Ignition Suppression Circuiting Technology

Abstract

A cable system is provided which is configured with both electric wires and a fluid conduit running through the axial passage of a surround sheath of the cable. The system allows for communication of electricity over the wires for electrical circuits and concurrent communication of a fire ignition suppressant fluid or gas through the fluid conduit, to all points in an electric circuit using the cable. Suppressant chambers may be located in junction boxes in such circuits to locally extinguish electrical fires.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A cable system comprising: a cable, said cable having a sheath with an axial pathway running a length of said cable between a first end of said cable and a second end of said cable; said cable having one or a plurality of electrically conductive wires running through said axial pathway of said sheath for said length of said cable; said cable having a fluid conduit engaged with or within said sheath and running said length of said cable, said fluid conduit having a sidewall surrounding an axial passage thereof; and wherein said length of said cable is engageable to communicate electricity through said conductive wires between said first end and said second end of said cable and to concurrently communicate a fire suppressant within said fluid conduit, between said first end of said cable and said second end of said cable.

22. The cable system of claim 21 additionally comprising: said electrically conductive wires having an insulation coating circumferentially engaged thereon, said insulation having a first melting temperature; and said sidewall of said fluid conduit being formed of material having a second melting temperature, said first melting temperature exceeding said second melting temperature, whereby said sidewall of said fluid conduit only melts at a location along said length of said cable where a temperature of said conductive wires at said location, exceeds said second melting temperature.

23. The cable system of claim 21, additionally comprising: said electrically conductive wires and said fluid conduit at one end of said cable, engageable with a junction box; a suppressant chamber configured for attachment with said junction box; said suppressant chamber having a connection for sealed engagement of said axial passage of said fluid conduit, with an internal cavity of said suppressant chamber; said internal cavity forming a reservoir of a fire suppressant communicated through said axial passage of said fluid conduit from a fire suppressant supply; said electrically conductive wires having an insulation coating circumferentially engaged thereon, said insulation having a first melting temperature; and said suppressant chamber being formed of material having a second melting temperature, said first melting temperature exceeding said second melting temperature, whereby said suppressant chamber melts and causes an emission of said fire suppressant from within said internal cavity, only when a temperature of said conductive wires withing said junction box, or an interior of said junction box, exceeds said second melting temperature.

24. The cable system of claim 22, additionally comprising: said electrically conductive wires and said fluid conduit at one end of said cable, engageable with a junction box; a suppressant chamber configured for attachment with said junction box; said suppressant chamber having a connection for sealed engagement of said axial passage of said fluid conduit, with an internal cavity of said suppressant chamber; said internal cavity forming a reservoir of a fire suppressant communicated through said axial passage of said fluid conduit from a fire suppressant supply; said electrically conductive wires having an insulation coating circumferentially engaged thereon, said insulation having a first melting temperature; and said suppressant chamber being formed of material having a second melting temperature, said first melting temperature exceeding said second melting temperature, whereby said suppressant chamber melts and causes an emission of said fire suppressant from within said internal cavity, only when a temperature of said conductive wires withing said junction box, or an interior of said junction box, exceeds said second melting temperature.

25. The cable system of claim 21, additionally comprising: said cable engaged in an electric circuit for carrying electricity over said electrically conductive wires; said electrically conductive wires at said first end of said cable, engaged with a circuit breaker communicating said electricity to said electrically conductive wires; said axial passage of said fluid conduit at said first end of said cable, in a sealed connection with a pressurized supply of fire suppressant; a pressure sensor connected with said axial passage, said pressure sensor sensing a fire suppressant pressure of said pressurized supply of fire suppressant, within said axial passage; said pressure sensor configured to communicate a signal to said circuit breaker upon sensing a drop in said fire suppressant pressure; and said signal causing said circuit breaker to cease communicating said electricity to said electric circuit, whereby an emitting of said fire suppressant anywhere along said circuit will cause a disconnection of electricity from said electric circuit.

26. The cable system of claim 22, additionally comprising: said cable engaged in an electric circuit for carrying electricity over said electrically conductive wires; said electrically conductive wires at said first end of said cable, engaged with a circuit breaker communicating said electricity to said electrically conductive wires; said axial passage of said fluid conduit at said first end of said cable, in a sealed connection with a pressurized supply of fire suppressant; a pressure sensor connected with said axial passage, said pressure sensor sensing a fire suppressant pressure of said pressurized supply of fire suppressant, within said axial passage; said pressure sensor configured to communicate a signal to said circuit breaker upon sensing a drop in said fire suppressant pressure; and said signal causing said circuit breaker to cease communicating said electricity to said electric circuit, whereby an emitting of said fire suppressant anywhere along said circuit will cause a disconnection of electricity from said electric circuit.

27. The cable system of claim 23, additionally comprising: said cable engaged in an electric circuit for carrying electricity over said electrically conductive wires; said electrically conductive wires at said first end of said cable, engaged with a circuit breaker communicating said electricity to said electrically conductive wires; said axial passage of said fluid conduit at said first end of said cable, in a sealed connection with a pressurized supply of fire suppressant; a pressure sensor connected with said axial passage, said pressure sensor sensing a fire suppressant pressure of said pressurized supply of fire suppressant, within said axial passage; said pressure sensor configured to communicate a signal to said circuit breaker upon sensing a drop in said fire suppressant pressure; and said signal causing said circuit breaker to cease communicating said electricity to said electric circuit, whereby an emitting of said fire suppressant anywhere along said circuit will cause a disconnection of electricity from said electric circuit.

28. The cable system of claim 24, additionally comprising: said cable engaged in an electric circuit for carrying electricity over said electrically conductive wires; said electrically conductive wires at said first end of said cable, engaged with a circuit breaker communicating said electricity to said electrically conductive wires; said axial passage of said fluid conduit at said first end of said cable, in a sealed connection with a pressurized supply of fire suppressant; a pressure sensor connected with said axial passage, said pressure sensor sensing a fire suppressant pressure of said pressurized supply of fire suppressant, within said axial passage; said pressure sensor configured to communicate a signal to said circuit breaker upon sensing a drop in said fire suppressant pressure; and said signal causing said circuit breaker to cease communicating said electricity to said electric circuit, whereby an emitting of said fire suppressant anywhere along said circuit will cause a disconnection of electricity from said electric circuit.

29. The cable system of claim 23, additionally comprising: said internal cavity viewable through a viewing window; and confirmation of a presence of said pressurized reservoir of a fire suppressant within said internal cavity being discernable through said viewing window.

30. The cable system of claim 24, additionally comprising: said internal cavity viewable through a viewing window; and confirmation of a presence of said pressurized reservoir of a fire suppressant within said internal cavity being discernable through said viewing window.

31. The cable system of claim 27, additionally comprising: said internal cavity viewable through a viewing window; and confirmation of a presence of said pressurized reservoir of a fire suppressant within said internal cavity being discernable through said viewing window.

32. The cable system of claim 28, additionally comprising: said internal cavity viewable through a viewing window; and confirmation of a presence of said pressurized reservoir of a fire suppressant within said internal cavity being discernable through said viewing window.

33. The cable system of claim 1, additionally comprising: apertures running sequentially along said sheath from said first end of said cable to said second end of said cable; said apertures defining passages between said axial pathway of said sheath and areas surrounding an exterior of said sheath; and said fire suppressant emitted from said fluid conduit within said sheath communicable to said areas surrounding said exterior of said sheath, through said passages.

34. The cable system of claim 22, additionally comprising: apertures running sequentially along said sheath from said first end of said cable to said second end of said cable; said apertures defining passages between said axial pathway of said sheath and areas surrounding an exterior of said sheath; and said fire suppressant emitted from said fluid conduit within said sheath communicable to said areas surrounding said exterior of said sheath, through said passages.

35. The cable system of claim 23, additionally comprising: apertures running sequentially along said sheath from said first end of said cable to said second end of said cable; said apertures defining passages between said axial pathway of said sheath and areas surrounding an exterior of said sheath; and said fire suppressant emitted from said fluid conduit within said sheath communicable to said areas surrounding said exterior of said sheath, through said passages.

36. The cable system of claim 24, additionally comprising: apertures running sequentially along said sheath from said first end of said cable to said second end of said cable; said apertures defining passages between said axial pathway of said sheath and areas surrounding an exterior of said sheath; and said fire suppressant emitted from said fluid conduit within said sheath communicable to said areas surrounding said exterior of said sheath, through said passages.

37. The cable system of claim 28 additionally comprising: apertures running sequentially along said sheath from said first end of said cable to said second end of said cable; said apertures defining passages between said axial pathway of said sheath and areas surrounding an exterior of said sheath; and said fire suppressant emitted from said fluid conduit within said sheath communicable to said areas surrounding said exterior of said sheath, through said passages.

38. The cable system of claim 31, additionally comprising: apertures running sequentially along said sheath from said first end of said cable to said second end of said cable; said apertures defining passages between said axial pathway of said sheath and areas surrounding an exterior of said sheath; and said fire suppressant emitted from said fluid conduit within said sheath communicable to said areas surrounding said exterior of said sheath, through said passages.

39. The cable system of claim 32, additionally comprising: apertures running sequentially along said sheath from said first end of said cable to said second end of said cable; said apertures defining passages between said axial pathway of said sheath and areas surrounding an exterior of said sheath; and said fire suppressant emitted from said fluid conduit within said sheath communicable to said areas surrounding said exterior of said sheath, through said passages.

40. The cable system of claim 21, additionally comprising: said electrically conductive wires at one end of said cable, engageable with a junction box; said junction box having opposing openings on opposite sides of an interior cavity of said junction box; a pathway for said fluid conduit running through said junction box, said pathway running through said opposing openings and through area of an interior of said junction box in-between said openings; a portion of said fluid conduit positioned along said pathway being located in said area of said interior of said junction box; said electrically conductive wires having an insulation coating circumferentially engaged thereon, said insulation having a first melting temperature; said fluid conduit having a second melting temperature, said first melting temperature exceeding said second melting temperature; and said portion of said fluid conduit in said area of said interior of said junction box melting when a temperature in said interior of said junction box equals or exceeds said first melting temperature, said portion of said fluid conduit upon said melting initiating an emission of said fire suppressant from within said fluid conduit.

41. The cable system of claim 40, additionally comprising: apertures running sequentially along said sheath from said first end of said cable to said second end of said cable; said apertures defining passages between said axial pathway of said sheath and areas surrounding an exterior of said sheath; and said fire suppressant emitted from said fluid conduit within said sheath communicable to said areas surrounding said exterior of said sheath, through said passages.

42. The cable system of claim 40, additionally comprising: said cable engaged in an electric circuit for carrying electricity over said electrically conductive wires; said electrically conductive wires at said first end of said cable, engaged with a circuit breaker communicating said electricity to said electrically conductive wires; said axial passage of said fluid conduit at said first end of said cable, in a sealed connection with a pressurized supply of fire suppressant; a pressure sensor connected with said axial passage, said pressure sensor sensing a fire suppressant pressure of said pressurized supply of fire suppressant, within said axial passage; said pressure sensor configured to communicate a signal to said circuit breaker upon sensing a drop in said fire suppressant pressure; and said signal causing said circuit breaker to cease communicating said electricity to said electric circuit, whereby an emitting of said fire suppressant anywhere along said circuit will cause a disconnection of electricity from said electric circuit.

43. The cable system of claim 41, additionally comprising: said cable engaged in an electric circuit for carrying electricity over said electrically conductive wires; said electrically conductive wires at said first end of said cable, engaged with a circuit breaker communicating said electricity to said electrically conductive wires; said axial passage of said fluid conduit at said first end of said cable, in a sealed connection with a pressurized supply of fire suppressant; a pressure sensor connected with said axial passage, said pressure sensor sensing a fire suppressant pressure of said pressurized supply of fire suppressant, within said axial passage; said pressure sensor configured to communicate a signal to said circuit breaker upon sensing a drop in said fire suppressant pressure; and said signal causing said circuit breaker to cease communicating said electricity to said electric circuit, whereby an emitting of said fire suppressant anywhere along said circuit will cause a disconnection of electricity from said electric circuit.

44. The cable system of claim 41, wherein said circuit breaker engaged with said electrically conductive wires at said first end of said cable is one of a plurality of circuit breakers connected with an electric buss of a circuit breaker panel; and said sealed connection with a pressurized supply of fire suppressant at said first end of said cable is located within said breaker panel housing said electric buss.

45. The cable system of claim 25, wherein said circuit breaker engaged with said electrically conductive wires at said first end of said cable is one of a plurality of circuit breakers connected with an electric buss of a circuit breaker panel; and said sealed connection with a pressurized supply of fire suppressant at said first end of said cable is located within said breaker panel housing said electric buss.

46. The cable system of claim 26, wherein said circuit breaker engaged with said electrically conductive wires at said first end of said cable is one of a plurality of circuit breakers connected with an electric buss of a circuit breaker panel; and said sealed connection with a pressurized supply of fire suppressant at said first end of said cable is located within said breaker panel housing said electric buss.

47. The cable system of claim 27, wherein said circuit breaker engaged with said electrically conductive wires at said first end of said cable is one of a plurality of circuit breakers connected with an electric buss of a circuit breaker panel; and said sealed connection with a pressurized supply of fire suppressant at said first end of said cable is located within said breaker panel housing said electric buss.

48. The cable system of claim 28, wherein said circuit breaker engaged with said electrically conductive wires at said first end of said cable is one of a plurality of circuit breakers connected with an electric buss of a circuit breaker panel; and said sealed connection with a pressurized supply of fire suppressant at said first end of said cable is located within said breaker panel housing said electric buss.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

[0052] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate some, but not the only nor exclusive examples of embodiments and/or features of the disclosed system. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative of the invention herein, rather than limiting in any fashion. In the drawings:

[0053] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a junction box employable with the cabling herein, depicted for example in FIGS. 8-17.

[0054] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the junction box of FIG. 1 engaged in operative engagement with the cabling herein carrying both electric wires and one or more fluid conduit lines carrying fire suppressant.

[0055] FIG. 3 displays a perspective view of one preferred mode of the cabling of the system herein which is formed with wires for electric communication in parallel adjacent positioning with at least one fluid conduit configured for fluid or gas flow therethrough, such as a fire suppressant fluid.

[0056] FIG. 4 shows an electric junction box configured for engagement with the cabling herein, showing in exploded view, a suppressant chamber engaged as a cover.

[0057] FIG. 4a depicts the junction box of FIG. 4, assembled.

[0058] FIG. 5 depicts a gang box configured for positioning of electric switches, having a suppressant chamber with opposing openings, adapted for engagement with the electric wires and fluid conduit of the cabling herein.

[0059] FIG. 6 shows an example of the cabling herein employed as a fire suppressant system having both electrical circuits and fluid conduits carrying fire suppressant, running from a central position or switch room.

[0060] FIG. 7 depicts a mode of employment of the cabling herein in a fire suppressant system, showing the electrical buss for electric circuit breakers and the retardant supply buss positioned to route retardant through the fluid conduit of the cabling, where both the fluid conduit and electric wires run in the cabling in a substantially parallel communication to different electric circuits.

[0061] FIG. 8 shows the cabling herein having a fluid conduit with wiring positioned in the sidewall forming the fluid conduit and a surrounding flexible sheath.

[0062] FIG. 9 shows the cabling herein formed with a fluid conduit and wiring running through the axial passage of the surround flexible sheath.

[0063] FIG. 10 depicts the cabling herein in another mode with a plurality of electric wires and at least one fluid conduit running axially through the surrounding sheath which has perforations or sequential aligned apertures formed therein.

[0064] FIG. 11 shows the cabling of the system herein wherein the plurality of wires carried in the sheath axial passage is four, and a single fluid conduit runs parallel thereto.

[0065] FIG. 12 depicts a mode of the device wherein electric wires are positioned within the material forming the fluid conduit in a unitary structure of cables and fluid conduit.

[0066] FIG. 13 is an end view of the mode of cabling of FIG. 12.

[0067] FIG. 14 shows that the cabling can carry both a plurality of electric wires as well as one or more communications cables which run within the axial passage of the surrounding sheath along with the fluid conduit.

[0068] FIG. 15 depicts the cabling of FIG. 14 showing perforations or sequentially aligned apertures formed in the sheath providing the axial passage for the fluid conduit and wires.

[0069] FIG. 16 shows a mode of the cabling herein having an flexible but armored sheath surrounding the axial passage carrying at least one fluid conduit and one or the shown plurality of wires for electric current.

[0070] FIG. 17 depicts the cabling herein, wherein the electric wires are carried in the sidewall forming the fluid conduit herein, where the wires may be extruded with the fluid conduit, or pressed into channels formed in the exterior of the fluid conduit.

[0071] FIG. 18 shows differing connectors for engaging the fluid conduit of different cables for fluid flow therebetween.

[0072] FIG. 19 depicts a sliced view showing an interior passage of a fluid conduit in a sealed engagement with a fluid connector such as in FIG. 18.

[0073] FIG. 20 shows exemplars of a sub panel, in exploded view, which is adapted for engagement with both the wires, and the fluid conduit of the cabling herein, to provide electric power to the buss and fire suppressant to the fluid dispenser.

[0074] FIG. 21 shows the sub panel of FIG. 20 assembled and ready for engagement with both the wires and fluid conduit of the cablin herein.

[0075] FIG. 22 shows the cabling herein with the wires and fluid conduit of the cabling in operative engagement with a junction box, and fluid dispenser showing a fluid dispensing sprayer engageable with the fluid dispenser.

[0076] FIG. 23 shows the cabling of the system herein, connected in a circuit for both the fluid conduit and wiring.

[0077] FIG. 24 shows the cabling of the system herein providing both wiring and a fluid conduit operatively engaged to provide fire suppressive material for both socket connectors as well as overhead dispensers of fire suppressant, such as in a server room.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0078] Now referring to the drawings in FIGS. 1-24, wherein similar components are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in FIG. 1, and all interconnective components are configured for operative engagement with the cabling 11 herein such as in FIGS. 8-17, to provide one or a plurality of wires and at least one fluid conduit, in the same cable 11 surrounded by a sheath 24 or cover. As noted, the cable 11 herein is employable with other systems where the parallel and concurrent positioning of both a fluid conduit 26 and electric wires 28 along the entire path of the same cable 11 would be beneficial.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 1, when the cable 11, such as in FIG. 3 or FIGS. 8-17 herein, is employed to provide a combination electric wiring system and fluid passage for a fire suppressant system, the cable 11 is operatively engageable with other components in the system such as a junction box 12 or gang box component which is meant as any electrical box or the like used to join wires, engage sockets, lighting, sub circuits or for other purposes for such electrical boxes. The junction box 12 may be configured to house both electric connections therein such as to or between other wires 28, and/or an electric socket 16, and/or a fire suppressant component or chamber 18, or other fire suppression fluid or gas emitter.

[0080] The cable 11, when employed in a fire suppressing electrical system 10, is deployable in a variety of configurations, such as with one or more gang boxes or junction boxes 12, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and 5, for example. Such a junction box 12, surrounds and secures the electrical connections between two or more of the wires 28 which enter or exit through one or more apertures defining openings 14.

[0081] Such junction boxes 12 are known by other names and surround confections mid circuit and are also used for sockets, light fixtures, and a wide variety of connections. However, this description should not be limiting as junction box 12 should be considered to be any housing where cables are joined, divided, connected to an electric device, or for other purposes. Although the openings 14 shown herein in the system 10 consist of circular apertures formed in the junction box 12, alternative constructions can optionally include specific male or female connectors for easy disassembly and access.

[0082] As an example, the junction boxes 12 may be configured to engage with conventional sockets 16, or switches 17, of electric fixtures, and/or wire 28 connections with wire nuts and other conventionally employed electrical components and junctions to configure the system for engagement of components to the electrical power within.

[0083] To inhibit the spread of electrical fires, in the system herein, junctions between conduits and wiring in the electrical system such as at any type of junction box 12, may also include an suppressant chamber 18. The suppressant chamber 18 is configured to receive and hold a supply of fire suppressant or retardant such as Halon gas from the fluid conduit 26 which communicates with a central supply under pressure. The suppressant chamber 18 holds such fire suppressant or retardant within an internal cavity defined by the walls forming the suppressant chamber 18. The suppressant chambers 18 may be configured to hold a local supply of retardant therein, should the fluid conduit 26 supplying the system fail, thus maintaining a local sealed supply of retardant or suppressant in each chamber 18 if the fluid conduit 26 is compromised. This can be done using valves on the inlet 29 and an outlet 29 of the suppressant chamber 18. Or the suppressant chamber 18 may be provided a fluid supply from the fluid conduit 26 which is communicated from a reservoir of suppressant.

[0084] The system 10 is configured such that any damage to the junction box 12 or its contents, through excess heat or fire, such as caused by electrical short or over-heated wiring 28, will melt and cause a rupture of the suppressant chamber 18. Upon the formation of a heat induced rupture, the retardant or suppressant within or supplied to the suppressant chamber 18 is communicated to the fire or overheating area. The fluid conduit 26, can supply each suppressant chamber 18 and junction box 12, with a continuous pressurized supply of retardant or fire suppressant which will continue to extinguish or prevent a fire from getting larger. As noted, the fluid conduit 16 itself can be formed of material adapted to melt and rupture at a threshold temperature and communicate the fire suppressant to adjacent areas anywhere the cable may be located in a wiring system, such as in-between junction boxes 12 and fixtures and a circuit breaker buss.

[0085] In one preferred mode of the system 10, the suppressant chamber 18 can be composed material, such as HDPE, with a wall thickness which is calculated to melt and or otherwise open when exposed to a temperature over a determined safe level or when exposed to fire. This will cause a continuous dispensing of fire retardant or suppressant to extinguish the fire or prevent one by preventing oxygen from reaching the heat source.

[0086] Shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 and 5, the junction box 12 is adapted to operatively engage with the fluid conduit 26 either through a conduit opening 20, or by communication of the entire cable 11 through an opening 14. Each suppressant chamber 18 is configured for a sealed engagement with the fluid conduit 26 running through the cable 11 herein, to provide the suppressant chamber 18 with a fluid or gas suppressant supply.

[0087] For such engagement for example, the suppressant chamber 18 can be configured with one or a plurality of flanges 19 with axial passages into the interior cavity of the suppressant chamber 18, which act as inputs or outputs for fluid to continue the communication of the suppressant through the chamber 18 to subsequent chambers 18 along a fluid circuit with connections therebetween by the fluid conduit 26 running through the axial passage 23 of the sheath 24 of the cable 11 along with the wires 28.

[0088] Preferably, the junction box 12 should include a suppressant window 22 for visual inspection to confirm a local supply of retardant or suppressant is present within the suppressant chamber 18 which is viewable through the window 22.

[0089] One or a plurality of flow and/or pressure sensors 31 may be placed in communication with suppressant axial passage 25 running through the fluid conduit 26 such as in FIG. 7. For example, sensors 31 such as pressure supply meters, flow sensors, or pressure sensors, shown in FIG. 7 and/or other electronic sensors which may discern a pressure drop in a fluid conduit 26 circuit, can be operatively engaged with each fluid circuit which parallels an electric circuit running through a cable 11.

[0090] The sensor data can either be displayed proximal to the system 10, through an external light or screen, or routed to a central safety video display panel, for efficient and simultaneous monitoring and diagnosis of all systems 10, or in a particularly preferred mode, such as shown in FIG. 7 for example, a signal from the sensors 31 will be communicated in a wired or wireless fashion to a circuit breaker 33 powering the same wire or wires 28 running through a cable 11 with a fluid conduit 26. The signal will cause the circuit breaker 33 to open, and switch off electric power to the wires 28 in the cable 11 of the circuit where suppressant is being dispensed and which has caused the sensor 31 to generate a signal. Remote display panels if displaying a sensor signal generation, should contain means to uniquely identify the location and circuit of the sensor 31 generating it.

[0091] Depicted in FIG. 3 is one example of the cable 11 herein, showing the sheath 24 forming an axial passageway 23 which provides a pathway for one or more wires 28, and at least one adjacent running fluid conduits 26, as shown, although a plurality of fluid conduits 26 can be included in a cable 11.

[0092] Formation of the cable 11 with wires 28 and a fluid conduit 26 running in an axial passageway 23 defined by the surrounding sheath 24, allows for easy instillation of the cable 11 in a fashion much like conventional conduit routed electrical systems, thereby allowing concurrent positioning of both wires 28 and a fluid conduit 26 throughout the system.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 3, 10, and 15, the sheath 24 may include an array of aligned apertures 32 which allow for easier trimming during installation. Further, these apertures 32 provide vents to communicate fire suppressant from the fluid conduit 26 if a fire or heat melts the fluid conduit 26 to a rupture in between junction boxes 12. The fluid conduit 26, as noted, should be made of any non-reactive, durable material such as polymeric material, nylon, PVC or fiberglass, or most preferably HDPE, which has a melting point which will cause a rupture the fluid conduit 26 at an appropriate temperature above the operating temperature of the wires 28, to extinguish or retard a fire if needed. The sheath 24 would also preferably be formed of a similar material to that of the fluid conduit 26, such that it will not melt or rupture in areas where the fluid conduit 26 is also adapted to operate which may be hot.

[0094] Shown in FIGS. 4 and 4a is a mode of the junction box 12 which is depicted with the suppressant chamber 18, configured to engage and provide a removable cover for the internal cavity of box 12. Such would work well at junctions between main and sub circuits of the electrical system.

[0095] In FIG. 5 there is shown a gang box or junction box 12 configured for engagement of electric switches 17. This mode of the junction box 12 is engaged with a suppressant chamber 18 with connections 29 on both ends, for the fluid conduit 26 for a throughput of suppressant supplied by the fluid conduit 26 through the chamber 18 and on to a subsequent chamber 18. Windows 22 in the faceplate allow for viewing of the contents of the suppressant chamber 18.

[0096] In FIG. 6 there is depicted an example of the system 10 herein using the cable 11 for positioning of both electrical circuits of the wire 28 and fire suppressant circuits of the fluid conduits 26 running to remote positions from a main electrical connection buss and retardant supply buss.

[0097] Shown in FIG. 7, as noted above, shows the system where various circuits of the fluid conduit 26 of each cable 11 connect to a pressurized suppressant supply in a fluid buss. The wires 28 from each respective cable 11 connect to one of the breakers 33 of an electric buss 35. Gauges 39 and/or sensors 31 are engaged to suppressant circuits of each fluid conduit 26 and will sense the current pressurization level in each such circuit formed by a fluid conduit 28 in a cable 11. The fluid conduit 26 and wires 28 of each cable 11 are routed through the axial passageway 23 of the sheath 24 with the wires 28 therein, thereby providing parallel and concurrent communication of electrical power and fluid such as fire suppression along the entire route of each individual circuit of the electrical system.

[0098] As noted, FIG. 8 shows the cable 11 herein having a fluid conduit 26 and a plurality of wires 28, both positioned in axial passage 23 of a surrounding flexible sheath 24 holding the components of the cable 11 adjacent. In the mode of FIG. 8, the material forming the sidewall of the fluid conduit 26, is engaged with the plurality of wires 28 during extrusion of the fluid conduit 26. Thus, the fluid conduit 26 and plurality of wires 28 running through the material forming it, are a unitary structure of wires 28 and fluid conduit 26.

[0099] In FIG. 9 is shown the cable 11 or cabling herein configured with a fluid conduit 26 and wires 28 running through the axial passage 23 of the surround flexible sheath 24. The cable 11 so formed, can be wound into rolls or spools which can be unwound and installed in a conventional fashion thereby encouraging widespread use.

[0100] FIG. 10 depicts the cable 11 herein in another mode with a plurality of three electric wires 28 and at least one fluid conduit 26 running axially through the surrounding sheath 24. The wall of the sheath 24 includes aligned and sequentially positioned apertures 32 which as noted allow for easier cutting of the cable 11 as well as provide vents for passage of fire suppressant from the interior of the sheath 24.

[0101] FIG. 11 shows the cable 11 of the system herein wherein the plurality of wires carried in the sheath 24 axial passage is four, and a single fluid conduit 26 runs parallel thereto.

[0102] FIGS. 12 and 13 show a mode of the cable 11 wherein electric wires 28 are positioned during extrusion within the material forming the fluid conduit 26, and form the fluid conduit 26 and wires 28 in a unitary structure.

[0103] FIG. 14 shows that the cable 11 or cabling with a plurality of electric wires 28 as well as one or more communications cables 28a which run within the axial passage of the surrounding sheath 24 along with the fluid conduit 26. As with all other modes of the formed cable 11, it can be wound on large reels and dispensed during installation.

[0104] FIG. 15 shows the cable 11 of FIG. 14 having the sequentially positioned apertures 32 formed in the sheath 24 providing the axial passage for the fluid conduit 26 and wires 28.

[0105] In FIG. 16 is shown the cable 11 or cabling herein having an armored sheath 24 surrounding the axial passage carrying at least one fluid conduit 26 and one or the shown plurality of wires 28 for electric current.

[0106] FIG. 17 depicts the cable 11 or cabling herein, wherein the electric wires 28 are carried in the sidewall forming the fluid conduit 26 herein. As shown, the wires 28 may be pressed into channels formed in the exterior of the sheath 24 surrounding the fluid conduit 26.

[0107] FIG. 18 shows differing connectors 31 for sealed engagement between ends of the fluid conduits 26, allowing a number thereof to be fluidly engaged.

[0108] In FIG. 19 is depicted a sliced view showing an interior passage of a fluid conduit 26 in a sealed engagement with a fluid connector 31 such as any of those in FIG. 18.

[0109] In FIGS. 20-21 are depicted exemplars of a sub panel junction box 12 of an electric system, which is adapted for engagement with both the wires 28, and the fluid conduit 26 of the cable 11 herein, to provide electric power to the buss and fire suppressant to the fluid dispenser. The suppressant chamber 18 in the mode shown, has multiple inlet and outlet flanges 19 to allow the flow of suppressant to flow into and through the chamber 18 downline to the rest of the circuit.

[0110] FIG. 22 shows the cable 11 herein with the contained wires 28 and fluid conduit 26 of the cable 11, in operative engagement with a junction box 12, and fluid dispenser 18 engaged with a fluid dispensing sprayer 38 adapted to direct a downward flow of suppressant when activated by heat above a predetermined level. Such would be employed for example on a ceiling of a room to be protected.

[0111] Shown in FIG. 23 is a depiction of the cable 11 herein, installed in a structure and providing both wiring 28 and a fluid conduit 26 which may be operatively engaged with a junction box 12 hosting a socket 16, to provide fire suppressive material through the fluid conduit 26 to the depicted junction box 12 and a subsequent junction box 12 or other point serviced by the cable 11 extending therefrom. An example of an installation of the system is shown in FIG. 24 where the cable 11 provides the path for fire suppressive material for both socket connectors as well as overhead dispensers or sprayers 38 of fire suppressant, such as in a server room.

[0112] As noted, any of the different configurations and components can be employed with any other configuration or component shown and described herein. Additionally, while the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof and steps in the method of production, a latitude of modifications, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, it will be appreciated that in some instance some features, or configurations, or steps in formation of the invention could be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. All such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly defined in the appended claims.

[0113] Further, the purpose of any abstract of this specification is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. Any such abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of the invention in any way.