Abstract: Multilayer fluid conduits are formed by adhering to a tubular outer surface of a metal pipe, a thermoplastic outer layer. The outer layer permits ends of the multilayer conduit to be joined together in leak-proof fluid conduit systems simply by adhering the conduit ends with compatible thermoplastic fittings. For fire protection systems, the preferred metal is steel, the preferred thermoplastic is CPVC and the preferred adhesive is heat activated. The adhesive coated metal pipe is preheated and the CPVC is extruded onto the outer surface of the heated metal pipe. Through the use of fire resistive CPVC, the multilayer conduit systems of the present invention can be installed in more severe fire threat areas than can existing, all plastic piping, including all CPVC piping systems. The conduit is assembled into systems on site simply by cutting and direct bonding with ordinary, all plastic fittings using appropriate bonding agents such as solvent based adhesives.

Abstract: Multilayer fluid conduits are formed by adhering to a tubular outer surface of a metal pipe, a thermoplastic outer layer. The outer layer permits ends of the multilayer conduit to be joined together in leak-proof fluid conduit systems simply by adhering the conduit ends with compatible thermoplastic fittings. For fire protection systems, the preferred metal is steel, the preferred thermoplastic is CPVC and the preferred adhesive is heat activated. The adhesive coated metal pipe is preheated and the CPVC is extruded onto the outer surface of the heated metal pipe. Through the use of fire resistive CPVC, the multilayer conduit systems of the present invention can be installed in more severe fire threat areas than can existing, all plastic piping, including all CPVC piping systems. The conduit is assembled into systems on site simply by cutting and direct bonding with ordinary, all plastic fittings using appropriate bonding agents such as solvent based adhesives.

Abstract: Multilayer fluid conduits are formed by adhering to a tubular outer surface of a metal pipe, a thermoplastic outer layer. The outer layer permits ends of the multilayer conduit to be joined together in leak-proof fluid conduit systems simply by adhering the conduit ends with compatible thermoplastic fittings. For fire protection systems, the preferred metal is steel, the preferred thermoplastic is CPVC and the preferred adhesive is heat activated. The adhesive coated metal pipe is preheated and the CPVC is extruded onto the outer surface of the heated metal pipe. Through the use of fire resistive CPVC, the multilayer conduit systems of the present invention can be installed in more severe fire threat areas than can existing, all plastic piping, including all CPVC piping systems. The conduit is assembled into systems on site simply by cutting and direct bonding with ordinary, all plastic fittings using appropriate bonding agents such as solvent based adhesives.

Abstract: Ceiling sprinklers and sprinkler systems provide extended areas of ordinary and light hazard coverage through a combination of orifices with K factors greater than 9 and deflectors which extend water distributions radially with acceptable uniform average and absolute distribution densities all around and beneath the sprinklers. Described deflectors for concealed sprinklers are circular with slots extending axially and radially through inwardly towards the center of the deflector from the circular perimeter. Such deflectors include a central curved protrusion extending back towards the outlet to spread the water column over the deflecting structure and a surrounding planar annular area of the structure. The deflectors are supported on pins to telescope away from the sprinkler body and drop below or farther below the lower surface of the ceiling in which they are installed.

Abstract: An extended coverage ceiling sprinkler includes a generally tubular body having an inlet open end and an opposing, outlet open end with a minimal internal diameter greater than 0.65 inches and a K-factor of between about 14 and about 15. A plug at least essentially closes the outlet open end and an element releasably retains the plug in the outlet end. A deflector support extends away from the outlet end of the tubular body and a deflector is coupled to the tubular body through the deflector support. The deflector has a major surface facing, spaced from and aligned with the outlet open end with a circular outer perimeter less than 1.7 inches in outer diameter and a central area without water passing openings therethrough at least 0.75 inches in diameter. Slots extend generally radially inwardly from the perimeter and surround the central area which is slotless. The ratio of deflector outer diameter to slot depth is greater than 10 and up to about 14.

Abstract: Ceiling, sprinklers and sprinkler systems provide extended areas of coverage through a combination of extra large and super large orifices and deflectors which extend radial distributions with acceptable uniform average and absolute distribution densities all around and beneath the sprinklers. Described deflectors are circular and substantially flat, being essentially flat in pendent style and slightly fructoconical in upright style. Slots of alternating length are provided extending inwardly towards the center of the deflector from the circular perimeter to within no more than one-half inch and preferably no more than 0.6 of an inch from the center of the deflector. The upright sprinkler deflector includes central circular planar areas at least one inch and preferably at least 1.2 inch in diameter while the outer annular peripheral portion of such deflectors are coned back towards their supporting tubular bodies at an included cone angle of about one hundred forty degrees or more.

Abstract: Ceiling sprinklers and sprinkler systems provide extended areas of coverage through a combination of extra large and super large orifices and deflectors which extend radial distributions with acceptable uniform average and absolute distribution densities all around and beneath the sprinklers. Described deflectors are circular and substantially flat, being essentially flat in pendent style and slightly fructoconical in upright style. Slots of alternating length are provided extending inwardly towards the center of the deflector from the circular perimeter to within no more than one-half inch and preferably no more than 0.6 of an inch from the center of the deflector. The upright sprinkler deflector includes central circular planar areas at least one inch and preferably at least 1.2 inch in diameter while the outer annular peripheral portion of such deflectors are coned back towards their supporting tubular bodies at an included cone angle of about one hundred forty degrees or more.

Abstract: A modular valve field convertible between a wet and dry configuration including a valve body and a passage within the valve body for allowing fluid to flow therethrough. A valve seat and clapper are positioned within the valve body. The clapper is allowed to pivot between a first position wherein the clapper is sealingly engaged with the valve seat and a second position wherein the clapper is spaced from the valve seat to allow fluid to flow through the valve. The operator controls the position of the clapper with respect to the valve seat. An operator securely retains the clapper in the first position in a first mode of operation and allows the clapper to freely move between the first and second positions in a second mode of operation. A controller governs the position of the clapper with respect to the valve seat when the operator is in the second mode of operation.

Abstract: Ceiling sprinklers and sprinkler systems provide extended areas of coverage through a combination of extra large and super large orifices and deflectors which extend radial distributions with acceptable uniform average and absolute distribution densities all around and beneath the sprinklers. Described deflectors are circular and substantially flat, being essentially flat in pendent style and slightly fructoconical in upright style. Slots of alternating length are provided extending inwardly towards the center of the deflector from the circular perimeter to within no more than one-half inch and preferably no more than 0.6 of an inch from the center of the deflector. The upright sprinkler deflector includes central circular planar areas at least one inch and preferably at least 1.2 inch in diameter while the outer annular peripheral portion of such deflectors are coned back towards their supporting tubular bodies at an included cone angle of about one hundred forty degrees or more.

Abstract: A modular valve field convertible between a wet and dry configuration including a valve body and a passage within the valve body for allowing fluid to flow therethrough. A valve seat and clapper are positioned within the valve body. The clapper is allowed to pivot between a first position wherein the clapper is sealingly engaged with the valve seat and a second position wherein the clapper is spaced from the valve seat to allow fluid to flow through the valve. The operator controls the position of the clapper with respect to the valve seat. An operator securely retains the clapper in the first position in a first mode of operation and allows the clapper to freely move between the first and second positions in a second mode of operation. A controller governs the position of the clapper with respect to the valve seat when the operator is in the second mode of operation.