Fire suppression delivery system

• US 20050139363A1
• Filed: 07/29/2004
• Published: 06/30/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/31/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Thomas Technologies Research And Development, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Thomas Technologies Research And Development, Inc.
• Inventors: Thomas, Michael Steven
• Application Number:
  US10/902,598
• Publication Number:
  US 20050139363A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 169/30
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 3/025 Fire extinguishing bombs; Projectiles and launchers therefor launching apparatus for projectiles, missiles or torpedoes in general F41F1/00, F41F3/00, F41F7/00

Abstract

This is a fire suppression delivery system for the delivery of compressed powdered fire suppressant materials to extinguish fires in, but not limited to high rise, commercial, industrial buildings; tunnel structures; offshore structures; oil and gas platforms; marine vessels; and environmental areas. The system and methods employ basic platforms, to the use of advanced methods currently not employed for this purpose, including electronic programming, heat seeking, propulsion, microprocessor discharge; the use of carriers, launching devices; modification of fire fighting aircraft, ground vehicles, and unmanned aircraft or drones.

Claims

1. A fire extinguishing device comprising:

a. An activatable means; and

b. A shell comprising at least a single wall further comprising compressed powdered fire suppressant material;

wherein when the means is activated, the contents of the shell will be released.

2. The fire extinguishing device of claim 1, as set forth in FIG. 1.

3. The fire extinguishing device of claim 1, wherein the wall is a double wall, a hybrid single or double wall or a combination thereof, as set forth in FIG. 62.

4. The fire extinguishing device of claim 1 comprising a non-phosphate tracer.

5. The fire extinguishing device of claims 1-4, comprising a fire retardant material, particulate matter dispersal material, or an endothermic agent.

6. The fire extinguishing device of claims 1-5, comprising a material that will withstand the internal pressure of its compressed fire suppressant material contents, the external pressure asserted by incidental bumping, storage, transport, or change in atmospheric pressure asserted during transport above or below sea level.

7. The fire extinguishing device of claims 1-6, comprising an activatable means of temperature, temperature range, impact, temperature and impact, temperature range, with impact as a safety feature;

time, temperature and time, temperature range and time, time and impact, time and temperature with impact as a safety feature, time, temperature range with impact as a safety feature;

altitude, altitude and temperature, altitude and temperature range, altitude and impact, altitude, temperature with impact as a safety feature, altitude, temperature range with impact as a safety feature;

height, height and temperature, height and temperature range, height and impact, height, at a variable preprogrammed minimum height;

maximum altitude, a maximum height, minimum altitude, or a combination thereof, temperature, with impact as a safety feature, height, temperature range, with impact as a safety feature, internal pressure, internal pressure of the device or internal pressure of the pressure sensitive center nodules incorporated within the wall of the device, internal pressure of the device or internal pressure of the pressure sensitive center nodules incorporated within the wall of the device and altitude, internal pressure of the device or internal pressure of the pressure sensitive center nodules incorporated within the wall of the device and temperature, negative pressure of the device or negative pressure of the negative pressure sensitive center nodules incorporated within the wall of the device, negative pressure of the device or negative pressure of the negative pressure sensitive center nodules incorporated within the wall of the device and altitude, negative pressure of the device or negative pressure of the negative pressure sensitive center nodules incorporated within the wall of the device and temperature;

chemical, electrical, electronic, incendiary, non-incendiary, chafe-charge mechanism, or percussive as.

8. The fire extinguishing device of claims 1-7 comprising:

a. A second activatable means,

b. A propellant containment means,

c. A propellant comprising an inflammable material, a flammable material, or in combination there,

wherein when the second activatable means is activated the propellant will be released, propelling the device to a determined height, a determined distance, or in combination thereof.

9. The fire extinguishing device of claims 1-8 further comprising a guiding means.

10. A guiding means of claim 9 further comprising:

a. A microprocessor capable of providing the functions of a global positioning system, altimeter, gyroscopic sensor or in combination thereof,

b. A second guiding means comprising an adjustable stabilizing surface wings, embedded adjustable stabilizing wings, or in combination thereof,

wherein when working through the microprocessor, with information provided by the global position system, altimeter or in combination thereof, the guiding means can guide the device, and the stabilizing wings will assist the device to achieve its target area, as set forth in FIG. 44.

11. The fire extinguishing device of claim 10 further comprising an electronic discharge means.

12. An electronic discharge means of claim 11 further comprising:

a. A microprocessor comprising or linked to a global positioning system and altimeter control, that is capable of orienting the device to discharge its content at a latitudinal coordinate, longitudinal coordinate, height, altitude, or in combination thereof,

wherein when working through the microprocessor, with information provided by the guiding means, the discharge means, which is the activatable means, will cause the device to discharge its contents at a desired point, place, time or in combination thereof.

13. The fire extinguishing device of claim 1-9 further comprising an electronic programming means.

a. A hardwired interface capable of receiving and transmitting input from an external means to program the claim 10 guiding means, claim 12 discharge means, further comprising a surface electronic contact interface, an embedded electronic contact interface, a submerged electronic contact interface, or in combination thereof, hardwired to the claim 9-12 microprocessor,

b. A wireless interface capable of receiving and transmitting input to program the claim 10 guiding means, claim 12 discharge means, further comprising a surface electronic contact interface, an embedded electronic contact interface, a submerged electronic contact interface, or in combination thereof, hardwired to the claim 9-12 microprocessor;

or

c. In combination thereof,

wherein when the interface receives an electronic programming data signal from a source without the device, it will transmit that data signal to the claim 9-13 microprocessor.

14. The fire extinguishing device of claim 1-8 comprising a self-righting means,

wherein when the device comes to rest on a surface but has not achieved its intended position, angle, orientation for projection, discharge, or in combination thereof, the self-righting means will perform a corrective action to adjust the angle, pitch, direction of the device to or proximate to its intended position.

15. A fire extinguishing device of claim 1-8 further comprising three or more distinct concentric levels of fire suppressant materials, or three or more distinct concentric spherical levels of fire suppressant materials.

18. A fire extinguishing device of claims 1-17, with a guiding means further comprising:

a. A fire extinguishing device with a heat seeking smart chip for guidance capable of obstruction avoidance, programmable heat detection, real time trajectory data relay to a remote monitor, real time targeting data relay to a remote monitor, collision avoidance with other fire extinguishing devices, interactive exchange of electronic data with other fire extinguishing devices, or in combination thereof, as set forth in FIG. 82.

19. A fire extinguishing device of claim 18'"'"'s heat seeking means comprising:

a Visual marker,

b. Electronic marker, or in combination thereof,

wherein when acting as a single device will search for, locate, deliver its fire suppression contents to the fire, and mark the target or area with a visual marker that responds with greater intensity with the heat, for observation, and detection purposes, and an electronic marker that will relay its position to a remote monitor, while acting as a homing beacon for other devices so constructed.

21. A second part of the two-part fire extinguishing unit of claim 20, further comprising:

a. claims 1-19 devices,

b. A means to secure the claims 1-19 devices within the housing but away from the means that will penetrate, bore, bore through, displace a portion of the glass surface,

c. An activatable means,

wherein when the device, guided by its guiding means, approaches, attaches to, penetrates a glass surface, removes the displaced portion of glass, its activatable device when activated will release, propel, discharge its claims 1-7 contents, claim 19(a)(b) markers held within the housing device to the fire environment.

23. The aerial, ground-based delivery device of claim 22, further comprising:

a. An attachment securing the strip to an ejection means,

b. An end piece that when the strip is ejected, will be ejected furthest from the ejection means,

c. A segment of the end piece that is weighted, non-weighted, partially weighted, for the purpose of adding balance when the strip is ejected,

d. Cut out segments within the strip, for the purpose of holding claim 1-19 devices,

e. A securing means within the strip, that will connect, hold the claim 1-19 devices to the strip structure in a positive oriented position,

f. An release means that when activated will release the attached claim 1-19 devices from the strip structure for subsequent discharge, a device activation means to effect discharge of the claim 1-19 devices while attached to the strip structure, or in combination thereof,

g. Multiple claim 1-19 devices attached to the strip structure,

wherein when the device is linked to its guiding means, released to the environment by way of aerial drop, ejection, or similar manner, with the distal end serving as a ballast, balance, the device can deliver successively attached multiple fire suppression devices for discharge at ground level, in a vertical column, horizontal column, or in combination thereof.

24. A fire extinguishing unit comprising:

a. A cylinder,

b. A guiding means further comprising a microprocessor controlled interior mounted retractable parabolic flanges, exterior mounted retractable parabolic flanges, mini parachute, or in combination thereof to control the cylinder'"'"'s descent,

c. A sealable posterior lid, sealable anterior lid, sealable breakaway side panel, held in place by microprocessor controlled electronic release pins,

d. An activatable means linked to the electronic release pins and the guiding means, wherein when activated the electronic release pins will open, releasing the anterior lid, posterior lid, breakaway panel, or in combination thereof,

e. One or more anchored, unanchored claim 23 strip structures, claim 1-19 devices, or in combination thereof, held within the cylinder'"'"'s,

wherein when the cylinder is projected, aerially dropped, the guiding means will direct the cylinder to its destination, where the activatable means will release the lid, breakaway panel, thereafter dropping the contents for subsequent discharge.

25. A fire extinguishing carrier unit comprising a containment structure capable of carrying one or more claim 1-19, 24 fire extinguishing devices.

26. The fire extinguishing carrier unit of claim 24, further comprising:

a. A guiding means,

b. A self-righting means to orient the structure, if dropped, projected or in similar manner delivered to the fire environment,

c. A sealable lid, sealable breakaway side panel, held in place by microprocessor controlled electronic release pins,

d. An activatable means linked to the electronic release pins and the guiding means, so that when activated the electronic release pins will open, releasing the anterior lid, posterior lid, breakaway panel, or in combination thereof,

e. An ejection means,

f. An activatable means to effect ejection,

g. One or more anchored, unanchored strip structure of claim 24, multiple claim 1-19 devices, or in combination thereof, secured to the ejection means,

wherein when the claim 25 device has reached its intended destination, the self-righting means which is linked to the guiding means and activatable means will correct the carrier units position, where necessary, so that the activatable means will release the lid, breakaway side panel, thereby activating the ejection means to eject the strip structure, claim 1-19, 24 devices, for subsequent discharge of these fire extinguishing devices.

27. A fire extinguishing carrier unit of claim 25 comprising a breakaway containment structure capable of carrying one or more claim 1-19, 22 devices.

28. The fire extinguishing carrier unit of claim 27, further comprising:

a. A containment structure constructed in such a manner that on impact it sides, top, bottom will collapse, breakaway, shatter, or in similar fashion fall apart, but in doing so will not impede the projection, ejection, release, escape of its contents, a means to effect such collapse, or in combination thereof,

b. A self-righting means to orient the structure, if dropped, projected or in similar manner delivered to the fire environment,

c. An ejection means,

d. An activatable means to effect ejection,

e. One or more anchored, unanchored strip structure of claim 23, multiple claim 1-19, 22 devices, or in combination thereof, secured to the ejection means,

wherein when the claim 25 device has reached its intended position, impact and/or an activatable means will cause the device to fall away from its contents that will be ejected further into the fire environment for discharge of the fire extinguishing shells.

29. The fire extinguishing carrier unit of claim 28 comprising a guiding means.

36. A hand-held device for the launching, firing, shooting, propelling of fire extinguishing devices comprising:

a. Blank cartridge barrel further comprising redundant electronic programming contacts lining the interior of the barrel, connected to an electronic programming module, microprocessor controlled electronic programming trigger for electronic programming, reprogramming, deprogramming of devices loaded therein,

b. Flash suppressor, flash preventer, or a combination thereof, to prevent ignition of flammable material when the device is operated proximate to, within a fire environment, or in combination thereof,

c. Pistol grip,

d. Dual triggers comprising a primary microprocessor controlled trigger connected to the redundant electronic programming contacts within the fire extinguishing launching unit'"'"'s barrel for the purpose of effecting electronic programming devices, and a second trigger to launch, fire, propel, shoot, or in similar action to release the devices from the launching device,

e. Trigger guard,

f. Safety means to prevent premature, unintended firing of devices loaded to the device'"'"'s barrel,

g. Shell loading method further comprising a device breach section, circular or elliptical magazine, rear-mounted magazine, direct feed from the connecting unit of claim 28, magazine loader connected to a claim 28 device,

h. Microprocessor controlled laser sighting imaging system, thermal imaging sighting system, programming module, targeting system,

that when put together as a single unit will permit its user to electronically program and propel devices, wherein activating the activatable means to effect discharge of the fire extinguishing devices.

37. A shoulder mount device for launching claim 36 devices comprising a two- to- four adjustable launch barrels to accommodate fire extinguishing devices that as a result of size or configuration cannot be accommodated by a claim 36 fire extinguishing launching unit.

50. A claim 49 fixed wing aircraft, rotary wing aircraft, aircraft modified for fire fighting duty further comprising:

a. Electronic signal shielding to prevent interference of fire extinguishing device programming, function, or in combination thereof, by extraneous signals,

b. Compartmentalized hull comprising;

i In dependently operated underside doors to allow aerial drop, delivery of fire extinguishing devices from the aircraft to the fire environment,

ii Multiple fire extinguishing device launchers, multiple fire extinguishing device launcher loading means, for loading extinguishing devices to independent, computer operated, computer assisted the device launchers, for the purpose of projecting extinguishing devices from within the hull of the aircraft to the fire environment or,

iii Multiple, exterior, exterior mounted, interior, interior mounted, interior recessed, rotating, claim 1-18 fire extinguishing device launchers, launcher loading means,

iv Fire extinguishing device launcher cooling system to prevent overheating, jamming, loss of operation of the of the device launcher,

v Flash suppressor, flash preventer, or in combination thereof, to prevent the ignition of flammable material when the fire extinguishing device launchers are operated,

c. A claim 46 device containment system,

d. Multiple fire extinguishing devices, device counter,

e. Electronic programming module, transducer, electronic programming transmission means to electronically program, reprogram, deprogram fire extinguishing devices contained therein,

f. Thermal imaging, laser imaging, infra red, stargazer vision imaging system, night vision imaging systems with real time monitors, and computer programming to differentiate thermal patterns and to prevent “

white out”

associated with the exposure of such systems to intense light,

wherein as a single, integrate system, it will allow the operator of fixed wing aircraft, rotary wing aircraft, aircraft modified for fire fighting duty to work closer to the fire environment, for the purpose of delivery fire suppressant devices, with less impact upon the operator, aircraft and load normally associated with these extreme temperatures, as well as the fatigue impact of turbulence, erratic thermal updrafts and other environmental factors associated with major fires.

53. The fire extinguishing device of claim 19, comprising an exterior surface, i.e., the surface exposed to the environment, should not destabilize, disintegrate, or otherwise become compromised where exposed to an electrical charge emanating from the external environment, exposure to toxic gases or fluids from a fire environment;

further comprising;

a. A manner of construction where to increase tensile strength of the exterior surface, such as by interweaving its material with Kevlar or a similar material;

where the incorporation of same into the encasement'"'"'s material composition should be oriented in such a manner that will increase hardening of the exterior to prevent premature discharge of it contents due to impact, environmental exposure, or exposure to an external electrical charge;

but, where such design should not effect controlled degradation of the encasement'"'"'s interior, as set forth in FIGS. 164, 165 and 166;

b. An interior surface of the encasement that should be designed to harden with an increase of internal pressure created by loading fire extinguishment material to containment area, where the greater the internal pressure the greater the hardening capacity of the encasement'"'"'s interior surface;

still further comprising a material and construction of the encasement'"'"'s interior wall and near exterior area, so that it must rapidly disintegrate when exposed to an interior emanating electrical charge of X magnitude, frequency, or duration, but, where the propellant core must withstand disintegration until directly charged by the same or an alternating internally emanating source. When the interior and near exterior walls of the encasement are exposed to an interior emanating electrical charge, the electrical charge should cause the encasement'"'"'s material to pulverize, resulting in the expulsive release of the encased fire extinguishment material to the fire environment. The electrical charge is primarily directed to disrupt the structural integrity of the encasement'"'"'s material composition, as set forth in FIG. 168;

c. A surface area between the exterior surface and the interior surface, as set forth in FIG. 163,

still further comprising;

d. Strategically placed electrical or electronic contact points, surfaces, material, or capacitors where discrete portions, points, or areas of the encasement can be charged and disintegrated on command to effect controlled degradation of the discrete area and forcible expulsion of its contents through same to the fire environment, as set forth in FIG. 210;

e. Strategically placed electrical or electronic contact points, surfaces, material, or capacitors where discrete portions, points, or areas of the encasement can be charged and disintegrated on command to effect controlled degradation of the discrete area and forcible expulsion of the entire encasement and forcible expulsion of its contents through same to the fire environment, as set forth in FIG. 167;

54. The fire extinguishing device of claim 53, as set forth in FIG. 169.

55. The fire extinguishing device of claim 53, as set forth in FIG. 170.

56. The fire extinguishing device of claim 53, as set forth in FIG. 171.

57. The fire extinguishing device of claim 53, comprising:

a. Comprising a material and construction in such a manner that it will withstand pressure exerted when discharged from a launcher, incidental bumping associated with storage, transport, handling, loading into a launcher, compression loading of the fire extinguishment material, when the extinguishment is expelled from the containment area, pressure exerted when the propellant is expelled from the propellant containment area;

change in atmospheric pressure asserted during transport above or below sea level;

capable of withstanding at least several hours of prolonged exposure to the upper range of extreme heat that a firefighter can work near or within; and

where such is designed to discharge its fire extinguishment to the environment through controlled degradation of the encasement, but not by impact alone, as set forth in FIG. 212;

b. Comprising a material and construction in such a manner that it will withstand pressure exerted when discharged from a launcher, incidental bumping associated with storage, transport, handling, loading into a launcher, compression loading of the fire extinguishment material, when the extinguishment is expelled from the containment area, pressure exerted when the propellant is expelled from the propellant containment area;

change in atmospheric pressure asserted during transport above or below sea level;

capable of withstanding at least several hours of prolonged exposure to the upper range of extreme heat that a firefighter can work near or within; and

where such is designed to discharge its fire extinguishment to the environment through impact with a hard surface subsequent to discharge from a launcher, where impact comprises X psi, which is the amount of pressure exerted per square inch when the encasement impacts with or is struck with a surface force greater than what encountered when an encasement is discharged from a launching means, the pressure exerted when loading the fire extinguishment and/or propellant, incidental bumping, and storage exerted pressure.

Unless intentionally designed to do so, rapid expulsion of the propellant should not result in collapse of the containment means or the containment means'"'"' walls, nor should the result of rapid propellant loss result in disruption of function or integrity of the encasement where a vacuum or semi-vacuum state is created by (rapid) propellant expulsion

58. The fire extinguishing device of claim 57, as set forth in FIG. 212.

64. The fire extinguishing device of claim 53, also referred to as the Second Generation Fire Suppression Delivery System encasement or Second Generation Encasement, comprising an onboard obstruction detection and obstruction avoidance means, further comprising a real-time scanning means such as look forward radar, side-scan radar, motion detector, acoustical scanning, thermal detector, laser, or similar means, individually or in combination thereof, wherein when linked with the navigation and guidance means, its trajectory programming, and the scan data contained within the encasement'"'"'s memory, that upon detecting an obstruction within its trajectory that was not present or in its present position within the trajectory when the encasement was programmed, will determine the size, position, and distance to the encasement, its position within the trajectory pattern, and through its onboard system determine the optimal and alternate route to avoid the obstruction, where possible, and whether to take such evasive action or discharge its extinguishment beforehand.

65. The fire extinguishing device of claim 53, also referred to as the Third Generation Fire Suppression Delivery System encasement or Third Generation Encasement comprising a transceiver that is linked to the programming, navigation, security verification, and discharge control means of the encasement, further comprising the means to receive a real-time transmission with corrective navigation and trajectory programming data upon detection of an obstruction by an external, remote scanning source, as set forth in FIG. 212,

wherein, when using intermittent or continuous micro-impulse radar scanning side-scan radar, motion detector, acoustical scanning, thermal detector, laser, or similar means, individually or in combination thereof, subsequent to programming of the encasement and where an obstruction is detected or anticipated to come within the trajectory of the encasement, the appropriate trajectory software determines the optimal and alternate route to avoid the obstruction, where possible, and whether to take such evasive action or discharge its extinguishment beforehand, whereupon such corrective instructions are then transmitted to the encasement'"'"'s transceiver.

16. A fire extinguishing device carrier medium comprising:

a. Multiple fire extinguishing devices; and

b. Fire suppressant material or no fire suppressant material.

17. Two fire extinguishing devices connected in such a way that when the first device is activated, the first device will release the contents of its shell and release the second device, wherein when the second device is released from the first device it will self-right, project, release the contents of its shell upon ascent of the device, descent of the device, or in combination thereof, as set forth in FIG. 22.

20. A two-part fire extinguishing unit comprising:

a. A housing unit, first part, comprising;

i An external, exterior formed, outer casement, casing, shell, containment device, containment structure or similar means,

ii A means for assisted low-speed propulsion, self propulsion, or in combination thereof,

iii A guiding means,

iv A attaching means to hold the device to a glass surface,

iv A means to penetrate, bore, bore through, displace a portion of the glass surface attached to without shattering the glass,

v A means to remove the displaced glass from the device,

vi A means that will form a seal between the housing of the device and the glass structure upon penetrating the glass structure,

vii A means to separate the boring or penetrating means from the two-part housing after completion of its function,

22. An aerial, ground based delivery device comprising:

a. A single-stranded flexible strip structure, a parallel-stranded flexible strip structure, or in combination thereof, that can be dropped, aerially dropped, propelled, projected, or in any other suitable fashion placed within or delivered to the fire zone,

b. A guiding means for orienting the device,

c. An ejection means.

30. A unit comprising a fixture for the linkage of:

a. A guiding means,

b. A weighted end region position distally opposite the guiding means'"'"' stabilizing wings,

c. An attachment means for securing shells, encasements, containment devices, encapsulations, capsules, devices, or in combination thereof,

d. A shell, encasement, encapsulation, capsule, containment device, device programmable means,

e. An activatable means to release or discharge the shells, discharge the shells, or in combination thereof,

wherein when the fixture is projected, propelled, dropped or aerially dropped, the guiding means guides the fixture that has been to its destination, the activatable means linked by a computer program to the guiding means will release the shells from the retaining pins of the fixture for subsequent activation, or discharge the shells while attached to the fixture, or in combination thereof19Because I want to know all there is about you. 56.

31. A fire extinguishing device carrying unit comprising:

a. Material that is insulated, lightweight, flame resistant, fire resistant, can withstand extreme heat for an extended period of time, shielding to prevent entry of external, extraneous electronic signals that could interfere with the programming of the devices held within the carrying unit,

b. A primary internal chamber that will contain the fire extinguishing devices, with a connecting tube to external devices,

c. A secondary internal chamber that can be filled with an inflammable gas with a composition and capacity to provide buoyancy to the carrying unit, with a connecting line to a pump, gas containment structure,

d. A pump to independently pressurize, depressurize the primary chamber, the secondary internal chamber or in combination thereof,

e. A gas containment structure from which the inflammable gas will be pumped inert to, from the secondary internal chamber, receiving inflammable gas from the secondary internal chamber or in combination thereof,

f. Automatic pressure relief valve, pressure release valve, pressure monitor or in combination thereof,

g. Multiple devices.

32. A fire extinguishing device carrying unit of claim 31 further comprising:

a. An electronic programming means to program devices contained within the carrying unit comprising an external, recessed, programming module, a hand-held electronic programming keypad, a flame resistant externally recessed electronic docking port for use of the hand-held electronic programming keypad, transducer, for the purpose of electronically programming, reprogramming, deprogramming fire extinguishing devices contained with the fire extinguishing device carrying unit,

b. A microprocessor controlled device counter computer linked to a display monitor, display monitor, for the purpose of providing a visual monitoring the number of devices contained within, programming status of, number of devices released from the fire extinguishing carrying unit.

33. A fire extinguishing device carrying unit of claim 31 further comprising a connecting means for passage of devices from the fire extinguishing carrying unit to external devices for deployment to the fire environment,

wherein when the carrying unit containing fire extinguishing devices that can be electronically programmed through the programming means that is computer program linked to the transducer, and is closed, sealed, pressurized to assist with pushing the devices through the connecting tube to external devices for subsequent fire zone deployment, firefighters have the ability to bring a replenishable quantity of such devices to, into the fire environment to combat a fire.

34. A light weight, portable, insulated, fire extinguishing device carrying unit comprising:

a. Electronic programming module, recessed hand-held electronic programming module, or in combination thereof,

b. External docking port for the electronic programming module.

35. A fire extinguishing carrying unit of claim 34 comprising:

a. A fixture further comprising a handle, one or more interlocking, interconnecting sections with one or more angled connecting pins per section for device attachment,

b. A guiding means, discharge means, electronic programming means, computer programming means connecting the electronic programming module to the programming means, transducer,

c. Multiple fire extinguishing devices, device counter,

wherein as a unit, it will permit its user to program, transport a quantity of fire extinguishing devices to a fire environment, as one unit or as separate units, so that when the fixture with its attached devices is placed, thrown, presented to the fire environment, and has reached its intended position, as determined by its guiding means, the activatable means will be discharge the devices.

38. A manually controlled, microprocessor controlled, lightweight, freestanding, transportable fire extinguishing device launching unit, as set forth on FIG. 111, comprising:

a. A base,

b. Piston driven, compressed air driven, compressor driven retractable anchoring means,

c. Piston driven, compressed air driven, compressor driven means to free the anchoring means from an anchored position,

d. Bi-level swivel pedestal base supporting a shell lifting means,

wherein when this transportable device launching unit is moved into place the retractable anchoring means is driven through the base into the ground or similar area, stabilizing the bi-level base to allow the lifting means to raise a fire extinguishing device into its firing position.

39. A fire extinguishing device launching unit of claim 38, further comprising:

a. Two parallel, connected, pivotal arms attached to the pedestal base, with the latter dividing the two arms, that can be rotated in an upward, downward arc perpendicular to the pedestal base,

b. A securing face plate at the distal end of the pivotal arms capable of attaching, securing devices to be lifted by the fulcrum action of the pivotal arms,

wherein as a single unit the pivotal arms when rotated into position to secure a fire extinguishing device to the face plate, so as to allow the device to be lifted into a firing position.

40. A fire extinguishing device launching unit of claim 39 further comprising:

a. An electronic transmission means, electronic programming contact surface, manual programming means, or in combination thereof, for the purpose of programming, reprogramming, deprogramming devices secured to the face plate,

b. Microprocessor controlled laser sighting imaging system, thermal imaging sighting system, programming module, optical sighting system, electronic programming, targeting system,

wherein as a single unit permitting its user to attach, secure, lift fire extinguishing devices into firing position, the programming means linked by a computer program to a transmission, electronic contact source, can activate the device'"'"'s activatable means, for subsequent discharge to the fire environment, after the device is fired from this launching unit.

41. A vehicle mounted fire extinguishing device launching unit as set forth in FIGS. 114 comprising:

a. A means serving as a base for attachment, securing the device to a vehicle,

b. A two-part, upright, end-to-end, vertically positioned vertical column, with each of the two columns capable of independent, unison movement,

c. The two-part vertical column housing a mechanized swivel at its base, midsection, or where the two columns join at the top of the upper column, or in combination thereof,

d. A means by which a platform is affixed to the upper vertical column

e. A means by which the platform that is affixed to the upper vertical column can be mechanically, electronically tilted along the horizontal axis of the vertical column,

f. A platform horizontally affixed atop the upper vertical column further comprising a moveable rail system with semi-recessed free floating rollers, a mechanical drive to move the semi-recessed free floating rollers, a brake system to control the speed and movement of each track of free floating rollers, safety control systems to assure safe operation of the system,

g. A mechanical leveling means, microprocessor controlled leveling means, or in combination thereof, to stabilize movement, align the platform, align the components of the platform to features of the device that acting together will result in movement of, programming of, launching fire extinguishing devices from this system,

h. A containment unit with the capacity to hold multiple fire extinguishing devices, further comprising a moveable rail system with semi-recessed free floating rollers, a mechanical drive to move the semi-recessed free floating rollers, a brake system to control the speed and movement of each track of free floating rollers, safety control systems to assure safe operation of the system,

i. A containment unit further comprising a mechanical leveling means, microprocessor controlled leveling means, or in combination thereof, to stabilize movement, align the containment unit, align the components of the platform to features of the device that acting together will result in movement of, programming of, launching fire extinguishing devices from this system,

j. A computer program, computer programs linking operations of the vertical column, the platform, leveling means, tilting means, alignment means, movement of the semi-recessed free floating rollers, braking system, safety control system,

wherein, as a stable platform that can be transported by and when affixed to a vehicle, the vehicle mounted fire extinguishing device launching unit can be rotated, tilted, into position for operation, while maintained in a level and aligned position, with the capacity to freely move its fire extinguishing devices along the roller tract system for subsequent launching.

42. A vehicle mounted fire extinguishing device launching unit of claim 41, further comprising:

a. Single, multiple fire extinguishing device launcher barrels located at the anterior section of the horizontal platform,

b. A means to move the fire extinguishing devices along the moveable rail system with the semi-recessed free floating rollers, to a means with the capacity to load, enter, introduce the fire extinguishing devices into the launcher barrels,

c. Multiple fire extinguishing devices,

wherein, when the fire extinguishing devices are moved from the containment device to the loading means, the loading means will receive and transfer the devices to the fire extinguishing device launcher.

43. A vehicle mounted fire extinguishing device launching unit of claim 42 further comprising an electronic control housing located at the posterior section of the horizontal platform.

44. A vehicle mounted fire extinguishing device launching unit of claim 43 further comprising a computer program linked electronic fire extinguishing device programming module, device fire control means, recessed programming keypad, device counter, microprocessor, split screen monitor, remote operations electronic package,

wherein the activatable means of each fire extinguishing devices can be electronically programmed for deployment by the device launcher.

45. A vehicle mounted fire extinguishing device launching unit of claim 44 further comprising thermal imaging, laser imaging, infra red, stargazer vision imaging system, night vision imaging systems with real time monitors, and computer programming to differentiate thermal patterns and to prevent “

white out”

associated with the exposure of such systems to intense light,

wherein as a single unit, the vehicle mounted fire extinguishing device launching unit can program, load, propel a fire extinguishing devices into the fire environment.

46. A vehicle enclosed, vessel enclosed, fire extinguishing device containment unit comprising:

a. A claim 41 fire extinguishing device containment unit containment unit with the capacity to hold multiple fire extinguishing devices, further comprising a moveable rail system with semi-recessed free floating rollers, a mechanical drive to move the semi-recessed free floating rollers, a brake system to control the speed and movement of each track of free floating rollers, safety control systems to assure safe operation of the system,

b. A containment unit further comprising a mechanical leveling means, microprocessor controlled leveling means, or in combination thereof, to stabilize movement, align the containment unit, align the components of the platform to features of the device that acting together will result in movement of, programming of, launching fire extinguishing devices from this system,

c. Shielding to prevent entry of external, extraneous electronic signals that could interfere with the programming of the fire extinguishing devices held within the containment unit,

d. Exterior accessible access doors for the purpose of moving fire extinguishing device to and from the containment unit,

e. Electronic control housing, further comprising a computer program linked electronic fire extinguishing device programming module, device fire control means, recessed programming keypad, device counter, microprocessor, split screen monitor, remote operations electronic package, thermal imaging, laser imaging, infra red, stargazer vision imaging system, night vision imaging systems with real time monitors, and computer programming to differentiate thermal patterns and to prevent “

white out”

associated with the exposure of such systems to intense light,

f. Multiple fire extinguishing devices,

wherein, the fire extinguishing device containment unit, when accessed from the exterior access doors can receive and offload such devices, whereby they will be moved along the moveable rail system of each rack, for the purpose of housing such devices for electronic, programming, reprogramming, deprogramming, transport, for external use.

47. A vehicle enclosed, vessel enclosed, claim 46 fire extinguishing device containment unit further comprising:

a. A remote, electronic device programming module, device fire control means, device counter, microprocessor, monitor, operations electronic package, as used in claim 46,

b. Braking system, moveable rail system with semi-recessed free floating rollers, mechanical drive to move the semi-recessed free floating rollers, which in turn will move fire extinguishing devices along the containment system launcher loading device,

wherein when incorporated with the features of claim 46, claim 47 will permit its operators to move, contain fire extinguishing devices from the containment system, to be electronically program, loaded to a fire extinguishing device launcher for delivery to the external environment.

51. An unmanned, remote controlled, computer operated aerial fire fighting unit, as set forth in FIG. 133 comprising:

a. Externally fitted, internally fitted, insulated ceramic tile, or similar insulating material, to reduce, eliminate exposure of the heat associated with a fire environment, to the internal environment of the aircraft, aircraft operating systems, aircraft operators, whatever is contained within the aircraft, for operations above, proximate to, within, or in combination thereof, to the fire environment,

b. A second, non-load bearing, mechanical, collapsible hull, with a hull cavity comprising a collapsible interior hull section, collapsible exterior baffling, collapsible interior baffling, collapsible interior channels between the hulls, a means to extend the secondary hull outward from the hull, a means to retract the secondary hull to the hull,

c. A claim 46 device containment system,

d. Multiple fire extinguishing devices, device counter,

e. Electronic programming module, transducer, electronic programming transmission means to electronically program, reprogram, deprogram fire extinguishing devices contained therein,

f. Thermal imaging, laser imaging, infra red, stargazer vision imaging system, night vision imaging systems with real time monitors, and computer programming to differentiate thermal patterns and to prevent “

white out”

associated with the exposure of such systems to intense light,

g. A power plant with an external air ram propulsion system comprising a high compression air ram propulsion system with an anti-clogging particulate matter air filtration system;

an internal, high volume, compressed air/O₂ power plant air feed system;

computer assisted particulate matter monitoring system;

computer assisted switching system to properly switch from the external-internal-external ram propulsion system,

h. Docking collar,

i. Electrical bus,

that when operated as a single, integrated unit, the unmanned aircraft can approach a fire situation, switching to an internal air feed system when particulate matter levels would other comprise operation of an aircraft, the secondary hull and wind deflectors are extended to increase stability of the unmanned aircraft while near, above, in the fire environment, wherein the unmanned aircraft can operate closer or directly within the fire situation to deliver fire suppression devices, fire suppression units to the fire environment.

52. A unit for attachment to the underside of a claim 51 aerial fire fighting unit comprising:

a. Compartmentalized hull with underside doors to allow aerial delivery fire extinguishing devices;

or

b. claim 46 containment system,

c. Non-load bearing, mechanical, collapsible secondary hull, collapsible interior and exterior baffling and channels, undercarriage extending retractable wind deflectors,

d. Launchers, launcher cooling system, launcher loading means, launcher targeting system,

e. Flash suppressor, flash preventer, or in combination thereof,

f. Externally fitted insulated ceramic tile or similar insulating material, electronic signal shielding to prevent electronic signal interference of the fire extinguishing devices contained therein,

g. Fire extinguishing device electronic programming module, transducer, transmission means,

f. Electrical bus, docking collar, for connection to the claim 50 unmanned, remote controlled, computer operated aerial fire fighting unit,

g. Retractable landing gear,

that when operated as a single unit in conjunction with claim 51, will provide the claim 51 unit with additional fire extinguishing devices.

48. A fixed wing aircraft, rotary wing aircraft, aircraft modified for fire fighting duty comprising:

a. Externally fitted, internally fitted, insulated ceramic tiles, or similar insulating material, to reduce, eliminate exposure of the heat associated with a fire environment, to the internal environment of the aircraft, aircraft operating systems, aircraft operators, whatever is contained within the aircraft, for operations above, proximate to, within, or in combination thereof, to the fire environment,

b. A second, non-load bearing, mechanical, collapsible hull, with a hull cavity comprising a collapsible interior hull section, collapsible exterior baffling, collapsible interior baffling, collapsible interior channels between the hulls, a means to extend the secondary hull outward from the hull, a means to retract the secondary hull to the hull,

wherein when the secondary hull is extended outward, from the hull, for the purpose of opening its channel and baffles to direct wind, updrafts, thermal updrafts away from the aircraft, to increase operating stability of an aircraft above, within a fire environment, high turbulence, thermal updraft turbulence, reducing shielding effect as understood by those skilled in the art of aerial fire fighting that affects the dispersal of fire suppressant materials from an aircraft.

49. A claim 48 fixed wing aircraft, rotary wing aircraft, aircraft modified for fire fighting duty further comprising:

a. An extending, retractable wind deflectors,

b. A means to extend the wind deflectors outward, downward from the hull,

c. A means to retract the wind deflectors to the hull,

wherein when the secondary hull is extended outward, from the hull, for the purpose of opening its channel and baffles to direct wind, updrafts, thermal updrafts away from the aircraft, to increase operating stability of an aircraft above, within a fire environment, high turbulence, thermal updraft turbulence, the retractable wind deflectors may be extended to increase wind, turbulence deflection.

59. A security means comprising smart technology to scan and digitize the finger of an authorized operator, that is linked to a software means where its memory comprises the fingerprints of all authorized operators, where that software will compare the scanned fingerprint against its data bank, as set forth in FIG. 158;

so that;

a. Where failing to recognize the fingerprint the system will record the time and place of the intrusion and transmit that along with the scanned fingerprint to its memory means and to a remote monitoring means, while disabling operation of the launching means, programming, and discharge of the encasement, and activate an alarm, until such time that it is operationally reset by an authorized operator, as set forth in FIG. 160;

b. Upon recognition of the scanned fingerprint the appropriate software program will randomly segment at least three discrete portions of the operator'"'"'s scanned fingerprint data, encrypt same, then cause such to be uploaded and incorporated into the programming sequence of an encasement and the launcher'"'"'s security verification means, that further comprises a security verification means that must authenticate the presence and accuracy of authorized fingerprint within the programming sequence before the encasement can be discharged from the launcher, as set forth in FIG. 160;

wherein upon recognition of the scanned fingerprint and working in conjunction the appropriate software program and a transmission means, will record the identification of the authorized operator, time, place, and duration of operation; and

cause such to be transmitted to a remote monitoring and programming means;

60. The fire extinguishing device of claim 59, as set forth in FIG. 212.

61. A scanning means comprising radar, micro-impulse radar, ultra-wide band radar, side-scan radar, acoustical, infra-red, laser, optical, thermal imaging or similar means that is independent of or incorporated into a launching or programming means, that can be directed to or within a structure to scan same, as set forth in FIGS. 145, 146, 147, and 148,

wherein, when linked with the appropriate software, the data from such scan will be used to produce a three-dimensional map of the scanned area, providing a to-scale layout of the area including walls, doors, windows, halls, areas and structures associated with e.g., an office tower, along with a three-dimensional grid of the thermal pattern within the scanned area, as set forth in FIG. 146.

62. The scanning device of claim 61, as set forth in FIG. 145.

63. A second encasement targeting means comprising the device of claim 61, where working in conjunction with the scan data produced resulting in the three-dimensional map of the scanned area and its thermal topography grid, and with the appropriate software program will determine the attack area or accept manual selection of the attack area, thereafter to determine the optimal and alternate attack route;

the number of required encasements, based upon the thermal range, its conflagration and size of the area targeted;

trajectory, obstruction position and avoidance route, further comprising a means to search for and target a thermal target or thermal range, with a means to identify and differentiate the thermal patterns within a conflagration, and to differentiate the thermal pattern of a human subject from that of the conflagration itself, while passing through same from Point A to Point C, as set forth in FIG. 149,

wherein being linked to the navigation and discharge means and using thermal detection, the search can be based upon a setting to detect the heat at or above XO C/F, heat and flame detection, or thermal range, where the expectancy of flame activity is safely presumed based upon the magnitude and intensity of the heat generated, so as to program the encasement to search for and deliver its fire extinguishment load as desired.