Fluid Systems Patents (Class 169/5)
  • Publication number: 20110036599
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing or explosion suppression device comprises a chamber and a nozzle. The nozzle defines a discharge pathway from the chamber. The chamber has an inlet for pressure-driven introduction of a liquid into the chamber. The chamber is shaped so that a gas contained in the chamber before the introduction of the liquid is entrained into the liquid during the pressure driven introduction of the liquid such that a mixture of the liquid and the gas is discharged through the nozzle to create a mist for extinguishing a fire or suppression of an explosion. After the gas has been discharged from the chamber, the nozzle produces a spray having a core of larger liquid droplets with the core being surrounded by smaller liquid droplets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Kidde IP Holdings Limited
    Inventors: CHRISTIAN MANTHEY, Hans-Joachim Herzog, Robert George Dunster
  • Patent number: 7886837
    Abstract: An external sprinkler system for use on homes is herein disclosed. It is designed to prevent the ignition of the roof structure from glowing ashes or embers from a nearby wild fire or structure fire. The sprinkler system would use a series of nozzles connected to a common manifold and integrated therein a building structure's roof vents. The piping connecting the manifold is connected to a water supply via a control valve mounted at grade level. Control equipment provides switching between a public water supply and home cisterns. Runoff water is captured by the existing gutter system and recycled through the system. During activation, the system soaks the roof and house and makes it very difficult for ignition from an external source to take place. The system provides manual activation and remote activation from a cell phone or fire station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Hans E. W. Helfgott
  • Patent number: 7857069
    Abstract: A method for activating a sprinkler system comprises maintaining a liquid extinguishant in system pipes under a standby pressure that is less than the operating pressure, determining an arrangement of the sprinklers that will control a fire, and opening the sprinkler system valve in response to a drop in pressure in each of the pipes to which at least one of the sprinklers of the arrangement is connected. An alternate method comprises providing a bypass around the system valve, and opening the system valve in response to (1) a predetermined flow of liquid extinguishant through the bypass and (2) a drop in pressure in the sprinkler system below a predetermined pressure. In a variation of the alternate method, the system valve is opened in response only to a predetermined flow of liquid extinguishant through the bypass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: FM Global Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Hong-Zeng Yu
  • Publication number: 20100263881
    Abstract: An method and apparatus for disbursing a pressurized liquid in the absence of electricity are disclosed. The method and apparatus for disbursing a pressurized liquid in the absence of electricity can include a gas source, a liquid source, a liquid pressurization system, and a liquid delivery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Robert K. Fritz
  • Publication number: 20100252284
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a fire fighting device can include: (a) a blower portion with an air input region and an air output region; (b) at least one container configured to hold a fire suppressing solution; (c) first piping; (d) a first pump mechanically coupled to the at least one container and configured to at least partially pump the fire suppressing solution from the at least one container into the first piping at a first pressure; (e) a second pump coupled to the first piping, the second pump is configured such that the second pump increases a pressure in at least a part of the first piping from the first pressure to a second pressure, the second pressure is greater than the first pressure; and (f) two or more nozzles located at the blower portion and mechanically coupled to the first piping such that the two or more nozzles are configured to emit the fire suppressing solution. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Kodiac Investment, LLC
    Inventor: Casey Johansen
  • Publication number: 20100218959
    Abstract: A method and device for suppression of fires related to heating appliances, vent hoods and work benches through deployment of very fine mist droplets, preferably less 100 micron diameter, into the firebase. A low momentum, high mist loading fine mist stream is introduced about the firebase. Mist is discharged to the firebase through diffusers or swirl channels so that the mist surrounding the firebase will be entrained into the firebase to secure and suppress the fire. After the fire is suppressed, the fine mist is further discharged to the hot oil surface for cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: Nanomist Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kayyani C. Adiga, Rajani Adiga, Robert F. Hatcher
  • Publication number: 20100139932
    Abstract: A firefighting and protection apparatus being thermally-activated and/or heat resistant when subjected to a temperature above a pre-determined limit thermally set chemical reactions occur within the apparatus which causes the apparatus to expand in volume for multifunctional purposes including acting as an insulator against heat, an absorbent for diminishing contact between fuel and oxygen, and release inert gases and flame retardants for disrupting chemical reactions that sustain a fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Andrew J. Guenthner, Michael E. Wright, Stephen Fallis
  • Publication number: 20100139933
    Abstract: A firefighting and protection apparatus being thermally-activated and/or heat resistant when subjected to a temperature above a pre-determined limit thermally set chemical reactions occur within the apparatus which causes the apparatus to expand in volume for multifunctional purposes including acting as an insulator against heat, an absorbent for diminishing contact between fuel and oxygen, and release inert gases and flame retardants for disrupting chemical reactions that sustain a fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Andrew J. Guenthner, Michael E. Wright, Stephen Fallis
  • Patent number: 7717776
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the controlled feeding of added air into a permanently inertized room in which a predefined inertization level is or must be set and maintained within a certain control range provide for the volume flow rate at which an inert gas is fed into the room atmosphere to attain a value that is adequate for maintaining the predefined inertization level in the room atmosphere that will minimize fire risk. In addition, provisions are made whereby at all times just enough fresh air is injected into the room atmosphere as is necessary to remove from the room atmosphere that proportional concentration of hazardous substances that has not already been removed, via a corresponding return-air exhaust system as a result of the injection of inert gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Amrona AG
    Inventors: Ernst Werner Wagner, Dieter Lietz, Marcus Thiem
  • Patent number: 7712542
    Abstract: A fire suppressant system having a pipe system, spray nozzles connected to the pipe system and a control system for selectively charging the pipe system with foam. The control system includes a pilot line for generating a signal based upon sensing an environmental parameter and a first control valve for activating the system based upon the signal. Preferably, the first control valve forms i) an interior cavity for mixing the compressed air and compressed air liquid, ii) an outlet in fluid communication with the interior; iii) a first inlet, oriented substantially perpendicular to a flow through the outlet, in fluid communication with the interior and the compressed air; and iv) a second inlet, oriented substantially perpendicular to the flow, in fluid communication with the interior and the compressed air liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: David B. Munroe
  • Publication number: 20100089599
    Abstract: A spraying head, which comprises a body (2) and several spray nozzles (7), the type of which spray nozzles is such that they, when activated, provide suction in their vicinity. The body (2) of the spraying head is formed frame-like, whereby through the body from a first side to a second side leads a channel (14), and that the spray nozzles (7) are arranged or formed in the body or into connection with it so that, when the spray nozzles are activated, suction is formed from the first side of the body into the channel (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Göran Sundholm, Harry Metzger, Jyrki Hyytiäinen
  • Publication number: 20100071914
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a foam proportioning system into existing fire fighting equipment is provided. The method can include installing a foam proportioning library into a first application of a processor of the existing fire fighting equipment and installing a foam proportioning support into a second application of a display of the existing fire fighting equipment. The method can also include connecting a foam proportioner to the processor, receiving user inputs with the display, and processing the user inputs with the second application and the foam proportioning support. The method can further include transmitting the user inputs to the processor and operating the foam proportioner in response to the user inputs with the first application and the foam proportioning library.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Jonathan Gamble, Harold McCabe
  • Patent number: 7673694
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inertization device for establishing and maintaining an inertization level in a protective room. The inertization device has a controllable inert gas system for providing inert gas, a first supply pipe system connected to the inert gas system and the protective room to supply the inert gas to the protective room, and a control unit to control the inert gas system such that a presettable inertization level is established and maintained inside the protective room. In order to raise the inertization level inside the protective room rapidly to an accessibility level without requiring major structural measures, a valve controlled by the control unit is connected to the inert gas system and the first supply pipe system to supply the exhaust air prepared by the inert gas system as fresh air to the protective room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Amrona AG
    Inventors: Ernst-Werner Wagner, Peter Clauss
  • Publication number: 20100044058
    Abstract: A firefighting device adapted to discharge a fluid to put out a fire may include a hose connected to a source of the fluid, including: a collapsible section connected to the source of the fluid; and a non-collapsible section connected to the collapsible section adapted to discharge the fluid. The non-collapsible section may be connected to a valve to turn off and turn on the fluid, and the valve may be a break apart nozzle. The fluid may be a foam agent, and the source may be a fire engine truck. The length of the non-collapsible section maybe substantially between 2 feet and 10 feet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Mark A. Cummins, Lisa Yvette Lafosse
  • Patent number: 7658232
    Abstract: A fire safety system includes a sensor arrangement and control scheme for quickly sensing a fire, accurately identifying its location, and controlling a set of ceiling fans and overhead sprinklers to efficiently extinguish the fire. The fire safety system is particularly suited for large buildings such as warehouses, factories, gymnasiums, retail stores, auditoriums, convention centers, theaters or other buildings with large open areas. In some examples, the overhead fans are disabled prior to activating the sprinklers. The placement of the fire sensors, in some cases, are selected upon first considering the location of the overhead fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel M. Anderson, Ronald P. Snyder, Aaron J. Wiegel
  • Patent number: 7647981
    Abstract: In the system or method for sprinklering a building, the building has a water delivery pipe for delivery of water to at least two different floors of the building. On at least two floors, a respective sprinkler pipe with a plurality of sprinklers is installed. Also a respective pump is installed whose outlet is connected to the respective sprinkler pipe, and whose inlet is connected to the water delivery pipe. A respective sensor for the respective pump automatically activates the pump when at least one of the sprinklers is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventors: William Grant, Sharon Grant, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20100000743
    Abstract: A multipurpose fluid distribution system including a network of fluid distribution heads associated with a landscape. Also included is a water supply feeding the network of fluid distribution heads. The fluid distribution heads may be typical irrigation or sprinkler heads or specialized heads useful for reaching portions of the outside of a structure or landscape which are not typically irrigated such as the roofs of buildings. Also included in the multipurpose fluid distribution system is a series of distribution valves operatively disposed between the water supply and the network of fluid distribution heads. The system can be controlled with a control unit associated with the distribution valves which is configured to automatically open select distribution valves or open select distribution valves according to manual input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Bryce Dean Cohen
  • Publication number: 20090301735
    Abstract: A fire fighting fluid delivery device includes a device body with an inlet, a discharge outlet, and a fluid passageway extending between the inlet and the discharge outlet. A movable member is mounted at the body and movable between at least two positions relative to the outlet. The movable member includes at least two spaced apart transverse openings, with each of the transverse openings for selectively aligning with the discharge outlet when the movable member is moved between the at least two positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: ELKHART BRASS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: James M. Trapp
  • Publication number: 20090211771
    Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve body having an inlet section for a pressurized fluid and an outlet. A piston is movable within the valve body between an open position and a closed position blocking fluid communication. The piston has an end section, a sealing section and a middle section located between the end section and the sealing section. A cavity receives the piston within the valve body. The cavity has a superior chamber, an intermediate chamber, and an inferior chamber. A spring within the superior chamber exerts a spring force onto the piston to urge the piston towards the open position. An actuator device provides upon actuation for a first flow of fluid outside the cavity from the inlet section to the superior chamber. The first flow causes a pressure within the superior chamber to increase until it is about the same as the pressure within the container so that the spring force moves the piston to the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens S.A.S.
    Inventors: Stephane Beucher, Bernard Dusser, Nicolas Giraud
  • Patent number: 7458427
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing chamber for producing compressed air foam in fire extinguishing devices. The mixing chamber has a compressed air inlet, an extinguishing agent inlet and a compressed air foam outlet. The contour of the mixing chamber tapers towards the compressed air foam outlet. The invention also includes a fire extinguishing device. The fire extinguishing device includes an extinguishing agent container, a connecting device for connecting a source of compressed air to a mixing chamber of the kind described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventors: Ulrich Braun, Helmut Andris
  • Publication number: 20080283255
    Abstract: A Liquid Nitrogen Enabler Apparatus is disclosed herein, wherein the apparatus may be configured to protect the earth, people and property. The apparatus is configured to distribute liquid nitrogen that converts to nitrogen gas to achieve its desired effects. Nitrogen gas carries the temperature, the inertness, and the tendency to cloud, gather amongst itself with the exclusion of other gases. Combining the thermal qualities with the inertness of the nitrogen gas, fires and other such crises are handled. There are various advantages associated with treating fires and other such crises with liquid nitrogen such as that when the liquid nitrogen converts into a gaseous form and is applied to a fire draft, rather than directly to the fire itself. The fire draft will pull the gaseous nitrogen into the fire, thus ending the burn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Denyse DuBrucq
  • Publication number: 20080223589
    Abstract: A method and system for installing and operating a multipurpose fire protection system is disclosed. The steps of the method include providing a water source to a structure, providing pre-assembled vertical sprinklers drops, installing vertical sprinkler drops at designated locations within the structure, and sequentially attaching flexible tubing to each drop to create a loop, whereby water is supplied to each sprinkler via two different flow paths. A system for simultaneously inducing flow and adding or removing heat from fluid in the piping includes a convection drop comprising a piping loop with a u-shaped section, the convection drop containing a fluid which has a density that varies as a function of temperature, and a thermal means for changing the temperature of fluid in the convection drop, whereby freezing of the fluid is prevented by adding heat using the thermal means and inducing the heated fluid to flow throughout the piping system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Young
  • Patent number: 7363987
    Abstract: In the system or method for sprinklering a building, the building has a water delivery pipe for delivery of water to at least two different floors of the building. On at least two floors, a respective sprinkler pipe with a plurality of sprinklers is installed. Also a respective pump is installed whose outlet is connected to the respective sprinkler pipe, and whose inlet is connected to the water delivery pipe. A respective sensor for the respective pump automatically activates the pump when at least one of the sprinklers is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: William Grant
  • Patent number: 7331399
    Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler system for metal buildings has horizontally oriented sprinkler heads mounted on water supply lines extending along each side of rafters supporting the roof of a metal building so as to provide protection for bays between adjacent rafters having a width up to 25 feet or more. The sprinkler heads have a vertical part facing an outlet in a sprinkler body and a hood-shaped part supported from the vertical part and having downwardly inclined side walls and a downwardly inclined front wall. The deflector arrangement is supported from the sprinkler body by a pair of frame arms which converge at a boss on which the vertical part is mounted and another deflector part having rearwardly inclined arms extending horizontally, downwardly at an angle and substantially vertically, is supported between the boss and the vertical part of the deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Multer
  • Patent number: 7237619
    Abstract: An automatic fire sprinkler having a variable orifice, the sprinkler having a variable orifice associated with the automatic fire sprinkler, and wherein the orifice is responsive to the water inlet pressure of the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Ralph R. Mehr
  • Patent number: 7104335
    Abstract: A sprinkler head having a first housing connected to a water supply pipe disposed inside a building ceiling. The sprinkler head includes a second housing coupled to the first housing and fixed to the ceiling surface. A deflector is adhered to the first housing for spraying water by being detached from the first housing. A locking unit is locked inside the second housing for maintaining the sealing state between the deflector and the second housing, and a heat responding unit is exposed to outside of the ceiling for sensing heat at the time of a fire occurrence and thus releasing a locking of the locking unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignees: Paradise Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dae-Min Shim
  • Patent number: 7100701
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for fire-fighting comprising a fire-extinguishing nozzle (4) connected to an extinguisher fluid supply (3) via a pipe (2) and comprising an alarm device (5) which delivers a warning signal at the beginning of a fire-extinguishing process. In such an apparatus the risk of leaks occurring is reduced and effective alarming of the surroundings at the beginning of the fire-extinguishing process is ensured according to the invention by the fact that the alarm device (5) comprises a pressure-actuatable switching device connected to the pipe (2) which triggers the warning signal in the event of an increase in the pressure prevailing in the pipe (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Fogtec Brandschutz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Sprakel, Dirk Laibach
  • Patent number: 7048068
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting and extinguishing fires, and for sharing fire retardant throughout a network of interconnected reservoirs, is self-sealing and autonomous. The system isolates reservoirs when interconnection piping is damaged, and shares retardant to the fire location(s) as needed by routing retardant through undamaged piping segments. Reservoir sensors, fire sensors, damage sensors, valves, redundant and spatially separated flow paths, controllers, and manual over-rides all provide the method and system for detecting and extinguishing major fires automatically, and reacting to system damages. The system is best suited for large buildings or structures such as office buildings, large-scale warehouses, sky-scrapers, cruise ships, aircraft carriers, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Michael B. Paulkovich
  • Patent number: 6991041
    Abstract: A compressed air foam system for use in extinguishing fire includes a conduit, a water flow sensor, a foam proportioning apparatus, an air conduit, an air flow sensor, an air flow control valve and a system controller. The water flow sensor is configured to sense a water flow rate through the conduit. The air flow sensor is configured to sense an air flow rate through the air conduit. The system controller has a user adjustable ratio input. The system controller is configured to receive the sensed water flow rate, to receive the sensed air flow rate, to output a first control signal to the air flow control valve and to output a second control signal to the foam proportioning apparatus. The system controller automatically adjusts the first and second control signals to maintain a ratio of air flow to foam flow based upon the user adjustable ratio input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Hale Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Laskaris, Allen Craig
  • Patent number: 6942040
    Abstract: The automatic fire extinguishing method using liquefied CO2 to regulate the distribution of fire extinguishing agents characterised in that this method uses liquid CO2 as: an independent fire extinguishing agent or combined with other fire extinguishing agents to create new fire extinguishing agents which have strong effects and high efficiency; as a dynamic source producing pressure in the tank to push fire extinguishing agents into the fire area, and as a dynamic source of the entire fire extinguishing system and automating the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventors: Phan Dinh Phuong, Phan Trong Nghia
  • Patent number: 6918447
    Abstract: A fire protection apparatus includes a plurality of bladders that are substantially filled with a non-flammable liquid via a manifold that is coupled to a source of non-flammable liquid and includes one or more nozzles that discharge the non-flammable liquid into each of the plurality of bladders. In one specific embodiment, the apparatus is initially in a substantially collapsed state at or near a ceiling. When fire or smoke is detected, the non-flammable liquid flows into the manifold. As the plurality of bladders begin to fill with non-flammable liquid, the weight of the filling bladders causes the fire protection apparatus to deploy, spanning from ceiling to floor. The bladders may include one or more discharge orifices that allow the non-flammable liquid to flow out of the bladder and down the exterior of the bladder once the bladder is filled to the level of its discharge orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Edward L. Robinson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6915965
    Abstract: An air delivery system, wherein the air delivery system is coupled to a hose delivering water or fire-extinguishing foam, for providing air to emergency workers and disaster victims. The system includes a high-pressure air hose coupled at one end to an air-supply source and adapted to be coupled at a plurality of outlets along the delivery system to bottles capable of containing pressurized air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Dave Siebert
  • Patent number: 6889912
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for clean, efficient removal of water and odor from a sprinkler systems including a vessel, a pump which creates a reduced pressure in the vessel, and a connector for attaching the device to the sprinkler system to remove trapped water. The vacuum pump is powered by a power source, and the reduced pressure created by vacuum pump is controlled by a regulator such that the vacuum pressure is maintained and does not cause damage to the gaskets in the sprinkler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: GECCO LLC
    Inventors: Gerald M. Clum, Eric M. Clum
  • Patent number: 6866103
    Abstract: An installation includes spray nozzles (1) connected to a pressurized extinguishing liquid supply line (3). Fire detecting elements are connected to elements controlling the supply of the nozzles. The installation comprises a compressed gas container (6) connected by a pipe (5) to a tank (4) containing the liquid and which itself is connected to the supply line (3). The conduit (5) is normally closed by a valve (7) with controlled opening so as to enable compressed gas contained in the container to penetrate into the tank to evacuate the liquid towards the supply line of the nozzles. The nozzles are associated with respective electrically driven fans (9) arranged in series so that an electrically driven fan located downstream of an upstream electrically driven fan sucks in the larger volume between the downstream and upstream electrically driven fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Exel Industries
    Inventor: Patrick Ballu
  • Patent number: 6834728
    Abstract: A system (10) for dousing a fire, such as a tunnel, includes a conduit (11) for delivering a fire extinguishing liquid and a trough (12) extending parallel to the conduit (11) for receiving liquid from the conduit (11). A carriage (27) is arranged to move on a track comprising an upper edge (19) of the trough (12) and the carriage (27) carries a pump having a nozzle (25), a video camera (33) and an inlet (26) each of which can be controlled robotically from a remote control station. The inlet (26) is deployed in the trough (12) to draw liquid from the trough (12). The system avoids complicated docking procedures for the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Frédéric Jean-Pierre Demole
  • Publication number: 20040244996
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a firefighting system able to supply a continuous flow of water to remote locations over great distances with varied terrains and conditions. The system can encompass multiple independent units, or reservoir assemblies each including portable water storage reservoirs with special design connections, conduits such as standard fire hoses, and pumps to induce the water flow as required. Each reservoir assembly unit represents a part of an integral system, a purpose of which is to transport water used in extinguishing fires from a water source where water is plentiful (such as, for example, a river, lake, or well) to the fire site, which can be at a remote location where it is difficult or expensive to supply water using traditional means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Alexander I. Kravkov
  • Publication number: 20040216895
    Abstract: An electrical fire suppression system for a structure having electrical fixtures includes a central computer system and a plurality of fire sensing devices distributed through the structure. A central fire suppression fluid tank is connected to fire suppression fluid pipes and a set of valves are mounted on the fire suppression fluid pipes to control fire suppression fluid flow therethrough, the valves being controlled by the central computer system. Each of the plurality of fire suppression fluid pipes extend into at least one of the electrical fixtures for transfer of fire suppression fluid directly thereto. Upon detection of fire, the fire sensing device signals the central computer system to determine the location of the fire and command the valves on the fire suppression fluid pipes to open to release fire suppression fluid therethrough for extinguishing the fire at the electrical fixture at which it started.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Lenuel Boyce, Judith A. Lee
  • Patent number: 6810966
    Abstract: An extinguisher includes a compressed-gas generator for fighting fire and incipient explosions, and the extinguisher includes at least one rupture diaphragm having a rupture joint, in order to seal the extinguishing-agent vessel. In its center, the rupture diaphragm has a planar surface or a depression, which causes the rupture joint to simultaneously open at its entire circumference, in order for the extinguishing agent to escape in an axially symmetric manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Bayern-Chemie GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Bauer, Joachim Sans, Steffen Schilling
  • Patent number: 6797508
    Abstract: The invention relates to bioreactor for fermenting solid substrates, comprising a fermentation vessel (2), a device for feeding bioreactive substances and a nozzle arrangement in the fermentation vessel (2). The invention is characterized in that a nozzle arrangement (10, 20) consisting of a plurality of pipes (14, 24) which project into the reaction chamber (49) of the fermentation vessel (2) in parallel and which are provided with nozzles (16, 28) is situated in the fermentation vessel (2). The invention also relates to a method for aerobically fermenting solids. A reaction medium containing these solids is mixed using a compressed gas (48) which is guided into the reaction mixture from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Hofer Bioreact GmbH
    Inventor: Udo Hölker
  • Patent number: 6786286
    Abstract: A reservoir of super absorbent polymers which can be independently pressurized, remotely stored and a supply of water which is admixed with the SAP at a point closely adjacent of an adjustable nozzle. In one embodiment the system involves a home unit with a portable hand carrided reservoir which can be pressurized. Yet another system involves a back pack carried by a homeowner or firefighter for spraying which can be pressurized. Yet another embodiment involves a reservoir which can be independently pressurized with a pump so that any reduction in the water pressure in a tap line can be overcome by the SAP auxiliary pressure delivery. Other embodiments relate to a portable unit containing both the water reservoir and the SAP reservoir to the end that it is self-contained, and the admixing can be a function of wherever the homeowner, firefighter or rescue person should don the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Barricade International, Inc.
    Inventor: John B. Bartlett
  • Publication number: 20040163825
    Abstract: A fire and explosion suppression system comprises a source (5) of high pressure water which is fed to a misting nozzle (13) or other water mist generating means at one input of a mixing unit (6), and a source (14) of high pressure inert gas, such as nitrogen, which is fed along a pipe (20) to another input of the mixing unit (6). Inside the mixing unit (6), water mist, in the form of an atomised mist of very small droplet size is mixed with the pressurised gas and exits the mixing unit (6) at high pressure and high velocity along a pipe (22) and is thence discharged through spreaders (26, 28). Separation of the mist production from the actual discharge of the mist, and the entraining and transporting of the mist between these two stages at high pressure and high velocity, produces an output mist of very small droplet size which is carried by the entraining and transporting high pressure gas into the area to be protected, enabling a total flooding capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Robert George Dunster, Simon John Davies, Robert James Lade, Julian Grigg
  • Publication number: 20040163826
    Abstract: Air from an air source A, which may be the bleed air of an aircraft, enters the system under the control of an air flow control unit (10). An organic fuel from a fuel reservoir (12 or 13) enters a mixing chamber (16) under the control of fuel flow control unit (14) for mixture with the air. At a first stage the organic fuel is a oxygenated organic fuel from reservoir (12), and at a subsequent stage the organic fuel is a hydrocarbon fuel from reservoir (13). The air and fuel mixture passes to a catalyst bed (18) containing a noble metal catalyst such as platinum, palladium or a mixture thereof. A relatively low temperature, non-flaming reaction occurs and the resultant gas mixture contains a low concentration of oxygen and larger qualities of inert gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: David John Spring
  • Publication number: 20040159448
    Abstract: A fire protection apparatus includes a plurality of bladders that are substantially filled with a non-flammable liquid via a manifold that is coupled to a source of non-flammable liquid and includes one or more nozzles that discharge the non-flammable liquid into each of the plurality of bladders. In one specific embodiment, the apparatus is initially in a substantially collapsed state at or near a ceiling. When fire or smoke is detected, the non-flammable liquid flows into the manifold. As the plurality of bladders begin to fill with non-flammable liquid, the weight of the filling bladders causes the fire protection apparatus to deploy, spanning from ceiling to floor. The bladders may include one or more discharge orifices that allow the non-flammable liquid to flow out of the bladder and down the exterior of the bladder once the bladder is filled to the level of its discharge orifices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Edward L. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6761225
    Abstract: A security disposition against fire applicable for delaying, retaining, controlling and extinguishing the action of fire by means of moisture, with water as its basic extinguishing element. It consists of a part that is made of metal or any other material with identical resistance, upon which water distribution pipes are placed, and is equipped with distributors that have access to the partition or similar construction. The distribution pipes are joined by connecting piping, which at the same time is connected to a supply pipe. On the connecting piping, between the supply pipe and the distribution pipes, is an open/close electrovalve that is activated by conventional fire detecting methods, temperature or smoke, in addition to a purge valve that is activated manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Thertim, S.L.
    Inventor: Salvador Mateu Climent
  • Patent number: 6758282
    Abstract: A fire protection water sprinkler system, comprising at least one metal tube to carry water within the system, the metal tube having a coating on its interior surface comprising a quaternary ammonium salt in combination with a filming amine(s) and/or a synthetic oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Allied Tube & Conduit Company
    Inventors: David S. Pliner, Manzoor Chaudhry, Stephen T. Norvilas, Elmer H. Foster, Robert D. Bussiere
  • Publication number: 20040123989
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for fire-fighting comprising a fire-extinguishing nozzle (4) connected to an extinguisher fluid supply (3) via a pipe (2) and comprising an alarm device (5) which delivers a warning signal at the beginning of a fire-extinguishing process. In such an apparatus the risk of leaks occurring is reduced and effective alarming of the surroundings at the beginning of the fire-extinguishing process is ensured according to the invention by the fact that the alarm device (5) comprises a pressure-actuatable switching device connected to the pipe (2) which triggers the warning signal in the event of an increase in the pressure prevailing in the pipe (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Dirk Sprakel, Dirk Laibach
  • Patent number: 6739400
    Abstract: This process comprises a phase for detecting (26) the presence of the fire, as well as a phase for extinguishing this fire, comprising a phase of projecting (by 24), into the compartment (16), an extinguishing fluid, in particular water, as well as a phase of generating (by 2) air enriched in inert gas, from a source (5) of compressed air internal to the airplane, and a phase of admitting (by 10 and 12) at least a portion of this enriched air into the compartment (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide-Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Stéphane Lessi, Olivier Vandroux
  • Publication number: 20040089456
    Abstract: A non-freezing fire extinguishing agent having the simultaneous effect of reducing the flammability of objects, which is made of an aqueous solution of alkali carbonate, citric acid, and ethylene glycol, is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Franz Howorka
  • Publication number: 20040074650
    Abstract: The present invention provides a foam fire-extinguishing agent devoid of environmentally harmful fluorochemical surfactant. The foam fire-extinguishing agent comprises a foamable synthetic surfactant consisting of (a) polyoxyethylene alkyl sulfate ester salt, and (b) at least either one of lauric acid amide propyldimethyl amino betaine acetate and lauric acid amide propylhydroxy sulfobetaine. This foam fire-extinguishing agent may further include at least either one of (c) polyoxyalkylenediamine having both terminal ends substituted with amino alkyl, and derivatives thereof, (d) polyoxyethylene coconut fatty acid monoethanol amide phosphate ester and (e) dodecyl alcohol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Hiroshi Shiga
  • Patent number: 6679337
    Abstract: A fire prevention system is provided including a water sprinkler frame mounted on a house and having a plurality of sprayer nozzles for spraying water therefrom upon the receipt thereof. Also included is a water supply tank situated adjacent to the house and connected to the sprinkler frame with a pump coupled therebetween for supplying water to the water sprinkler frame upon the receipt of a heat signal. A plurality of temperature sensors mounted on the ground and spaced from a perimeter of the house or mounted to the top of the house. Such temperature sensors are connected to the pump for transmitting the heat signal thereto upon the detection of a degree of heat greater than a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventors: Larry J. Perry, Stanley E. Barnett, Sr., Stanley E. Barnett, Jr.