Patent ID: 7434628
Filing Date: 2008-10-14
Classification: A62C

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for extinguishing a fire in an enclosed space ( 13 ), said apparatus comprising at least one container ( 3 ) for holding a fire extinguishing agent ( 16 ) at a pressure sufficient to keep said fire extinguishing agent liquified, said fire extinguishing agent gasifying at atmospheric pressure, said apparatus further comprising a pipe system ( 10 , 12 , 15 ) connecting an outlet ( 3 A) of said at least one container ( 3 ) to said enclosed space ( 13 ), a controllable flow control valve ( 5 ) in said pipe system ( 10 ) between said at least one container ( 3 ) and said enclosed space ( 13 ), a sensor unit ( 6 ) including an agent pressure sensor ( 20 ) for measuring a pressure of said fire extinguishing agent and an agent temperature sensor ( 21 ) for measuring a temperature of said fire extinguishing agent, said sensor unit ( 6 ) being positioned between said controllable flow control valve ( 5 ) and said outlet ( 3 A) of said at least one container ( 3 ), said apparatus further comprising a control unit ( 4 ) having a control output operatively connected to said controllable flow control valve ( 5 ) and an input ( 19 ) operatively connected to said sensor unit ( 6 ) for receiving any one of an agent temperature signal representing a temperature of said fire extinguishing agent exiting from said at least one container and an agent pressure signal representing a pressure of said fire extinguishing agent being discharged from said at least one container ( 3 ), wherein said control unit ( 4 ) controls a valve opening duration of said controllable flow control valve ( 5 ) in response to any one of said agent temperature signal and said agent pressure signal of said fire extinguishing agent so that a minimal concentration of fire extinguishing agent is maintained in said enclosed space sufficient to prevent a rekindling of said fire.