AU2020202217A1 - Fire extinguisher with internal mixing and gas cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

improvements to a portable fire extinguisher (19) are disclosed. The portable fire ctinguisher (19) includes a chamber (22) configured to be filled with fire suppressant aterial (99) and to be pressurized with gas from a pressurized gas cartridge (50), the >rtable fire extinguisher further including a flow path (80) for releasing the fire ippressant material (99) from the chamber (22). The portable fire extinguisher comprises: integral siphon tube (112) having a first tube end coupled to the flow path (80) and a !cond tube end disposed inside the chamber (22); a fluffing arm (120) disposed in the amber (22) and configured to agitate the fire suppressant material (99) in the chamber 2) when the integral siphon tube (112) is rotated , wherein the fluffing arm (120) includes first end coupled to the integral siphon tube (112) and the fluffing arm (120) extends .dially away from the integral siphon tube (112) to an opposite second end inside the amber (22); and a support gusset (116) coupled to the integral siphon tube (112) and to le fluffing arm (120), wherein the support gusset (116) extends radially away from the tegral siphon tube (112) inside of the chamber (22) and supports at least a portion of the offing arm (120).

Description

FIRE EXTINGUISHER WITH INTERNAL MIXING AND GAS CARTRIDGE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS ’ara 1 ] This application is a divisional application of Australian Patent Application No. )1 5280284, which is a national phase application of PCT application No.

ZT/US201 5/036895, filed 22 June 201 5, which claims the benefit of priority of US aplication No. 14/704,820 filed 5 May 201 5 and US Application No. 1 4/31 3,761 filed 24 ne 2014. All of the above applications are incorporated by reference herein, in their itirety, and made a part of this specification.

TECHNICAL FIELD *ara 2] This invention relates to improvements in portable fire extinguishers. More irticularly, the present invention relates to a fire extinguisher that uses a replaceable gas irtridge that provides a propellant to push fire extinguishing media outside of the fire extinguisher.

BACKGROUND ART [Para 3] Most portable fire extinguishers are of a similar design where the fire extinguishing powder is contained in a continuously pressurized chamber. Fire extinguishers of this type require scheduled maintenance by trained and certified technicians with certification issued by the fire marshal for each state. This maintenance involves discharging, cleaning, and refilling the extinguisher. If not done periodically, the powder within the chamber becomes compacted and/or the pressure within the chamber

2020202217 27 Mar 2020 may leak and be insufficient to propel the powder out of the dispensing nozzle. If aintenance is not done correctly, moisture absorption by the extinguishing powder will tuse caking and block the dispensing nozzle. The aforementioned conditions would event the proper dispensing of extinguishing powder when needed.

*ara 4] Current extinguishers are open to wear and tear because of the constant essure and tear down process. When serviced they are discharged into a recycling lamber and all the parts must be disassembled and cleaned. All the pressure rings must _ replaced and every part must then be re-assembled with new powder being placed ithin the chamber prior to pressurizing the chamber. The servicing of current fire (tinguishers often creates more wear and tear on the fire extinguisher than when it is used i extinguish a fire.

’ara 5] U.S. Patent Number 6,1 89,624 issued to James on February 20, 2001 and Japan itent Number JP 9,225,056 issued to Yamazaki Tomoki on September 2, 1 997 discloses e extinguishing mechanisms where the chamber is not continuously pressurized, and the essurized cartridge is a separate entity integrated within the chamber. While these itents disclose a separate pressurized cartridge, the cartridge is not located in a position tnat is easy to service, replace, or inspect. This minimizes the ability to determine the charge level of the pressurized cartridge.

[Para 6] U.S. Patent Number 2,541,554 (“US ‘551”) issued to C H Smith on February 1 3, 1 951 and Russian Patent Number RU 2,209,101 (“RU Ί 01 ”) issued to Glavatski G. D. Et Al. November 2, 2002 discloses a fire extinguisher with an external CO2 gas cartridge. In the case of US ‘554 the CO2 gas cartridge sits on top of the fire extinguisher chamber and is not integrated within the handle of the fire extinguisher. In the case of RU Ί 01 the CO2 gas cartridge is external to the extinguisher and is connected to the extinguisher with a pipe or

2020202217 27 Mar 2020 hose. While both of these patents disclose a CO2 cartridge that is external to the chamber, either of them is placed in the handle to allow a configuration of the fire extinguisher that simple to inspect and replace.

’ara 7] U.S. Patent Number 7,1 28,163 issued on November 21, 2006, U.S. Patent umber 7,31 8,484 issued on January 1 5, 2008 and U.S. Patent Number 7,793,737 issued iptember 1 4, 201 0, all to Hector Rousseau disclose a fire extinguisher with a gas cartridge the handle and a fluffing mechanism. While these patents have similar features, the gas irtridge is oriented to discharge vertically upwards. When gas is discharged from a irtridge containing compressed liquefied gas, such as CO2, evaporation must occur from e contained liquid in order to maintain thermodynamic equilibrium with the cartridge, aat is required to drive the evaporation, and if the available heat from the surrounding irtridge environment is insufficient, the compressed liquefied gas temperature and essure will drop. For CO2, if the pressure drops below 75 psig, liquid CO2 will solidify into y ice. Since cartridge-style fire extinguishers are usually used immediately after jncturing the cartridge, any dry ice formed will not have time to absorb enough heat to iase change into gas and contribute to the effective discharge of the fire extinguisher. ίis effect is magnified at low environmental temperatures, where existing commercial cartridge-style fire extinguishers have been measured to waste 40% by mass of the CO2 charge when conditioned at -40°C. However, even though this gas is unused during typical discharge, the extinguisher must be structurally designed based on the full pressurizing gas load, leading to less than optimal designs. In addition, based on the unique properties of CO2, torturous paths between the fire extinguisher main chamber and the cartridge must be avoided to minimize the risk of blocking the flow path with dry ice or freezing valves due to resulting low temperatures from CO2 expansion.

2020202217 27 Mar 2020^ ’ara 8] Due to the pressurized condition that exists with pressurized fire extinguishers, e opening where powder is placed into the extinguisher is limited due to the structural quirement to maintain pressure within the chamber at all times. The proposed ^plication eliminates this need by providing an external gas cartridge, thus allowing the lamber to exist in a normally un-pressurized condition. Because the chamber is not under essure the top opening of the extinguisher can be enlarged to allow easier filling of the e extinguisher with powder, or checking the amount and or condition of the powder ithin the chamber.

’ara 9] What is needed is a fire extinguisher with a replaceable gas cartridge where the is cartridge is oriented to discharge only liquid propellant into the body of the (tinguisher and the fire extinguisher further has a fluffer that is accessible from outside e chamber, and the chamber has an enlarged top opening for filling the extinguisher. The oposed fire extinguisher provides this solution by providing a fire extinguisher with an eternal gas cartridge oriented to discharge downward, external mechanism to actuate an ternal fluffer, and a large opening. By discharging the compressed liquefied gas Dwnward, liquid is discharged into the fire extinguisher, and as such, the cartridge does at need to absorb nearly as much heat to drive the necessary evaporation to maintain temperature and pressure within the cartridge above the triple point, and thus, solidification of the propellant is avoided. For compressed liquefied CO2, this concept has been experimentally demonstrated to discharge nearly 100% of the CO2 from the cartridge, even with the fire extinguisher preconditioned to -40°C.

[Para 10] Throughout this specification the word comprise, or variations such as comprises or comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element,

2020202217 27 Mar 2020nteger or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other ement, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

'ara 1 1 ] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which is been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or I of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in e field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each aim of this application.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION *ara 12] A portable fire extinguisher including a chamber configured to be filled with e suppressant material and to be pressurized with gas from a pressurized gas cartridge, e portable fire extinguisher further including a flow path (80) for releasing the fire ippressant material from the chamber, the portable fire extinguisher comprising: a tegral siphon tube having a first tube end coupled to the flow path and a second tube end sposed inside the chamber; a fluffing arm disposed in the chamber and configured to jitate the fire suppressant material in the chamber when the integral siphon tube is itated, wherein the fluffing arm includes a first end coupled to the integral siphon tube and the fluffing arm extends radially away from the integral siphon tube to an opposite second end inside the chamber; and a support gusset coupled to the integral siphon tube and to the fluffing arm, wherein the support gusset extends radially away from the integral siphon tube inside of the chamber and supports at least a portion of the fluffing arm.

[Para 1 3] In some examples of the portable fire extinguisher, the support gusset includes a hole that is configured to pass a portion of the fire suppressant material therethrough when the integral siphon tube is rotated.

2020202217 27 Mar 2020^ ’ara 14] In some examples, the support gusset is a triangular structure including: a first Drtion that extends along the integral siphon tube; a second portion that extends from a st side of the first portion to a distal gusset end, wherein the second portion is coupled to e fluffing arm along a length of the fluffing arm; and a third portion that extends from a scond side of the first portion to the distal gusset end; wherein the hole is bounded by the st, second, and third portions of the support gusset.

’ara 1 5] In some examples, the fluffing arm includes a top surface and a bottom surface at has a greater area than the top surface such that the fluffing arm has a tapered crosssction.

'ara 16] In some examples, the fluffing arm is a crowned structure.

’ara 17] In some examples of the portable fire extinguisher, the second tube end is >upled to an intake hole that is configured to receive the fire suppressant material from e chamber.

’ara 18] In a further examples, the intake hole comprises multiple different holes stributed radially about the integral siphon tube.

ir’ara 19] In some examples of the portable fire extinguisher, the fluffing arm is configured to withstand a pressure wave caused by a sudden release of fire suppressant material from the pressurized gas cartridge into the chamber.

[Para 20] In some examples of the portable fire extinguisher, the integral siphon tube includes an inlet at a first end of the integral siphon tube and an outlet at an opposite second end of the integral siphon tube, wherein the inlet is configured to receive the fire suppressant material from the chamber and the outlet is configured to provide the fire suppressant material to the flow path.

2020202217 27 Mar 2020^ ’ara 21] In some examples, the portable fire extinguisher further comprises a retainer r the pressurized gas cartridge configured to retain the pressurized gas cartridge in an verted position such that gas is expelled from the pressurized gas cartridge toward a Dttom surface of the chamber.

’ara 22] In some examples the portable fire extinguisher further comprises a hollow pin, herein the hollow pin is configured to puncture the pressurized gas cartridge and release luefied gas from the pressurized gas cartridge into the chamber.

*ara 23] Further improvements to a portable fire extinguisher are disclosed. The iprovements allow for frequent and simplified inspection and maintenance of a fire (tinguisher with minimal training and without need for custom equipment. The iprovements include an anti-bridging mechanism that can be articulated from the exterior ^: the chamber to fluff, mix or stir the powder within the chamber to keep it in a liquefied ate. Additional improvements include a larger opening to more quickly fill and inspect the Dwder within the chamber. Another improvement includes the use of a CO2 cartridge cated external to the chamber to allow easier servicing or replacement of just the CO2 irtridge 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.

[Para 24] In some examples, it is desirable for a fire extinguisher to eliminate, or reduce, the need for service personnel to enter secure areas. The extinguisher can have a higher level of service; can be operated by automatic “self-service” and or manually serviced by the owner or end user. This eliminates the need for non-employees to enter the privacy of business and government areas. This extinguisher can be operated, maintained, refilled, and charged with minimal training and without need for custom equipment.

2020202217 27 Mar 2020^ ’ara 25] The reduced outside servicing and maintenance of the fire extinguisher is ideal r placement of the fire extinguisher in secure areas. This will reduce or eliminate the ossibility that a terrorist could utilize the fire extinguisher as a weapon, or use false entity as an extinguisher service person to gain access to a secure area.

’ara 26] In some examples, it is desirable for a fire extinguisher to have an external gas irtridge. The inverted external gas cartridge allows the liquid within the gas cartridge to mt directly into the fire extinguisher. Well accepted gas cartridges, such as CO2 or trogen cartridges, that are used in other applications can be adapted to operate with the e extinguisher. Since the gas cartridge is external to the chamber it can be easily placed or swapped without replacing the entire fire extinguisher. This provides a emendous benefit when a large number of fire extinguishers need to be serviced at one me.

’ara 27] In some examples, it is desirable for a fire extinguisher to have an optional eternally accessible fluffing mechanism. The size, structure and necessity of the fluffing echanism can be based upon the size of the fire extinguisher. The externally accessible jffing mechanism promotes anti-bridging of the powder within the chamber to keep it fluffed, agitated, stirred or disturbed to prevent caking of the powder and keep the powder in a liquefied state to ensure proper discharge onto a fire. The fluffing is accomplished with paddles, flapper, chains rods or other mixing mechanisms located within the chamber. The mixing mechanism is accessed by a connection on the top, bottom or side of the chamber and can be either manually operated or operated with a tool of some type.

[Para 28] In some examples, it is desirable for a fire extinguisher to have an enlarged filling opening. The enlarged filling opening makes it easier and faster to fill and or empty

2020202217 27 Mar 2020 the chamber. The top can also be easily removed to visually inspect the condition of the Dwder within the chamber.

’ara 29] In some examples, it is desirable for a fire extinguisher to have a quick opening id closing top housing thereby allowing a user to quickly open and refill the fire (tinguisher. This also allows a fire fighter the load the desired fire extinguishing media ised upon the type of fire.

’ara 30] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will ;come more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of e invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like imponents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S) ’ara 31] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the fire extinguisher.

*ara 32] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the fire extinguisher.

’ara 33] FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the dispensing valve.

'ara 34] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the head of the fire extinguisher.

[Para 35] FIG. 5A, 5B and 5C show stages of removing the safety device prior to discharging the fire extinguisher.

[Para 36] FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of the pressurized gas cartridge puncturing mechanism.

[Para 37] FIG. 7 shows a detail cross-sectional view of the puncture pin.

[Para 38] FIG. 8 shows a graph of the amount of Dry Ice that is generated based upon the orientation of the pressurized gas.

2020202217 27 Mar 2020^ ’ara 39] FIG. 9 shows the fluffing and siphon tube.

’ara 40] FIG. 10 shows a detail of the multiple siphon intake holes and the fluffing arm.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION ’ara 41 ] FIG. 1 shows an exterior perspective view of the fire extinguisher 1 9. The fire (tinguisher 1 9 is substantially a cylindrical shape with a bottom housing 20 and top musing 30. In the preferred embodiment the bottom housing 20 and top housing 30 is ade from a lightweight resilient material such as plastic, but could also be made of other aterials, including steel, brass, copper or aluminum. The bottom housing 20 may further _ fabricated from a transparent material to allow for visual inspection within the fire (tinguisher 1 9. The top housing 30 is screwed onto the bottom housing 20, but it could so be attached with a bayonet or latching mechanism. The bottom housing 20 has an ilarged opening to allow easier filling of the bottom housing 20 with fire suppressant aterials. A wall hanging mechanism can be incorporated into the top housing 30 of the e extinguisher 1 9, or could wrap around the body of the bottom housing 20, or could rk the top housing 30 of the fire extinguisher 1 9.

[Para 42] With reference to FIG. 1 & 2, a handle 40 allows the operator to hold the fire extinguisher 1 9 by placing a hand through the grip area 41. This allows the fire extinguisher 1 9 to be held in an upright orientation when it is being transported or used. The fire extinguisher 1 9 can also be stored and or transported in the upright orientation, but the upright orientation is not critical for the storage or operation of the fire extinguisher 1 9. Partially within the handle 40 and top housing 30 a replaceable pressurized gas cartridge 50 is located under a transparent portion 42 of handle 40. The transparent portion 42 provides the ability to verify that the pressurized gas cartridge 50 is installed

2020202217 27 Mar 2020 within the fire extinguisher 1 9. While in the preferred embodiment the pressurized gas irtridge 50 is shown partially within the handle 40 and top housing 30 other locations are mtemplated.

’ara 43] The replaceable pressurized gas cartridge 50 consists essentially of a impressed gas cartridge of CO2, but cartridges of different types of gas are possible that d not promote spreading of a fire. Because the gas within the cartridge is under high essure and possibly in a liquid state, a small cartridge of propellant is required to expel e internal fire suppressant material 99 of the fire extinguisher 1 9. It is also contemplated at multiple gas cartridges can be used to accommodate a larger fire extinguisher without aviating from the inventive nature of the design. Pressurized gas cartridges are available id can be replaced or serviced without the need to service the entire fire extinguisher 1 9. ie handle 40 and its transparent portion 42 provides protection to the pressurized gas irtridge 50 in the event the fire extinguisher 1 9 is dropped or roughly handled. A trigger echanism 60 activates the pressurized gas cartridge 50 to pressurize the chamber 22 and (pel the fire suppressant material 99 into and out of the hose 81 and exit port 90.

’ara 44] While some figures in this document show and describe a flexible hose 81, some contemplated embodiments may include a duct, hollow passage or nozzle 97 where the fire extinguishing media passes from the body of the fire extinguisher out of the nozzle 97 to extinguish a fire. A control valve lever 92 opens and closes the exit port 90 or to prevent fire suppressant material 99 from pouring out of the extinguisher when the chamber is pressurized. When a nozzle 97 is used, a control valve can be located near the nozzle to control the flow of fire extinguishing media out of the fire extinguisher. The puncturing mechanism of the pressurized gas cartridge and the path from the gas cartridge 50 into the chamber 22 is shown and described in figure 2.

2020202217 27 Mar 2020^ ’ara 45] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of fire extinguisher 1 9. An operator can ace their hand or glove through the grip area 41 of the handle 40 to carry, transport or ;e the fire extinguisher 1 9 with either hand. Fire suppressant material 99 is placed into lamber 22 within the bottom housing 20 through an enlarged cylindrical opening 70 when e top housing 30 is disengaged from the bottom housing 20. Over time the fire ippressant material 99 will become compressed and compacted in the bottom of the lamber 22. When the fire suppressant material 99 is compacted, risk of improper scharge increases. Within the fire extinguisher 1 9 a plurality of fluffing arms 1 20 are ranged on a central shaft 11 0. A fluffing wheel 100 can be accessed from the underside ^: the fire extinguisher 1 9. Rotating the fluffing wheel 100 will re-fluff the fire suppressant aterial 99 to minimize risk of improper discharge of suppressant material 99 from the fire (tinguisher 1 9. Turning the fluffing wheel 1 00 will provide similar loosening of the fire ippressant material 99 as might be found in a food mixer.

’ara 46] Polycarbonate is a cost effective candidate for providing a transparent bottom musing 20, however when polycarbonate is in contact with ammonia gas that is the main mstituent of ABC dry chemical, material degradation will occur, especially at elevated ..mperatures, there is a need to isolate or protect the polycarbonate from direct exposure. When using polycarbonate material, the interior of the bottom housing 20 is preferably coated with a transparent protection coating 21 with a Siloxane base, or equivalent. This coating 21 improves chemical and abrasion resistance as well as provides UV protection. The coating 21 can be applied in any number of methods to isolate the polycarbonate exposure to Monoammonium phosphate and any emitted ammonia gas. The coating 21 would provide necessary chemical resistance whereas the polycarbonate bottom housing 20 would provide necessary strength and impact resistance.

2020202217 27 Mar 2020^ ’ara 47] In another contemplated embodiment, construct the bottom housing 20 as a ansparent cylinder from two separate cylinders where the inner cylinder 21 is inserted into e outer cylinder 23 of bottom housing 20. This could be accomplished by insert molding transparent inner cylinder of tritan, acrylic, san or an equivalently performing other aterial into the polycarbonate outer cylinder 23. The outer cylinder 23 of would be Dlycarbonate, and would serve to provide the assembly with necessary strength and impact sistance, whereas, the inner cylinder 21 would provide the necessary chemical resistance * Monoammonium phosphate. For these embodiments the strength of the inner cylinder I could be sufficient to ensure safe operation in the event outer cylinder 23 of bottom musing 20 is damaged from a severe environment or impact.

’ara 48] To expel fire suppressant material 99 from within the fire extinguisher 1 9 an aerator must puncture the pressurized gas cartridge 50. The pressurized gas cartridge 50 secured by threads 52 or otherwise secured into the top housing of the fire extinguisher λ Within the top housing 30 a replaceable pressurized gas cartridge 50 is located under a ansparent portion 42 of handle 40. The handle 40 and its transparent portion 42 provides otection to the pressurized gas cartridge 50 in the event of the fire extinguisher being .. opped, and also allows the operator to verify that the pressurized gas cartridge 50 is installed within the fire extinguisher 19. To puncture the pressurized gas cartridge 50 the operator lowers or rotates the trigger mechanism 60 that pushes the puncture pin 62 into the pressurized gas cartridge 50. Details of the trigger mechanism 60 and the puncture pin 62 is shown and described in more detail in figures 6 and 7. Once the pressurized gas cartridge 50 is punctured the gas and or liquid will be forced into the chamber 22.

[Para 49] When liquefied gas is discharged from pressurized gas cartridge 50, evaporation must occur from the contained liquid in order to maintain thermodynamic

2020202217 27 Mar 2020 equilibrium within the pressurized gas cartridge 50. To maintain thermodynamic luilibrium heat is required to drive the evaporation. If the available heat from the irrounding cartridge environment is insufficient the compressed liquefied gas temperature id pressure will drop. For liquefied CO2, if the pressure drops below 75 psig, the liquid D2 will solidify into dry ice. If dry ice forms, the dry ice will not have time to absorb lough of the surrounding thermal mass to heat the dry ice to change phase into gas and mtribute to the effective discharge of the fire extinguisher 1 9.

’ara 50] The forming of dry ice is exacerbated in low temperatures. Testing agencies ich as UL, CSA, and others require operation of a fire extinguisher at temperatures down * -40°C (-40T). If a pressurized gas cartridge with CO2 is oriented with the discharge port srtical in an upright position (i.e., with threads 52 in the upper position), testing has shown at up to 40% of the CO2 (by mass) can remain in the form of dry ice after completion of e fire extinguishers’ discharge. When the pressurized gas cartridge 50 contains CO2 and oriented in an inverted orientation (i.e., with threads 52 in the lower position), the irtridge does not need to absorb nearly as much heat to evaporate the liquid CO2 from the essurized gas cartridge 50 to maintain temperature and pressure above the triple point, id thus, creation of dry ice within the cartridge 50 is avoided. This concept has been experimentally demonstrated to discharge nearly 100% of the CO2 from the cartridge, even with the fire extinguisher preconditioned to -40°C (-40T). Once the CO2 enters the chamber 22, there is sufficient heat and surface area in the comparatively large volume to rapidly convert liquid CO2 into gaseous CO2.

[Para 51 ] The mixture of fire suppressant material 99 and gas are pushed through the central shaft 110 and then through the flow path 80 in the top housing 30 where they are pushed through hose 81 to a manually operable valve 95 and are expelled out of the exit

2020202217 27 Mar 2020 port 90. The central shaft 11 0 has an integral siphon tube 11 2 where fire suppressant aterial 99 is pushed into multiple holes in the bottom of the central shaft 110 through tegral siphon tube 11 2. The dispensing nozzle 96 has a valve 95 that is operated with a mtrol rod 94 to open and close the valve 95. The control rod 94 holds the valve 95 closed ith a spring 93. An operator depresses the control valve lever 92 to overcome the spring 3 and opens the valve 95. The dispensing nozzle 96 can be operated by either hand. This shown and described in more detail in figure 3.

*ara 52] FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the dispensing nozzle 96. This view shows a Drtion of the handle 40 and the grip area 41. The top housing 30 includes a flow path 80 om within the fire extinguisher 1 9, through the top housing 30. With the valve 95 in the osed position, the fire extinguisher 1 9 can remain in a pressurized condition after the essurized gas cartridge 50 has been punctured. In this “primed” condition all of the essure and fire suppressant material 99 within the fire extinguisher 1 9 is controlled by e valve 95. The dispensing nozzle 96 has a valve 95 that is connected to a control rod k The control rod 94 is pulled back to permit flow from the hose 81 to the exit port 90.

’ara 53] An operator can hold dispensing nozzle 96 of the fire extinguisher 1 9 in one nand and operate the lever 92 with the same hand. The operator can then direct the dispensing nozzle 96 at the fire. When the lever 92 is depressed, the lever will press against spring 93 and slide the control rod 94 to open the valve 95. When the valve 95 is opened fire suppressant material 99 will flow out of the exit port 90. When the lever 92 is released the spring 93 will close the valve 95 to prevent further dispensing of fire suppressant material 99. This will retain pressure within the chamber 22 of fire extinguisher 1 9.

2020202217 27 Mar 2020^ ’ara 54] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the top housing 30 of the fire extinguisher 1 9. ie handle 40 allows the operator to hold the fire extinguisher 1 9 by placing a hand rough the grip area 41. Trigger mechanism 60 is connected to a lift plate 55 that lifts the jncture pin 62 into the sealed end of the pressurized gas cartridge 50 under the ansparent portion 42 of handle 40. The pressurized gas cartridge 50 is secured by reads 52 or otherwise secured into the top housing 30. Detail of the trigger mechanism J and the puncture pin 62 is shown and described in more detail in figures 5 and 6. When irtridge 50 is filled with compressed liquid CO2, the flow path between the pressurized gas irtridge 50 and the inside of the fire extinguisher 19 must be as smooth as possible to nit the risk of dry ice forming that can block or restrict the flow path. The bottom musing 20 is shown connected to the top housing 30. When valve 95 is opened, static essure from CO2 or compressed gas from the gas cartridge 50 pushes the fire ippressant material 99 down into the openings of central shaft 110 and up through tegral siphon tube 11 2 and then through the flow path 80 to the hose 81. If seals 109 ak with respect to top housing 30, gas from gas cartridge 50 will bypass suppressant aterial 99 and travel directly into flow path 80 and eventually out valve 95, leading to duced range and discharge amount of suppressant material 99. To ensure proper assembly of seals 1 09 to top housing 30, guide features of the top housing 30 capture central shaft 110 during installation of bottom housing 20 to top housing 30.

[Para 55] FIG. 5A, 5B and 5C show stages of repositioning the safety knob 72 prior to discharging the fire extinguisher 1 9. The initial stage at 5A is how the fire extinguisher 1 9 will exist prior to activation. In this position the safety knob 72 restricts the trigger mechanism 60 from moving. The safety knob 72 is essentially rectangular thereby locking or blocking the trigger mechanism 60 in one orientation and allowing the sides of the trigger mechanism 60 to pass by the safety knob 72 when the safety knob 72 is rotated 90

2020202217 27 Mar 2020 degrees. The opposing vertical sides of the trigger mechanism 60 are secured with flange Drtions 76 of safety knob 72. To allow for activation, safety knob 72 is rotated 68. Safety iob 72 can be operated by either hand.

’ara 56] In figure 5B the safety knob 72 is shown in the vertical orientation to allow the igger mechanism 60 to pass by the sides of the safety knob 72. When the safety knob 72 rotated, the rotation causes internal pins 74 to shear and release or eject the tamper dicator 73. The release of the tamper indicator 73 identifies that the fire extinguisher 1 9 ay have been discharged and requires service inspection. Also, when the safety knob 72 in the vertical orientation, access to the gas cartridge 50 by opening transparent portion ’ of handle 40 has been blocked. The design prevents the insertion of a new pressurized is cartridge 50 without the trigger mechanism 60 returned to an upright and locked ientation to prevent puncturing the new pressurized gas cartridge 50 upon insertion.

’ara 57] In figure 5C an operator can then pull or push the trigger mechanism 60 Dwnward 69 to where the trigger mechanism 60 is shown in a lower position 67 (as dashed ies). When the trigger mechanism 60 is rotated from the upper to the lower position 67 e puncture pin 62 is pushed into and punctures the pressurized gas cartridge 50. The trigger mechanism 60 can be operated by either hand.

[Para 58] FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of the pressurized gas cartridge 50 puncturing mechanism. The pressurized gas cartridge 50 is secured by threads 52 into a retainer 56 within the top housing 30. The pressurized gas cartridge 50 and the threaded retainer 56 remain stationary as the end of the pressurized gas cartridge 50 is punctured. From this figure, one set of fasteners and duplicate parts has been removed for viewing. The trigger mechanism 60 pivots through an axis 58 to increase the mechanical advantage to puncture the end of the pressurized gas cartridge 50. The free ends of the trigger mechanism 60 are

2020202217 27 Mar 2020 connected to lift rods 53 and return springs 54 that maintain the trigger mechanism 60 in a Drmal condition where the puncture pin 62 is not in contact with the end of the essurized gas cartridge 50. Lift rods 53 (only one shown) are connected together and Derate in unison to lift the lift plate 55 in a parallel relationship to raise the puncture pin ’ in a linear motion.

’ara 59] FIG. 7 shows a detail cross-sectional view of the puncture pin 62. The puncture n 62 has a pointed end 61 to puncture the seal on the end of the pressurized gas irtridge 50. A partially hollowed center 65 allows gas or liquid CO2 to pass from the essurized gas cartridge 50 into the chamber 22 of the fire extinguisher 1 9 even when pin I is held in the puncturing position within gas cartridge 50. The puncture pin 62 has a per 66 to increase the size of the hole as the pin is inserted into the pressurized gas irtridge 50 and the taper 66 provides draft for the pin to readily eject from cartridge 50 via ice applies by springs 54. One end of the puncture pin 62 has assembly feature 64 where e puncture pin 62 is retained onto the lift plate 55. An enlarged shank 63 supports the jncture pin 62 between the assembly feature 64 and the partially hollowed center 65.

nee the puncture pin 62 is rigidly supported, inadvertent puncturing of gas cartridge 50 jring drop event or rough usage is avoided.

[Para 60] Fire extinguishers generally require approval from regulatory agencies such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL). For most fire extinguishers the housing is pressurized. The fire extinguisher disclosed in this document uses a separate pressurized cartridge 50 that is filled with liquefied gas that must exit the cartridge 50 and expand into the bottom housing

20.

[Para 61] For cartridge-operated extinguishers an interval of 5 seconds is able to elapse after the cartridge is punctured in order that pressure builds up before discharge of the

2020202217 27 Mar 2020 agent is initiated. An extinguisher shall have duration of discharge not less than either 8 sconds, or the minimum duration specified in the Standard for Rating and Fire Testing of re Extinguishers.

’ara 62] When the charged extinguisher is held in a vertical position, with the discharge Dzzle in the horizontal position. The extinguisher then is to be discharged, and the jration to gas point and amount of dry chemical discharged recorded.

’ara 63] Based upon the ambient temperature and the orientation of the gas canister, fferent amounts of dry ice (solid CO2) is retained within a CO2 cartridge when discharged srtically upward; conversely, a minimum amount of dry ice was retained when discharged irtically downward.

’ara 64] FIG. 8 shows a graph of the amount of Dry Ice that is generated based upon the ientation of the pressurized gas. The graph shows the amount of Dry Ice at the mperatures of 70°F 45 and -40°F 46. At 70°F nearly all orientation positions show that ;ry little Dry Ice is generated. At -40°F the amount of Dry Ice can go from a high of over )% when the cartridge is in a vertical orientation 47, or about 1 5% when the cartridge 48 is a horizontal 48 to almost 0% when the cartridge 50 is inverted 49. The inverted cartridge 50 pushes liquid CO2 out of the cartridge 50 as the liquid within the CO2 cartridge 50 of the lighter weight vaporized gas pushes the heavier liquid within the CO2 out of the opening of the cartridge 50 as the cartridge is engaged 52 into the fire extinguisher 19.

[Para 65] These results were measured when pressurized liquid CO2 cartridges were conditioned at either 70°F or -40°F and then discharged in various orientations. Dry ice remaining within the cartridges was measured 30 seconds after puncturing the cartridge.

2020202217 27 Mar 2020^ ’ara 66] FIG. 9 shows the fluffing arms 1 20 and integral siphon tube 11 2. In this eferred embodiment the fluffing arms 1 20 and integral siphon tube 11 2 are fabricated as single unit around a central shaft 11 0. While this embodiment shows a siphon tube 11 2 ith fluffing arms or blades 1 20, some embodiments are contemplated that may not corporated the fluffing arms or blades 1 20. The inclusion of the fluffing arms or blades 20 is generally dictated by the capacity and rating of the fire extinguisher. The bottom ip 111 of the central shaft 110 fits into the bottom of the fire extinguisher 1 9. Seals ound the bottom cap 111 prevent pressurized gas from passing out of the bottom of the e extinguisher 1 9. Seals 109 on the upper end of the central shaft 110 prevent bypass of essurized gas directly into flow path 80 and eventually out valve 95, leading to reduced nge and discharge amount of suppressant material 99. The seals 109 and the seals ound the bottom cap 111 allow for the central shaft 11 0 to be rotated within the fire (tinguisher 1 9. To aide in manufacturing, bottom cap 111, integral siphon tube 11 2, id/or fluffing arms 1 20 may be separate parts or combined in any efficient manner.

'ara 67] The integral siphon tube 112 is constructed with an elongated tube member I 9 having the blades 1 20 molded with the elongated tube. A bottom cap 111 is secured _j the elongated tube 11 9 by ultrasonic welding or the like.

[Para 68] Because the pressurized gas cartridge 50 is inverted, essentially only liquefied gas exits and expands into gas within the fire extinguisher 1 9 therefore essentially all of the gas within the cartridge is expelled. Because the liquid I gas is expelled at a rapid rate a pressure wave 11 3 traveling nearly the speed of sound pushes onto the top of the fluffing arms 1 20. A gusset 11 6 supports the fluffing arm 1 20 and prevents the fluffing arm 1 20 from being sheared off by the pressure wave. In a short period of time, pressure within the fire extinguisher 19 stabilizes. Once valve 95 is opened, the static pressure within chamber

2020202217 27 Mar 2020 pushes the fire suppressant material 99 toward at least one intake hole 11 4 in the

Dttom of the central shaft 11 0 shown in the other figures herein.

'ara 69] FIG. 10 shows a detail of the multiple intake holes 114 and the fluffing arm(s)

20. The fluffing arms 1 20 are narrow, crowned, staggered, and tapered 11 5 to minimize rning resistance while maximizing mixing of packed fire suppressant material 99 and flow ^: pressurized suppressant material 99 during discharge. Holes 11 7 in the fluffing arms 20 allow fire suppressant material 99 to pass around the fluffing arms 1 20 and the ipport gusset 11 6. The pressure wave 11 3 of liquefied gas is shown pushing down on the m 1 20. The bottom of the central shaft 11 0 shows the multiple intake holes 11 4 where e fire suppressant material 99 is pushed or siphoned into the intake holes 11 4 and rough the integral siphon tube 11 2 where they can exit the fire extinguisher 1 9 through e hose 81 and dispensing nozzle 96. The bottom seals exist in recesses in the bottom ip 111 of the central shaft 110. The lower portion 11 8 of the bottom cap Illis infigured with a head for external gripping with a wheel that allows the central shaft 110 * be rotated externally. In this embodiment the drive is shaped like a “+”, but other shapes e contemplated that will provide essentially equivalent capability.

iPara 70] Thus, specific embodiments of a portable fire extinguisher have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

Claims (4)

1. A portable fire extinguisher including a chamber configured to be filled with fire ippressant material and to be pressurized with gas from a pressurized gas cartridge, the Drtable fire extinguisher further including a flow path for releasing the fire suppressant aterial from the chamber, the portable fire extinguisher comprising:

   a integral siphon tube having a first tube end coupled to the flow path and a second be end disposed inside the chamber;

   a fluffing arm disposed in the chamber and configured to agitate the fire suppressant aterial in the chamber when the integral siphon tube is rotated, wherein the fluffing arm eludes a first end coupled to the integral siphon tube and the fluffing arm extends radially vay from the integral siphon tube to an opposite second end inside the chamber; and a support gusset coupled to the integral siphon tube and to the fluffing arm, wherein e support gusset extends radially away from the integral siphon tube inside of the lamber and supports at least a portion of the fluffing arm.

   The portable fire extinguisher of claim 1, wherein the support gusset includes a hole that is configured to pass a portion of the fire suppressant material therethrough when the integral siphon tube is rotated.
2. 3. The portable fire extinguisher of claim 2, wherein the support gusset is a triangular structure including:

   a first portion that extends along the integral siphon tube;

   2020202217 27 Mar 2020 a second portion that extends from a first side of the first portion to a distal gusset id, wherein the second portion is coupled to the fluffing arm along a length of the fluffing m; and a third portion that extends from a second side of the first portion to the distal gusset id;

   wherein the hole is bounded by the first, second, and third portions of the support jsset.

   The portable fire extinguisher of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fluffing arm eludes a top surface and a bottom surface that has a greater area than the top surface ich that the fluffing arm has a tapered cross-section.

   The portable fire extinguisher of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fluffing arm is crowned structure.

   The portable fire extinguisher of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second tube id is coupled to an intake hole that is configured to receive the fire suppressant material from the chamber.
3. 7. The portable fire extinguisher of claim 6, wherein the intake hole comprises multiple different holes distributed radially about the integral siphon tube.
4. 8. The portable fire extinguisher of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fluffing arm is configured to withstand a pressure wave caused by a sudden release of fire suppressant material from the pressurized gas cartridge into the chamber.

   2020202217 27 Mar 20

   The portable fire extinguisher of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the integral siphon be includes an inlet at a first end of the integral siphon tube and an outlet at an opposite scond end of the integral siphon tube, wherein the inlet is configured to receive the fire ippressant material from the chamber and the outlet is configured to provide the fire ippressant material to the flow path.

   ). The portable fire extinguisher of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein further imprising a retainer for the pressurized gas cartridge configured to retain the pressurized is cartridge in an inverted position such that gas is expelled from the pressurized gas irtridge toward a bottom surface of the chamber.

   I. The portable fire extinguisher of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein further imprising a hollow pin, wherein the hollow pin is configured to puncture the pressurized is cartridge and release liquefied gas from the pressurized gas cartridge into the chamber.