Abstract: A fire extinguisher includes a gas generator for pressurizing a suppressant. The generator includes an ignition cord within a flexible tube extending within an interior of an extinguisher bottle. Advantageously, there is additional generant between the tube and the ignition cord. The extinguisher may be manufactured as a retrofit of an existing hand-held supercharged extinguisher.

Abstract: An atomizing nozzle and fixed clean agent fire suppression system. The system stores gas fire suppressant in a liquefied state separate from propellant gas. Upon demand, the propellant charges the gas fire suppressant to provide a piston flow system that pushes the gas fire suppressant in the liquid state through a pipe network to the protected area of a building. The system includes a plurality of atomizing nozzles for atomizing the gas fire suppressant where it more easily vaporizes. Each atomizing nozzle comprises a nozzle body and a deflector body secured together in fixed relation. A conical flow passage is formed between the nozzle body and deflector body. The conical flow passage extends radially outward to a circumferential outlet slot that spreads the liquid clean agent out into a thin liquid conical fan that breaks up into droplets and atomizes quickly.

Abstract: A discharge valve element seals the outlet of a fire extinguisher vessel holding a fire suppressant. A source of gas pressurizes the suppressant at least when the extinguisher vessel is in a discharging condition. When the pressure acting on the element exceeds the threshold, the force resisting opening the element is overcome and substantially eliminated, whereupon the suppressant discharges through the outlet.

Abstract: A device for generating a pressurized stream of treating media including a vessel (4) containing the treating media (6), a pressurized fluid delivery assembly (16) for delivering a pressurized fluid to the vessel (4) and a conduit (14) for transporting the treating media (6) out of the vessel (4) which has been pressurized through the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing installation comprising a liquid container (3), a gas container (1), and a feed line (4) to at least one spray head (5), the gas container being connected at a connection point (K) via a second line (6) to the feed line, and a valve (9) connected to the outlet (U) of the liquid container and to the feed line. In order for the fire extinguishing installation to be suitable particularly for extinguishing liquid fires without it causing splashing of the burning liquid, the valve (9) comprises a liquid space (10), connected to the feed line (4), a gas space (12), connected to the second line (6), and a spindle (13) arranged between the liquid space (10) and the gas space (12), which spindle either prevents or enables communication between an outlet (U) of the liquid container (3) and the liquid space (10).

Abstract: In a portable foam fire extinguisher with pressurized foam stabilization, including a container for the fire extinguishing medium, a pressurized gas bottle in communication with the container and a fire extinguisher gun connected to the container by a hose for supplying the fire extinguishing medium to the fire extinguisher gun, a mixing device is connected, by way of a pressure hose, to the pressurized gas bottle for admixing pressurized gas to the flow of the fire extinguishing medium to the fire extinguisher gun to provide therein pressurized gas bubbles, which expand when the mixture is discharged from the gun thereby accelerating the flow from the gun while forming a foam which adheres to the surfaces covered thereby.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing or suppressing device having a rigid vessel with an interior space and an exit. An unexpandable flexible bladder is positioned in the interior space of the rigid vessel forming a space between the flexible bladder and the rigid vessel. A fire extinguishing composition is contained within the flexible bladder; and a pressurized gas is interposed between the rigid vessel and the flexible bladder.

Abstract: A targeting, small wildland fire extinguisher dropping system comprising: a droppable extinguisher package, adapted for filling and handling, for containing fire suppressant solution, and bursting when it hits a target on the ground full of said fire suppressant solution and dropped from a height; a quantity of fire suppressant solution inside said droppable extinguisher package; and a package dispenser, adapted for suspending, for holding said droppable extinguisher package and dropping said droppable extinguisher package upon command. A stirrer adapted to be inserted into said droppable extinguisher package for stirring said fire suppressant solution may also be provided.

Abstract: The fire suppressant foam generation and application apparatus comprises a backpack mounted unit that produces a low moisture content fire suppressant foam for use in fire fighting applications. This apparatus draws fire suppressant foam concentrate from a reservoir mounted on the backpack and injects pressurized gas into the flow of the fire fighting foam concentrate to create the fire suppressant foam. The pressurized gas drives the fire suppressant foam through a delivery apparatus where the fire suppressant foam is agitated as it passes through the delivery apparatus to expand the foam and reduce the moisture content. A pressurized gas operated pump can be used to actively draw the water/foam mixture from a supply tank and supply it under pressure to the delivery apparatus, which can be a hose that is equipped with a nozzle.

Abstract: A compact, affordable fire extinguishing system utilizes a combination of compressed inert gas tanks and solid propellent gas generator s to provide a blend of inert gasses to extinguish fires in an enclosure. The compressed inert gas tanks may contain gasses such as argon or carbon dioxide or a combination thereof The solid propellent gas generators may generate upon initiation either nitrogen or carbon dioxide or a combination thereof. The inert gasses from both sources are blended into a composition that will extinguish fires at concentrations that will allow human occupancy during discharge. Such a system can be constructed at a substantially smaller size than conventional compressed gas systems, due to the greater density of the inert gasses in the propellent foii in storage, which allows greater utility and affordability where installation space is limited or retrofit is desired into prior fire protection systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating a fine liquid mist includes a container capable of holding fluid; one of a perforated basket and a porous bag disposed in the container; a liquid supply connector connected to the container; a mixing chamber connected to the container; and at least one convergent/divergent nozzle connected to the mixing chamber. A method of forming an effervescent fine liquid mist includes mixing liquid and chemical reactant to form non-toxic, noncombustible gas bubbles; mixing the liquid and the gas bubbles to form a two-phase fluid flow; and directing the two-phase fluid flow through at least one convergent/divergent nozzle.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for the activation of a system which will deliver material such as a fire extinguishant in response to an electrical signal from a fire detector. The mechanism is actuated by a small electrical storage device which operates the system even after a fire or other event has occurred and the normal electrical supply is lost. Upon actuation, a container of pressurized carbon dioxide gas is used to pressurize a container of fire extinguishing fluid, which is then delivered by a spray mechanism to the source of the fire. A feature of the mechanism is that energy levels for initiation are very low, and all other sources of energy are self contained within the mechanism.

Abstract: The foam based product solution delivery apparatus is simple in structure and operation and makes use of pressurized gas to power a pressure operated pump to draw the water/foam-concentrate/product(s) from supply tank(s) and propel the resultant solution (foam fluid), with pressurized gas injected therein, through an agitation apparatus that mechanically agitates the water/foam/product(s) solution to create the foam based product solution for transmission to the foam delivery apparatus. Interposed in the delivery apparatus between the pump and the outlet end of the hose, the agitation apparatus functions to significantly increase the foam expansion prior to delivery of the foam through the delivery apparatus. The agitation apparatus comprises an exterior housing inside of which is mounted a set of motionless mixing blades that function to mix and expand the foam.

Abstract: Apparatus including two containers, two liquids or liquid mixtures pressued within the containers, a blending section for dispersing intimately one liquid into the other, and a nozzle providing sufficient flow resistance so that the moieties remain liquid in the blending section, and vaporization of the vaporizable moiety occurs within and/or beyond the nozzle.

Abstract: A method for delivering a liquid fire suppression composition to a fire includes storing the fire suppression composition and a pressurized gas in separate containers, detecting the occurrence of a fire to be suppressed, within about 60 seconds of detecting the fire coupling the pressurized gas with the fire suppression composition to superpressurize the composition, and emitting the superpressurized fire suppression composition to the fire. The method is particularly adapted for use in a total flooding system.

Abstract: A compact, affordable fire extinguishing system utilizes a combination of compressed inert gas tanks and solid propellent gas generators to provide a blend of inert gases to extinguish fires in an enclosure. The compressed inert gas tanks may contain gases such as argon or carbon dioxide or a combination thereof. The solid propellent gas generators may generate upon initiation either nitrogen or carbon dioxide or a combination thereof. The inert gases from both sources are blended into a composition that will extinguish fires at concentrations that will allow human occupancy during discharge. Such a system can be constructed at a substantially smaller size than conventional compressed gas systems, due to the greater density of the inert gases in the propellent form in storage, which allows greater utility and affordability where installation space is limited or retrofit is desired into prior fire protection systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a liquid, such as a fire suppressing gent, with a gas wherein both the liquid and a combustible propellant for generating the gas are stored in separate sealed compartments at atmospheric pressure. The liquid is stored in a chamber between an annular piston and a central pedestal containing a gas generating canister. A portion of the gas generated drives the piston to expel the liquid into a mixing chamber in the pedestal, and another gas portion is fed into the mixing chamber so as to mix with and propel the liquid through a nozzle. The liquid may be atomized or vaporized depending on its composition. Mixing of the liquid with the gas may be enhanced by tangentially injecting the liquid into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A vehicular and marine fire suppression system (10) for suppressing and quenching fires. The vehicular and marine fire suppression system (10) including a first canister (12), a second canister (20) and an actuating mechanism (26). The first canister (12) includes an inlet (14), an outlet (16) defining a neck (18) and a discharge mechanism (42) received within the neck (18). The first canister (12) houses a fire suppressing agent. The second canister (20) includes an outlet (22) and a seal (24) disposed about the outlet (22). The second canister (20) houses an agitating and pressurizing agent. The actuation mechanism (26) includes an actuating valve stem (36) received within the inlet (14) of the first cylinder (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for impulse fire extinguishing which includes an ejection tube for storing fire fighting powder or liquid and a container for storing gaseous propellant. The container is connected to the ejection tube. A quick action closing element is located between the container and the ejection tube and is arranged in the container to move freely therein for separating the container into two parts: a propellant chamber and an equalizing chamber. The ejection end of the ejection tube extends into the atmosphere, and the input end thereof is arranged in the propellant chamber in a way that it is open in a first position of the quick action closing element and closed in another position thereof.

Abstract: A nozzle unit for discharging and atomizing a fire or explosion suppressant comprises a rigid-walled cylindrical container having a nozzle portion at one end with radially directed discharge orifices. A rupturable barrier normally blocks the nozzle portion from the interior of the container. At the other end of the container, a piston is positioned so as to be sealingly slidable along the container in response to pressure generated by a gas pressure generator. The moving piston pressurizes the suppressant agent within the hollow interior until the rupturable barrier bursts. The suppresessant agent is accelerated substantially instantaneously and discharged in atomised form through the discharge orifices. The gas pressure generator may be a pyrotechnic gas generator. The arrangement is such that the pressurizing gas does not come into contact with the suppressant agent.

Abstract: The fire suppressant foam generation and application apparatus produces a low moisture content fire suppressant foam for use in fire fighting applications. The reduction in the water content of the fire suppressant foam is accomplished by the use of pressurized gas in place of water along with a stata tube apparatus to agitate the foam/water mixture to create the fire suppressant foam. A pressurized gas operated pump can be used to actively draw the water/foam mixture from a supply tank and supply it under pressure to the stata tube and outlet line. This apparatus can be implemented as a backpack unit consisting of a storage tank, formed as a substantially U-shaped molded element, which contains the liquid foam concentrate/water mixture. A high pressure tank containing pressurized gas, either nitrogen or a nitrogen-air mixture, or other suitable gas mixture, is included in an aperture formed in the storage tank housing.

Abstract: A pressurized container consisting mainly of a protective flask, a lid, an elastic storage bag disposed within the flask, and a working bag disposed within the elastic storage bag. The elastic storage bag is filled with a predetermined amount of a desired medium to be dispensed. Then, the working bag is filled with air or another appropriate working fluid. The pressure exerted from the working bag on the elastic storage bag causes the elastic storage bag to expand until lining the interior of the protective flask. A deaerating vent is provided on the protective flask to allow air trapped between the elastic bag and the protective flask to escape. The added pressure supplied by the working bag assures that all of the contained medium will be dispensed. The protective flask also may include an opening and a puncturing tip covered by a thermal fuse. When the thermal fuse melts, the puncturing tip ruptures the elastic storage bag, thereby dispensing the medium contained inside.

Abstract: An apparatus disposed within a pressurized container for enabling product contained in the container to be dispensed at a predetermined constant pressure, which apparatus includes a vessel having first and second enclosures housing pressurized gas and a member exposed to the pressure in the container. Fluctuations of the pressure in the container cause the member to move to a first position when the pressure in the container equals the predetermined pressure and to a second position when the pressure in the container is below the predetermined pressure. Pressurized gas passes from the first enclosure to the container when the member moves to the second position, the passage of which is prevented when the member moves back to the first position.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the fine dispersion of liquid or powder in a gaseous medium, preferably in air. The liquid or powder is placed into an ejection tube (2) and pressurized gaseous propellant (4) is conducted at explosion-like speed behind the charge (1). The apparatus has an ejection tube (2) containing the liquid or powder charge (1), a propellant container (3) connected with one end of the ejection tube (2). The ejection tube (2) and propellant container (3) are interconnected by at least one transfer port (8) closed by a quick-action locking element.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing an active ingredient, such as a fumigant, fertilizer or room freshener in which the active ingredient is placed in a sample cylinder and a pressurized solvent/propellent is subsequently introduced from a source. The solvent/propellent expands to adopt a liquid phase and a gaseous phase. The liquid phase serves to absorb the active ingredient and the gaseous phase serves to propel the borne active ingredient out of the apparatus through a dispensing outlet where further expansion takes place and the active ingredient is dispersed in a fog or mist. Flow restrictors create a pressure differential between the sample cylinder outlet and a by-pass portion to enable total absorption of the active ingredient. The flow restrictors and conduits for the system are contained in a mixing head for the sample cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a surfactant for use in extinguishing fires, particularly wildfires, which provides two separate means for storing the surfactant and the water needed to expand the surfactant into a high grade of foam to be extinguished over the wildfire. The apparatus also incorporates a stationary mixing device for mixing and re-mixing the water and surfactant to the extent required to produce the high quality of foam needed to extinguish wildfires. An emergency valve release is incorporated such that the entire apparatus of the invention will become operative with a single release of this valve by the operator of the equipment incorporating the inventive apparatus. The inventive apparatus can be advantageously installed on heavy equipment used in fighting wildfires.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a method and apparatus for dispersing an active ingredient, such as a fumigant. The active ingredient is placed in a container and a pressurized solvent/propellent is subsequently introduced. The solvent/propellent expands to adopt a liquid phase and a gaseous phase. The liquid phase serves to absorb the active ingredient and the gaseous phase serves to propel the borne active ingredient out of the apparatus where further expansion takes place and the active ingredient is dispersed in a fog or mist.

Abstract: An aerosol dispenser has a container with a deformable side wall and an internal chamber storing a propellant and a component to be sprayed through a discharge nozzle. A control valve mounted on the top of the container regulates the flow of fluid through the nozzle. A frangible ampule storing a second component is retained in the chamber adjacent a portion of the side wall. The ampule can be broken with a lever mounted on the outside of the container in alignment with the ampule. The lever is manually moved to deform the side wall and break the ampule so that the component in the ampule is mixed with the fluid in the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fire extinguisher comprising a container separated into two compartments, one compartment containing pressurized gas and the other containing an extinguishant. The container has a valve to release the extinguishant, which is forced from the container when the bladder is expanded by the pressurized gas. The center of the bladder has a force absorbtion means for protection against the impact of the bladder striking the inner wall of the container. The force absorbtion means has two disks clamped together to retain an annular bead of the bladder.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing apparatus for dispensing a dry chemical agent from a container by using a suitable supply of compressed gas such as carbon dioxide. The compressed gas is used to fluidize the chemical agent and carry the agent to a hand manipulated nozzle which is aimed at the fire. The extinguishing apparatus is actuated by removing a safety pin from the actuating lever, depressing the lever depresses a plunger valve that opens a passage from the container to the nozzle outlet and simultaneously transfers a linear motion to a tubular spool through a connecting lever. The tubular spool punctures a seal on a compressed gas cartridge releasing the gas into the container aerating the dry chemical and transporting it through the open plunger valve and out the nozzle.

Abstract: The invention is a fire suppression system. A first dispensing assembly 22 is adapted to provide a flow of liquid fire suppression chemical at a constant pressure to a first outlet port 24. A first valve assembly 26 is coupled to the first outlet port 24 and is adapted to control the flow of the liquid chemical as a function of the temperature thereof to a second outlet port 34. A second valve assembly 32 is coupled to the second outlet port 34 of the first valve assembly 26 and is adapted to meter the liquid chemical as a function of the inlet pressure level and selected flowrates and to cause the liquid chemical to partially vaporize, forming a liquid/vapor phase, first mixture. A second dispensing means 44 is provided which is adapted to deliver a second mixture composed of water and foaming agent at a constant pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire extinguisher comprising a low-pressure tank (1) for the fire-inhibiting liquid (40) and a high-pressure tank (23) for spray propellant gas, situated in the low-pressure tank, where upon opening the high-pressure tank, the propellant expels the fire-inhibiting liquid, which is discharged through a nozzle (44). In order to permit fighting fires effectively from a greater distance than hitherto, in this fire extinguisher a pressure regulating valve (13) is arranged between the outlet of the spray propellant gas container (23) and the liquid reservoir of the low-pressure tank (1), which valve maintains the pressure of the propellant gas prevailing in the low-pressure tank after triggering and expelling fire-inhibiting liquid (40) through nozzle (44) at a preset level.

Abstract: Self-contained fire protection apparatus. The present apparatus comprises a first container for storing water or other liquid under atmospheric pressure, a discharge conduit from this container, and a second container having high surface to volume ratio for storing liquefied propellant under pressure. Communication between the first and second containers is prevented until the apparatus has to be used. Then the propellant transfer line connecting the two containers is opened, preferably by actuation of a valve controlling this line, allowing propellant vapors to flow into the first container and establish a pressure therein sufficient to cause discharge of the contents of the first container. Heat exchange between the water being discharged and the propellant is provided so that the propellant temperature and pressure do not drop appreciably as the propellant is being evaporated and transferred.

Abstract: A sprayer spraying liquid or pulverulent substances, particularly fire-extinguishing or fire-inhibiting substances, comprises a tank adapted to hold the substance to be sprayed, a sprayhead, a rising pipe extending from said tank to said sprayhead, and a pressure vessel, which contains a gaseous fluid and communicates through a shutoff valve with the tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire extinguisher which comprises vessels (1, 18)filled with a fire extinguishing solution, an actuating element that breaks the vessels to eject the solution due to the occurance of fire. The actuating element is retracted against the force of a spring by a holder which is locked by a set screw (41) for exerting a pressure thereto through a heat fusible element (42) for fire detection so that the heat fusible element (42) is placed perpetually under compression. Since the heat fusible element (42) is normally subjected to compression, the element is less liable to deterioration with time.

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: An improved inflammable liquid safety tank comprising a double walled tank body with the tank walls being interconnected by support plates. An intermediate container is formed by the inner wall structure of the tank and is adapted to hold inflammable liquid. A pressurized gas bottle is threadably mounted to a sleeve secured to and extending into the intermediate container. The pressurized gas bottle is selectively connected to the intermediate container to pressurize liquid held in the intermediate container. The pressurized gas bottle also communicates with the tank to pressurize a foam, nonflammable fluid, or cleaning agent placed in the chamber or outer compartment defined by the outer wall structure of the intermediate container and the inner wall structure of the tank body so that the foam, fluid or agent will be expelled from the tank if the tank wall is accidentally punctured. The outer compartment is preferably pressurized at a lower pressure than the intermediate container.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system for use especially on a floating roof tank includes an enclosure secured to the tank roof. The enclosure carries an agent tank, an expellant tank and an accumulator tank. The agent tank contains fire extinguishing agent and includes an expellant inlet and an agent outlet. The expellant tank contains pressurized expellant fluid. An expellant conduit extends from the expellant tank to the inlet of the agent tank. A sprayer duct is connected to the outlet of the agent tank and is arranged along one protected zone of the roof rim. A control valve is disposed in the expellant conduit. A flow control member is disposed in the expellant conduit upstream of the control valve for metering the rate of flow of expellant fluid. The accumulator communicates with the expellant conduit upstream of the control valve and downstream of the flow control member so that the accumulator is normally pressurized by the expellant tank.

Abstract: A chemical fire extinguishing apparatus which includes a chemical storage chamber, chemical discharge conduct connected to the chamber for conveying and distributing the chemical, and a source of relatively high pressure gas connected to the chamber and communicating with the interior thereof to agitate and fluidize the extinguishing chemical by impingement of high pressure gas. Upon agitation and fluidization, gas is delivered then to the chamber at a lower pressure to entrain the chemical in a constant, relatively low pressure gas stream flowing from the chamber to the chemical discharge conduit.