Patents by Inventor Scott T. Franson

Scott T. Franson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20140102730
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler assembly includes a housing, a sprinkler head assembly with a sprinkler head and a trigger assembly, and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly has a sealing subassembly for sealing the inlet port of the housing and is operatively coupled to the trigger assembly such that the sealing subassembly releases the sealing of the inlet port in response to the trigger assembly releasing its closure at the outlet opening. The sealing subassembly moves in a linear path substantially parallel with the central longitudinal axis of the housing when releasing the sealing of the inlet port wherein the flow of fire suppressant through the inlet port and into the fluid flow passage is substantially unimpeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Scott T. FRANSON, Andrew T. THOMPSON
  • Patent number: 8695719
    Abstract: A cover plate for a concealed sprinkler includes a member having at least one passageway section enabling heated air to pass between the cover plate and the sprinkler housing and towards the sprinkler head to permit the timely activation of the sprinkler head. In one embodiment, the passageway section is defined by one or more undulations formed within the cover plate, each of which define a ridge at the periphery, enabling air to pass therethrough. The cover plate includes a plurality of mounting tabs upon which a fusible material is applied to adhere the cover plate to the housing of the sprinkler head. The cover plate of the present invention increases the response time of the concealed sprinkler head while maintaining a low profile, discrete appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Retzloff, Scott T. Franson
  • Patent number: 8662191
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly can utilize an adapter having straight threads and an internal sealing member therein to attach the sprinkler to a piping system. The sprinkler may include tapering threads that engage with the straight threads of the adapter and compress the sealing member therein to form a fluid-tight seal. A sprinkler assembly can utilize a fitting that is attached to an extension member containing the sprinkler. The fitting allows the sprinkler and extension member to be coupled to the piping system with a solvent weld. A sprinkler assembly can utilize an attachment system to couple a sprinkler attached to an extension member to a piping system. The attachment system can include a first fitting attached to the connection member, a second fitting attached to the piping system, and a clamping member to clamp the two fittings together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn G. Orr, Scott T. Franson
  • Patent number: 8636075
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler assembly includes a housing, a sprinkler head assembly with a sprinkler head and a trigger assembly, and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly has a sealing subassembly for sealing the inlet port of the housing and is operatively coupled to the trigger assembly such that the sealing subassembly releases the sealing of the inlet port in response to the trigger assembly releasing its closure at the outlet opening. The sealing subassembly moves in a linear path substantially parallel with the central longitudinal axis of the housing when releasing the sealing of the inlet port wherein the flow of fire suppressant through the inlet port and into the fluid flow passage is substantially unimpeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Scott T. Franson, Andrew T. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20130240219
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly can utilize an adapter having straight threads and an internal sealing member therein to attach the sprinkler to a piping system. The sprinkler may include tapering threads that engage with the straight threads of the adapter and compress the sealing member therein to form a fluid-tight seal. A sprinkler assembly can utilize a fitting that is attached to an extension member containing the sprinkler. The fitting allows the sprinkler and extension member to be coupled to the piping system with a solvent weld. A sprinkler assembly can utilize an attachment system to couple a sprinkler attached to an extension member to a piping system. The attachment system can include a first fitting attached to the connection member, a second fitting attached to the piping system, and a clamping member to clamp the two fittings together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: THE VIKING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shawn G. ORR, Scott T. FRANSON
  • Patent number: 8469111
    Abstract: A sprinkler head cover including an end wall and a side wall extending from and around the end wall to form a cavity therebetween. The cavity is sized for receiving a deflector and arms of a sprinkler head. The side wall is adapted for engaging the sprinkler head to thereby releasably mount the cover to the sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn G. Orr, Andrew T. Thompson, Scott T. Franson
  • Patent number: 8459370
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly can utilize an adapter having straight threads and an internal sealing member therein to attach the sprinkler to a piping system. The sprinkler may include tapering threads that engage with the straight threads of the adapter and compress the sealing member therein to form a fluid-tight seal. A sprinkler assembly can utilize a fitting that is attached to an extension member containing the sprinkler. The fitting allows the sprinkler and extension member to be coupled to the piping system with a solvent weld. A sprinkler assembly can utilize an attachment system to couple a sprinkler attached to an extension member to a piping system. The attachment system can include a first fitting attached to the connection member, a second fitting attached to the piping system, and a clamping member to clamp the two fittings together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn G. Orr, Scott T. Franson
  • Patent number: 8402657
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a body, a support, which extends from the body, and a closure device that releasably closes the discharge opening of the body. The sprinkler assembly further includes a trigger that releasably holds the closure device at the discharge opening. The support is adapted to allow the fluid flowing from the discharge opening, when the closure device is released, to pass through the support substantially unimpeded by the support and, further, is adapted to reshape the flow of fluid as it flows through the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Scott T. Franson, Thomas E. Winebrenner, Shawn G. Orr
  • Publication number: 20120247792
    Abstract: A cover plate for a concealed sprinkler includes a member having at least one passageway section enabling heated air to pass between the cover plate and the sprinkler housing and towards the sprinkler head to permit the timely activation of the sprinkler head. In one embodiment, the passageway section is defined by one or more undulations formed within the cover plate, each of which define a ridge at the periphery, enabling air to pass therethrough. The cover plate includes a plurality of mounting tabs upon which a fusible material is applied to adhere the cover plate to the housing of the sprinkler head. The cover plate of the present invention increases the response time of the concealed sprinkler head while maintaining a low profile, discrete appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: THE VIKING CORPORATION
    Inventors: James G. Retzloff, Scott T. Franson
  • Publication number: 20120186832
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly can utilize an adapter having straight threads and an internal sealing member therein to attach the sprinkler to a piping system. The sprinkler may include tapering threads that engage with the straight threads of the adapter and compress the sealing member therein to form a fluid-tight seal. A sprinkler assembly can utilize a fitting that is attached to an extension member containing the sprinkler. The fitting allows the sprinkler and extension member to be coupled to the piping system with a solvent weld. A sprinkler assembly can utilize an attachment system to couple a sprinkler attached to an extension member to a piping system. The attachment system can include a first fitting attached to the connection member, a second fitting attached to the piping system, and a clamping member to clamp the two fittings together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: THE VIKING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shawn G. Orr, Scott T. Franson
  • Patent number: 8220556
    Abstract: A cover plate for a concealed sprinkler includes a member having at least one passageway section enabling heated air to pass between the cover plate and the sprinkler housing and towards the sprinkler head to permit the timely activation of the sprinkler head. In one preferred form, the passageway section is defined by at least one lip projecting from the periphery of the cover plate, away from the sprinkler head. Alternatively, the cover plate may include a peripheral rim projecting away from the sprinkler head. In another preferred embodiment, the passageway section is defined by one or more undulations formed within the cover plate, each of which define a ridge at the periphery, enabling air to pass therethrough. The cover plate is substantially planar and includes a plurality of mounting tabs upon which a fusible material is applied to adhere the cover plate to the housing of the sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: James G Retzloff, Scott T Franson
  • Publication number: 20120159786
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a body, a support, which extends from the body, and a closure device that releasably closes the discharge opening of the body. The sprinkler assembly further includes a trigger that releasably holds the closure device at the discharge opening. The support is adapted to allow the fluid flowing from the discharge opening, when the closure device is released, to pass through the support substantially unimpeded by the support and, further, is adapted to reshape the flow of fluid as it flows through the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: THE VIKING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott T. Franson, Thomas E. Winebrenner, Shawn G. Orr
  • Patent number: 8151462
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a body, a support, which extends from the body, and a closure device that releasably closes the discharge opening of the body. The sprinkler assembly further includes a trigger that releasably holds the closure device at the discharge opening. The support is adapted to allow the fluid flowing from the discharge opening, when the closure device is released, to pass through the support substantially unimpeded by the support and, further, is adapted to reshape the flow of fluid as it flows through the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Scott T. Franson, Thomas E. Winebrenner, Shawn G. Orr
  • Patent number: 8087467
    Abstract: A pendant sprinkler head includes a sprinkler body, with an orifice that forms an inlet and an outlet. A deflector is movably supported by a deflector support assembly and is movable between a retracted position wherein the deflector is adjacent the outlet and an extended position where the deflector is spaced from the outlet. At least a portion of the deflector support assembly is located in the orifice when the deflector is in its retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Scott T. Franson, Kenneth G. Vos, Thomas E. Winebrenner, Andrew T. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7921928
    Abstract: A horizontal dry fire protection sprinkler includes a housing having a vertical segment and a horizontal segment extending generally perpendicular to the vertical segment. The vertical segment defines an inlet opening. A plug member is disposed in the inlet opening for sealingly closing the inlet opening. A sprinkler is attached to the horizontal segment and includes a base having a passage extending therethrough and defining an outlet opening. A cap is disposed in the outlet opening and a heat sensitive trigger engages the cap. A translation mechanism is disposed in the housing and engaging the cap and supporting the plug member in the inlet opening, wherein when the heat sensitive trigger releases support of the cap, the translation mechanism is allowed to move within said housing to allow the plug member to dislodge from the inlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew T. Thompson, Scott T. Franson
  • Patent number: 7854269
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a body, a support, which extends from the body, and a closure device that releasably closes the discharge opening of the body. The sprinkler assembly further includes a trigger that releasably holds the closure device at the discharge opening. The support is adapted to allow the fluid flowing from the discharge opening, when the closure device is released, to pass through the support substantially unimpeded by the support and, further, is adapted to reshape the flow of fluid as it flows through the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Scott T. Franson, Thomas E. Winebrenner, Shawn G. Orr
  • Publication number: 20100170685
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a body, a support, which extends from the body, and a closure device that releasably closes the discharge opening of the body. The sprinkler assembly further includes a trigger that releasably holds the closure device at the discharge opening. The support is adapted to allow the fluid flowing from the discharge opening, when the closure device is released, to pass through the support substantially unimpeded by the support and, further, is adapted to reshape the flow of fluid as it flows through the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: THE VIKING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott T. Franson, Thomas E. Winebrenner, Shawn G. Orr
  • Patent number: 7712218
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a body, a support, which extends from the body, and a closure device that releasably closes the discharge opening of the body. The sprinkler assembly further includes a trigger that releasably holds the closure device at the discharge opening. A flow shaper is mounted to the support and the support is adapted to allow the fluid flowing from the discharge opening, when the closure device is released, to pass through the support substantially unimpeded by the support and the flow shaper is adapted to reshape the flow of fluid as it flows through the support. The flow shaper is formed from a plate having an elongated portion having first and second side edges and first and second ends with at least one tab extending from the first side edge. The elongated portion is formed into a ring shaped body and the at least one tab is bent radially inward toward a center of the generally ring shaped body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Scott T. Franson, Thomas E. Winebrenner, Shawn G. Orr
  • Publication number: 20100038099
    Abstract: A horizontal dry fire protection sprinkler includes a housing having a vertical segment and a horizontal segment extending generally perpendicular to the vertical segment. The vertical segment defines an inlet opening. A plug member is disposed in the inlet opening for sealingly closing the inlet opening. A sprinkler is attached to the horizontal segment and includes a base having a passage extending therethrough and defining an outlet opening. A cap is disposed in the outlet opening and a heat sensitive trigger engages the cap. A translation mechanism is disposed in the housing and engaging the cap and supporting the plug member in the inlet opening, wherein when the heat sensitive trigger releases support of the cap, the translation mechanism is allowed to move within said housing to allow the plug member to dislodge from the inlet opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: THE VIKING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew T. Thompson, Scott T. Franson
  • Patent number: 7540330
    Abstract: A sprinkler head cover including an end wall and a side wall extending from and around the end wall to form a cavity therebetween. The cavity is sized for receiving a deflector and arms of a sprinkler head. The side wall is adapted for engaging the sprinkler head to thereby releasably mount the cover to the sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn G Orr, Andrew T Thompson, Scott T Franson