Abstract: A container having sides with contours that readily and essentially automatically orient the container upon grasping the container. The container may have distinct, discontinuous contours on opposite sides, defining grasping sides of the container. If a dispensing portion is offset from the container's central axis, then upon grasping the container at the distinct contoured grasping sides, the dispensing orifice is automatically positioned at a predetermined orientation with respect to the user's grasping hand. Such contours thus provide a tactile indicator of the orientation of the container, permitting orienting of the container in a user's hand without the need for visual assessment or inspection of the container. The container closure may further be shaped and configured to provide another tactile indicator of the container orientation. For instance, the closure may be asymmetrical. Preferably, such asymmetry is about the axis extending between the container's contoured sides.

Abstract: Improvements to a portable fire extinguisher are disclosed. The improvements allow for frequent and simpler untrained and automatic self-servicing of a fire extinguisher. The improvements include an anti-bridging mechanism that can be articulated from the exterior of the chamber to fluff, mix or stir the powder within the chamber to keep it in a liquefied state. Additional improvements include a larger opening to more quickly fill and inspect the powder within the chamber. Another improvement includes the use of a CO2 canister located external to the chamber to allow easier servicing or replacement of just the CO2 canister as well as the ability to maintain the chamber in an un-pressurized condition, allows for non-HASMAT shipping. These features will extend the service intervals while maintaining the fire extinguisher in a ready condition.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide a device for protecting an inner space of an object against fire, including a housing provided with at least one passage opening; an aerosol-forming extinguishing element arranged in the housing and which may include a container for holding extinguishing material which can be activated at a fixed activating temperature; at least one outlet opening which can be connected to the passage opening in the housing and along which the activated extinguishing material can be carried into the inner space of the object so as to extinguish the fire; an activating element for bringing at least part of the extinguishing material to the activation temperature; at least one detection unit arranged in or close to the housing for detecting at least one physical and/or chemical parameter representative of fire in the inner space; and a control unit arranged in the housing for causing thermal activation of the extinguishing element by the activating element when a preset activation value of the detect

Abstract: A fire suppression apparatus includes a canister containing a non-azide solid propellant chemical that generates an oxygen-displacing gas mixture when ignited; a pyrotechnic device associated with the canister for initiating ignition of the solid propellant chemical to generate the oxygen-displacing gas mixture; and at least one filter associated with the canister for filtering out contents of the oxygen-displacing gas mixture to result in a clean agent fire suppressant deliverable into a space. The fire suppression apparatus is preferably configured for use in fire suppression systems for normally occupied spaces.

Abstract: Improvements to a portable fire extinguisher are disclosed. The improvements allow for frequent and simpler untrained and automatic self servicing of a fire extinguisher. The improvements include an anti-bridging mechanism that can be articulated from the exterior of the chamber to fluff, mix or stir the powder within the chamber to keep it in a liquefied state. Additional improvements include a larger opening to more quickly fill and inspect the powder within the chamber. Another improvement includes the use of a CO2 canister located external to the chamber to allow easier servicing or replacement of just the CO2 canister as well as the ability to maintain the chamber in an un-pressurized condition, allows for non-HASMAT shipping. These features will extend the service intervals while maintaining the fire extinguisher in a ready condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for suppressing a fire utilizing non-azide solid gas propeilant generation to produce and transport a suitable gas for suppressing a fire in a normally occupied area. The nitrogen gas produced by the solid propellant gas generation is optionally treated to remove undesirable elements such as water and/or carbon dioxide from the product gas prior to the delivery of the product gas to the protected hazard area.