Fire extinguishers – Special applications – Condition responsive control
Reexamination Certificate
2001-07-12
2003-11-18
Ganey, Steven J. (Department: 3752)
Fire extinguishers
Special applications
Condition responsive control
C169S037000, C169S054000, C169S060000, C169S065000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06648077
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to devices and systems for protecting structures and appliances from fire(s) and extinguishing any such fire(s) which may occur. More specifically, the present invention comprises a fire extinguishing system which is most particularly adaptable to household use in extinguishing any fire which may occur due to a malfunctioning appliance (clothes dryer, stove, etc.). The present system automatically extinguishes a fire when it occurs, shuts off any electrical power to the affected appliance to remove any electrical ignition source, signals appropriate authorities and/or emits an alarm, and then shuts down the water supply after the fire has been extinguished in order to minimize water damage.
2. Description of the Related Art
The ever increasing demand for labor saving appliances of various sorts in residences and other structures, has led to the increasing electrification of such structures and installation of a large number of such appliances within such structures. While the time and labor saved through use of such appliances is undeniable, they nevertheless may have certain drawbacks as well.
The almost universal use of electrical energy to power, or at least control, such appliances results in some potential for fire in the event of improper or inadequate wiring or installation of the appliance. When such appliances are powered by electrical energy, particularly where electricity is used to produce heat, may result in a fire hazard if the equipment is not used and maintained properly.
This is perhaps most evident in the laundry area of the typical residence, where lint buildup can create a potential fire hazard if not disposed of regularly. While all clothes dryers include lint traps and vents which exhaust moist air (and a certain amount of lint therewith, which has passed through the filter), lint comprising extremely fine clothing fibers, hair particles, and other potentially flammable fine particles, will still build up in and around various areas of the machine over a period of time. Other appliances may produce some fire hazard as well, such as stoves and other kitchen appliances, with the potential fire hazard of spilled food, grease, etc.
The above noted hazards are well recognized, and various safety organizations have issued warnings and reminders of these and other household fire hazards for years. In fact, it is almost universally recommended by such safety organizations and insurance companies, that hand held fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and/or other fire safety equipment be provided or installed in every household or other area where a potential fire hazard may exist.
While smoke detectors provide warning of an overheated area or appliance, they do nothing per se to extinguish any fire which may occur. Hand held fire extinguishers are of course an excellent safety tool, but are limited to such instances where a responsible party is at the site of the fire; they do nothing when a fire occurs in an unattended area, and/or when people are away from the structure. With the automation of many appliances, the potential for fire when the structure is unoccupied increases greatly.
Accordingly, a need will be seen for an automated fire extinguishing system which is activated automatically upon receiving a sufficient heat input, and which also serves to automatically shut down the electrical supply to the affected appliance or area in order to eliminate any potential electrical ignition source. The present system may also provide notification to appropriate authorities (fire dept., etc.) and/or provide an alarm for any persons within the structure. Finally, with the elimination of electrical ignition sources and extinguishing of any fire which has occurred, the present fire extinguishing system also automatically shuts down the water flow after the fire has been put out, in order to minimize water damage to the area. The present fire extinguishing system is easily installed in a residence, apartment, small business, or other structure in which such fire protection may be required.
A discussion of the related art of which the present inventor is aware, and its differences and distinctions from the present invention, is provided below.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,017,841 issued on Oct. 22, 1935 to John B. Coleman, titled “Domestic Sprinkler System,” describes an automated fire extinguishing system for household installation. The Coleman system differs considerably from the present system, in that it is intended for general area coverage rather than for application to specific areas where various appliances may be installed, for extinguishing fires which might occur due to those appliances. Moreover, the Coleman device requires that the water be shut off manually after actuation of the extinguishing sprinkler(s), while the present invention provides automated water shutoff means after the fire has been extinguished. Moreover, while Coleman provides automated electrical alarm means with his extinguishing system, such means is battery powered and does not interface with the standard household electrical system, and accordingly cannot provide any means for disconnecting such an electrical system from any appliance(s).
U.S. Pat. No. 4,047,570 issued on Sep. 13, 1977 to Michael E. Munk, titled “Sprinkler System For Existing Buildings,” describes a system in which the plumbing is installed through existing heating and air conditioning ductwork. Munk provides a pneumatically actuated alarm system, with the air pressure causing electrical contacts to close when opposing water pressure drops as the system is activated. However, Munk fails to provide any means for automatically deactivating any associated electrical system(s) nor for automatically shutting off the water supply to the sprinkler head(s), as provided by the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,091,876 issued on May 30, 1978 to Robert P. P. Valdatta, titled “Fire Sprinkling System For Mobile Trailers,” describes a manually activated system using carbon dioxide, water, or both agents. A tank of compressed carbon dioxide is provided externally to the trailer, with a manually controlled valve to the distribution line. A hose bib and shutoff valve are provided for attachment of a water line thereto. In the event of a fire, a person must manually open the carbon dioxide control valve to distribute the carbon dioxide, and/or connect a water hose to the hose bib and open the water shutoff valve to provide water to the extinguishing system. No automated means of extinguishing a fire is provided by Valdatta, nor is any means provided for automatically actuating an electrical alarm, automatically shutting off any electrical power source(s), or automatically shutting off the water supply after the fire has been extinguished.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,865 issued on Jan. 4, 1983 to James J. Makibbin, titled “Packaged Sprinkler System Using A Dead Water Tank,” describes a fire extinguishing system using conventional heat actuated sprinkler heads and a conventional household water supply. A backup water supply from a dead water tank may be electrically switched to provide additional water flow and/or pressure as required. However, the Makibbin system does not include any means for automatically shutting off any household or structural electrical power nor for automatically shutting off the water flow after the fire has been extinguished, as provided by the present fire extinguishing system invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,634 issued on Nov. 27, 1984 to Kenneth R. Swanson et al., titled “Flexible Fire Protection System, ” describes a water distribution system comprising a series of swivel connected rigid pipes having distal fire sprinkler heads disposed in movable cabinets or storage racks. The swivel connections and arcuate pipe support tracks permit the water distribution system to be moved as required along with the movement of the cabinets or storage racks. However, the Swanson et al. system does not include any automated electrical or water shutoff me
Ganey Steven J.
Litman Richard C.
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