Abstract: A system for at least partially decontaminating personnel in response to detection of an agent harmful to human life such as a chemical or biological agent. The system can provide a sprinkler head above a walkway such as a hallway through which personnel are expected to walk. The sprinkler can provide a spray of decontamination fluid such as gas or liquid over personnel passing underneath, removing or neutralizing at least some of the harmful agent and reducing the transport of the agent from one area to another. Preferably, the system includes a sprinkler or shower head coupled to an existing fire isle control sprinkler supply pipe, wherein the sprinkler head may include a valve that is remotely controlled and can be opened in response to detection of a chemical or biological agent.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing device for extinguishing a fire from a stationary fire extinguisher. The fire extinguishing device includes a housing having a top wall. A peripheral wall is integrally coupled to and extending downwardly away from the top wall such that the housing has an open bottom side. A canister for disbursing a fire retardant material is securely coupled to an inner surface of the top wall such that a valve mechanically coupled to the canister is directed towards the open bottom side. The canister contains a fire retardant material in a respectively pressurized environment. Control circuitry for actuating the valve is securely coupled to an inner surface of the peripheral wall and is operationally coupled to the valve. A sensor for sensing relatively high heat is electronically coupled to the control circuitry. The sensor is securely attached to the peripheral wall. A plurality of fastening members removably fastens the bottom wall to a ceiling wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of extinguishing a fire of complex category with flame burning accompanying with smoldering of products of burning. Besides, the disclosure concerns a fire extinguishing system embodying the method and a fire extinguishing generator used, in particular, in the system.

Abstract: A deep fryer with an automatic fire extinguishing system. The oil storage tank is attached to the oil reservoir of the deep fat fryer. A drain valve controls drainage of oil in the deep fryer oil reservoir to the oil storage tank. A fire sensing device is attached to, and controls, the drain valve and opens the drain valve when a fire is detected. The oil storage tank smothers any fire from oil inside it by preventing sufficient air flow to keep the fire burning. Any remaining oil which has not drained the into the oil storage tank quickly burns out and the fire is extinguished. A drain valve in the oil storage tank allows the oil to be recovered and placed back into the oil reservoir of the deep fat fryer for reuse. An air valve in the oil storage tank allows air to evacuate the tank as it is being filled with oil.

Abstract: A process and a device for atomization of a liquid extinguishing medium, in which the liquid extinguishing medium and a liquid inert gas are mixed in a mixing unit to form a liquid extinguishing medium mixture. The mixture is conveyed through a conduit to a distributing device such as extinguishing nozzles. As the mixture exits the distributing device the mixture is atomized, forming an aerosol spray for extinguishing a fire within an extinguishing area defined by the aerosol spray. A detector arranged in the extinguishing area for detection of parameters relating to extinguishing of the fire is connected to an evaluation device which in turn is connected to a control valve. The control valve regulates the quantity of liquid inert gas supplied to the mixing unit.

Abstract: A cigarette end container capable of putting out cigarette ends definitely, suitable for being placed in a narrow space without a reduction in container capacity, and in which disposal of cigarette ends after collection may be simply, easily and hygienically carried out. A body of a cigarette end container is provided with a device for relatively raising a concentration of incombustible gas and includes a gas cylinder filled with an incombustible gas, an injection nozzle having a jet inside the container, a passage for communicating the injection nozzle to the gas cylinder, an electromagnetic control valve disposed in the passage to control a flow rate of the incombustible gas, and a timer for presetting an opening time of the electromagnetic valve.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-contained automatic fire detection, warning, and suppression life safety system having an extinguishant source and a fire detector coupled to an electronic processor. The processor has logic to interface with components for detecting and warning of a fire and releasing the extinguishant. Self-diagnosis logic checks the entire system's function, pressure, power level, and power source. Additional sensors are provided for detecting various hazards, and the processor has logic for proper response.

Abstract: There are described a method and a device for suppressing an explosion-like fire, in particular of hydrocarbons, by means of a fire extinguishing agent, which under pressure at a speed adapted to the speed of propagation of the fire is distributed in the space directly surrounding the source of the fire. To ensure an efficient fire fighting without adversely influencing the environment, it is proposed to spray water as fire extinguishing agent by atomizing the same to form a water mist in a minimum amount of 0.03 l/m.sup.3 from a water reservoir (3) in the space directly surrounding the source of the fire.

Abstract: An automatic fire suppression unit and method for use in various fire exposures where the area in which a fire can occur is limited, manually operated portable extinguishment is either impractical or not recommended, the ability to provide additional suppression in the event of re-ignition is crucial to fire safety, or the ability to limit environmental impact of the fire suppressant is desired. The system includes a tank containing a suitable fire extinguishing agent and equipped with a temperature activated valve to discharge the extinguishing agent when a thermocouple or metallic alloy element responds to a high temperature condition and opens the valve. When the fire has been suppressed and a high temperature condition no longer exists, the valve automatically closes and stops the discharge of suppressant. Position indication contacts within the valve are utilized to activate appropriate alarms and to remove electrical or gas supply if necessary.

Abstract: Hazard suppression apparatus (10) is provided with a container (12) of suppression fluid and a non-explosive, pressurized gas-operated actuator assembly (16). The assembly (16) includes an actuator body (32) and first and second spaced apart rupture discs (36, 38) defining a zone (43) therebetween; the first disc (36) is preferably of bulged, scored configuration, whereas the second disc (38) is flat and has a series of vent openings (52) therethrough. A perforate, bar-type support (34) is positioned adjacent the second disc (38) and remote from the zone (43). A container (18) of high pressure actuating fluid is operatively coupled to the body (32) via a coupling unit (56) having an elongated, tubular nipple (58) equipped with a third rupture disc (62). A valve (70), adapted for connection with a hazard sensor is interposed between the container (18) and the coupling unit (56).

Abstract: A fire extinguishing device activates fire extinguishing nozzle-heads in multiple locations in response to fire-induced activation of one of the fire extinguishing nozzle-heads. The fire extinguishing nozzle-heads are connected to a supply pipe which conducts a fire extinguishing fluid from a pressure generator. Each nozzle-head includes at least one fire extinguishing nozzle and a fire detection contrivance, which, in the event of a fire, triggers the issue of the extinguishing fluid from the activated fire extinguishing nozzle. Each of the fire extinguishing nozzles-heads further includes at least two connecting channels providing communication between the fire extinguishing nozzles and a supply pipe. Both connecting channels are normally closed by respective shut-off devices while the extinguishing nozzle-heads are in a quiescent state.

Abstract: An engine fire suppression system comprising a canister charged with a fire suppressant material, a piping system connected to the canister and terminating in a U-shaped manifold having a plurality of discharge orifices, a redundant parallel valve system in connection between the canister and the manifold, and a fire detection system controlling the redundant parallel valves having a heat sensing circuit and a smoke sensing circuit. A back up power supply is provided that is constantly maintained at full charge by the vehicle alternator but that has sufficient electrical power to power the system in the event the vehicle battery is removed. In addition, an audible alarm is initiated for several seconds prior to discharging the canister contents and during the discharge of the canister contents to alert vehicle passengers that the canister contents will be discharged or are being discharged.

Abstract: An electrical fire sensing and fire prevention/extinguishing system which senses properties of electrical fires in cabinets having electrical circuits or circuit boards and detects sparks for detecting an electrical short in the electrical circuits or circuit boards. Upon detecting a spark, power to the electrical circuits or circuit boards is turned off to prevent a fire from developing within the cabinet. Furthermore, the electrical fire sensing and fire prevention/extinguishing system senses heat increases and smoke for activating a fire extinguishing device to extinguish a fire and turning off power to the electrical circuits or circuit boards.

Abstract: A hazard response structure which includes a sensor mounting housing positioned over and against an aperture of an environmental enclosure to receive pressure from the enclosure and detonate a supply of suppression material to the enclosure upon an increase of pressure therein which is indicative of an impending explosion or fire. The housing is so shaped and the sensors thereof so located to eliminate the possibility of damage thereto or the accumulation of material thereabout to interfere with pressure transmission. At least three sensors are positioned in the housing and provided circuit logic requires a response from two of the three to initiate suppression material delivery to the enclosure. The sensors also provide for setting of operational thresholds without removal of the same from such housing.

Abstract: A fire detecting valve activation assembly for vehicle fire suppression systems that have a pressurized gas fire suppressant cylinder and a pressurized gas fire suppressant distribution line terminating in a release valve having an actuator shaft for closing and opening the release valve. The fire detecting valve activation assembly includes a nozzle and a lead link fire detecting valve activation assembly.

Abstract: There are described a method and a device for suppressing an explosion-like fire, in particular of hydrocarbons, by means of a fire extinguishing agent, which under pressure at a speed adapted to the speed of propagation of the fire is distributed in the space directly surrounding the source of the fire. To ensure an efficient fire fighting without adversely influencing the environment, it is proposed to spray water as fire extinguishing agent by atomizing the same to form a water mist in a minimum amount of 0.03 l/m.sup.3 from a water reservoir (3) in the space directly surrounding the source of the fire.

Abstract: An aircraft rescue system is provided including a plurality of parachutes coupled to a tail of the aircraft, a midsection of the aircraft, and a nose of the aircraft. The parachutes are adapted to deploy upon the actuation thereof. A control mechanism is included for allowing a pilot to manually actuate the parachutes.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-contained automatic fire detection, warning, and suppression life safety system having an extinguishant source and a fire detector coupled to an electronic processor. The processor has logic to interface with components for detecting and warning of a fire and releasing the extinguishant. Self-diagnosis logic checks the entire system's function, pressure, power level, and power source. Additional sensors are provided for detecting various hazards, and the processor has logic for proper response.

Abstract: A detector arrangement is included in a preventive safety system that can be used within a process in which loosely formed process material is produced in a first unit (1) and transported (3) to a receiving, second unit (2), wherein the treatment to which the material is subjected in said first unit is liable to produce one or more discrete particles which have a temperature sufficiently high to initiate fire and/or explosion within at least the second part or unit (2). The necessary transportation of the loose material between the first unit (1) and the second unit (2) is effected along a path which includes a stabilizing zone (7), a high temperature particle indicating zone (8), and an extinguishing zone (9), wherein the indicating zone includes one or more particle sensors (10).

Abstract: A preventive safety system may be used in a process in which loosely formed process material is produced in a first unit (1) and is transportable to a receiving, second unit (2), and in which process the treatment of material in the first unit is liable to generate a hazardous particle or particles which has/have a temperature which is sufficiently high to initiate burning and/or an explosion in at least the second unit.

Abstract: A fire detecting/extinguishing apparatus according to the present invention is comprised of a fire detecting unit which monitors to detect a fire within a monitoring area, the fire detecting unit stepwise scanning in a vertical direction while scanning the fire monitoring area in the vertical direction at each step of the horizontal scanning; a water discharging unit having a water discharging nozzle for discharging water to the monitoring area, the water discharging unit being rotatable in the horizontal direction, the water discharging unit being directed toward a position of the fire based on the fire detection by the fire detecting unit; a swinging unit which swings the water discharging unit in the horizontal direction; and a casing in which the fire detecting unit and the water discharging unit are housed as a single unit. Further, the apparatus of the present invention includes a cover fixed to a side of the water discharging nozzle which is opposite to the side of the water discharging nozzle.

Abstract: A fire suppression system for a dumb waiter for carrying hazardous materi in a multiple story building includes an exhaust at the top of the shaft, a storage compartment for carbon dioxide gas above the topmost floor served by the dumb waiter, a first nozzle in the shaft near the top thereof, a second nozzle in the shaft near the bottom thereof, and conduits interconnecting the storage compartment and the nozzles. The system further includes vapor detectors in the shaft, each of which is adapted, upon detection of unsafe vapors in the shaft, to open the conduits to flow the carbon dioxide gas from the storage compartment to the nozzles and thence into the shaft above and below the dumb waiter, and to shut down operation of the exhaust.

Abstract: In order to carry out a two-stage fire extinguishing operation consisting of a cooling fire extinguishing step and an oxygen deficiency fire extinguishing step using a fire extinguishing gas in a closed space, a plurality of fire extinguishers are each provided with a firing pin unit for breaking a seal member of a cylinder, a retainer for maintaining the firing pin unit in a non-operative state, and a retainer operating device for operating the retainer by an automatic operation. The retainer is fixed at its head portion by a bolt screwed to an upper surface portion of a fixing member, and the leg portions of the retainer are fitted in a recess formed in an upper portion of a shaft to a lower end portion of which the firing pin is fixed. The retainer operating unit consists of a tapering shaft member, which is adapted to be pressed by a spring of a shape memory metal expandable at a predetermined temperature, whereby the leg portions of the retainer are opened to operate the firing pin.

Abstract: In order to carry out a two-stage fire extinguishing operation including a cooling fire extinguishing operation and an oxygen deficiency fire extinguishing operation using a fire extinguishing gas, a cylinder filled with a liquefied gas of carbon dioxide is used, and a firing pin unit for breaking a seal member of the cylinder, a retainer for maintaining the firing pin unit in a non-opereted state and a retainer operating device for automatically operating the retainer on the basis of stored temperature data are provided. The retainer is fixed at a head portion thereof by a bolt screwed to the upper surface region of a fixing member, and leg portions of the retainer are fitted in an upper recess in a shaft to a lower end portion of which a pin is fixed. The retainer operating device consists of a retainer turning member provided with projections on one end portion thereof.

Abstract: Early fire detection and extinguishment is provided by a plurality of fire etection units, each associated with a localized portion of a protected space and including condition sensors specifically appropriate to the environment of that localized portion of a protected space by a selected combination of condition sensors. A fire alarm annunciator and at least one controlled fire extinguishment system portion, or a stand-alone fire extinguishment system, is provided for each fire detection unit. A central control unit preferably includes a profile detector which evaluates outputs of one or more condition sensors over time to reduce false alarm rates while increasing sensitivity to early stage fires.

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 automated exterior fire protection system deploys a fire resistant blanket that is preferably stored under the roof of the structure. Threatening fires are detected by a sensor to provide a signal that initiates automatic deployment of the blanket. Air bleed portions may be provided in the blanket to allow air trapped between the blanket and the structure to quickly dissipate. Moreover, elastic straps may be provided in the blanket to secure the blanket in place.

Abstract: A fire suppression system for a double walled storage tank having an inner tank for containing a flammable liquid and an outer tank separated from the inner tank by a defined space. A leakage detector monitors any leakage of the flammable liquid from the inner tank into the space. A temperature sensor triggers a flow of coolant into the space in the event combustion of the flammable liquid is detected. If no leakage of flammable liquid has been previously detected, the flow of coolant exits the space and is sprayed on the outer surface of the outer tank. If leakage has been detected, the coolant and any entrained flammable liquid are safely diverted to a remote location. In the preferred embodiment, the inner tank is coated with a ceramic paint for added insulation and the outer tank is treated with a fire resistant coating.

Abstract: A pressure responsive and pressure operative device which includes an intrinsically safe detonation circuitry particularly designed for the suppression of explosive situation where the initial indication of a developing explosion and subsequent fire is an increase in pressure within a protected volume which is normally related to a building or other structure. The device includes a directed housing serving as a cannon which holds an extinguishant containing canister which incorporates an explosive charge for producing a rapidly rising pressure within the canister for substantially instantaneous discharge of extinguishant from the canister and instantaneous release of propelling fluid pressure from a pressure supply tank for additional extinguishant propulsion. The unit is operative with only low voltage and pressure thus making the same intrinsically safe.

Abstract: A device for eliminating fire risk due to hot particles (12) in the form of burning or glowing material passing within a pipeline (10). The device includes a valve (18) which can be controlled to block the pipeline when a risk of fire is indicated in the pipeline and/or connected parts, and a container (16) with an extinguishing agent. The extinguishing agent intended to be fed into the pipeline (10) as the pipeline is blocked by the valve preferably consists of a gas or liquid. The container (16) is connected to the valve (18) via a line (10) for the extinguishing agent. In this way, an extinguishing agent passing out of the container (16) will initiate the release of the valve (18).

Abstract: A fire suppression water spray array for an underground mining machine includes an accumulator, and a normally open electrically operated valve interconnected in the machine hydraulic control system for operating a hydraulically operated water spray control valve to initiate the water spray in the event of interruption of electrical power to the machine.

Abstract: This invention is relates to a fire extinguishing system which obstructs a fire in a chemical bath containing a flammable chemical arranged within a closed space of high airtightness. The fire extinguishing system includes detecting means which generates a detection signal by detecting flames outbroken on the surface of the chemical, an injection nozzle which jets out a nonflammable gas toward the liquid surface of the chemical in response to the detection signal, an auxiliary bath which temporarily stores the chemical by discharging the chemical from the chemical bath in response to the detection signal, a feed water equipment which supplies water to the auxiliary bath in response to the detection signal to dilute and cool the chemical, a pipeline which discharges the vapor component of the chemical within the chemical bath from the closed space, and an inert gas supplying device which supplies an inert gas in order to dilute the vapor component of the chemical within the auxiliary bath.

Abstract: A method and circuit for self-checking problems in a heating system for an automobile are disclosed. A self-checking and indicating process are disclosed which include a first preheating step; an ignition period; a second preheating step; a combustion period module; and an extinguishment step according to a program interrupt. Various checking steps are included, along with various subroutines for indicating errors. Errors are displayed and a stopping step is performed if the temperature checked and the various proceding checking steps indicate that error conditions exist. The present invention includes an indicating apparatus which includes an output part of a microprocessor which provides a fundamental memory, a data processor, an arithmetic and logic accumulation, and an interrupt. The microprocessor is connected to an output part of a driving apparatus, and a sensing part which senses the driving state of the output part, the ignition, the temperature, and a low voltage condition.

Abstract: A device for suppressing explosions that may occur in process enclosures such as those for handling of grain, manufacture of pharmaceuticals and similar processes. The unit includes a cylindrical housing having one end thereof communicating with the process area and the opposite end thereof communicating with a pressure vessel, with a fire retardant containing canister slidably arranged therebetween and a valving member in sealing position against the pressure vessel. The canister is in controlling position to open the valving member, under the action of and purposely dependent upon a predetermined level of pressure increase within the process area, and thus to release pressure from the pressure vessel. The canister includes a detonating device which will cause explosion of the canister simultaneously with release of the pressure and dependent upon release of the pressure from the vessel.

Abstract: A fire in the engine compartment of a vehicle is automatically extinguished when an inertial force operated actuator ruptures a valve in the event of a vehicle collision to release pressurized chemical fire extinguishing gas into the compartment. The actuator may also be manually operated.

Abstract: The extinguishing apparatus of this invention comprises a cartridge casing provided with a jet nozzle device, a flexible extinguishing liquid cartridge which is coupled in plug-in manner to the jet nozzle device by inserting from the open end of the cartridge casing into the interior of the casing, a cap for closing the open end of the casing, a joint for coupling the interior and exterior of the cartridge casing, and a discharge unit for coupling by plug-in manner to the joint. The cartridge is made possigle to discharge the extinguishing material, when it is compressed by a force from the outside, and the discharge unit feeds incombustible high pressure gas into the cartridge casing either automatically when the temperature of environment is reached over a predetermined temperature, or by handling manually. Aaccording to this, the cartridge is compressed, the extinguishing material discharged from the cartridge is jetted from the jet nozzle device.

Abstract: A fire damper having a duct, a flap rotatable about an axis crossing the duct, an engaging member, and a spring ordinarily urging the flap to rotate in a direction. The fire damper has a trigger mechanism comprising a leaf spring fixed to the flap and having a free end engageable with the engaging member so as to stop the flap at an angle parallel with air flow. The fire damper further has a heat detecting and actuating member made of form memory alloy spring which has an end fixed with the flap and has another end fixed to the leaf spring at a position near the free end of the leaf spring.

Abstract: A self-contained fire protection system for an engine compartment and the like includes a gas cylinder or bottle having an outlet and a manifold secured to the cylinder. The manifold defines a through passage. Secured to the manifold is a thermally responsive actuator. The actuator includes a cap which is released in a fire condition permitting the contents of the cylinder to be discharged. A pressure switch having a pressure sensing port is mounted on the manifold. A switch activation accelerator includes an elongated stand pipe or tube extending from the pressure sensing port. The tube moves the effective position of the sensing port to an ambient pressure location.

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 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: This invention relates to an automatic fire extinguishing equipment adapted to direct a nozzle towards the position of a flame starting within a supervising zone so as to discharge a fire extinguishing liquid to extinguish the flame, which equipment comprises a flame detecting apparatus including a detecting element for detecting a flame and device for scanning and driving the detecting element in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, for searching the supervising zone and outputting data concerning the flames; a storage section for storing the detection data from the flame detecting apparatus; a fire extinguishment controlling section which decides the sizes of the distributed flames on the basis of the storage data from said storage section; a nozzle assembly including the nozzle and device for controlling the direction of the nozzle in response to a control from the fire extinguishment controlling section.

Abstract: Apparatus for fighting fires within storage tanks includes a frame movably coupled to the lip of the storage tank. The frame includes rotatable members by which the frame may be moved around the lip of the storage tank. Attached to the frame is a holding device adapted to hold a fire extinguisher nozzle on the interior of the storage tank so as to direct fire extinguishing agents down the inside face of the storage tank. The apparatus may include a fire detector to detect the presence and location of the fire, propulsion means to automatically move the apparatus around the storage tank to a location adjacent to the fire source, and a storage tank for storing fire suppressing agents be used to extinguish the fire.

Abstract: A device having a first tank which is equipped with a telescopic vertical column which is contained in the folded state in the tank which contains a liquid and which bears a diffuser. The device includes a second reserve tank and further includes flame detectors distributed on the periphery of the tanks. When a flame is detected, an electronic central unit automatically controls pyrotechnical obturators which place bottles of compressed gas in communication with the first tank.

Abstract: A flame sensing device is connected to complete a circuit to supply current to an electromagnet to release fire extinguishing fluid to extinguish the flames. The flame sensing device includes a first spring which extends when heated, and a second spring in compression acting to pull an end of the first spring to close a contact to provide the current to the electromagnet.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an increase in heat is provided which utilizes a light path such as a fiber optic cable which is coupled between a light source and a light detector. The fiber optic cable has predetermined light transmission characteristics which are changeable in response to an increase in heat in the vicinity of the cable. As a result, the amount or frequency of light detected by the light detector will change in response to the increase in heat. The apparatus is also described in connection with an electrostatic paint spray system.

Abstract: Improved fluid pressure discharge safety system for automatically detecting nd simultaneously suppressing opposed exhaust streams of an accidentally fired and stored missile. The system is generally made up of first and second nozzles for discharging sprays of fluid under pressure. The first nozzle is provided with an exhaust detection arrangement. This arrangement includes a discharge control plug that maintains the first and second nozzles in a securely closed condition for preventing discharge of pressure fluid from either nozzle. However, the detection arrangement, when impacted by an exhaust stream, causes ejection of the fluid pressure discharge control plug from the first nozzle thereby opening the first nozzle for discharge of pressure fluid therefrom. A first valve of novel construction is operatively associated with the plug and controls the operation of a second valve. The second valve controls the discharge of pressure fluid from the second nozzle.

Abstract: A fire protection system comprises a fire extinguisher, pneumatically operable actuator on the fire extinguisher for triggering the extinguisher, an elongate tube containing a temperature responsive gas-evolving substance, and a conduit connecting the tube to the actuator for transmitting gas pressure to the actuator. The gas-evolving substance is selected to generate, when the temperature about the tube attains a critical value within a predictable range, a quantity of gas which develops a pressure in the conduit sufficient to operate the actuator.

Abstract: The danger of explosion due to decomposition of high-pressure industrial process gases, such as ethylene, is reduced by beginning to cool the decomposition gases with a delay of no more than 25 milliseconds from the onset of flow of the gases out of a high-pressure vessel.The process may be implemented by using apparatus comprising:(1) means containing an inert gas at a pressure P between about 5 and 50 bars and an inert liquid of high heat of vaporization; and(2) a valve located upstream of an inert-liquid dispersing-means, of which the opening is operated by a means detecting the opening of a safety means of the high-pressure vessel and operating the working of the dispersing means.The apparatus is useful for the recovery of decomposition gases in order to avoid atmospheric pollution, as well as for reducing the risk of explosion.

Abstract: A fire suppression and control system for a commercial cooking unit having a conventional chemical fire retardant discharge system has a flexible fire curtain supported by a hood and adapted to enclose the cooking unit from the room between the hood and the floor. A housing for storing the curtain in folded condition is positioned on the hood and includes a release mechanism for releasing the curtain from the housing when a fire occurs. A heat-responsive control for discharge of the fire-resistant chemical is coupled to the release mechanism for the curtain to release the curtain at the time the fire-retardant chemical is delivered to the cooking unit. The fire-retardant chemical is preferably a Halon 1211 gas. The release mechanism includes an electromagnetic coupling which is connected through an electrical circuit to a switch at a mechanical actuator for the valve in the chemical fire-retardant delivery system.

Abstract: An electrical protection system including a plurality of suppressor units each activatable by either a first or a second electrical current responsive activator to suppress abnormal condition. The system further includes a supervisory electrical current source, an activation electrical current source, a first connector circuit connecting all of the first activators in series and a second connector circuit connecting all of the second activators in series. A control circuit connects the supervisory source in parallel with the first and second connector circuits so as to provide in each a predetermined supervisory current that is insufficient to energize the activators.