Improved methods and systems for operating moveable architectural elements (e.g., furniture) are described. The method includes receiving an indicator of a detection event. The method includes performing a movement of the moveable architectural element from a first position to a second position in response thereto, wherein the second position is selected to reduce an interference of the moveable architectural element with an alleviation system configured to alleviate the detection event. The detection event includes at least one of: fire, carbon monoxide, and smoke. The second position is selected based on a distance of the moveable architectural element from the alleviation system. The second position is selected based on an orientation of the moveable architectural element with respect to the alleviation system. Many other improvements and features are contemplated and described.

A pump intake pressure control apparatus includes a conduit joining a pump to a liquid source, a flow controller configured to control the flow of liquid through the conduit, pressure sensors for detecting the pressure of the liquid in the conduit upstream and downstream of the flow controller, and an electronic master controller programmed to receive input from the pressure sensors and to actuate the flow controller to reduce the pressure downstream of the flow controller to a predetermined approximate value.

A pump intake pressure control apparatus includes a conduit joining a pump to a liquid source, a flow controller configured to control the flow of liquid through the conduit, pressure sensors for detecting the pressure of the liquid in the conduit upstream and downstream of the flow controller, and an electronic master controller programmed to receive input from the pressure sensors and to actuate the flow controller to reduce the pressure downstream of the flow controller to a predetermined approximate value.

A first responder decontamination system, method, and apparatus comprising of a fluid supply in fluidic connection with a pipe further connected to a fluid dispenser, a valve for providing the fluid to the fluid dispenser from the fluid supply, a mounting bracket for adjustably mounting the fluid dispenser to a vehicle, and a pump configured to control pressure of the fluid supply. The fluid supply can be used to decontaminate first responders exiting a contaminated area.

A first responder decontamination system, method, and apparatus comprising of a fluid supply in fluidic connection with a pipe further connected to a fluid dispenser, a valve for providing the fluid to the fluid dispenser from the fluid supply, a mounting bracket for adjustably mounting the fluid dispenser to a vehicle, and a pump configured to control pressure of the fluid supply. The fluid supply can be used to decontaminate first responders exiting a contaminated area.

A first responder decontamination system, method, and apparatus comprising of a fluid supply in fluidic connection with a pipe further connected to a fluid dispenser, a valve r providing the fluid to the fluid dispenser from the fluid supply, a mounting bracket for adjustably mounting the fluid dispenser to a vehicle, and a pump configured to control pressure of the fluid supply. The fluid supply can be used to decontaminate first responders exiting a contaminated area.

A first responder decontamination system, method, and apparatus comprising of a fluid supply in fluidic connection with a pipe further connected to a fluid dispenser, a valve r providing the fluid to the fluid dispenser from the fluid supply, a mounting bracket for adjustably mounting the fluid dispenser to a vehicle, and a pump configured to control pressure of the fluid supply. The fluid supply can be used to decontaminate first responders exiting a contaminated area.

A nuclear reactor chamber comprises an inlet portion. The chamber is a part of a nuclear power plant. At least one container contains liquid nitrogen and cold nitrogen vapor and includes an outlet portion. At least one thermally activated release mechanism is respectively connected between one of the at least one container and the inlet portion. Each thermally activated release mechanism is configured to release the liquid nitrogen from a connected container into the inlet portion when a predetermined safety threshold temperature is reached, so that the released liquid nitrogen produces an expanding volume of cold nitrogen vapor within the nuclear reactor chamber.

A fire retarding missile and method of use having a unitary construction and containing a propulsion system as well as fire treatment materials. Dispersal of the materials can be initiated both actively and passively, with passive dispersal allowing for a fail safe mode of operation. The fire treatment materials are of the oxygen reduction type, and the method of the invention is to target the hot spot of a fire in order to reduce the spread and intensity thereof. An active guidance system may be of the heat seeking type, or may alternatively be remote controlled video. Stabilizer and guidance fins are controlled in response to signals from the guidance system in order to precisely position the device. In one embodiment, the device can be broken down to allow for easy replacement of certain components. The device can be modified for use in fires of specific heat ranges by using nose cones designed to melt in a respective heat range.

A fire retarding missile and method of use having a unitary construction and containing a propulsion system as well as fire treatment materials. Dispersal of the materials can be initiated both actively and passively, with passive dispersal allowing for a fail safe mode of operation. The fire treatment materials are of the oxygen reduction type, and the method of the invention is to target the hot spot of a fire in order to reduce the spread and intensity thereof. An active guidance system may be of the heat seeking type, or may alternatively be remote controlled video. Stabilizer and guidance fins are controlled in response to signals from the guidance system in order to precisely position the device. In one embodiment, the device can be broken down to allow for easy replacement of certain components. The device can be modified for use in fires of specific heat ranges by using nose cones designed to melt in a respective heat range.