Fire extinguishers – Processes – With mixing of extinguishing compounds
Reexamination Certificate
2006-09-12
2006-09-12
Ganey, Steven J. (Department: 3752)
Fire extinguishers
Processes
With mixing of extinguishing compounds
C169S015000, C169S047000, C169S064000, C169S070000, C239S310000, C239S318000, C239S422000, C239S427000, C239S428000, C239S008000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07104336
ABSTRACT:
The method of the invention comprises the steps of proportioning a foam concentrate into a non-flammable liquid to form a foam concentrate/liquid mixture and creating a flowing stream of the foam concentrate/liquid mixture. Nitrogen is introduced into the stream of the foam/liquid mixture to initiate the formation of a nitrogen expanded foam fire suppressant. In one embodiment the nitrogen is chilled below ambient temperature. The flowing stream carrying the initially nitrogen expanded foam is dispensed, which completes the full expansion of the nitrogen expanded foam fire suppressant, into the confined area involved in fire thereby to smother the fire and to substantially close off contact between combustible material involved in fire and the ambient atmosphere substantially reducing the danger of explosion or flash fires. The system for creating and dispensing the nitrogen expanded foam can be self-contained and includes a proportioner, a source of foam concentrate, a source of nitrogen and a dispenser for completing the extension and dispensing of the nitrogen expanded foam. A chiller can be included to chill the nitrogen below ambient temperature. Optionally a power generator can be incorporated into the system in instances where power is not available. The apparatus for expanding and dispensing foam comprises a housing defining an interior through which extends a discharge line. The ends of the housing are closed about the ends of the discharge line and the ends of the discharge line extend beyond the ends of the housing to define a connector at one end for receiving a stream of foam concentrate/liquid and at the opposite end to define the foam dispensing end of the apparatus. A portion of the discharge line in the housing defines an eductor for introduction of the expanding gas into the stream of foam concentrate/liquid flowing through the discharge line.
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patent: 4641711 (1987-02-01), Terry
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patent: 5632338 (1997-05-01), Hunter
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Hookham, Marian, New multi-class foam suppresses fire, International Longwall News web site, Mar. 1, 2004, pp. 1-2, downloaded at http://www.longwalls.com/storyview.asp?storyid=22742§ionsource=s0 on Mar. 3, 2004.
Ganey Steven J.
Stites & Harbison PLLC
Vanderburgh John E.
LandOfFree
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