US3762479A

US3762479A - Remotely actuatable portable fire suppression apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3762479A
Application number: US00198344A
Authority: US
Inventors: Sr L Fike; Jr L Fike
Original assignee: Fike Metal Products Corp
Current assignee: Fike Corp
Priority date: 1971-11-12
Filing date: 1971-11-12
Publication date: 1973-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 1990-10-02

Abstract

A portable fire suppression apparatus containing a fire suppressant is provided for use in relatively confined areas such as engine compartments and restaurant ventilation hoods and the like. A suppressant outlet on the suppression apparatus is sealed by a rupturable element that can be fractured upon a selectively, manually controlled command for instantaneously releasing the fire suppressant. A suppressant distributor head is affixed to the outlet to effect a suppressant spray pattern. The distributor head is adapted to position and hold in close proximity to the rupturable element an electrically activated gas generating device for fracturing the rupturable element, either directly by a detonator or a piercing element shifted by the gas generator.

Description

[ 1 Oct. 2, 1973 REMOTELY ACTUATABLE PORTABLE FIRE SUPPRESSION APPARATUS [75] Inventors: Lester L. Fike, Sr.; Lester L. Fike,

Jr., both of Blue Springs, Mo.

[73] Assignee: Fike Metal Products Corporation,

Blue Springs, Mo.

22 Filed: Nov. 12, 1971 21 Appl. No.: 198,344

[52] US. Cl. 169/28, 169/31 R [51] Int. Cl A62c 35/02 [58] Field of Search 169/2 A, 28, 31 R,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,552,495 1/1971 Fiero 169/28 2,436,364 2/1948 McDowell 169/28 X 1,708,869 4/1929 Buddecke 169/28 3,515,217 6/1970 Jamison 169/28 X 3,467,120 9/1969 Hill et al 220/89 A 2,924,280 2/1960 Carter et al.... 169/31 R 2,724,616 11/1955 Biginelli 169/31 R X 2,496,160 l/1950 Hesson 169/31 R 3,088,478 5/1963 Schimnel 220/89 A X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 910,346 6/1946 France 169/28 Primary Examiner-M. Henson Wood, Jr. Assistant ExaminerJohn J. Love Attorney-Gordon D. Schmidt et al.

[57] ABSTRACT A portable fire suppression apparatus containing a fire suppressant is provided for use in relatively confined areas such as engine compartments and restaurant ventilation hoods and the like. A suppressant outlet on the suppression apparatus is sealed by a rupturable element that can be fractured upon a selectively, manually controlled command for instantaneously releasing the fire suppressant. A suppressant distributor head is affixed to the outlet to effect a suppressant spray pattern. The distributor head is adapted to position and hold in close proximity to the rupturable element an electrically activated gas generating device for fracturing the rupturable element, either directly by a detonator or a piercing element shifted by the gas generator.

3 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures PAIENIEW'Z 3.762.479

SHEET 10F 3 ].\'\/E.,\"TORS. Lester L. Fike 6r. BY Lester 1.. Pike Jr.

IVEYS.

REMOTELY ACTUATABLE PORTABLE FIRE SUPPRESSION APPARATUS This invention relates to an improved portable fire extinguisher or suppression apparatus that is capable of being instantaneously activated, preferably manually as opposed to activation via an automatic sensing device, and adapted particularly for use in relatively confined areas such as the engine compartments of boats, aircraft and racing cars, although its use is not limited to the specific applications mentioned.

The apparatus of this invention is particularly suitable when instantaneous release of a fire suppressant is desired in areas such as the engine compartment of a car or the bilge of a boat which tends to fill with fumes from the engine. Although boat bilge areas for example, usually have blowers which should be run approximately 30 seconds to clear the area of fumes before the engine is started, they often are not run, and consequently a high degree of possibility exists for a flash explosion as the boat engine is started. It is, therefore, highly desirable that a fire suppression apparatus be provided which can be manually activated to cause the suppressant contained therein to be instantaneously released before the fire can get out of hand. A relatively small apparatus is desired due to the confined and crowded conditions generally found in such compartments.

Fire suppression apparatus commonly used in the above-mentioned applications usually contain a halogenated flurocarbon composition and have either mechanical, hand-operated valves, or solenoid controlled valve units. One of the primary disadvantages of such valves is the inability to adequately seal the apparatus and prevent the leakage that occurs when liquefied gas compositions are used. Thus, if proper maintenance procedures are not followed, there is the distinct possibility that the apparatus would be inoperable at the time of need, due to the aforementioned leakage.

It is, therefore, the primary object of this invention to provide a selectively operable fire suppression apparatus that is hermetically sealed so that a full suppressant charge is indefinitely maintained and its reliability thereby maintained until operator actuation is initiated for release of the suppressant.

It is another important object of this invention to provide a fire suppression apparatus that can be manually, selectively, remotely and instantaneously activated.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a fire suppression apparatus that is sufficiently compact that it can be stored in a relatively small area.

A still further important object of our invention is to provide a portable fire suppression apparatus that can be readily relocated and does not need to be permanently installed.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a fire suppression apparatus of the characteristics described which lends itself to use of a suppressant that creates a low level of vision obscuration when activated, mixed rapidly with air, is free of particulate residue, has a low toxicity level, and readily penetrates blocked or baffied spaces.

It is yet further an important object of the invention to provide a fire suppression apparatus that can be fitted with a variety of suppressant distribution heads for optimum area coverage.

A still further important object of the invention is to provide a fire suppression apparatus that utilizes a suppressant release means that is not subject to corrosion and deterioration with its resultant leakage problems.

Yet another important object of our invention is to provide a manually actuatable fire suppression apparatus that will automatically activate in the event a fire breaks out in an unattended vehicle or area.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of a remotely actuatable portable fire suppression apparatus made in accordance with our present invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed, fragmentary, enlarged, longitudinal, sectional view thereof showing particularly the outlet end;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a vertical, cross sectional view taken along line 44 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a modified form of the fire suppression apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a detailed, longitudinal, vertical section of the modified form illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a detailed, fragmentary, longitudinal, vertical sectional view of a fire suppression apparatus showing an alternate distributor head;

FIG. 8 is a detailed, fragmentary, longitudinal, vertical, sectional view of a fire suppression apparatus showing yet another modification of an alternate distributor head;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view showing the rupture disc as used and illustrated in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of still another embodiment of the fire suppression apparatus showing another form of distributor head for the fire suppression apparatus;

FIG. 1 1 is a detailed, fragmentary, longitudinal, vertical, partially broken away view of the distributor head illustrated in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a detailed, fragmentary, longitudinal, vertical, partially broken away view of a modified form of rupturable element and distributor head similar to FIGS. 10 and 11;

FIG. 13 is a detailed, longitudinal, vertical, sectional view showing an element puncturing projectile as used with the distributor head illustrated in FIGS. 10-12; and

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of a rupturable element as illustrated in FIG. 12.

Referring initially to the preferred embodiment of our invention illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the remotely actuatable, portable fire suppression apparatus shown therein and broadly designated by the numeral 20, is adapted to be mounted upon and secured to a support 22 by use of a strap 24 and fastener assemblies 26 encompassing a fire suppressant containing pressure receptacle 28.

Fire suppression apparatus 20 is intended for use primarily with a liquefied, normally gaseous extinguishing agent such as a halogenated flurocarbon composition. The low level of visual obscuration, rapid mixture with air, low toxicity and lack of particulate residue are all properties that make this composition preferable over other suppressants. This composition is effective with Class A (cellulosic material); Class B (flammable liquid); and Class C (electrical) fires. The combination of the extinguishing agent, the functional application such as racing vehicles, inboard motorboats, airplanes, etc.

and the actuating means hereinafter described, establish the convenience, reliability and adaptability of the present invention.

Receptacle 28 has an internally threaded, tubular outlet 32 extending through and welded to wall 30 thereof. An externally threaded outlet extension 34 is threaded into outlet 32 and has a conduit or passage 36 extending longitudinally of the same with one end 38 thereof in open communication with the interior of receptacle 28. Opposite end 40 of passage 36 is closed by a rupturable element or membrane 42. Membrane 42 is a relatively thin, frangible diaphragm characterized by the quality of being resistant to rupture until a predetermined pressure is exceeded, but will undergo rupture upon application of a force thereto above the pressure for which it was designed. Membrane 42 is further distinguished by the circular, concavo-convex, domeshaped configuration of the central portion thereof. The membrane is positioned over end 40 of extension 34 with its concave face 44 in direct facing relationship to the interior of conduit 36 and receptacle 28.

An explosive charge such as a Primacord strip 48 is located on the outer or convex face 50 of membrane 42. A selectively actuatable element rupturing means 52 in the nature of an electrically operable detonating component or detonator of a kind readily available and in common usage is provided for detonating the strip 48 upon command. Membrane 42 is additionally provided with a score line 49 (FIG. 9) to establish a predetermined area of rupture which causes the membrane 42 to rupture with a minimum of fragmentation. The score line, which can be made of any desired depth during fabrication of the disc 42, also establishes a predetermined limit on the pressure which will be tolerated by the membrane before it undergoes internal tank pressure initiated rupture. Strip 48 is longitudinally aligned with score line 49.

A distributor head 54 is coupled to outlet extension 34 in juxtaposed, overlying relationship to membrane 42 as best shown in FIG. 2. Head 54 is provided with orifice means 56 for controlling the direction and discharge pattern of the suppressant when it is released past rupturable element 42. Certain of the orifice means 56 define a chamber 58 aligned with the outlet 32, conduit 36 and membrane 42. Certain other orifices 56 define a series of elongated passages 60 which communicate with chamber 58 and serve as suppressant discharge vents, while another of the passages 62 receives detonator 52. Passage 62 and detonator 52 are located so that end 53 thereof is in abutting engagement with explosive strip 48. The wires 55 leading from a remote capacitor discharge circuit, including an actuating switch and source of electricity, extend to detonator 52 and are preferably twisted to present a coiled stretch 55a to bias the detonator body into firm, contacting relationship to explosive strip 48. Chamber 58 is operable to contain any fragments resulting from the rupturing of membrane 42, thereby preventing such fragments from being projectiles in the adjacent area.

The discharge vents 60 extend radially outwardly from chamber 58 in spaced, angular relationship to one another and have their outer extremities diverging as the conical, outer face 64 of distributor head 54 is approached. The foregoing configuration permits the suppressant to be distributed in a generally cone-shaped spray pattern.

A pair of axially aligned, opposed, tapered, threaded openings 66 are provided through wall 68 of outlet extension 34 for receiving a pressure gauge assembly 70 and a fill valve and cap unit 72. Pressure gauge 70 and fill valve 72 can be of any type that is commonly and readily available for use in conjunction with a liquefied suppressant of the type described above.

In operation, the apparatus 20 is first charged via fill valve 72 to a predetermined pressure with a suppressant gas such as halogenated fluorocarbon fire suppressant composition. A typical suppressant is bromotrifluoromethane, which for example, is marketed by E. I. DuPont De Nemours & Co. as Freon FE 1301. Generally, a quantity of from 2 to 5 pounds of suppressant is used per charge, although a larger amount may be employed, depending upon the application and size of apparatus 20. The membrane 42 is designed to withstand the pressure exerted by the suppressant as long as said suppressant remains below its critical temperature. Utilization of such a membrane is desirable in the present invention because of the use of an electrically activated detonator 52 which permits selective rupture of membrane 42 upon command. Although the explosive effect of detonator 52 is normally adequate to cause membrane 42 to rupture, the addition of strip charge 48 adds a redundant feature which insures the rupturing of element 42. The pressure range over which the present apparatus 20 is operable permits use thereof in many different applications where the ambient temperature varies widely, as for example, in an engine compartment where temperatures may approach F. The range of temperature tolerance permitted by the membrane 42 also is advantageous in that it will not rupture automatically unless the temperature in the immediate area reaches a high enough level and remains at that level or higher for a period of time to increase the pressure of the suppressant to a point which causes auto-rupture of disc 42. This permits the operator of the vehicle, whether it be a boat, a race car or the like, to maneuver to a more suitable location before activating the apparatus 20 which very often kills the engine so that maneuvering power is lost immediately.

The detonator 52 is connected by means of a Jones plug (not shown) coupled to the vehicles electrical cir cuit which has a manually controlled switch (also not shown) interposed for selectively actuating the component. The activating switch preferably is in the nature of a panic button located on the dashboard of the operators quarters and adjacent the ignition switch of the vehicle. When the operator of the vehicle observes the need for activating apparatus 20, he has merely to operate the switch causing the detonator 52 to explode the charge strip 48 which has been affixed to membrane 42. The coincident explosion of detonator 52 and charge strip 48 fractures membrane 42 along scored line 49, instantly releasing the suppressant from receptacle 28. The escaping suppressant exiting past element 42 is directed in a spray pattern dictated by the position and location of discharge vents 60 in head 54. An automatic safety is incorporated in element 42 that is designed to rupture without the aid of detonator 52 as soon as the suppressant in receptacle 28 reaches its critical temperature and corresponding pressure which in the case of bromotrifluoromethane is 152.6 F. and 560.2 p.s.i.g. respectively. For example, if a fire started in the engine compartment of an unattended boat the element 42 will automatically rupture and release the suppressant as soon as the latter reaches its critical temperature and corresponding pressure, thus bypassing the need for manual activation of the detonator 52.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6 and 10, we have illustrated modified forms of the apparatus 20, identified by the

numerals

120 and 420, utilizing different distributor heads and showing an alternate location for the suppressant inlet. Inlet 174 is positioned in wall 130 of receptacle 128 oppositely of suppressant outlet 132, to be more fully hereinafter described, which is similar to outlet 32 in the preferred embodiment. Inlet 174 comprises a hollow tube 176 having one end 178 in open communication with the interior of receptacle 128, and an opposite end 180 in open communication with a transversely located tube 182 which is provided with fill valve 72 at one end thereof and pressure gauge 70 at the opposite end.

Suppressant outlet 132, as best illustrated in FIG. 6, has membrane 42 affixed directly to its outer end 184. Outlet 132 comprises an elongated tube having an end 131 in direct open communication with the interior of receptacle 128. Opposite end 133 thereof is ofa nature to receive membrane 42 on the outer extremity thereof. A modified suppressant distributor head 154 is threaded directly to outlet 132 and contains a chamber 158 aligned with end 133 of outlet 132 and with membrane 42. A plurality of discharge vents 160 extend radially outwardly from chamber 158 similar to that shown in the preferred embodiment. Vents 160 are of a size and orientation relative to membrane 42 to permit the selective positioning of an alternate type detonating component 152 in adjacent, angular, offset relationship to membrane 42 and in axial alignment with score line 49 to detonate the charge strip 48 upon command as described previously. The location of the detonating component 152 in this embodiment is to be further noted in that the discharge vents 160 can be subsequently threaded to serve as a passage 62 to receive component 152, thus permitting the head to be reused a number of times at least equal to the number of discharge vents 160. After each use of apparatus 120, it can be returned to the factory or a service center for replacement of membrane 42, recharging of the tank, and insertion of another detonator in a newly tapped passage 160 in conjunction with removal of the previously fired detonator. The operation of the fire suppression apparatus 120 is the same as that previously described with respect to apparatus 20. A further feature of this modification to be noted is the perpendicular relationship of the discharge vents 160 to the outer conical face 164 of distributor head 154.

FIG. 7 illustrates an additional modification of the instant invention having a distributor head 254 with a different configuration of its outer conical face 264 which presents a different profile. The vent passages 160 therethrough are at a somewhat shallower angle relatively so that the spray pattern of the suppressant is not as diffuse as is the case with head 154. The operation of the apparatus is the same as that described immediately above.

FIG. 8 illustrates another modified discharge head 354. The outlet 232, rupturable element 42, and detonating component 152 are all substantially the same as previously described and need not be further enlarged upon. A discharge vent 360 is in axial alignment with outlet 232 and membrane 42. External screwthreads 386 are provided on distributor head 354 and surround discharge vent 360 for attaching additional, directional and distribution control structure for the suppressant as may be desired.

The adjacent, angular, offset location of dctonating component 152 as illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 is further distinguished from the preferred embodiment in that its offset relationship to membrane 42 permits detonator 152 to present minimal obstruction to the suppressant as it is released through outlet 132.

FIGS. 10-14 show yet another embodiment of our fire suppression apparatus and in this case, broadly designated by the numeral 420.'I-Iere again the distinguishing feature is distributor head 454 and its dctonating component 452. Outlet 432 is provided with a circumferentially positioned shoulder 488 at its outer extremity which is surrounded by an internally threaded collar 490 for receiving distributor head 454 and holding it in engagement with outlet 432. Distributor head 454 defines an L-shaped discharge path 492 in communication with a dome-shaped, frangible membrane 442 covering end 484 of outlet 432. An internally threaded collar 496 communicates with the threads 486 on discharge head 454 for securing auxiliary nozzle means 494 to further directionalize the suppressant as it is released. Leg portion 498 is provided for supporting head 454 and is affixed to support 22.

Detonating component 452 is positioned within passage 462 in axial alignment with outlet 432. The component 452 comprises an electrically activated gas generator 500 of nature commonly known, a tubular, elongated collar 502 receiving such detonator, and a membrane puncturing projectile 504 operated by generator 500 and provided with annular seals 506 thereon engaging the inner surface of collar or sleeve 502 to prevent escape of gas therepast. End 508 of collar 502 receives and holds gas generator 500 while the opposite end 510 thereof defines a circumferentially, inwardly extending, annular flange 512. Projectile 504 is in the shape of an elongated, cylindrical-shaped dart having a shank 154 with a sharp membrane penetrating point 516, and a flat, trailing end 518 terminating in a radially projecting flange 520 perpendicular to shank 514. Ribs 522 surround shank 514 in spaced relationship to flange 520 for retaining seals 506. Sharp forward point 516 extends through and past the flange 512 in axial alignment with rupturable element 442 for puncturing element 442 when gas generator 500 is activated. One of the ribs 522 serves to limit the axial shift of projectile 504 by engagement with flange 512. Ribs 522 and flange 512 also position seals 506 so that they are interposed between projectile 504 and collar 502 to retain the gas that is produced by gas generator 502 as it thrusts projectile 504 forward into penetrating contact with element 442. The axial shift of projectile 504 is shown by dotted lines in FIG. 11.

Still another alternate embodiment of the apparatus is disclosed in FIG. 12 wherein rupturable element 542 is releasably held in position between outlet 532 and head 554 for more ready replacement thereof. Element 542 has a tapered portion 524 surrounding dome portion 526 and terminates in a circular, outer flange 528. Outlet 532 is similar to outlet 432 and is attached to head 554 in the same manner, but presents a tapered bore 530 which cooperates with an externally tapered, threaded, wedge-shaped inlet 534 of head 554. Rupturable element 542 is thereby clamped between bore 530 and tapered inlet 534. Although apparatus 420 is not hermetically sealed in this embodiment, it is possible to replace element 542 in the field, thus eliminating the need for removal of apparatus from its area of use for recharging once it has been activated. The remaining features of head 554 are the same as those previously described and shown in FIGS. 10, l1 and 13.

In all respects, the use and end results attainable by use of the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 apply equally to the modifications.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. Fire suppression apparatus comprising:

a receptacle for a pressurized fire suppressant and having a suppressant outlet;

a dual inlet and outlet valve having an internal passage in communication with said outlet and threaded means for the reception of inlet means;

inlet means threadably attached to said threaded means and constructed to be selectively opened to allow pressurized fire suppressant to be directed into said receptacle through the valve passage;

a relatively thin frangible diaphragm of circular, concavo-convex metallic material and being scored on the convex face thereof, said scored diaphragm being characterized by the property of offering sufficient resistance to rupture under the pressure of the suppressant at temperatures and pressures thereof below the critical values thereof but undergoing rupture upon application of a force thereto exceeding said pressure, said diaphragm being disposed in said cylindrical valve in a spaced, normally blocking relationship to said passage therethrough, the concave face of said diaphragm being in direct facing relationship to the interior of said receptacle; distribution means threadably mounted on said dual valve in aligned, juxtaposed, communicating relationship with said diaphragm blocked passage, and being provided with orifice means for controlling the direction and discharge pattern of the suppressant released through said outlet; and a selectively actuatable detonating component threadably mounted in said distribution means and located in abutting relationship to said diaphragm. 2. A fire suppression apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said orifice means includes a chamber in said distribution means aligned with the outlet of the receptacle, said distribution means being provided with a conical, outer face and a plurality of discharge vents extending in radial relationship outwardly from said chamber in spaced, angular relationship to one another with their outer extremities diverging relatively whereby the suppressant is distributed in a generally cone-shaped spray pattern.

3. In a fire suppression apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said detonating component comprises an electrically activated detonator.

Claims

1. Fire suppression apparatus comprising: a receptacle for a pressurized fire suppressant and having a suppressant outlet; a dual inlet and outlet valve having an internal passage in communication with said outlet and threaded means for the reception of inlet means; inlet means threadably attached to said threaded means and constructed to be selectively opened to allow pressurized fire suppressant to be directed into said receptacle through the valve passage; a relatively thin frangible diaphragm of circular, concavoconvex metallic material and being scored on the convex face thereof, said scored diaphragm being characterized by the property of offering sufficient resistance to rupture under the pressure of the suppressant at temperatures and pressures thereof below the critical values thereof but undergoing rupture upon application of a force thereto exceeding said pressure, said diaphragm being disposed in said cylindrical valve in a spaced, normally blocking relatiOnship to said passage therethrough, the concave face of said diaphragm being in direct facing relationship to the interior of said receptacle; distribution means threadably mounted on said dual valve in aligned, juxtaposed, communicating relationship with said diaphragm blocked passage, and being provided with orifice means for controlling the direction and discharge pattern of the suppressant released through said outlet; and a selectively actuatable detonating component threadably mounted in said distribution means and located in abutting relationship to said diaphragm.

2. A fire suppression apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said orifice means includes a chamber in said distribution means aligned with the outlet of the receptacle, said distribution means being provided with a conical, outer face and a plurality of discharge vents extending in radial relationship outwardly from said chamber in spaced, angular relationship to one another with their outer extremities diverging relatively whereby the suppressant is distributed in a generally cone-shaped spray pattern.