Abstract: A device and a method for fire extinguishing, particularly but not exclusively useful as a fire-extinguisher for vehicles, comprises a rigid tank containing an expansible water chamber for receiving a quantity of water to be used for extinguishing a fire, and an expansible air chamber for receiving pressurized air in order to pressurize the water in the water chamber; a water inlet into the water chamber for introducing water thereinto; an air inlet into the air chamber for introducing pressurized air thereinto for pressurizing the water in the water chamber; a discharge nozzle from said water chamber for discharging water therefrom in the form of a fog jet; and a control valve for controlling the discharge of water from the water chamber through the discharge nozzle.

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

Abstract: A fire control composition in particulate form and containing no water, which is particularly effective for fighting metal fires, i.e., Class D fires, and which comprises particles of crushed glass bearing a hydrophobic coating thereon so that agglomeration of the fire control composition due to adsorption of moisture during storage and use is substantially prevented and so that when applied to fire, the fire control composition forms a blanket over the fire which deprives the fire of oxygen and thereby smothers it. The composition additionally contains one or more particulate adjuvants selected from salts and/or spherulized vitreous beads, which adjuvants also bear a hydrophobic coating. Useful adjuvants include graphite particles and salts. The median grain size of the crushed glass is below 200 micrometers, preferably below 120 micrometers, for example, in the range of from 25 to 35 micrometers.

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: This invention relates to novel compositions and methods for neutralization and solidification of hazardous alkali spills. A dry particulate composition containing an organic neutralizing acid and, materials having varying adsorption rates may be used to neutralize alkaline spills, and solidify the spills to render them harmless. These compositions may be applied to the spills by fire-extinguisher-like delivery devices which spread the compositions on the spills from a relatively safe distance without splattering the hazardous materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel composition and methods for neutralization and solidification of hazardous acidic spills. A dry particulate composition of varying reaction grades of alkaline compounds and varying grades of absorptive materials may be used to neutralize and solidify acidic spills, solidify the spills and render them harmless. These compositions may be applied to the spills by fire-extinguisher-like delivery devices which spread the compositions on the spills from a relatively safe distance without splattering the hazardous material.

Abstract: Aerosol solutions for use in treating consumer goods to render them fire-proof are formulated for packaging under pressure in a valved container, and comprise a mixture of ammonium salts and an alkali metal silicate. The solution may further comprise one or more of urea, ammonium bromide, a low molecular weight alcohol, an aromatic oil, a surfactant, an acid, fragrance, etc. A method for making the solution is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device is provided which enables a carbonated beverage in a can to function as a fire extinguishant fluid. The device has a confining compartment having a bottom and a resilient sidewall, and is dimensioned to make a close-fitting gripping engagement with a standard beverage can. By squeezing the sidewall with the can in place, the can is punctured, and the emergent beverage is caused to exit through a nozzle directed above the top of the can.

Abstract: An improved mechanical control device for ball valve type valve systems operable by one hand, in which actuation of the valve ball is caused by squeezing a pair of levers, one fixed lever rigidly attached to the valve housing, the other movable lever pivotably attached to the valve housing and upon squeezing, causing a gudgeon pin to translate, which in turn causes the valve ball to rotate.

Abstract: A portable fire extinguisher designed to increase the discharge velocity and maximum throw distance of the extinguishant. A poppet type valve manually operable to open and close the extinguisher. Tappets placed outside the path of the discharging extinguishant and a smoothly finished discharge passage to provide an obstruction free discharge path. The obstruction free discharge path reduces turbulence and the resultant pressure drop in the extinguishant and increases both the discharge rate and throw distance.

Abstract: Fast-acting valve structure for rapidly evacuating a container of fire retardant material or the like comprising a pilot valve including an annular radially movable, self-centering valve seat, means for actuating the pilot valve either automatically or manually, a poppet valve, structure operably associated with the poppet valve to cause the poppet valve to be biased closed when the poppet valve is in a closed position without mechanical biasing structure, and operable to cause immediate opening of the poppet valve on initial opening of the pilot valve to permit rapid discharge of the container into a discharge manifold through structure for securing the valve structure to the container, and a resiliently mounted and sealed sleeve for guiding the poppet valve between open and closed position.

Abstract: A spraying apparatus is charged with pesticide, and optionally also pressurized, by the attachment and puncture of a pressurized container of agrochemical.