With Specific Extinguishant Applying Means, Or Means For Providing Access To Fire Patents (Class 169/70)
  • Patent number: 7614456
    Abstract: A flexible, frangible bladder for the receipt of water and/or fire retardant, the bladder of sufficient size to contain a sufficient amount of such water and/or fire retardant, the bladder being positionable in a retaining member positioned on an aircraft, the retaining member selectively moveable so as to release the bladder onto a desired location in a wild fire, the bladder bursting upon impact, and spreading the water and/or fire retardant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Twum
  • Patent number: 7611075
    Abstract: A novel aerial boom system for use atop a vehicle and having linear movement sensors associated with hydraulic cylinders for moving lower and upper booms such that a microprocessor associated with the system can determine the instantaneous position of each boom and coordinate movement of the booms with respect to each other and with the vehicle to prevent undesired contact and to gradually decelerate boom movement as the boom approaches its limits to avoid shock from sudden stop of boom movement. When the novel system is used with a fire fighting vehicle, two variably spaced, independently controllable, fluid discharge nozzles can be used to fight one or two separate and distinct fires simultaneously. A piercing nozzle can be associated with the outer end of the upper boom that is independently controllable in both the vertical plane and in the horizontal direction to enable piercing of a wall independent of boom movement to assist penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventors: Robert G. Relyea, Grady C. North
  • Publication number: 20090266567
    Abstract: The invention comprises a fire retarding device including a tarp or similar material impregnated with a fire retardant substance, cables, and a means for delivering the tarp to the site of a fire, such as one or more helicopters. The fire retarding device may include a flap of material for firefighters to use as a refuge and tie-downs to secure one or more portion of the tarp to a tree or other structure. The tarp may include pockets or pouches filled with ballast material to assist in the deployment of the tarp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: John E. Musser, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090250231
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, equipment for making holes by cutting in walls etc. is disclosed in case of fire in spaces in buildings etc. for fire fighting. The equipment includes a vehicle-mounted pressure source for pressurised extinguishing liquid, a lance carried by the operator with his hands and provided with an extinguishing nozzle, and a tubing between the pressure source and the extinguishing nozzle for supplying the extinguishing liquid. The extinguishing liquid flows as a jet out of the extinguishing nozzle and towards the wall etc. to cut the wall for making the hole and, when cutting through, be injected into the space on fire and extinguish the fire. The equipment also includes a vessel carried by the operator on his back and containing an additive, the vessel being connected to the extinguishing nozzle for regulated supply of the additive to the extinguishing liquid for improving the cutting and/or extinguishing effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Lars G. Larsson
  • Publication number: 20090250232
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for treating a fire in a multi-floored building where the fire is located on an upper floor vertically displaced from a lower floor from which the fire is treated, and where the upper and lower floors each have a selectively openable environmental access along an external wall of the multi-floored building. The improved apparatus includes a tubular structure having an inlet, an intermediate portion, and an outlet and a bracing system. The bracing system has a frame, a first pivot point, and a second pivot point. The frame provides support against a sturdy surface. The tubular structure is supported on the first pivot point and rotates thereon to elevate or hoist the outlet towards the upper floor environmental access. The tubular structure is further supported on a second pivot point and further rotates thereon to elevate the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Wielgat, Daniel J. Kegg
  • Publication number: 20090223682
    Abstract: Those are new lines with new equipment, compounds, methods to provide immediate answers for the extinction of fires of any magnitude. The containers or Capsules herein proposed are defined as Fire Extinction Flexible Capsules (22), Fire Extinction Hard Containers (22-A), Fire Extinction Hard Spherical Containers (22-B), Refractory Fire Extinction Articulated Container (113), Special Fire Extinction Articulated Container (113-A), and Fire Extinction Mortars (96), and/or Fire Extinction Bottle-type Container (96-A). All pieces of equipment proposed will be deployed on aircrafts (97-B) or on Helicopters (97, 97-A) hovering and specially equipped to run the applications, as well as specially equipped land vehicles. The aircrafts can be provided with systems or guiding devices to guarantee target route accuracy for the extinction of forest, urban, and/or technical fires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Ramatis Piscirilli Ramos
  • Publication number: 20090205845
    Abstract: A method for extinguishing fires includes the steps of loading an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) onto a transport aircraft and carrying the UAV to an altitude and location in proximity to a fire area. The UAV is launched from the transport aircraft and guided over the fire area using controllable fixed or deployable aerodynamic structures operably connected to the UAV. Once over the appropriate location, the UAV releases fire extinguishing or retardant material onto the fire or anticipated fire path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Fire Termination Equipment, Incorporated
    Inventor: John A. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20090178814
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extinguishing a smouldering fire in a silo by introducing inert gas into the silo. The inert gas is introduced through a venturi-type nozzle above the stored content in the silo with a slow streaming velocity in such a way that mass ratio of the entrained surrounding gas to the incoming liquid inert gas is between 0.5 and 20. Thus a closed inert gas layer is formed above the smouldering fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Michael HEISEL, Ron Clark Lee
  • Patent number: 7540118
    Abstract: Fireblocking device for preventing transfer of fire through ventilating apertures or similar passages, in openings for thermal fire ventilation, in ventilation ducts, in process plants or in vented facade exteriors, in vented fire blankets, vented fire protective curtains or vented protective screens against explosions. The device includes a combination of a heat absorbing and heat storing body, and an element which includes and/or adsorbs and intumescent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Securo AS
    Inventor: Geir Jensen
  • Publication number: 20090114405
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement using compressed-air foam for the stationary fire fighting of burning matter of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional form, in particular in road tunnels, in which method the compressed-air foam produced by a foam generator is delivered to the extinguishing area concerned by means of a main compressed-air foam pipeline and is discharged there in a distributed manner by means of a manifold pipe system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: SOGEPI S.A.
    Inventors: Dirk Schmitz, Michael Rudzok, Steven Rodenhuis, Tino Kruger, Gunter Dorau
  • Patent number: 7516908
    Abstract: The present invention may be used for discharging a fire retardant material. A container element may be connected to a pressurized gas source controllable to pressurize the container element and to flow a gas and fire retardant material mixture through a discharge conduit. A discharge device may be connected at an inlet to the discharge conduit. The discharge device may have an inlet duct attached to an inlet end of an expansion section. The expansion section may be connected to an inlet end of an outlet duct having an outlet nozzle. A diffuser may be disposed in the inlet duct and an upstream portion and may be attached in the upstream portion. The diffuser may have a nose element attached by a diffuser shaft to a base element with a rotor element having multiple vanes rotatably attached to the diffuser shaft intermediate the nose and base elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: George E. Sack
  • Patent number: 7510022
    Abstract: A fire-suppression system for use in an aircraft having at least one cargo compartment is disclosed. Methods of suppressing a fire in the cargo compartment are also disclosed. The fire-suppression system, under one aspect of the present invention, can include at least one fire-suppressant vessel, at least one discharge conduit coupled to the at least one fire-suppressant vessel, and a valve arrangement coupled to the fire-suppressant vessel and the discharge conduit. The valve arrangement can have a first setting to discharge a fire suppressant at a first discharge rate after activation of the fire-suppression system, a second setting to discharge the fire-suppressant at a second discharge rate less than the first discharge rate, and a third setting to discharge the fire-suppressant at a third discharge rate greater than the second discharge rate during descent of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Anthony K. Lazzarini
  • Publication number: 20090071665
    Abstract: The system contains a plurality of conduit segments and at least one electrically-powered pump. At least one conduit connector joins the conduit segments and the electrically-powered pumps, thereby mating at least one fluid path. A plurality of electric power wires are coupled with the conduit segments and connected to the electrically-powered electric pumps. At least one electrical connector, within said conduit connectors, mates corresponding electric power wires between the conduit segments. An electric power source electrically connected to the electrically-powered pump via the electric power wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Publication number: 20090050339
    Abstract: A fire suppression device for attachment to a tree, comprising a tree topper, a smoke and/or flame detection device, an electronic and/or mechanical triggering/actuation device, an extension tube for the transfer of fire suppression material, a reservoir such as a handheld fire extinguisher for extinguishing material including an apparatus for interfacing with the reservoir, and an electrical support system and backup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Charles A. Calabrese
  • Patent number: 7484567
    Abstract: Delivery of pelletized carbon dioxide (dry ice) to a target material such as a hazardous material or a fire from a distance, by projection, spraying, or aerial dropping the pelletized carbon dioxide onto the target material using gravity. Delivery may be made by a mobile apparatus. The types of target material with which the present invention is designed to apply may include, e.g., hydrocarbon material, hazardous material, burning material, and the like. The carbon dioxide may be pelletized to diameters in a size range of about 3 mm to 100 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Cryo Response, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert F. Demange, Christoper J. Noël, Gerald P. Zeilhofer
  • Publication number: 20090000795
    Abstract: A fire-fighting monitor includes a base, an outlet, and a plurality of jointed hollow members forming a flexible body. The hollow members are pivotably coupled together and extend between the base and the outlet to provide a flexible fluid path. A base-end hollow member is coupled to the base, and an outlet-end hollow member is coupled to the outlet. Each of the hollow members has a ball portion and a socket portion, with the socket portions adapted to receive the ball portions and form a seal therebetween. Optionally, a drive unit may be incorporated into the base for rotatably driving the fire-fighting monitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: ELKHART BRASS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Nathaniel Combs, Todd Brian Lozier
  • Patent number: 7467666
    Abstract: Delivery of pelletized carbon dioxide (dry ice) to a target material from a distance, by projection, spraying, or aerial dropping the pelletized carbon dioxide onto the target material using gravity. Delivery may be made by a mobile apparatus. The types of target material with which the present invention is designed to apply may include, e.g., hydrocarbon material, hazardous material, burning material, and the like. The carbon dioxide may be pelletized to diameters in a size range of about 3 mm to 100 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Cryo Response, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert F. De Mange, Christopher J. Noel, Gerald P. Zeilhofer
  • Publication number: 20080271901
    Abstract: A compact mobile fire attack vehicle detachably mounted to an emergency vehicle. The compact mobile fire attack vehicle is intended to be mountable to the rear end of a fire truck. In response to an emergency call, the mobile fire attack vehicle can be quickly disengaged and deployed to the fire. Likewise, after the emergency has been mitigated, the mobile fire attack vehicle can be quickly and conveniently be re-mounted to the fire truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Gordon Michael DECKER
  • Patent number: 7431100
    Abstract: A fire fighting tool includes an elongated hollow cylindrical nozzle having a plurality of openings surrounding the nozzle, a tubular member and a coupling for connecting the tubular member to a hose. The tool also includes a mounting member for positioning the nozzle within an interior of a structure. The mounting member includes a base, an upper member and a pair of rotatable clamping members adjustably mounted on the mounting member for engaging inner and outer surfaces of a wall. The mounting member and nozzle extend through an opening in the wall for spraying water or other fire suppressant onto the fire. The tool also includes a rotatable heat shield for protecting a fireman from heat and smoke and a handle for carrying the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Zafer J. Al-Osaimi
  • Publication number: 20080217032
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stationary fire-fighting system comprising an extinguisher fluid storage, a pipe between the extinguisher fluid storage and at least one extinguisher fog nozzle, and a high-pressure pump generating a high-pressure in the pipe. In order to put the stationary fire-fighting system to an additional use, it is proposed that cleaning means, which are connected to the pipe by a junction, are provided in such a manner that extinguisher fluid, via the junction in the cleaning means, can be utilized for cleaning surfaces, the high-pressure pump generating a pressure of over 40 bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: FOGTEC BRANDSCHUTZ GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Dirk Sprakel
  • Publication number: 20080202775
    Abstract: Characterized in that in a first stage are loaded or produced on board in a mother aircraft at least a product or mixed of products to act on forest fires, pests or atmospheric phenomena; in a second stage the said product is stored in a glider container with gliding flight ability and equipped with a precision guidance system; in a third stage the glider container is dropped from the mother aircraft and guided towards the release point of the load; in a fourth stage the glider container releases of its interior the load of product on the release point, and in a fifth stage the glider container is recovered for a following reusing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Luis Maria Bordallo Alvarez
  • Patent number: 7416030
    Abstract: A mechanical time delay apparatus for creating a time delay between a pneumatic inlet for connection to a source of pressurized gas and a pneumatic outlet includes a primary pneumatic flow path from the inlet to the outlet. A movable gate is associated with the primary pneumatic flow path and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The gate is urged by a biasing force to the closed position. In the closed position, the gate is disposed to block a flow of gas through the primary pneumatic flow path. In the open position, the gate permits such flow. The time delay apparatus further includes an accumulation chamber in communication with the gate for a gas pressure within the accumulation chamber to urge the gate against the biasing force to the open position when the gas pressure exceeds a threshold pressure. A secondary pneumatic flow path extends the inlet to the accumulation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Kidde Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Lawrence Lupien, Peter Karalis
  • Publication number: 20080149355
    Abstract: Fire extinguishing and oil and gas well recovery system, which is particularly suitable for use in oil and petrochemical mining, characterised in that it comprises a detailed sequence of operations that are performed by means of a special caterpillar vehicle that can move safely over difficult terrain or through the desert. The vehicle can be used to approach the well while guaranteeing the safety of individuals, to position the explosive charge and detonate it for the subsequent recovery of the well. The special vehicle is equipped with an articulated arm, which together with a jib crane can handle any type of element, a front hydraulic shovel; rear motorisation, a control cabin and several pressurised water canons. The whole unit is heat-protected by means of special thermal insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Francisco Joven Marco
  • Publication number: 20080099212
    Abstract: A firefighting system for use on a firefighting truck includes a telescoping support frame, a telescoping arm connected to the telescoping support frame, a water pipe extension to extend the telescoping arm, and a spinning nozzle positioned at an end of the water pipe extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Ted-Xuan Do
  • Patent number: 7341113
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes an apparatus and a method for fire suppression including the utilization of an explosive composition layered between a fire suppressant panel such as, for example, a powder panel and another fixed structure such as, for example, a fuel tank dry bay wall. Upon impact or other means of detonation the explosive composition effects the rupture of a large number of frangible cells in the panel, dispersing the fire suppressant substance, thereby extinguishing or preventing fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Stephen Fallis, Joseph A. Manchor, Gary W Meyers
  • Publication number: 20080053668
    Abstract: A fire fighting tool includes an elongated hollow cylindrical nozzle having a plurality of openings surrounding the nozzle, a tubular member and a coupling for connecting the tubular member to a hose. The tool also includes a mounting member for positioning the nozzle within an interior of a structure. The mounting member includes a base, an upper member and a pair of rotatable clamping members adjustably mounted on the mounting member for engaging inner and outer surfaces of a wall. The mounting member and nozzle extend through an opening in the wall for spraying water or other fire suppressant onto the fire. The tool also includes a rotatable heat shield for protecting a fireman from heat and smoke and a handle for carrying the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Zafer J. Al-Osaimi
  • Patent number: 7334644
    Abstract: A method for forming a barrier to seal off a remote chamber includes the steps of: forming a borehole that communicates between a first location and the remote chamber; inserting a conduit through the borehole to extend into the remote chamber; introducing a flowable material through the conduit to the remote chamber and dispensing the flowable material from the conduit to the desired location for the barrier, the flowable material upon being dispensed producing a substantially solid, self-sustaining composition; maintaining dispensing the flowable material to produce a sufficient quantity of the self-sustaining composition to form the barrier to seal the remote chamber, while ensuring that the composition does not block the borehole from communicating between the first location and the remote chamber; and thereafter removing the conduit to allow access to the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Alden Ozment
  • Patent number: 7331401
    Abstract: Fire that has started in an enclosed space in an aircraft is smothered by closing or at least partly closing any air flow inlet and any air flow outlet of the enclosed space in response to a temperature rise caused by a fire in the enclosed space such as a toilet or crew quarters, galley cabinets, or the like. For this purpose fireproof, intumescent material is installed next to and along any apertures or openings in the enclosed space. When the temperature in the enclosed space exceeds the expansion temperature of the fireproof intumescent material the material expands into these apertures, thereby sealing or at least partly sealing these apertures, whereby air and thus oxygen access to the fire is reduced or even prevented, thereby smothering the fire. Preferably a guide surface guides the expanding intumescent material into the apertures or openings at least when the expansion starts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Axel Bobenhausen
  • Patent number: 7306045
    Abstract: A multi-stage fluid power turbine having application as a fire extinguisher to be ideally carried by a fire truck (e.g., a tanker or a pumper) so as to fight outdoor fires. An impeller and a propeller are located at one end of the fire extinguisher, and a fan is located at the opposite end. The propeller and the fan are mounted on a common inner shaft so as to rotate in a first direction. The impeller is mounted on a hollow outer shaft or tube that surrounds the inner shaft. The impeller includes a plurality of curved blades, each of which having a fluid duct running therethrough. Water under pressure being supplied from a source to the impeller blades is ejected from the fluid ducts thereof and thrust against the blades of the propeller, whereby to impart a rotational force to the propeller and a corresponding rotational force to the fan. The water ejected from the curved impeller blades causes the impeller to rotate in an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Saeed M. Moflihi
  • Publication number: 20070215364
    Abstract: Described herein is a fire-extinguishing method of a pool fire utilizing water mists, wherein the water mists are discharged so as to surround the flame base portion of a pool fire virtually without a gap, directed not to the burning surface and the flame base portion directly, but to any of positions of the flame center axis from a plurality of positions on the side of the burning surface, while water mists are being discharged toward the flame center axis above the flame base portion from a plurality of positions above the burning surface, so that the fire is extinguished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: Eiichi Murai, Akihiko Ito
  • Patent number: 7264062
    Abstract: A remotely operably vehicle includes a body defining a cavity therebeneath and further includes a mechanism for remotely propelling the vehicle during operating conditions and a mechanism for remotely discharging fluids outwardly from the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a mechanism for remotely discharging fire retardant in a concentrated path outwardly and away from the vehicle. The fire retardant discharging mechanism includes a powder reservoir isolated from the central water reservoir. The vehicle further includes a video surveillance mechanism for remotely capturing images surrounding the target zone such that the operator can monitor the target zone from a safe and remote location. A central processing unit bears software instructions for causing the vehicle to perform a series of predetermined operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Edgardo Ham
  • Patent number: 7261165
    Abstract: A housing unit includes two parts that define a fire-smothering chemical storing interior volume. The housing unit is transported to a target area of a forest fire by an aircraft and dropped onto the target area. An explosive charge is located inside the housing unit and is detonated when the housing unit impacts the ground. The explosion associated with the detonated charge separates the two parts of the housing and disperses the chemical from the open housing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Benjamin Black
  • Patent number: 7228916
    Abstract: Explosion suppresant container, for use in suppression of deflagrative explosions and other like events involving combustion associated with rapidly moving gases, comprising a container which, in use, contains suppressant, an outlet through which suppressant can exit the container progressively and be atomised into droplets and an inlet thorugh which air can enter the container and the shape of said container being such that, in use, the pressure of the explosion wind in the region of the outlet is less than that in the region of the inlet so that suppressant is driven out of the outlet into the explosion wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: The University of Sheffield
    Inventors: Clive Adrian Catlin, Bruce Carmichael Robertson Ewan
  • Patent number: 7210537
    Abstract: A forest fire is brought under control and extinguished through the use of ordnance to create a fire break. The fire break location is chosen along a front in the direction of travel of the fire. Ordnance is used to quickly knock down trees and other potential fuel for the fire. The fuel is then removed from the fire break. A back burn is optionally used to further create a fire break. The back burn is ignited using ordnance. Mop-up operations make use of ordnance to expose and disperse smoldering fuels by exploding hot spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Steven D. McNeil
  • Patent number: 7147062
    Abstract: A fire fighting monitor includes a stationary element and a rotating element for directing a water stream at variable trajectories. Electrical components, such as drive motors, are mounted on the rotating element and are connected to electrical sources remote from the monitor. A wire management system is provided for the monitor that protects the electrical wiring while accommodating relative rotation between the stationary and rotating elements of the monitor. In one embodiment, the wire management system includes a two-piece wiring skirt with a first portion connected to the stationary element and a second portion connected to the rotating element. The two portions define a circumferential channel and associated openings for passage of a wiring cable. The cable incorporates a 180° bend within the channel that travels around the channel as the cable coils and un-coils within the channels of the two portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Task Force Tips, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Kolacz, Robert W. Steingass
  • Patent number: 7140449
    Abstract: The invention employs a blower of the type used by commercial landscapers. The device has an engine mounted on a frame. Shoulder straps attached to the frame allow the user to wear the device on his back leaving the hands of the operator free to operate other tools such as a chain saw or perform other tasks. Also, wearing the device on the back makes it easier to transport the device over long distances to the source of the fire or backfire to be started. The device's blower generates a stream of air at high speeds. This stream of air can be used to feed a fire when the air is directed at a fire. When used to extinguish a fire, air from the blower is tapped from a point 180 degrees removed from the blower output and mixed with exhaust from the engine. This mixture is diverted through a Y-shaped valve into the airstream coming out of the blower. When the device is used to start backfires a fire is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Edwin D. Ebner
  • Patent number: 7137456
    Abstract: An articulated fire truck (T) has an extendible and retractable boom (11) mounted on the truck and extendible to a height above the ground where a fire is burning within a building (B). A drill assembly (1) is affixed to the end of the boom for drilling through a sidewall of the building into the building's interior. The drill assembly is maneuverable to drill straight through the sidewall as well as up and down and sideways so to provide an opening into the interior of the building sufficiently large that a nozzle attached to the drill assembly can readily spray water or a fire retardant material into the interior to extinguish the fire. The drill assembly has drill bits (100) located completely about the circumference of the drill assembly to facilitate up-and-down and side-to-side cutting to more quickly penetrate into the building's interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: Linnie L. Moses
  • Patent number: 7104336
    Abstract: The method of the invention comprises the steps of proportioning a foam concentrate into a non-flammable liquid to form a foam concentrate/liquid mixture and creating a flowing stream of the foam concentrate/liquid mixture. Nitrogen is introduced into the stream of the foam/liquid mixture to initiate the formation of a nitrogen expanded foam fire suppressant. In one embodiment the nitrogen is chilled below ambient temperature. The flowing stream carrying the initially nitrogen expanded foam is dispensed, which completes the full expansion of the nitrogen expanded foam fire suppressant, into the confined area involved in fire thereby to smother the fire and to substantially close off contact between combustible material involved in fire and the ambient atmosphere substantially reducing the danger of explosion or flash fires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Alden Ozment
  • Patent number: 7096965
    Abstract: The method of the invention comprises the steps of proportioning a foam concentrate into a non-flammable liquid to form a foam concentrate/liquid mixture and creating a flowing stream of the foam concentrate/liquid mixture. Nitrogen is introduced to the stream of the foam/liquid mixture to initiate the formation of a nitrogen expanded foam fire suppressant. The flowing stream carrying the initially nitrogen expanded foam is dispensed, which completes the full expansion of the nitrogen expanded foam fire suppressant, into the confined area involved in fire thereby to smother the fire and to substantially close off contact between combustible material involved in fire and the ambient atmosphere substantially reducing the danger of explosion or flash fires. The apparatus of the invention is adapted for expanding and dispensing foam and comprises a housing defining an interior through which extend a discharge line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Alden Ozment
  • Patent number: 7090029
    Abstract: A firefighting bomblet includes a container having rigid supportive walls that together define a faceted-sphere shape, a cavity disposed inside the container and defined by the walls, and an opening in one of the walls for filling the cavity with a fire retardant. The bomblet can further include a weak seam formed in one of the walls, the weak seam being adapted to be more easily ruptured than the remainder of the walls. A method for aerial firefighting includes the step of dropping at least one of the containers enclosing a fire retardant from an aircraft over a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William W. Cleary, Myles A. Rohrlick
  • Patent number: 7066274
    Abstract: A fire-suppression system for use in an aircraft having at least one cargo compartment is disclosed. Methods of suppressing a fire in the cargo compartment are also disclosed. The fire-suppression system, under one aspect of the present invention, can include at least one fire-suppressant vessel, at least one discharge conduit coupled to the at least one fire-suppressant vessel, and a valve arrangement coupled to the fire-suppressant vessel and the discharge conduit. The valve arrangement can have a first setting to discharge a fire suppressant at a first discharge rate after activation of the fire-suppression system, a second setting to discharge the fire-suppressant at a second discharge rate less than the first discharge rate, and a third setting to discharge the fire-suppressant at a third discharge rate greater than the second discharge rate during descent of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Anthony K. Lazzarini
  • Patent number: 7028783
    Abstract: In the fire location, an ambient or atmospheric air mass flow (been a gas mixture of dry air and superheated water vapor) is compressed by a compression package. A hose transports this compressed air mass flow a given distance away up to a flames site, where an arrangement of pipes, elbow accessories, throttle valves, nozzles, and a distribution manifold, conforming together a fire fight boom with a “blast-gun”, allow the operator to direct upon the flames, a high speed ambient air jet containing water droplets with a high flame front aerodynamic penetration capability, which brings about the flames blown off and remaining not burned materials combustion inhibition. Such a high speed air jet containing water droplets is generated by the compressed air mass flow expansion in a jacketed convergent-divergent nozzle, whereinto a condensation sock wave is established producing such water droplets from the local ambient air water vapor contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Armando Celorio-Villasenor
  • Patent number: 7017832
    Abstract: A piercing nozzle is disclosed having first and second elongated, hollow members connected at a connection that allows fluid to be communicated from the first member to the second member. The first member has a hose connector for attachment to a hose. The second member has a plurality of holes positioned proximate an end that penetrates a wall. An anvil is connected to the second member proximate the first end of the second member, and a piercing tip is connected to the second end of the second member. In use, the nozzle may be swung like an axe to penetrate a wall. Water or other fluid passes through interior cavities of the nozzle from the second end of the first member, through the first and second members, and out the holes in the second member, on an opposing side of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Pro-Fab, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley Nelson, Frank Michaud
  • Patent number: 7011164
    Abstract: An engine disabler spray system allows a first chase vehicle to disable a second fleeing vehicle by spraying a fire suppressant agent from the first vehicle at the second vehicle wherein the fire suppressant agent is sucked through the air intake of the second vehicle's engine and once the fire suppressant agent enters the engine, the engine is robbed of oxygen and ceases thereby. The fire suppressant agent is stored within a tank located within the trunk of the first vehicle and is discharged through nozzles located on the back of the first vehicle. The nozzles may be directionally controlled for optimum targeted spraying at the second vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: O. Alan Breazeale
  • Patent number: 6971451
    Abstract: A firefighting penetration tool for penetrating a surface and ejecting a fluid into an area on fire. The firefighting tool includes a weighted head, a planar surface area affixed to the weighted head and an interchangeable penetrating body projecting from the planar surface area. The penetrating body has a chamber leading to a plurality of apertures. A hollow handle extends from the weighted head. The hollow handle is connected to a hose connected to an extinguishing agent supply, such as a fire truck. The penetrating body is used for piercing a surface. The extinguishing agent supply pumps fluid through the hose into the handle and ejects fluid through the plurality of apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Joel T. Schmieg
  • Patent number: 6929073
    Abstract: A fire access port is mounted on a flammable material compartment juxtaposed with an access hole. A fire extinguisher nozzle is inserted through the fire port to suppress a fire from outside the compartment The fire port comprises a diaphragm of flexible, resilient material having a predetermined thickness extending between opposite primary and secondary surfaces. First and second transverse grooves extend across the diaphragm primary surface. The grooves have a maximum depth less than the diaphragm thickness, and a floor at the maximum depth, forming first and second frangible webs between each groove floor and the secondary surface. The frangible webs will rupture as the fire extinguisher nozzle is inserted through the diaphragm. An annular ring-like base member extends around the diaphragm. The base member extends from a proximal edge with a predetermined thickness for strength, outward to a distal edge having less thickness. A cylindrical wall extends annularly around the diaphragm for reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: David M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6929072
    Abstract: A device and method for inhibiting the spread of a fire to the roof of a building by placing a base supporting a sprinkler on the roof. A hose connected to the base and in fluid communication with the sprinkler provides a source of water ejected from the sprinkler onto the roof. The interior of the base may be wetted to increase its weight. A rope, normally stored on a spool removably attached to the base, may be used to reposition the base on the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Wes Brown
  • Patent number: 6840330
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for extinguishing a fire in a burning building includes a hollow, conically-shaped, hardened metallic device attached to an articulating arm of a boom. The device is provided with plural nozzles formed through its outer surface. The device is impelled from the articulating arm to impact and crash through the building adjacent the fire. Fire extinguishing fluids are supplied via the plural nozzles to extinguish the fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: David W. Lancaster
  • Publication number: 20040238186
    Abstract: A fire fighting apparatus (20) for fighting a fire (10) having a relatively large area or volume (11, 12), said apparatus including a targeting system (23) for identifying a target area to be doused with fire retardant and an ordnance (21) for discharging a multiplicity of projectiles (22) having the fire retardant contained therein (32). The ordnance of the apparatus includes at least one barrel assembly (30), said at least one barrel assembly having a barrel (39), a plurality of projectiles (35) axially disposed within the barrel for operative sealing engagement with the bore of the barrel (39), and discrete propellant charges (36) for propelling respective projectiles sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel, whereby said fire retardant is dispersed over the target area or within the target volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
  • Publication number: 20040194979
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for extinguishing a fire in a burning building includes a hollow, conically-shaped, hardened metallic device attached to an articulating arm of a boom. The device is provided with plural nozzles formed through its outer surface. The device is impelled from the articulating arm to impact and crash through the building adjacent the fire. Fire extinguishing fluids are supplied via the plural nozzles to extinguish the fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: David W. Lancaster