WO2016099823A1 - Dispositif d'extinction d'incendie de surface de cuisson avec activation de secours et procédé - Google Patents

Dispositif d'extinction d'incendie de surface de cuisson avec activation de secours et procédé Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016099823A1
WO2016099823A1 PCT/US2015/062368 US2015062368W WO2016099823A1 WO 2016099823 A1 WO2016099823 A1 WO 2016099823A1 US 2015062368 W US2015062368 W US 2015062368W WO 2016099823 A1 WO2016099823 A1 WO 2016099823A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
shuttle
center
lid
housing
accordance
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2015/062368
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Donald W. Murray
Richard M. ANTHONY
Original Assignee
Murray Donald W
Anthony Richard M
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US14/689,602 external-priority patent/US10478647B2/en
Application filed by Murray Donald W, Anthony Richard M filed Critical Murray Donald W
Publication of WO2016099823A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016099823A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C3/00—Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places
    • A62C3/006—Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places for kitchens or stoves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C35/00—Permanently-installed equipment
    • A62C35/02—Permanently-installed equipment with containers for delivering the extinguishing substance
    • A62C35/10—Containers destroyed or opened by flames or heat
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C37/00—Control of fire-fighting equipment
    • A62C37/08—Control of fire-fighting equipment comprising an outlet device containing a sensor, or itself being the sensor, i.e. self-contained sprinklers
    • A62C37/10—Releasing means, e.g. electrically released
    • A62C37/11—Releasing means, e.g. electrically released heat-sensitive

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device and method of fire suppression, and more particularly to an automatic stovetop fire suppressor.
  • Stovetop fires are a well-known residential and commercial hazard.
  • An unattended stovetop fire for example a grease fire, can cause damage to nearby appliances and cabinets. Worse, stovetop fires can lead to structural damage or injury. Because the propensity for stovetop fires is so pervasive, an efficient means of automatic fire suppression is desired. Even if a stovetop fire is attended, an automatic extinguishing method may be more effective and expedient compared to manual means.
  • a number of conventional automatic stovetop fire extinguishers, which mount above the stovetop surface, are available. These include: U.S. Patent No. 8,517,117 to Mikulec; U.S. Patent No. 14,276,446141 to Stager; U.S. Patent No. 14,105,677 to Stager; U.S. Patent No. 5,899,278 to Mikulec; U.S. Patent No.: 7,472,758 to Stevens and Weintraub; U.S. Patent No.:
  • the array of conventional fire suppression systems vary from activation by melting of a fusible pin (Stager '461), to melting a solder fusible plug (Stager '677), to burning of a fuse (Williams '307, Stevens '758), or to activating via a glass bulb fuse mechanism (Mikulec '278). More recently, a thermally responsive fuse with liquid core activates a fire extinguisher to release pressurized fire suppressant via a nozzle. (Mikulec ⁇ 17).
  • the present invention addresses some of the issues presented above by providing a controlled release of a fire suppressing agent in an automatic stovetop fire suppressor. Aspects of the present invention are provided for summary purposes and are not intended to be all inclusive or exclusive. Embodiments of the present invention may have any of the aspects below.
  • a fire suppressing agent deploys in a bulk release upon rupture of metal segments. It may be desirable to provide a gradual release of fire suppressing powder or powder-like agent over time. A gradual release over time may enable decreased or eliminated splash of liquid on the stovetop, which may be burning cooking oil. Further, a broader or directed distribution of the released fire suppressing agent may be desired. A pressurized effluent may similarly yield an undesirable fire related consequence, especially if triggered while unattended.
  • the present invention can employ a shuttle displacement actuator.
  • One aspect of the present invention is to provide a user friendly method of suppressing a stovetop fire.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an automated release of fire suppressing agent in the presence of a stovetop fire.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a flow of fire suppressing agent upon activation of the stovetop fire suppressor.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is a mounting device and method which affords full and proper function of a stovetop fire suppressor mounted beneath a vent hood.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a convenient mounting device for a micro-hood stovetop environment.
  • Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a consistent release of fire suppressing agent upon activation of the stove top fire suppressor.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a gradual release of fire suppressing agent over time.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a desired distribution pattern of fire suppressing agent in a fire condition.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a closed fire extinguishing container in an inactivated state.
  • Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a stovetop fire suppressor using a combination of ready-made and custom made parts.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is relative ease of use in employment of the present invention in field applications.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is a method of releasing the fire suppressing agent upon lowering of the bottom lid.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is lowering of the bottom lid by the displacement of a shuttle actuator.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is triggering displacement of the shuttle actuator using an actuator charge.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is using a dual fuse to activate the actuator charge.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is a bottom surface on a center shaft, a lower headed pin, or nail to support the vertical position of the shuttle.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is catching of a bottom of a center guide of the container bottom lid on an inner shuttle housing surface upon actuation of the fire suppressor device.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is securing a center shaft, or nail, to a top wall of the container for the fire suppressing device.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is extension of a
  • Still another aspect of the present invention is the use of plastic for the bottom lid of the fire suppressor container.
  • Still another aspect of the present invention is a center guide bushing attached to or integral to the lower bottom lid.
  • Still another aspect of the present invention is a center post attached to or integral to the upper wall of the container.
  • Still another aspect of the present invention is a center guide bushing surrounding a center post, and the center post surrounding a center shaft, the center shaft spanning the height of the fire suppressor device.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is the containment of the fire suppressing agent in a closed container from manufactured end to activation of the device in a fire condition.
  • Still another aspect of the present invention is the use of a fuse for activation of the fire suppressing device.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is the use of a reduced charge size, as compared to conventional stovetop fire suppressors, for activation of the fire suppressing device.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is the ability to vary the distribution pattern of the fire suppressing agent by changing the cone angle of the container bottom lid.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is the ability to vary the release time of the fire suppressing agent by varying the drop height of the cone lid upon activation.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is the ability to vary the release time of the fire suppressing agent by varying both the cone angle of the container bottom lid and the drop height of the cone lid upon activation.
  • Still another aspect of the present invention is the use of thermo- molding to create a custom container bottom lid.
  • the lid pattern is concave or convex.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is the ready mounting ability of the fire suppressor above the stovetop.
  • Still another aspect of the present invention is the use of a plastic custom shuttle that has a charge compartment and shuttle housing with an integral charge housing.
  • Still another aspect of the present invention is using a lower melting point plastic for the shuttle and charge cup than a higher melting point plastic for the cone shaped plastic lid.
  • Still another aspect of the present invention is thermo-molding the shuttle and a charge cup/compartment from a thermo-moldable material having a lower melting point than the container and/or lid.
  • Still another aspect of the present invention is thermo-molding the shuttle and a charge cup/compartment as an integral component.
  • Still another aspect of the present invention is thermo-molding the shuttle and a charge cup/compartment from a thermo-moldable material having a lower melting point than the lid and splash guard.
  • Still another aspect of the present invention is thermo-molding the shuttle and a charge cup/compartment from a thermo-moldable material having a lower melting point than the lid and splash guard, wherein the splash guard is integral to the lid.
  • Still another aspect of the present invention is thermo-molding the shuttle and a charge cup/compartment from a thermo-moldable material having a lower melting point than the lid and splash guard, wherein the splash guard is integral to the lid, and the lid is cone-shaped.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is the ability to activate the fire suppressor in backup activation.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is lowering the cone- shaped bottom lid in backup activation in the absence of shuttle activation.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is lowering the cone- shaped bottom lid to a designed opening height in backup activation in the absence of shuttle activation.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is breaking a container-lid seal and activating the fire suppressor in the absence of shuttle activation in a fire condition.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is breaking a container-lid seal and activating the fire suppressor in a shuttle activation failure in a fire condition.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is activating a fire suppressor in a fire condition in the absence of a fuse.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is activating a fire suppressor in a fire condition in the presence of a charge cup failure.
  • FIG. 1A shows a bottom perspective of an automatic stovetop fire suppressor in a closed state with a cone shaped bottom lid, a fuse, and a shuttle actuator, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. IB shows a bottom perspective of an automatic stovetop fire suppressor in an open activated state with a cone shaped bottom lid, a fuse, and a shuttle actuator, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2A shows a top view of a stovetop fire suppressor, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2B shows a top view of a shuttle stovetop fire suppressor with backup activation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3A shows a cross sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2A of a stovetop fire suppressor in a closed state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3B shows a cross sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2A of a stovetop fire suppressor in an open activated state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a shuttle actuated fire suppressor device in three dimensions from a bottom perspective, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 2A of a stovetop fire suppressor in an open activated state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 6A shows a cross sectional view taken along line 6A-6A of FIG. 3A of a shuttle assembly of a stovetop fire suppressor in a closed state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 6B shows a cross sectional view taken along line 6B-6B of FIG. 3B of a shuttle assembly of a stovetop fire suppressor in an open activated state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 6C shows a three dimensional shuttle assembly from a top view in a stovetop fire suppressor in a closed state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 6D shows a three dimensional shuttle assembly from a top view in a stovetop fire suppressor in an open activated state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 7A shows a sidewall edge and a lid edge portion of the closed fire suppressor in FIG. 3A in greater detail, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 7B shows a sidewall edge and a lid edge portion of a closed fire suppressor in greater detail, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGs. 8A and 8B show an exemplary method of manufacturing and an exemplary method of assembling a shuttle actuator stovetop fire suppressor, respectively, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGs. 8C and 8D show an exemplary method of assembling a mounting assembly and an exemplary method of assembling an actuator charge in a shuttle assembly, respectively, for a stovetop fire suppressor in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 9 shows an exemplary method of distributing a fire suppressing agent in a shuttle actuated automatic stovetop fire suppressor, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 10 shows a top view of a stovetop fire suppressor
  • FIG. 11A shows a cross sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 10 of a stovetop fire suppressor in a closed state, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 1 IB shows a cross sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 10 of a stovetop fire suppressor in an open activated state, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 12A shows a three dimensional shuttle assembly from a top view in a stovetop fire suppressor in a closed state, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 12B shows a three dimensional shuttle assembly from a top view in a stovetop fire suppressor in an open activated state, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of a shuttle fire suppressor device with backup activation in three dimensions from a bottom perspective, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 14A shows a cross sectional view taken along line 6A-6A of FIG. 3A of a shuttle fire suppressor device with backup activation in a closed state, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 14B shows a cross sectional view taken along line 6B-6B of FIG. 3B of a shuttle fire suppressor device with backup activation in an open activated state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 14C shows a three dimensional shuttle assembly with backup activation from a top view in a stovetop fire suppressor in a closed state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 14D shows a three dimensional shuttle assembly with backup activation from a top view in a stovetop fire suppressor in an open activated state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGs. 15A and 15B show an exemplary method of manufacturing and an exemplary method of assembling a shuttle fire suppressor device with backup activation, respectively, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGs. 15C and 15D show an exemplary method of assembling a mounting assembly and an exemplary method of assembling an actuator charge in a shuttle stovetop fire suppressor with backup activation, respectively, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 16 shows an exemplary method of activating a fire suppressor with a shuttle and backup activation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 17 shows an exemplary method of activating a fire suppressor in a shuttle activation failure in a fire condition, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 18A shows a cross sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2B of a shuttle stovetop fire suppressor with backup activation in a closed state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 18B shows a cross sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2B of a shuttle stovetop fire suppressor with backup activation in an open activated state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 19 shows a cross sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 2B of a shuttle stovetop fire suppressor with backup activation in an open activated state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 20A and 20B show images of a fire suppressor activated in backup activation in the absence of a fuse and charge and in an unsecured charge housing, respectively, in accordance with respective exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1A shows a bottom perspective of an automatic stovetop fire suppressor in a closed state with a cone shaped bottom lid, a fuse, and a shuttle actuator, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1A shows a cone shaped bottom lid 1-20. Moving towards that center, FIG. 1A shows a shuttle housing 1-80.
  • a splash shield 1-25 surrounds the shuttle housing 1-80 and two ends of a fuse 1-11, 1-11 extend out of the bottom of shuttle housing 1-80 facing the stovetop surface when mounted for fire suppression.
  • the lid 1-20 is sealed to a container sidewall 1-40-S.
  • a mounting assembly 1-50 is connected to the shuttle actuated fire suppressor 1-100 and is shown above a container top wall 1- 40-t.
  • a mounting assembly 1-50 is attached to the stovetop fire suppressor 1-100 and is shown extending above a top wall 1-40-t.
  • the head of the center pin 1-55-H is shown near shuttle housing 1-80 center and secures the shuttle assembly to the fire suppressor.
  • FIG. IB shows a bottom perspective of an automatic stovetop fire suppressor in an open activated state with a cone shaped bottom lid, a fuse, and a shuttle actuation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. IB shows the bottom lid 1-20 dropped below sidewall 1-40-S forming a radial opening 1-28-ro. Seen through the opening is a spring 1-30. The spring is compressed in the closed state of the fire suppressor but when the fuse lights and the shuttle displaces the support holding the spring in compression, the spring expands to break the seal between the lid circumference and the cylindrical sidewall and to lower the cone shaped bottom lid.
  • Fire suppressing powder flows out of the radial opening 1-28-ro when the shuttle actuated stovetop fire suppressor 1-100 activates, as shown in FIG. IB.
  • the splash guard 1-25 and shuttle housing 1- 80 remain in their same position relative to the cone shaped bottom lid 1-20.
  • the center pin head 1-55-H is shown near the shuttle housing center 1-80.
  • a mounting assembly 1-50 secures the fire suppressor above the stovetop surface in practice. Two ends of a fuse 1-11, 1-11 extend from the shuttle housing 1-80.
  • FIG. 2A shows a top view of a stovetop fire suppressor
  • FIGs. 3A and 3B Parts of the mounting assembly are shown around the center, where cross sectional view lines A-A 2-13 and B-B 2-11 intersect. From the inside, a shoulder of the center pin 2-55-SH is shown extending across a magnet housing hole 2-54-H and within a center hole a magnet 2-51-h. A donut shaped magnet 2-51 is mounted in magnet housing 2-54. The magnet housing 2-54 fits within a cup 2-40-C in the top wall. Between cup 2-40-C and magnet housing 2-54 is cup channel 2-40-ch. The cup 2-40-C, the cup channel 2-40-ch and the magnet housing 2-54 are described in greater detail with reference to, for example, FIGs. 3A and 3B. FIGs.
  • FIG. 3A and 3B show a cross sectional view along line A-A 2-13 of FIG. 2A.
  • FIG. 5 shows an orthogonal cross sectional view along line B-B 2-11 of FIG. 2A.
  • the top wall 2-40-t extends outward and rolls 2-40-r into a sidewall, where an outer sidewall edge 2-40-S-e is shown.
  • the outer edge of the side wall 2-40-S-e is shown in more detail in, for example, FIGs. 7 A and 7B.
  • FIG. 2B is described below associated with FIGs. 18A and l8B.
  • FIG. 3A shows a cross sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2A of a stovetop fire suppressor in a closed state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • This cross sectional view shows the cross section for the XZ plane at axial center.
  • the container or can 3-40 of the stovetop fire suppressor has a top wall 3-40-t and a cylindrical side wall 3-40-S.
  • the can top wall 3- 40-t may be slanted 3-40-phi with respect to the horizontal plane X-Y.
  • the can has an integral cylindrical hollow post 3-40-P which begins from the top wall 3-40-t, is centered with respect to the top wall, and extends down into the can.
  • the center post 3-40-P is symmetrical across center line 3-05 in the cross sectional view of line A-A.
  • a compression spring 3-30 surrounds the center post 3-40-P.
  • FIG. 3A shows a stovetop fire suppressor in the closed position, in turn, spring 3-30 is in a compressed 3-30-C state.
  • Spring 3-30 extends from a top inner surface of a top wall rib 3-40-Ri and a lid 3-20.
  • the center post 3-40-P and rib 3- 40-Ri are integral to the top wall. In alternate embodiments, they are separate pieces but secured to the top wall.
  • FIG. 3A shows a cone shaped bottom lid 3-20 with an inner side 3- 22 and an outer side 3-21.
  • a cylindrical center guide 3-26 Integral to the cone shaped lid 3-20 is a cylindrical center guide 3-26.
  • the center guide 3-26 is centered in the XY plane of the lid and is open in the Z direction.
  • the center guide 3-26 surrounds a bottom portion of center post 3-40-P.
  • the inner diameter of the center guide 3-26 affords easy movement up and down about the outer diameter of center post 3-40-P.
  • a washer 3-58 for example a felt washer, sits in washer seat 3-26-a, which is disposed in a top side of the center guide 3-26.
  • Felt washer 3-58 surrounds the center post 3-40-P.
  • the center guide is a separate piece but is secured to the cone shaped bottom lid.
  • splash guard 3-25 which surrounds the sides in the XZ and YZ planes of the shuttle housing 3-80.
  • the splash guard is integral to the lid and an attachment 3-27 of the splash guard 3-25 to the lid 3-20 is shown in this cross section view.
  • the center guide 3-26 extends down to shuttle 3-72.
  • Shuttle 3-72 is further described with reference to FIGs. 6A-6D, below.
  • Shuttle 3-72 sits upon inner surface 3-82 of shuttle housing 3-80.
  • the shuttle has a charge cup 3-75 forming a charge compartment 3-76 at a fuse 3-11 end.
  • the charge cup 3-75 fits inside a charge housing 3-85.
  • the charge housing 3-85 is integral to the shuttle housing 3-80.
  • a cap 3-87 which seals the open end of the charge housing 3-85, and a fuse which fits between the cap 3-87 and the charge compartment 3-76.
  • the charge cup 3-75 and the charge housing 3-85 open to the positive XZ plane.
  • the charge cup has a backwall towards the negative XZ plane.
  • the charge compartment and charge housing are also shown in and described with reference to FIG. 4.
  • the center post extends down 3-40-P-b to rest on an inner 3-82 surface of shuttle housing 3-80.
  • the cone shaped bottom lid 3-20 has an angle 3-78; this angle may be 20 degrees, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • the outer circumferential lid edge 3-20-le and the bottom edge of the container sidewall 3-40-S-e is shown in greater detail in FIG. 7A.
  • a small seal 3-39 is also shown disposed between the sidewall edge 3-40-S-e and the outer lid edge 3-20-le.
  • Lines 6A-6A show the view taken for FIG. 6A.
  • the center pin 3-55 Through the center of the fire suppressor from the shuttle housing 3-80, through the center post 3-40-P, out the top wall 3-40-t and into the magnet housing 3-54 is the center pin 3-55.
  • the center pin has a head 3-55-H which has a diameter greater than the opening in the shuttle housing 3-80.
  • a push nut 3-37 secures the container 3-40 and lid 3-20 in its closed in activated state.
  • alternate center shafts and fasteners can be used in combination to secure the can 3-40 to the lid 3-20.
  • Alternate shafts may include L shaped rods or cotter pins.
  • a fire suppressing agent is stored in a can interior space 3-49-c.
  • the center pin 3-55 has a head 3-55-H in the negative Z position but is straight or pointed at its positive Z end.
  • the positive Z end of the center pin is shown passing through magnet housing 3- 54 hole 3-54-H and then flattened 3-55-SH within the diameter 3-51-h-d of the hole 3-51-h of the donut shaped magnet 3-51.
  • a fire suppressor may mount to, for example, a vent hood.
  • mounting devices may afford pivoting of the stovetop fire suppressor such that the bottom lid hangs parallel to the horizontal cooking surface even when the mounting surface is tilted to the horizontal XY plane.
  • FIG. 3B shows a cross sectional view taken along line A-A of
  • FIG. 2A of a stovetop fire suppressor in an open activated state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the lid 3-20 has separated from the cylindrical sidewall 3-40-S. More particularly, lid 3-20 has dropped below a side wall edge 3-40-S-e by a drop height of 3-23-h.
  • Shuttle 3-72 has moved in the X direction and center guide 3-26 has dropped.
  • a lower surface 3-26-b of the center guide 3-26 rests upon an inner side of housing 3-82.
  • the fuse 3-11 is shown for illustrative purposes. In practice, the fuse lights and a charge, not shown, ignites displacing the shuttle 3-72 into the position shown.
  • the drop height 3-23-h is shown from a bottom edge 3-40-S-e of the side wall 3-40-S to the lid edge 3-20-le.
  • Spring 3-30 is shown in its extended, less compressed, state 3-30-E.
  • the spring 3-30 extends from a top inner surface of the ribs 3-40-Ri to felt washer 3-58.
  • the felt washer 3-58 is disposed atop center guide 3-26.
  • Center guide 3-26 is integral to the cone shaped bottom lid 3-20, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3B.
  • the spring 3-30 may be a helical compression spring. It may have a free length of 1.5 inches and a load rate of 14.0 lbs. /inch.
  • the spring may be zinc plated steel and have a wire diameter of 0.05 inches.
  • fire suppressing powder stored in a can interior 3-49-C flows out of the radial opening 3-28-ro.
  • the charge cup 3-75 of the shuttle may have a chamfered top side 3-75-c on a top at its opening, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, or may have a chamfered circumference in an alternate embodiment.
  • Cap 3-87 is secured to charge housing 3-85 of the shuttle housing 3-80.
  • the splash guard 3-25 which surrounds the sides in the XZ and YZ planes of the shuttle housing 3-80 is lowered to just below the shuttle housing's position in the Z direction upon activation and lowering of the lid 3-20.
  • the view lines for FIG. 6B are also shown in FIG. 3B.
  • the charge housing 3-85 of the shuttle housing 3-80 remains in its inactivated position.
  • the center pin 3-55 remains attached to the mounting assembly3-50, anchoring the fire suppressor in position above the stovetop.
  • FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a shuttle actuated fire suppressor device from a bottom perspective, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • An outer side 4-21 of the cone lid 4-20 faces the negative Z direction in the present view, while an inner side 4-22 faces into the can 4-49-C.
  • the container has a top wall 4-40-t and integral sidewalls 4-40-S. Ribs 4-40-Ri, also shown inside the can 4-49- C, provide structural support.
  • Ribs 4-40-Ri also shown inside the can 4-49- C, provide structural support.
  • ribs may be integral to the top wall 4-40-t of the can 4-40 and/or to the side wall 4-40-s.
  • cylindrical sidewall 4-40-S maybe corrugated to increase, for example, stiffness and to keep the cylindrical shape and maintain the lid to sidewall interface/seal.
  • an off the shelf nail serves as the center pin 4-55 with a head 4-55-H and is configured as further described below during assembly.
  • the center pin 4-55 fits inside a bottom hole 4-83 of the shuttle housing 4-80 with the pin head 4-55-H having greater diameter than the bottom hole 4-83.
  • FIG. 4 Also shown in FIG. 4 are two vent holes 4-88 in the bottom of the shuttle housing 4-80.
  • the shuttle housing 4-80 has a hollow cylinder 4- 85 which serves as the charge housing.
  • a notch 4-86 is cut across a diameter of the cylinder 4-85. The notch secures the fuse 4-11 in place.
  • Shuttle 4-72 fits inside shuttle housing 4-80, when the fire suppressor is assembled. Before the placing the shuttle 4-72 into its housing 4-80, a charge is secured in the compartment 4-76 of the charge cup 4-75 of the shuttle 4-72. The charge filled shuttle charge cup 4-75 is pushed into charge housing 4-85 and a cap 4-87 closes the charge housing 4-85.
  • a seal 4-39 fits between a lid edge 4- 20-le and the sidewall bottom edge 4-40-S-e as the lid 4-20 closes to the can forming a closed container.
  • center post 4-40-P Shown in the can interior 4-49-C and extending down from the top wall 4-40-t is the center post 4-40-P.
  • the center post 4-40-P is integral to the can 4-40 and in an alternate embodiment a center post is affixed to the top wall 4-40-t.
  • a washer 4-58 is shown around the post 4-40-P and below a compression spring 4-30.
  • the compression spring 4-30 circumscribes the center post 4- 40-P.
  • the center post fits within the hollow center of the center guide 4-26 and when the fire suppressor is closed the center posts meets the bottom inner side of the shuttle housing as shown and described with reference to FIGs. 3A and 3B.
  • the center pin 4-55 is shown with shoulder 4-55-SH formed.
  • shoulder is formed during assembly of the fire suppressor.
  • the shaft of the center pin 4-55 rises through the shuttle housing hole 4-83 through the shuttle 4-72, through center guide 4-26, through the center post 4-40-P and exits out of the top wall 4-40-t.
  • a push nut 4-37 is lowered and the stovetop container is held closed between the push nut and the head of the center pin 4-55-H.
  • the shaft then passes through the hole in the magnet housing 4-54-H and is flattened to extend past the magnet housing hole diameter but to stay within the inner hole of the magnet, not shown.
  • the container 4-40 is mounted above the stove top via the mounting assembly 4-50.
  • the center pin 4-55 rises through axial center 4-05 of the stovetop fire suppressor.
  • FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view taken along line B-B of
  • FIG. 2A of a stovetop fire suppressor in an open activated state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2A shows a top view of a stovetop fire suppressor with shuttle actuator, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with cross section view lines B-B 2-11 and A-A 2-13 at right angles in the XY plane.
  • FIG. 5 the cross sectional view of a stovetop fire suppressor with shuttle actuation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown for the YZ plane at axial center.
  • the lid 5-20 In its activated state, the lid 5-20 has dropped down by a height 5- 23-h, forming a radial opening 5-28-ro.
  • this orthogonal view shows a narrow side of the shoulder 5-55-SH, formed after the center pin passes through the hole 5-54-H in the magnetic housing 5-54.
  • the shoulder 5-55-SH fits within the magnet hole 5-51-h; the magnet 5-51 is secured in the magnet housing 5-54.
  • the magnet hole diameter 5-51-h-d is greater than the widest part of the shoulder 5-55-SH, while the shoulder width, not shown, is greater than the diameter of the magnet housing hole 5-54-H.
  • the center shaft 5-55 spans the axial center 5- 05 of the stovetop fire suppressor.
  • the push nut 5-37 holds the position of the can 5-40 relative to the shaft.
  • a pair of structural support ribs 5-40-Ri is shown in background. In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5, two of three ribs 5-40-Ri are shown with a 120 degree separation between each adjacent pair.
  • the shuttle 5-72 has displaced, moving in the X direction and the center guide 5-26 has dropped down to the shuttle housing 5-80.
  • the center pin head 5-55-H supports the shuttle housing 5-80.
  • a washer seat 5- 24 is formed integral to the cone shaped lid 5-20 and a washer 5-58 is shown disposed in the washer seat 5-24, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In accordance with an alternate embodiment, a washer may be used without a washer seat, or the washer may be omitted.
  • the inner side of the lid 5-22 faces the open can interior 5-49-C and in practice, the outer side of the lid 5-21 faces the cooking surface.
  • FIG. 6A shows a cross sectional view taken along line 6A-6A of FIG.
  • FIG. 6A the center post 6-40-P is shown circumscribing the center pin 6-55, the shuttle 6-72 is juxtaposition the center post 6-40-P.
  • a bend 6-73 in the shuttle slips past a rounded corner 6-83 in the shuttle housing.
  • the cap 6-87 for the charge housing 6-85 is shown in its closed position.
  • the fuse 6-11 extends down from the charge housing 6-85.
  • the charge compartment 6-76 formed by the charge cup 6-75, houses the charge, not shown.
  • the charge cup is integral to the shuttle 6-72.
  • the charge cup 6-75 is shown inserted in the charge housing 6-85, in the closed position.
  • the view line 6A-6A in FIG. 3A cuts through the charge housing 3- 85. While the view line 6B-6B in FIG. 3B is above the charge housing 3-85.
  • FIG. 6B shows a cross sectional view taken along line 6B-6B of FIG. 3B of a shuttle assembly of a stovetop fire suppressor in an open activated state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the charge cup 6-75 of the shuttle 6-72 is shifted out of charge housing 6-85; the charge has ignited and displaced the shuttle 6-72 from under the center guide and from under the spring load, spring not shown.
  • the shuttle 6-72 has shifted in the X 6-77 direction.
  • the shuttle comes into contact on a shuttle housing shorter side 6-80-1.
  • the clearance between the shuttle and shuttle housing 6-72-80 may be nearly constant about the perimeter of the shuttle 6-72.
  • the separation may be about 0.05 inches.
  • the clearance of shuttle housing and the splash guard 6-80-25 may vary about the shuttle housing 6-80 perimeter and may be multiple times the separation between the shuttle 6-72 and its housing 6-80.
  • the center guide arms 6-26-a In its open and activated state, the center guide arms 6-26-a have lowered to the shuttle housing floor 6-82 from their closed position atop portions 6-72-a' of the shuttle 6-72.
  • the center post 6-40-P is shown in the center of the center guide 6-26 and also rests on the floor 6-82 of the shuttle housing 6-80.
  • the center post circumscribes the center pin 6-55.
  • the splash guard 6-25 surrounds the shuttle housing 6-80.
  • the attachment 6-27 affixes the splash guard 6-25 to the lid, not shown.
  • the splash guard is integral to the lid.
  • the splash guard is separate but affixed to the lid.
  • FIG. 6C shows a three dimensional shuttle assembly from a top perspective view of a stovetop fire suppressor in a closed state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • center guide 6-26 a lower most, negative Z direction, slice of the center guide 6-26 is shown sitting atop the shuttle 6-72.
  • the guide arms 6-26-a are seated atop the top side, positive Z direction, of the shuttle 6-72.
  • the phantom lines in the center guide 6-72, above the front 6- 72-f of the shuttle are shown for illustrative purposes; the center guide 6-26 is solid, as shown in, for example FIG6D.
  • FIG. 6D shows a three dimensional shuttle assembly from a top view of a stovetop fire suppressor in an open activated state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the shuttle 6-72 has moved forward 6-103.
  • the center guide 6-26 has dropped to the floor of the shuttle housing 6-80, floor not shown in this view.
  • the charge cup 6-75 has moved forward 6-103 out of the charge housing 6-85 through an opening in the aft wall 6-80-b of the shuttle housing 6-80.
  • the front of the shuttle 6-72-f moves forward 6-103 and may meet or come near the front wall of the shuttle housing 6-80-f.
  • the center pin 6- 55 remains centered with respect to the can top wall, not shown.
  • the center pin 6-55 is anchored in the Z direction but is able to pivot about the XZ and YZ planes from the mounting assembly of the fire suppressor, fire suppressor and mounting assembly not shown.
  • the center post 6-40-P circumscribes the pin.
  • the shuttle arm supports 6-72-a' move forward 6- 103 with the shuttle 6-72.
  • the center guide arms 6-26-a are pushed to the floor of the shuttle housing 6-80 by the compressed spring, spring not shown.
  • the cylinder portion of the center guide 6-26 and the center guide arms 6-26-a move as a unit.
  • the center guide 6-26 and the center guide arms 6-26-a are integral, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • a portion of the splash guard 6-25 relative to the vertical, Z direction, is shown for illustrative purposes. In practice, the splash guard 6-25 may extend in the Z direction both above and below the shuttle housing 6-80.
  • the shuttle housing 6-80 surrounds the shuttle 6-72 and has a charge housing 6-85.
  • a shuttle cup not shown, integral to the shuttle 6-72 slips aft 6-101 into the charge housing 6-85.
  • the fuse 6-11 extends across a slot in the charge housing.
  • a cap not shown, fits into the charge housing and closes the charge housing 6-85.
  • the splash guard 6-25 is shown surrounding the shuttle housing 6-80, to include the charge housing 6-85 and fuse 6-11, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6C.
  • the shuttle moves forward 6-103, into the position shown in FIG. 6D.
  • FIGs. 7 A and 7B show the seal portion across the outer circumference of the cone lid and the bottom of the container side wall in more detail, in accordance with respective exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The seal is broken as the shuttle displaces and the spring pushes the bottom lid downward. Further, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the bottom sidewall and lid may not contact directly as the o- ring or seal, in accordance with a respective exemplary embodiment, seals the fire suppressor closed across the lid to the sidewall.
  • the sidewall 7-40-S bends into a sidewall channel 7-40-ch and out into the sidewall edge 7-40-S-e.
  • the sidewall bottom edge 7-40-S-e is shown separated from the lid's circumferential edge 7-20-le in the Y direction in the closed state.
  • the lid edge forms a channel 7- 20-ch in which seal 7-39 seats.
  • a height of the lid edge channel extends 7-le-h just past the height of the side wall edge 7-S-e-H.
  • seal 7-39 has a rectangular cross section and is made from soft closed cell polyethylene foam.
  • an o- ring 7-59 forms the seal across the sidewall edge 7-40-S-e and lid edge 7-20- le-2.
  • a height 7-le-ch-H of the lid edge channel is near that of the o ring 7-59 diameter.
  • a width 7-le-sh-w of the lid edge channel may also be near the o ring 7-59 diameter.
  • Lid edge 7-20-le-2 has a chamfered outer top edge 7-le-a which fits into bend 7-S-e-b of the sidewall edge 7-40-S-e.
  • the side wall 7-40-S is integral to the sidewall edge 7-40-S-e configuration.
  • the cone shaped bottom lid 7-20 is integral to the lid edge 7-20-le, 7-20-le-2.
  • the cone lid may form an angle 7-78 near 45 degrees with respect to the XY plane. In accordance with yet another embodiment, the angle 7-78 may be near 20 degrees.
  • ridges on an inner side of the can sidewall provide some rigidity to the sidewall.
  • ridges on an outer side of the can sidewall provide some rigidity to the sidewall.
  • the container sidewall may have corrugated portions.
  • ribs may be attached to or integral to the can sidewall.
  • the o- ring provides a seal between the bottom sidewall and the outer
  • FIGs. 8A and 8B show an exemplary method of
  • thermo-molding and assembling yields a closed container stovetop fire suppressor with shuttle actuation in accordance with an exemplary method of the present invention.
  • the manufacturing method includes: thermo-molding a plastic can with top wall and a cylindrical side wall 8-10; thermo-molding a cylindrical center post, a center post with hollow center, in a top wall of can 8-20.
  • the cylindrical center post is integral to the top wall.
  • the manufacture method further includes: thermo-molding a cone shaped plastic bottom lid 8-30 with a splash guard 8-40; creating a cone angle of at least 20 degrees 8-50;
  • thermo-molding the lid may be a shape other than a cone lid.
  • the method of assembly includes: facing can open end up 8-90; placing compression spring over outer diameter of center pipe 8-100; placing felt washer atop spring 8-110; and filling can with fire suppressing agent 8-120.
  • the assembly method further includes:
  • FIGs. 8C and 8D show an exemplary method of assembling a mounting assembly and an exemplary method of assembling an actuator charge in a shuttle assembly, respectively, for a stovetop fire suppressor in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • an exemplary method of assembling an actuator charge in a shuttle assembly includes: placing an initiator charge into a shuttle cavity 8-200; seating the shuttle into the shuttle housing in the closed position 8-210; inserting a fuse through the shuttle housing slot 8-220; and securing a cap to the shuttle housing at its charge housing end 8-230.
  • FIG. 9 shows an exemplary method of distributing a fire suppressing agent in a shuttle actuated automatic stovetop fire suppressor, in accordance with the present invention.
  • a method of distributing a fire suppressing agent includes: acquiring a closed container fire suppressor with cone shaped bottom lid and shuttle actuation 9-10; mounting the closed container filled with fire suppressing agent over a stovetop 9-20; exposing a two tip fuse to heat from a cooking surface 9-30; lighting an actuator charge via the fuse 9-40;
  • FIG. 10 shows a top view of a stovetop fire suppressor, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Parts of the mounting assembly are shown about the device center, about the shoulder of a center pin 10-55-SH. From the inside, a shoulder of the center pin 10-55-SH is shown extending across a magnet housing hole 10-54-H and within a center hole a magnet 10-51-h. A donut shaped magnet 10-51 is mounted in magnet housing 10-54. The magnet housing 10-54 fits within a cup 10-40-C in the top wall. Between cup 10-40-C and magnet housing 10- 54 is cup channel 10-40-ch. The cup 10-40-C, the cup channel 10-40-ch and the magnet housing 10-54 are described in greater detail with reference to, for example, FIGs.
  • FIG. 11A shows a cross sectional view taken along line A-A of
  • FIG. 10 of a stovetop fire suppressor in a closed state in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • This cross sectional view shows the cross section for the XZ plane at axial center.
  • the top wall 11-40-t and a cylindrical side wall 11-40-S are integral, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 11A.
  • the can top wall 11-40-t may be slanted with respect to the horizontal plane XY, as shown in FIG. 11A.
  • the can has an integral cylindrical hollow post 11-40-P which begins from the top wall 11-40-t, is centered with respect to the top wall, and extends down into the can 11-40.
  • a compression spring 11-30 surrounds the center post 11-40-P and is shown in its compressed state.
  • Spring 11-30 extends from a top inner surface of a top wall rib 11-40-Ri to felt washer 11- 58, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • the center post 11-40-P and rib 11-40-Ri are integral to the top wall. In alternate embodiments, they are separate pieces but secured to the top wall. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, there may be three ribs 11-40-Ri, each separated by 120 degrees.
  • FIG. 11A shows a cone shaped bottom lid 11-20 with an inner side 11-22 and an outer side 11-21.
  • a cylindrical center guide 11-26 Integral to the cone shaped lid 11- 20 is a cylindrical center guide 11-26.
  • the center guide 11-26 is centered in the XY plane of the lid and is open in the Z direction.
  • the center guide 11-26 surrounds a bottom portion of center post 11-40-P.
  • the inner diameter of the center guide 11-26 affords easy movement up and down about the outer diameter of center post 11-40-P. In the closed position, the center guide 11- 26 sits on the shuttle 11-72.
  • the center guide is a separate piece but is secured to the cone shaped bottom lid.
  • a splash guard 11-25 which surrounds the sides in the XZ and YZ planes of the shuttle housing 11-80.
  • the splash guard is integral to the lid and an attachment 11-25-a of the splash guard 11-25 to the lid 11-20 is shown in this cross section view on the lid's outer side 11-21.
  • the center guide 11-26 extends down to shuttle 11-72.
  • Shuttle 11-72 is further described with reference to FIGs. 12A-12B.
  • Shuttle 11-72 sits upon inner surface 11-82 of shuttle housing 11-80.
  • the shuttle 11-72 has a charge cup 11-75 forming a charge compartment 11-76 at a fuse 11-11 end.
  • the charge cup 11-75 fits inside a charge housing 11-85.
  • the charge housing lies is integral to the shuttle housing 11-80.
  • a cap 11-67 which seals the open end of the charge housing 11-85; and a fuse fits between the cap 11-67 and the charge compartment 11-76.
  • the charge cup 11-75 and the charge housing 11-85 open to the positive XZ plane.
  • the charge cup has a backwall towards the negative XZ plane.
  • the shuttle 11-72 has a height 11- 77, which is a little greater than the shuttle housing 11-80 height 11-88.
  • the outer circumferential lid edge 11-20-le and the bottom edge of the container sidewall 11-40-S-e seal by press fit.
  • the center pin 11-55 Through the center of the fire suppressor from the shuttle housing 11-80, through the center post 11-40-P, out the top wall 11-40-t and into the magnet housing 11-54 is the center pin 11-55.
  • the center pin top shoulder 11-55-SH fits within a magnet center hole 11-51-h.
  • a shoulder 11-55-Sho is flatted to secure the fire suppressor can to the lid in the close position.
  • a washer 11-56 distributes the compression pressure from the shoulder across its surface and inner diameter.
  • alternate center shafts and fasteners can be used in combination to secure the can 11-40 to the lid 11-20 and support the shuttle housing 11-80.
  • a fire suppressing agent is stored in the cavity 11-49 of the can 11-40.
  • FIG. 1 IB shows a cross sectional view taken along line A-A of
  • FIG. 10 of a stovetop fire suppressor in an open activated state in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • a shuttle actuated stovetop fire suppressor is attached to a magnetic mounting assembly 11-50.
  • a top wall 11-40-t has integral ribs 11- 40-Ri for structural support.
  • the top wall 11-40-t rolls down into a cylindrical sidewall 11-40-S.
  • the sidewalls may have some corrugation for structural support, not shown.
  • the spring 11-30 is shown in its extended E state, and in turn, the lid 11-20 is lowered.
  • An opening 11-25-80 is created between the sidewall edge 11- 40-S-e and the lid edge 11-20-le with a height 11-23-h. Fire suppressing powder, not shown, flows out the radial opening 11-25-80.
  • the center guide 11-26 circumscribes the center post 11-40-P.
  • the center post 11-40-P is integral to or attached to the top wall 11-40-t and runs the height, Z direction, of the can 11-40 with its base 11-40-b planted upon the bottom 11-82 of the shuttle housing 11-80.
  • the center pin 11-55 secures the can 11-40 to the shuttle housing 11-80 between its head 11-55-H and its shoulder 11-55-Sho.
  • FIG. 12A shows a three dimensional shuttle assembly from a top view in a stovetop fire suppressor in a closed state along line 12A-12A shown in FIG. 11A, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • this view taken at the fuse height 12-11 in the Z direction, shows a shuttle 12-72 in its fire suppressor closed position, aft 12-101.
  • the curve 12-72-a semi-encircles the center post 12-40-P.
  • the center post 12-40-P circumscribes the center pin 12-55.
  • the shuttle charge cup 12-75 is seated in the charge housing 12-85 and forms a charge compartment 12-76.
  • the fuse 12-11 sits across the charge housing 12-85.
  • the curve 12-72-a is spaced from the front 12-80-f of the shuttle housing 12-80 in the closed state.
  • FIG. 12B shows a three dimensional shuttle assembly from a top view in a stovetop fire suppressor in an open activated state along line 12B-12B shown in FIG. 11B, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • This view Like that in FIG. 12A is taken at the fuse height in the Z direction.
  • the lid, not shown, and splash guard 12-25 have dropped down, negative Z direction.
  • the splash guard 12-25 encircles the shuttle housing 12-80.
  • the shuttle charge cup 12-75 has moved forward 12-103.
  • the shuttle housing stays in its closed state position.
  • the front 12-72-a of the shuttle nears the front 12-80-f of the shuttle housing.
  • the center guide 12- 26 has dropped down within the shuttle's 12-72 hollow center 12-72-c.
  • the center guide 12-26 circumscribes the center post 12-40-P which
  • FIG. 12A circumscribes the center pin 12-55, as in the inactivated closed state in FIG. 12A.
  • the fuse would be missing or partially burnt in the open activated state and is shown here for illustrative purposes. The charge is not shown in FIGs. 12A or 12B.
  • a backup fire suppressor activation function can accommodate manufacturing error or user error.
  • backup activation is afforded by selection of relative plastic material type and the application of the different materials in the forming of stovetop fire suppressor components.
  • FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of a shuttle fire suppressor device with backup activation in three dimensions from a bottom
  • lid 13-20 is formed of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) with glass fibers and a flame retardant additive is used to form the lid 13-20.
  • PBT polybutylene terephthalate
  • the container has a top wall 13-40-t and integral sidewalls 13-40-S.
  • top wall 13-40-t and integral sidewalls 13-40-S are formed of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, PBT with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the top wall 13-40-t and integral sidewalls 13-40-S.
  • Ribs 13-40-Ri also shown inside the can 13-49-C, provide structural support.
  • ribs 13- 40-Ri are secured into the top 13-40-t and sidewall 13-40-S.
  • ribs may be integral to the top wall 13-40-t of the can 13-40 and/or to the side wall 13-40-S.
  • ribs 13-40-Ri are formed of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a PBT with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the top wall 13-40-t, integral sidewalls 13-40-S, and integral ribs 13- 40-Ri.
  • the cylindrical sidewall 13-40-S maybe corrugated to increase, for example, stiffness and to keep the cylindrical shape.
  • an off the shelf nail serves as the center pin 13-55 with a head 13-55-H and is configured as further described below during assembly.
  • the center pin 13- 55 fits inside a bottom hole 13-83 of the shuttle housing 13-80 with the pin head 13-55-H having greater diameter than the bottom hole 13-83.
  • shuttle housing 13-80 is formed of an amorphous plastic with glass fibers. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene alloy (PC/ABS) with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the shuttle housing 13-80.
  • PC/ABS Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene alloy
  • FIG. 13 Also shown in FIG. 13 are two vent holes 13-88 in the bottom of the shuttle housing 13-80.
  • the shuttle housing 13-80 has a hollow cylinder 13-85 which serves as the charge housing.
  • hollow cylinder 13-85 is formed of an amorphous plastic with glass fibers with the shuttle housing. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a PC/ABS alloy with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the hollow cylinder 13-85 and shuttle housing 13-80.
  • a notch 13-86 is provided across a diameter of the cylinder 13-85. The notch secures the fuse 13-11 in place.
  • Shuttle 13-72 fits inside shuttle housing 13-80, when the fire suppressor is assembled.
  • shuttle 13-72 is formed of an amorphous plastic with glass fibers with the shuttle housing. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a PC/ABS alloy with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the shuttle 13- 72.
  • a charge is secured in the compartment 13-76 of the charge cup 13-75 of the shuttle 13-72.
  • the charge filled shuttle charge cup 13-75 is pushed into charge housing 13-85 and a cap 13-87 closes the charge housing 13-85.
  • charge cup 13-75 and cap 13-87 are formed of an amorphous plastic with glass fibers with the shuttle housing. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a PC/ABS alloy with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the charge cup 13-75 and cap 13-87.
  • splash guard 13-80 fits within a splash guard 13-25.
  • the splash guard extends from a splash arm 13-27 and is integral to the lid 13-20, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • splash arm 13-27 and splash guard 13-25 are formed of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a PBT with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the splash arm 13-27 and splash guard 13-25.
  • a center guide 13-26, integral to the lid 13- 20 meets upon a corresponding top surface portion of the shuttle 13-72.
  • center guide 13-26 and lid 13- 20 are formed of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic.
  • a PBT with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the center guide 13-26 and the lid 13-20.
  • a seal 13-39 fits between a lid edge 13-20-le and the sidewall bottom edge 13-40-S-e as the lid 13-20 closes to the can forming a closed container.
  • center post 13-40-P Shown in the can interior 13-49-C and extending down from the top wall 13-40-t is the center post 13-40-P.
  • the center post 13-40-P is integral to the can 13-40.
  • center post 13-40-P and top wall 13-40-t are formed of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a PBT with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the center post 13-40-P and the top wall 13-40-t.
  • a center post is affixed to the top wall 13-40-t.
  • a washer 13-58 is shown around the post 13-40-P and below a compression spring 13-30.
  • the compression spring 13-30 circumscribes the center post 13-40-P.
  • the center post fits within the hollow center of the center guide 13-26 and when the fire suppressor is closed the center posts meets the bottom inner side of the shuttle housing as shown and described with reference to FIGs. 14A and 14B.
  • the center pin 13-55 is shown with shoulder 13-55-SH formed.
  • shoulder is formed during assembly of the fire suppressor.
  • the shaft of the center pin 13-55 rises through the shuttle housing hole 13-83 through the shuttle 13-72, through center guide 13-26, through the center post 13-40-P and exits out of the top wall 13-40-t.
  • a push nut 13-37 is lowered and the stovetop container is held closed between the push nut and the head of the center pin 13-55-H.
  • the shaft then passes through the hole in the magnet housing 13-54-H and is flattened to extend past the magnet housing hole diameter but to stay within the inner hole of the magnet, not shown.
  • the container 13-40 is mounted above the stove top via the mounting assembly 13-50.
  • the center pin 13-55 rises through axial center 13-05 of the stovetop fire suppressor.
  • the PBT has a rated heat deflection temperature of 375 degrees F at 264 psi as stipulated by ASTM Standard D 648.
  • the PC/ABS alloy has a heat deflection temperature range of 270 degrees F at 264 psi.
  • the PBT has a rated heat deflection temperature of 375 degrees F at 264 psi and the PC/ABS alloy has a heat deflection temperature range of 270 degrees F at 264 psi.
  • a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with deflection temperature greater than a shuttle assembly material deflection temperature is used in forming the lid 13-20 and the can 13-40 and related components to include the center post 13-40-P and the lid center guide 13-26.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • a same plastic type of different deflection temperatures is employed across a shuttle assembly 13-80 and the lid 13-20 with can 13-40, where the shuttle assembly is made from a PET with lower deflection temperature than the close container, lid 13-20 and can 13-40.
  • FIG. 14A shows another cross sectional view taken along line
  • FIG. 3A The view line 6A-6A of FIG. 3A cuts through the charge housing 3-85. While the view line 6B-6B in FIG. 3B cuts is above the charge housing 3-85.
  • FIG. 14A the view is taken just below, in the negative z direction, of the interface of the center guide and the shuttle.
  • the center post 14-40-P is shown circumscribing the center pin 14-55, the shuttle 14-72 is juxtaposition the center post 14-40-P.
  • a bend 14-73 in the shuttle slips past a rounded corner 14-83 in the shuttle housingl4-80.
  • the cap 14-87 for the charge housing 14-85 is shown in its closed position.
  • the fuse 14-11 extends down from the charge housing 14- 85.
  • the charge compartment 14-76, formed by the charge cup 14-75 houses the charge, not shown.
  • the charge cup is integral to the shuttle 14-72.
  • the charge cup 14-75 is shown inserted in the charge housing 14-85, in the closed position.
  • the center post 14-40-P is formed of a semi- crystalline thermoplastic. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a PBT with glass fibers is used to form the center post 14-40-P.
  • the shuttle 14- 72 and the shuttle housingl4-80 are formed of an amorphous plastic with glass fibers. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary
  • a PC/ABS with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the shuttle the shuttle 14-72 and shuttle housing 13-80.
  • the cap 14-87 and the charge housing 14-85 are formed of an amorphous plastic with glass fibers. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a PC/ABS with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the shuttle the cap 14-87 and the charge housing 14-85.
  • an ultrasonic weld is used to permanently join the cap to the charge housing.
  • the charge cap 14-87 is formed of an amorphous plastic with glass fibers. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a PC/ABS with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the charge cap 14- 87.
  • FIG. 14B shows another cross sectional view taken along line
  • FIG. 3B a shuttle fire suppressor device with backup activation in an open activated state
  • the view line 6B-6B in FIG. 3B is above the charge housing 3-85, while FIG. 14A's view line 6A-6A of FIG. 3A cuts through the charge housing 3-85.
  • the charge cup 14-75 of the shuttle 14-72 is shifted out of charge housing 14-85; the charge has ignited and displaced the shuttle 14-72 from under the center guide 14-26 and from under the spring load, spring not shown.
  • the charge cup 14-75, the shuttle 14-72, and charge housing 14-85 are formed of an amorphous plastic with glass fibers.
  • a PC/ABS with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the charge cup 14- 75, the shuttle 14-72, and charge housing 14-85.
  • the center guide 14-26 is formed of a semi- crystalline thermoplastic. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a PBT with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the center guide 14-26.
  • the shuttle 14-72 has shifted in the X 14-77 direction.
  • the shuttle comes into contact on a shuttle housing shorter side 14-80-1.
  • the clearance between the shuttle and shuttle housing 14-72-80 may be nearly constant about the perimeter of the shuttle 14-72.
  • the separation may be about 0.05 inches.
  • the clearance of shuttle housing and the splash guard 14-25 may vary about the shuttle housing 14-80 perimeter and may be multiple times the separation between the shuttle 14-72 and its housing 14-80.
  • the center guide arms 14-26-a In its open and activated state, the center guide arms 14-26-a have lowered to the shuttle housing floor 14-82 from their closed position atop portions 14-72-a' of the shuttle 14-72.
  • the center post 14-40-P is shown in the center of the center guide 14-26 and also rests on the floor 14-82 of the shuttle housing 14-80.
  • the charge cup 14-75, the shuttle 14-72, and charge housing 14-85 are formed of an amorphous plastic with glass fibers.
  • a PC/ABS with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the charge cup 14- 75, the shuttle 14-72, and charge housing 14-85.
  • the center guide 14-26 and the center arms 14-26-a are formed of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic.
  • center guide arms are integral to the center guide 14-26. The configuration of the center guide arms may vary with a top surface of the shuttle to receive load support therefrom.
  • a PBT with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the center guide 14-26 and its integral 14-26-a.
  • the center post 14-40-P circumscribes the center pin 14-55.
  • Center pin 14-55 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, may be made from metal or metal alloy having a deflection temperature above or near a high deflection temperature semi-crystalline plastic. Center pin 14-55 may be formed from an off the shelf pin.
  • the splash guard 14-25 surrounds the shuttle housing 14-80.
  • the attachment 14-27 affixes the splash guard 14-25 to the lid, not shown.
  • the splash guard is formed of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a PBT with glass fibers is used to form the splash guard.
  • the splash guard and its attachment are integral to the lid. In accordance with an alternate embodiment, the splash guard is separate but affixed to the lid.
  • the splash guard 14-25 and its integral attachment 14-27 are formed of a semi- crystalline thermoplastic. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a PBT with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the splash guard 14-25 and its integral attachment 14-27.
  • FIG. 14C shows a three dimensional shuttle assembly with backup activation from a top view in a stovetop fire suppressor in a closed state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • a lower most, negative Z direction, slice of the center guide 14-26 is shown sitting atop the shuttle 14- 72.
  • the guide arms 14-26-a are seated atop the top side, positive Z direction, of the shuttle 14-72.
  • the phantom lines in the center guide 14-72, above the front 14-72-f of the shuttle are shown for illustrative purposes; the center guide 14-26 is solid, as shown in, for example FIG. 14D.
  • a center guide may have a slot and a center post may have a corresponding notch.
  • the shuttle housing 14-80-f is shown in front of, but displaced and separate from, the front of the shuttle 14-72-f.
  • the shuttle housing 14-80 surrounds the shuttle 14-72 and has a charge housing 14-85.
  • a shuttle cup not shown, integral to the shuttle 14-72 slips aft 14-101 into the charge housing 14-85.
  • the fuse 14-11 extends across a slot in the charge housing.
  • a cap not shown, fits into the charge housing and closes the charge housing 14-85.
  • the splash guard 14-25 is shown surrounding the shuttle housing 14-80, to include the charge housing 14-85 and fuse 14-11, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 14C. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the splash guard 14-25 and its integral
  • attachment/arm 14-27 are formed of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a PBT with glass fibers is used to form the splash guard 14-25 and its integral attachment 14- 27.
  • the shuttle housing 14- 80 to include the charge housing 14-85 are formed of an amorphous plastic with glass fibers. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a PC/ABS with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the shuttle housing 14-80 to include the charge housing 14-85. As the stovetop fire suppressor is activated, the shuttle moves forward 14-103, into the position shown in FIG. 14D. Referring again to FIG.
  • FIG. 14D shows a three dimensional shuttle assembly with backup activation from a top view in a stovetop fire suppressor in an open activated state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the shuttle 14-72 has moved forward 14-103.
  • the center guide 14-26 has dropped to the floor of the shuttle housing 14-80, floor not shown in this view.
  • the charge cup 14-75 has moved forward 14-103 out of the charge housing 14-85 through an opening in the aft wall 14-80-b of the shuttle housing 14-80.
  • the shuttle 14-72 to include the charge cup 14-75 are formed of an amorphous plastic with glass fibers. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a PC/ABS with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the shuttle 14-72 to include the charge cup 14-75.
  • the center guide 14-26 is formed from a semi-crystalline plastic. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a PBT with glass fibers is used to form the center guide 14-26 and the center post 14-40-P.
  • the front of the shuttle 14-72-f moves forward 14-103 and may meet or come near the front wall of the shuttle housing 14-80-f.
  • the center pin 14-55 remains centered with respect to the can top wall, not shown.
  • the center pin 14-55 is anchored in the Z direction but is able to pivot about the XZ and YZ planes from the mounting assembly of the fire suppressor, fire suppressor and mounting assembly not shown.
  • the center post 14-40-P circumscribes the pin.
  • the shuttle arm supports 14- 72-a' move forward 14-103 with the shuttle 14-72.
  • the center guide arms 14-26-a are pushed to the floor of the shuttle housing 14-80 by the compressed spring, spring not shown.
  • the cylinder portion of the center guide 14-26 and the center guide arms 14-26-a move as a unit.
  • the center guide 14-26 and the center guide arms 14-26-a are integral, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • a portion of the splash guard 14-25 relative to the vertical, Z direction, is shown for illustrative purposes. In practice, the splash guard 14-25 may extend in the Z direction both above and below the shuttle housing 14-80.
  • the splash guard 14-25 and its integral attachment 14-27 are formed of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a PBT with glass fibers is used to form the splash guard 14-25 and its integral attachment 14-27.
  • a splash guard is made from a thermoplastic, other than PBT and having a deflection temperature greater than the deflection temperature of the shuttle assembly's plastic. In accordance with alternate embodiments a splash guard is not present or is a vertical position above the shuttle assembly.
  • FIGs. 15A and 15B show an exemplary method of
  • thermo-molding a PBT plastic can with top wall and a cylindrical side wall 15-10 thermo-molding a cylindrical PBT center post, a center post with hollow center, in a PBT top wall of can 15-20.
  • the cylindrical center post is integral to the top wall.
  • the manufacture method further includes: thermo-molding a cone shaped PBT plastic bottom lid 15-30 with a PBT splash guard 15-40; creating a cone angle of at least 20 degrees 15-50; thermo-molding a hollow PBT cylindrical center guide in the lid 15-60; thermo-molding a support arms in the center guide 15-70.
  • the support arms are also made from PBT plastic and are integral to the center guide.
  • the manufacturing method further includes: thermo-molding a PC/ABS shuttle with a charge cavity 15-80; and thermo-molding a PC/ABS shuttle housing with fuse slot and cap 15-85.
  • thermo-molding the lid may be a shape other than a cone lid
  • the method of assembly includes: facing can open end up 15-90; placing compression spring over outer diameter of center pipe 15-100; placing felt washer atop spring 15-110; and filling can with fire suppressing agent 15-120.
  • the assembly method further includes: inserting the center pin through bottom side of the shuttle housing 15-130; inserting pin through shuttle 15-140; inserting pin through bottom opening in center guide 15-150; lowering the center pin through the center post 15-160; and securing a push nut on a top portion of the center pin onto an outer side of top wall, securing and closing the lid to the bottom edge of the can 15-170.
  • FIGs. 15C and 15D show an exemplary method of assembling a mounting assembly and an exemplary method of assembling an actuator charge in a shuttle stovetop fire suppressor with backup activation, respectively, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the method includes placing the mounting assembly over the top of the center pin 15-150 and flattening an end of the center pin to secure the mounting housing to the fire suppressor 15-160.
  • an exemplary method of assembling an actuator charge in a shuttle assembly includes: placing an initiator charge into a PC/ABS charge cavity 8-200; seating the PCB/ABS shuttle into the PC/ABS shuttle housing in the closed position 15-210; inserting a fuse through the shuttle housing slot 15-220; and securing a cap to the shuttle housing at its charge housing end 15-230.
  • FIG. 16 shows an exemplary method of activating a fire suppressor with a shuttle and backup activation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • a method of distributing a fire suppressing agent includes: acquiring a PBT closed container fire suppressor with PBT cone shaped bottom lid and PC/ABS shuttle actuation 16-10; mounting the closed container filled with fire suppressing agent over a stovetop 16-20; exposing a two tip fuse to heat from a cooking surface 16-30; lighting an actuator charge via the fuse 16-40; displacing the PC/ABS shuttle support under a PBT lid center guide via the activated charge 16-50; freeing the PBT center guide to drop 16-60; releasing a compressed spring 16-70; pressing the PBT cone lid downward 16-75; opening closed container by lowering a PBT bottom lid and breaking the circumferential seal at the lid/can outer interface 16-80; catching the lid by its bottom surface of the PBT center guide resting upon a bottom of a PC/ABS shuttle housing, the shuttle housing secured to the fire suppressor container via a center pin 16-90; exposing a radial opening 16-95; and distributing the fire suppress
  • FIG. 17 shows an exemplary method of activating a fire suppressor in a shuttle activation failure in a fire condition, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • a method of distributing a fire suppressing agent includes: acquiring a PBT closed container fire suppressor with PBT cone shaped bottom lid and PC/ABS shuttle actuation 17-10; mounting the closed container filled with fire suppressing agent over a stovetop 17-20; exposing a PC/ABS shuttle assembly to heat from a cooking surface 17-30; melting a PC/ABS shuttle assembly 17-40; freeing the PBT center guide to drop 17-50; releasing a compressed spring 17-60; pressing the PBT cone lid downward 17-70; opening the PBT closed container by lowering a PBT bottom lid 16-80; anchoring a PC/ABS melted shuttle assembly via a center pin and catching the PBT bottom lid by a pin head, by a PBT center guide, or by catch arms 17-90; exposing a radial opening
  • a splash guard is integral to the acquired fire suppressor.
  • catch arms are attached to the center guide and catch a dropped lid in backup actuation.
  • the center guide meets a melted shuttle assembly to catch the bottom lid.
  • FIG. 2B shows a top view of a shuttle stovetop fire suppressor with backup activation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Parts of the mounting assembly are shown around the center, where cross sectional view lines A-A 2'-13 and B-B 2'-ll intersect. From the inside, a shoulder of the center pin 2'-55-SH is shown extending across a magnet housing hole 2'-54-H and within a center hole a magnet 2'-51-h. A donut shaped magnet 2'-51 is mounted in magnet housing 2'-54. The magnet housing 2'-54 fits within a cup 2'-40-C in the top wall. Between cup 2'-40-C and magnet housing 2'-54 is cup channel 2'-40-ch. FIGs.
  • top wall 2'-40-t extends outward and rolls 2'-40-r into a sidewall, where an outer sidewall edge 2'-40-S-e is shown.
  • An exemplary outer edge of the side wall 2'-40-S-e is shown in more detail in, for example, FIGs. 7A and 7B.
  • top wall 2'-40-t and integral sidewalls 2'-40-S are formed of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment PBT with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the top wall 2'-40-t and integral sidewalls 2'-40-S.
  • FIG. 18A shows a cross sectional view taken along line A-A of
  • FIG. 2B of a shuttle stovetop fire suppressor with backup activation in a closed state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • This cross sectional view shows the cross section for the XZ plane at axial center.
  • the container or can 18-40 of the stovetop fire suppressor has a top wall 18-40-t and a cylindrical side wall 18-40-S.
  • the can top wall 18-40-t may be slanted with respect to the horizontal plane X-Y 18-40-phi.
  • the can has an integral cylindrical hollow post 18-40-P which begins from the top wall 18-40-t, is centered with respect to the top wall, and extends down into the can.
  • the center post 18-40-P is symmetrical across center line 18-05 in the cross sectional view of line A-A.
  • a compression spring 18-30 surrounds the center post 18-40-P.
  • FIG. 18A shows a stovetop fire suppressor in the closed position, in turn, spring 18-30 is in a compressed 18-30-C state.
  • Spring 18- 30 extends from a top inner surface of a top wall rib 18-40-Ri and a lid 18- 20.
  • the center post 18-40-P and rib 18-40-Ri are integral to the top wall.
  • top wall 18-40-t, integral sidewalls 18-40-S, integral center post 18-40-P and integral rib 18-40-Ri are formed of a semi- crystalline thermoplastic. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment PBT with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form top wall 18-40-t, integral sidewalls 18-40-S, integral center post 18-40-P and integral rib 18-40-Ri.
  • ribs are separate pieces but secured to the top wall.
  • FIG. 18A there are three ribs 18-40-Ri, each separated by 120 degrees.
  • catch arms 18-25-a are affixed to the center post 18-40-P.
  • arms 18-25-a are formed of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment PBT with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form arms 18-25-a.
  • FIG. 18A shows a cone shaped bottom lid 18-20 with an inner side 18-22 and an outer side 18-21. Integral to the cone shaped lid 18- 20 is a cylindrical center guide 18-26.
  • the center guide 18-26 is centered in the XY plane of the lid and is open in the Z direction.
  • the center guide 18-26 surrounds a bottom portion of center post 18-40-P stopping above the shuttle 18-72.
  • bottom lid 18-20 and center guide 18-26 are formed of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment PBT with glass fibers is used to form the bottom lid 18-20 and center guide 18-26.
  • the center guide is a separate piece but is secured to the cone shaped bottom lid.
  • the center guide is made from a thermoplastic different from the lid thermoplastic with deflection temperature greater than the thermoplastic forming the shuttle assembly.
  • the inner diameter of the center guide 18-26 affords easy movement up and down about the outer diameter of center post 18-40-P.
  • a washer 18-58 for example a felt washer, sits in washer seat which is disposed in a top side of the center guide 18-26.
  • Felt washer 18-58 surrounds the center post 18-40- P.
  • the center guide 18-26 extends down to shuttle 18- 72.
  • Shuttle 18-72 sits upon inner surface 18-82 of shuttle housing 18-80.
  • the shuttle 18-72 the shuttle has a charge cup 18-75 forming a charge compartment 18-76 at a fuse 18-11 end.
  • the charge cup 18-75 fits inside a charge housing 18-85.
  • the charge housing 18-85 is integral to the shuttle housing 18-80.
  • a cap 18-87 which seals the open end of the charge housing 18-80.
  • shuttle 18-72, shuttle housing 18-80, charge cup 18-75, and charge housing 18-85 are formed of a an amorphous plastic with glass fibers with the shuttle housing. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a PC/ABS alloy with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the shuttle 18-72, the shuttle housing 18- 80, the charge cup 18-75, and the charge housing 18-85.
  • the cap 18-87, which seals the open end of the charge housing 18-80 is formed of a an amorphous plastic with glass fibers with the shuttle housing. More particularly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a PC/ABS alloy with glass fibers and flame retardant additive is used to form the cap 18-87.
  • a fuse 18-11 fits between the cap 18-87 and the charge compartment 18-76.
  • the charge cup 18-75 and the charge housing 18-85 open to the positive XZ plane.
  • the charge cup has a backwall towards the negative XZ plane.
  • the center post extends down 18-40-P-b to rest on an inner 18-82 surface of shuttle housing 18-80.
  • the lid 18-20 has an angle 18-78; this angle may be 45 degrees, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In accordance with an alternate embodiment the anglel8-78 may be 20 degrees.
  • the outer circumferential lid edge 18-20-le and the bottom edge of the container sidewall 18-40-S-e is shown in greater detail in FIG. 7A.
  • a small seal 18-39 is also shown disposed between the sidewall edge 18-40-S-e and the outer lid edge 18-20-le.
  • the center pin has a head 18-55-H which has a diameter greater than the opening in the shuttle housing 18-80.
  • An outer wall 18-81 of the shuttle housing rests upon the head 18-55-H.
  • a push nut 18-37 secures the container 18-40 and lid 18-20 in its closed in activated state.
  • alternate center shafts and fasteners can be used in combination to secure the can 18-40 to the lid 18-20.
  • Alternate shafts may include L shaped rods or cotter pins.
  • a fire suppressing agent is stored in a can interior space 18-49-c.
  • the center pin 18-55 has a head 18-55-H in the negative Z position but is straight or pointed at its positive Z end.
  • the positive Z end of the center pin is shown passing through magnet housing 18-54 hole 18-54-H and then flattened within the diameter 18-51-h-d of the hole 18-51-h of the donut shaped magnet 18-51.
  • a fire suppressor may mount to, for example, a vent hood.
  • mounting devices may afford pivoting of the stovetop fire suppressor such that the bottom lid hangs parallel to the horizontal cooking surface even when the mounting surface is tilted to the horizontal XY plane.
  • FIG. 18B shows a cross sectional view taken along line A-A of
  • FIG. 2B of a shuttle stovetop fire suppressor with backup activation in an open activated state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the lid 18-20 has separated from the cylindrical sidewall 18-40-S. More particularly, lid 18-20 has dropped below a side wall edge 18-40-S-e by a drop height of 18-23-h'.
  • Shuttle 18-72 and shuttle housing 18-80 have melted.
  • An outer shuttle housing wall still rests upon the nail head 18-55-H.
  • the center post 18-40-P-b made of a higher deflection temperature than the shuttle assembly, still rests upon a shuttle 18-72 surface, while the inner shuttle 18-82 wall is melted into the shuttle assembly.
  • the center guide 18-26 has dropped.
  • a lower surface 18-26-b_of the center guide 18-26 rests upon a melted shuttle 18-72 and shuttle housing 18-80.
  • the shuttle has not displaced and activated via its fuse and charge, charge not shown.
  • the shuttle assembly with its deflection temperature lower than the deflection temperature of the can and its center post and of the lid and its center guide, has melted in a fire condition.
  • the drop height 18-23-h' is shown from a bottom edge 18-40-S-e of the side wall 18-40-S to the lid edge 18-20-le.
  • Spring 18-30 is shown in its extended, less compressed, state 18-30-E.
  • the spring 18-30 extends from a top inner surface of the ribs 18-40-Ri to felt washer 18-58.
  • the felt washer 18-58 is disposed atop center guide 18-26.
  • Center guide 18-26 is integral to the cone shaped bottom lid 18-20, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3B.
  • the spring 18-30 may be a helical compression spring. It may have a free length of 1.5 inches and a load rate of 14.0 lbs. /inch.
  • the spring may be zinc plated steel and have a wire diameter of 0.05 inches.
  • fire suppressing powder stored in a can interior 18-49-C flows out of the radial opening 18-28-ro.
  • the catch arms 18-25- a have lowered to just above the shuttle housing's position in the Z direction.
  • FIG. 2B is shown in FIG. 2B.
  • the center pin 18-55 remains attached to the mounting assemblyl8-50, anchoring the fire suppressor in position above the stovetop.
  • FIG. 19 shows a cross sectional view taken along line B-B of
  • FIG. 2B of a shuttle stovetop fire suppressor with backup activation in an open activated state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2B shows a top view of a shuttle stovetop fire suppressor with backup activation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with cross section view lines B-B 2'-ll and A-A 2'-13 are at right angles in the XY plane.
  • FIG. 19 the cross sectional view a shuttle stovetop fire suppressor with backup activation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown for the YZ plane at axial center. In its activated state, the lid 19-20 has dropped down by a height 19-23-bh, forming a radial opening.
  • this orthogonal view shows a narrow side of the shoulder 19-55- SH, formed after the center pin passes through the hole 19-54-H in the magnetic housing 19-54.
  • the shoulder 19-55-SH fits within the magnet hole
  • a pair of structural support ribs 19-40-Ri is shown in the background. In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 19, two of three ribs 19-40-Ri are shown with a 120 degree separation between each adjacent pair.
  • the center guide 19-26 has dropped down to the melted mass of shuttle housing 19-80 and shuttle 19-72.
  • the center pin head 19-55-H supports the melted shuttle assembly.
  • a washer seat 19-24 is formed integral to the cone shaped lid 19-20 and a washer 19-58 is shown disposed in the washer seat 19-24, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In accordance with an alternate embodiment, a washer may be used without a washer seat, or the washer may be omitted.
  • the inner side of the lid 19-22 faces the open can interior 19-49-C and in practice, the outer side of the lid 19-21 faces the cooking surface.
  • the spring 19-30 is shown in its extended E state and spans from the washer 19-58 to the ribs 19-40-Ri in the top wall 19-40-t. When the shuttle 19-72 melts, it no longer supports the center guide 19-26 which can then drop under the load of the compression spring 19-30 till it rests upon the melted shuttle assembly.
  • FIGs. 20A and 20B show images of a fire suppressor activated in backup activation in the absence of a fuse and charge and in an unsecured charge housing, respectively, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • An embodiment of the present invention that includes a can top wall and sidewall, a center post, a lid, a center guide and a splash guard made of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic, PBT, in combination with a shuttle and shuttle housing made of amorphous plastic, PC/ABS, was mounted above a stovetop for testing of backup activation. For testing purposes, a fuse and charge were not assembled into the charge housing.
  • backup activation activated the stovetop fire suppressor in a fire condition.
  • Lid 20-20 has dropped from the sidewall 20-40-S creating a radial opening.
  • the fire suppressant, not shown, housed in the can flowed out of the radial opening and extinguished the fire.
  • the shuttle housing 20-80 and shuttle 20-72 are melted within the higher deflection point splash guard 20-25, which remains attached to the lid 20-20 via its attachment or arm 20-27.
  • the melted shuttle assembly remains fixed about the pin head 20-55-H. Further investigation shows the guide, not shown, drops onto a melted shuttle assembly under spring load.
  • FIG. 20B a stovetop fire suppressor, as described with respect to FIG. 20A, was assembled and additionally includes placement of a charge and fuse into its charge cavity and charge housing, respectively, but the cap 14-87, shown in FIG. 14 A, was not secured to the housing 14-85, FIG. 14A.
  • the shuttle failed to displace.
  • the shuttle 20'- 72 and shuttle housing 20'-80 began melting.
  • the lid 20'-20 lowered under spring load separating from the sidewall 20'40-S. Fire suppressant, not shown, flowed from the resulting radial opening and suppressed the fire.
  • the splash guard 20'-25 and attachment arm 20'-27 remained attached to the lid and kept their shape. Further investigation showed that the center guide lowered into the melted shuttle assembly and remained intact. Again, the melted lower deflection point plastic remained suspended about the pin head 20'-55-H.
  • the backup activation of the present invention provides a fire suppressant protection when user or product errors are present.
  • the shuttle assembly made from an amorphous plastic yields to the fire heat before the fire suppressor can, lid, and center guide.
  • the lid still lowers into the melted shuttle assembly and the fire suppressor activates by backup activation.
  • the amorphous plastic is well suited for ultrasonic welding the cap to the charge housing, a ruptured or absent seal still affords backup activation in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
  • a typical cooking stove temperature of 70 -140 degrees F is well below the heat deflection temperature of the lower amorphous plastic deflection temperature.
  • embodiments of the present invention will provide dependable functionality under cooking conditions, deploying in a fire condition, either by shuttle activation or by backup activation.
  • An initiator charge in accordance with the present invention, may be smaller than an initiator charge for a conventional stovetop fire suppressor.
  • the present stovetop fire suppressor will activate upon sliding a shuttle which supports a center guide under spring compression, where the shuttle is displaced by activating a small initiator charge.
  • Conventional stovetop fire suppressors utilizing a charge activation mechanism may include those that detach scored metal petals.
  • the charge may be housed within the fire suppressor container itself.
  • Alternate fire suppressors with a charge activation may include breaking a reduced cross sectional area to free a bottom lid.
  • the shuttle actuation of the present invention allows for a small charge housed exterior to the fire suppressing agent container.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif d'extinction d'incendie de table de cuisson à desserte automatique avec activation de secours, qui est activé par un actionneur de desserte ou par libération de secours d'un guide central. Le récipient autonome et fermé permet d'obtenir une libération progressive d'un agent d'extinction d'incendie. L'invention concerne un procédé de libération d'agent fiable et spatiale. Un couvercle en forme de cône en plastique est scellé sur le fond d'une boîte et forme un récipient fermé. Le récipient fermé est rempli par un agent d'extinction d'incendie. Une charge activée déplace la desserte. Lorsque la desserte se déplace, un support vertical pour le couvercle en cône de fond est retiré et un ressort de compression casse un joint d'étanchéité circonférentiel entre le couvercle de fond et une paroi latérale de récipient, abaissant le couvercle de fond et exposant une ouverture radiale. En cas d'échec d'activation de desserte, un point de déformation thermique inférieur de l'ensemble desserte, par comparaison avec le récipient, le couvercle et le guide central, bénéficie d'une activation de secours et d'une suppression fiable d'un incendie.
PCT/US2015/062368 2014-11-27 2015-11-24 Dispositif d'extinction d'incendie de surface de cuisson avec activation de secours et procédé WO2016099823A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

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US201462085326P 2014-11-27 2014-11-27
US62/085,326 2014-11-27
US14/689,602 2015-04-17
US14/689,602 US10478647B2 (en) 2014-11-27 2015-04-17 Stovetop fire suppressor with shuttle actuator and method
US201562258886P 2015-11-23 2015-11-23
US62/258,886 2015-11-23

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