction to thereby enable control of the fluid flow from the hopper according to an angular position of the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2021Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Inventor: Victor D. Trotter
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Patent number: 11713115Abstract: An aeronautical car includes a ground-travel system including a drivetrain; an air-travel system including a detachable portion configured to house a propulsion device configured to provide thrust and to be driven by the drivetrain when the detachable portion is connected to the aeronautical car, and at least one flight mechanism configured to provide lift once the aeronautical car is in motion; and a weather manipulation device. The weather manipulation device may be configured to manipulate at least one aspect of a weather condition while the aeronautical car is in the air.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: JG ENTREPRENEURIAL ENTERPRISES LLCInventor: John Goelet
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Patent number: 11702221Abstract: A system for fighting fires has a source of fire-retardant material, a delivery hose connected to the source has a delivery nozzle at an end, and an end effector carrying the delivery hose proximate the nozzle. The end effector has controllable thrusters, an imaging device, and control circuitry including a display monitor, the control circuitry providing commands controlling actuators varying thrust and direction of the thrusters, and a valve in the delivery nozzle. With the delivery hose deployed, images from the end effector are transmitted to the control circuitry and displayed on the display monitor, and an operator viewing the images on the display monitor uses the command inputs to maneuver the end effector, carrying the nozzle at the end of the delivery hose to a position proximate an active fire, and opens the valve on the nozzle, delivering fire retardant material from the nozzle onto the fire.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2020Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Marinus Bernard Bosma
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Patent number: 11591105Abstract: A system delivering fire retardant materials in fighting a surface fire is provided, having an aircraft carrying the fire-retardant material, a hose deployable from the aircraft, the delivery hose connected to the reservoir and having a controllable nozzle at a deployed end with a remotely operable valve, an end effector connected by a multi-axis gimbal at the deployed end of the delivery hose the end effector having fixed wings with ailerons and elevators, and a rudder, the ailerons, elevators and rudder moved by electrical actuators, and control apparatus and circuitry in the aircraft and the end effector enabling an operator in manipulating the ailerons, elevators and the rudder. An operative in the aircraft controls the end effector via the control apparatus to fly at a lower altitude and in a different path than the aircraft, and opens the remotely operable valve to deliver the fire-retardant material from the delivery hose.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2020Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Marinus Bernard Bosma
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Patent number: 11471716Abstract: Aspects of the disclosed embodiments relate to an aerial firefighting system for a helicopter, the firefighting system including: an external reservoir for storing water, wherein the reservoir includes a water outlet; a supporting frame coupled to an outer surface of the reservoir; and a moveable robotic nozzle fluidly connected to the water outlet and mounted on the supporting frame or attached to a hose reel for distributing water on a fire; wherein the moveable nozzle is operable by a user from within the helicopter to control the direction that the water is distributed.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2020Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Inventor: John Cannas
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Patent number: 11225326Abstract: A concentric, double hull, damage tolerant airframe vehicle double clad with a lightweight, impact resistant ceramic matrix composite for heat shielding and flame resistance, and fitted with insulation, to provide thermal protection from 35° C. to 1,650° C. of the internal fuselage areas for an extended period of time within an extreme heat environment, that will serve as a semi or fully autonomous vehicle, manned or unmanned, preferably an unmanned aerial vehicle designed as the delivery means to suppress or extinguish flames by repeatedly discharging pressure waves against flames without having to exit the fire environment.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2018Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: INCAENDIUM INITIATIVE CORPORATIONInventor: Michael S. Thomas
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Patent number: 11021250Abstract: An airborne fire extinguishing system includes a fluid reservoir, a flow control valve in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, a deflector in fluid communication with the flow control valve, and an infrared camera. The fluid reservoir is configured to contain a fire extinguishing agent for suppressing a fire, particularly water. The flow control valve regulates a flow of the fire extinguishing agent between the fluid reservoir and the deflector. The deflector dispenses the fire extinguishing agent in a controlled manner such that the fire extinguishing agent is diffused in a specified concentration into the air. The infrared camera is configured to produce a thermographic image resulting from thermal radiation produced by a fire to help provide targeting means.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2017Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Inventor: Kenneth Heck
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Patent number: 10875647Abstract: A multi-modular aerial firefighting control method and apparatus for use by firefighters to control fire. The multi-modular aerial firefighting control method and apparatus generally includes multi-modular units that are held together to form an aerial firefighting system. The modular units may work together or independently. The multi-modular system comprises more than one modular unit, fluid, fluid conduit, reservoir, air flow generator, multi-modular unit support structure, aerial suspension system and aerial lift system.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2019Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Inventor: Oubada Hawass
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Patent number: 10671960Abstract: Described is a method of delivery for cargo or goods from an aerial vehicle (mothership) to a designated ground delivery location via the use of a direct air shipping (DASH) package. For example an aerial vehicle may be an airplane or helicopter that remains at altitude with a DASH packaged stowed for deployment. As the mothership travels in the vicinity of the designated location the DASH package flight control computer (flight controller) calculates a preferred travel trajectory based upon the aerodynamic properties of the package and location relative to the designated delivery location such as a small delivery pad located on a patio of a home. When the mothership transits through a calculated release point the DASH package disengages the mothership.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2017Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Dash Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joel Nathan Ifill, Joseph R. Caravella, Jr.
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Patent number: 10653904Abstract: A method of suppressing a wild fire raging towards a target region of land in a direction determined by prevailing winds and other environmental and weather factors. Prior to a wild fire reaching a target region of land, a GPS-guided system is used to apply an anti-fire (AF) chemical liquid mist over a GPS-specified fire break region, in advance of the wild fire and containing molecules that cling onto vegetation and form a fire break region, while providing a non-treated region of sufficient size between the front of the wild fire approaching the target region of land and the fire break region. When the wild fire reaches and moves through the GPS-specified fire break region, the molecules clinging onto the vegetation reduce the free-radical chemical reactions raging in the combustion phase of the wild fire. This reduces the destructive energy of the wild fire, thereby suppressing the wild fire and protecting the GPS-specified target region of land.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2018Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: M-FIRE HOLDINGS, LLCInventor: Stephen Conboy
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Patent number: 10413763Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire extinguishing firefighting drone which, in case of a fire in a house, a structure, a building, or the like, can be rapidly introduced and extinguish a fire in an early stage of the fire, and can be remotely operated in an unmanned manner through connection with a central control system. The fire extinguishing firefighting drone includes a flight unit configured to include propeller units, a disaster prevention turret unit configured to spray a fire-extinguishing chemical, a plurality of movement units configured to move a body unit, and a disaster prevention means unit configured to be provided with items adapted to spray a fire-extinguishing chemical, to launch a fire-extinguishing bomb, or to save lives.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2016Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Inventors: Gi Yeon Won, Kyung Wha Kim
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Patent number: 10395509Abstract: The method comprises triggering at least an event of the preparation and/or of the carrying out of the ground survey in a predetermined area of the region of interest; flying at least a presence detector able to detect the presence of a human and/or of an animal and/or of civil facilities in the predetermined area of the region of interest; before triggering the event, detecting presence of a human and/or of an animal and/or of civil facilities in the predetermined area with the presence detector; controlling the triggering of the event based on the results of the detection of a human and/or of an animal and/or of civil facilities made with the presence detector.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2018Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: TOTAL SAInventors: Rémi Estival, Henri Puntous, Olivier De Pellegars, Florent Bertini, Paul Barbier
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Patent number: 10350441Abstract: The instant invention relates to an apparatus and method for enhancing the fire extinguishing properties of water for use with fire fighting aircraft. The apparatus and method includes the steps of, and equipment for, transferring media into a holding tank in aircraft; filling a reservoir hopper with water in the aircraft; calculating the amount of media to be added to the reservoir; drawing the calculated amount of media into the reservoir to form an enhanced fire fighting admixture while the aircraft is in flight, wherein the admixture is offloaded by a controlled discharge for use in fighting forest fires.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2016Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: GelTech Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Peter Cordani, Matthew E. Struzziero, Edward G. Kleiman, Michael C. Story, Marc A. Gerth, Reagan G. Bullock, James B. Story, Victor D. Trotter
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Patent number: 10272396Abstract: An apparatus, system and method to reduce the contaminate concentration of effluent before discharge is provided utilizing discharge pipes, inlets and outlets. The apparatus comprises a central bore having an internal diameter suitable for a fluid flow, the fluid flow moves inside the central bore through the apparatus, and at least one outlet, the fluid flow exits the apparatus through the at least one outlet, a plurality of inlets for flowing additional fluid to the central bore, and the inlets mix the fluid flow with the additional fluid from the plurality of inlets. The apparatus can further mix the effluent though additional mixing devices and additional devices can be used to recapture energy such as, hydroelectric power from the fluid flow. A method reduces the effluent concentration by mixing for example, by creating a helical flow in the central bore.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2016Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Katz Water Tech, LLCInventor: Gary P. Katz
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Patent number: 10112715Abstract: An example unmanned aerial vehicle includes an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) sensor. The EMR sensor detects a signal indicative of a substance to print. The unmanned aerial vehicle also includes a nozzle to eject the substance based on a location at which the signal is detected.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Mike Whitmarsh, Benjiman White, William E. Hertling
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Patent number: 10112714Abstract: An example unmanned aerial vehicle includes an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) sensor. The EMR sensor detects a signal indicative of a direction of emission of the signal. The unmanned aerial vehicle also includes a nozzle to eject the substance based on the direction of emission.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: William E. Hertling, Benjamin White, Mike Whitmarsh
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Patent number: 10035031Abstract: A water station consisting of a large water tank or bag with a plurality of dangling appendages for lowering toward the ground. These appendages include heat sensors and sprayers, and one or more may be capable of connecting to a fire fighting truck, water tank, fire hydrants, or other pieces of equipment. One or more appendages may also include a bag containing fire-fighting safety gear or ground-based hoses for fighting fires. Cameras and other sensors provide constant feedback to the pilot of the aircraft, such as a helicopter, deploying the water station.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2017Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Inventor: Therman B. Scott
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Fire protection trolley and fire protection device comprising a fire protection trolley of this type
Patent number: 9597535Abstract: A fire protection trolley for securing a burning or flammable article, in particular for the interior of an aircraft or spacecraft, includes a sealable, fire-resistant safety container, and an interface connected to the safety container and formed for connection to a counterpart interface of a smoke gas exhaust line for removing a medium located in the safety container. A fire protection device has a fire protection trolley of this type which may be included in an aircraft or spacecraft.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventor: Thorsten Knijnenburg -
Patent number: 9346545Abstract: A device for distributing granular material to a target area from an aircraft is provided. The device includes one or more electric sifters, and each of the one or more electric sifters includes a motor to distribute the granular material on the target area and a screen on the bottom surface of the electric sifter. The granular material is stored in the one or more electric sifters. The screen includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion allows the granular material to pass through the screen to the target area. The second portion prevents the granular material from passing through the screen. The device also includes a circuit to control the motors, one or more power sources to power the motor and the circuit, and an interface for a human operator to control the circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2015Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Inventor: Michael Beaugavin Markov
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Patent number: 9205291Abstract: An aerial distribution system includes a fluid distribution head having at least one head fluid inlet in fluid communication with a fluid source, and at least one head fluid outlet. The fluid distribution head is reconfigurable between a deployed position and a collapsed position. The aerial distribution system further includes a suspension assembly for suspending the fluid distribution head from an aerial lift system, and a deployment assembly coupled to the fluid distribution head and actuatable to reconfigure the fluid distribution head between the deployed position and the collapsed position.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2010Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: AERIAL X EQUIPMENTInventor: Oubada Hawass
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Patent number: 9089725Abstract: Devices are provided that allow helicopters and Transport Aircrafts to carry or lift liquid compounds to fumigate, spray or a single massive drop for purposes such as irrigation, fumigation, chemical treatment and fire control with no modification to the aircrafts and no power or direct electromechanical assistance from the aircraft, thus preserving the original integrity and applications of the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2011Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Inventor: Julio Gomez
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Patent number: 9022133Abstract: Water is mixed with fire suppressant polymer in a mixer absent a power source. The mixer receives water through a water inlet with water exhibiting high velocity and associated hydrodynamic force. Such velocity is achieved by locating the water inlet connected to a float or other part of an aircraft so that when the aircraft flies over water with the float dipping into the water, water is driven through the opening and into the water inlet of the mixer. A polymer inlet passes into the mixer. A bend is located downstream of the water inlet and the polymer inlet. The bend exhibits sufficient resistance to fluid flow direction therethrough that the polymer is sheared and thoroughly mixed and activated with the water. A colorant inlet is optionally provided within the mixer and the water and polymer mixture is then discharged into a tank for later utilization at a firefighting location.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2011Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Inventor: Leonard E. Doten
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Patent number: 8978703Abstract: The invention relates to a device for receiving liquids in an aircraft and/or releasing liquids therefrom, especially during the flight, said device being arranged especially in an airplane. The aim of the invention is to provide a device which can receive large quantities of liquids in a rapid, reliable and flexible manner. To this end, the device can include a tank module with at least one tank container that is connected to a collector using a connecting shaft and a bulkhead module that can be connected to the tank module by the collecting tank. A closing element in the open position releases liquid from the tank module. In addition, a refueling module which is connected to the tank module by a supply line and a tube arranged on a winding device, and a receiving element attached to the tube, can provide refueling of the device.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Inventor: Zoltan von Mohos
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Publication number: 20150000939Abstract: A fire retarding missile and method of use having a unitary construction and containing a propulsion system as well as fire treatment materials. Dispersal of the materials can be initiated both actively and passively, with passive dispersal allowing for a fail safe mode of operation. The fire treatment materials are of the oxygen reduction type, and the method of the invention is to target the hot spot of a fire in order to reduce the spread and intensity thereof. An active guidance system may be of the heat seeking type, or may alternatively be remote controlled video. Stabilizer and guidance fins are controlled in response to signals from the guidance system in order to precisely position the device. The device can be modified for use in fires of specific heat ranges by using nose cones designed to melt in a respective heat range.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2009Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventor: Byron J. Willner
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Publication number: 20140367128Abstract: An aerial retardant delivery system comprising a retardant tank mountable in the fuselage of an aircraft. The tank includes a pressure opening in fluid communication with the fuselage such that pressure in the fuselage may act on retardant contained in the tank. The tank includes an outlet extending through a sidewall of the aircraft's fuselage, through which retardant may be delivered to a target. The system also includes a discharge gate operative to open and close the outlet. An actuation mechanism is disposed on the exterior of the tank and operatively coupled to the at least one discharge gate. A variable flow controller controls the discharge gate open position in order to provide retardant over a desired area of terrain. A one-way flapper is disposed in the pressure opening and is operative to allow pressure in the fuselage to enter the tank while inhibiting retardant from spilling from the tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventor: Leonard K. Parker
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Publication number: 20140290969Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for the aerial delivery of fire suppressant comprising of an exterior shell with at least one input port, at least one output port, and at least one pocket. At least two skids affixed to the bottom of the exterior shell and a bladder is formed inside the exterior shell. A detonation cord affixed to the bladder and a detonation device are arranged in the at least one pocket and operably connected to the detonation cord configured to release a liquid contained in the bladder.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2013Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventor: Kyle Schueller
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Publication number: 20140246213Abstract: The aircraft fire extinguishing system and method applies to helicopters having suspended or built-in liquid reservoir. The innovation lies on the transformation of the firefighting liquid into artificial rain in the form of an umbrella having diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the helicopter's propeller, with adjustable density and duration. The rain creation mechanism in both cases consists of a hollow propeller with two wings where the liquid is guided hydraulically. The liquid jets through nozzles which are in counterpoised arrangement causing the initial revolution of the hollow propeller. This rotation is accelerated and stabilized from the downstream of the helicopter's propeller. The reservoir is suspended from a helicopter's hook by a stretcher using four chains. The built-in reservoir includes an inclined or retractable metallic pipe which the hollow propeller is adapted through a free rotation mechanism. The hollow propeller is set into motion by means of a pressure pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Inventor: Moshos Karagounis
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Patent number: 8820421Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a system and method for fire extinguishing in forests. The fire extinguishing system herein includes a first storage tank, a second storage tank, a first fire extinguishing element, a second fire extinguishing element, a cover provided on top side of the first storage tank, a compressed air inlet, an air regulator, one or more hosing hasps, one or more tarpaulin hoses, one or more hooks, one or more clips and locks, a nozzle attached to a bottom side of the tank and a pipe to lead compressed air to nozzle. In the first stage the helicopter carries the sand tank from the station/depot to the firing woods and starts bombarding the sand around and top of the fire and a second helicopter carries the water tank from the station to the top of the bombarded flames and starts spraying water before the flame starts again.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2010Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Inventor: Naser Rahgozar
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Patent number: 8820422Abstract: An aerial retardant delivery system comprising a retardant tank mountable in the fuselage of an aircraft. The tank includes a pressure opening in fluid communication with the fuselage such that pressure in the fuselage may act on retardant contained in the tank. The tank includes an outlet extending through a sidewall of the aircraft's fuselage, through which retardant may be delivered to a target. The system also includes a discharge gate operative to open and close the outlet. An actuation mechanism is disposed on the exterior of the tank and operatively coupled to the at least one discharge gate. A variable flow controller controls the discharge gate open position in order to provide retardant over a desired area of terrain. A one-way flapper is disposed in the pressure opening and is operative to allow pressure in the fuselage to enter the tank while inhibiting retardant from spilling from the tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Inventor: Leonard K. Parker
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Patent number: 8800675Abstract: A fire extinguisher device for aircraft has a hanger structure and a reservoir of extinguishing agent, the aforementioned reservoir being hung beneath the aforementioned hanger structure by metal fittings held by fasteners to the aforementioned hanger structure. The aforementioned extinguisher wherein the reservoir has means of suspension and the hanger structure has carriers complementary to the means of suspension, the aforementioned means of suspension and the aforementioned carriers being such that when the fasteners are withdrawn, the reservoir is in a position called the “intermediate position,” in which the metal fittings are free and the reservoir is suspended by interaction of the means of suspension and the carriers. The disclosed embodiments also relate to a method for fastening such an extinguishing device.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2010Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Airbus Operations SASInventors: Stephane Machado, Frederic Rossi, Julien Cayssials, Nicolas Voyer
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Publication number: 20140124223Abstract: A method for mixing fire fighting gel in situ within a water tank of a fire fighting aircraft. A first step involves mounting a chemical tank to a fire fighting aircraft having a water tank. A second step involves injecting gel forming chemical from the chemical tank into a turbulent flow of water entering the water tank of the aircraft to achieve a required ratio of gel forming chemical and water, with the turbulent flow of water serving to mix the gel forming chemical with the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Inventor: Rick Solomon
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Publication number: 20140102732Abstract: An aerial retardant delivery system comprising a retardant tank mountable in the fuselage of an aircraft. The tank includes a pressure opening in fluid communication with the fuselage such that pressure in the fuselage may act on retardant contained in the tank. The tank includes an outlet extending through a sidewall of the aircraft's fuselage, through which retardant may be delivered to a target. The system also includes a discharge gate operative to open and close the outlet. An actuation mechanism is disposed on the exterior of the tank and operatively coupled to the at least one discharge gate. A variable flow controller controls the discharge gate open position in order to provide retardant over a desired area of terrain. A one-way flapper is disposed in the pressure opening and is operative to allow pressure in the fuselage to enter the tank while inhibiting retardant from spilling from the tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Inventor: Leonard K. Parker
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Publication number: 20140069666Abstract: An aerial fire suppression system for carrying by a helicopter features a liquid storage tank having a longitudinal dimension that equals or exceeds each other dimension of its shape, and an attachment arrangement for suspending the tank in an upright orientation in which the longitudinal dimension of the liquid storage tank depends downwardly away from the helicopter, thereby minimizing the distance to which the tank's contents can shift outward from the aircraft's longitudinal center of gravity for improved aircraft stability. A discharge boom for emitting fire suppressant media is pivotally supported on the tank, and a winch chain connects the tank to the helicopter to reduce allowable twisting of this tethered connection between the tank and helicopter.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Inventor: Jan Vetesnik
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Patent number: 8640782Abstract: An aerial retardant delivery system comprising a retardant tank mountable in the fuselage of an aircraft. The tank includes a pressure opening in fluid communication with the fuselage such that pressure in the fuselage may act on retardant contained in the tank. The tank includes an outlet extending through a sidewall of the aircraft's fuselage, through which retardant may be delivered to a target. The system also includes a discharge gate operative to open and close the outlet. An actuation mechanism is disposed on the exterior of the tank and operatively coupled to the at least one discharge gate. A variable flow controller controls the discharge gate open position in order to provide retardant over a desired area of terrain. A one-way flapper is disposed in the pressure opening and is operative to allow pressure in the fuselage to enter the tank while inhibiting retardant from spilling from the tank.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Inventor: Leonard K. Parker
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Publication number: 20140027131Abstract: An apparatus, operations controller and methods for controlling unmanned aerial vehicles for detection, prevention and suppression of fires in a designated zone are presented. Monitored information is received and analyzed to detect a presence of a fire event or a fire risk in the designated zone. A cargo unmanned aerial vehicle is directed to a vicinity of the fire event or the fire risk and instructed to deploy a fire retardant or a fire suppressant at a location of the fire event or the fire risk, if the presence of the fire event or the fire risk is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Inventor: Grzegorz M. Kawiecki
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Publication number: 20140000917Abstract: A firefighting aircraft adapted for use in an unmanned aircraft system includes a storage tank for firefighting fluid, having a plurality of filling ports spaced from one another. A probe carries a conduit that is in fluid communication with the storage tank. The conduit receives water from a body of water overflown by the aircraft. A filling system for controls the flow of water to and from the storage tank, and includes a remotely and automatically operable valve respectively associated with each filling port. A control system is in communication with each valve, and is operative to command the position of each valve to regulate the flow of fluid through each filling port. A baffle may be further provided internal to the storage tank at least partially defining a first chamber within the tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: BOXAIR ENGINEERING,LLCInventor: John S. Stupakis
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Publication number: 20130292142Abstract: A firefighting device has a rigid sleeve and an inner bladder within the sleeve. The bladder is rupturable with a pair of bladder straps attached to the bladder which is pulled upon by a pair of lid straps attached to a lid when the firefighting device is released from a forward moving aircraft. Additionally, the sleeve may have a pair of sleeve straps which are connected to a lower half of the sleeve and the lid straps to facilitate rotation of the device when the device is released from the forward moving aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Richard Goddard, James Tadlock, Kyle Goddard, Michael Periongo
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Patent number: 8567516Abstract: A fire protection system for reducing the danger of fire, which has a fuel cell for producing a nitrogen-enriched cathode exhaust air. The fuel cell is supplied with air and a fuel. Within the fuel cell, the air is then reduced to a determined oxygen content. The exhaust air is supplied to the room to be protected.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Julika Bleil, Lars Frahm, Andreas Westenberger, Claus Hoffjann
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Publication number: 20130277074Abstract: Indicated for its use from aerial means, it enables putting out fires efficiently, reducing both the time used in the putting them out, and the costs arising in their extinguishing, mainly standing out due to comprising: a crane mechanism (4) adaptable to be located inside a helicopter (20), equipped with an upper swing arm (5) adapted to rotate and/or protrude externally from the fuselage of the helicopter (20); and a main body (6), linked to the upper swing arm (5) of the crane (4) through a holding rope (7), and which can be linked to a water tank (2) existing within the helicopter (20) through a hose (8), where said main body (6) has first nozzles (9) whereby water is sprayed on the area in flames, and which preferably comprises unfolding and telescopic irrigation arms (10), which also have spray nozzles (11).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventor: Ramon Corujo Pardo