Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a rotorcraft comprising an airframe having an engine compartment, an engine disposed within the engine compartment, at least one fire bottle configured to hold a fire extinguishing agent, at least one agent tube coupled to the fire bottle and configured to carry the fire extinguishing agent to the engine compartment, and a nozzle on the at least one agent tube, the nozzle positioned above the engine and oriented in a downward-facing direction. The nozzle has at least one opening and is configured to allow liquid to drain out of the at least one opening instead of allowing the liquid to flow into the at least one agent tube. The nozzle may have a chamfer opening that faces downward.

Abstract: A mobile fire protection system comprises a first radiation detector for detecting radiation emitted by a flame in a monitoring region. A container holds fire suppression agent, the container being in selective fluid flow communication via a passage with an outlet for discharging the fire suppression agent. A mobile support structure carries the container. A valve is selectively movable between a closed state, wherein the fire suppression agent remains captive within the container, and an open state, wherein flow of the fire suppression agent from the container towards the outlet is enabled. A controller is configured, responsive to the first radiation detector detecting radiation emitted by the flame in the monitoring region, to cause the valve to move to the open state to discharge the fire suppression agent via the passage and the outlet towards the flame.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a position of an airflow-direction control element 16 of a HVAC system, comprising the steps of, a] determining a position of at least one movable member of an airflow-direction control mechanism of the HVAC system; and b] calculating whether the movable member is at a target position associated with a required position of the airflow-direction control element, and if not, activating an airflow-direction-controller actuator of the HVAC system to effect a change in the position of the movable member thereby bringing the airflow-direction control element to or towards the said required position. A HVAC system suitable for implementing such a method is also provided and capable of improving the overall efficiency of operation.

Abstract: Fluid control valves including single-opening, binary fluid control valves that are initially closed and can be opened one time only to allow a fluid transfer between two spaces separated by a fluid impermeable barrier. Applications of valves of this type include inflatable devices, including but not limited to medical device balloons, in particular gastric balloons for weight loss.

Abstract: Thermally activated devices, including thermally activated release devices. These devices may be used as part of any device or system in which thermal activation may be desired. In particular, described herein are thermally activated devices configured as sprinkler valves. The thermally activated devices typically include a channel and a plug element, where the plug element is a shape memory material, which may be a single-crystal shape memory alloy. The channel has two connected regions, where the first region has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of a plug element in a first configuration and the second region has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the plug element in the first configuration but greater than the diameter of the plug element in its second configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of linear actuators, and in particular, to a high-efficiency high-thrust electric linear actuator for a solar panel. Compared with a conventional electric linear actuator, in the electric linear actuator for a solar panel of the present invention, a drive nut on a screw uses a copper alloy nut. The copper alloy nut used in the present invention greatly improves the strength, toughness, and fatigue-resistance performance and has high hardness and high tensile strength. The copper alloy nut and the corresponding screw are used in combination to bear higher pressure and do not fracture easily. Therefore, a small-structure high-thrust electric linear actuator can be realized. An electric linear actuator having a smaller volume is used to support the solar panel, so that small space is occupied, and transportation and use become more convenient.

Abstract: A sprinkler head for use in a structure for the delivery of a liquid includes a housing, a sleeve, a cap, a spray assembly, a return spring and an SMA spring. The sleeve includes a first portion which is positioned in the housing. The cap is threadedly assembled with the housing. The spray assembly is assembled to a second portion of the sleeve. The return spring is positioned between the cap and the first portion. The SMA spring is positioned between the cap and the spray assembly. The sleeve is movable relative to the housing in order to open a liquid flow path due to activation of the SMA spring resulting from an elevated temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for discharging hydrated super absorbent polymer into a confined space for protection of a lineman or firefighter from a flash fire and fire suppression. A pressurized tank is filled with hydrated super absorbent polymer and connected to a conduit that is constructed and arranged to interchange various nozzles for personnel protection and fire suppression. The hydrated super absorbent polymer is discharged through a solenoid valve which can be operated by the individual operating within the space with a switch, an individual operating the control panel mounted in a utility truck or activated by a heat sensor in the confined space.

Abstract: A dry pipe valve includes a main chamber having an input port and an output port, a clapper assembly installed in the main chamber, a pushrod, a pushrod chamber, and a dry valve actuator. The clapper assembly includes a clapper that seals the input port of the main chamber, and a hinged lever that holds the clapper in a closed position or allows the clapper to open. Based on a pressure of a control fluid in the pushrod chamber, the pushrod moves to urge the hinged lever against the clapper to hold the clapper in the closed position, or to release the hinged lever and thereby allow the clapper to open. The dry valve actuator is attached to a housing of the pushrod chamber and controls the pressure of the control fluid in the pushrod chamber.

Abstract: An explosion-protected housing, such as a switchboard, junction box, distribution box, or the like, comprising sidewalls, one back or bottom wall connecting the sidewalls, and a lid or door wall part closing a housing opening. In the housing interior, electronic and/or electric components are arranged, wherein the housing comprises a cooling device. To allow the cooling of a plurality of electronic and/or electric components in the housing interior in a simple way and without higher costs and requiring more space, at least one cooling pipe as a cooling device is provided in at least one wall or a wall part and is closed to the housing interior and flowed through by a cooling fluid.

Abstract: Thermally activated devices, including thermally activated release devices. These devices may be used as part of any device or system in which thermal activation may be desired. In particular, described herein are thermally activated devices configured as sprinkler valves. The thermally activated devices typically include a channel and a plug element, where the plug element is a shape memory material, which may be a single-crystal shape memory alloy. The channel has two connected regions, where the first region has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of a plug element in a first configuration and the second region has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the plug element in the first configuration but greater than the diameter of the plug element in its second configuration.

Abstract: An isolation valve including a mechanism for reinforcing closure. The valve includes a seat against which a flap valve member is fitted in a closed position, and a locking finger presents movement defined by a control mechanism configured to press the finger against the valve member in the closed position.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler assembly utilizes available water runoff and a filtration mechanism to increase efficiency and maintain an existing evaporative cooler. The assembly includes a main housing and a first intake vent coupled to and extending through the main housing. A first evaporative pad positioned in the main housing adjacent to the first intake vent. A blower is positioned in the main housing for urging the ambient air through the intake vent and out of an output duct. A reservoir is provided extrinsic to the main housing. A delivery line is in fluid communication between the reservoir and the evaporative pad. A pump is operationally coupled to the delivery line urging water through the delivery line. A return line is coupled to the main housing and the reservoir wherein, the return line returns unevaporated fluid to the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic fire extinguisher capable of automatically discharging a fire-extinguishing agent upon the occurrence of a fire. More particularly, the present invention relates to an automatic fire extinguisher which is capable of automatically discharging a fire-extinguishing agent to a fire site without using power upon the occurrence of a fire to thus efficiently extinguish the fire, and which is also capable of sounding an alarm at an early stage upon the occurrence of a fire, to thus enable people to take swift action. The automatic fire extinguisher of the present invention may ultimately serve as a sprinkler, and can be reused after operation.

Abstract: A combined trigger and concealing device for an automatic fire protection sprinkler includes a first plate attached to a second plate by a heat fusible material. Each plate is formed with an aperture which receives an actuator depending from the bottom of the sprinkler. The trigger device depends a preselected distance from the bottom of the sprinkler body and includes a cover which has an outer dimension which conceals the internal components of the sprinkler from view. The cover includes openings and is dimensioned and positioned to permit heat energy to be received by the inner and outer surface of the trigger device. Conduction of heat energy from both the inner and outer surface of the trigger device permits the heat fusible material to be expeditiously raised to the preselected separation temperature. This construction minimizes response time of the sprinkler while maintaining a highly aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system is disclosed in which the system comprises a fire extinguisher having an opening, and a valve assembly covering the opening. The valve assembly includes a valve movable from a first position in which the valve seals the opening of the fire extinguisher to a second position in which the valve exposes the opening to allow expulsion of fire suppression material(s) from the fire extinguisher. A release mechanism, which may be in the form of a solenoid or a manual release mechanism, is provided for moving the valve to its open position. Methods of using the aforementioned fire extinguisher to suppress a fire are also disclosed.

Abstract: A trim manifold assembly is utilized to facilitate control of the control valve in a fire protection system. The trim manifold assembly utilizes a manifold block with numerous passageways to provide desired flow communication between various components, such as automatic and manual valves, check valves, inlet and exit ports, and sensor ports, by way of non-limiting example. The trim manifold assembly can be cost-effectively manufactured and may require less assembly steps. The trim manifold assembly can facilitate the assembly of a fire protection system and the attachment of the trim manifold assembly to the control valve for operation thereof.

Abstract: A building sprinkler system includes a pump having an input for receiving water and an output that is connected to selectively feed a plurality of sprinkler heads. A driver is operatively connected to the pump for driving the pump. A cooling arrangement is provided for cooling the pump during pump testing operations. The cooling arrangement includes: a heat exchanger with a primary loop formed by a flow path for delivering water from the output of the pump through the heat exchanger and back to the input of the pump, and a secondary loop formed by a flow path for delivering coolant from the heat exchanger through a radiator and back to the heat exchanger so that heat is transferred from the water to the coolant via the heat exchanger and from the coolant to air via the radiator.

Abstract: A fire safety control system includes a storage container with an agent; a valve on the storage container for releasing the agent; a control head on the valve for actuating the valve; and a connection sensor on the control head for sensing whether the control head is connected to the valve and for producing a connection status signal.

Abstract: A differential dry pipe valve is provided having a body including an inlet chamber having an inlet port, an exit chamber having an exit port, and a gasket flange positioned between the inlet and exit chambers facing the exit port, the inlet and exit ports being substantially aligned. The valve also includes a gasket attached to the gasket flange and an openable cover hingedly attached to the body. The gasket has an inner water lip in fluid communication with the inlet chamber and an outer air lip surrounding the water lip. The spacing between the water lip and air lip varies. The air and water lips are coaxial. The cover is configured to be sealingly engaged with the seal when in a closed position and to be sealingly disengaged in an open position when the pressure in the exit chamber is lower than the pressure in the inlet chamber. When the cover is in the open position, a direction of a path between the inlet and exit ports is substantially unaltered.

Abstract: An exemplary device for introducing an agent into a fire suppression fluid includes a housing having an inlet configured to receive the agent into the housing. The housing also has an outlet configured to release the agent from the housing. A stopper is moveable between a closed position where the stopper prevents passage from the inlet to the outlet and an open position where the inlet is in communication with the outlet. A vane causes movement of the stopper from the closed position to the open position responsive to contact between the vane and fire suppression fluid flowing past the vane.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler including a generally tubular body having inlet and outlet ends is disclosed. The body defines a fluid flow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet such that the outlet is in fluid flow communication with the inlet. A magnetized member is disposed within the fluid flow passage and is movable between a first position wherein fluid flow communication between the outlet and the inlet is blocked and a second position wherein fluid flow communication between the outlet and the inlet is open. A temperature sensitive magnetic member is coupled to the body and has sufficient magnetic properties to attract the magnetized member below a predetermined temperature, thereby maintaining the magnetized member in the first position. The temperature sensitive magnetic member loses a sufficient percentage of its magnetic properties at and above the predetermined temperature, thereby allowing the magnetized member to move to the second position.

Abstract: A spray head (1), comprising a fastening body (2), a spray head body (3) with at least one nozzle (4) and a thermally activated triggering device (5), said spray head body (3) being arranged into fastening body (2), in its cylinder space (21) to be movable between two positions, the first position, in which spray head is in the inactive state, and the second position, in which the spray head body is extended out, said spray head body (3) being arranged to be movable through the effect of pressurized medium in relation to fastening body (2) from the first position to the second position. A retaining arrangement (18, 19, 20) has been arranged between spray head body (3) and fastening body (2), adapted to keep spray head body (3) in the first position, until the pressure of the medium exceeds a preset value.

Abstract: A dry pipe sprinkler system comprises at least one sprinkler head (18); a control valve (10) operable to supply an extinguishant to the sprinkler head; a system of pipes (16) interconnecting the control valve and the sprinkler head, the pipe system comprising a control column (26) and a riser pipe (42); and a pressure control means (38) located downstream of the control valve and upstream of the sprinkler head; wherein the pipe system is arranged to form a manometer which contains a quantity of extinguishant up to a predetermined level (48) in the control column and in the riser pipe; wherein the manometer is arranged such that the creation of a pressure differential across the pressure control means results in a reduction in the extinguishant level in the control column and a rise in the extinguishant level in the riser pipe; and wherein the control valve is adapted to open to supply extinguishant to the sprinkler head when there is a change in the predetermined level of extinguishant in the control column a

Abstract: This publication describes a method and a nozzle for firefighting using a firefighting medium emitted from one or more nozzles installed on a wall or in a ceiling. The firefighting medium is supplied and allowed to escape from the nozzle through one or more apertures, the nozzle being provided with an internally arranged valve in sealing contact with a valve seat until the valve is released from its scaling position. The release is caused by a heat sensible release mechanism acting on the valve whereby the sealing effect of the valve is relieved. A locking force required for maintaining the sealing effect by means of a removable cap or cover is provided, attached to the nozzle front, said locking force being established between at least two interacting surfaces.

Abstract: A fire extinguisher system comprising a conduit and at least one storage, with at least one valve connected to the at least one storage responsive to a heat event within the conduit.

Abstract: A trim manifold assembly is utilized to facilitate control of the control valve in a fire protection system. The trim manifold assembly utilizes a manifold block with numerous passageways to provide desired flow communication between various components, such as automatic and manual valves, check valves, inlet and exit ports, and sensor ports, by way of non-limiting example. The trim manifold assembly can be cost-effectively manufactured and may require less assembly steps. The trim manifold assembly can facilitate the assembly of a fire protection system and the attachment of the trim manifold assembly to the control valve for operation thereof.

Abstract: A trim manifold assembly includes an alarm block and a release block. The alarm block is in communication with a fire suppressant fluid supply and defines a first alarm passage in communication with an alarm sensor. The release block is coupled to the alarm block and includes a drain passage and a first control passage. The first control passage is in communication with the fire suppressant fluid supply and a pressure-actuated system control valve to control communication between the fire suppressant fluid supply and the sprinkler system.

Abstract: A fire protection system includes a dry pipe system and a controlled discharge gas vent. The dry pipe system and controlled discharge gas vent operate using a breathing cycle to displace oxygen and/or water vapor from within the piping network of the dry pipe system. The controlled gas discharge vent allows displacement of pressurized air with nitrogen, for example, using manual or automated processes that can employ one or more sensors. Corrosion resulting from oxygen, water, and/or microbial growth is reduced or nearly eliminated.

Abstract: Thermally activated devices, including thermally activated release devices. These devices may be used as part of any device or system in which thermal activation may be desired. In particular, described herein are thermally activated devices configured as sprinkler valves. The thermally activated devices typically include a channel and a plug element, where the plug element is a shape memory material, which may be a single-crystal shape memory alloy. The channel has two connected regions, where the first region has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of a plug element in a first configuration and the second region has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the plug element in the first configuration but greater than the diameter of the plug element in its second configuration.

Abstract: A fire detection system includes a detection tube and a sensing device. The detection tube contains a sensing fluid having a first physical condition and a second physical condition. The sensing fluid is in the first physical condition below a temperature threshold, and is in the second physical condition above the temperature threshold. The sensing fluid is at least partially liquid in the first physical condition. The sensing device is movable to open in response to a transition of a portion of the sensing fluid from the first physical condition to the second physical condition.

Abstract: An automatic electrical gas vent, method and resulting fire protection sprinkler system, is useful with a water source and at least one sprinkler. The at least one sprinkler is connected with the water source by a piping network. An automatic electrical gas vent is adapted to be connected with the piping network to discharge gas from said piping network. The automatic electrical gas vent includes an electrically operated valve that is electrically actuatable to discharge from said piping network and a sensor. The sensor senses the presence of gas at a portion of the piping network and causes actuation of the valve to discharge from the piping network in the absence of a conductive liquid.

Abstract: A valve for a fire extinguishing system includes a housing, a flow control apparatus, an actuator apparatus, and a manual override apparatus. The flow control apparatus is disposed in a cavity to prevent or permit flow of the fire extinguishing agent from an ingress aperture to an egress aperture of the housing. The flow control apparatus includes a burst disk clamped between the first and second annular faces and an annular spool axially movable along the longitudinal axis relative to the housing. The actuator apparatus includes a bearing sleeve angularly movable around a longitudinal axis relative to the housing and a latch element operably coupling the bearing sleeve and the annular spool. The manual override apparatus includes a cam operably coupled to the bearing sleeve.

Abstract: An automatic fire extinguisher valve assembly includes a valve body, a push rod disposed in the valve body, a poppet stem arranged perpendicular to the push rod and disposed in the valve body, a poppet-to-valve body seal coupled to the poppet stem and disposed in the valve body and a poppet return spring coupled to the poppet stem and disposed in the valve body, wherein the push rod is configured to engage the poppet stem to open the poppet-to-valve body seal.

Abstract: The fire extinguishing ball includes an outer ball cage, an inner ball cage freely rotatable within the outer ball cage about one axis, and an internal fire extinguishing assembly carried by the inner ball cage and freely rotatable therein about a different axis. The internal fire extinguishing assembly includes a hollow ball-shaped body containing compressed gas and fire extinguishing agents. A valve assembly attached to the top of the body permits refilling of the body and dispersion of the contents during operation. The internal fire extinguishing assembly is connected to the inner ball cage so that the valve assembly will be disposed on top when the fire extinguishing ball is at rest. The ball can be tossed or rolled towards fires in difficult to reach areas. Exposure to heat opens the valve in the valve assembly to thereby disperse the contents of the body and extinguish the flames.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide a device for protecting an inner space of an object against fire, including a housing provided with at least one passage opening; an aerosol-forming extinguishing element arranged in the housing and which may include a container for holding extinguishing material which can be activated at a fixed activating temperature; at least one outlet opening which can be connected to the passage opening in the housing and along which the activated extinguishing material can be carried into the inner space of the object so as to extinguish the fire; an activating element for bringing at least part of the extinguishing material to the activation temperature; at least one detection unit arranged in or close to the housing for detecting at least one physical and/or chemical parameter representative of fire in the inner space; and a control unit arranged in the housing for causing thermal activation of the extinguishing element by the activating element when a preset activation value of the detect

Abstract: A system resides on a fire truck carrying at least one fire hose in a hose bay. The system comprises a target device coupled to the at least one fire hose, a proximity sensor coupled to the hose bay and operable to detect the presence and absence of the target device, and a controller coupled to the proximity sensor and control valve and operable to enable opening of the control valve in response to the proximity sensor detecting the absence of the target device indicative of a substantially complete removal of the at least one fire hose from the hose bay of the fire truck, and operable to disable opening of the control valve in response to the proximity sensor detecting the presence of the target device indicative of the at least one fire hose remaining in the hose bay of the fire truck.

Abstract: A preaction dry pipe alarm valve (1) for a sprinkler pipework (24) with sprinklers with a fire detection and extinguishing control panel (26), a water supply (38), valves, the air feed (37), wherein the pilot control chamber (19) of the preaction dry pipe alarm valve (1) is depressurized in case of a fault message from the fire detection and extinguishing control panel (26), wherein a quick opener (40) which is in connection with the preaction dry pipe alarm valve (1), when the pilot control chamber (19) is depressurized and, in the case of a decreasing pressure in the sprinkler pipework (24), opens the valve head (2) of the preaction dry pipe alarm valve (1), so that extinguishing water can flow into the dry pipework (24). The system requires no additional rapid vents need to be installed in the pipework, which allows achieving very short flooding times for the sprinkler pipework.

Abstract: The fire extinguishing ball includes an outer ball cage, an inner ball cage freely rotatable within the outer ball cage about one axis, and an internal fire extinguishing assembly carried by the inner ball cage and freely rotatable therein about a different axis. The internal fire extinguishing assembly includes a hollow ball-shaped body containing compressed gas and fire extinguishing agents. A valve assembly attached to the top of the body permits refilling of the body and dispersion of the contents during operation. The internal fire extinguishing assembly is connected to the inner ball cage so that the valve assembly will be disposed on top when the fire extinguishing ball is at rest. The ball can be tossed or rolled towards fires in difficult to reach areas. Exposure to heat opens the valve in the valve assembly to thereby disperse the contents of the body and extinguish the flames.

Abstract: A valve for a pressure vessel of an automatic fire extinguishing system comprises a valve housing with a valve output opening for connecting an extinguishing line, a valve input opening for connecting the valve to the pressure vessel, a valve seat arranged between the valve output opening and the valve input opening, a low pressure chamber for connecting a triggering device and a high pressure chamber connectable with the low pressure chamber, wherein arranged in a the valve housing is a closing piston comprising a valve seat seal, which can be moved between a closing piston closed position and a closing piston open position, a pressure control unit in pressure connection with the valve input opening and the low pressure chamber for controlling the low pressure in the low pressure chamber relative to a vessel pressure of the pressure vessel and a control piston which can be moved between a control piston closed position and a control piston open position, wherein the closing piston is arranged in the closing

Abstract: Apparatus and method for converting a fire suppression system from a single interlock electric or double interlock electro-pneumatic system to a single interlock pneumatic system which draws no electrical power. A pneumatic actuator is in fluid communication with a pressurized piping network and a control valve controlling flow of fire suppressant to the network. The pneumatic actuator is isolated from the piping network by a check valve and a latching solenoid valve. In the event of a power failure the latching solenoid valve is opened, placing the pneumatic actuator in fluid communication with the piping network. Electrical power is drawn only to change the state of the latching solenoid valve, it otherwise draws no power. When the latching solenoid valve is open the pneumatic actuator controls actuation of the control valve, and triggers the control valve when there is a pressure change in the piping network indicative of a fire.

Abstract: An improved fire protection system that is of fail safe design for kitchen stoves with or without a range hood and other applications utilizing electrical power for generating heat and in which a fire condition such as a skillet of grease becomes ignited. Said system is activated thermally to release a quantity of fire suppressant material while simultaneously cutting off the electrical power. The system utilizes a reservoir containing the fire suppressant under pressure with a hose or pipe connected to one or a plurality of thermally activated nozzles. A second hose or pipe is connected to a pneumatically operated electrical interruption device.

Abstract: The present invention realizes a new actuated valve type water flow detection device that can be applied to a pipe with a relatively large bore diameter. The water flow detection device A includes a coil spring for urging a detection rod in an opening direction of a valve body. Therefore, while detecting water flow by linking a rotation of the detection rod to a rotation of the valve body when the valve body opens or closes by a differential pressure, the detection rod does not apply a closing load to the valve body that is released. Therefore, even when the rotation of the valve body is small because the water flow in the secondary side is small in a conventional actuated valve type water flow detection device, it is possible to increase an opening angle of the valve body.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for remotely controlling the operation of a fire-fighting device coupled to a pump and a valve. The system may comprise a base component and a remote component. The base component comprises a transceiver operable to control operation of the fire-fighting device. The remote component comprises a transceiver configured to wirelessly communicate with the base component and is positioned near a discharge end of a hose coupled to the fire-fighting device wherein an input end of the hose coupled to the fire-fighting device. The remote component also includes an input device for receiving input from a user and is configured to wirelessly communicate the received input to the base component. The base component is configured to control at least one of the pump and the valve based on the received input communicated to the fire-fighting device subject to a set of rules.

Abstract: A sprinkler system comprises a network of CPVC conduits and a plurality of sprinklers. The system includes an electrically activated solenoid control valve to allow fluid to flow in the pipe network. One or more fire detectors operate independently of the condition of the sprinklers. Upon detection of an incipient fire situation, a fire detector sends an electrical signal to cause activation of the control valve. Upon activation of the control valve, fire suppression fluid is caused to flow through the conduits before the incipient fire situation matures into a sprinkler-triggering event. The cooling effect of fluid flowing through the conduit enables the conduit to resist structural failure prior to sprinkler deployment. The control valve may be disposed at a remote location in the sprinkler line and be operable as part of an inspector's test connection.

Abstract: A method for delivering water through a fire hydrant is described. The method includes unlocking a sprinkler cap control lock on the fire hydrant, removing the sprinkler cap control lock to access the operating nut of the fire hydrant and activating the operating nut to deliver water through the sprinkler ports in at least one cap on the fire hydrant. A fire hydrant with a sprinkler cap having a plurality of sprinkler ports and a sprinkler cap control lock, wherein the sprinkler cap control lock covers and prevents access to the operating nut is also described. Systems and methods for lubricating the operating nut and for improved sealing surfaces in the fire hydrant valves are also described.

Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve body having an inlet section for a pressurized fluid and an outlet. A piston is movable within the valve body between an open position and a closed position blocking fluid communication. The piston has an end section, a sealing section and a middle section located between the end section and the sealing section. A cavity receives the piston within the valve body. The cavity has a superior chamber, an intermediate chamber, and an inferior chamber. A spring within the superior chamber exerts a spring force onto the piston to urge the piston towards the open position. An actuator device provides upon actuation for a first flow of fluid outside the cavity from the inlet section to the superior chamber. The first flow causes a pressure within the superior chamber to increase until it is about the same as the pressure within the container so that the spring force moves the piston to the open position.

Abstract: A fire suppression sprinkler system convertible between a wet and a dry mode of operation is disclosed. The system features a field convertible valve having a bypass loop with a bypass valve for selectively configuring the valve for wet or dry mode operation. For dry mode operation, the bypass valve is open. The field convertible valve also has a system actuator, a gas control valve and a water supply shut-off valve which are open in the dry mode. In the wet mode of operation, the bypass valve is open and the gas control and water supply shut-off valves are closed. The field convertible valve operates in a latch mode controlled by the system actuator in the dry mode, and as a flapper valve in the wet mode of operation. A method of converting the mode of operation of the sprinkler system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An outdoor fire prevention system preferably includes an existing roof structure with a plurality of first and second groups of water discharging assemblies. The system may also include a mechanism for automatically distributing water to a target group of water discharging assemblies by selecting assemblies from each of the first and second groups when sensors, located in the roof, indicate that the roof surface temperature, of a target region of is elevated above a maximum threshold temperature. The outdoor fire prevention system may further include a controller that is connected to a primary water shutoff valve in fluid communication with the automatic water distributing mechanism which automatically controls the amount of water transmitted to the system. The outdoor fire prevention system may also include a primary conduit in fluid communication with the primary water shutoff valve and traveling downstream therefrom, directing water where needed.

Abstract: A hazard control system according to various aspects of the present invention is configured to deliver a control material in response to detection of a hazard and signal a secondary hazard detection system that an event has occurred. In one embodiment, the hazard control system comprises a pressure tube having an internal pressure that is configured to leak in response to exposure to heat. The leak changes the internal pressure and generates a pneumatic signal. A valve may be coupled to the pressure tube and be configured to release the control material from a container is response to the pneumatic signal. A second valve may also be coupled to the pressure tube and be configured to provide a signal to the secondary hazard detection system in response to the pneumatic signal.