Abstract: A polymer-cement composite composition including an efflorescence-control agent and methods of making same. The composition comprises, by weight percent, about 40 to 50% inert, inorganic filler material, such as silica sand; about 12 to 23% latex preferably in aqueous suspension; about 20 to 25% cement, preferably hydraulic cement; about 7 to 13% reactive silica; and about 0.2 to 1% of an efflorescence-control agent, which is preferably diatomatious earth. The composition is preferably manufactured by simultaneously wet mixing the powdered and liquid components at medium intensity to form a thoroughly mixed batch of green body and de-airing the green body. The green body is then formed into the desired shape followed by curing and drying. The dried product may be further processed, for example by cutting or shaping the product or coating the product.

Abstract: A sprinkler head comprises a tubular body having a first threaded end to be connected to a water line and having a second end that defines an outlet enclosed by a cap. A thermally responsive element, such as a glass bulb or heat fusible element, is engaged with the cap to maintain the cap in a closed position. The body is provided with a pair of generally parallel circumferential grooves. The bottom of one of the grooves adjacent the threaded end has a polygonal cross section to receive a wrench to enable the sprinkler head to be threadedly attached to a water line, while the other of the grooves receives the base portion of a wire-form protective guard that encloses the thermally responsive element.

Abstract: An improved sprinkler head for an automatic fire extinguishing system. The sprinkler head comprises a frame having a discharge orifice and a deflector spaced from the orifice. A cap normally encloses the discharge orifice and is held in place by a lever assembly. The lever assembly includes a lever having a pair of spaced side flanges and a tube extends between the flanges. Located within the central portion of the tube is a fusible element and balls are positioned in the ends of the tube on either side of the fusible element and engaged with sockets in the respective flanges. In the event the element is subjected to an elevated temperature, it will melt causing the balls to move inwardly of the tube and thereby releasing the lever assembly to open the discharge orifice.

Abstract: A liquid flow indicator for use in an automatic sprinkler system. The indicator is adapted to be attached to a water line and includes a non-metallic vane retainer or support which is mounted within an opening in the water line. A flexible one-piece plastic vane is pivoted to the retainer and has a generally circular body portion which is disposed transversely within the pipe. If the water line is opened downstream of the indicator, the flow of water within the line will pivot the vane, causing a magnet in the upper end of the vane to move into proximity with a sensor to complete an electrical circuit and generate a signal indicating that the water line has been opened. The retainer is formed with a pair of aligned recesses which are sealed apart by a central wall and the upper head of the vane which contains the magnet, is located in one recess, while the sensor is in the other recess.

Abstract: An improved concealed sprinkler head for an automatic sprinkler system. The sprinkler head includes an orifice body that is mounted above the ceiling of the building and is connected to the water line. The body has an outlet which is normally closed by a valve cap, and the cap is held in the closed position by a lever assembly which includes a lever and a leaf spring. The lever has a pair of parallel spaced arms and a tube, which houses a fusible metallic element, extends between the arms. Balls are located within the ends of the tube on either side of the fusible element and impressed into the ends of the element, and the balls are engaged with sockets in the arms. One end of the lever is engaged with an abutment on the valve body and the opposite end of the lever is engaged with the leaf spring which is fulcrummed on the abutment. The leaf spring bears against the tube and urges the tube in a downward direction.

Abstract: An improved concealed sprinkler head for an automatic sprinkler system. The sprinkler head includes an orifice body that is mounted above the ceiling of the building and is connected to the water line. The body has an outlet which is normally enclosed by a valve cap, and the cap is held in the closed position by a latch assembly which includes a latch bar. One end of the latch bar is provided with a projection which engages an abutment on the orifice body while the opposite end of the latch bar is provided with a recess which contains a fusible metallic element, and a movable member, such as a ball or a series of balls, is engaged with the fusible element and projects outwardly from the latch bar and is engaged with a second abutment on the orifice body. The latch bar carries a decorative plate that is mounted flush against the ceiling and has a series of openings to provide improved heat transfer to the fusible element.