This class includes patents for apparatus and methods designed
specifically for extinguishing fire and elements of such apparatus
not classifiable in border existing classes; also apparatus capable
of performing this function if designed to prevent fire by operating
in anticipation of fire conditions.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
Devices whose sole function is the extinguishing of fire by
smothering are included in this class (169); but devices for smothering
fire by closing doors, windows, shutters, and the like are excluded.
For the latter see Class 49, Movable or Removable Closures, and
Class 160, Flexible or Portable Closure, Partition, or Panel, especially
subclass 1 and indented subclasses. Where the smothering and extinguishing
actions are combined, the patent is classified in the appropriate
subclass of this class (169).
Apparatus for the general purpose of distributing fluids is
found in Class 137, Fluid Handling.
See Class 239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing,
appropriate subclasses for apparatus used for sprinkling and spraying
of fluids.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. The general type of complete extinguishing apparatus under
the ... involving a source of extinguishing fluid, distributing-pipes
for conveying the fluid, to distant points of application, discharge
outlets for delivering the fluid, and means for causing the propulsion
of the fluid through the system when desired, the latter means including
the force of gravity.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes systems in which the distributing-pipes
have combined functions, such as serving for both extinguishing
and heating or ventilating.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Systems, in which a liquid is discharged from its supply-tank
by pressure generated by the reaction of chemicals mixed at the
time discharge is to occur.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Systems, in which the operation occurs automatically in
response to fire conditions, such as an abnormal increase of temperature
in the region to be protected.
This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Systems, wherein the operation occurs automatically in direct
response to a variation of pressure of the fluid which normally
fills the distributing-pipes. This pressure change usually results
from the opening of a thermally-controlled sprinkler-head, permitting
flow of gas or liquid from the pipes.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Fluid systems, in which an agent is discharged from its
container by the pressure of a gas normally confined in the same
or in a separate container.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Systems, wherein the source is essentially a liquid-tank
not under pressure, but elevated above the distributing-pipes so
that discharge will occur by gravity.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Systems, wherein extinguishing agent is gaseous or is delivered
in the form of a gas and by its own energy or by mechanical blowers.
Refrigeration,
subclasses 45.1+ for process and apparatus for handling solidified
or liquefied gas (e.g., CO2) as a commodity
requiring steps or means special to liquefied gas and more than
required for other liquids.
This subclass is indented under subclass 11. The extinguishing agent consisting of flue or furnace gases
or like products of combustion and is forced into the fire area
usually after being cooled and purified.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Systems, in which a pump is the essential element for propelling
a liquid agent from a low-pressure or pressureless source to the
point of application.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Systems, wherein two or more substances, one or more in
liquid form, are caused to unite or mix in passing from their sources
to a common discharge-point.
(1)
Note. This group includes those "foam" systems
in which two liquids are mixed near the discharge point to form
a fire-extinguishing foam.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Systems, in which a main liquid stream in passing to the
discharge point is modified by adding or injecting another substance,
such as a gas, dissolved solid, or solid matter in suspension.
Fluid Handling,
subclasses 87.01+ for self proportioning or correlating systems,
especially subclasses 111+ for plural inflows, and subclass
268 for a fluid handling system with a holder for solid material
to be entrained in a flow. See the search notes thereunder.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Patents, relating to the control of the distribution of
fluid through the pipes or branches of the system to the discharge-points
and the arrangement of the pipes or outlets.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Systems, in which the pipes are normally closed and filled
with gas, which is displaced by extinguishing liquid when the system
is active. Operation results from the pressure change following
the opening of a thermally controlled outlet.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Hand-operated means for operating valves which control the
flow through the pipes, usually arranged to permit control from
a distant point.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Valves for normally restraining flow through a fluid system
and opening automatically to permit flow upon the occurrence of
fire conditions. Usually an increase of temperature in the protected
area is the ultimate condition which governs the operation of the
valve.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Valves, which operate as a direct result of a pressure change
in the fluid normally filling the distributing pipes or an auxiliary
system of pipes extended into the area to be protected. These valves
are used principally in dry pipe distributing systems and usually
include a "water-valve", which is held closed
against the pressure of the source by force transmitted from an "air-valve" exposed
to the pressure of the fluid normally filling the distributing-pipes.
This subclass is indented under subclass 20. Apparatus, wherein the pressure on the air-valve is transmitted
to the water-valve through a system of levers or like mechanical
elements and usually in increased amount.
This subclass is indented under subclass 20. Apparatus, wherein the pressure of the fluid in the distributing-pipes
is transmitted directly from the air-valve to the water-valve to
maintain the latter closed, the effective area of the air-valve
being greater than that of the water-valve. The air-valve may be
integral with the water-valve or may have a bearing upon it without
the interposition of levers, toggles, or the like.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alarm or signal devices peculiarly adapted for use in connection
with extinguishing systems for signaling the abnormal position of
a valve or abnormal flow through the pipes.
Communications: Electrical,
subclasses 577 through 599for electric fire alarm systems which are automatically
responsive to fire or temperature. See the class definition of Class 340
for the line between Classes 169 and 340.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Apparatus, of the type used by city fire companies which
includes the combination of pumping apparatus with a vehicle and
is especially adapted for extinguishing fire.
(1)
Note. Inventions in the pump or power plant, per se, are excluded.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Extinguishing apparatus, involving a portable discharge
pipe or structure having an inlet connection and a discharge-nozzle
and means for elevating the nozzle and controlling the direction
of the discharge.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Fire extinguishing devices which includes a container for
an extinguishing agent adapted to be placed in the space to be protected
and means automatic in operation for causing the agent to be discharged
into the space around the container.
Special Receptacle or Package,
subclasses 219+ for a container with plural distinct contents which
contents can be mixed by rupture, manipulation or agitation of the
container or container portions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Devices, wherein the discharge of the extinguishing agent
is due to pressure generated by the reaction of normally separated
chemicals, which are mixed at the time of operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Devices, in which an explosive substance is provided which
upon detonation bursts the container and scatters the contents.
This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Devices, in which the contents of the container are discharged
or scattered by mechanical means, such as a spring-motor or electric motor.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Fire extinguishing devices adapted to be carried or transported
by an operator to the fire area, comprising a container for an extinguishing
agent and means for causing the discharge of the agent at the will
of the operator.
Special Receptacle or Package,
subclasses 219+ for a container with plural distinct contents which
contents can be mixed by rupture, manipulation or agitation of the
container or container portions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Devices wherein the discharge is caused by a pump or a mechanically
operated piston acting on the contents.
(1)
Note. This group includes vessels provided with rotary or
rectilinear pumps operated by hand or motor, and extinguishers of
the piston syringe type.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Containers of the bucket adapted to store a quantity of
extinguishing agent which is to be directly dashed or thrown upon
a fire.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Vessels for containing an extinguishing agent, usually a
powder, which is discharged from one end of the vessel either by
so shaking it as to throw the contents on the fire or by means of small
explosive charges buried in the contents.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Vessels comprising a fragile container filled with an extinguishing
agent, which is discharged by throwing the container into the fire area,
so as to break it and liberate the contents.
Special Receptacle or Package,
subclasses 219+ for a container with plural distinct contents which
contents can be mixed by rupture, manipulation or agitation of the
container or container portions.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Thermally-controlled discharge elements or outlets under
the ... for extinguishing fluid, comprising a nozzle, a valve or
closure member therefor, and means for normally holding the valve
in closing position and automatically releasing or opening it upon
an increase of temperature.
Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, especially in the deflector subclasses (498, etc.),
for spray nozzle or discharge members not automatically controlled.The patents in Class 239 may disclose
but do not claim the fusible link.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. The valve is supported by means of a strut or compression
device arranged between the valve and a part of the frame, the strut
being designed to fall or collapse upon an increase of its temperature.
This includes struts consisting of a single or simple element which
falls by fusion, combustion, or bursting.
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. The strut, comprises a plurality of articulated elements
whose holding relationship is destroyed on the failure of the strut.
The elements of the strut may include levers or other mechanical
forms, but the strut as a whole is a compression resisting device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. The valve, is supported by a lever or system of levers which
communicate the thrust of the valve to the frame at two or more
separated points.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. , the valve or a member connected to and moving with the
valve is supported by a fusible connection directly with the frame.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Thermally-controlled devices adapted for use in fire-extinguishing
apparatus for resisting tension and comprising a plurality of interengaging
elements held in normal position by a fusible substance and adapted
to release or fail upon an increase of temperature.
This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Method, wherein a plurality of components are mixed on site
to produce a fire extinguishing or fire preventing compound, said
compound being formed upstream or downstream of the discharge element,
or by separately applying the components.
Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations
Thereof; Processes of Making, Stabilizing, Breaking, or Inhibiting,
subclasses 1+ for continuous gas or vapor phase colloid system (e.g.,
smoke, fog, aerosol, cloud, mist) or agents for such systems or
making or stabilizing such systems or agents, subclasses 10+ for
foam colloid systems or agents for such systems or making or stabilizing
such systems or agents; in each instance, when generically claimed
or when there is no hierarchically superior provision in the USPC
for the specifically claimed art.
This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Methods, practiced to prevent a flammable object from burning
as a consequence of being in the vicinity of an existing fire, or
to prevent the initial outbreak of fire.
This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Methods for putting out a fire which has already started.
(1)
Note. This subclass takes a process where the extinguishant
is introduced to the area surrounding the fire or a subsurface of
the matter on fire after which the extinguishant seeks out the seat
of the fire.
(2)
Note. This subclass takes a process where the extinguishing
material is present at the fire but in not active until it is acted
upon by fire.
This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Method, involving the projection of a fire extinguishing
material directly from its discharge element onto the seat of the
fire.
(1)
Note. The extinguishing material must be of a nature to extinguish
a fire by itself.
APPARATUS WHICH ISOLATES FLAMES FROM NON-BURNING AREA:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising apparatus designed to separate a burning
area or a portion of a burning area from a second burnable area to
prevent burning interaction between the two areas.
(1)
Note. The second area may include a person or article to be
protected, or it may simply be an extension of the area which is
on fire.
(2)
Note. Apparatus included herein is in the form of a solid
or fluid cover or shield, e.g., nonfluid or gas.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Apparatus, which separates a fire area from the atmosphere.
(1)
Note. Apparatus placed in this subclass has the capability
of extinguishing the separated fire by smothering, however a means
may be included with the apparatus to discharge an extinguishant
onto the fire.
This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Apparatus, which separates the fire from the atmosphere
upon manipulation of the means by an operator to accomplish the
isolation.
(1)
Note. The manipulation includes rolling, dragging, wrapping,
or beating.
(2)
Note. This subclass includes extinguishers of the blanket
type which conform to the shape of the object to be treated.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising means to support or protect an extinguishant
source and/or an outlet therefor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Apparatus, comprising fire extinguishing or preventing means
mounted on a structure designed to provide movement of the means relative
to the fire.
(1)
Note. Apparatus herein includes (1) a mounting means which
is movable to a fire, or (2) a mounting means which imparts movement
to an extinguisher thereon during use thereof.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising means for preventing or minimizing
damage due to fire in or about a structure or device by treating
the fire condition, said means being particularly adapted for use
with that specifically named structure or device.
(1)
Note. Fire extinguishers claimed in combination with structure
or apparatus classifiable elsewhere is found in the class accepting
that apparatus.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Apparatus, having a device which operates in response to
a sensed condition relative to a fire in or about the particular
structure with which it is to be associated to control a means which may
extinguish a fire or prevent the spreading thereof in or about said
particular structure.
(1)
Note. Conditions which may be sensed relative to a fire may
include heat, pressure, light, smoke, impact, deceleration, etc.
for valve which control the flow of fire extinguishing
fluid in a fire extinguishing system not associated with a specific
structure and wherein said valve is responsive to a sensed condition.
for containers having an extinguishant therein which
are for general use and which will discharge the contents thereof
in response to a predetermined condition.
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), appropriate subclass, for condition responsive components
not claimed with fire extinguishing systems or for the purpose of
fire extinguishing. Note particularly
subclasses 1 , 98, 168, and 232.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Apparatus in which a fire extinguishing material is directly
restrained against discharge by a plug, support or other device
which is in contact with said material until said device is fused,
melted or deformed when a predetermined condition is sensed, or
in which such a plug, support, etc., operates similarly in another
cooperative relation with the extinguishing means.
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),
subclass 232 for thermally responsive ceiling structure not
claimed as cooperating with a fire extinguishing system.
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Apparatus wherein a fire extinguishing material is directly
restrained against discharge by a device in contact with said material
which fractures or breaks when a predetermined fire condition is
sensed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Apparatus having a flexible elongated means extending into
the area to be protected, a sensing means in said elongated means
which senses the fire and releases the elongated means, causing
a fire extinguishing system to actuate.
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Apparatus having (1) means to sense a fire condition, (2)
means to transmit a signal from the sensing means in response to
a fire sensed by said sensing means and (3) means receiving said
transmission and responding to release material to extinguish the
sensed fire.
This subclass is indented under subclass 60. Apparatus, where the signal transmitting means is an electrical
circuit.
(1)
Note. The line between this class and Class 340, Communications:
Electrical, is that Class 169, requires that the sensor act directly
upon the extinguishing systems; systems wherein the sensor acts first
on an alarm and then on a fire extinguishing system are found in
Class 340.
Communication: Electrical,
subclasses 577+ for electrical flame alarms; subclasses 584+ for
electrical temperature alarms; and subclasses 628+ for
electrical smoke alarms.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Apparatus, for extinguishing fires on or inside a conveyance
for people and/or articles; e.g., airplanes, ships, automobiles
etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Apparatus, designed for use in extinguishing or in the prevention
of fires in a subterranean environment of solid natural material.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes apparatus for dusting the walls
of mines as a preventive measure.
Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,
subclass 1.05 for signaling or indicating means for fire conditions
as part of mine structure and subclass 12 for mine safety methods.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Apparatus for extinguishing or preventing fires in stoves
or ovens used in food preparation, and the area surrounding said
stoves or ovens.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Apparatus for extinguishing or preventing fires in a surface-mounted
receptacle which may contain a supply of inflammable fluid.
Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing,
Preserving, or Sterilizing,
subclasses 22+ for use of a fluid blanket as preservative means other
than fire protection purposes.
This subclass is indented under subclass 66. Apparatus, wherein the fire extinguishing means is designed
for movement to and/or assembly at the receptacle.
(1)
Note. Apparatus classified here is external of a storage receptacle
tank, and is structurally independent of the receptacle but it is
designed especially for use with a receptacle.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Apparatus for extinguishing or preventing fires at the outlet
of a subterranean source of an inflammable fluid.
Wells,
subclasses 75.11+ especially subclasses 79.1 and 90.1 for well apparatus
combined with fire extinguishers where the fire extinguishing feature
goes no further than a mere cap or head, means for diverting flow from
the well or means for inserting a fluid into the well, or where
more of the well is claimed than cooperates with the fire extinguishing
means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Apparatus, having means to particularly distribute the extinguishing
material with respect to the fire to be extinguished and the structure to
be protected, or means enabling the extinguisher to surpass obstacles
encountered in reaching the fire.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Apparatus, wherein a pressurized gas means is provided and
means whereby the pressurized gas may be applied to said agent to
expel the same from a container so that said agent may be applied
to a fire.
(1)
Note. The pressurized gas may be stored ready for use or it
may be developed by a pump or other means.
(2)
Note. The pressurized gas may be stored with the agent, or
it may be stored separately.
Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing,
subclasses 307 , 308 and 337+ for sprayers having supply
holders and in which the materials are discharged therefrom by the
pressure of a gas.
This subclass is indented under subclass 71. Apparatus, wherein said container is provided with specific
means designed to insure that the agent will discharge from the
container in its entirety, regardless of the orientation of the vessel
when in use.
This subclass is indented under subclass 72. Apparatus, having variable volume means provided to store
agent within said container whereby the volumetric capacity of the
variable volume means may be reduced substantially to zero and thus
insure discharge of the agent in its entirety.
(1)
Note. The variable volume means may be a cylinder with a piston
movable therein or a collapsible wall chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 71. Apparatus, further comprising an outlet from the vessel
or a terminal discharge element for said agent which imparts thereto
particular characteristics.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes extinguishers whose outlet is
modified by the operator in order to release the extinguishant.
This subclass is indented under subclass 71. Apparatus further comprising means to avoid accidental discharge
of the agent from the container or excessive pressure build up in
said container, or means to indicate any abnormal condition therein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 71. Apparatus having means, such as an on-off valve or plural
agent sources, which allows the operator to discharge agent at will,
more than once with an extinguisher.
This subclass is indented under subclass 71. Apparatus, having a plurality of separately housed substances,
which may be caused to be mixed when desired, and thus caused to
react chemically to produce a gas with sufficient pressure to expel
the agent from the container.
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Apparatus, wherein at least one of the reactant housings
is turned over relative to a second reactant, thus releasing said
reactant for mixing with a second reactant in the container.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80. Apparatus comprising an actuator which upon inversion of
the container destroys a means by which the substances had been
prevented from mixing, so that the substances may mix and produce
the pressurized gas necessary to expel the agent from the container.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80. Apparatus wherein the housing for at least one of the substances
to be mixed is provided with a closure therefor which will be removed
therefrom by gravitational force upon inversion of said housing
whereby the substances may be mixed to produce the necessary gas
pressure to expel the agent from the container.
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Apparatus, wherein a reactant is stored in a container which
must be fractured to release said reactant to mix with a second
reactant to produce a fire extinguishant.
This subclass is indented under subclass 71. Apparatus having a charge of combustible material contained
therein which produces the gas pressure when ignited and means available to
the operator for igniting the charge.
This subclass is indented under subclass 71. Apparatus wherein the pressurizing gas used to expel the
fire extinguishing agent is stored in a container which is separate
from that in which the agent is stored.
This subclass is indented under subclass 85. Apparatus having heat exchange or other means to prevent
the temperature of the gas, due to expansion as it passes through
an orifice or the like, from decreasing to the point where gas passing
therethrough will solidify.
This subclass is indented under subclass 85. Apparatus having means whereby when the vessel is turned
over the pressurized gas may be released to expel the agent from
the vessel.
(1)
Note. The means releasing said pressurized gas may do so by
puncturing the pressurized gas container because of the inversion
thereof, or upon inversion thereof and the application of a force upon
said releasing means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 85. Apparatus wherein the means for releasing the pressurizing
gas has a scissors grip, pistol-grip, or other squeeze type actuator,
or a lever-type actuator.
This subclass is indented under subclass 71. Apparatus comprising a means on the container for the agent
which has both a valve for releasing the pressurized material and
an outlet communicating therewith for dispensing the released material
from the container.
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