COMPOSITIONS, AND METHODS

I. Field of the Invention

[l].The invention generally encompasses fire suppressant compositions and methods.

In certain embodiments, the composition is configured to a heating device, for example, a stove or microwave. In certain embodiments, the composition is configured to the underside of a microwave or hood of a stove. In certain embodiments, the invention includes one or more apertures or holes to allow heat to enter into a compartment/shell and impinge upon a pressurized pouch containing a suppressant agent. In other embodiments, when a fire occurs it causes an exterior layer or relief valve to rupture the suppressant agent discharging towards the heat source and extmguishing the fire. In another embodiment, this system is connected to an electrical or gas system and cuts the supply when the exterior layer of the device ruptures and releases a suppressant

Π. Background of the Invention

[2]. Between 2009 and 2013 U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 162,400 structure fires involving cooking equipment per year. During the period 2010 to 2014 an average of 45,210 electrical distribution systems for structures involving electrical outlets, light switches, and lighting appliances were recorded. As a result of these fires hundreds of civilians died or were injured and billions of dollars in direct property damage resulted.

[3]. The first sprinkler systems that can be compared to todays originated in the 1850's and consisted of perforated pipes connected throughout a building structure and to a supply of water. Today sprinkler systems are required throughout manufacturing plants, schools, and other facilities based on the different intentions of what the structure was designed to be used. As time passes more people are recognizing the need for fire protections systems to be introduced into the residential housing communities throughout the country. The problem with the suppression systems of today is that they require a supply source of water and a mechanical system that can identify as well as transport the necessary water to location of the fire. Such systems can be installed in residential homes that are being constructed or previously built but are not required. In most instances, people feel that a fire will not happen to them so they do not need to spend the money to have a system installed.

[4]. The instant system and composition uses the fire dynamics of the heat from a fire to identify and direct the suppressant to the assigned heat affected appliance. The pressurized container can be installed above the center of the stove, within a household appliance, or surrounding a structure's electrical system. When an area of this device is exposed to the heat from the item on fire the suppressant agent will be released in the direction of the source of the heat from the fire. Due to the design of the product the suppressant can be released at any direction that has a direct line of site to the object producing the heat This device does not require a power source or a notification application/system from the suppression device or another device. In certain embodiments, the device includes a power source (e.g., electrical components) that will cut off the flow of utilities (e.g., gas or electric). In certain embodiments, the suppressant is projected towards the fire through the force contained within the pressurized container holding the suppressant with the aid of propellent, for example, compressed air or CO2 and does not require an accelerant or explosive.

ΙΠ. Summary of the Invention

[5]. In one embodiment, the invention encompasses a composition including a

compartment (for example, a partially metal, or spherical/curved metal compartment) containing a pressurized pouch including a fire suppressant. In certain embodiments, the invention has applications in electrical appliances, for example, residential or industrial ovens/fryers; automotive, such as with vehicle engines and electrical dashboards; or any application where there is a concern of fire including, electrical fires, engine fires, or home/office fires. [6]. In certain embodiments, the pouch includes, for example, one or more apertures or holes. In certain embodiments, the device is attached to a heating system, for example, the middle of the underside of a microwave or hood system above a stove. In certain embodiments, the holes allow heat to enter into the

compartment/shell and impinge upon a pressurized pouch containing a suppressant agent. In certain embodiments, when a fire occurs and grows large enough in size to produce the necessary heat to cause the pouches exterior layer or relief valves to rupture, the fire suppressant agent will be discharged. In certain embodiments, the discharge of the fire suppressant is towards the heat source and extinguishes the fire. In certain embodiments, the device is connected to an electrical or gas system and cuts the supply to the stove when the exterior layer of the device ruptures and releases its suppressant.

[7]. In another application, the pressurized pouch is a desired shape of the interior compartment of an electrical appliance. In certain embodiments, when one of the appliances electrical components experiences an electrical failure and begins to produce an amount of heat that is able to rupture the exterior layer or relieve valves of the pressurized pouch the suppressant within the pouch well be expelled in the direction of the heat source. In certain embodiments, the pouch includes a pressure sensor. In certain embodiments, once the exterior layer or relieve valves of the device has been ruptured and the suppressant released an electrical conductor connected from the pressurized pouch to the power cord of the appliances will signal the appliance to cut off the flow of electricity to the affected appliance.

[8]. In another application of this device, the pressurized pouch containing the

suppressant agent is oriented in a direct line of site to a structures electrical systems components including outlets, junction box(es), light switches, and lighting fixtures. In the event that one of the electrical components of the above mentioned structures electrical system experiences an electrical failure and produces enough heat to rupture the exterior layer or relief valves of the pressurized pouch the suppressant will be discharged in the direction of the heat source. In another application of this device, once the exterior layer of the pouch has been ruptured the power being supplied to the electrical appliance producing the heat will be tenninated.

IV. Brief Description of the Drawings

[9]. Figures la and lb illustrate exemplary non-limiting embodiments of a pouch including a fire suppressant composition.

V. Detailed Description of the Invention

[10]. The invention encompasses a fire suppressant system that includes a pouch including a fire suppressant. In certain embodiment, the system includes a pouch that takes the shape of cylinder. In other embodiment, the system includes a pouch that takes the shape of a compartment above an electrical appliance. In certain embodiments, the system includes a spherical metal compartment/shell with a rounded bottom. In certain embodiments, the system includes a spherical metal compartment/ shell with perforations in the rounded bottom. In certain embodiments, the system includes a 1/3 -1/2 spherical metal compartment/shell with perforated holes in the rounded bottom In certain embodiments, the holes in the bottom of the container/shell will be arranged in a decorative design that will allow a direct line of site from the burners or heating elements to the pressurized pouch with suppressant in it held within. In certain embodiments, the partially spherical shape is important to the design of the product in order to insure that the heat from the fire is absorbed by the pressurized pouch from the proper direction and angle of which the fire is located. In certain embodiments, the pressurized containers will be in 1/3 - 1/2 spherical shape mirroring the shell in order to maximize the amount of suppressant that can fit into the device. This

compartment/shell with the pressurized pouch inside will be attached to the underside of the stoves hood system or microwave above the stove. [11], In another embodiment, the pressurized pouch is positioned in a compartment above an electrical outlet, junction box(es), light switch, or light fixture located within a structure. In certain embodiments, the compartment containing the pressurized pouch will be attached to the compartment containing the above mentioned structural electrical system components allowing the pressurized pouch a direct line of sight to the electrical component. In the event that the structure's electrical component experiences and electrical failure heat will enter the pressurized container until the exterior layer of the device is compromised and the suppressant agent within the pressurized pouch will be expelled onto the outlet. In certain embodiments, the once the exterior layer of the pouch has been compromised the electrical current to the involved electrical components will be terminated.

[12]. In another embodiment, the pressurized pouch containing the suppressant agent will be designed into a shape to fit inside an electrical appliance near the potential ignition sources within the designated appliance. In certain

embodiments, the pouch will not confine the movements or applications of the designated appliance but will have a direct line of site to the known potential ignition sources within the appliance. In certain embodiments, in the event that one of the electrical components of the designated appliance experiences and electrical failure the heat produced will impinge upon the pressurized pouch until the exterior layer of the pouch ruptures and the suppressant agent is released. In certain embodiments, the when the exterior layer is compromised the electric supply to the involved appliance will be terminated.

[13]. In another embodiment, the pouch includes layer of combustible material surrounding one or more electrical conductor connection terminals with the associated device (e.g., electrical outlet/light switch/junction box/light fixture/appliance) to increase the flames to ensure activation of the product.

A. Exemplary Materials for the Compartment/Shell

[14]. In certain embodiments, the compartment/shell that which will hold all the pressurized pouch of this device can be made of a variety of materials. The main attribute behind this aspect of the device is that it does not warp or melt dining the duration of its use with the product. In certain embodiments, as long as the compartment/shell does not melt over time that would prohibit the pressurized pouch from being exposed to the heat from involved heat source in the particular scenario. In certain embodiments, the potential material used for the encasing of the pressurized suppression pouch could be aluminum. In one embodiment, brass could be used. Another potential metal used for this devices outer compartment is bronze. In still another embodiment for this device cast iron could be used as the compartment/shell. Yet another material that could be used for this devices outer shell could be copper. In another embodiment of this device gold could be used as the compartments make up. A potential material used for the encasing of the pressurized suppression device could be iron. In one embodiment, the metal is lead. In still another embodiment for this device nickel could be used. Yet another material that could be used for this devices outer shell could be platinum. In another embodiment of this device brass could be used. A potential material used for the encasing of the pressurized suppression device could be silver. In one embodiment, the metal is stainless steel. Another potential metal used for this devices outer frame is a low, medium, high carbon based steel. In still another embodiment for this device titanium could be used. Yet another material that could be used for this devices outer shell could be yellow brass. In another embodiment of this device zinc could be used. Another potential material used for this aspect of the device is a thermoplastic elastomer compound. In another application of this aspect of the device fiber reinforced plastic could be used for the shell. In summary any metal or metal based material can be used in this aspect of the device.

B. Suppressant Agents for the Device

[IS]. A potential material used for the suppressant agent of the pressurized suppression device could be Water. In one embodiment, the suppressant material is ABC suppressant agent. Another potential material used for this devices suppressant component could be AB. In still another embodiment for this device BC agent could be used to suppress the fire. Yet another material mat could be used for this devices suppressant agent could be dry chem. In another embodiment of this device aqueous foam (AFFF) could be used to eliminate the fire. A potential material used for the suppressant agent of the pressurized suppression device could be. In one embodiment, the suppressant material is aqueous foam in a low, medium or high expansion rate. Another potential material used for this devices suppressant component could be Alcohol Resistant foam (AR-AFFF). In still another embodiment for this device Class A foam concentrates could be used to suppress the fire. Yet another material that could be used for this devices suppressant agent could be class B foams. In another embodiment of this device synthetic, medium or high expansion type detergents could be used to eliminate the fire. A potential material used for the suppressant agent of the pressurized suppression device could be. In one embodiment, the suppressant material is wetting agent. Another potential material used for this devices suppression component could be protein foam. In still another embodiment for this device clean agent could be used to suppress the fire. Yet another material that could be used for this devices suppressant agent could be film-forming fluoroprotien. In another embodiment of this device baking soda could be used to eliminate the fire. A potential material used for the suppressant agent of the pressurized suppression device could be purple-K. In one embodiment, the suppressant material is super K (potassium chloride). Another potential material used for this devices suppressant component could be firefighter foam. In still another embodiment for this device Halon gases could be used to suppress the fire. Yet another material that could be used for this devices suppressant agent could be alcohol resistant foam. In another embodiment of this device ammonium polyphosphate dry chemical could be used to eliminate the fire. A potential material used for the suppressant agent of the pressurized suppression device could be ammonium polyphosphate dry chemical. In one embodiment, the suppressant material is monoammonium phosphate. Another potential material used for this devices suppressant component could be sodium bicarbonate. In still another embodiment for this device potassium bicarbonate & Urea complex could be used to suppress the fire. Yet another material that could be used for this devices suppressant agent could be potassium chloride. In another embodiment of this device foam-compatible, which is a sodium bicarbonate could be used to eliminate the fire. A potential material used for the suppressant agent of the pressurized suppression device could be MET-L-K YIVP YROKYL . In one embodiment, the suppressant material is CAFS (compressed air foam system). Another potential material used for this devices suppressant component could be Arctic Fire. In still another embodiment for this device wetting agent could be used to suppress the fire. Yet another material that could be used for this devices suppressant agent could be antifreeze. In another embodiment of this device C02 could be used to eliminate the fire. A potential material used for the suppressant agent of the pressurized suppression device could be potassium based dry chemical. In one embodiment, the suppressant material is a sodium based suppressant agent. Another potential material used for this devices suppressant component could be KNH03. In still another embodiment for this device clean agent could be used to suppress the fire. Yet another material that could be used for this devices suppressant agent could be sand. In another embodiment of this device water dry chemical Halon Carbon dioxide Foam could be used to eliminate the fire.

C. Exemplary Materials Used For The Pressurized Pouch Containing The Suppressant Agent

[16]. In certain embodiments, the activation of the compressed pouch results from the failure of a fusible link held together by a temperature sensitive alloy. A potential concept is for the container is for it to be made out of the alloy used to hold the fusible link together. A potential material used to contain the suppression agent used in this device could be linins. Another potential material that could be used to encapsulate the suppression agent could be tin. In one embodiment of this device laininated aluminum foil could be used to hold the suppression agent used. Another potential material used to contain the suppression agent is zinc. In another embodiment of this device glass could be used to house the suppression agent within this device. In one version of the device polyester would contain the pressurized suppressant Another potential material used for the pouch could be polyethylene.

[17]. A potential material used for the encasing of the suppression agent could be aluminum. In one embodiment, the metal covering is brass. Another potential container used for this devices pressurized container is bronze. In still another embodiment for this device cast iron could be used. Yet another material that could be used for this devices pressurized container could be copper. In another embodiment of this device gold could be used. A potential material used for the encasing of the suppression agent could be iron. In one embodiment, the pressurized container is lead. In still another embodiment for this device nickel could be used. Yet another material that could be used for these devices pressurized capsules could be platinum. A potential material used for the encasing of the suppression agent could be silver. In one embodiment, the pressurized capsule is stainless steel. Another potential metal used for this devices pressurized capsule is a low, medium, high carbon based steel. In still another embodiment for this device titanium could be used. Yet another material that could be used for this devices pressurized container could be yellow brass. In another embodiment of this device zinc could be used. In summary any metal or metal based material can be used in this aspect of the device.

[18]. In another embodiment, the pouch includes one or more thermocouples that when impinged by heat will cut off utilities (e.g., electric or gas) that is associated with the appliances using the product. In a certain embodiment, the thermocouple is a chromel/alumel thermocouple.

[19]. In certain embodiments, a thermocouple may be provided to measure the temperature of a region of the pouch. In one embodiment, an opening, extending from the a surface of the pouch, is used to position thermocouple between a first resistive heating element and one or more additional resistive heating elements thereby thermally coupling the thermocouple with the pouch. A signal line may extend from the thermocouple through the opening to provide temperature information about the central region to a control system of the pouch. Of course, other temperature sensor configurations are possible. For example, an optical pyrometer may be used to measure the temperature of the central region.

[20] . In other embodiments, a control system may be used to monitor the

system. The control system may be part of the control system and may be electrically connected to the pouch. Any suitable implementation of the control system may be used, and providing a detailed control system 200 should be a routine task for one of ordinary skill in the art, after reading the following disclosure. In certain embodiments, the system includes a pressure sensor inside the pouch.

[21], Upon detection of a signal indicative of the presence of a flame front or deflagration wave within conduit 14, controller 24 can activate mitigation apparatus 26 thereby releasing a suppressant agent into conduit 14 to extinguish the fire or suppress an imminent explosion. As noted above, mechanical or chemical isolation equipment can also be used in place of or in addition to the suppressant agent of mitigation apparatus 26 in order to prevent the fire or explosion from propagating into other interconnected process equipment.

[22]. In certain embodiments, the pouch includes a plurality (e.g. , tens,

hundreds, thousands) of micro-sized thermocouples disposed on a surface of the pouch. These devices are operable to convert heat differentials between an upper and lower surface or substrate into electrical currents (e.g., generation of a voltage due to a temperature differential between "hot" and "cool" of the pouch). The ensuing voltage can be used to a current that is passed through a load.

[23] . In certain embodiments, the pouch is insensitive to sustained elevated temperatures (e.g., cooking temperatures will be ignored by the sensor) as the device will reach thermal equilibrium at the elevated temperature and only respond when that temperature changes rapidly, as in the case of an explosion or flame passage. This eliminates the need for electronics which discern between stable ambient conditions and rapidly changing ambient conditions. [24] . In other embodiments, the pouch is sensitive to elevated temperatures and responds when the pouch detects a specific temperature as is the case in flame passage.

D. Exemplary Pressures Levels

[25] . In certain embodiments, the structures are not created equally and

therefore the setup, electrical system, or appliance within a structure will be different from another. Because of this the distance from the potential ignition source to the pressurized pouch will differ from situation to situation. In certain embodiments, in order for this device to be affective the suppressant is able to not only reach the heat source from which a fire is located, but it also does not push whatever material is on fire out of whatever container it's holding the affected item and spread the fire throughout the structure. Because of this the pressure at which the container holding the suppressant must be adjusted. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the suppressant device's pressurized container is able to withstand pressures from 1 psi to 100 psi.

E. Additional Attachment Embodiments for this Device

[26]. Although the main function of this device is to detect and extinguish a fire there are several attachments, which can be added to the device to ensure extended safety features. One of these attachments includes a communication wire connecting from the suppression device is that it is connected to a separate siren located in the structure designated to this device. Although the smoke detector will fulfill its duties and notify the tenants of the smoke many times the tenant will disable the smoke detector or smoke has not yet reached the smoke detector. This siren/notification system will only be associated with this device. When the device activates and expels the suppressant onto the heat source the nearby indicator will activate as well in order to notify tenants who were not in or near the near area when the fire occurred. The siren/notification system will not only notify the tenants of the potential fire but also remind them to leave the premises and call 911 in order to have the proper authorities come and investigate the true nature of the fire. For people who have unfortunately lost their ability to hear the siren light bulbs associated with the device will flash when the siren is activating due to the activation of the suppression device. Another attachment that can be accompanied with the device will be connected to the incoming power supply associated with the affected item/appliance. When the pressurized container releases the suppressant onto the fire the device will notify the attachment the presence of a heat and cut off the electrical or gas supply to the affected item/appliance that is producing the unnecessary heat source. This will prohibit a rekindle of the fuel source from being ignited again. Another embodiment of this device is the implementation of nozzles or "sprinkler heads" could be used to direct the released suppression agent in a particular direction to the heat source.

F. Installation of the Device

[27] . In one aspect of this device the device will be attached by a mounting system to the underside of the microwave or hood system. A potential method of installing this device could be through the application of sealant or adhesive. Another potential manor of installing this device could be through the application of magnets. In another aspect of this device the pressurized pouch containing the suppressant agent is attached to the interior of an appliance with direct line of site to potential ignition sources within the device. In another application of this device the pressurized pouch is positioned in a compartment above an electrical outlet, light switch, or light fixture located within a structure. The compartment containing the pressurized pouch will be attached to the compartment containing the above mentioned structural electrical system components allowing the pressurized pouch a direct line of sight to the electrical component

G. Remote Monitoring and Notification

[28]. In other embodiments, system is activated notification will be sent, for example, to the nearest fire department, the owner of the affected device, the security system monitoring the owner of the device's home. In another embodiment, when the device is activated it is associated with a structures smoke or fire alarm. [29] . In certain embodiments, monitoring and automation of the present invention provides not only for communicating with and interpreting signals from sensors and devices within the system, but also for accessing and monitoring those sensors and devices from locations remote to the location of installation. In certain embodiments, a controller provides such capability through linkages to external servers via access networks such as the internet, provider network, or a cellular network. The external servers provide a portal environment through which a user can, for example, monitor the state of sensors coupled to the system in real-time and provide information to one or more The servers can further automatically provide information to a user via remote devices such as mobile phones, computers, and pagers. The servers further provide a connection to a traditional fire department central call center, which can then contact authorities in the event of an alarm condition being detected.

[30]. While the disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments and several alternate embodiments, it will be understood by persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[31]. Finally, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention.