Liquid or foam fire retardant delivery device with pyrotechnic actuation and aeration

Abstract

A device for discharging a fire retardant material comprising a housing capable of storing a fire retardant material. The housing has an initiator attached to a first end, while a discharging port is attached at a second end. Additionally, sealed within the housing is a driver which forces the fire retardant material towards the discharging port. The driver follows a path defined by a bypass tube located centrally within the housing. The driver is forced along the path by exit gases created by the initiator attached at the first end. The housing also has a choke assembly located near the second end thereof. The choke assembly selectively controls the rate at which the fire retardant material and the pressurized gases exit through the discharging port. The choke assembly has a choke body with a first and second cavity. Furthermore, choke body has passageways and apertures for directing the flow of both the fire retardant material and the pressurized gases. The choke assembly creates a pressure differential between the first end and the second end of the housing such that the first end is at a higher pressure than the second end. Therefore, the pressure differential aids in the discharging of the fire retardant material.