Gas-pressure Discharge Patents (Class 169/9)
  • Patent number: 7431099
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a vehicle body and at least one reservoir containing a fire suppressant agent. A distribution system receives the fire suppression agent from the reservoir and conducts the agent to at least one location about the vehicle's body in response to the determination by a sensor system and controller that the vehicle has been subjected to a significant impact. The reservoir includes a discharge port controlled by a piloted spool valve actuated by pressure generated by a propellant device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Thompson
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7407014
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a vehicle body and at least one reservoir containing a fire suppressant agent. A distribution system receives the fire suppression agent from the reservoir and conducts the agent to at least one location about the vehicle's body in response to the determination by a sensor system and controller that the vehicle has been subjected to a significant impact. The reservoir includes a discharge port which is positioned in part by a tensile member extending through the reservoir to an anchor incorporated in an external wall section of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Thompson
  • Patent number: 7389827
    Abstract: A discharge assembly used with a fire suppression delivery system comprises a nozzle having an outer nozzle surface and inlet and discharge ends. The inlet end receives fire suppression agent and the discharge end dispenses fire suppression agent through an orifice. A blow-off cap has an open-ended cavity shaped to receive the discharge end of the nozzle and cover the orifice. The cavity includes an interior cap surface located in close proximity to the outer nozzle surface of the nozzle when the blow-off cap is mounted on the discharge end of the nozzle. A receptacle is formed in at least one of the outer nozzle surface of the nozzle and the interior cap surface of the blow-off cap. A retention element fits within the receptacle and engages the outer nozzle surface and interior cap surface, providing a predetermined amount of retention resistance to retain the blow-off cap on the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Ansul Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard J. Biehl
  • Patent number: 7360605
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a vehicle body and at least one reservoir containing a fire suppressant agent. A distribution system receives the fire suppression agent from the reservoir and conducts the agent to at least one location about the vehicle's body in response to the determination by a sensor system and controller that the vehicle has been subjected to a significant impact. The reservoir is protected by a thermal protection barrier applied to the reservoir's outer surface, excluding the base of a pyrotechnic propellant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Thompson, Joseph Dierker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7357192
    Abstract: An onboard fire suppression system for an automotive vehicle includes a reservoir structured for mounting to a vehicle. A primary component of a binary fire suppression agent is contained within the reservoir. A secondary component of the binary fire suppression agent is contained within a secondary reservoir or component delivery system which is activated by a flow of the primary component such that the primary component and the secondary component will be combined before being discharged from a series of nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Thompson
  • Patent number: 7353883
    Abstract: An onboard fire suppression system for an automotive vehicle includes at least one reservoir containing a fire suppressant agent and a propellant, operatively associated with the reservoir, for expelling the fire suppressant agent from the reservoir. A distribution system for receiving fire suppressant agent expelled from said reservoir includes at least one feeder conduit which is connected with the reservoir by means of a quick connect coupler. The quick connect coupler facilitates assembly and servicing of the fire suppression system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Thompson
  • Patent number: 7353884
    Abstract: An onboard fire suppression system for an automotive vehicle includes at least one reservoir containing a fire suppressant agent, and a propellant device for evacuating the fire suppressant agent from the reservoir. The propellant device is located within the reservoir. An electrically powered initiator, operatively connected with the propellant device, initiates a discharge of gas from the propellant device. The initiator is energized by an initiator conductor which is housed within an axially compliant conduit which extends through at least one wall of the reservoir, and which defines an enclosed pathway from the exterior of the reservoir to the initiator. The axial compliance of the conduit permits weldless use of the conduit with a composite reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Thompson
  • Patent number: 7343981
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using at least one fluoroketone selected from monobromoperfluoroketones, monohydromonobromoperfluoroketones, (perfluoroalkoxy)monobromoperfluoroketones, (fluoroalkoxy)monobromoperfluoroketones, and monochloromonobromoperfluoroketones for i) extinguishing fire by applying to the fire such a fluoroketone, ii) preventing fire in an air-containing enclosed area containing combustible materials by introducing into the area such a fluoroketone and maintaining the fluoroketone in an amount sufficient to suppress combustion of combustible materials in the enclosed area, and iii) reducing or eliminating the flammability of a flammable working fluid, by mixing between about 0.1 to about 99 percent by weight of such a fluoroketone with the flammable working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Mario J. Nappa, Velliyur Nott Mallikarjuna Rao, Allen C. Sievert
  • Patent number: 7318484
    Abstract: Improvements to a portable fire extinguisher where the improvements relate to a system where the owner of the extinguisher can service and maintain their fire protection. Systems in place today require the servicing of a third party. The service companies (third parties) are charged with maintaining the system. Further Improvements include an anti-bridging mechanism that is articulated from the exterior of the chamber to fluff, mix or stir the powder within the chamber to keep it in a liquefied state. An external pressurized canister allows easier servicing or replacement of the pressurized canister as well as the ability to maintain the chamber in an un-pressurized condition, allowing non-HASMAT shipping. These features extend the service intervals while maintaining the fire extinguisher in a ready condition. The fire extinguisher is construction of components that are interchangeable and provide equal operation for left and right handed people.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventors: Hector Rousseau, Randy Rousseau
  • Patent number: 7258172
    Abstract: An onboard fire suppression system has a distribution network including porous, pressure-responsive nozzles which deliver fire suppression agent in a uniform pattern, without the need for drilling or other machining of nozzle orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Thompson
  • 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: 7223351
    Abstract: Fire extinguishing mixtures, systems and methods are provided. The fire extinguishing mixtures can include one or more extinguishing compounds, such as, for example, one or more of fluorocarbons, fluoroethers, and fluorocarbons. The fire extinguishing mixtures can also include one or more of nitrogen, argon, helium and carbon dioxide. In an exemplary aspect the extinguishing mixture includes an extinguishing compound, a diluent gas and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Great Lakes Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Vimal Sharma, W. Douglas Register, James Harris, Thomas F. Rowland, Mark Cisneros
  • Patent number: 7216722
    Abstract: Fire extinguishing mixtures, systems and methods are provided. The fire extinguishing mixtures can include one or more extinguishing compounds, such as, for example, one or more of fluorocarbons, fluoroethers, and fluorocarbons. The fire extinguishing mixtures can also include one or more of nitrogen, argon, helium and carbon dioxide. In an exemplary aspect the extinguishing mixture includes an extinguishing compound, a diluent gas and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Great Lakes Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Vimal Sharma, W. Douglas Register, James Harris, Thomas F. Rowland, Mark Cisneros
  • Patent number: 7185829
    Abstract: A method for producing a mist in a spray head (1), especially for fire-fighting purposes or for humidification of intake air, in which method a medium, preferably an extinguishing medium, is supplied under pressure into the chamber (2) of the spray head via an inlet (3) and through at least one first channel (4) into at least one nozzle (5), which comprises at least one channel zone (6) narrower in a direction transverse to the flow of medium and after that in the direction of flow of medium a channel space (7) wider in a direction transverse to the flow of medium than the narrow channel zone, from which wider channel space the mist of medium generated is passed out of the spray head via an outlet orifice (8). The mist of medium is influenced, at least by increasing its momentum and/or reducing its droplet size, by supplying into the channel space (7) at least one second medium, preferably a gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Marioff Corporation Oy
    Inventor: Göran Sundholm
  • Patent number: 7174965
    Abstract: It is disclosed that a fire extinguishing method by gas, characterized in that, a fire extinguishing chemical of a gas type comprising at least one member selected from a group consisting of argon, nitrogen and carbon dioxide is discharged using foams, powder or water as a carrier so as to extinguish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hatsuta Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriaki Araki, Yuji Teramoto, Koichi Tamura
  • Patent number: 7172031
    Abstract: A fire extinguisher for automotive vehicles, boats, and technical environments which is either automatically controlled, in case of fire, by the action of a thermosensitive cable or, in case of front impact, by the action of a percussion pin switch or manually by a push button located in the interior compartment. It consists of a cylindrical cell box, a valve assembly, a pyrotechnic charge, a bottle of carbon dioxide. When the pyrotechnic charge is electrically energized, it explodes and the percussion pin perforates the diaphragm of the CO2 bottle. The gas pressurizes the cell box and causes the extinguishing substance to flow out through a hose at the end of which a nozzle is disposed that sprinkles the extinguishing substance through a circular crown. The fire extinguisher has two small pipes within the cell box which mix CO2 with the extinguishing substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Domenico Piatti
  • Patent number: 7156184
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inert rendering method for preventing and/or extinguishing fires in enclosed spaces, wherein an oxygen-inhibiting gas is introduced into the target area in order to adjust a first basic level of inertion with a reduced oxygen content in comparison with natural conditions, and wherein an oxygen-inhibiting gas is further introduced in a gradual or sudden manner (in the case of a fire) into the target area in order to adjust one or more levels of inertion with a similarly reduced oxygen content. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method, comprising an oxygen-measuring device in the target area and a source of an oxygen-inhibiting gas. The aim of the invention is to provide an inert rendering method and device for carrying out said method enabling the storage of extinguishing gas needed to extinguish a fire in a simple, economical manner without having to resort to premises which are normally specially provided therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Wagner Alarm—und Sicherungssysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Werner Wagner
  • Patent number: 7153446
    Abstract: A fire or explosion suppression system comprises a source (30) of a liquid suppressant under pressure, and a source (32) of an inert gas under pressure. The liquid suppressant is a chemical substance having a low environmental impact, with a short atmospheric lifetime of less than 30 days. The inert gas may be nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon, neon or helium or mixtures of any two or more of them. The suppressant and the inert gas are fed under pressure to an output unit (34) comprising a mixing chamber in which the liquid and the gas impinge to produce a mist of the liquid suppressant of very small droplet size which is entrained in the pressurised gas together with vapour from the liquid, the so-entrained mist and vapour and the gas being discharged by a nozzle (44) into an area to be protected. The mist and vapour are therefore carried by the entraining and transporting high pressure gas into regions of the areas to be protected, enabling a total flooding capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Kidde IP Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Julian Grigg
  • Patent number: 7128163
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventors: Hector Rousseau, Randy Rousseau
  • Patent number: 7117950
    Abstract: A vehicular and marine fire suppression system for detecting and suppressing and quenching fires. The vehicular and marine fire suppression system including a first canister, a second canister and an actuation mechanism. The first canister houses a fire suppressing agent and is in fluid communication with a manifold assembly for providing delivery of the fire suppression agent from the first canister to the area to be protected by the fire suppression system. The second canister contains a pressurizing/agitation agent and is in fluid communication with the first canister via a valved actuator assembly. The second canister includes a threaded neck defining an outlet and a pierceable seal disposed about the outlet. The actuator assembly includes a piercing member for rupturing the pierceable seal of the second canister. The piercing member is in active engagement with a piston carried by a squib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Samuel D. McLane, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6962207
    Abstract: A fire fighting apparatus has releaseable spray heads, a tube system for leading extinguishing medium from an extinguishing medium source to the spray heads, and at least one drive gas source for driving the extinguishing medium at a high pressure via the tube system to the spray heads. The at least one drive gas source is coupled to a long tube constituting part of the tube system in such a way that the long tube together with the at least one drive gas source constitutes an hydraulic accumulator. The volume of the extinguishing medium source is constituted by the volume of the long tube at least to a substantial extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Göran Sundholm
  • Patent number: 6942040
    Abstract: The automatic fire extinguishing method using liquefied CO2 to regulate the distribution of fire extinguishing agents characterised in that this method uses liquid CO2 as: an independent fire extinguishing agent or combined with other fire extinguishing agents to create new fire extinguishing agents which have strong effects and high efficiency; as a dynamic source producing pressure in the tank to push fire extinguishing agents into the fire area, and as a dynamic source of the entire fire extinguishing system and automating the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventors: Phan Dinh Phuong, Phan Trong Nghia
  • Patent number: 6899184
    Abstract: A fire suppression system adapted for use in a lavatory of an aircraft. The system includes a water supply coupled to one or more fluid discharge nozzles via one or more fluid flow lines. A pressure source in communication with the fluid flow lines provides pressure to assist in supplying a pressurized flow of fluid through the flow line(s) to the nozzles(s). The fire suppression system creates a spray of water capable of suppressing fires within a waste container area or within the entire lavatory area. Heat sensitive valves enable the system to automatically detect the start of a fire. Furthermore, the system is capable of using the potable water supply of the aircraft or it can be self-contained with its own water supply reservoir. If self-contained, the system includes a pressurized fluid source to assist in supplying water to the discharge nozzle(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Thomas L. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6889775
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of converting Halon-based fire suppression systems by substituting HFC 125 for the Halon without the need for changing the in place existing distribution piping. An amount of HFC 125 greater than the amount of Halon utilized in the fire suppression system is provided, which is under a pressure to effect exhaustion of the HFC 125 of the system within a time range exceeding about 10 seconds and up to about 25 seconds and which meets the standard fire extinguishing requirements for Class A and Class B fires. An existing fire suppression system is analyzed for flow characteristics to find TD of that system. The greater quantity C+ of HFC 125 required for the retrofitted system is determined by the formula C+=((TD?10)/(2×TCRIT)?TD×100) wherein TCRIT=0.Y×(TD?10)/(C+/100))+TD. The method may also be utilized to determine the amount of HFC 125 required for the retrofitted fire suppression system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: Bon F. Shaw, Bradford T. Stilwell, John K. Schaefer, Paul H. Kohne
  • Patent number: 6884160
    Abstract: The invention relates to a barrier apparatus for resisting passage of harmful gases from a space through a substantially vertical opening having a top, a bottom and lateral sides, the barrier apparatus comprising a suction arrangement for sucking gases and blowing arrangement for creating a flow of a medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Marioff Corporation Oy
    Inventor: Göoran Sundholm
  • Patent number: 6866103
    Abstract: An installation includes spray nozzles (1) connected to a pressurized extinguishing liquid supply line (3). Fire detecting elements are connected to elements controlling the supply of the nozzles. The installation comprises a compressed gas container (6) connected by a pipe (5) to a tank (4) containing the liquid and which itself is connected to the supply line (3). The conduit (5) is normally closed by a valve (7) with controlled opening so as to enable compressed gas contained in the container to penetrate into the tank to evacuate the liquid towards the supply line of the nozzles. The nozzles are associated with respective electrically driven fans (9) arranged in series so that an electrically driven fan located downstream of an upstream electrically driven fan sucks in the larger volume between the downstream and upstream electrically driven fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Exel Industries
    Inventor: Patrick Ballu
  • Patent number: 6832604
    Abstract: The disclosed device is directed toward a delivery system comprising a source of pressurized fluid. A discharger is coupled to the source of pressurized fluid. A barrel is coupled to the discharger. A loading mechanism is coupled to the barrel, wherein the loading mechanism includes a chamber disposed in the barrel and a loader is coupled to the chamber and a reloader is coupled to the loader. An elevator is coupled to the barrel. A direction swivel is couple to the source of pressurized fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040163826
    Abstract: Air from an air source A, which may be the bleed air of an aircraft, enters the system under the control of an air flow control unit (10). An organic fuel from a fuel reservoir (12 or 13) enters a mixing chamber (16) under the control of fuel flow control unit (14) for mixture with the air. At a first stage the organic fuel is a oxygenated organic fuel from reservoir (12), and at a subsequent stage the organic fuel is a hydrocarbon fuel from reservoir (13). The air and fuel mixture passes to a catalyst bed (18) containing a noble metal catalyst such as platinum, palladium or a mixture thereof. A relatively low temperature, non-flaming reaction occurs and the resultant gas mixture contains a low concentration of oxygen and larger qualities of inert gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: David John Spring
  • Publication number: 20040163825
    Abstract: A fire and explosion suppression system comprises a source (5) of high pressure water which is fed to a misting nozzle (13) or other water mist generating means at one input of a mixing unit (6), and a source (14) of high pressure inert gas, such as nitrogen, which is fed along a pipe (20) to another input of the mixing unit (6). Inside the mixing unit (6), water mist, in the form of an atomised mist of very small droplet size is mixed with the pressurised gas and exits the mixing unit (6) at high pressure and high velocity along a pipe (22) and is thence discharged through spreaders (26, 28). Separation of the mist production from the actual discharge of the mist, and the entraining and transporting of the mist between these two stages at high pressure and high velocity, produces an output mist of very small droplet size which is carried by the entraining and transporting high pressure gas into the area to be protected, enabling a total flooding capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Robert George Dunster, Simon John Davies, Robert James Lade, Julian Grigg
  • Patent number: 6763894
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kidde-Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Schoenrock, Jonathan S. Meltzer, David Rausch, Joseph A. Senecal
  • Publication number: 20040123990
    Abstract: The invention relates to fire-fighting installation comprising a drive source for feeding medium into at least one heat releasing spray head (4), the drive source comprising a pump unit (5) for feeding liquid into said spray head through a supply line (3) which is filled with gas to a standby pressure, a gas source (9) for maintaining the standby pressure, and a sensor (2) arranged to provide a signal for starting the pump unit in response to a change occurring in the state of the medium in the supply line. In order to rapidly start the pump unit (5) of the drive source as a result of a minor flow occurring in the supply line (3) and in order for the fire-fighting installation to be applicable to be used at low temperatures, the sensor is a flow transducer (2) arranged to provide a signal to the pump unit (5), if the flow of gas in said portion of the supply line exceeds a certain predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: MARIOFF CORPORATION OY
    Inventor: Goran W. Sundholm
  • Publication number: 20040045725
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of converting Halon-based fire suppression systems by substituting HFC 125 for the Halon without the need for changing the in place existing distribution piping. An amount of HFC 125 greater than the amount of Halon utilized in the fire suppression system is provided, which is under a pressure to effect exhaustion of the HFC 125 of the system within a time range exceeding about 10 seconds and up to about 25 seconds and which meets the standard fire extinguishing requirements for Class A and Class B fires. An existing fire suppression system is analyzed for flow characteristics to find TD of that system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: Bon F. Shaw, Bradford T. Stilwell, John K. Schaefer, Paul H. Kohne
  • Patent number: 6702033
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Aerojet-General Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Mitchell, Nicholas R. Arnot, George J. Callis
  • Publication number: 20030150623
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fire extinguishing spray nozzle connected to a vertical pipeline. The spray nozzle comprises a nozzle body with a plurality of micro apertures formed on a lower inner circumference thereof, and a nozzle cap connected to the nozzle body and having a guide line and orifices. The orifices of the nozzle cap are communicated with a chamber formed between the nozzle body and the nozzle cap, so that water supplied from the vertical pipeline flows to the orifices through the guide line. The nozzle body has a female threaded portion on an inner circumference of a connecting line, and the nozzle cap has a male threaded portion on a protruded portion thereof, so that the nozzle cap is threadly engaged to the nozzle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Jong Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 6588512
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Marioff Corporation Oy
    Inventor: Göran Sundholm
  • Patent number: 6578639
    Abstract: This invention is geared at attacking the scourge of explosive fires, burns, environmental pollution, or other such hazards associated with the use, transport, and storage of fuels and other hazardous substances, before they occur, including the explosion hazard present in many automotive rear-end collisions. This is achieved by swiftly reacting a “disabler” or “neutralizer” with the hazardous substance, voluntarily or by automation, on the occurrence of predetermined events that position the hazardous substance to threaten a greater than desired risk of harm. According to one of the preferred embodiments of this invention, the formation of combustion vapors in the ullage of fuel tanks is altogether prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventors: Joshua Oghenogieme Osime, Blessing Akhesome Eshiemomoh
  • Publication number: 20030079888
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: MARIOFF CORPORATION OY
    Inventor: Goran Sundholm
  • Patent number: 6543547
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventors: Anton Neumeir, Reinhard Effenberger
  • Patent number: 6523616
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing and prevention system for dispersing a fire retardant substance for preventing a building from burning and for extinguishing a building already on fire. The fire extinguishing and prevention system includes a dispersal assembly coupled to an apex of a building, a plurality of remote dispersal units positioned around a peripheral area of the building, a plurality of heat sensor units positioned around the building, and a storage assembly for holding a fire retardant and extinguishing substance to be dispersed for preventing and extinguishing a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Gary B. Wallace
  • Patent number: 6517009
    Abstract: A dispenser (20) for attachment to a container (22) containing a fluid material, including an actuator (110) which keeps the container (22) in a substantially constantly open configuration so as to allow the fluid to pass into the dispenser (20), and a controllable outlet (36), through which a portion of the fluid is emitted from the dispenser (20), substantially independent of the fluid pressure in the container (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Gotit Ltd.
    Inventor: Shimon Yahav
  • Patent number: 6443233
    Abstract: An apparatus for introducing liquid and/or inert gas into a liquid extinguishing medium, including an extinguishing line having at least one extinguishing nozzle; an extinguishant supply line, having a non-return valve, which provides extinguishant to the extinguishing line; a supply tube, having a metering valve, which provides liquid and/or inert gas to the extinguishing line; and a perforated distributor body, within the extinguishing line, having at least one hole arranged along the distributor body and between two sequentially extinguishing nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Alstom
    Inventor: Frédéric Aebischer
  • Publication number: 20020023761
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fire fighting apparatus comprising a plurality of spray heads (5a′ to 5e′), a tube system (2′, 3a′, 3e′) for leading extinguishing medium from an extinguishing medium source (2′) having a volume for extinguishing medium to the spray heads, at least one drive gas source for driving extinguishing medium at a high pressure via the tube system to the spray heads, and release means for activating at least one of the spray heads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: GORAN SUNDHOLM
  • Patent number: 6346203
    Abstract: A method for suppressing a fire at a burning material comprising delivering to said burning material (a) an inert gas and (b) a gaseous compound selected from the group consisting of a hydrofluorocarbon, an iodofluorocarbon, and a mixture thereof, gases (a) and (b) being delivered in a combined concentration sufficient to extinguish the fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: PCBU Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Robin, W. Douglas Register, Thomas F. Rowland
  • Patent number: 6267183
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Intelagard, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Edward Smagac
  • Patent number: 6244523
    Abstract: A pressurized injector comprises a barrel, an injecting end fastened with one end of the barrel, a piston disposed in other end of the barrel and provided with a pull rod fastened therewith. The piston contains a liquid propellant, which reacts with a powdered propellant contained in a pressure chamber of the barrel to produce gas at such time when the pull rod of the piston is pulled. The gas pressure forces the piston to move toward the injecting end, thereby resulting in the ejection of a filling material contained in the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Chang-Chou Chung
  • Patent number: 6223827
    Abstract: A fire-extinguishing device includes a vessel containing a fire-extinguishing substance, a tank of pressurized gas, flexible pipe for connecting the vessel and the tank to each other as well as to a device that generates a directed flow of the fire-extinguishing substance mixed with the working gas, and a pressure regulator for the working gas. The device has a mixing chamber for the fire-extinguishing substance and the gas, with the chamber having a gas-dynamic nozzle mounted at its outlet. A profiled channel in the nozzle has a length equal to at least twice the diameter of the nozzle channel at its smallest section. The vessel and the tank may be fitted in a backpack. The nozzle may be made in the shape of ring and fitted with an annular channel for feeding additional working gas before a minimal section of its own channel. The central body of the annular nozzle may be made in the shape of a cone with its tip directed toward the nozzle inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Nauchno-Issledovatelsky Institut Nizkikh Temperatur Pri Mai
    Inventors: Jury Vladimirovich Zuev, Alexandr Vladimirovich Karpyshev, Igor Alexandrovich Lepeshinky
  • Patent number: 6189624
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: FF Seeley Nominees Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Wilton James
  • Patent number: 6161623
    Abstract: Control of smoke and fire in a region threatened by a fire through the use of an exit door and a doorcase around an exit door is accomplished in such a manner to first supply water from a water source to a water supply tube which is connected to the doorcase in a constant level of pressure by a pump. The water supply tube which is connected to the doorcase in a constant level of pressure by a pump. The water supply tube is provided with a solenoid valve for controlling the water flow into the doorcase and a branch-connecting portion. Further, pressurized air is supplied to an air supply tube connected to the branch-connecting portion to fluid-communicate with the water supply tube. The air supply tube is provided with an air solenoid valve for controlling the airflow into the branch-connecting portion. The solenoid valve is opened to render the water to flow into the doorcase having a plurality of nozzle holes facing to the exit door, if a fire is detected either by a detector or a manual actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Dong-Won Shin
  • Patent number: 6155351
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Intelagard, Inc.
    Inventors: John Breedlove, Dennis Edward Smagac