Airborne fire suppressant foam delivery apparatus
US5385208A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 13, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jan 31, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA62C35/023
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An airborne foam delivery apparatus is adapted to be carried as a slung bucket beneath a helicopter to deliver a high volume of fire suppressant foam for wildland firefighting. The delivery apparatus comprises a liquid tank for holding a foamable liquid. A support frame extends downward from the liquid tank to support the liquid tank above the ground during ground operations. Three nozzles are directed generally downwardly from beneath the liquid tank within a protective apron. A liquid valve is positioned between the liquid tank and the each nozzle. Each liquid valve is remotely operable to allow passage of the foamable liquid through the corresponding nozzle. A pressure regulator is connected to receive compressed air from gas containers mounted within the liquid tank, and to controllably discharge the compressed air into the liquid tank to maintain a positive regulated pressure within the liquid tank. The positive pressure expels the foamable liquid through tile nozzles when tile liquid valves are operated. An aerating screen is positioned beneath each nozzle to aerate and foam the foamable liquid as it emerges from the nozzle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.