NZ758094B2 - Optical acoustic sensing system and method - Google Patents
Optical acoustic sensing system and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ758094B2 NZ758094B2 NZ757337A NZ75733718A NZ758094B2 NZ 758094 B2 NZ758094 B2 NZ 758094B2 NZ 757337 A NZ757337 A NZ 757337A NZ 75733718 A NZ75733718 A NZ 75733718A NZ 758094 B2 NZ758094 B2 NZ 758094B2
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- Prior art keywords
- fire extinguisher
- gas cartridge
- pressurized gas
- chamber
- data
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G43/00—Control devices, e.g. for safety, warning or fault-correcting
- B65G43/02—Control devices, e.g. for safety, warning or fault-correcting detecting dangerous physical condition of load carriers, e.g. for interrupting the drive in the event of overheating
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01H—MEASUREMENT OF MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OR ULTRASONIC, SONIC OR INFRASONIC WAVES
- G01H9/00—Measuring mechanical vibrations or ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves by using radiation-sensitive means, e.g. optical means
- G01H9/004—Measuring mechanical vibrations or ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves by using radiation-sensitive means, e.g. optical means using fibre optic sensors
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M11/00—Testing of optical apparatus; Testing structures by optical methods not otherwise provided for
- G01M11/08—Testing mechanical properties
- G01M11/083—Testing mechanical properties by using an optical fiber in contact with the device under test [DUT]
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M13/00—Testing of machine parts
- G01M13/04—Bearings
- G01M13/045—Acoustic or vibration analysis
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M7/00—Vibration-testing of structures; Shock-testing of structures
Abstract
method for conducting a transaction may include: receiving, at a user device from a transaction system, a request for a data element for conducting the transaction; in response to receiving the request, determining a data map corresponding to the requested data element, the data map including containing a plurality of pointers, each pointing to a respective one of a plurality of data fragments located on a respective one of a plurality of different data storage locations, such as a plurality of different data storage systems; retrieving, using the data map, the plurality of data fragments from the plurality of data storage locations; assembling the data element using the retrieved data fragments; and providing, by the user device to the transaction system, the data element to conduct the transaction. A method for processing the data map may include: fragmenting the data element into the plurality of data fragments; storing the plurality of data fragments at the plurality of data storage locations; generating the data map; and storing the data map separate from the plurality of data storage locations. aining a plurality of pointers, each pointing to a respective one of a plurality of data fragments located on a respective one of a plurality of different data storage locations, such as a plurality of different data storage systems; retrieving, using the data map, the plurality of data fragments from the plurality of data storage locations; assembling the data element using the retrieved data fragments; and providing, by the user device to the transaction system, the data element to conduct the transaction. A method for processing the data map may include: fragmenting the data element into the plurality of data fragments; storing the plurality of data fragments at the plurality of data storage locations; generating the data map; and storing the data map separate from the plurality of data storage locations.
Description
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INVENTION TITLE
FIRE EXTINGUISHER WITH INTERNAL MIXING AND GAS CARTRIDGE
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[Para 1] This application is a divisional application of New Zealand Patent
Application No. 728200, which is a national phase application of PCT
application No. , filed 22 June 2015, which claims the
benefit of priority of US Application No. 14/704,820 filed 5 May 2015 and US
Application No. 14/313,761 filed 24 June 2014. All of the above applications
are incorporated by reference herein, in their entirety, and made a part of this
specification.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[Para 2] This invention relates to improvements in portable fire
extinguishers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fire
extinguisher that uses a replaceable gas cartridge 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.
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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 may leak and be insufficient to propel
the powder out of the dispensing nozzle. If maintenance is not done correctly,
moisture absorption by the extinguishing powder will cause caking and block
the dispensing nozzle. The aforementioned conditions would prevent the
proper dispensing of extinguishing powder when needed.
[Para 4] Current extinguishers are open to wear and tear because of the
constant pressure and tear down process. When serviced they are discharged
into a recycling chamber and all the parts must be disassembled and cleaned.
All the pressure rings must be replaced and every part must then be re-
assembled with new powder being placed within the chamber prior to
pressurizing the chamber. The servicing of current fire extinguishers often
creates more wear and tear on the fire extinguisher than when it is used to
extinguish a fire.
[Para 5] U.S. Patent Number 6,189,624 issued to James on February 20,
2001 and Japan Patent Number JP 9,225,056 issued to Yamazaki Tomoki on
September 2, 1997 discloses fire extinguishing mechanisms where the chamber
is not continuously pressurized, and the pressurized cartridge is a separate
entity integrated within the chamber. While these patents disclose a separate
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pressurized cartridge, the cartridge is not located in a position that 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 13, 1951 and Russian Patent Number RU 2,209,101 (“RU ‘101”) issued
to Glavatski G. D. Et Al. November 2, 2002 discloses a fire extinguisher with an
external CO gas cartridge. In the case of US ‘554 the CO 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 ’101 the CO gas cartridge is external
to the extinguisher and is connected to the extinguisher with a pipe or hose.
While both of these patents disclose a CO cartridge that is external to the
chamber, neither of them is placed in the handle to allow a configuration of the
fire extinguisher that is simple to inspect and replace.
[Para 7] U.S. Patent Number 7,128,163 issued on November 21, 2006, U.S.
Patent Number 7,318,484 issued on January 15, 2008 and U.S. Patent Number
7,793,737 issued September 14, 2010, all to Hector Rousseau disclose a fire
extinguisher with a gas cartridge in the handle and a fluffing mechanism. While
these patents have similar features, the gas cartridge is oriented to discharge
vertically upwards. When gas is discharged from a cartridge containing
compressed liquefied gas, such as CO , evaporation must occur from the
contained liquid in order to maintain thermodynamic equilibrium with the
cartridge. Heat is required to drive the evaporation, and if the available heat
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from the surrounding cartridge environment is insufficient, the compressed
liquefied gas temperature and pressure will drop. For CO , if the pressure
drops below 75 psig, liquid CO will solidify into dry ice. Since cartridge-style
fire extinguishers are usually used immediately after puncturing the cartridge,
any dry ice formed will not have time to absorb enough heat to phase change
into gas and contribute to the effective discharge of the fire extinguisher. This
effect is magnified at low environmental temperatures, where existing
commercial cartridge-style fire extinguishers have been measured to waste 40%
by mass of the CO 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 CO ,
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 CO expansion.
[Para 8] Due to the pressurized condition that exists with pressurized fire
extinguishers, the opening where powder is placed into the extinguisher is
limited due to the structural requirement to maintain pressure within the
chamber at all times. The proposed application eliminates this need by
providing an external gas cartridge, thus allowing the chamber to exist in a
normally un-pressurized condition. Because the chamber is not under pressure
the top opening of the extinguisher can be enlarged to allow easier filling of the
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fire extinguisher with powder, or checking the amount and or condition of the
powder within the chamber.
[Para 9] What is needed is a fire extinguisher with a replaceable gas
cartridge where the gas cartridge is oriented to discharge only liquid propellant
into the body of the extinguisher and the fire extinguisher further has a fluffer
that is accessible from outside the chamber, and the chamber has an enlarged
top opening for filling the extinguisher. The proposed fire extinguisher
provides this solution by providing a fire extinguisher with an external gas
cartridge oriented to discharge downward, external mechanism to actuate an
internal fluffer, and a large opening. By discharging the compressed liquefied
gas downward, liquid is discharged into the fire extinguisher, and as such, the
cartridge does not 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 CO , this concept has been experimentally demonstrated
to discharge nearly 100% of the CO from the cartridge, even with the fire
extinguisher preconditioned to -40 C.
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DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[Para 10] A puncturing mechanism for a portable fire extinguisher, the
portable fire extinguisher including a chamber configured to hold a fire
suppressant material and an inverted pressurized gas cartridge configured to
pressurize the chamber when the portable fire extinguisher is activated by a
user, the puncturing mechanism comprising: a lift plate; a puncture pin coupled
to the lift plate, the puncture pin configured to puncture the pressurized gas
cartridge to release gas therefrom into the chamber of the portable fire
extinguisher; a trigger mechanism coupled to the lift plate, wherein
movement of the trigger mechanism from a first position to a second position
causes corresponding movement of the lift plate and the puncture pin and
causes the puncture pin to rupture the pressurized gas cartridge and release
the gas therefrom into the chamber; and a tamper lock that includes a knob
rotatable from a first knob position to a second knob position, the trigger
mechanism is prevented from puncturing the inverted pressurized gas cartridge
by the rotatable knob when in the first knob position and access to the inverted
pressurized gas cartridge is blocked when the rotatable knob is in the second
knob position.
[Para 11] In some examples, movement of the trigger mechanism includes a
downward movement of the trigger mechanism toward the chamber, and
includes an upward movement of the lift plate and puncture pin away from the
chamber.
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[Para 12] In some examples of the puncturing mechanism, the puncture pin
is coupled to a threaded retainer that is configured to receive the pressurized
gas cartridge.
[Para 13] In some examples of the puncturing mechanism, the lift plate is
biased by a return spring away from the pressurized gas cartridge.
[Para 14] A method for activating a portable fire extinguisher, the portable
fire extinguisher including a chamber configured to hold a fire suppressant
material and an inverted pressurized gas cartridge configured to pressurize the
chamber when the portable fire extinguisher is activated by a user, the method
comprising: rotating a safety knob from a first safety knob position to a second
safety knob position to release a lock for a trigger mechanism where the safety
knob blocks access to the inverted pressurized gas cartridge when in the
second safety knob position; and moving the trigger mechanism from a first
trigger position to a second trigger position; wherein moving the trigger
mechanism includes moving a puncture pin that is coupled to the trigger
mechanism to rupture the pressurized gas cartridge and thereby release gas
from gas cartridge into the chamber.
[Para 15] In some examples of the method, moving the safety knob includes
releasing or ejecting a tamper indicator.
[Para 16] In some examples of the method, moving the first extinguisher
trigger from the first trigger position to the second trigger position includes
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moving the trigger mechanism in a first direction, and moving the puncture pin
includes moving the puncture pin in an opposite second direction.
[Para 17] In another example, the method further comprises using a return
spring to bias the puncture pin away from the pressurized gas cartridge.
[Para 18] Further improvements to a portable fire extinguisher are disclosed.
The improvements allow for frequent and simplified inspection and
maintenance of a fire extinguisher with minimal training and without need for
custom equipment. 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 CO
cartridge located external to the chamber to allow easier servicing or
replacement of just the CO cartridge 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 19] 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
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government areas. This extinguisher can be operated, maintained, refilled, and
charged with minimal training and without need for custom equipment.
[Para 20] The reduced outside servicing and maintenance of the fire
extinguisher is ideal for placement of the fire extinguisher in secure areas. This
will reduce or eliminate the possibility that a terrorist could utilize the fire
extinguisher as a weapon, or use false identity as an extinguisher service
person to gain access to a secure area.
[Para 21] In some examples, it is desirable for a fire extinguisher to have an
external gas cartridge. The inverted external gas cartridge allows the liquid
within the gas cartridge to vent directly into the fire extinguisher. Well
accepted gas cartridges, such as CO2 or nitrogen cartridges, that are used in
other applications can be adapted to operate with the fire extinguisher. Since
the gas cartridge is external to the chamber it can be easily replaced or
swapped without replacing the entire fire extinguisher. This provides a
tremendous benefit when a large number of fire extinguishers need to be
serviced at one time.
[Para 22] In some examples, it is desirable for a fire extinguisher to have an
optional externally accessible fluffing mechanism. The size, structure and
necessity of the fluffing mechanism can be based upon the size of the fire
extinguisher. The externally accessible fluffing 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
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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 23] 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 the chamber. The top can also be easily removed to
visually inspect the condition of the powder within the chamber.
[Para 24] In some examples, it is desirable for a fire extinguisher to have a
quick opening and closing top housing thereby allowing a user to quickly open
and refill the fire extinguisher. This also allows a fire fighter the load the
desired fire extinguishing media based upon the type of fire.
[Para 25] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of
preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying
drawings in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
[Para 26] shows a perspective view of the fire extinguisher.
[Para 27] shows a cross-sectional view of the fire extinguisher.
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[Para 28] shows a detailed view of the dispensing valve.
[Para 29] shows a sectional view of the head of the fire extinguisher.
[Para 30] , 5B and 5C show stages of removing the safety device prior
to discharging the fire extinguisher.
[Para 31] shows a detailed view of the pressurized gas cartridge
puncturing mechanism.
[Para 32] shows a detail cross-sectional view of the puncture pin.
[Para 33] shows a graph of the amount of Dry Ice that is generated
based upon the orientation of the pressurized gas.
[Para 34] shows the fluffing and siphon tube.
[Para 35] shows a detail of the multiple siphon intake holes and the
fluffing arm.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[Para 36] shows an exterior perspective view of the fire extinguisher
19. The fire extinguisher 19 is substantially a cylindrical shape with a bottom
housing 20 and top housing 30. In the preferred embodiment the bottom
housing 20 and top housing 30 is made from a lightweight resilient material
such as plastic, but could also be made of other materials, including steel,
brass, copper or aluminum. The bottom housing 20 may further be fabricated
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from a transparent material to allow for visual inspection within the fire
extinguisher 19. The top housing 30 is screwed onto the bottom housing 20,
but it could also be attached with a bayonet or latching mechanism. The
bottom housing 20 has an enlarged opening to allow easier filling of the
bottom housing 20 with fire suppressant materials. A wall hanging mechanism
can be incorporated into the top housing 30 of the fire extinguisher 19, or
could wrap around the body of the bottom housing 20, or could fork the top
housing 30 of the fire extinguisher 19.
[Para 37] With reference to & 2, a handle 40 allows the operator to
hold the fire extinguisher 19 by placing a hand through the grip area 41. This
allows the fire extinguisher 19 to be held in an upright orientation when it is
being transported or used. The fire extinguisher 19 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 19. 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 within the fire extinguisher 19. While in the preferred embodiment the
pressurized gas cartridge 50 is shown partially within the handle 40 and top
housing 30 other locations are contemplated.
[Para 38] The replaceable pressurized gas cartridge 50 consists essentially of
a compressed gas cartridge of CO , but cartridges of different types of gas are
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possible that do not promote spreading of a fire. Because the gas within the
cartridge is under high pressure and possibly in a liquid state, a small cartridge
of propellant is required to expel the internal fire suppressant material 99 of
the fire extinguisher 19. It is also contemplated that multiple gas cartridges
can be used to accommodate a larger fire extinguisher without deviating from
the inventive nature of the design. Pressurized gas cartridges are available and
can be replaced or serviced without the need to service the entire fire
extinguisher 19. The handle 40 and its transparent portion 42 provides
protection to the pressurized gas cartridge 50 in the event the fire extinguisher
19 is dropped or roughly handled. A trigger mechanism 60 activates the
pressurized gas cartridge 50 to pressurize the chamber 22 and expel the fire
suppressant material 99 into and out of the hose 81 and exit port 90.
[Para 39] 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.
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[Para 40] shows a cross-sectional view of fire extinguisher 19. An
operator can place their hand or glove through the grip area 41 of the handle
40 to carry, transport or use the fire extinguisher 19 with either hand. Fire
suppressant material 99 is placed into chamber 22 within the bottom housing
through an enlarged cylindrical opening 70 when the top housing 30 is
disengaged from the bottom housing 20. Over time the fire suppressant
material 99 will become compressed and compacted in the bottom of the
chamber 22. When the fire suppressant material 99 is compacted, risk of
improper discharge increases. Within the fire extinguisher 19 a plurality of
fluffing arms 120 are arranged on a central shaft 110. A fluffing wheel 100 can
be accessed from the underside of the fire extinguisher 19. Rotating the
fluffing wheel 100 will re-fluff the fire suppressant material 99 to minimize risk
of improper discharge of suppressant material 99 from the fire extinguisher 19.
Turning the fluffing wheel 100 will provide similar loosening of the fire
suppressant material 99 as might be found in a food mixer.
[Para 41] Polycarbonate is a cost effective candidate for providing a
transparent bottom housing 20, however when polycarbonate is in contact with
ammonia gas that is the main constituent of ABC dry chemical, material
degradation will occur, especially at elevated temperatures, 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
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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.
[Para 42] In another contemplated embodiment, construct the bottom
housing 20 as a transparent cylinder from two separate cylinders where the
inner cylinder 21 is inserted into the outer cylinder 23 of bottom housing 20.
This could be accomplished by insert molding a transparent inner cylinder of
tritan, acrylic, san or an equivalently performing other material into the
polycarbonate outer cylinder 23. The outer cylinder 23 of would be
polycarbonate, and would serve to provide the assembly with necessary
strength and impact resistance, whereas, the inner cylinder 21 would provide
the necessary chemical resistance to Monoammonium phosphate. For these
embodiments the strength of the inner cylinder 21 could be sufficient to ensure
safe operation in the event outer cylinder 23 of bottom housing 20 is damaged
from a severe environment or impact.
[Para 43] To expel fire suppressant material 99 from within the fire
extinguisher 19 an operator must puncture the pressurized gas cartridge 50.
The pressurized gas cartridge 50 is secured by threads 52 or otherwise secured
into the top housing of the fire extinguisher 19. Within the top housing 30 a
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replaceable pressurized gas cartridge 50 is located under a transparent portion
42 of handle 40. The handle 40 and its transparent portion 42 provides
protection to the pressurized gas cartridge 50 in the event of the fire
extinguisher being dropped, 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 44] When liquefied gas is discharged from pressurized gas cartridge
50, evaporation must occur from the contained liquid in order to maintain
thermodynamic equilibrium within the pressurized gas cartridge 50. To
maintain thermodynamic equilibrium heat is required to drive the evaporation.
If the available heat from the surrounding cartridge environment is insufficient
the compressed liquefied gas temperature and pressure will drop. For liquefied
CO , if the pressure drops below 75 psig, the liquid CO will solidify into dry
ice. If dry ice forms, the dry ice will not have time to absorb enough of the
surrounding thermal mass to heat the dry ice to change phase into gas and
contribute to the effective discharge of the fire extinguisher 19.
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[Para 45] The forming of dry ice is exacerbated in low temperatures. Testing
agencies such as UL, CSA, and others require operation of a fire extinguisher at
temperatures down to -40°C (-40°F). If a pressurized gas cartridge with CO is
oriented with the discharge port vertical in an upright position (i.e., with
threads 52 in the upper position), testing has shown that up to 40% of the CO
(by mass) can remain in the form of dry ice after completion of the fire
extinguishers’ discharge. When the pressurized gas cartridge 50 contains CO
and is oriented in an inverted orientation (i.e., with threads 52 in the lower
position), the cartridge does not need to absorb nearly as much heat to
evaporate the liquid CO from the pressurized gas cartridge 50 to maintain
temperature and pressure above the triple point, and thus, creation of dry ice
within the cartridge 50 is avoided. This concept has been experimentally
demonstrated to discharge nearly 100% of the CO from the cartridge, even
with the fire extinguisher preconditioned to -40°C (-40°F). Once the CO enters
the chamber 22, there is sufficient heat and surface area in the comparatively
large volume to rapidly convert liquid CO into gaseous CO .
[Para 46] 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 port 90. The central shaft 110 has an
integral siphon tube 112 where fire suppressant material 99 is pushed into
multiple holes in the bottom of the central shaft 110 through integral siphon
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tube 112. The dispensing nozzle 96 has a valve 95 that is operated with a
control rod 94 to open and close the valve 95. The control rod 94 holds the
valve 95 closed with a spring 93. An operator depresses the control valve lever
92 to overcome the spring 93 and opens the valve 95. The dispensing nozzle
96 can be operated by either hand. This is shown and described in more detail
in figure 3.
[Para 47] shows a detailed view of the dispensing nozzle 96. This
view shows a portion of the handle 40 and the grip area 41. The top housing
includes a flow path 80 from within the fire extinguisher 19, through the top
housing 30. With the valve 95 in the closed position, the fire extinguisher 19
can remain in a pressurized condition after the pressurized gas cartridge 50
has been punctured. In this “primed” condition all of the pressure and fire
suppressant material 99 within the fire extinguisher 19 is controlled by the
valve 95. The dispensing nozzle 96 has a valve 95 that is connected to a
control rod 94. The control rod 94 is pulled back to permit flow from the hose
81 to the exit port 90.
[Para 48] An operator can hold dispensing nozzle 96 of the fire extinguisher
19 in one hand 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
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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 19.
[Para 49] shows a sectional view of the top housing 30 of the fire
extinguisher 19. The handle 40 allows the operator to hold the fire
extinguisher 19 by placing a hand through the grip area 41. Trigger mechanism
60 is connected to a lift plate 55 that lifts the puncture pin 62 into the sealed
end of the pressurized gas cartridge 50 under the transparent portion 42 of
handle 40. The pressurized gas cartridge 50 is secured by threads 52 or
otherwise secured into the top housing 30. Detail of the trigger mechanism 60
and the puncture pin 62 is shown and described in more detail in figures 5 and
6. When cartridge 50 is filled with compressed liquid CO , the flow path
between the pressurized gas cartridge 50 and the inside of the fire extinguisher
19 must be as smooth as possible to limit the risk of dry ice forming that can
block or restrict the flow path. The bottom housing 20 is shown connected to
the top housing 30. When valve 95 is opened, static pressure from CO or
compressed gas from the gas cartridge 50 pushes the fire suppressant material
99 down into the openings of central shaft 110 and up through integral siphon
tube 112 and then through the flow path 80 to the hose 81. If seals 109 leak
with respect to top housing 30, gas from gas cartridge 50 will bypass
suppressant material 99 and travel directly into flow path 80 and eventually out
valve 95, leading to reduced range and discharge amount of suppressant
material 99. To ensure proper assembly of seals 109 to top housing 30, guide
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features of the top housing 30 capture central shaft 110 during installation of
bottom housing 20 to top housing 30.
[Para 50] , 5B and 5C show stages of repositioning the safety knob 72
prior to discharging the fire extinguisher 19. The initial stage at 5A is how the
fire extinguisher 19 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 degrees. The
opposing vertical sides of the trigger mechanism 60 are secured with flange
portions 76 of safety knob 72. To allow for activation, safety knob 72 is
rotated 68. Safety knob 72 can be operated by either hand.
[Para 51] In figure 5B the safety knob 72 is shown in the vertical orientation
to allow the trigger mechanism 60 to pass by the sides of the safety knob 72.
When the safety knob 72 is rotated, the rotation causes internal pins 74 to
shear and release or eject the tamper indicator 73. The release of the tamper
indicator 73 identifies that the fire extinguisher 19 may have been discharged
and requires service inspection. Also, when the safety knob 72 is in the vertical
orientation, access to the gas cartridge 50 by opening transparent portion 42 of
handle 40 has been blocked. The design prevents the insertion of a new
pressurized gas cartridge 50 without the trigger mechanism 60 returned to an
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upright and locked orientation to prevent puncturing the new pressurized gas
cartridge 50 upon insertion.
[Para 52] In figure 5C an operator can then pull or push the trigger
mechanism 60 downward 69 to where the trigger mechanism 60 is shown in a
lower position 67 (as dashed lines). When the trigger mechanism 60 is rotated
from the upper to the lower position 67 the puncture pin 62 is pushed into and
punctures the pressurized gas cartridge 50. The trigger mechanism 60 can be
operated by either hand.
[Para 53] 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 connected to lift rods 53 and return springs 54 that maintain
the trigger mechanism 60 in a normal condition where the puncture pin 62 is
not in contact with the end of the pressurized gas cartridge 50. Lift rods 53
(only one shown) are connected together and operate in unison to lift the lift
plate 55 in a parallel relationship to raise the puncture pin 62 in a linear
motion.
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[Para 54] shows a detail cross-sectional view of the puncture pin 62.
The puncture pin 62 has a pointed end 61 to puncture the seal on the end of
the pressurized gas cartridge 50. A partially hollowed center 65 allows gas or
liquid CO to pass from the pressurized gas cartridge 50 into the chamber 22
of the fire extinguisher 19 even when pin 62 is held in the puncturing position
within gas cartridge 50. The puncture pin 62 has a taper 66 to increase the
size of the hole as the pin is inserted into the pressurized gas cartridge 50 and
the taper 66 provides draft for the pin to readily eject from cartridge 50 via
force applies by springs 54. One end of the puncture pin 62 has assembly
feature 64 where the puncture pin 62 is retained onto the lift plate 55. An
enlarged shank 63 supports the puncture pin 62 between the assembly feature
64 and the partially hollowed center 65. Since the puncture pin 62 is rigidly
supported, inadvertent puncturing of gas cartridge 50 during drop event or
rough usage is avoided.
[Para 55] 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 56] 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 agent is initiated. An extinguisher shall have duration
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of discharge not less than either 8 seconds, or the minimum duration specified
in the Standard for Rating and Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishers.
[Para 57] When the charged extinguisher is held in a vertical position, with
the discharge nozzle in the horizontal position. The extinguisher then is to be
discharged, and the duration to gas point and amount of dry chemical
discharged recorded.
[Para 58] Based upon the ambient temperature and the orientation of the gas
canister, different amounts of dry ice (solid CO ) is retained within a CO
cartridge when discharged vertically upward; conversely, a minimum amount of
dry ice was retained when discharged vertically downward.
[Para 59] shows a graph of the amount of Dry Ice that is generated
based upon the orientation of the pressurized gas. The graph shows the
amount of Dry Ice at the temperatures of 70°F 45 and -40°F 46. At 70°F nearly
all orientation positions show that very little Dry Ice is generated. At -40°F the
amount of Dry Ice can go from a high of over 40% when the cartridge is in a
vertical orientation 47, or about 15% when the cartridge 48 is in 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.
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[Para 60] These results were measured when pressurized liquid CO
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.
[Para 61] shows the fluffing arms 120 and integral siphon tube 112. In
this preferred embodiment the fluffing arms 120 and integral siphon tube 112
are fabricated as a single unit around a central shaft 110. While this
embodiment shows a siphon tube 112 with fluffing arms or blades 120, some
embodiments are contemplated that may not incorporated the fluffing arms or
blades 120. The inclusion of the fluffing arms or blades 120 is generally
dictated by the capacity and rating of the fire extinguisher. The bottom cap
111 of the central shaft 110 fits into the bottom of the fire extinguisher 19.
Seals around the bottom cap 111 prevent pressurized gas from passing out of
the bottom of the fire extinguisher 19. Seals 109 on the upper end of the
central shaft 110 prevent bypass of pressurized gas directly into flow path 80
and eventually out valve 95, leading to reduced range and discharge amount of
suppressant material 99. The seals 109 and the seals around the bottom cap
111 allow for the central shaft 110 to be rotated within the fire extinguisher 19.
To aide in manufacturing, bottom cap 111, integral siphon tube 112, and/or
fluffing arms 120 may be separate parts or combined in any efficient manner.
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[Para 62] The integral siphon tube 112 is constructed with an elongated tube
member 119 having the blades 120 molded with the elongated tube. A bottom
cap 111 is secured to the elongated tube 119 by ultrasonic welding or the like.
[Para 63] Because the pressurized gas cartridge 50 is inverted, essentially
only liquefied gas exits and expands into gas within the fire extinguisher 19
therefore essentially all of the gas within the cartridge is expelled. Because the
liquid / gas is expelled at a rapid rate a pressure wave 113 traveling nearly the
speed of sound pushes onto the top of the fluffing arms 120. A gusset 116
supports the fluffing arm 120 and prevents the fluffing arm 120 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 22 pushes the fire suppressant material 99 toward at least one
intake hole 114 in the bottom of the central shaft 110 shown in the other
figures herein.
[Para 64] shows a detail of the multiple intake holes 114 and the
fluffing arm(s) 120. The fluffing arms 120 are narrow, crowned, staggered, and
tapered 115 to minimize turning resistance while maximizing mixing of packed
fire suppressant material 99 and flow of pressurized suppressant material 99
during discharge. Holes 117 in the fluffing arms 120 allow fire suppressant
material 99 to pass around the fluffing arms 120 and the support gusset 116.
The pressure wave 113 of liquefied gas is shown pushing down on the arm
120. The bottom of the central shaft 110 shows the multiple intake holes 114
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where the fire suppressant material 99 is pushed or siphoned into the intake
holes 114 and through the integral siphon tube 112 where they can exit the fire
extinguisher 19 through the hose 81 and dispensing nozzle 96. The bottom
seals exist in recesses in the bottom cap 111 of the central shaft 110. The
lower portion 118 of the bottom cap 111 is configured with a head for external
gripping with a wheel that allows the central shaft 110 to be rotated externally.
In this embodiment the drive is shaped like a “+”, but other shapes are
contemplated that will provide essentially equivalent capability.
[Para 65] 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.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[Para 66] The industrial applicability relates to fire extinguishers.
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Claims (8)
1. A puncturing mechanism for a portable fire extinguisher, the portable fire extinguisher including a chamber configured to hold a fire suppressant material and an inverted pressurized gas cartridge configured to pressurize the chamber when the portable fire extinguisher is activated by a user, the puncturing mechanism comprising: a lift plate; a puncture pin coupled to the lift plate, the puncture pin configured to puncture the pressurized gas cartridge to release gas therefrom into the chamber of the portable fire extinguisher; a trigger mechanism coupled to the lift plate, wherein movement of the trigger mechanism from a first position to a second position causes corresponding movement of the lift plate and the puncture pin and causes the puncture pin to rupture the pressurized gas cartridge and release the gas therefrom into the chamber; and a tamper lock that includes a knob rotatable from a first knob position to a second knob position, the trigger mechanism is prevented from puncturing the inverted pressurized gas cartridge by the rotatable knob when in the first knob position and access to the inverted pressurized gas cartridge is blocked when the rotatable knob is in the second knob position. MARKED UP COPY
2. The puncturing mechanism of claim 1, wherein the movement of the trigger mechanism includes a downward movement of the trigger mechanism toward the chamber, and includes an upward movement of the lift plate and puncture pin away from the chamber.
3. The puncturing mechanism of claim 1 or 2, wherein the puncture pin is coupled to a threaded retainer that is configured to receive the pressurized gas cartridge.
4. The puncturing mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lift plate is biased by a return spring away from the pressurized gas cartridge.
5. A method for activating a portable fire extinguisher, the portable fire extinguisher including a chamber configured to hold a fire suppressant material and an inverted pressurized gas cartridge configured to pressurize the chamber when the portable fire extinguisher is activated by a user, the method comprising: rotating a safety knob from a first safety knob position to a second safety knob position to release a lock for a trigger mechanism where the safety knob blocks access to the inverted pressurized gas cartridge when in the second safety knob position; and moving the trigger mechanism from a first trigger position to a second trigger position; MARKED UP COPY wherein moving the trigger mechanism includes moving a puncture pin that is coupled to the trigger mechanism to rupture the pressurized gas cartridge and thereby release gas from gas cartridge into the chamber.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein moving the safety knob includes releasing or ejecting a tamper indicator.
7. The method of claim 5 or 6, wherein moving the first extinguisher trigger from the first trigger position to the second trigger position includes moving the trigger mechanism in a first direction, and moving the puncture pin includes moving the puncture pin in an opposite second direction.
8. The method of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein further comprising using a return spring to bias the puncture pin away from the pressurized gas cartridge.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2017900583A AU2017900583A0 (en) | 2017-02-22 | Fibre optical acoustic sensing system and method | |
AU2017900583 | 2017-02-22 | ||
PCT/AU2018/050144 WO2018152575A1 (en) | 2017-02-22 | 2018-02-22 | Optical acoustic sensing system and method |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ757337A NZ757337A (en) | 2021-10-29 |
NZ758094B2 true NZ758094B2 (en) | 2022-02-01 |
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