Abstract: A sprinkler assembly that includes a sprinkler frame, preferably formed from a plastic material and a deflector assembly that translates with respect to the sprinkler frame upon actuation of the sprinkler from an unactuated state. Moreover, the deflector assembly includes a first portion which axially translates relative to the sprinkler outlet in the actuated state of the sprinkler assembly and a second portion that remains fixed with respect to the sprinkler outlet to support a thermally responsive trigger and seal assembly in an unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly.

Abstract: A sprinkler assembly that includes a sprinkler frame, preferably formed from a plastic material. The sprinkler frame has a proximal portion, a distal portion, an external surface and an internal surface. The internal surface defines an internal passageway extending from an inlet formed in the proximal portion to an outlet formed in the distal portion to define a longitudinal sprinkler axis of the sprinkler assembly. A support member is preferably formed about the distal portion of the frame for supporting a deflector assembly with a pair of projection members. A deflector assembly including a deflector member and a receiving structure is engaged with the projection members to locate the deflector member at a fixed distance from the outlet of the sprinkler frame.

Abstract: A Manual Reset hydraulic valve latch, capable of maintaining a hydraulically controlled valve in an open state after the valve has been opened by an activating device, regardless of the state of the activating device, until the latch is reset. The invention provides simplicity of operation, high resistance to false tripping and accidental shutoff. The invention further provides a fast fill of the hydraulic valve control chamber by reducing flow restriction into the valve control mechanism during reset of the latch.

Abstract: A thermal trigger assembly for remote mechanical actuation of another fire protection system component includes an activation component having a base and a movable member. A bias member biases the movable member from a preactivation to an activated position with respect to the base. A thermally responsive element retains the movable member in the preactivation position until a predetermined thermodynamic condition is reached, when the thermally responsive element loses structural integrity. A flexible connector includes a flexible hollow outer cable housing with one end configured to be stationarily (preferably fixedly) connected with the base. A flexible cable is inside the outer cable housing for sliding movement therein and has one end configured to be stationarily (preferably fixedly) connected with the movable member. The flexible cable is moved with respect to the outer cable housing by movement of the movable member upon loss of structural integrity by the thermally responsive element.

Abstract: A control valve assembly includes a valve body having inlet and outlet ends, and an endless valve seat therebetween. A clapper disk is pivotably mounted within the valve body, and is pivotable between a sealingly closed position and an open position according to a pressure differential across the clapper disk. A U-shaped arm is rotatably supported in the valve body, and rotatable between a first position, wherein a bight of the U-shaped arm is positioned out of an operational range of movement of the clapper disk such that the clapper disk is freely movable between the open and closed positions thereof, and a second position, wherein the bight of the U-shaped arm engages and maintains the clapper disk in the sealingly closed position thereof. A selectively rotatable control arm operatively coupled with the U-shaped arm and utilized to move the U-shaped arm between the first and second positions thereof.

Abstract: A control valve assembly includes a valve body having inlet and outlet ends, and an endless valve seat therebetween. A clapper disk is pivotably mounted within the valve body, and is pivotable between a sealingly closed position and an open position according to a pressure differential across the clapper disk. A U-shaped arm is rotatably supported in the valve body, and rotatable between a first position, wherein a bight of the U-shaped arm is positioned out of an operational range of movement of the clapper disk such that the clapper disk is freely movable between the open and closed positions thereof, and a second position, wherein the bight of the U-shaped arm engages and maintains the clapper disk in the sealingly closed position thereof. A selectively rotatable control arm operatively coupled with the U-shaped arm and utilized to move the U-shaped arm between the first and second positions thereof.

Abstract: A cross-wall indicator post is provided to control through a wall, open and closed configurations of a piping system control valve having a manual actuator with a valve-hand wheel. The indicator post includes a post body having a mounting flange to mount the post body to a wall separating the post body from the control valve. An operating stem extends through the post body and is adjustably, slidably, non-rotatably, telescopingly engaged with an extension rod. A post-hand wheel is engaged with the operating stem for rotation thereof. An engagement member is fixedly attached to the extension rod, configured to be selectively, mechanically engageable with, and releasable from, the valve-hand wheel to actuate the control valve between the open and closed configurations thereof. Rotation of the post-hand wheel rotates the operating stem, the extension rod, and the engagement member, to, in turn, rotate the valve-hand wheel.

Abstract: A diaphragm-type control valve having a diaphragm and a valve body is provided preferably for use in the separation of and fluid control between a fluid source and a pressurized gas volume. The diaphragm element and a port in the body together form an intermediate chamber that eliminates the need for a check-valve downstream of the valve. In one preferred embodiment, an inner surface of the valve body defines a chamber having an inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber, and an elongated seat member defining a groove in communication with the port. A diaphragm member having upper and lower surfaces is disposed within the chamber. The lower surface preferably includes a pair of spaced apart elongated members defining a channel therebetween. The diaphragm member engages the seat member placing the channel in communication with the groove to define an air seat in communication with the port.

Abstract: A dual-purpose fluid control valve for controlling the flow of fluid to separate systems supplied by the valve. The control valve includes a body having an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The valve further includes means for controlling a rate of fluid through one outlet based on a fluid demand at the outlet while controlling the rate of fluid flow through the other outlet.

Abstract: A sprinkler system protects a combustible concealed space between a floor and a sloped roof above and includes a water supply line connected with a valve having a body and a passageway connecting an inlet and an outlet. A seal member is located and supported in a body along the passageway to block and open the passageway. A water discharge device is connected by piping with the outlet and installed in the concealed space at a location remote from the valve to spray water onto the Boon A thermal activation component includes a thermally responsive element installed at a location in the concealed space remote from the valve and the water discharge device. A flexible connector mechanically connects the thermal activation component and the valve and initiates movement of the seal member in response to a physical change in the thermally responsive element due to heating thereof.

Abstract: A valve for control of fluid flow in a fire protection system, having a body forming a fluid path between an inlet and an outlet connected via a seat, and a clapper with a bottom sealing surface and a top with a latch abutment portion. The valve further comprises an arm coupled to the valve body about a hinge point and having a closure end with an optional roller or ball. The arm is movable to engage the clapper and maintain the clapper closed, or to disengage and allow the clapper to open. The arm is disposed such that the opening force on the clapper is transferred primarily directly to the body, providing large closing force against the clapper, requires relatively small force to dislodge the arm, and in many embodiments substantially isolates the closing force from the force required to dislodge the arm.

Abstract: A diaphragm-type control valve having a diaphragm and a valve body is provided preferably for use in the separation of and fluid control between a fluid source and a pressurized gas volume. The diaphragm element and a port in the body together form an intermediate chamber that eliminates the need for a check-valve downstream of the valve. In one preferred embodiment, an inner surface of the valve body defines a chamber having an inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber, and an elongated seat member defining a groove in communication with the port. A diaphragm member having upper and lower surfaces is disposed within the chamber. The lower surface preferably includes a pair of spaced apart elongated members defining a channel therebetween. The diaphragm member engages the seat member placing the channel in communication with the groove to define an air seat in communication with the port.

Abstract: A dry sprinkler for a fire protection system. The preferred dry sprinkler has a metallic disc annulus positionable within a passageway to skew a central axis of a face of the metallic disc annulus with respect to a longitudinal axis of the dry sprinkler so that an expected minimum flow rate based on a rated discharge coefficient is provided. The dry sprinkler operates to provide an expected flow rate over a range of start pressures. The expected flow rate is based on a K-factor rating. The dry sprinkler provides an acceptable level of fluid flow rate from the expected flow rate based on the K-factor for a range of start pressures.

Abstract: A control valve assembly includes a valve body having inlet and outlet ends, and an endless valve seat therebetween. A clapper disk is pivotably mounted within the valve body, and is pivotable between a sealingly closed position and an open position according to a pressure differential across the clapper disk. A U-shaped arm is rotatably supported in the valve body, and rotatable between a first position, wherein a bight of the U-shaped arm is positioned out of an operational range of movement of the clapper disk such that the clapper disk is freely movable between the open and closed positions thereof, and a second position, wherein the bight of the U-shaped arm engages and maintains the clapper disk in the sealingly closed position thereof. A selectively rotatable control arm operatively coupled with the U-shaped arm and utilized to move the U-shaped arm between the first and second positions thereof.

Abstract: A diaphragm-type control valve having a valve body holding a diaphragm and a depression member is provided preferably for use in the separation of and fluid control between a fluid source and a pressurized gas volume. An inner surface of the valve body defines a chamber having an inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber, and an elongated seat member. The depression member biases the diaphragm to a seated position within the valve.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a diaphragm valve having a plurality of sealing members disposed on the diaphragm, the plurality of sealing member and the seat define two intermediate chambers, coupled to at least one and potentially more, alarm port, to alert of leakage of fluid from the inlet side and/or the outlet side. A second aspect of the invention provides at least one angled lip disposed to improve the seal quality of any diaphragm valve. The angled lip enjoys increased sealing responsive to increased pressure of the fluid it seals against. The angled lip may be disposed on the inlet side, he outlet side, or both. In certain embodiments the lip is utilized in a diaphragm having two sealing member forming a single intermediate chamber therebetween when the valve is in the closed condition.

Abstract: A thermal trigger assembly for remote mechanical actuation of another fire protection system component includes an activation component having a base and a movable member. A bias member biases the movable member from a preactivation to an activated position with respect to the base. A thermally responsive element retains the movable member in the preactivation position until a predetermined thermodynamic condition is reached, when the thermally responsive element loses structural integrity. A flexible connector includes a flexible hollow outer cable housing with one end configured to be stationarily (preferably fixedly) connected with the base. A flexible cable is inside the outer cable housing for sliding movement therein and has one end configured to be stationarily (preferably fixedly) connected with the movable member. The flexible cable is moved with respect to the outer cable housing by movement of the movable member upon loss of structural integrity by the thermally responsive element.

Abstract: A dry sprinkler for a fire protection system having a configuration with one or more coupling arrangements for connection to a fluid supply piping of the system. The dry sprinkler structure further includes an inner surface and inner assembly to provide a preferred discharge performance. The dry sprinkler provides for a flow rate from the outlet of the sprinkler in accordance with the start pressure at the inlet of the sprinkler and the rated discharge coefficient, K factor, ranging between 16.8 GPM/PSI½ and 33.

Abstract: A dry pilot actuator provides for a high liquid to gas trip ratio. The actuator includes a housing having an interior surface defining an internal chamber with a central axis. The valve further includes a first inlet port; a second pilot port and a third drain port, each in communication with the internal chamber. A first actuator seat is disposed along the interior surface of the housing circumscribed about the central axis and a second actuator seat is circumscribed about the first actuator seat. A seal member having a sealed position and an open position is substantially aligned with the central axis of the housing in each of the sealed and open positions. The third port is isolated from the first and second port when the sealing member is in the sealed position, and in fluid communication with the first port when the sealing member is in the open position. The second port is isolated from the first and third ports when the sealing member is in the actuated position.

Abstract: Systems and methods of an integrated fluid control valve and valve actuator assembly are provided. The assembly includes a pressure operated fluid control valve for controlling the flow of liquid from a liquid supply piping system into a sprinkler piping system of a fire protection system when transitioning the fire protection system from a stand-by state to an actuated state. The control valve defines a valve chamber for holding a pressurized fluid to prevent the flow of fluid through the control valve. A valve actuator is coupled to the fluid control valve housing for setting of the fluid control valve in an unactuated ready state and for operating the fluid control valve automatically and/or manually. Automatic control devices can be placed in fluid communication with the valve actuator to maintain and control operation of the valve actuator for controlled operation of the fluid control valve.