Fire-extinguishing Patents (Class 252/2)
  • Patent number: 5616273
    Abstract: This invention relates to synergistic surfactant compositions based on water insoluble amphoteric fluorochemical surfactants and water soluble anionic hydrocarbon or fluorochemical surfactants of the sulfate or sulfonate type and aqueous film forming foam agents derived from such synergistic surfactant compositions and a method to treat the aqueous waste stream generated by such aqueous film forming foam agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Dynax Corporation
    Inventors: Kirtland P. Clark, Eduard K. Kleiner
  • Patent number: 5611210
    Abstract: A new set of effective, environmentally safe, nonflammable, low-toxicity refrigerants, solvents, foam blowing agents, propellants, and firefighting agents is disclosed. The agents are clean, electrically nonconductive, and have short atmospheric lifetimes, zero ozone-depletion potential, and low global warming potentials. The agents comprise at least one fluoroiodocarbon agent satisfying the general formula C.sub.a H.sub.b Br.sub.c Cl.sub.d F.sub.e I.sub.f N.sub.g O.sub.h, wherein a is between and including 1 and 8; b is between and including 0 and 2; c, d, g, and h are each between and including 0 and 1; e is between and including 1 and 18; and f is between and including 1 and 2, either neat or mixed with additives selected from the group consisting of: alcohols, esters, ethers, fluoroethers, hydrocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, and perfluorocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Ikon Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan S. Nimitz, Lance H. Lankford
  • Patent number: 5609787
    Abstract: A method for extinguishing fire uses a gaseous fire-extinguishing agent having as an active component thereof a polyfluoro-tertiary amine represented by the following formula:(CF.sub.3).sub.2 NRfwherein Rf stands for a polyfluoroalkyl group of 1-4 carbon atoms or a polyfluoroalkenyl group of 1-4 carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Agency of Industrial Science & Technology, Ministry of International Trade & Industry
    Inventors: Takashi Abe, Haruhiko Fukaya, Eiji Hayashi, Yoshio Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 5605647
    Abstract: A new set of effective, environmentally safe, nonflammable, low-toxicity refrigerants, solvents, foam blowing agents, propellants, and firefighting agents is disclosed. The agents are clean, electrically nonconductive, and have short atmospheric lifetimes, zero ozone-depletion potential, and low global warming potentials. The agents comprise at least one fluoroiodocarbon agent satisfying the general formula C.sub.a H.sub.b Br.sub.c Cl.sub.d F.sub.e I.sub.f N.sub.g O.sub.h, wherein a is between and including 1 and 8; b is between and including 0 and 2; c, d, g, and h are each between and including 0 and 1; e is between and including 1 and 18; and f is between and including 1 and 2, either neat or mixed with additives selected from the group consisting of: alcohols, esters, ethers, fluoroethers, hydrocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, and perfluorocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Ikon Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan S. Nimitz, Lance H. Lankford
  • Patent number: 5593485
    Abstract: A fire proof or extinguishing compositions consisting of diammonium hydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, dicyandiamide, sodium borate decahydrate and water, is characterized in that it is non-toxic, non-polluting and free of chlorofluorocarbons, and that its extinguishing effect is significantly enchanced as well as it can replace Halon 1211 as extinguishing material for using in portable or automatic extinguishing systematic engineering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Chih-Cheng Wang
  • Patent number: 5585028
    Abstract: A fire fighting and cooling composition that is particularly useful for fighting fires involving polar solvents and volatile liquid hydrocarbons includes a combination of non-ionic surfactants, such as amine oxides, organic sulfates or sulfonates, and amphoteric surfactants, such as acylamidoalkylbetaines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignees: Robert E. Tyler, Robert E. Tinsley, Jr., W. Michael Hagar, Welsey Wright, Gentry R. P. Ferrell
    Inventor: Paul H. Berger
  • Patent number: 5582759
    Abstract: A fire extinguisher and retardant material is formed from cellulosic mulch saturated with licorice juice. The licorice juice may be in the form of a foam, and the material may additionally include a binder and water. In order to increase the cohesiveness of the material, flexible strands of fine wire may be added to the mixture or a wire webbing may be used as a carrier material. Preferably, the cellulosic mulch is shredded paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Paul Bursey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5562861
    Abstract: A new set of effective, environmentally safe, nonflammable, low-toxicity refrigerants, solvents, foam blowing agents, propellants, and firefighting agents is disclosed. The agents are clean, electrically nonconductive, and have short atmospheric lifetimes, zero ozone-depletion potential, and low global warming potentials. The agents comprise at least one fluoroiodocarbon agent satisfying the general formula C.sub.a H.sub.b Br.sub.c Cl.sub.d F.sub.e I.sub.f N.sub.g O.sub.h, wherein a is between and including 1 and 8; b is between and including 0 and 2; c, d, g, and h are each between and including 0 and 1; e is between and including 1 and 18; and f is between and including 1 and 2, either neat or mixed with additives selected from the group consisting of: alcohols, esters, ethers, fluoroethers, hydrocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, and perfluorocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: IKON Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan S. Nimitz, Lance H. Lankford
  • Patent number: 5534164
    Abstract: Flooding fire extinguishing agents which are non-toxic and environmentally safe in both natural form and in degraded form which may occur as a result of exposure to fire are disclosed. The flooding fire extinguishing agents are rich in low boiling unsaturated chlorofluorocarbon compounds and have low liquid viscosities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Elio Guglielmi
  • Patent number: 5518638
    Abstract: The invention concerns the production and use of thickened synthetic amorphous silica in water as a fire extinguishing and protection agent in which the water is mixed with 1% to 9% by weight of fumed silica, and the resulting thin fluid suspension is rapidly thickened with mixing and shearing by the addition of from 0.003% to about 0.5% by weight of an additive selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, and their derivatives thereof, wherein the additive has a molar mass between 700 and 600,000.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventors: Jurgen Buil, Gernot Lohnert
  • Patent number: 5510041
    Abstract: The process for producing an organic material for extinguishing fires involves mixing at least two kinds of cucurbits which have been divided into pieces, and collecting the water released by them.The mixture is crushed and screened to obtain a very fine powder or a uniform pulp.The powder or pulp is then mixed with at least one basic additive, chosen between sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate, in proportions comprised between 1.5% and 7% by weight; with a saline preservative, substantially salicylic acid, in a proportion comprised between 0.1% and 2% by weight; with water from the cucurbits, in a proportion comprised between 50 and 60%; and with at least one surfactant in a proportion comprised between 5% and 30% by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventor: Maddalena Sonnino
  • Patent number: 5496475
    Abstract: Low viscosity, concentrated aqueous solutions of polysaccharide gums are prepared using certain water-soluble, anionic copolymers as viscosity reducers. These low viscosity polysaccharide gum solutions are used in the formulation of low viscosity polar-solvent fire-fighting foam compositions, especially "3.times.3" ("three by three") concentrates. The low viscosity compositions of the present invention are found to have exceptional stability as well as significantly improved fire-fighting performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Ciba-Geigy Corporation
    Inventors: Chang H. Jho, Yung Loh, Karl F. Mueller
  • Patent number: 5468303
    Abstract: A rust, corrosion, and scale removing composition is provided. It comprises an additive concentrate and water. The additive concentrate preferably consists of, on a parts by weight basis, 1.5 to 5 parts glycolic acid, 0.2 to 1 parts tetrasodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, 2 to 6 parts citric acid, and 1 to 3 parts trisodium citrate dihydrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: ZT Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn C. Thomas, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5466386
    Abstract: Fire-extinguishing compositions of low ozone depletion potential comprise dry particles of ammonium bromide coated with an abherent such as zinc stearate to improve flowability. The coated particles enhance the fire-extinguishing properties of chlorofluorocarbons and halogenated paraffins having low ozone depletion properties, when dispersed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: POWSUS, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry E. Stewart, Donald B. MacElwee
  • Patent number: 5464544
    Abstract: Methods of extinguishing a fire in the presence of an alkali metal, such as lithium type fires, by contacting the fire with a mixture of different nonylphenolethoxylates with a non-aqueous solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Metro Fire & Rescue, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul H. Berger
  • Patent number: 5425885
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a fire retarding and extinguishing composition, specifically, a liquid fire retarding and extinguishing composition for extinguishing fires caused by classes B and A materials and flammable organic solvents. The fire retarding and extinguishing composition of the present invention comprises:(a) an aqueous extract of plant ash and at least one plant selected from a group consisting of plants of Sapindaceae, Compositae, Cruciferae, Leguminosae, root skin of Ulmaceae, Phytolaccaceae and cotton seed;(b) at least one surfactant, in an amount of 30-60 percent by weight of the weight of said aqueous extract of plant ash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignees: Fenglan Zhao, Huanwen Du
    Inventor: Guansheng Zhao
  • Patent number: 5421964
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an extractive distillation process for separating HCl from pentafluoroethane, chloropentafluoroethane, chlorotrifluoroethane, trifluoromethane, and other fully saturated and unsaturated fluorocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons and chlorocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Barry A. Mahler, Vinci M. Felix, Ralph N. Miller
  • Patent number: 5399375
    Abstract: The coating of shredded paper insulation with a powdered or particulate fire retardant agent mixed with an anti-static agent to enhance coating is further improved by applying a precoat of a mixture of fire retardant agent and anti-static agent, the precoat mixture containing only a relatively minor portion of the final fire retardant coating, and subsequently coating the paper particles with the remaining fire retardant agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: Leonard D. Rood
  • Patent number: 5393438
    Abstract: A process for extinguishing, preventing and controlling fires using a composition containing at least one fluoro-substituted propane selected from the group of 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (CHCl.sub.2 CF.sub.3), 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CHClFCF.sub.3), and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CH.sub.2 FCF.sub.3), and mixtures thereof is disclosed. The fluoropropanes can be used in open or enclosed areas with little or no effect on the ozone in the stratosphere and with little effect on the global warming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Richard E. Fernandez
  • Patent number: 5391721
    Abstract: Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) concentrates for fighting polar and non-polar fuel and solvent fires, comprising hydrocarbon solvents, hydrocarbon surfactants, fluorosurfactants, high molecular weight polysaccharides, alginates, salts of aryl or alkylaryl sulfonates and water, and method for modifying the viscosity of the AFFF concentrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Wormald U.S., Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Hanen, Debbie L. Wagner
  • Patent number: 5368105
    Abstract: A cryogenic slurry comprising a mixture of solid carbon dioxide particles suspended in liquid nitrogen is provided which is useful in extinguishing underground fires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Interior
    Inventors: Robert F. Chaiken, Ann G. Kim, Andrew M. Kociban, Joseph P. Slivon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5340490
    Abstract: Azeotrope-like compositions comprising trifluoromethane and carbon dioxide or trifluromethane, hexafluoroethane and carbon dioxide are stable and have utility as refrigerants for heating and cooling as well as fire extinguishing compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Barbara R. Decaire, Peter B. Logsdon, Earl A. E. Lund, Ian R. Shankland, Rajiv R. Singh, David P. Wilson, Raymond H. P. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5308547
    Abstract: Novel compositions useful as fluid gelling agents, especially for use in subterranean applications such as drilling fluids, are prepared by reacting an aqueous dispersion of a clay, such as bentonite, with an aqueous gel of a monodispersed mixed metal layered hydroxide of the formula Li.sub.m D.sub.d T(OH).sub.(m+2d+3+na) A.sub.a.sup.n, where D is a divalent metal, such as Mg, T is a trivalent metal, such as Al, and A represents other monovalent or polyvalent anions, the formula being described in detail in the disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: John L. Burba, III, Audrey L. Barnes
  • Patent number: 5308553
    Abstract: Metal hydride compositions comprise a mixture of (a) from about 1 to about 10 parts, by molecular weight, of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of silicon, aluminum, tin and zinc; (b) from about 1 to about 3 parts, by molecular weight, of an alkali metal hydroxide; and (c) from about 5 to about 10 parts, by molecular weight, of water. These compositions may be used in various applications, including, among others, methods for separating coal fines from coal fine waste slurries, methods for cleaning and desludging hydrocarbon storage tanks, methods for providing fire-retardant properties to composite materials and methods for providing corrosion protection to metal parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Swan Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ignacio L. Cisneros
  • Patent number: 5262077
    Abstract: Azeotrope-like blends are disclosed comprising effective amounts of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a) and a halocarbon selected from the group consisting of 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HCFC-124), 2-chloro-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HCFC-124a), 1-hydroperfluoropropane (HFC-227ca), 2-hydroperfluoropropane (HFC-227ea), and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Donald B. Bivens, Brooks S. Lunger
  • Patent number: 5250200
    Abstract: An environmentally safe fire fighting technique comprises directing a fire/flame extinguishing amount of an essentially zero ODP hydrofluoroalkane compound (other than a tetrafluoroethane or pentafluoroethane) onto a burning fire or flame, e.g., by total flooding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Atochem
    Inventor: Daniel Sallet
  • Patent number: 5236611
    Abstract: Constant boiling compositions of perfluoropropane and trifluoroethane that are useful as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes and as power cycle working fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Mark B. Shiflett
  • Patent number: 5234613
    Abstract: Substantially constant boiling compositions that are mixtures of difluoromethane and propane that are useful as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, and expansion agents for polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: E.I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Mark B. Shiflett
  • Patent number: 5232618
    Abstract: Substantially constant boiling mixtures of difluoromethane and 1,1,1-trifluoroethane or perfluoroethane are useful as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, and expansion agents for polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Mark B. Shiflett
  • Patent number: 5219474
    Abstract: A liquid fire extinguishing composition is obtained by mixing a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 halogenated alkane such as Halone 1301 (CF.sub.3 Br), Halone 1211 (CF.sub.2 ClBr), or a mixture thereof with an organophosphorus compound, or the mixture thereof for a wide variety of a fire extinguishment and no residues after fire extinguishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Choong E. Song, In O. Kim, Jae K. Lee, Tae K. Kim, Sang G. Lee
  • Patent number: 5218021
    Abstract: Co-oligmers of the formula R.sub.f --E.sub.m --(S).sub.n --[M.sub.1 ].sub.x --[M.sub.2 ].sub.y --H and mixtures thereof, wherein R.sub.f is a perfluoroalkyl group, E is a linkage group, M.sub.1 represents a non-ionic hydrophilic monomer unit, M.sub.2 represents an anionic hydrophilic monomer unit, n and m are optionally 0 or 1, and x and y represent the number of monomer units present in the novel co-oligomers, the sum of x and y being between 5 and 200, and y/(x+y) being between 0.01 and 0.98; are useful as additives in polar-solvent fire-fighting compositions when used in conjunction with polysaccharides and other adjuvants. They improve dynamic foam stability and vapor suppressing ability of the foam, thereby reducing the flammability of polar solvent contaminated foams and consequently improving extinguishment and burnback resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Ciba-Geigy Corporation
    Inventors: Kirtland P. Clark, Michael Jacobson, Chang H. Jho
  • Patent number: 5196143
    Abstract: Novel compositions useful as fluid gelling agents, especially for use in subterranean applications such as drilling fluids, are prepared by reacting an aqueous dispersion of a clay, such as bentonite, with an aqueous gel of a monodispersed mixed metal layered hydroxide of the formula Li.sub.m D.sub.d T(OH).sub.(m+2d+3+na) A.sup.n.sub.a.H.sub.2 O, where x is zero or more representing excess water of hydration, where D is a divalent metal, such as Mg, T is a trivalent metal, such as Al, and A represents other monovalent or polyvalent anions, the formula being described in detail in the disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: John L. Burba, III, Audrey L. Barnes
  • Patent number: 5196137
    Abstract: Azeotropic mixtures of 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane (HFC-43-10mee) and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-dichloroethylene or 1,1-dichloroethane are useful as cleaning agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents, and displacement drying agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Abid N. Merchant
  • Patent number: 5190110
    Abstract: In the fighting of fires or protection of objects from fire by applying thereto water, the improvement which comprises dispersing in the water particles of a cross-linked water-insoluble but hightly water-swellable acrylic acid derivative polymer in an amount insufficient to bring the viscosity above 100 mPa's. Advantageously, the particles are present in an amount such that after swelling the swollen particles hold 60 to 70% by weight of the total water, the particles are from 0.1 to 3 mm in diameter and are present in from 0.1 to 0.6% by weight of the water, the polymer being a copolymer of an acrylic acid, the water containing silicic acid and/or a silicate as well as sodium, potassium or ammonium ions. The water is freely pumpable but the swollen particles adhere to surfaces they contact rather than running off rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventors: Hubert von Blucher, Hasso von Blucher, Ernest de Ruiter
  • Patent number: 5154235
    Abstract: A method is described for the control or suppression of a fire in which one applies to the fire a suppressant material which contains dealginated, partially dewatered kelp. Other components, such as perlite, may also be present. The suppressant material will have a water content no greater than about 25%, preferably about 5%-10%. It is used in the form of particulates and applied to the surface of a fire to suppress or extinguish the fire. It is particularly applicable to fighting fires in remote or inaccessible locations; large area fires, such as pools of burning oil; or fires where use of conventional water fire fighting methods are either dangerous or insufficient. The material may be molded into various shapes adapted to be used as fire barriers in vehicles and building walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Damcosur S.A. De C.V.
    Inventors: John J. Renaker, Jr., Donald A. Magley, Michael R. Bustamante
  • Patent number: 5141654
    Abstract: A process for extinguishing, preventing and controlling fires using a composition containing at least one fluoro-substituted ethane selected from the group of CF.sub.3 --CHF.sub.2, CHF.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2, CF.sub.3 --CH.sub.2 F, CF.sub.3 --CHFCl, CF.sub.2 Cl--CHF.sub.2, CF.sub.3 --CHCl.sub.2, CF.sub.2 Cl--CHFCl, CFCl.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2, and CHFCl--CHFCl is disclosed. The ethane can be used in open or enclosed areas with little or no effect on the ozone in the stratosphere and with little effect on the global warming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Richard E. Fernandez
  • Patent number: 5135054
    Abstract: A set of fire extinguishing agents suitable for total flood fire suppression applications is disclosed. The agents are characterized by high extinguishment efficiency, low toxicity, and low ozone depletion potential. The agents are partially or completely fluorinated alkanes having at least two carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: University of New Mexico
    Inventors: Jonathan S. Nimitz, Robert E. Tapscott, Stephanie R. Skaggs
  • Patent number: 5132030
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing means based on a combination of various clay minerals, with the clay mineral mixture containing at least a certain amount of smectite, kaolinite as well as clay minerals from the mica group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: Gunther Marx
  • Patent number: 5124053
    Abstract: Highly fluorinated, saturated, C.sub.2 and C.sub.3 hydrofluorocarbons are efficient, economical, non-ozone-depleting fire extinguishing agents used alone or in blends with other fire extinguishing agents in total flooding and portable systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Great Lakes Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Iikubo, Mark L. Robin
  • Patent number: 5117917
    Abstract: Completely fluorinated, saturated C.sub.2, C.sub.3 and C.sub.4 compounds are efficient, non-ozone-depleting fire extinguishing agents used alone or in blends with other compounds in total flooding and portable systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Great Lakes Chemical Corp.
    Inventors: Mark L. Robin, Yuichi Iikubo
  • Patent number: 5113947
    Abstract: Methods for extinguishing fires are disclosed which include the use of 2-Chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane as a fire extinguishing agent. The 2-Chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane may be used alone or in combination with other halogenated hydrocarbon fire extinguishants. Compositions including the 2-Chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and other extinguishants are also disclosed. The compositions are effective at low concentrations and are non-toxic and environmentally safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Great Lakes Chemical Corporation
    Inventor: Mark L. Robin
  • Patent number: 5112533
    Abstract: Fire suppressing compositions are produced by reaction of lignosulfonates with carbonate of soda to produce low-cost chemical reagents useful for fighting fires in progress or for treating flammable materials to render them non-flammable. Methods for producing the fire retardant compositions in liquid, foam or adhesive form are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventors: Penny M. Pope, Sean O'Bannon, Steven R. Pope
  • Patent number: 5094778
    Abstract: Novel compositions useful as fluid gelling agents, especially for use in subterranean applications such as drilling fluids, are prepared by reacting an aqueous dispersion of a clay, such as bentonite, with an aqueous gel of a monodispersed mixed metal layered hydroxide of the formula Li.sub.m D.sub.d T(OH).sub.(m+2d+3+na) A.sub.J.sup.n where D is a divalent metal, such as Mg, T is a trivalent metal, such as Al, and A represents other monovalent or polyvalent anions, the formula being described in detail in the disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: John L. Burba, III, Audrey L. Barnes
  • Patent number: 5093013
    Abstract: In a fire extinguisher containing a halogenated hydrocarbon extinguishant, the improvement wherein said extinguishant comprises at least one of 2-bromo-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and 2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane. These compounds will eventually decompose in the atmosphere so as not to present a hazard to the ozone layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Halocarbon Products Corporation
    Inventor: Lee G. Sprague
  • Patent number: 5084190
    Abstract: A process for extinguishing, preventing and controlling fires using a composition containing at least one fluoro-substituted propane selected from the group of CF.sub.3 --CHF--CF.sub.3, CF.sub.3 --CF.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2, CF.sub.3 --CFH--CF.sub.2 H, CF.sub.3 --CH.sub.2 --CF.sub.3, CF.sub.3 --CF.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 F, CHF.sub.2 --CF.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2, CF.sub.3 --CF.sub.2 --CHCl.sub.2, CHFCl--CF.sub.2 --CClF.sub.2, CHF.sub.2 --CCl.sub.2 --CF.sub.3, CF.sub.3 --CHCl--CClF.sub.2, CHF.sub.2 --CF.sub.2 --CHClF, CF.sub.3 --CR.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 Cl, CClF.sub.2 --CF.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 F, CF.sub.3 --CH.sub.2 --CClF.sub.2, CHClF--CR.sub.2 --CF.sub.3, CHF.sub.2 --CF.sub.2 --CF.sub.2 Cl, CF.sub.3 --CHCl--CF.sub.3, CF.sub.3 --CHF--CF.sub.2 Cl, and CHF.sub.2 --CFCl--CF.sub.3 is disclosed. The fluoropropanes can be used in open or enclosed areas with little or no effect on the ozone in the stratosphere and with little effect on the global warming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Richard E. Fernandez
  • Patent number: 5082575
    Abstract: A very efficient method is proposed for extinguishment of fire involving various dangerous materials hardly fire-extinguishable by conventional methods, such as alkali metal peroxides, alkyl aluminum compounds, diketene and calcium carbide or phosphide in contact with water. The method comprises sprinkling, over the burning site of the fire, a silica-based or silica.multidot.alumina-based powder of porous particles having a specified particle diameter and a specified pore diameter, of which the content of silicon dioxide is at least 80% by weight or the total content of silicon dioxide and aluminum oxide is at least 90% by weight. When the burning material is metallic sodium or potassium, the powder sprinkled is a blend of the above mentioned silica-based powder and a powder of sodium chloride or potassium chloride, respectively, so that the fire can be extinguished more rapidly and reliably than in the use of the silica-based powder alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Handotai Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hisayoshi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5080177
    Abstract: 1-Bromo-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane is a low ozone-depleting fire extinguishing agent used alone or in blends with other compounds in total flooding and portable systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Great Lakes Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Mark L. Robin, Yuichi Iikubo
  • Patent number: 5075018
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing composition and product including Alumina Tri Hydrates as the major portion with minor portions of Wollastonite (calcium metasilicate) and an anionic surfactant all pressurized by nitrogen gas of the order of about 200 psi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Radixx/World Limited
    Inventor: John S. Luckanuck
  • Patent number: 5069290
    Abstract: A fire-resistant foam having hydrogen-filled cells for use in airship/balloon envelopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventor: Gregory R. Brotz
  • Patent number: 5061382
    Abstract: A fire control composition which is in particulate form, which is anhydrous, and which is particularly effective for fighting Class D fires, such as metal fires. The composition includes particles of crushed glass bearing a hydrophobic coating thereon so that agglomeration of the fire control composition due to adsorption of moisture during storage and use is substantially prevented and so that when applied to fire, the fire control composition forms a blanket over the fire which deprives the fire of oxygen and thereby smothers it. The composition may additionally contain at least one additional material, such as salts, spherulized vitreous beads, or graphite which at least one additional material also bears a hydrophobic coating. The median grain size of the crushed glass is preferably below 200 micrometers, most preferably below 120 micrometers, for example, in the range of from 25 to 35 micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Glaverbel
    Inventors: Alain Halter, Joel Hussenet, Paul Arker, Francois Toussaint