Abstract: A temperature sensor has a flexible nylon tube connected by a fluid-tight coupling to a metal bellows within a metal housing. The interior of the tube and bellows is filled with a pressurized liquid whose critical temperature corresponds to a threshold temperature to be sensed. The pressurized liquid holds the bellows extended, holding an actuating piston back against the action of a spring. When the threshold temperature is reached, the liquid in the tube must boil and ruptures the tube, causing the bellows to collapse and the actuating piston to move. A projecting actuator then mechanically initiates a response such as the closing of a damper in an air-conditioning duct.

Abstract: A fire prevention system is disclosed herein for external installation on a dwelling having an extended conduit closed at one end and detachably coupled to a source of pressurized water at its opposite end. A portion of the conduit is disposed along the highest part of the roof and is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart fluid discharge nozzles such as sprinklers. A smoke detector and sprinkler activator is operably connected to the conduit and is critically mounted on the exterior of the dwelling on the side thereof most likely to detect the presence of smoke. The windward side is an example. The activator includes solenoid operated valves responsive to the detector and further, a deactivate circuit is operably included for automatic shut-off.

Abstract: An expandable barrier for isolating a mine entry or similar open area is disclosed wherein the expandable barrier includes an expandable hollow curtain or bag housed within a horizontal brace member connected to the roof of an entry, the expandable hollow curtain being connected to vertical brace members adjacent to the walls of the mine entry. The expandable bag fills with a material capable of expanding the bag, such as a foam-like material, and expansion of the bag causes the bag to descend downwardly from the first horizontal brace member. The bag fills with distensible material in response to a stimulus detected by a monitor associated with the containers which contain the distensible material. A closeable opening or flap is disposed in the bag to allow passage of people or equipment therethrough. The expandable barrier may also be oriented in a horizontal position for use in vertical shafts.

Abstract: The fire deterrent system operates in a preemptive manner by detecting the impending approach of a wildfire within the vicinity of the structure to be protected. The system includes apparatus to identify the locus and direction of spread of a fire while it is outside of a defensive perimeter that encircles the structure and extends outward therefrom. The estimated time of arrival of the fire at the defensive perimeter is determined and the structure and surrounding vegetation sprayed a predetermined time in advance of the determined arrival of the fire. Prewetting the structure and surrounding vegetation reduces the probability of local fires caused by wind-borne embers and reduces the combustibility of these materials to assist conventional fire fighting efforts.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing apparatus is connected to the safety valve on an oil flooded rotary compressor to receive the contents expelled by the compressor due to internal combustion in the compressor. The contents are conducted to the fire extinguishing apparatus, which disperses them in a tank holding a quantity of non-combustible liquid sufficient to cool them. The fire extinguishing apparatus has a tank for holding non-combustible liquid, a perforated plate to disperse the burning oil and gases throughout the non-combustible liquid, an opening to allow the escape of excess pressure from the tank, and a spring loaded lid to prevent evaporation of the non-combustible liquid. A pipe connects the fire extinguishing apparatus to a safety valve and the pipe has temperature and pressure switches on its surface which shut down the compressor when the temperature and/or pressure in the pipe exceed preset limits.

Abstract: A method of extinguishing a fire by generating an intense electric field and/or a gaseous plasma constituted of a body of electrically-charged particles, and directing the electric field and/or plasma to the base of the fire until the fire is extinguished.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing device which provides automatic actuation upon exposure to heat is disclosed. The device comprises a vessel composed of a polymeric material and including an opening, a cap for closing the opening after a fire extinguishing medium is charged to the vessel, a valve for pressurizing the vessel after the opening has been closed. The amount of pressure in the vessel and the composition of the fire extinguishing medium and the polymeric material are controlled so that, when the vessel is exposed to heat and/or flame, a portion of the vessel near the heat/flame fails creating a second opening in the vessel, in the vicinity of the portion of the vessel which was exposed to the heat/flame.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system for a Christmas tree including a base defining a water reservoir and having a submersible pump and container holding a fire extinguishing foam material mounted in the reservoir. A venturi block mixes the fire extinguishing foam material with water pumped from the reservoir upon detection of a fire condition by sensors scattered throughout the tree which mixture is discharged through a spray head mounted at the top of the tree. A relay connected to the fire sensors simultaneously closes an electric circuit to the pump and opens an electric circuit to the Christmas tree lights when the fire condition is sensed.

Abstract: A fire suppression system for a decorative tree, such as a Christmas tree, of the present invention wherein, disguised, for example, as a Christmas gift or incorporated as an integral part of the stand for the tree itself, there is provided a canister with a dry, substantially inert chemical, such as Halon, or similar fire suppressant substance, is disclosed. The fire suppressant substance is forced, e.g., by the application of pressure, when a heater smoke-sensitive sensor, released by a solenoid valve, is used to project the dispersant through a tubular plenum to a dispersant nozzle contained within, or as an integral part of, an ornament, e.g., a star, atop of the decorative tree. The flow of the fire suppressant fluid is preferably directed outward from a plurality of oval-shaped holes, preferably at least four such oval-shaped holes, which encircle a cylinder-type nozzle so as to provide dispersant to all directions surrounding the tree.

Abstract: To relieve explosive pressures due to unintended explosion of explosive fluid, for example dust or combustible particle-laden air, such as sawdust, coal dust and the like, or of combustible gases, passing through a conveying duct (2, 5), a chamber is formed with a releasable closure, the inlet duct end (2a) from the inlet conveying duct terminating in the chamber. The chamber is formed by a cylindrical wall structure (3a) surrounding the inlet duct end (2a) with clearance. An explosion and/or flame detector (D) is located to sense an incipient explosion or flame and providing an electrical output signal. The chamber is subdivided into chamber portions, one in communication with the inlet duct end and the other communicating with the outlet from the chamber by a rapid-acting separating arrangement.

Abstract: An automatic mechanical flue fire extinguishing system includes a pressurized container of fire-extinguishing material which communicates with a thermally sensitive valve installed in a flue pipe of a wood stove or the like near the bottom of the flue pipe. When a predetermined temperature is reached, a fusible metal disk within the valve melts, opening the valve and releasing the fire extinguishing material into the flue pipe, thereby extinguishing the flue fire. The fire extinguishing system may also be manually operated.

Abstract: An automatically activated fire extinguishing device for a stove. The device is installable in a hood over the stove and has a compact design which substantially hides portions of the device from normal viewing. The invention also includes an automatic stove shut-off which shuts off the electricity and/or gas to the stove in the event of a fire.

Abstract: An improved sprinkler connection to a scrubber duct of the kind carrying noxious and inflammable gases is disclosed. The improved sprinkler connection features a small, single entry port into the duct, means for removably mounting a sprinkler head through the port into the duct, and a flexible hose for connecting the sprinkler head to a source of fluid supply. Preferably, the entry port does not exceed two inches in diameter. Preferably, the means for removably mounting the sprinkler head includes a reducer coupling. The reducer coupling serves to effect fluid communication between the sprinkler head and the flexible hose.

Abstract: Smoke detector initiated, shape-memory alloy triggered fire extinguisher apparatus creates a reliable, material non-destructive, life sustaining system to suppress or extinguish fires. Low power consumption allows the apparatus to remain latent for long periods of time, be non-destructively tested, and cause fire extinguishers to reliably discharge upon detection of persistent, unsafe smoke conditions. All classes of approved fire extinguishers are controlled. Life forms, sensitive electronic equipment, and other critical mechanisms are protected when liquified gas type fire extinguishers are controlled. The apparatus may be installed in existing unprotected facilities, be installed as primary protection for new facilities, or added as a fast reacting, non-destructive, protection to facilities presently equipped with slower responding sprinkler systems.

Abstract: An elevator cab fire extinguishing system is carried by an elevator cab and is arranged to discharge a non-toxic fire extinguishing agent into the interior of the elevator cab in response to a fire in the elevator cab to extinguish the fire quickly and without harm to passengers and property present in the elevator cab, and includes controls responsive to the discharge of the fire extinguishing agent for automatically shutting down the ventilation fan of the elevator cab, sounding an audible alarm, and delivering the elevator cab to a designated egress level in the building within which the elevator cab travels.

Abstract: An improved fire suppression system control. The control system has circuy which reacts to a break in the circuit caused by catastrophic events in a rapid fashion.

Abstract: A device having a fire resistant curtain attached to a base plate and a deployable curtain which is activated in the event of a fire in order to protect books, paintings, art treasures, etc. from fire, water, smoke and heat damage. The base plate is positioned so that it is situated above the objects to be protected. The curtain is sized so that in its deployed state it surrounds the object and extends from the base plate to the floor of the building in which the object is located.

Abstract: The circumbendibus safety system is a modular fire prevention system that can be placed in areas of a vehicle where a fire is likely to occur. The system automatically dispenses fire extinguishant into a fuel tank when the vehicle is subject to a predetermined level of impact or when the temperature at a predetermined location in the vehicle is at a predetermined level. Dispensation of fire extinguishant into the fuel tank can also be arranged to occur when two severe conditions are present such as a predetermined level of impact to the vehicle and a predetermined extraordinarily high temperature condition occurs.

Abstract: A fire detection system comprises a plurality of individual fire detection-suppression units which all have their own individual standby electrical power supply. Each has a radiation detector for fire detection and its own source of fire suppressant. In the event of any of the units detecting a large fire, it automatically releases suppressant from its own source. In addition, all the units are connected to a master control station via a data bus. Any individual unit sensing a large fire signals this fact to the master control station which then enables the immediately adjacent individual units so as to permit those units, only, to release their fire suppressant if and only if they detect at least a "small" fire (and also provided that the master control station determines that not less than a predetermined number of the units still have functional fire suppressant sources).

Abstract: Storage apparatus for combustible or explosive material, the apparatus comprising a substantially closed, heat-resistant container, an opening in a wall of the container to enable flow of quenching fluid into the container from an external supply of said quenching fluid, a valve which normally prevents flow of said quenching fluid into the container through the opening and detector means responsive to penetration of a wall of the container by a projectile or fragment and which, in the event of such penetration occurring, opens the valve to enable said quenching fluid to flow into the container through the opening, thereby controlling or preventing fire or explosion.

Abstract: A flue fire controller is provided which includes a temperature responsive valve between a source of pressurized fire retardant or extinguishing material and the interior of the flue pipe. When the temperature of the flue pipe increases to a level indicative of a flue fire, the valve automatically opens to allow the material to extinguish the fire. Means are also provided to close the valve after the temperature has dropped below the preselected value.

Abstract: An explosion suppression system disposed externally of a structure that encloses a protected zone. The system includes a source of pressurized explosion suppressant, a pressure detector, a release mechanism for releasing the suppressant through a discharge port opening into the protected zone in response to detection of a pressure wave by the detector, and tubulation providing fluid communication between the detector and the protected zone. An inclined portion of the tubulation terminates with an intake port and comprises both vertical and horizontal components of substantial magnitude.

Abstract: The method of diverting a lava flow including the steps of positioning for illing a vessel, explosive under high temperature and pressure, at least partially filling the vessel with a nonflammable composition, stable at normal temperature and convertible to gas under high temperature allowing room within the vessel for expansion of the composition if frozen, tightly sealing the vessel to prevent loss of the composition, positioning in a volcanic region in the normal expected path of a lava flow in a specific area, which will cause the lava flow to be diverted from certain geographic locations upon explosion of the vessel, whereby when a lava flow occurs in the volcanic region and flows over the vessel, the vessel will heat up to temperatures in excess of 1000.degree. F.

Abstract: Apparatus for opening an enclosure in response to operation of a foam generator, including an operative connection between the generator and the latch of the venting door.

Abstract: A length of fiberglass duct with a thermoplastic sleeve positioned within the duct as a liner, with the sleeve fixed to the duct at the downstream end of the sleeve. Flames or high temperature fluids moving through the duct soften the thermoplastic sleeve and cause the sleeve to collapse blocking further movement through the duct.

Abstract: An instantaneously actuatable, field-serviceable valve unit for pressurized fire suppression systems which allows extremely fast, essentially uninterrupted flow of extinguishant upon operation thereof and is constructed for permitting easy recharging and periodic servicing of the system in the field. The unit includes an elongated flow tube connected to a supply of extinguishant and having a pair of removably mounted rupture discs respectively located across the end of the tube and received in an aperture through the sidewall thereof, so that both discs experience the pressure of the extinguishant; a detonator is removably installed outside of the tube adjacent the sidewall-mounted disc for ready replacement thereof in the field, and is electrically actuatable in response to combustion conditions to explode and create a pressure sufficient to instantaneously burst the discs so that the pressurized extinguishant is released and allowed to flow uninterruptedly for quickly suppressing a fire.

Abstract: Apparatus for the thermal and electrical initiation of fire protection devices including a housing with a displaceable support member and an abutment member provided therein. A blocking or spacing device is disposed between the displaceable support member and the abutment member with the displaceable supports member being biased against said blocking device in the direction toward the abutment member. The blocking device is responsive to the exceeding of a predetermined temperature for enabling displacement of the displaceable support member for initiating a fire protection device. The abutment member is constructed as a plunger displaceable within the housing in the direction towards the displaceable support member, and an electrically actuatable compressed-gas-generating igniter device is disposed on the side of the plunger facing away from the blocking device for producing compressed gas to cause displacement of the plunger toward the blocking device.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system for use especially on a floating roof tank includes an enclosure secured to the tank roof. The enclosure carries an agent tank, an expellant tank and an accumulator tank. The agent tank contains fire extinguishing agent. The expellant tank contains pressurized expellant fluid. An expellant conduit extends from the expellant tank to an inlet of the agent tank. A sprayer duct is connected to an outlet of the agent tank and is arranged along one protected zone of the roof rim. A control valve is disposed in the expellant conduit. A heat sensitive pilot conduit is disposed along the protected zone and fluidly connects the expellant conduit with the control valve so that pressure from the expellant tank maintains the control valve closed. If the pilot conduit ruptures, agent is discharged. A bypass conduit connects the expellant conduit with the sprayer duct.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive exposion barrier which is activated by a static pressure rise. A liquid tight housing with a latched door contains the explosive suppression agent, usually water, until activation takes place. Upper hinges on the door allow it to be pivoted outwardly and its agent released. Normally a latch keeps the door locked until the pressure rise from the explosion causes a connected bellows assembly to be depressed. Once depressed, the latch is released and the door is forced outwardly by a biasing member to release the agent before the explosion arrives.