Abstract: A low pressure actuator for use in a dry, low-pressure, pressurized-gas, fire control and suppression sprinkler system for delivering an extinguishing liquid to a fire, wherein there is a system gas pressure of up to about 20 psi and an extinguishing liquid supply pressure of up to about 160 psi is disclosed. When actuated by a rapid fall in the system gas pressure, the device allows liquid to flow through to a sprinkler check valve, which, in turn, is actuated and provides liquid flow for distribution through a piping system to a plurality of interconnected sprinklers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nozzle, preferably for use in sprinklers and spray heads, for spraying extinguishing medium, the nozzle comprising a housing (7), an inlet end (1) and a first conduit (2) leading from the inlet end to a nozzle opening (3) to enable the spraying of the medium through the nozzle. In order that the flow in the nozzle would grow notably with an increase in pressure, the nozzle comprises a second conduit (4) for spraying the medium from the nozzle, a valve element (6) loaded by a spring (5) being arranged in the conduit so as to keep the second conduit closed when the valve element is subjected to a first pressure by said medium, and the valve element being arranged to open said second conduit when the valve element is subjected to a second pressure by said medium, and the second pressure being higher than the first pressure.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing device for extinguishing a fire from a stationary fire extinguisher. The fire extinguishing device includes a housing having a top wall. A peripheral wall is integrally coupled to and extending downwardly away from the top wall such that the housing has an open bottom side. A canister for disbursing a fire retardant material is securely coupled to an inner surface of the top wall such that a valve mechanically coupled to the canister is directed towards the open bottom side. The canister contains a fire retardant material in a respectively pressurized environment. Control circuitry for actuating the valve is securely coupled to an inner surface of the peripheral wall and is operationally coupled to the valve. A sensor for sensing relatively high heat is electronically coupled to the control circuitry. The sensor is securely attached to the peripheral wall. A plurality of fastening members removably fastens the bottom wall to a ceiling wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sprinkler or a spray head comprising a housing (2), an inlet (3), a nozzle (4) mounted in the housing, a passage (17-18-13) from the inlet to the nozzle, and a holder (8) for a release means, the holder being mounted in front of the nozzle so that it prevents the nozzle from spraying extinguishing medium forward without hindrance, the nozzle being arranged to spray extinguishing medium once the release means has been released. The holder (8) is mounted in the housing (2) by means of a locking mechanism, which is arranged to open and release the holder (8) from the housing once the release means (7) has been released.

Abstract: A pipe or hose (10) intended primarily for fire protection purposes and capable of withstanding high heat flux densities. The pipe or the hose has an internal, tubular rubber layer (11) and a casing (12) provided with holes which casing embraces the tubular rubber layer (11) in close contact therewith. The holes in the casing (12) are situated close together and have a limited cross-sectional area such that liquid transported in the pipe or hose (10) at a current liquid pressure above atmospheric pressure and through the medium of a nozzle effect in direct contact with the casing (12) and, subsequent to release from said casing contact, is able to form a free-standing liquid jet. When used in sprinkler systems or like fire extinguishing systems, the pipe or the hose will be imparted herewith self-sealing and self-protecting properties, and will withstand a heat flux density caused by a jet fire of up to about 500 kW/m.sup.

Abstract: A combined trigger and concealing device for an automatic sprinkler head comprises a first plate attached to a second plate by a heat fusible material in a partially overlapping manner. Each plate is formed with an aperture which receives an actuator depending from the bottom of the sprinkler head. The trigger device depends a preselected distance from the bottom of the sprinkler head body and has an outer dimension which causes the trigger device to conceal the internal components of the sprinkler head from view. An annulus defined between the periphery of the device and the bottom of the sprinkler head permits heat energy to be received by the inner 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 uniform thermal conduction minimizes the response time of the automatic sprinkler head while maintaining a highly aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A fire extinguisher which maintains a constantly high pressure inside a shell of the fire extinguisher through out a shelf-life of the fire extinguisher comprising an ejection chamber having internal threads at its lower edge and a shell having external threads at its upper edge to mate tightly with internal threads of ejection chamber where shell contains fire extinguishing agent in an absolutely closed system, and where there is a pressing element presses on top of a plate fillet welded to an inner lower wall of the ejection chamber. Upon destroying pressing element, pressure inside shell causes a hole being formed in said plate allowing ejection of fire extinguishing agent to put out fire.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing smoke and fire damage in a clean room within which a tool including an electrically powered element is located. The method includes the step of providing the tool with a system including a fire proof housing, a sensor, an environmental sealing mechanism, an operator panel and a controller. The fire proof housing is secured over the tool and includes a door and at least one port to the tool. The sensor monitors an environmental condition within the housing and generates a sensor signal. The environmental sealing mechanism seals the at least one port and the door to the housing in response to the control signals to render the housing environmentally sealed. The operator panel includes visual indicators responsive to actuation signals. The controller is adapted to receive and process the sensor signals and to execute a shutdown control sequence during which the control signals and the actuation signals are generated.

Abstract: A fire detecting valve activation assembly for vehicle fire suppression systems that have a pressurized gas fire suppressant cylinder and a pressurized gas fire suppressant distribution line terminating in a release valve having an actuator shaft for closing and opening the release valve. The fire detecting valve activation assembly includes a nozzle and a lead link fire detecting valve activation assembly.

Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification, a deluge and preaction control system supplies water to a sprinkler line through a solenoid control valve which may be actuated by a control panel receiving electrical signals from detectors or from an emergency switch. A preaction riser assembly is arranged to bypass the solenoid control valve to supply water to the sprinkler line through a manual valve and to permit testing of the system. An optional compressor supplying air pressure of at least 2 psi to the sprinkler line and detects damage to the sprinkler line by loss of pressure.

Abstract: An installation for fighting fire has, in one embodiment, first and second releasing devices for first and second groups of spray heads that overlap at border spray heads. The border spray heads are activatable by either of the first or second releasing devices and check valves at the border spray heads prevent extinguishing liquid from flowing from an activated one of the first or second groups of spray heads into the other. In a second embodiment, one spray head distributes extinguishing liquid to other spray heads.

Abstract: An actuator for performing a function at a predetermined temperature includes an actuator assembly with a resiliently expandable element and a device for liberating hydrogen gas into a sealed system formed in part by the element. When the hydrogen gas pressure in the system becomes sufficiently high, the element expands to perform the function. The resiliently expandable element is a piston or a bellows and the device for liberating hydrogen gas is a hydride sensor assembly.

Abstract: A modular valve field convertible between a wet and dry configuration including a valve body and a passage within the valve body for allowing fluid to flow therethrough. A valve seat and clapper are positioned within the valve body. The clapper is allowed to pivot between a first position wherein the clapper is sealingly engaged with the valve seat and a second position wherein the clapper is spaced from the valve seat to allow fluid to flow through the valve. The operator controls the position of the clapper with respect to the valve seat. An operator securely retains the clapper in the first position in a first mode of operation and allows the clapper to freely move between the first and second positions in a second mode of operation. A controller governs the position of the clapper with respect to the valve seat when the operator is in the second mode of operation.

Abstract: A modular valve field convertible between a wet and dry configuration including a valve body and a passage within the valve body for allowing fluid to flow therethrough. A valve seat and clapper are positioned within the valve body. The clapper is allowed to pivot between a first position wherein the clapper is sealingly engaged with the valve seat and a second position wherein the clapper is spaced from the valve seat to allow fluid to flow through the valve. The operator controls the position of the clapper with respect to the valve seat. An operator securely retains the clapper in the first position in a first mode of operation and allows the clapper to freely move between the first and second positions in a second mode of operation. A controller governs the position of the clapper with respect to the valve seat when the operator is in the second mode of operation.

Abstract: An extended fire-extinguishing discharge system discharges a fire-extinguishing material at a predetermined mass flow rate. The extended discharge system includes an extended discharge container filled with a fire-extinguishing material, at least one discharge nozzle connected with the extended discharge container for discharging the fire-extinguishing material into a protected space, and a variable pressure controller interconnected between the container and the discharge nozzle. The fire extinguishing material flows through the variable pressure controller which produces a regulated pressure as a function of the inlet pressure to the variable pressure controller. By varying the regulated pressure, the extended discharge system of the present invention is able to maintain a mass flow rate within a predetermined optimum range at any temperature of the fire-extinguishing material.

Abstract: A fire suppression water spray array for an underground mining machine includes an accumulator, and a normally open electrically operated valve interconnected in the machine hydraulic control system for operating a hydraulically operated water spray control valve to initiate the water spray in the event of interruption of electrical power to the machine.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler apparatus comprises a tubular body, a valve and a locking mechanism, the tubular body having a longitudinal axis and a conduit extending therethrough and being connectable to a supply of pressurized fire extinguishing fluid. The conduit has an annular groove proximate the outlet end of the tubular body, the valve forming a fluid-tight seal proximate the outlet end in a closed position and being completely separable from the fire sprinkler apparatus. The locking mechanism being supported by the tubular body for limited movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the locking mechanism comprising a housing, a plurality of locking balls moveable toward and away from the annular groove, a locking disc and temperature responsive means.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler control apparatus which is adapted for connection between a network of connecting fluid flow lines which terminate in sprinkler heads and a water supply. The apparatus consists of a conduit having a first end and a second end. The first end is secured to a water supply and the second end is secured to a network of connecting lines. A solenoid valve is positioned at the first end of the conduit such that the flow of water from the water supply through the conduit to the connecting lines is controlled. An expansion tank is connected to the conduit. A sniffer valve is provided for coupling the conduit to an air source, such that the conduit, the expansion tank and all connecting lines may be pressurized with gas. A pressure switch is connected to the solenoid valve and with the conduit. The solenoid valve is opened to release water from the water supply into the conduit should the pressure in the conduit drop below a preset level.

Abstract: An electronic fire protection system is disclosed which includes a central control circuit that operates a sprinkler, or other extinguishing system in responsive to a sensed overtemperature condition. The trigger temperature of the system is adjustable, and the control circuit automatically resets after the sensed temperature has been reduced substantially below the trigger temperature. An audible alarm is also actuated by the control circuit that must be manually reset to ensure that the occurrence of a fire when the protected area is vacant will not go unnoticed. A visual temperature display is provided that can be operated in a power saving mode when external power for the circuit is lost, and a battery backup is actuated. A combination valve/nozzle is utilized in the controlled extinguishing system which is normally spring biased closed, and opened in response to extinguishate pressure.

Abstract: An automatically activated fire extinguishing device for a stove. The device is installable in a hood over the stove and has a compact design which substantially hides portions of the device from normal viewing. The invention also includes an automatic stove shut-off which shuts off the electricity and/or gas to the stove in the event of a fire.

Abstract: A flow control device, such as a valve, has a body with two portions which define two valve chambers, an inlet, which is coupled to a source of pressurized fluid and which opens into one of the valve chambers, and an outlet coupled to downstream devices, such as sprinkler heads, and which opens into the other valve chamber. A piece of collapsible tubing couples the two valve chambers. A shaft extends into the valve and is provided with a mechanism for pinching the collapsible tubing shut which causes the collapsible tubing to collapse due to the pressure exerted on its exterior by the pressurized fluid surrounding it. A coil spring is attached to the shaft and the valve body. When the valve is closed, i.e., the collapsible tubing collapsed, the coil spring is biased to cause the shaft to rotate if released. The shaft is prevented from rotating by a fusible link. When the temperature to which the valve is exposed reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature, the fusible link melts.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler head including a tubular body defining an inlet adapted for connection to a supply of pressurized fire extinguishing fluid, an outlet adapted for placement in a fire protected zone, and a cylindrical inner wall extending between the inlet and outlet and defining an annular recess; and a valve comprising a piston and a cup-shaped gasket retained by and mounted for movement within the body from a closed position to an open position and providing in the closed position a fluid tight seal between the inlet and the outlet and allowing in the open position fluid flow therebetween; the cup-shaped gasket comprising a bottom portion for receiving a force for inducing the gasket movement and produced by pressurized fluid at the inlet, an annular skirt portion having one end joined to the bottom portion and an opposite end retained by the piston, and an annular lip portion extending outwardly from the skirt portion and received by the annular recess so as to form a fluid tight seal therewith.

Abstract: Smoke detector initiated, shape-memory alloy triggered fire extinguisher apparatus creates a reliable, material non-destructive, life sustaining system to suppress or extinguish fires. Low power consumption allows the apparatus to remain latent for long periods of time, be non-destructively tested, and cause fire extinguishers to reliably discharge upon detection of persistent, unsafe smoke conditions. All classes of approved fire extinguishers are controlled. Life forms, sensitive electronic equipment, and other critical mechanisms are protected when liquified gas type fire extinguishers are controlled. The apparatus may be installed in existing unprotected facilities, be installed as primary protection for new facilities, or added as a fast reacting, non-destructive, protection to facilities presently equipped with slower responding sprinkler systems.

Abstract: An improved fire suppression system control. The control system has circuy which reacts to a break in the circuit caused by catastrophic events in a rapid fashion.

Abstract: An ultra fast fusible link assembly with mechanical advantage is provided for controlling the release of loaded devices used in automatic fire fighting equipment wherein the assembly comprises a pair of interlocked mechanical members supporting the load and held together by a fusible link with sufficiently energy thereby when said link is broken said mechanical members fly apart to release said load.

Abstract: A fire extinguisher outlet head including a sealing plug having a head part that is sheared by an explosive charge upon actuation of the extinguisher head to permit release of extinguishant, whereby the sheared head part is guided along a curved path into an position in which it is retained so as not to impede discharge of the extinguishant through a discharge passage.

Abstract: An automatic on-off fire extinguishing sprinkler head including a housing defining inlet and outlet openings; a valve retained by the housing and disposed between the inlet and outlet openings, the valve being movable between a closed position in which it prevents fluid flow between the inlet and outlet openings and an open position in which it allows fluid flow therebetween and a latch releasably latching the valve in the closed position. A release mechanism responds to a sensor by releasing the latch to allow movement of the valve into the open position at a predetermined ambient temperature. Operatively coupled to the valve is a temperature responsive actuator shaped and arranged to allow movement of the valve into its open position in response to ambient temperatures above a given level and to force the valve into its closed position in response to ambient temperatures below the given level.

Abstract: A module for use in a fire extinguishing system and comprising a housing which contains detector apparatus for detecting characteristics of a fire or an incipient fire; control apparatus adapted to be actuated by detection at the detector apparatus; and fire extinguishing apparatus adapted to be discharged by the control apparatus.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system, particularly, but not exclusively, for use in extinguishing chimney fires. The system comprises a container having a pressurized fire extinguishing product therein. A release nozzle is installed in the chimney flue and has a conduit connecting it to a pressure release valve associated with the container. The valve is operated by a piston member which is connected by a wire cable to a fusible element which melts when the flue attains a predetermined temperature. A tension adjusting device is associated with the wire cable to adjust the tension in the cable and the position of a piston head relative to a trigger element associated with the pressure release valve.

Abstract: An automatic fire extinguishing apparatus including a fire sensor, a swivel chamber and an expansible hollow rod secured to the chamber. When a fire is detected by the fire sensor, the swivel chamber is rotated about a vertical axis in accordance with the output of the fire sensor until the rod is directed to the fire source. Then a pressurized fire extinguishing agent contained in a bomb is introduced into the rod through the chamber to expand the rod toward the fire source. The expansion of the rod is stopped when the end of the rod is adjacent the fire source and the free end of the rod is opened, so that the fire extinguishing agent is discharged toward the fire source.

Abstract: An automatic on-off sprinkler head is disclosed for discharge of water for extinguishing a fire in the vicinity in which the delivery of water to and through the head is controlled by alternative temperature responsive elements, namely a snap-disc and a fusible alloy, which normally remains in an inactive position, the temperature responsive element actuating a seal plunger to retain water in a priming or control chamber, the priming or control chamber having therein a flexible tubular valve capable of being compressed to and retained in a closed position by the pressure in the priming or control chamber, the flexible tubular valve providing a boundary of the priming or control chamber, the flexible tubular valve providing a passageway connecting the inlet of the sprinkler head with the discharge orifice nozzle for straight through flow when the flexible tubular valve is in uncompressed or open condition, the priming or control chamber being in communication with the inlet for pressure variation accommodation

Abstract: A fire responsive stem retention apparatus for a non-rising stem valve including an outer hollow sleeve secured to the top of the valve bonnet around the valve stem. An inner cap is received in the outer hollow sleeve and closely fitted therewithin, and houses upper and lower stem bearings therein. The inner cap has a shoulder which provides an upper support for the upper stem bearing. Under normal environmental conditions, the inner cap is sweated to the outer sleeve with a thin layer of fusible material. The upper bearing and stem are prevented from moving upward by the shoulder on the inner cap, and an annular shoulder on the stem is prevented from engaging a backseat in the bonnet. Under fire conditions, the thin layer of fusible material melts rapidly, freeing the inner cap from the outer sleeve and permitting the stem to rise until the annular shoulder on the stem engages the backseat in the bonnet.

Abstract: The invention is a fire suppression system. A first dispensing assembly 22 is adapted to provide a flow of liquid fire suppression chemical at a constant pressure to a first outlet port 24. A first valve assembly 26 is coupled to the first outlet port 24 and is adapted to control the flow of the liquid chemical as a function of the temperature thereof to a second outlet port 34. A second valve assembly 32 is coupled to the second outlet port 34 of the first valve assembly 26 and is adapted to meter the liquid chemical as a function of the inlet pressure level and selected flowrates and to cause the liquid chemical to partially vaporize, forming a liquid/vapor phase, first mixture. A second dispensing means 44 is provided which is adapted to deliver a second mixture composed of water and foaming agent at a constant pressure.

Abstract: A combination sprinkler-valve that may be mounted in a water line in place of a conventional valve and that when so mounted will both control flow through the line and provide an anti-fire spray when needed. The sprinkler-valve includes a body one end of which is adapted for connection to a water line, a valve stem extending axially through the body for controlling flow through the water line, a handle attached to one end of the valve stem and valving surface at other end. A plurality of bores extend from the end of the valve body at the water line upwardly through said valve body so that water may flow from the water line through the bores, and a seal is removably positioned in each of the bores to prevent such flow. Temperature responsive means including a first element contacting the seal, a second portion contacting a fixed part of the valve, and a temperature responsive material securing said two elements together, retains the seals in the bores until a fire occurs.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler including a valve retained by a tubular body that defines an inlet for connection to a supply of pressurized fire extinguishing fluid and an outlet for placement in a fire protected zone. The valve is movable from a closed position to an open position by a primary force produced by the pressurized fluid at the inlet. In the closed position, the valve provides a fluid tight seal between the inlet and the outlet and in the open position allows fluid flow therebetween. Retained by the valve and movable therewith is a locking mechanism reciprocably movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The locking mechanism is adapted in the engaged position to transfer between the valve and the tubular body a substantial first component of the primary force and to thereby prevent relative movement therebetween and is adapted in the disengaged position to substantially eliminate the first component of force and thereby allow relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically actuating slave devices in direct response to the discharge of a dry chemical fire extinguishant is disclosed comprising at least one main fire extinguisher from which pressurized dry chemical fire extinguishant passes into a main discharge pipe, and a cartridge containing a pressurized gas connected to the main discharge pipe through an actuator valve. The actuator valve includes a resilient check closing the valve due to the pressurized gas in the cartridge and a piston having a head fit into the actuator valve at sufficiently close tolerance to minimize gas transfer therethrough. The piston head is disposed toward the main discharge pipe and an integrally connected base portion faces the tip of the check and is disposed such that depression of the piston head into the actuator valve moves the check, opening the valve and releasing the contents of the cartridge into a secondary discharge pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and a device for automatically releasing all or a predetermined number of sprinker heads comprised in a fire protection circuit when one of the heads (11) has been released by a local fire or a rise in temperature in the immediate vicinity of this particular head. The invention is based upon a flow detector arranged in the trunk pipe for the fire extinguishing fluid which when said fluid begins to flow through the trunk pipe, i.e. when at least one sprinkler head has opened, closes an electric ignition circuct (17-21, 25-27) which connects pyrotechnical activators arranged at the respective sprinkler heads with an electric ignition function controller (12), whereby the blocking devices at the outlets of the other sprinkler heads are blown away.

Abstract: A valve that is connected to a container of pressurized fluid and has a spring-loaded striker member which is normally secured in a ready position out of contact with a seal retaining the fluid within the container, the striker member being releasable by the action of a releasable lock for movement by a loading spring into an operate position in which the striker member perforates the seal to release the pressurized fluid. The lock is responsive to a control member to lock the striker member against movement when the control member is in a non-operating position, and to release the striker member upon arrival of the control member at an operating position. Movement of the control member is effected by a releasable connector which connector is further responsive to the arrival of the control member at the operating position to then release the cable allowing the escape thereof.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00845 Sec. 371 Date Oct. 15, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Oct. 15, 1979 PCT Filed Oct. 15, 1979A fire extinguishing system including a vessel (10) for receipt of a fire extinguishing material and having an outlet (12) closed by a flow control mechanism (14). A linkage (20,30) provides for suitable operation or actuation of the flow control mechanism (14). A double rod ended cylinder 36 is employed for operating the linkage in response to a remotely generated pressure signal or in response to manual actuation by a manual actuator (66) coupled to one of the rod ends (38).

Abstract: An on-off sprinkler head for fire extinguishing systems comprises a housing having a central cavity with an inlet aperture and a discharge orifice disposed at opposing ends thereof in an aligned orientation. A reciprocating valve having a valve head, a mating seat, and a stem is mounted axially in the central cavity, and controls the flow of fire extinguishing fluid therethrough. A temperature responsive, on-off drive motor is connected with the free end of the valve stem, and reciprocates the valve head with respect to the valve seat in response to selected temperature changes. The drive motor is mounted in the housing in a position axially offset from the aligned inlet aperture and discharge orifice, whereby during a discharge condition, the fire extinguishing fluid flows substantially unimpeded through the valve, and a solid, uninterrupted stream of fluid is emitted from the discharge orifice. The valve includes a deflector plate on which the fluid stream impinges and is dispersed into a spray.

Abstract: A thermal responsive valve including a housing in which a valve member is normally urged from a first to a second position but restrained from such movement by restraining means including a pair of pins adapted to engage a portion of the member and be laterally spread apart against the frictional action of retaining means. The retaining means are in turn supported by a portion of a fusible link so when the temperature reaches a predetermined level, the fusible link melts and no longer supports the retaining means so that the pins may fall from restraining contact with the member by gravity and thus permit the member to move to the second position. The above indicated frictional coaction enables a relatively lightweight or weak fusible link to restrain a member against a relatively strong urging force by the mechanical advantage brought about by the coaction of the pins against the retaining means.

Abstract: A heat actuated valve comprises a base adapted to be mounted on a fire extinguisher container. The base includes a passsage communicable with the container interior. A pair of stop fingers extend forwardly from the base. A fusible element interconnects the stop fingers. The base, stop fingers and fusible element are of one-piece, integral construction. A plunger is slidably mounted in the passage and includes a passage-blocking portion which blocks the passage when the plunger abuts the stop fingers during a fire sensing mode of operation. The plunger is slidable rearwardly to shift the passage-blocking portion to a first passage-opening position to allow the container to be filled. The plunger is operable, in response to melting of the fuse, to spread the stop fingers apart and travel forwardly sufficiently to shift the passage-blocking portion to a second passage-opening position, enabling the container contents to be discharged.

Abstract: A one-shot pressure relief device which can be hermetically sealed comprising a housing with a port fitting for connecting to a pressure zone to be monitored, the fitting having a passage which leads into a central cavity within the housing from the top side. The cavity is divided and sealed into two portions by a thin metallic membrane fixedly mounted adjacent a snap-acting pressure disc member with a central aperture. A hollow puncture member is positioned in the bottom of the housing in axial registry with the center aperture of the snap-acting pressure disc so that upon an over pressure condition in the monitored zone, the disc will snap over center at a predetermined condition allowing the membrane to move likewise piercing itself on the puncture member thereby venting and relieving the over pressure condition.

Abstract: An improved combined environmental control and fire protection system for a building is disclosed. Water is circulated from cooling apparatus including a closed circuit cooling tower and, when necessary, refrigeration apparatus through supply lines to air handling indirect heat exchangers, lighting fixtures and other heat sources for absorbing heat. The water then circulates through return lines to the cooling apparatus. Automatic sprinkler heads are connected to at least the return lines for fire protection. A pressure sensor detects any drop in water pressure in the circulating system caused by the opening of one or more sprinkler heads and switches the system to a fire protection mode. The pressure sensor opens a valve to connect a pressurized water supply tank to the sprinkler heads. Check valves and motorized valves controlled by the pressure sensor protect the heat exchangers, lighting fixtures and other heat sources from high pressures when the system is operating in a fire protection mode.

Abstract: A quick-opening valve is disclosed for use in opening flow through a passageway from a source of pressurized fluid, such as a fire extinguisher fluid. The valve comprises a valve body in which a flow-blocking member is mounted to form a portion of the passageway. In one embodiment an imperforate plug is mounted within tubing to form the flow-blocking member, and a pair of weakened zones are formed by circular grooves in the tubing at opposite axial ends of the plug. In another embodiment the plug is formed integral with hollow cylindrical walls to form the flow-blocking member. A deflagrating charge is mounted in the valve body for generating explosive gas pressure so that the weakened zones are sheared. A slug which includes the plug is ejected in a direction at right angles to the passageway and into a slug receiving chamber. The ejected slug is deflected by a ramp to absorb excess energy. A one-way spring detent prevents the slug from rebounding back into the passageway and obstructing fluid flow.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler valve with a valve member coupled to a primary temperature responsive control mechanism that is activated to open the valve in response to ambient temperatures above a given temperature level and that urges the valve toward closed position in response to temperatures below that level. An auxiliary control causes automatic reclosure of the valve only in response to a decrease in an ambient temperature to below the given level.

Abstract: A valve body contains a coaxially slidably valve element with a seal member at the upstream end and a pair of differential area pistons at the other end. Fluid passage means direct fluid from the upstream end to a zone between the pistons to cause the pistons to seat the seal member. An orifice in the downstream, larger area piston bleeds fluid to an accumulator of preselected volume. Once the pressure forces on the large piston balance, the pressure force on the small piston unseat the seal member.