US 4,905,765 AGranted

Smoke detector/remote controlled shape-memory alloy fire extinguisher discharge apparatus

OwnerGeorge P. Heininventor

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Abstract

Smoke detector initiated, shape-memory alloy triggered fire extinguisher apparatus creates a reliable, material non-destructive, life sustaining system to suppress or extinguish fires. Low power consumption allows the apparatus to remain latent for long periods of time, be non-destructively tested, and cause fire extinguishers to reliably discharge upon detection of persistent, unsafe smoke conditions. All classes of approved fire extinguishers are controlled. Life forms, sensitive electronic equipment, and other critical mechanisms are protected when liquified gas type fire extinguishers are controlled. The apparatus may be installed in existing unprotected facilities, be installed as primary protection for new facilities, or added as a fast reacting, non-destructive, protection to facilities presently equipped with slower responding sprinkler systems.

Claims5

Dependent claims

A means to discharge at least one fire extinguisher which comprises:

a shape memory alloy means having a certain physical shape;
a battery power source;
an electrical current driver means for forcing a momentary surge of electrical current from said power source through said shape memory alloy means;
a trigger means for discharging said at least one fire extinguisher when said current is forced through said shape memory alloy means;
a smoke detector for supplying electrical alarm signals for activating said electrical current driver means for forcing said momentary surge of electrical current through said shape memory alloy means;
means for decoding said electrical alarm signals to reliably evaluate a persistent smoke threat;
and
an adjustable timer means for receiving said decoded electrical alarm signals and for preventing immediate discharge of said at least one fire extinguisher by delaying said supply of said electrical alarm signals for activating said electrical current driver means.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.