Abstract: A temperature sensitive valve, used in drip valves and sprinkler heads includes a core housing the temperature sensitive valve and has a supply conduit entering through the top surface of the core. The temperature sensor activates a motor when the temperature is outside a predetermined range which in turn pushes an activating rod. A piston is attached to the rod. The piston moves from a retracted sealed position to an extended open position which allows fluid to pass around the piston and to an output port which leads to a disposal area or a sprinkler head. The fluid is allowed to flow beyond the piston due to an enlarged diameter section of the core. Alternatively, a piston having an internal channel with an exit hole is aligned with the output port when the piston is in the extended position. Fluid enters the piston channel and passes through the exit hole and through the output port. The valve is most useful in drip valve installments and sprinkler systems.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive valve, and two embodiments of a sprinkler head operated by the valve. A sprinkler head core houses the temperature sensitive valve and has a supply conduit entering through the top surface of the head core. The first embodiment of the sprinkler head has a dispensing conduit extending through the side wall of the core. The dispensing conduit supplies fire fighting material to a ring with a plurality of radially spaced nozzles. A casing surrounds the core and supports the ring. The preferred embodiment of the sprinkler head has a plurality of fire fighting material dispensing ports that are radially and equidistantly arranged around the side wall of the core, thereby allowing fire fighting material to be dispensed in a 360.degree. pattern without the need for external conduits. The first embodiment of the core may also be used as a drip valve to prevent freeze damage in fire extinguishing or other fluid systems.

Abstract: An automatic foam fire extinguishing system in which the sprinkler opens to discharge foam at one temperature and close to stop the flow of foam at a lower temperature. The system includes sprinkler header and a reservoir for foam and air. In an alternative embodiment, the reservoir is close coupled to sprinkler header to provide a portable self contained unit.