Abstract: A fluid fire extinguishing agent shell for throwing is disclosed, comprising a fluid fire extinguishing agent sealed in a thin-walled resin container having such a size that one can throw, which is breakable by a shock, said fluid fire extinguishing agent being a mixture comprising from about 47% to approximately the saturation point of ammonium chloride , from about 4% to about 8% of sodium bicarbonate, from about 25% to about 35% of potassium carbonate, from about 8% to about 14% of ammonium secondary phosphate, and from about 2% to about 6% of sodium tungstate all in terms of by weight, dissolved in a suitable amount of water, is a simple fire extinguishing appliance that anyone can easily use at the time of occurrence of a fire and which is effective even after the storage for a long period of time.

Abstract: An explosion suppressant dispersion nozzle 10 for dispersing suppressant material from a pressurized suppressant storage vessel 12 to a protected zone or room is disclosed. The nozzle 10 includes a cylindrical body section 20 presenting an inlet end 26 for attachment to the storage vessel 12 and a discharge end 28, and a concavo-convex cap section 24 attached to the discharge end 28. The body section 20 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced windows 32 each presenting generally rectangular openings for dispersing suppressant material laterally from the nozzle 10. The cap section 24 includes a central orifice 48 aligned with the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 10 for dispersing suppressant material axially from the nozzle 10 and a plurality of circumferentially spaced holes 50 spaced radially from the central orifice 48 for dispersing suppressant material radially from the nozzle 10.

Abstract: A pressurized extinguishant release device with a rolling diaphragm includes a closed elongated sensor tube filled for example with 50% water and 50% ethylene glycol which terminates in an enclosure sealed by a circular head portion of the rolling diaphragm. On the other side of the head portion is a piston connected to a penetrator retained against the diaphragm by a shear pin. The penetrator is positioned above a brittle membrane which encloses a pressurized extinguishant. Heating of the liquid filled sensor tube to a certain temperature will cause a vapor pressure to push against the diaphragm head to cause the shear pin to fail propelling the penetrator into the membrane and thus allow the extinguishant to flow.

Abstract: An explosive and lightweight container comprising fire-extinguishing and rgy absorbing components. The fire-extinguishing component include an exterior vented plate; a honeycomb element filled with a fire-extinguishing agent; and separated from the vented plate by a membrane to prevent leakage and contamination. The energy absorbing component includes an energy absorbing material; pusher plate; and a honeycomb crush element. In operation, any blast and conflagration are mitigated by energy absorbing material and fire-extinguishing material, respectively.

Abstract: A fail-safe phial-type fire extinguishing system is intended to be activated when the environment in which at least a first part of the system (namely, a detector or sensor) is situated reaches a first predetermined condition, and is activated as a fail-safe measure when the environment in which at least a second part of the system (namely, the phial) is situated reaches a second predetermined condition, the system including a fire extinguisher, a detector or sensor, and an extinguisher activator including a heater.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the fine dispersion of liquid or powder in a gaseous medium, preferably in air. The liquid or powder is placed into an ejection tube (2) and pressurized gaseous propellant (4) is conducted at explosion-like speed behind the charge (1). The apparatus has an ejection tube (2) containing the liquid or powder charge (1), a propellant container (3) connected with one end of the ejection tube (2). The ejection tube (2) and propellant container (3) are interconnected by at least one transfer port (8) closed by a quick-action locking element.

Abstract: An explosion protection system including a container adapted to contain an explosion suppressant under pressure and defining a discharge outlet; a primary storage volume, and an auxiliary storage volume disposed between the discharge outlet and the primary storage volume and communicating therewith; a closure member covering the discharge outlet; an explosive charge disposed in the container adjacent to the closure member and adapted to create explosive forces that rupture the closure member; and a dispersible explosion suppressant retained under pressure in the primary storage volume and having a given degree of compressibility. Also included is an explosive force transmitting agent filling the auxiliary storage volume and having a degree of compressibility less than the given degree.

Abstract: An explosion suppression system and triggering apparatus therefor are provided for quenching gas and dust explosions. An electrically actuated suppression mechanism which dispenses an extinguishing agent into the path ahead of the propagating flame is actuated by a triggering device which is light powered. This triggering device is located upstream of the propagating flame and converts light from the flame to an electrical actuation signal. A pressure arming device electrically connects the triggering device to the suppression device only when the explosion is sensed by a further characteristic thereof beside the flame such as the pioneer pressure wave. The light powered triggering device includes a solar panel which is disposed in the path of the explosion and oriented between horizontally downward and vertical. Testing mechanisms are also preferably provided to test the operation of the solar panel and detonator as well as the pressure arming mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an automobile fire extinguishing device that is applicable to all modes of transportation. The present invention retains a volume of pressurized fire retarding material which is kept within the container by a trigger cap that suspends a weight within a larger tubing juncture enclosure. As the invention experiences an abnormal acceleration force from a collision, the interia of the suspended weight breaks the trigger cap and releases the fire retarding material into the tubing juncture enclosure. The tubing juncture enclosure routes the fire retarding material into a plurality of tubes that extend to various potential fire sites. Similarly, the part of the trigger cap that suspends the weight is sensitive to heat. If an abnormally high heat is incurred, the weight will buckle the cap releasing the fire retarding material.

Abstract: A linear fire extinguisher includes a high strength metal elongated tube containing a pressurized fire extinguishant such as Halon 1301. A pair of these tubes are mounted opposite each other with a pair of opposed shaped charges placed along exterior walls opposite each other so that when actuated they provide cutting lines which release the extinguishant in opposed directions so that reaction forces balance out. Concurrently the unwrapping of each container is counteracted and interfered with by the adjacent container to minimize the spread of container fragments. Appropriate intermediate retention of portions of the container is provided to also minimize fragments.

Abstract: A linear fire extinguisher of the type containing superpressurized Halon in a cylindrical container which is cut by an explosive linear shaped charge is contained in an overall housing which, in addition to preventing fragments from escaping, diverts the outflow of extinguishant to provide an equal and opposite reaction force to the momentum force of the outflow. In addition, the diversion occurs through apertures in the housing to opposed paths in directions substantially perpendicular to the reaction forces to again, nullify any forces due to this perpendicular outflow. The invention is also applicable to other container configurations where a high impulse force might occur.

Abstract: Apparatus for suppressing explosions comprises a reservoir containing hot pressurized water which is heated by a heater. On explosion conditions occurring in an enclosure a high speed differential pressure diaphragm is fractured to release a charge of hot pressurized water into the enclosure. When the water enters the enclosure portion it is converted into water droplets to suppress the flame front of a deflagration and a portion of the water flashes off as flash steam to reduce the oxygen concentration and suppress the explosion. A differential pressure diaphragm 40 comprises a pair of bursting diaphragms having a space therebetween which is maintained at a balance pressure. When explosion conditions occur the balance is disturbed and the diaphragms burst under the higher pressure.

Abstract: An automatically activated fire extinguishing apparatus mounted within a stove hood. The apparatus has a plastic bag liner enclosing a composition of fire extinguishing materials under pressure within a metal necked container. A pressure gauge housing having an interior channel containing an end of the plastic liner separates the necked container from an actuating header. A plastic nipple, located in a channel of the actuating header, closes an open end of an insert connected to the plastic liner. A fire sensitive device actuates a trigger which causes a cutting ram to sever the end of the nipple to permit exit of the fire extinguishing composition.

Abstract: An apparatus for the discharge of powder by a fluidic propellant is suitable for use as a fire extinguisher, the apparatus including a container wherein powder and propellant is pressurized prior to use of the apparatus. Discharge of the powder and the propellant from the container is accomplished by means of a diaphragm in a wall of the container, there being a gas generator contained within a well of the container for providing an overpressure which, in combination with the pressure to which the propellant has been charged, fractures the diaphragm. Thereupon, the propellant and the powder exits the container in a homogeneous stream. The overpressure is less than approximately 30 percent, preferably 20 percent of the pressure to which the propellant and the powder are subjected during a charging of the container with the powder and the propellant. The charge pressure is in the range of 400-600 p.s.i. so as to be many times greater than the pressure of an environment external to the container.

Abstract: A suppressant delivery and release nozzle structure is disclosed for an explosion protection system. The nozzle is a reducing elbow, concentric or eccentric mounting a rupture disc at its small end. A selectively actuatable detonator housed in the nozzle adjacent the disc permits substantially instantaneous opening of the disc upon command for release and delivery of suppressant to a zone to be protected from an explosion hazard. The configuration of the nozzle assures unimpeded discharge of suppressant from the system in a minimum of time without significant two-phase flow. The nozzle is equally adaptable for liquid or powdered suppressant compositions.

Abstract: Apparatus for suppressing explosions comprises a reservoir means containing hot pressurized water which is heated by a heating means. On explosion conditions occurring in an enclosure a high speed differential pressure diaphragm is fractured to release a charge of hot pressurised water into the enclosure. When the water enters the enclosure portion it is converted into water droplets to suppress the flame front of a deflagration and portion of the water flashes off as flash steam to reduce the oxygen concentration and suppress the explosion. A differential pressure diaphragm 40 comprises a pair of bursting diaphragms having a space therebetween which is maintained at a balance pressure. When explosion conditions occur the balance is disturbed and the diaphragms burst under the higher pressure.

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: A linear fire extinguisher includes a high strength elongated tube containing a pressurized fire extinguishant such as HALON 1301. A pair of opposed shaped charges is placed along the exterior or interior of the tube and when actuated provides cutting lines which cause a directed distribution of the fire extinguishant along the lines in an opposed manner to provide a net reaction force of substantially zero on the tube. A helical geometry is also provided which provides a substantial reduction in reactive forces.

Abstract: A gas regulator includes a housing having a high pressure chamber with an inlet passage thereto, a low pressure chamber with an outlet passage therefrom, and an orifice extending between the high pressure chamber and the low pressure chamber. The low pressure chamber is open at one end and an enclosed bonnet is mounted on the housing across the open end of the low pressure chamber. A movable pressure sensing/control element is mounted across the open end of the low pressure chamber and separates the low pressure chamber from the bonnet. The bonnet is filled with a gas under pressure which applies a force onto one side of the pressure sensing/control element. A valve plug is in the high pressure chamber and is connected to the pressure sensing/control element so as to be movable toward and away from the orifice to open and close the regulator. A spring is connected to the pressure sensing/control element so as to apply a force thereto opposite to the force applied by the gas in the bonnet.

Abstract: A linear fire extinguisher, includes a high strength elongated tube containing a pressurized fire extinguishant such as HALON 1301. A shaped charge is placed along the exterior of the tube and when actuated provides a rupture line which causes a directed distribution of the fire extinguishant along the rupture line.

Abstract: An explosion suppression system wherein a photodetector (10), a capacitor circuit (12) and a detonator (14) provide an initiation signal to a dispersion tube (18). The dispersion tube includes a casing (20) having orifices (26), an inner tube (28) where the explosion suppressant is stored, and a propellant cord (34) that is located between the storage casing and the inner tube. In response to the initiation signal, the explosion suppressant is expelled from the orifices (26) and through nozzles (27) to form a controlled spray pattern to quench initial flame in a fuel tank before there is time for a damaging pressure rise.

Abstract: A heat alarm for releasing a strong readily noticeable odor when subjected to heat above a preselected level. A glass container having an elongated breakable neck portion is filled with an odoriferous fluid. When the neck portion is broken, the fluid can escape from the container. The fluid upon contact with the atmosphere creates a strong odor the presence of which is immediately apparent to all persons within the surrounding area. A heat reactive member that bends upon being subjected to heat above a preselected level is arranged around the neck portion of the container. When this heat reactive member is subjected to heat above the preselected level, the member bends and breaks the neck portion of the container thereby enabling the fluid to escape.

Abstract: A high speed, horizontal discharge hazard suppression device for preventing fire and explosions in confined zones such as dust collectors is provided which includes a tank having a generally arcuate tubular elbow extending from the underside thereof, and a selectively operable rupture disc mounted at the end of the elbow remote from the tank. The tank and elbow contain a desired fluid suppressant, and the device is mounted in an upright relation such that the suppressant bears directly against the rupture disc. The device serves to deliver suppressant in reduced time as compared with prior horizontal discharge units, and completely eliminates the costly and inefficient delivery pipe usually provided downstream of the rupture disc.

Abstract: A fire extinguisher of the type comprising a burstable container adapted to provide a high mass flow rate of discharged extinguishant is provided with venting means so adapted to direct the flow of extinguishant from the container that the reaction forces upon the container during discharge of extinguishant compensate one another to minimize the resultant force upon the container. The venting means comprise at least one diaphragm burstable by a detonator device housed in a frangible well which extends into the container.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system including a vessel having an outlet normally sealed by a frangible seal. A probe is aligned with the seal and is mounted for movement in a path intersecting the seal and spring biases the probe toward the seal in the path. A restraint is provided for normally restraining the probe in the path to prevent breakage of the seal and includes a radially outwardly opening annular groove in the probe, a series of spherical elements disposed such that they partially enter the groove, and a movable cam which abuts the spherical elements oppositely of the groove and which is configured to cam the elements partially into the groove.

Abstract: For the early detection of an abnormal rise in the temperature in an enclosure to be protected, a large number of micro-containers are arranged in the enclosure. These micro-containers are, for example, incorporated in the paint coating the walls of the enclosure. The micro-containers are filled with an extinguishing gas and produce when they burst a characteristic noise which is detected by microphones. The installation also comprises for the purpose of avoiding false alarms and achieving an adequate discrimination of the useful signal from that produced by the normal surrounding noise, a filtering and processing circuit which operates in an essentially digital manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for releasing a sprinkler head (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8) are disclosed in which a compacted body (14) of fine particles of a material such as antimony is shot by means of a radiation responsive detector (16, 17, 18) and detonator (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) into contact with a hollow glass bulb (4) which normally prevents operation of the sprinkler, thereby shattering the bulb, disintegrating the compacted body and releasing the sprinkler.

Abstract: A flame-guard device for electrical installations which consists of a cable-shaped string of capsules. The capsules contain a flame-extinguishing substance, which is released in case the capsules are heated.

Abstract: A fire suppressant system is provided for a vehicle having a body and a fuel tank mounted to the rear end of the body and rearwardly of a rear axle differential. The fire suppressant system comprises an elongated cylindrical housing defining a closed interior chamber which in turn is filled with a pressurized liquid fire suppressant material. The housing is secured to the vehicular body in between the front end of the fuel tank and the rear axle differential so that forward displacement of the fuel tank, as would occur in the event of a rear end collision, contacts and breaks the housing thereby releasing the fire suppressant material which ejects onto and over the fuel tank. In a modified form of the invention, an elongated housing defining a closed interior chamber is filled with a pressurized fire suppressant material mounted onto the top of a fuel tanker truck.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural member which is capable of progressive collapse through and to at least party predetermined forms, and which may optionally incorporate function(s) other than structural member/load absorber. In preferred embodiments the alternative functions are related to safety and protection. Two of the significant features of the invention relate to constructing the member of forms of broadly conical configuration, and that the alternative function shall be that of fire extinguisher.