Abstract:
A fire suppressant system having a pipe system, spray nozzles connected to the pipe system and a control system for selectively charging the pipe system with foam. The control system includes a pilot line for generating a signal based upon sensing an environmental parameter and a first control valve for activating the system based upon the signal. Preferably, the first control valve forms i) an interior cavity for mixing the compressed air and compressed air liquid, ii) an outlet in fluid communication with the interior; iii) a first inlet, oriented substantially perpendicular to a flow through the outlet, in fluid communication with the interior and the compressed air; and iv) a second inlet, oriented substantially perpendicular to the flow, in fluid communication with the interior and the compressed air liquid.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/737,918, filed Nov. 18, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/764,501 filed Feb. 1, 2006, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The subject disclosure relates to systems for automatic fire suppression, and more particularly to an improved system for automatically delivering compressed air foam (CAF) to a hazard area that is typically difficult to safely and properly access. The systems are also effective for delivering foam and like substances to cover and control biohazards.  
         [0004]     2. Background of the Related Art  
         [0005]     For centuries, man has battled unwanted fires. As technology has developed, the fire fighting techniques have matured from the bucket brigade to highly specialized vehicles, systems and chemicals. However, in many instances such as off-shore drilling platforms, boats, bulldozers and the like, access to water distribution networks or access by firefighting vehicles is not available along with other technical challenges. When a fire is relatively small, use of portable fire extinguishers is common. Further, depending upon the source of the fire, water may not be an appropriate agent for suppression. As such, emergency vehicles and portable extinguishers often deliver foam, non-water solutions, water with chemical additives for additional suppression capability and the like.  
         [0006]     Use of portable extinguishers from hand-held versions and larger cart-like versions have been widely used and well understood in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,881,817 and 6,089,324 to Mahrt, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, disclose a portable fire suppression system using cold compressed air foam. The portable system includes a manifold with a mixing chamber for expanding and accelerating the foam through the manifold by injecting cold compressed air adjacent the manifold inlet and at a 68 degree angle relative to the flow direction.  
         [0007]     Technology continues to evolve in the area of fire suppression. An exemplary technique is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,225 to Crampton (the Crampton patent), which is incorporated herein by reference. The Crampton patent discloses a rotary nozzle for a CAF fire extinguishing system. In a preferred embodiment, two orifices of unequal size are provided on opposite sides of the lower part of a tubular barrel with closed ends. As a result of the asymmetrical disposition of the two orifices with respect to the axis of rotation of the barrel, jets are directed downwards, tangentially to the axis of rotation of the barrel, causing the barrel to rotate about its axis.  
         [0008]     Another exemplary device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,463 to Ponte (the Ponte patent), which is incorporated herein by reference. The Ponte patent discloses a concealed or covered sprinkler for a conventional (e.g., water-supplied) fire prevention system. When the ambient temperature exceeds the melting point of a solder joint, leaf springs force the sprinkler cover open and, moreover, when the ambient temperature exceeds the release temperature of a thermally responsive structure, a lever structure forces a cap from an orifice through which pressurized water is forced.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,113 to Pierce, incorporated herein by reference, discloses an automatic foam fire extinguishing system comprising a source of pressurized foam, a distribution system for distributing air and the foam, and a plurality of sprinkler heads that dispense the air and foam.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 3,441,086 to Barnes, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a water-powered fire-fighting foam generator and a dispensing nozzle. In a preferred embodiment, pressurized foam solution travels through a passageway into a pair of reaction nozzles that spray the foam solution onto the inner surface of a perforated, cylindrical wall. The force of the solution causes the reaction nozzles and, consequently, the axial flow fan to rotate. As the axial flow fan rotates, it forces air down and then radially outward through the perforations in the cylindrical wall.  
         [0011]     Further, advances in technology are often gained by study and use of hazardous or infectious materials such as carcinogens and active virus cultures. As a result of handling such highly toxic and/or dangerous substances, suppression systems are needed to cover and/or control such substances. Although effective suppressants have been developed, an improved system for delivering these suppressants is needed.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     Despite these advances, there are problems associated with the prior art. Manual fire extinguishers are very mobile but if the fire is consuming the area, danger, injury and even death must be risked by the personnel in their efforts to deploy the fire suppressant. Further, the delivery mechanism have control mechanisms that are unduly complex and damage the fire suppressing properties of CAF when passed therethrough.  
         [0013]     In view of the above, there is a need for an improved fire suppression system which automatically activates with a simple, effective and reliable trigger mechanism to remove the danger of human operation. Further, a fire suppression system that is fully mobile for application on boats, other vehicles and locations without access to water distribution. Preferably, the system has a simple yet effective control mechanism for activation. Moreover, the system would prevent significant property damage. Preferably, the fire suppression system delivers a clean agent such as CAF that will cling to vertical surfaces and cools to prevent reflash. Further, a nozzle for delivering CAF and use in the trigger mechanism that has reliable operation in response to a change in an environmental parameter would be an improvement over the prior art.  
         [0014]     In another embodiment, the system is used to cover and control one or more biohazards in an environment such as a laboratory.  
         [0015]     In another embodiment, the system is design to vigorously generate CAF for release while being a simple and efficient design.  
         [0016]     In one embodiment, the system distributes foam over a hazard area and includes a pipe system, a plurality of spray nozzles connected to the pipe system for delivering a pattern of the fire suppressant to the hazard area and a control system connected to the pipe system for selectively charging the pipe system with the foam, wherein the control system includes a pilot line connected to the control system for generating a signal based upon sensing at least one environmental parameter and a first control valve for activating the system based upon the signal. Preferably, the environmental parameter is selected from the group consisting of heat, smoke, CO 2  level and combinations thereof. It is further preferably that the first control valve forms i) an interior cavity for mixing the compressed air and compressed air liquid, ii) an outlet in fluid communication with the interior; iii) a first inlet, oriented substantially perpendicular to a flow through the outlet, in fluid communication with the interior and the compressed air; and iv) a second inlet, oriented substantially perpendicular to the flow, in fluid communication with the interior and the compressed air liquid.  
         [0017]     It should be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented and utilized in numerous ways, including without limitation as a process, an apparatus, a system, a device, and a method for applications now known and later developed. These and other unique features of the system disclosed herein will become more readily apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]     So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed system appertains will more readily understand how to make and use the same, reference may be had to the accompanying drawings.  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  illustrates a system for distributing a suppressant over a hazard area in accordance with the subject technology.  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  illustrates still another system for distributing a suppressant over a hazard area in accordance with the subject technology.  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  illustrates yet another system for distributing a suppressant over a hazard area in accordance with the subject technology.  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  illustrates another system for distributing a suppressant over a hazard area in accordance with the subject technology.  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  illustrates still another system for distributing a suppressant over a hazard area in accordance with the subject technology.  
         [0024]      FIG. 5A  is a somewhat schematic representation of a control panel for use in a system in accordance with the subject invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 6  illustrates still another system for distributing a suppressant over a hazard area in accordance with the subject technology.  
         [0026]      FIG. 7  illustrates still another system for distributing a suppressant over a hazard area in accordance with the subject technology.  
         [0027]      FIG. 7A  is a somewhat schematic representation of a control panel for use in a system in accordance with the subject invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the mixing manifold valve of  FIGS. 7 and 7 A.  
         [0029]     FIGS.  9 A-E are various views of alternative arrangements for configuring a mixing manifold valve for use with the subject technology. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0030]     The present invention overcomes many of the prior art problems associated with suppression systems for fire, biohazards and the like. The advantages, and other features of the systems disclosed herein, will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodiments of the present invention and wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural elements whenever possible.  
         [0031]     Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated embodiments can be understood as providing exemplary features of varying detail of certain embodiments, and therefore, unless otherwise specified, features, components, modules, elements, and/or aspects of the illustrations can be otherwise combined, interconnected, sequenced, separated, interchanged, positioned, and/or rearranged without materially departing from the disclosed systems or methods. Additionally, the shapes and sizes of components are illustrative and exemplary, and unless otherwise specified, can be altered without materially affecting or limiting the disclosed technology. All relative descriptions herein such as left, right, up, and down are with reference to the Figures, and not meant in a limiting sense. Additionally, for clarity common items such as regualtors, filters, solenoids, drains, valves and the like may not have been included in the Figures as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.  
         [0032]     Now referring to  FIG. 1 , a system for distributing a fire suppressant over a hazard area, e.g., a room, is referred to generally by the reference numeral  100 . The system  100  is preferably located in an unobtrusive location such as a corner  102 . A pipe network  104  extends from the corner  102  over the area in which fire suppression will be supplied, i.e., the hazard area. The pipe network  104  also extends to a CAF supply  106  and to a nitrogen supply (not shown) such that CAF from the CAF supply  106  can be selectively delivered to the hazard area. Preferably, the nitrogen tank has a regulator and guage  108  for allowing easy reading of the pressure therein. Further, the CAF supply system  106  has a redundant supply  107  of compressed air (e.g., two tanks) such that either tank can be used alone to empty the CAF vessel  109 . A manifold  111  mixes the compressed air from the supply  107  with the solution of the CAF supply system  106  to create the CAF.  
         [0033]     A pilot line  110  of the pipe network  104  has two fusible link sprinkler headz  112 . In other embodiments, there are one or a plurality of fusible link sprinkler heads  112 . The sprinkler heads  112  preferably are activated in response to excessive heat. In another embodiment, the pilot line  110  has at least one fixed temperature detector to generate a signal based upon sensing one or more environmental parameter. For example, the environmental parameter can be heat, smoke, CO 2  level, presence of a particular biohazard and the like in various combinations. Based upon a change of condition (inactive to active for the fusible link sprinkler heads  112 ) or a signal change, as the case may be, a control system  114  fully activates the system  100  by charging the pipe network  104  with CAF. When the pipe network  104  is charged, a plurality of open spray nozzles  116  deliver the CAF in a pattern over the hazard area.  
         [0034]     The control system  114  has a control valve  118  connected intermediate the mixing manifold  111  and the pilot line  110  for activating the system  100  such that when the control valve  118  is open, CAF from the CAF supply  106  is allowed to enter the pipe network  104  and exit over the hazard area via the nozzles  112 ,  116 . The control system  114  also includes a manual shut-off valve  120  connected in the pipe network  104  between the CAF supply  106  and the control valve  118 . The control system  114  further includes a low air pressure switch  122  in the normally pressurized pilot line  110  for determining when pressure drops in the pilot line  110 , i.e., when the fusible link sprinkler heads  112  enter an active mode. In this embodiment, it is envisioned that the signal from the low air pressure switch  122  is relayed to a microprocessor controller (not shown) for additional processing such as notification of proper authorities, triggering an audible alarm or even actuating the system  100  and the like.  
       Inactive Mode  
       [0035]     When inactive, the pilot line  110  is pressurized by connection to the nitrogen tank by line  124 . The fusible link sprinkler heads  112  are sealed and, thus, pressure in the pilot line  110  is maintained. As a result, the low air pressure switch  122  would indicate that the pilot line  110  is pressurized properly. This pressurized condition maintains the control valve  118  closed. The manual shut-off valve  120  is open such that opening of the control valve  118  will allow release of CAF from the CAF supply  106 . Further, the control valve  118  being normally closed allows the nozzles  116  to be normally open. In another embodiment, the nozzles  116  are also heat or otherwise activated. Of course, the system  100  could be configured with normally closed nozzles  116  that are actuated individually instead of the control valve  118  as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.  
       Active Mode  
       [0036]     The system  100  switches from inactive to active upon excessive heat being present at the fusible link sprinkler heads  112 . The heat opens the sprinkler heads  112  to release nitrogen such that a pressure drop occurs in the pilot line  110 . In response to the pressure drop, the low air pressure switch  122  triggers an alarm condition. The alarm condition may include warning lights (not shown), sirens (not shown), an automatic contact message being sent to a proper authority and other like indicia of the alarm condition. The drop in pressure within the pilot line  110  also pnuematically triggers the control valve  118  to open. As a result, the CAF stored in the CAF supply  106  begins to flow into the pipe network  104 , including the pilot line  110 , and exit out the nozzles  112 ,  116  on to the hazard area. To shut the delivery of CAF off, the manual shut-off valve  120  is simply closed.  
         [0037]     In another embodiment, the shut-off valve  120  is not manual and operation thereof is controlled remotely. In another embodiment, a nitrogen supply is not needed, rather the compressed air tanks  107  or downstream CAF are used to pressurize the pilot line  110 . Preferably, in this version the flow and pressure are limited in the pilot line  110  by a regulator, orifice or like elements in order to preserve the compressed air and/or CAF.  
         [0038]     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , another embodiment of a fire suppression system in accordance with the subject technology is indicated generally by the reference numeral  200 . The system  200  is similar to the system  100  described above in many respects, and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “2” instead of the numerals “1” are used to indicate like elements. The primary difference of the system  200  is an electronically activated trigger mechanism as opposed to completely pneumatically actuation. For brevity, the following description is directed to the primary differences.  
         [0039]     The control system  214  includes a control panel  252  having a processor (not explicitly shown). The control panel  252  receives and processes signals in accordance with the subject technology as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art. The control system  214  connects to a sensor(s)  215  such as a heat detector or detector wire by a line  250 . The sensor generates a signal that is received by the control panel  252 . The control panel  252  analyzes the signal from the sensor and based upon the signal, controls a solenoid valve  254 . The solenoid  254  converts the electrical signal from the control panel  252  into a pneumatic change (e.g., a pressure drop) at the control valve  218 . As a result, the pipe network  204  of the system  200  is charged with CAF that escapes via the nozzles  216  on to the hazard area. It is envisioned that the control system  314  could be housed within a cabinet, on a panel or similar to that as shown.  
         [0040]     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , another embodiment of a fire suppression system in accordance with the subject technology is indicated generally by the reference numeral  300 . The system  300  is similar to the systems  100 ,  200  described above, and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “3” instead of the numerals “2” or “1” are used to indicate like elements whenever possible. The primary difference of the system  300  is the use of fully automated fusible link sprinkler heads  312  at all locations over the hazard area. It is envisioned that only a portion of nozzles  312  of the system  300  may activate at any given time depending on the ferocity and distribution of the heat in the hazard area. As a result of the pipe network  304  having only fusible link sprinkler heads  312 , the control system  314  is simplified. The control system  314  includes a flow alarm  360  for providing an audible and/or visual alarm as well as potentially providing an alarm signal to a remote location. A drain line  362  is also provided so that the pipe network  304  can be drained after use and testing.  
         [0041]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , another system  400  in accordance with the subject technology is shown. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the system  400  utilizes the same principles described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “4” instead of the numeral “1”, are used to indicate like elements. The primary difference of the system  400  is that the system  400  is configured to cover a hazard area with only four nozzles  416  and includes an activation panel  460 .  
         [0042]     Although shown as adjacent the nozzles  416 , four IR detectors  415  form two zones and provide information on the zones to the activation panel  460 . In response to the signals from the IR detectors  415 , the activation panel  460  selectively activates a respective solenoid  454  to switch the control valve  418  between active and inactive modes. Preferably, the nozzles  416  rotate to expand the covered area. Flow lines  461  provide pressurized nitrogen from tanks  462  to the nozzles  416  for powering the rotational movement without reducing the pressure of the delivered CAF.  
       Control Panel  
       [0043]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , another system  500  in accordance with the subject technology is shown. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the system  500  utilizes the same principles described above. The primary difference of the system  500  is in the control panel  552 . The system  500  also has a redundant automated trigger mechanism similar to that of  FIG. 6  described below, which is not described here to avoid undue repetition.  
         [0044]     Referring now to  FIG. 5A , the control panel  552  is illustrated somewhat schematically. The control panel  552  is substantially contained in a metal enclosure (not shown) and connects to the nozzles  517 ,  518  by piping  502  for delivering CAF from the source along arrow  530 . A control valve  509  selectively opens to release the CAF. The flow of CAF to the control valve  509  can be shut off by either of two ball valves  502 A,  502 B. To initially set up the control panel  552 , ball valve  502 A is closed and ball valve  502 B is opened to allow CAF to pass into piping  522 . A restrictor  504  limits flow and a check valve  505  prevents backflow. Further, a pressure regulator  508  drops the supply pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure regulator  508  drops the supply pressure from about 160 lb. to about 45 lb. Thus, the 45 lb pressure is applied to the top side of the control valve  509  to close the control valve  509 . Once closed, ball valve  502 A can be opened and the control valve  509  will otherwise remain closed. Piping  522  includes a gauge  512  to allow reading the pressure therein.  
         [0045]     To activate the system, a pressure switch  511  in the piping  522  further indicates a pressure drop and can provide a signal related to same. Piping  522  is connected to a release valve (not shown) or pilot line (not shown) such that upon sensing of heat, the pressure therein is dropped to open the control valve  509  and thus activate the system  500  attached thereto. A manual emergency activation valve  510  allows activating the system by creating a pressure drop upon actuation in a manner well known to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.  
         [0046]     Referring to  FIG. 6 , another system  600  having another modified control panel  652  in accordance with the subject technology is shown. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the panel  600  utilizes many of the same principles described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “6” instead of the numeral “5”, are used to indicate like elements whenever possible. A primary enhancement of the system  600  is a redundant automatic trigger mechanisms and dual control valves  609 A,  609 B.  
         [0047]     One trigger mechanism is an electric heat detector  619  that activates a solenoid  616  to lower pressure on the top side of the control valves  609 A,  609 B. When top side pressure on the control valves  609 A,  609 B is reduced, the control valves  609 A,  609 B open to allow CAF to pass into the fixed piping  602  having nozzles  618  disposed therein. A second trigger mechanism is a pneumatic pilot line  621  having fixed temperature sensors  617 . In one embodiment, the fixed temperature sensors  617  mechanically release to reduce top side pressure on the control valves  609 A,  609 B in response to elevated pressure.  
         [0048]     Still referring to  FIG. 6 , another primary enhancement of the panel  600  is that the panel  600  has relocated the ½″ Watt Pressure Regulator  608  and the secondary additional CAF Control Valve  609 B with associated CAF Manifold  620 . The CAF Control Valves  609 A,  609 B are separately connected to the compressed air (not shown) and foam supply (not shown). When both CAF Control Valves  609  are actuated, compressed air and foam supply are fed into the CAF Manifold  620 . Thus, the compressed air foam is created downstream of the CAF Control Valves  609 , which can cause diminished performance of the compressed air foam when passing therethrough.  
         [0049]     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 7 A, another embodiment of a fire suppression system  700  and control panel  714 , respectively, are shown. The system  700  is similar to the systems described above, and therefore like reference numerals are used to indicate like elements whenever possible. The primary difference of the system  700  is the control panel  714  having a modified control valve  709 A that serves to activate the system  700  as well as mix the compressed air with CAF solution. Piping  750  extends from the control valve  709 B such that when  709 B is activated to allow compressed air there through, the compressed air enters the control valve  709 A via piping  750 . When the control valve  709 A is activated, the CAF solution also enters the control valve  709 A via piping  752  and mixes with the compressed air therein. The CAF resulting from the mixing within the control valve  709 A is distributed through piping  754 . As a result of the modified control valve  709 A, the control system  714  is simplified in that a separate manifold is not required. In another embodiment, the control valve  709 B is not required and the compressed air is simply plumbed directly to the modified control valve  709 A. The system  700  also includes a restrictor  781  and check valve  782 .  
         [0050]     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a cross-sectional view of the mixing manifold control valve  709 A of  FIGS. 7 and 7 A is shown. The modified control valve  709 A includes a housing  760  defining an interior  762  in communication with inlets and outlets. A first inlet  764  is connected to the CAF foam supply by the piping  752  and a second inlet  768  is connected to the compressed air supply by the piping  750 . A first outlet  766  is connected to the fixed piping  754  having spray nozzles  718  and a combination inlet/outlet  770  is connected to the pilot line  721 .  
         [0051]     As described above, the control valve  709 A is normally-open but a pressure in the pilot line  721  and, in turn, combination inlet/outlet  770  maintains a passageway from the first inlet  764  and second inlet  768  to the first outlet  766  and combination inlet/outlet  770  blocked. To open the passageway and thereby allow the compressed air and CAF to mix in the interior  762 , a valve member  772  moves linearly from the closed to open position (e.g., inactive to active). Preferably, the first inlet  764  is aligned with the combination inlet/outlet  770 . In contrast, the first outlet  766  and second inlet  768  are not only substantially perpendicular to the axis  774  but also substantially perpendicular with respect to each other. Thus, the compressed air and CAF solution enter the interior  762  at right angles with respect to each other and mix vigorously in the interior  762  to provide a thick CAF.  
         [0052]     Referring now to FIGS.  9 A-E, several additional embodiments of modified mixing control valves are shown. As would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, FIGS.  9 A-E are drawn in somewhat schematic form to clearly illustrate the necessary concepts and further elaboration is not required as the actual fabrication would be well within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art based upon review of the subject disclosure.  
         [0053]     Referring now particularly to  FIG. 9A , an alternative arrangement of a control valve  960 A is shown having a T-shaped connector  964 A to defined the additional inlet  962 A. The T-shaped connector  964 A attaches to the valve outlet  966 A. When the control valve  960 A opens along with the valve (not shown but controlling the compressed air), the compressed air and CAF solution vigorously mixes within the T-shaped connector  964 A to provide the CAF via outlet  974 A. Additionally, the control valve  960 A defines an inlet  972 A for the CAF solution and a pilot opening  972 A in communication with the pilot piping (not shown) to actuate the valve  960 A. Again, any detrimental effects from passing the CAF through the control valve  960 A are overcome by having the creation of the CAF occur downstream therefrom. Moreover, a separate manifold to mix the components of CAF is not required but rather a simple T-shaped connector  964 A.  
         [0054]      FIG. 9B  illustrates another alternative similarly simplified arrangements for using a T-shaped connector  964 B with a control valve  960 B and like reference numerals having a “B” appended instead of an “A” are utilized to identify like parts. The T-shaped connector  964  is mounted so that the compressed air is substantially perpendicular to the flow of CAF as opposed axially aligned with the flow of CAF.  FIGS. 9C and 9D  illustrate still additional embodiment to utilize a T-shaped connector  964 C,  964 D with a valve  960 C,  960 D, respectively. Like reference numerals have a respective “C” or “D” appended instead of an “A” or “B” to identify like parts. It is noted that in each case the compressed air inlet  962 C,  962 D would indicate an in-flow oriented into the page of the respective figure.  
         [0055]     Referring now to  FIG. 11E , still another version of a control valve  960 E is shown with the numeral “E” appended to like reference numbers. The control valve  960 E has a housing that defines the compressed air inlet  962 E, the CAF solution inlet  970 E, the pilot opening  972 E and the CAF outlet  966 E. Accordingly, the mixing occurs within the valve  960 E and a separate T-shaped connector or manifold is not required.  
         [0056]     It would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that linear and rotary, normally-closed, normally-open and like control valves could be easily adapted to provide the benefits and features described herein and such modifications are well within the contemplated scope of the subject technology.  
         [0057]     It is envisioned that the subject technology has wide application. In another embodiment, an indoor fire suppression system and an outdoor fire suppression system in accordance with the subject disclosure share a single CAF source. Another application for the subject technology is in skyscrapers. For a skyscraper, each floor can have an independent suppression system to alleviate the need for long vertical supply pipes which if broken cannot provide fire suppression as intended. Another application is fire suppression in the engine compartment of logging and other heavy industrial equipment to preserve the equipment, allow safe shutdown and prevent injury to workers. For another example, the subject technology may be used to cover and/or control release of a biohazard in a laboratory. Such a system would blanket the laboratory with a disinfecting agent that encapsulates to contain release of the substance. In still another embodiment, the control panel is self powered by one or more of a battery, solar power, wind power and the like. In another embodiment, the heat detection sensor is a UV or IR heat detector.  
         [0058]     While the invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, aqueous film forming foam, halogen and the like may be delivered by systems in accordance with the subject technology as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based upon review of the subject disclosure.