With Means Preventing Accidental Discharge, Relieving Pressure, Or Indicating Condition Within Vessel Patents (Class 169/75)
  • Patent number: 5848651
    Abstract: A portable fire extinguisher assembly includes a fire extinguisher with a tank containing fire extinguishing material, a valve for metering release of the fire extinguishing material, and a gauge displaying pressure within the tank, and a docking station in communication with the fire extinguisher. An electronic circuit in communication with the fire extinguisher and the docking station issues a signal upon detection of predetermined conditions, including at least one predetermined internal condition and at least one predetermined external condition. The fire extinguisher electronic circuit includes cooperative male and female electrical/communication connection elements defined by the fire extinguisher and docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Mija Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brendan T. McSheffrey, John J. McSheffrey, Michael R. Levenson
  • Patent number: 5816331
    Abstract: The extinguisher (1) includes a spray head (3) connected by a hose (4) to a tank (2) of fire-extinguishing product, and an activating mechanism (10, 11) is mounted on the tank. The spray head (3) includes a portion (25) which is shaped so as to engage with a part (11) of the activating mechanism (10, 11) when the spray head (3). is situated close to the tank (2); the activating mechanism (10, 11) then being in a position of nonactivation of the extinguisher (1). The shaped portion (25) of the spray head (3) separates from the engaged part (11) of the activating mechanism (10, 11) when the spray head (3) is separated from the tank (2), with this separation operating the activating mechanism (10, 11) so that the extinguisher (1) is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: SNC S2E Services
    Inventor: Daniel Vivier
  • Patent number: 5785127
    Abstract: A pressurized fire suppressor is provided of the type mountable on a user's back for selectively discharging a fire suppressant toward a fire, and which has a reservoir for holding the fire suppressant under pressure. The fire suppressor comprises: a high pressure tank defining a reservoir therein for holding a fire suppressant, the tank having a fill spout defining a fill opening and an outlet; a filler cap connectable to the fill spout for sealingly covering the fill opening; a valve in fluid connection with the tank, the valve is connectable with a source of pressurized fluid for pressurizing the tank; a flexible conduit having a first and second connector end, the first connector end in fluid connection with the outlet of the tank; a suppressant discharge head for selectively discharging the fire suppressant from the tank, the suppressant discharge head in connection with the second connector end of the flexible conduit; and a back mounting apparatus connected to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Willie Westley Miller, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5775430
    Abstract: A portable fire extinguisher includes a tank defining a volume containing a fire extinguishing material and further defining a tank outlet, and a valve assembly mounted at the tank outlet. The valve assembly includes a valve housing, a valve disposed relative to the tank outlet for metering release of fire extinguishing material from the volume, a valve trigger mounted for movement of the valve between a first position for containing fire extinguishing material within the volume and a second position for metering release of fire extinguishing material, and a gauge disposed in communication with the volume for display of pressure condition of fire extinguishing material within the volume. The portable fire extinguisher further includes an electronic circuit (31,32') mounted thereupon to issue a signal, e.g., an audio or visual signal upon detection of a predetermined condition, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: MIJA Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Brendan T. McSheffrey
  • Patent number: 5704428
    Abstract: A disaster preventive apparatus has a gas cylinder support to which the head of a gas cylinder filled with CO.sub.2 gas is fixed, and the support is screwed in a top cover. When a bottom cover is turned by one hand while the top cover being held by the other hand after a lock pin, which locks the top cover and the gas cylinder support in a nonrotatable manner, is pulled out, the gas cylinder can be moved in the axial direction to the trigger side while being turned with a small force. Since the trigger is formed into a special shape such that the tip end face thereof and the outer peripheral surface of trigger tip end portion make an obtuse angle, a seal plate can be broken easily. Also, the broken portion of the seal plate is not separated from the seal plate and is bent inward in the gas cylinder, so that the ejection of CO.sub.2 gas is not hindered by seal plate chips. There is less possibility of bending and breaking of the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Tokio Asano
  • Patent number: 5676190
    Abstract: A fire extinguisher has a pipe member for containing a cylinder filled with liquefied extinguishing gas, and a pusher guide member and a nozzle having an ejection hole formed therein are fitted to upper and lower openings, respectively, of the pipe member. A cylinder receiver to which the cylinder is fitted is mounted to the pusher guide member, and a pusher having a needle provided with a striker pin is movably arranged within the pusher guide member. Axial movement of the pusher is inhibited by a safety plate fitted in a groove formed in the outer peripheral surface of the pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Katsutoshi Matsumoto
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Matsumoto, Shigeyuki Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 5615743
    Abstract: A fire extinguisher has a pipe member for containing a cylinder filled with liquefied extinguishing gas, and a pusher guide member and a nozzle having an ejection hole formed therein are fitted to upper and lower openings, respectively, of the pipe member. A cylinder receiver to which the cylinder is fitted is mounted to the pusher guide member, and a pusher having a needle provided with a striker pin is movably arranged within the pusher guide member. Axial movement of the pusher is inhibited by a safety plate fitted in a groove formed in the outer peripheral surface of the pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Katsutoshi Matsumoto
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Matsumoto, Shigeyuki Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 5377872
    Abstract: A valve, particularly useful in a fire extinguisher, includes a valve housing having a through bore. A valve stem is disposed within the bore and is axially moveable between a first position, a second position, and a third position. The valve stem includes a seal adjacent to the second axial end for sealing with the first section of the bore. A cap is disposed within the second section of the bore and is axially moveable between a first position and a second position. The cap includes a seal for sealing with the bore when the cap is in the first position. The cap seal is impermeable to solids and permeable to gas when the cap is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald C. Mauney
  • Patent number: 4982798
    Abstract: An extinguisher includes a mounting seat fixed in the driver's cab of an automobile near the driver's seat, an extinguisher body mounted removably on the mounting seat, a resilient element depressing the push-button type switch of the extinguisher body, a hose extending from the driver's cab to the engine compartment in communication with the spray-opening of the extinguisher body, and a nozzle disposed at the end of the hose and directed to the automobile engine. When a safety lock is pulled away from the extinguisher body, the fire-extinguishing substances contained in the extinguisher body spray from the nozzle due to the fact that the switch is depressed by the resilient element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Inventor: Hsug-Fang Wang
  • Patent number: 4895273
    Abstract: A semi automatic device for applying tear gas which includes a tear gas pressure vessel containing a compressed solution of tear gas agent disposed in a suitable solvent. The solution is forced out of the pressure vessel into the surroundings by gas vapor pressure through a valve having a small orifice. The valve is controlled by an axial lever mounted co-axially to a helical spring which resists the lever's movement. The lever engages a hammer which is mounted onto a triggerlike handle so that when the user presses the trigger the hammer engages the axial lever and moves it to release a tear gas spray through the valve orifice. When the trigger is released the co-axial helical spring returns the axial lever immediately to its home station thus disengaging it from said hammer and to close the valve orifice to prevent further flow of tear gas particles outward. There are also provided mechanisms for assuring that only a predetermined amount of tear gas is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: ISPRA-Israel Product Research Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jacob Bialy
  • Patent number: 4890677
    Abstract: A check system for a chemical fire extinguisher utilizes a normally-closed check valve to prevent escape of pressurized chemical during periodic maintenance of a pressure monitoring system, such as a pressure gauge. An actuator member which is disposed within the flow channel of the fire extinguisher system is used to apply a force to the check system whereby a normally-closed check valve is urged to its open state. This open state establishes communication between the interior of the pressurized tank and the pressure monitoring system. Removal, or loosening, of a coupler, or union, which secures the pressure monitoring system to the chemical tank, permits the check valve to return to its normally-closed state. Thus, the pressure monitoring system can be removed and serviced periodically without requiring the pressurized tank to be emptied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Pem All Fire Extinguisher Corporation
    Inventor: William A. Scofield
  • Patent number: 4862968
    Abstract: A portable disposable fire extinguisher comprises a container for fire extinguishing medium, a discharge head, and a valve device within the discharge head for controlling a discharge passage. The valve is normally biased to a closed position by a return spring and by pressure in the container. The discharge head is constituted by a one-piece moulding providing a valve body, a carrying handle, a discharge nozzle and an operating lever which is connected to the valve body by a plastic hinge. Accidental operation of the lever is prevented by a discardable stop plate forming part of the moulding and connected thereto by frangible connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Chubb Fire Security division of Racal-Chubb Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart D. Woodman
  • Patent number: 4815541
    Abstract: A fire extinguisher actuator for a hand held fire extinguisher is disclosed. The actuator includes a support structure which may be pressed into place about the opening of a pressurizable container having fire extinguishing fluid therein. The support structure is provided with an opening for receiving a nozzle member. The nozzle member is configured for depressing a valve in the opening of the pressurizable container for actuating the valve. The nozzle member defines an intake passage in fluid communication with the opening of the pressurizable container, a restriction passage in communication with the intake passage, and a nozzle passage in communication with the restriction passage. A pushbutton lever is pivotally attached to the support structure and upon depression thereof, forces the nozzle member downward to actuate the valve to release pressurized fluid from the container and into the intake passage of the nozzle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventor: Richard C. Arrington
  • Patent number: 4782564
    Abstract: A safety release pin for locking the operating mechanism of a fire extinguisher includes a shank having a blunt nose portion at one end thereof and having a portion of reduced diameter rearward of the nose portion defining parallel flat surfaces, and a pair of elongated locking members are pivotally mounted to the shank, each overlying a different one of the flat surfaces, and each defining a cam surface which coacts with surfaces of the operating mechanisms as the pin is inserted to pivot the locking members towards the flat surfaces to facilitate insertion, rearward movement being limited by projections on the undersurface of the locking members, maintaining interference betwen the locking members and the apparatus. When the pin is withdrawn, detent surfaces of the locking members coact with surfaces of the operating mechanism to rotate the locking members forwardly, severing the locking members from the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: Pittway Corporation
    Inventor: Donald R. Sloan
  • Patent number: 4779683
    Abstract: A control head for controlling the discharge of pressurized extinguishing agent from a container in an aircraft fire extinguishing system. The control head is hexagonal and is provided with an outlet fitting, a fill valve, an actuator body, a pressure switch and a pressure gauge. Each component can be threaded into any of the side faces or the end face of the control head so that the limited space available within the aircraft can be accommodated. An electrical detonator within the actuator body can be exploded to rupture a pair of frangible discs in succession. This opens a flow path for the extinguishant which is then discharged from the bottle to a delivery line which distributes it to the area of the fire. The detonator and its electrical heads are hermetically sealed in the actuator body to prevent contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Inventor: William A. Enk
  • Patent number: 4705064
    Abstract: A safety seal for an operating lever utilizing a cap which is capable of covering at least one end of the lever pin extending to one side of the lever. The cap is connected to the other side of the lever pin by a tether. The cap and tether are reuseable as a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Inventor: Freddy Self
  • Patent number: 4697643
    Abstract: Extinguisher provided with a temperature compensated pressure controller, comprising a propelling agent and an extinguishing agent under gaseous form, wherein it comprises a sealed chamber filled with a mixture having a thermodynamic characteristic similar to that of the two agents in the extinguisher, a system for measuring the differential pressure exisiting between the inside of the sealed chamber and the chamber per se and a device actuated by the system for measuring the differential pressure and generating an alarm signal when the differential pressure exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Thomson CSF
    Inventor: Pierre Sassier
  • Patent number: 4658907
    Abstract: A safety pin for fire extinguishers. The pin has a prong interfitted in registering holes of the extinguisher to prevent operation until removed by grasping a finger loop and extracting the pin. The finger loop is connected to a stabilizer extension of the pin fitting over the top of the trigger and biased against it to present the loop in a preselected upright position for ready access by the user. The stabilizer extension may be formed as a stabilizer loop bearing against the top of the trigger to prevent the rotation of the pin. The pin may be further provided with an upright standard extending above the trigger to receive an inspection tag or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Inventor: Wayne A. Popp
  • Patent number: 4620500
    Abstract: A pressure loss indicator employs a diaphragm which assumes one of two stable convex configured states in accordance with the pressure differential across the diaphragm. A trigger is responsive to the state of the diaphragm to release an indicator pin from the assembly upon occurrence of a reduction in the ambient pressure which results in a pressure differential across the diaphragm. A reference pressure is established in a reference chamber at one side of the diaphragm, the reference chamber being selectively isolated from the ambient pressure by a check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Inventor: James R. Condon
  • Patent number: 4619328
    Abstract: A discharge valve assembly for a fire extinguisher container includes a housing defining a passageway providing communication between the container outlet and a nozzle. An elongated tubular valve stem is axially movable in the passageway between open and closed conditions with respect to a valve seat in the passageway, the stem projecting from the passageway for engagement by an actuating lever. An elongated indicating rod, shorter than the valve stem, is coaxially movable therein between extended and retracted conditions. A bias spring and the pressure in the container holds the valve stem closed, and the pressure in the container holds the indicating rod extended. A bias spring urges the indicating rod toward a retracted position. To check the pressure the indicating rod is manually depressed, the extent to which it returns to its extended condition being indicative of the magnitude of the pressure in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1986
    Assignee: Pittway Corporation
    Inventors: Gerard Seyler, Donald R. Sloan
  • Patent number: 4586570
    Abstract: A combination seal and locking pin for a fire extinguisher handle or other device in which two members must be retained in fixed relation to each other, in which the seal portion comprises a housing, a shackle to be received in the housing in locking relation and a pull ring for breaking the seal. The locking pin is detachably mounted onto the seal in a relationship such that pulling on the pull ring pulls the pin out of engagement with the handle and breaks the seal. The pull pin may be removed from the broken seal and assembled onto a new seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Assignee: E. J. Brooks Company
    Inventor: Allan W. Swift
  • Patent number: 4567948
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Inventor: Edward J. Rozniecki
  • Patent number: 4267890
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing system including a pressure vessel (10) adapted to contain under pressure a fire extinguishing material, an outlet (12, 14, 16) connected to the vessel and selectively operable to release extinguishing material therefrom, and a pressure sensing device (18) in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel. The invention contemplates the improvement wherein a temperature sensing device (26) is in proximity to the vessel for determining the temperature in the environment of the vessel and that the scale (24) of the pressure sensing device is scaled in temperature units. The temperature sensing device and the scale (24) are so correlated that a visual comparison of the two will indicate whether the vessel is properly charged at any of a set of widely fluctuating ambient temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Jimmy D. Myers, Lawrence F. Fratzke
  • Patent number: 4183409
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic fire-extinguishing system comprising one or more portable automatic fire-extinguishers placed at desired locations within a region wherein automatic extinguishment should be effected when a fire occurs therein. Each of the fire-extinguishers includes integrally a bomb containing a fire-extinguishing gas under a pressure condition and a gas jetting nozzle connected through a valve to the bomb. At least one fire sensor is arranged at a desired location within the region. Each fire extinguisher is provided with an electro-mechanical means for opening the valve, an electrical means for actuating the opening means and an internal gas pressure detecting switch, and; an electric control circuit formed by the combination of the electric circuit of the opening means, electrical actuating means and the gas pressure detecting switch which are connected in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1980
    Assignee: Security Patrols Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Iida
  • Patent number: 4159744
    Abstract: A fire-extinguishant mechanism comprising a thick-walled bottle containing pressurized fire extinguishant liquid. Liquid outflow from the bottle is through a poppet valve located at the lower end of the bottle; the valve discharges pressurized extinguishant in one or more preselected directions, depending on the location or application of the bottle system; valve actuation is by means of an explosive squib and/or explosive cartridge (as backup). The bottle is initially filled and pressurized through a multi-purpose fitting at the bottle upper end; a filler tube extends from the fitting downwardly into the bottle to introduce the pressurizing agent below the liquid extinguishant surface. The fitting is specially constructed to mount a charging valve, a pressure gage, rupture disc, and liquid deflection mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1979
    Inventors: Anthony J. Monte, Ernest C. Wahoski
  • Patent number: 4119153
    Abstract: A hand-held fire extinguisher having a cylinder containing a fire extinguishing mass under pressure, a plunger valve in communication with a nozzle, a trigger for opening the valve which is pivotally connected to the body of the valve and a handle facing the trigger. The valve body has a bore and a pair of apertures in the trigger aligned with both ends of the bore. A breakable sealing pin having points of weakness is inserted in the bore and the aligned apertures in the trigger. The trigger has a pair of opposed sides spaced from and parallel to the valve body which contain the apertures. The trigger sides are positioned so as to be outside of any vertical plane which would pass through the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1978
    Assignee: Bernzomatic Corporation
    Inventor: Richard H. Avant
  • Patent number: 4088194
    Abstract: A pressure gauge shield for the pressure gauge on a pressurized fire extinguisher, which shield is formed integrally with the locking pin for the control valve for operating the fire extinguisher. The lock pin, which comprises a finger-hole loop connected to the valve assembly by a chain, has a pair of parallel prongs, one of which extends through aligned holes between the lever and valve housing to prevent operation of the lever, and the other acts to prevent the rotation of the lock pin when in its locking position so as to maintain the position of a semi-circular shield over the top of the pressure gauge also connected to the valve assembly. A breakable connection, such as of plastic cord, is provided to hold the lock pin it its locking position, which cord must be broken to withdraw the lock pin in order to operate the fire extinguisher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1978
    Assignee: The MAP Corporation
    Inventor: Harold D. Hard