Abstract
An intelligent method of fighting a forest or brush fire in a remote area including the steps of targeting the remote area by means of an aerial surveillance device and generating a map of the forest or brush fire. The method also includes the step of delivering a plurality of containers to the remote area. Each container contains a fire retardant material and an explosive device. Each of container has a GPS locating device. a position transmitting device and a remote detonating device electronically coupled to the explosive device. The method further includes the steps of locating the position of each container, selecting according to a plan which of the containers are to be selected to be detonated and remotely detonating the selected containers. The forest or brush fire can be either extinguished or contained in an intelligent manner. An individual generates the plan according to which of said containers are to be selected to be detonated in order to maximize effectiveness of said intelligent method.
Claims
1. An intelligent method of fighting a forest or brush fire in a remote area comprising the steps of: a. targeting the remote area by means of an aerial surveillance device and generating a map of the forest or brush fire; b. delivering a plurality of containers to the remote area wherein each of said containers contains a fire retardant material and an explosive device and wherein each of said containers has a GPS locating device. a position transmitting device and a remote detonating device electronically coupled to said explosive device; c. locating the position of each of said containers on said map and selecting according a plan to which of said containers are to be detonated whereby an individual generates the plan according to which of said containers are to be selected to be detonated in order to maximize effectiveness of said intelligent method; and d. remotely detonating said selected containers whereby the forest or brush fire can be either extinguished or contained in an intelligent manner.
Description
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a housing included in a fire-fighting system according to U.S. Pat. No. 7,261,165.
[0049] FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing the internal structure of the housing shown in FIG. 1.
[0050] FIG. 3 is a perspective front view of a barometric-activated fire-extinguishing bomb according to U.S. Pat. No. 8,746,355.
[0051] FIG. 4 is a side cross-section of the barometric-activated fire-extinguishing bomb of FIG. 4 which has a programmable controller.
[0052] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the programmable controller of FIG. 4.
[0053] FIG. 6 is a first schematic drawing of an aircraft with multiple grenade launching capability flying over a forest or bush fire front showing designated target areas for the grenades according to the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 7 is a second schematic drawing of an aircraft with multiple grenade launching capability flying over a forest or bush fire front showing designated target areas for the grenades according to the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 8 is a perspective front view of one of the grenades of FIG. 6.
[0056] FIG. 9 is a side cross-section of the grenade of FIG. 8.
[0057] FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing of one of the grenades of FIG. 6 which has an explosive charge detonator, a flame retardant charge, a remote detonation device, a GPS device and a position transmitter.
[0058] FIG. 11 is a schematic drawing of the block diagram of remote detonating system according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0059] Referring to FIG. 1 in conjunction with FIG. 2 a unit 10 for fighting forest fires. The unit 10 is carried to a target location on an airplane or on a helicopter and is then dropped into the fire. The unit 10 will fall through the fire and any trees or the like that may be located in the drop zone and impact the ground. Upon impact the unit 10 will open and disperse fire-smothering chemicals on the ground. This ground-located dispersion will smother the fire at its source and will remain in place even after the fire is extinguished. This feature of the unit 10 will reduce, if not totally eliminate, re-ignition of an extinguished fire. Brush, trees or the like are not likely to interfere with the dropping of the unit 10 so accuracy will be enhanced.
[0060] Referring still to FIG. 1 in conjunction with FIG. 2 the unit 10 includes a housing unit 12 which can be formed of either stainless steel or fiberglass. The housing unit 12 includes a first part 14 and a second part 15 and a coupling element 16 releasably coupling the first part to the second part. The coupling element 16 can include a bolt 18 having a head 20 and a threaded end 22 to which a nut 24 is threadably attached. The two parts 14 and 15 of the housing unit 12 can be separated from each other after the coupling element 16 is released so chemicals can be placed in the housing unit 12. An O-ring 26 can be interposed between the two parts of the housing unit 12 to ensure proper sealing of the housing unit. The housing unit 10 further includes a hollow interior volume 30 which is adapted to contain a fire-smothering chemical, a first end 32, a second end 34 and a support structure 36 in interior volume 30. The support structure 36 can be a shelf-like element mounted on the housing unit 12. An explosive unit 40 is mounted on the housing unit and includes an explosive charge 42 supported on support structure 36 inside the hollow interior volume. The exact nature of the explosive charge is not important to the instant invention and those skilled in the art will understand the type and size of the explosive charge based on the teaching of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the details of explosive charge 42 will not be presented. An explosive charge detonator system 50 includes a detonator cap 52 on the explosive charge and a plurality of spaced apart detonator pins 54 located on second end 34 of the housing unit. Each of the detonator pins is connected to the detonator cap to ignite the detonator cap upon impact with the ground. The detonator pins being spaced apart from each other so the explosion can be initiated upon any section of second end 34 impacting the ground. A housing 56 is located adjacent to the explosive charge and has walls 58 that enclose the explosive charge in all areas except one. The open area is indicated in FIG. 2 as area 60. Area 60 is located to direct an explosion associated with the explosive charge toward the second end of the housing unit upon explosion of the explosive charge as indicated by arrow 64. The explosion associated with the explosive charge causes the first part of the housing unit to separate from the second part of the housing unit and causes the fire-smothering chemical located inside the hollow interior of the housing unit to be dispensed and dispersed from the thus opened housing unit. A support system 70 is located on first end 32 of the housing unit. Support system 70 includes airbrakes 72 releasably coupled to the housing unit by bolts 74 or the like. In use, the unit 10 is suspended from an aircraft and transported to a fire site. Once at a target site, the unit 10 is released from the aircraft and drops to the ground. The unit 10 will fall through trees and brush so it will contact the ground. The air brake system ensures that the housing unit will fall in an orientation that ensures second end 34 striking the ground. As soon as second end 34 of the unit 10, one or more of the detonator pins will cause explosive charge 42 to detonate thereby separating the two parts of the housing unit from each other and dispersing any fire-smothering chemical stored inside the housing unit over the target area. Filling housing unit 10 and locating the explosive charge inside the housing unit is facilitated by the separable nature of the two parts of the housing unit
[0061] Referring to FIG. 3 in conjunction with FIG. 4 an altitude-activated fire-extinguishing bomb 110 can be pre-programmed to explode anywhere within a range of 2-200 feet above the tree line, using a high-speed laser or barometric-altimeter detonation with reference to backup GPS data to ensure failsafe detonation. Upon mid-air detonation the fire-extinguishing bomb expels a fire suppressant or retardant, a dry environmentally-friendly fire-retardant powder with no toxicity and fertilizer properties over a consistently-uniform area. The fire-extinguishing bomb payload may alternately be any suitable dry chemical agent such as Williams' PKW which is a potassium bicarbonate based agent, or a liquid such as either Halotron or water. Guar Guar gum can be added so the liquid will stick to leaves. The device can be used for both fire suppression and fire retarding. The altitude-activated fire-extinguishing bomb is substantially biodegradable cardboard and after detonation it presents no environmental problem. Alternatively, it can be readily recovered by a GPS locator and reused, thereby increasing economy and reducing environmental concerns. The bomb 110 generally includes a hollow cylindrical canister 120 formed of rupturable material, preferably corrugated cardboard or thin plastic. The cylindrical canister 120 is topped by an aerodynamic weighted tip 140 at one end, and a tail section 130 at the other end, both of which maintain a vertical trajectory. A programmable controller 160 is panel-mounted exteriorly on the tail section 130 or in some other place. The bomb 110 may be dropped from a cargo airplane at speed or a stationery helicopter right over the target. The bomb 110 is envisioned as being recoverable and reusable, or non-recoverable, depending on preference. In the latter case corrugated cardboard is preferred for its biodegradability, and with a laminated internal film liner if a liquid suppressant/retardant is to be used. For a recoverable/reusable variation, it is possible to use a conventional one-piece seamless 500 gallon (or larger or smaller) chemical storage drum rotationally-molded of UV-resistant low density polyethylene, with thick translucent wall for easy product level viewing. The polyethylene may be molded or score with seams to help ensure uniform rupture. In both cases dimensions are a matter of design choice, though exemplary dimensions are 46 wide by 75 tall, with full 46 removable fill caps at each end. One skilled in the art will understand that canister 20 may be formed of any other suitable rupturable material including high density plastic, acrylic, high or low density plastic including PETG plastic, wood, fiberglass or any other suitable material.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 4 an internal framework 122 is inserted into the canister 120. The internal framework 122 is a suitable three-dimensional structure for supporting and withstanding an explosive charge 124 at the center of canister 120 while it is filled with suppressant/retardant. The illustrated framework 122 includes a series of thick struts converging from the center of canister 120 outward to its inner walls, and leaving an open area at its center. The framework 122 is made of Kevlar or other substantially explosion-proof material, and the struts are as thin (approximately ) but wide (6-10) to securely cradle the explosive charge 124 without obstructing or absorbing the blast. The framework 122 has screw-threaded mounting collars 126 and 127 at both ends both oriented along the axis of the canister 120 for mounting the cone-tip 140 and tail section 130. The cone tip 140 is weighted, water filled, and may be a rupturable hollow closed cone with overhanging lip that fits over the canister 120, and attaches centrally thereto by screw-insertion of a screw-receptacle 142 onto screw-threaded mounting collar 127 of framework 122. The cone tip 140 is purely for weighting/aerodynamics in order to maintain a vertical orientation during free fall, and also serves to sandwich and center internal framework 122 within canister 120. Similarly, tail section 130 is a screw-on cap bearing a threaded collar 132 that attaches onto screw-threaded mounting collar 126 of framework 122. The tail section 130 is also for aerodynamics and supports three or four radially-mounted foils around the periphery of the canister 120 for maintaining a vertical line in flight. The tails section 130 also serves to sandwich and center internal framework 122 within canister 120. In addition, tail section 130 provides a mounting for the controller 160 which is tucked in behind the canister 120. Programmable controller 160 has an on/off switch that serves as an activation control.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 5 in conjunction with FIG. 4 the controller 160 is connectable by internal wires 162 to a detonator 150 connected to an explosive charge 24 at the center of canister 120. The internal wires 162 are internally coupled by connector 164 so that the internal connection can be made prior to screw-coupling the tail section 30 to canister 120. One skilled in the art should understand that the internal wires 162 may be integrally molded into framework 122, and connector 164 may be anywhere along their length (otherwise than exactly as shown). Alternatively, wires 162 may be replaced with wireless capability such as radio frequency, Bluetooth or other known wireless protocols. With the framework 122 inserted and cone-tip 140 mounted, the explosive charge 124 is inserted at the center of canister 120. The explosive charge 124 is packed with C4 or other suitable primary high explosive charge and has an integral detonator 150 inserted therein, C4 includes explosives, plastic binder, plasticizer and trace chemicals. The explosive is RDX, cyclonite or cyclo-tri-methylene tri-nitramine, which makes up around 91% of C4 by weight. The size of explosive charge 124 is approximately one M112 demolition charge, which is approximately 33 cubic inches. C4 is very stable and insensitive to most physical shocks, and will not explode even when lit on fire. When the charge is detonated, the explosive is converted into gas. The gas exerts pressure in the form of a high velocity shock wave, which fragments the frangible canister 120 and disperses the MAP powder over a wide area. The detonator 150 is a commercially-available electric igniter. The detonator 150 may be attached to and wired through framework 122 to programmable controller 160, and connector 164 may be provided anywhere along the wiring. Alternatively, detonator 50 may be in wireless communication with controller 160 via radio frequency, Bluetooth or other known wireless protocol. The programmable controller 60 is a program able-altitude detonation control module with on-board or remote redundant altitude sensing circuit utilizing a primary altimeter and a GPS-based altimeter is redundant backup. The primary altimeter may be a laser line-of-sight distance measuring device, or a barometric pressure-measuring device as will be described. Once set to explode at some variable distance above tree level, either preferably 2-200 feet above the tree line or about 100-400 feet total, the programmable controller 160 will automatically detonate the explosive charge 124 at that precise altitude +/10 feet. If the higher-accuracy barometric or laser distance detector altimeter 173 fails, the GPS-based altimeter 167 serves as a fail-safe backup for detonation.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 5 the programmable controller 160 includes a conventional microcontroller 172 with peripheral flash memory 163, LCD display 161, control interface 171, all powered by a battery power supply 165. An arm/disarm control or ON/OFF switch applies power to the circuitry. If an arm/disarm control is provided, it may be a delayed-activation switch to ensure that the bomb 110 is falling before applying power to the circuitry. The switch may be an air/wind speed sensor that activates the circuitry when the bomb attains a predetermined airspeed. This way, if the wind speed hits sixty miles per hour the switch then activates the circuitry. Any other suitable type of switch may be used. The microcontroller 172 is pre-programmed to alternately poll through a multiplexer 166 a GPS module 167 for satellite position coordinates and a barometric altimeter 168 for barometric altitude data. The barometric altimeter 168 is a high-accuracy altitude-sensing device as will be described and provides the primary altitude detonation data used by microcontroller 172 in activating the detonator 150. As a failsafe the microcontroller 172 also periodically polls the GPS module 167 to confirm the data from the barometric altimeter 168, compares the data, and if the latter fails for any reasons the microcontroller 172 will as a failsafe rely on the GPS module 167 to detonate at a safe level. In accordance with the present invention, the microcontroller 172 polls both altitude data sources, the GPS module 167 and barometric altimeter 168, and keeps a dual-archive of both data streams in flash memory 163, monitoring both datasets to ensure a continuous log of decreasing altitude (as the bomb falls). With preference to the high-accuracy barometric altimeter 168, if the altitude dataset is interrupted for any reason microcontroller 172 will abandon its reliance and rely instead on the GPS data, ensuring detonation at a safe pre-programmed level. Logically, the microcontroller 172 is programmed to detonate at a predetermined level, approximately 100-200 feet above tree level or 400-500 feet above ground level, and if the barometric altimeter 168 or laser distance detector fails, will default to detonate at 300-400 feet above ground level as measured by GPS module 167. Upon detonation the microcontroller 172 emits a signal to the detonator 150 which explodes the C4 charge 124. At programmable time shortly before, simultaneous, or shortly after detonation the microcontroller 172 emits a signal to a deployable parachute 170, and so as detonator 160 explodes the C4 charge 124, a parachute 170 attached to the tail section 130 unfurls. Parachute 170 is a conventional parachute except that it is fabricated from fireproof fabric. The exploding C4 charge 124 is calculated to blow apart the canister 120 and distribute its contents in a uniform pattern, which contents continue to disperse as they fall. Upon detonation the cone tip 140, tail section 130, ballistic internal framework 122, programmable controller 160 remain intact and fall softly to earth by parachute 170. The GPS module 167 is connected to a conventional personal locator 169 also mounted in programmable controller 160 which emits a satellite beacon containing the GPS coordinates for easy recovery of the component parts.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 6 in conjunction with FIG. 7 an intelligent method of fighting a forest or brush fire in a remote area begins with the steps of targeting the remote area by means of an aerial surveillance device from an aircraft and then generating a map of the forest or brush fire.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 8 the intelligent method of fighting a forest or brush fire in a remote area includes the step of delivering a plurality of containers to the remote area from either an aircraft or a ground vehicle.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 9 in conjunction with FIG. 10 each container 210 contains a fire retardant material 211 and an explosive device 212, a GPS locating device 213, a position transmitting device 214 and a remote detonating device 215 electronically coupled to the explosive device 212.
[0068] Still referring to FIG. 11 in conjunction with FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 the intelligent method of fighting a forest or brush fire in a remote area also includes the steps of locating the position of each container 210, selecting according to a plan which of the containers are to be detonated and remotely detonating the selected containers 210 so that the forest or brush fire can be either extinguished or contained in an intelligent manner. An individual generates the plan according to which said containers are to be detonated in order to maximize effectiveness of said intelligent method. The individual uses a remote detonating system 310 to remotely detonate the selected containers 210 from either the aircraft or the ground vehicle.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 11 the remote detonating system 310 includes a receiver 311, a microprocessor 312 with a display 313 and a triggering device 314 and a transmitter 315. The receiver 311 is electronically coupled to the GPS locating device 213 and the position transmitting device 214 and to the microprocessor 312. The individual is able to view the location of each grenade 210 on the map and is then able to select which of the grenades 210 are to be detonated. The individual uses the triggering device 314 to send a trigger signal via the transmitter 315 to the remote detonating system 215. The remote detonating system also includes a plurality of detonators 321 each of which is coupled to one of the plurality of grenades 220. Each detonator 321 includes a receiver 322 and a detonating device 323. The receiver 322 is electronically coupled to the detonating device 323 and activates the detonating device 323 in response from a signal from transmitter 315 of the remote detonating system 310.
[0070] From the foregoing it can be seen that an intelligent method of fighting a forest or brush fire in a remote area has been described. It should be noted that the sketches are not drawn to scale and that distances of and between the figures are not to be considered significant.
[0071] Accordingly, it is intended that the foregoing disclosure and showing made in the drawing shall be considered only as an illustration of the principle of the present invention.
