Abstract: The invention discriminates between the explosion of an ammunition round itself and the fire or explosion (e.g. a hydrocarbon fire) which may then take place in the object (e.g. a vehicle) struck by the round and initiates suppression of the latter fire or explosion only. The vehicle carries a radiation detector which measures the ratio of the intensities of the radiation at 3.4 and 4.4 microns. When an exploding ammunition round passes through the fuel tank entraining initially unburning hydrocarbon fuel with it, the detector measures a relatively low ratio because the unburning hydrocarbon fuel vapor between the burning round and the detector has a very intense absorption band at 3.4 microns. Fire suppression is thus initiated, so as to suppress the hydrocarbon fire which would very shortly follow.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing apparatus and an actuating system. The actuating system includes a plurality of actuators connected in parallel and a source of electrical signal for said actuators. Each actuator is connected in parallel with a device whose resistance decreases with increasing current through the device.

Abstract: In a fire sprinkler system a plurality of physically distributed actuators are connected in a normally balanced bridge circuit. The bridge circuit is impressed with a pulsed measuring voltage thereacross to conserve power. LEDs are connected to the bridge for indicating either normal or unbalanced conditions of the bridge as well as indicating which actuator branch of the bridge is causing unbalance.

Abstract: In a fire detection system having at least one fire sensor, a receiver including a power source connected to the fire sensor for supplying a power source voltage to the fire sensor and a receiving relay for receiving a fire detection signal from the fire sensor, and at least one power/signal line for coupling the fire sensor to the receiver, the receiver comprises a timer for producing a clock signal over the time of day and command means for providing predetermined detection sensitivity change commands of the fire sensor which are programmed according to the time of day in response to the clock signal from the timer, and the fire sensor comprises sensitivity change control means for changing the detection sensitivity of the fire sensor in response to the detection sensitivity change command from the command means. The fire detection sensitivity of the fire sensor is varied in accordance with predictive fire damage conditions predetermined in view of the activities of people during the time of day.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and a device for automatically releasing all or a predetermined number of sprinker heads comprised in a fire protection circuit when one of the heads (11) has been released by a local fire or a rise in temperature in the immediate vicinity of this particular head. The invention is based upon a flow detector arranged in the trunk pipe for the fire extinguishing fluid which when said fluid begins to flow through the trunk pipe, i.e. when at least one sprinkler head has opened, closes an electric ignition circuct (17-21, 25-27) which connects pyrotechnical activators arranged at the respective sprinkler heads with an electric ignition function controller (12), whereby the blocking devices at the outlets of the other sprinkler heads are blown away.

Abstract: A fire protection system is disclosed herein for use in aircraft equipped with engine and fuselage compartments. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, the fire protection system utilizes a plurality of containers of extinguishant, the containers being connected to a common manifold. The manifold connects to a number of solenoid operated, feedback connected zone valves, each of which is connected through a distribution line to a specified fire zone of the aircraft. A control system is included which closes certain fire zone valves, opens the one where opening is required to direct the extinguishant to that particular zone of the aircraft, and then opens an individual container. The control system additionally includes sensors at selected locations around the aircraft to provide a warning to an operator who manually operates the system.

Abstract: A fire protection system including a discharge valve for discharging a pressurized extinguishing agent from a storage container into a distribution manifold. Discharge of the agent is induced by a pneumatic release mechanism that responds to the application of fluid pressure. Mounted in predetermined protection zones are a plurality of discharge nozzle arrays, each connected to the outlet of a distribution valve, the inlet of which is connected to the distribution manifold. Each distribution valve comprises a valve closure movable between a closed position that seals the valve inlet from the valve outlet and an open position that permits fluid flow therebetween, a pneumatic actuator for moving the valve closure to the open position in response to the presence of fluid pressure and a fluid pressure transfer mechanism that transmits fluid pressure from the actuator to the discharge valve release mechanism in response to movement of the valve closure to its open position.

Abstract: A improvement in a combination for responding to an emergency, characterized by audible instruction means for instructing a participant in handling the emergency and an activator for activating the instruction means to give particular audible instructions to the participant handling the particular emergency so that the participant can use both hands and eyes in treating the emergency rather than having to read instructions or the like. In specific aspects, multiple instructions may be included with a selector for selecting a particular emergency; or a particular type of emergency such as instruction and precautions for a particular type of fire extinguisher may be implaced at a particular location for a particular type fire extinguisher or the like.

Abstract: Mechanism for suppressing fires in military vehicles, especially in engine ompartments and in relatively inaccessible areas beneath the turret-basket units of such vehicles. The mechanism includes a plurality of fire condition sensors for energizing an alarm device and/or an electric switch that controls the discharge of fire suppressant vapor toward the developing fireball. The system is flexible in that it provides for automatic suppression of near-explosive fires and manual suppression of slow growth fires.The invention described herein may be manufactured, used, and licensed by or for the Government for governmental purposes without payment to me of any royalty thereon.

Abstract: A self-recocking actuation device. One possible use for it is in conjunction with a pneumatic fire protection system. This invention employs the process known as occlusion to store large amounts of gas in a small volume. Metal hydrides in a chamber are used to store hydrogen in the disclosed preferred embodiment. Upon the application of heat--from a heat source like a resistance heater--the charged metal hydride releases its hydrogen (H.sub.2) in a chamber having only one exit opening which empties into a sealed bellows. This bellows contacts a piston located in another chamber wherein a biased resetting spring is provided to normally maintain the piston in contact with the bellows. As the pressure from the H.sub.2 gas builds up, it overcomes the biased spring to move it and the piston along with an associated pin or other actuator.

Abstract: A fire and explosion suppression system which is operative for suppressing an explosion within 100 milliseconds of the existence of a high energy ignition and within 200 milliseconds of the existence of a low energy ignition. Respective output signals from a detector of ultraviolet radiation and a detector of infrared radiation are fed to a logical AND circuit to provide a third output signal indicative of simultaneous receipt of ultraviolet and infrared radiations. Actuation apparatus responsive to the third output signal then actuates extinguishing agent distribution apparatus for discharging an extinguishing agent into the volume to be protected, such as the troop compartment and/or the engine compartment of an armored vehicle.

Abstract: A system for sensing and acting to suppress flame conditions as well as an explosion associated with a flame front in an enclosure which is susceptible to fire and explosion condition, such as trash shredders, grain elevators, and enclosed areas where oxygen and combustible material may be present in the necessary proportions to feed a fire of such rapid propagation as to result in explosive proportions resulting in damage to the structure forming the enclosure. The system comprises devices distributed about the enclosing structure to sense a flame as well as a sudden rise in pressure and set off a fire and explosion suppressing system which operates to flood the enclosed area with an agent capable of quenching the flame causing the pressure rise, and programmable monitoring control circuits for operating the system and all of its components during the time when a pressure rise signals the development of an explosion, and following the suppression of an explosion.

Abstract: Suppression apparatus comprises a plurality of pressurized containers of fire extinguishing material arranged in the troop and/or engine compartment of an armored vehicle, the containers having pressure sensors which provide output indications of their operability and their discharge. In rapid response to an alarm indication and to the output indications, logic circuitry initially selects at least one container indicated to be operable, actuates this container to discharge its extinguishing material and, in the absence of an ouput indication of its discharge, actuates an additional container for discharge of extinguishing material therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring fire and effecting indication and control operations comprises a matrix monitoring signal line network comprising vertical lines and horizontal lines. A plurality of sensing blocks are connected between vertical lines and horizontal lines of the network. Each of the sensing blocks comprises a sensor connected to a power supply. A monitoring circuit having a switch controlled by the sensor and a diode of forward direction in series with the switch is connected between the respective vertical line and horizontal line of the network. An operating circuit connected in parallel with the monitoring circuit comprises a relay connected in series with a second diode of reverse direction. The horizontal lines and vertical lines of the network are sequentially scanned by a circuit including a counter and demultiplexer.

Abstract: Sponge iron pellets resulting from gaseous direct reduction of iron ore are stored in bins which include heat monitoring devices which activate at a predetermined temperature, an inert gas supply that distributes cooling fluid into the bins to provide for cooling of the same.

Abstract: A heat responsive fire extinguishing system including at least one delivery tube having a plurality of strategically spaced apart openings directed towards the area to be protected, each of the openings being closed by a plug of a suitable material having relatively low temperature fusion points, and wherein a flexible tensioned trigger line operable by the existance of an above normal ambient temperature to open and release a spring tensioned or gravity operated valve to direct a flow of a suitable pressurized fire extinguishing material into the delivery tube and wherein the plugs, exposed to the above normal ambient temperature, will be softened and blown out of the tube holes by the pressure forces of the fire extinguishing material in the tube to discharge fire extinguishing material through the holes to supress or extinguish any surrounding flames.

Abstract: A safety trash container for disposal of cigars, cigarettes, papers and the like, comprising in combination a receptacle having an opening at one end and a closure member adapted to fit the opening. Structure is provided within the receptacle for mounting the closure member for movement between an open position wherein the opening of the receptacle is exposed and accessible for deposit of trash, and a closed position wherein the opening is substantially sealed off. A heat responsive mechanism is also provided within the receptacle, for sensing a rise in its internal temperature due to inadvertent ignition of the contents thereof, and a powered operator device is associated with the mounting structure for the closure member and connected with the latter for advancing it to its closed position in response to operation of the heat-responsive mechanism, thereby sealing off the receptacle opening and confining and smothering any flames resulting from a fire occurring therein.

Abstract: A soda-acid fire extinguisher system reacts to the sensing of a fire in a building and starts a chemical reaction inside a sealed container. The chemical reaction produces carbon dioxide and water which is piped to the fire location and is sprayed on the fire by a nozzle. The fire extinguisher may also be manually activated and a nozzle is hand-held for extinguishing the fire.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system coupled with a guarding system for the protecting same region as covered by the fire extinguishing system, and provided with at least one intrusion sensor arranged at desired locations in the region. The fire-extinguishing system is provided with at least one fire sensor arranged in the region and at least one fire extinguishing device for extinguishing a fire, and is connected to the guarding system by a warning signal transmission device provided with a logic circuit for identifying three different conditions based upon whether the fire sensor(s) detects a breakout of a fire or not and whether the intrusion sensor(s) detects an intruder or not. The above-mentioned fire extinguishing system can be further coupled with a switching device for identifying conditions with regard to whether the fire extinguishing system and the guarding system are intentionally set in a self actuatable condition or not.

Abstract: An electronic switch for use in alarm circuits in which line polarity is reversed in the actuation mode such that the electrical continuity of the circuit and the loads in the circuit may be supervised in series and upon polarity reversal the loads may be actuated in parallel. A first embodiment for Class B circuits uses three diodes to steer a current flow from the positive line to the load and back again supervising each load and a field loop in series. Upon polarity reversal, the diodes steer full terminal voltage to each load in the loop. A second embodiment for Class A circuits utilizes a transistor to short out one diode so that current may flow in either direction along one line in the event of a break in that line.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fluid disperser for a fire extinguishing system, and is specifically related to such kind of fluid dispersers which are adapted for electrical remote control. Such dispersers are provided with a striking mechanism adapted for breaking a safety device which closes the outlet for the fluid. The object of this invention is to show a construction by which it is ensured that the safety device is always fractured even by the use of a relatively weak striking mechanism and it is further the purpose of this invention to ensure that the path for the extinguishant is kept free after the fracturing of the safety device. For this purpose a displaceable striking pin and a loose counter-rest is used in connection with the striking mechanism so that the striking pin and the counter-rest will fall down as soon as the safety device is fractured thereby leaving the desired free passage for the extinguishant.

Abstract: A fire protection system of the type having a plurality of electrically activatable, parallel coupled fire suppressant units each having a bridge wire type initiating element, produces significantly improved reliability by providing each of the units with an electrically active portion for continuously monitoring the electrical continuity of the associated bridge wire and a discrete capacitive portion for storing an independent, electrical supply of the actuating power therefor, thereby eliminating the dependency of the units on a single, central electrical power supply source while also allowing continuity monitoring of each bridge wire, even though the latter are continuously coupled in parallel relationship with each other.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fire suppression mechanism for a military tracked vehicle. The mechanism includes a number of relatively small cylindrical pressure vessels, each having a floating piston that separates the respective cylinder into 2 chambers. Vaporizable liquid fire suppressant material (such as C Br F.sub.3) occupies one chamber; an inert pressurized gas such as nitrogen occupies the other chamber. An electrically-controlled valve at one end of each cylinder can be remotely triggered open to enable fire suppressant vapor to be discharged from the cylinder under the driving force provided by the pressure of the inert gas; the floating piston shifts along the cylinder as the vapor is discharged from the cylinder toward the developing fireball within the vehicle. Each cylinder is oriented in a horizontal prone position at a central point in the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for instantaneous response and control of an aircraft and/or airfield fire. An array of fire retardant nozzles interconnected to a fire retardant supply system is provided alongside a runway of an airport and interconnected with a computerized control network for remote actuation thereof. A series of different types of sensors is provided in conjunction with the retardant nozzle system for detecting heat of the type produced from an aircraft and/or runway fire or incident and permitting fire retardant response thereto. The sensors are constructed in conjunction with orientation and angulation drive systems for positioning the separate fire-retardant nozzles in a configuration for spraying fire retardant upon the selected combustion. The system is provided with a smoke and fume evacuation system for use in conjunction therewith whereby toxic by-products of aircraft fire may be removed from the vicinity of the fire hazard.

Abstract: In a warehouse having a plurality of framed storage rack structures arranged parallel along a first coordinate axis to define parallel lanes, each of the structures includes a plurality of columns horizontally spaced along a second coordinate axis and a plurality of racks vertically spaced along a third coordinate axis so that a plurality of storage locations are defined and addressable in terms of the positions on the first, second and third coordinate axes. A first plurality of fire sensors are provided in the storage rack structures to indicate the position of a fire in terms of the first and second coordinate axes. A remote-controlled load-handling structure is provided for each lane for carrying an article to a selected storage location in response to a command signal delivered from a central console through a communication link. A second plurality of fire sensors are mounted on the load-handling structure in positions corresponding to the vertically spaced storage locations.

Abstract: Exhaust system control apparatus operative to automatically close a damper in an exhaust duct leading from a spray booth when the spray booth is not in operation. A reversible damper motor is energized to rotate the damper to an open position when the spray booth is in operation. The damper motor is automatically reversed to close the damper in response to termination of spray booth operation. Energy is thus conserved by reducing the amount of heated air that would otherwise escape through the exhaust duct when the spray booth is not being used.In case of fire, the same damper is automatically rotated to a closed position in the exhaust duct by a spring loaded sprocket assembly on the damper shaft. This safety action takes place in response to the melting of a fusible link located in the exhaust duct and connected to a sprocket retention cable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for instantaneous response, evacuation and control of a fire in a conventional multi-story building, having substantial side wall portions formed of glass or brick. A suspendable and/or connectable personnel platform is provided with telescoping fire suppressant nozzles adapted for coupling to a fire suppressant supply system constructed in the corners and/or side walls of a building. A computerized control network facilitates fire detection and remote actuation of the system and positioning of the platform at the necessary building level. The platform includes a cage for the protection of the evacuees of the particular floor of the building being serviced. In addition, the platform includes a horizontal supply line which couples to the building fire suppressant supply system for permitting the telescoping nozzles to spray the subject combustion.

Abstract: An electric circuit for energizing a fire-suppressing foam generator includes a switch that is opened and closed by means operated by electric control circuits, one of which contains a pair of laterally spaced lower electric probe contacts mounted in the protected area and adapted to be bridged by a rising level of foam to close that circuit. The other control circuit contains a pair of laterally spaced upper electric probe contacts above the level of the lower contacts and adapted to be bridged by a rising level of foam to close the last-mentioned control circuit.

Abstract: An electrical fire protection system including a plurality of extinguishant filled suppressor units activatable by explosive squibs connected in series. In response to the detection of an abnormal condition associated with fires, a control circuit initiates an activating current flow that detonates the explosive squibs and induces release of the extinguishant from the suppressor units. A supervisory current supply establishes through the series connected squibs, a constant level of supervisory current flow that is insufficient to induce detonation of the squibs but establishes a detectable voltage drop thereacross. In response to the detection of an abnormally high voltage level across the series connected squibs, a switching circuit switches the squibs from a series to a parallel circuit relationship.

Abstract: A method and system for extinguishing fires in large buildings containing a plurality of fire fighting sections wherein a fire occurring in any of the fire fighting sections is detected to signal a central control panel which produces a warning in that section indicating to occupants that they should quickly leave, the fire fighting section in which the fire occurred being shut tight by fire doors or the like a predetermined time after the warning is provided and after the occupants have escaped.

Abstract: A fire protection system for several zones of protection utilizes an expensive extinguishing agent and directs the extinguishing agent only to a zone in which a sensing device indicates the presence of a fire thus enabling the supply of the extinguishing agent to be delivered only to the fire zone and avoiding the necessity of charging the remainder of the system.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to improvement in a fire extinguishing system which is arranged and constructed to cover a room area with a mist spray. The improvement herein consists in providing each room, as in a house, with a unitary ceiling perimeter molding, the molding being formed to have a passage therethrough, the room facing portion of said molding having small apertures therethrough to pass a mist spray of water into the room, a pressurized water supply running to said passage, a valve controlling said water supply running to said passage, and sensors opening said valve at a temperature indicating the presence of a fire and closing said valve at a temperature indicating the fire has been put out.

Abstract: A fire curtain constituted by two nets of nonflammable material is stored in a container on the ceiling and hangs therefrom as soon as a fire starts. Simultaneously, a mixture of water and a bubbling agent in the form of fine bubbles is flown down the curtain to check the spread of flame and smoke. Any section where a fire starts can be isolated from neighboring sections by means of a plurality of such fire curtains. Made of soft, flexible material, the curtain used neither injures a person upon closure nor prevents him from escaping to safer places.

Abstract: This invention relates to systems for clearing smoke from buildings when a fire occurs therein. Smoke detectors are provided in communal units in the building and means are provided for maintaining the pressure in accommodation units of the building above that in the communal units under normal conditions, so that there is a flow of air from the accommodation units to the communal units through the cracks in the doorways separating the accommodation units from the communal units. This flow of air ensures that, if a fire occurs in any one of the accommodation units, smoke will be carried into one of the communal units where it will be detected by one of the smoke detectors. When smoke is detected, conditions are reversed, so that the pressure in the communal units is maintained above that in the accommodation units. As a result, there will be a flow of air from the communal units to the accommodation units, once again through the cracks in the doorways.

Abstract: Fire protection apparatus having a conduit formed internally with longitudinally continuous compartments for conveying water or fire-extinguishing gas or foam, and spray nozzles spaced along the conduit and each connected to a different compartment thereof. Combustion detectors are arranged in each of the areas adjacent to the conduit which are covered by the spray from the nozzles and operate a control system selectively supplying fluid to a compartment of the conduit when a fire hazard is detected, so as to supply the particular nozzle or nozzles covering the area where the fire hazard has arisen. An extensive network of piping is avoided and the apparatus can be installed inconspicuously and without the need for robust jointing, sealing and supporting fittings.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use in the method of conserving energy by operating a ventilating and air conditioning system in a high rise building in a manner to permit operation of a heating and cooling unit at a reduced percentage of full capacity while adequately heating or cooling the atmosphere within the building. The method is accomplished by cycling area air supply and return dampers between fully-open and intermediate-open positions to selected floors or parts of floors within the building. The dampers are cyclically operated by electro-pneumatic actuators which are operatively connected to a central control apparatus for cycling according to a pre-determined pattern.

Abstract: A fire and smoke free stairway in the event of fire in high rise buildings can be maintained by developing a velocity pressure of air through the fire doorway, from the fire stairway each time the door is opened during evacuation and without pressurizing the stairway significantly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fire protection system including a plurality of suppressor modules, each having a plurality of extinguishing agent filled suppressor units, an activator associated with each of the units and activatable by electrical current flow to induce release of its extinguishing agent, a series circuit connecting the activators in series, and an initiator circuit for initiating electrical current flow to the activators. A detector responds to the presence of combustion products by activating the initiator circuits in a first plurality of the modules. Also responsive to activation of the initiator circuits in each of the first plurality of modules is a response relay that closes contacts to activate the initiator circuits in another plurality of modules. This in turn energizes additional response relays to close contacts that activate the initiator circuits in an additional plurality of the modules.

Abstract: A process for the automatic reporting and extinguishing of fires and an automatic fire reporting and extinguishing system capable of performing such process are provided. The process uses at least two different types of fire reporting devices and requires a signal from each type of device in order to respond by releasing extinguishing agent. This requirement eliminates many false alarms and unnecessary releasing of extinguishing agent. According to the process extinguishing agent is released in a predetermined quantity and then a check is made to determine whether the fire has been extinguished. If the fire is not extinguished, another quantity of extinguishing agent, equal to the first, is released. Succeeding quantities of extinguishing agent are released until the fire is extinguished or the extinguishing agent is spent.

Abstract: A system for locking the doors of a trash chute located within a multi-story structure. A beam of radiant energy extends the length of the chute to a receiver, and upon interruption of the beam by blockage of the chute, the receiver transmits a signal to a detector which in turn energizes locking means to lock all entries to the trash chute until the blockage has been removed. Fire-sensing means and a source of water to flood the chute are also utilized should the blockage catch fire before being removed.

Abstract: An automatic fire prevention system provides failsafe features as well as the capability of checking the operation of associated fire sensors. Multiple fire sensors, including thermal and optical types, are continually checked by a test circuit which simulates fire conditions. Detection of an actual fire causes an automatic control circuit, after a predetermined time delay, to activate a fire extinguishing device such as a dry powder chemical extinguisher. Logic circuitry distinguishes between true fires and fires simulated by the aforementioned test circuit. An operator can by-pass the automatic activation of the fire extinguishing device by means of a manual switch during the time delay period and can also manually discharge the fire extinguisher. Applications include the protection of mine haulage trucks so as to provide automatic fire extinguisher activation, continued self-checking and manual override features for a driver.

Abstract: A fire protection apparatus, particularly for liquid fuel containers which are carried in aircraft or other vehicles, comprises a pressure transducer for producing an electrical output upon sensing a pressure change of predetermined magnitude in a liquid, a source of fire extinguishant, an actuator for discharging the fire extinguishant from the source of fire extinguishant, and a self-energized repeater adapted to respond to the output of the pressure transducer and to generate a signal for operating the actuator to discharge fire extinguishant from the source.

Abstract: A protection system for use in the detection of smoke etc. from one or more of a plurality of locations and the subsequent release of an extinguishant into these locations comprising a control unit including pump, sensing equipment and extinguishant in fluid connection with a plurality of sensing tubes in a pre-arranged distribution network with the open ends of the tubes extending into the locations to be protected; during operation air from the locations being protected is sucked through the sensing tube network and into the control unit where it is analyzed by the sensing equipment. Upon detection of contaminated air the sensing side of the system is sealed off and extinguishant automatically made to flow through the same distribution network to the location being protected.

Abstract: A fire protection system including a plurality of suppressor units activatable to suppress a detected fire; a plurality of electrical current responsive activators, one associated with each of the suppressor units and adapted to induce activation thereof; a control circuit connecting the activators in series and including an actuator for initiating activating current flow to the activators; and an auxiliary circuit for connecting the activators parallel in response to the initiation of activating current flow by the actuator, the auxiliary circuit including a plurality of electronic switches, one connected between the supply and each of the junctions between each pair of series connected activators.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system includes a container of extinguishing agent and a valve for controlling the discharge of the extinguishing agent. The discharge control valve is opened and closed by a pneumatic cylinder operated by pressurized gas through a solenoid-actuated directional control valve. The solenoid of the directional control valve is coupled with a pneumatic timing relay actuated by a temperature sensor. With this arrangement, a pre-determined amount of extinghishing agent is discharged from the container and delivered to the hazard area and then the discharge shut-off. The discharge cycle is repeated, if necessary, until the fire is extinguished. The system is then automatically reset and ready to deliver further extinguishing agent on demand. The system also includes manual or automatic means for purging the delivery line downstream of the discharge control valve.