Sprinkler Heads Patents (Class 169/37)
  • Patent number: 11951595
    Abstract: The invention is a system used to effectively install and remove dry sprinkler pendent heads. The system includes a barrel that cooperates with an associated fitting configured about the exterior of the outer casing tube of a pendent sprinkler. Specifically, the barrel includes a slot channel and extension sized and shaped to house one or more fitting teeth to releasably join the fitting and the barrel. Once joined, the barrel can be rotated to thereby install or remove an attached pendent sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Inventor: Thomas W. Doty
  • Patent number: 11938359
    Abstract: A concealable sprinkler head includes a frame having a body mountable to a fire suppression liquid source, a pair of frame arms and a pair of corresponding drop pins slidably engaged with a respective frame arm. A thermal trigger is supported within the sprinkler frame. A fluid deflector is secured to the drop pins and includes a generally horizontal surface. The drop pins extend substantially orthogonally from the horizontal surface. An inclined surface of the fluid deflector extends angularly upwardly from the horizontal surface. A concealing cup surrounds the frame arms. A cover plate is attached to the concealing cup, covering the distal end thereof, wherein the drop pins and the deflector are positioned within the concealing cup. The cover plate is removable from the concealing cup permitting the drop pins and the deflector to axially slide out of the concealing cup into an operational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: VICTAULIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen J. Meyer, Thomas Wancho, Thomas Sandberg, John Desrosier, Kevin Desmond Maughan
  • Patent number: 11892110
    Abstract: A sprinkler with a push-in connection includes a sprinkler frame, an operating element, and a sealing cap. The sprinkler also includes one or more sealing gaskets and a retainer. Each such sealing gasket is located at least partially within a groove in the sprinkler frame. The retainer is also at least partially located within a groove in the sprinkler frame. The retainer connects to an internal bore of an outlet of a fluid supply conduit when the sprinkler is installed in the outlet. The one or more gaskets seal against the internal bore of the outlet when the sprinkler is installed in the outlet. The retainer is a spring mechanism so that the diameter of the retainer is reduced when the sprinkler is inserted into the internal bore of the outlet, and the retainer maintains pressure against the outlet internal bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Wolin, George S. Polan
  • Patent number: 11886210
    Abstract: An appliance hub for use in an upper portion of an enclosure can include a substrate configured to be positioned in an upper portion of an enclosure. The appliance hub can include a climate control apparatus mounted on the substrate and the climate control apparatus can be configured to regulate a temperature within the enclosure. The appliance hub can include one or more lighting elements configured to provide light within the enclosure, a plurality of fluid lines connected to the substrate and configured to provide fluid service and return to the climate control apparatus, and/or a plurality of electrical connections connected to the substrate and configured to provide electrical power and/or data to at least one of the climate control apparatus and the one or more lighting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: OVERCAST INNOVATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Dean C. Allen, Douglas James Moore, Andrea M. Doyle, Larry Paul Highley
  • Patent number: 11872425
    Abstract: Fire protection systems and methods having piping interconnections for connecting afire protection device to a fluid source. The piping interconnections include a branch connector connected to a pipe header. The branch connector includes a tubular member and an internal annular seal member housed in an internal gasket chamber of the tubular member. The tubular member includes an internal stepless surface between a terminal end of the tubular member and the internal gasket chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventors: Shawn J. Feenstra, Gary William Pleyte, Derek John Scheffers
  • Patent number: 11872428
    Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems, and methods for providing and retrofitting sprinkler heads. with a solid one-piece Teflon saddle and a stainless steel washer to replace a Beryllium washer with Teflon tape on both sides in sprinkler heads. The Teflon saddle can be formed from one piece of Teflon having a cylindrical base and an upper cylindrical section having a raised cylindrical rim, the upper cylindrical section having a wider diameter than the cylindrical base, and narrow depth central opening in the upper cylindrical section. The upper cylindrical section can have a bottom edge having an incline between approximately 10 degrees to approximately 20 degrees running from an outer perimeter to an inner end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Inventor: Gerhard Lapoehn
  • Patent number: 11844972
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler assembly capable of providing fire suppression protection, including early suppression fast response protection and storage protection of a commodity having a nominal storage height of at least 20 feet beneath a ceiling of with a maximum nominal 40 foot ceiling height. The dry sprinkler assembly includes an internal passageway and an outlet defining a nominal K-factor of at least 16.8 GPM/PSI1?2. Embodiments of the sprinkler assembly include a deflector having a plurality of tines radially disposed about a central portion to define slots therebetween. Embodiments of the deflector define a non-planar deflecting member and a member with a non-circular perimeter. Installation of the sprinkler assembly provides for a insulation sealing assembly having a insulation ring, planar insert member and a surrounding housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Lyle Miller, Yoram Ringer
  • Patent number: 11845097
    Abstract: A sprinkler guard includes at least one plate centered relative to a central axis of the sprinkler guard. A plurality of legs includes first and second legs that are attached to one plate, and third and fourth legs that are attached to another plate. A circular ring is attached to lower ends of the first to fourth legs, a center of the circular ring coinciding with the central axis, and the first to fourth legs being spaced apart about the circumference of the circular ring. First and second arms are attached to the first and second legs, respectively. In addition, a cross bar can be attached to the circular ring and extend across a diameter of the circular ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Myron Allen, Nathan Chad Stewart, Steven D. Wolin
  • Patent number: 11841097
    Abstract: A sprinkler configured for engagement with a coupling, the sprinkler including a raised lip end; and a distal end disposed opposite from the raised lip end, the sprinkler defining a raised lip between the distal end and the raised lip end, the sprinkler defining a groove between the raised lip and the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: ASC Engineered Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew William McNamara, Jordan Cameron Belen, Stephen Eric Scott
  • Patent number: 11819719
    Abstract: A fire protection system includes a plurality of fluid distribution devices coupled to the fluid supply pipes to define four fluid distribution devices above a floor. The fluid distribution devices generate a spray pattern overlapping one another to define a rectangular fluid distribution area 2.5 ft. The rectangular area having a first pair of edges extending parallel to the fluid supply pipes and a second pair of edge extending perpendicular to the first edge. The fluid distribution devices are axially aligned above a corner of the rectangular area, the fluid distribution area defined by a grid of one square foot areas totaling an area no more than 12 ft.×8 ft., the rectangular area of fluid distribution having a total fluid density of at least 60 gpm/sq. ft., the rectangular area including a first zone of fluid distribution of a 4 ft.×4 ft. area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Andrea L Palmer, Krista N. Brouwer, Lauren A. Richard
  • Patent number: 11819720
    Abstract: A fire-fighting nozzle includes a tubular inlet having an inlet opening, the inlet extending along a longitudinal axis from the inlet opening toward a shut-off valve, a tubular outlet having at least one nozzle opening, the outlet extending along a transverse axis transverse to the longitudinal axis toward the nozzle opening, and a sealing valve being arranged between the inlet and the nozzle opening and sealing the outlet in a sealing region with respect to the inlet. A radial distance of the sealing region from the longitudinal axis is smaller than or equal to a smallest radial distance of the inner circumferential surface of the inlet opening from the longitudinal axis in a region between the inlet opening and the sealing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: FOGTEC Brandschutz GmbH
    Inventors: Rüdiger E. Kopp, Ulrich Hiltemann
  • Patent number: 11813490
    Abstract: Automatic fire protection sprinkler assemblies having a trigger assembly with a thermally responsive element and a yoke that seats and facilitates heat flow over the thermally responsive element. The yoke includes an elongate support member with a central region centered between two end portions with linear portions extending between the central region and the end portions. The yoke defines a heat impact region in which the end of the trigger assembly is received and seated. The yoke also provides a lateral access to define a fluid flow path in fluid communication with the heat impact region to facilitate heat flow over the thermally responsive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventor: Scott A. English
  • Patent number: 11796094
    Abstract: A sprinkler configured for engagement with a coupling, the sprinkler including a raised lip end; and a distal end disposed opposite from the raised lip end, the sprinkler defining a raised lip between the distal end and the raised lip end, the sprinkler defining a groove between the raised lip and the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: ASC Engineered Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew William McNamara, Jordan Cameron Belen, Stephen Eric Scott
  • Patent number: 11786770
    Abstract: An automatic dry fire protection sprinkler assembly and method of operation. The sprinkler assembly includes an elongate tubular outer housing having a fluid discharge end with an outlet opening, an internal channel and a contact surface proximate the outlet opening. A fluid deflection member is coupled to the housing at a preferably fixed distance from the outlet opening. An internal fluid control assembly includes an ejectable member that is ejected out the outlet opening and displaced out of the fluid flow path between the housing and the fluid deflection member. Upon sprinkler actuation, the fluid control assembly engages the internal channel to axially guide the fluid control assembly and prevent rotation of the fluid control assembly about the sprinkler axis. A surface contact between the ejectable member and the internal shelf causes the ejectable member to pivot clear of the sprinkler housing and the fluid deflection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventor: Darci Ann Flowers
  • Patent number: 11752380
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a fire protection sprinkler and a push-to-connect-rotate-to-release (PCRR) fitting. The fire protection sprinkler has a body defining an inlet and an outlet, a deflector spaced from the outlet, the body having an outer encasing surface surrounding a first longitudinal axis, the outer encasing surface including a seal member disposed about the encasing surface and a helical surface between the deflector and the seal member. The PCRR fitting includes a tubular member with a first end, a second end, an exterior surface, and an inner surface defining an internal conduit extending along a second longitudinal axis, the body received in the internal conduit such that the first longitudinal axis is axially aligned with the second longitudinal axis, the inner surface including a sealing surface portion circumscribed about the second longitudinal axis. The gripper ring is disposed along the inner surface and in contact with the helical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Kevin W. Pressnell, Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
  • Patent number: 11752381
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fire extinguishing system comprising an extinguishing agent supply, a distribution system at least one spray head and at least one valve mounted between the distribution system and the at least one spray head, characterized in that the at least one valve comprises an automated actuator. The invention further relates to a method of fighting a fire using this system, comprising the following steps: a) Detecting a temperature image or a smoke image by means of the sensor or a set of sensors, b) deciding if a fire is present or a normal situation occurs, c) if in the decision in b) a fire is registered, that the extinguishing agent supply is turned on, and d) on the basis of the location and the severity of that fire, one or more spray heads are actuated by means of the automated actuators connected to the valves of the spray heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: UNICA FIRE SAFETY B.V.
    Inventors: Tom Verschoor, Henk Jan Kooijmans
  • Patent number: 11752373
    Abstract: Fire protection systems and methods of fire protection systems for protection of a stored commodity. The systems and methods included a plurality of fluid distribution devices disposed above the stored commodity and configured for selective identification and controlled actuation in response to a fire. The systems have a hydraulic demand defined by at least one of: i) a hydraulic design area having a minimum operational area of less than 768 square feet; or ii) less than twelve hydraulic design devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignees: Tyco Fire Products LP, TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH
    Inventors: Zachary L. Magnone, Daniel G. Farley, John Desrosier, Donald D. Brighenti
  • Patent number: 11745210
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sprinkler system including a controller, wherein when the sprinkler system is in a pressurized mode, the controller is configured for: rendering a first determination to transition the sprinkler system to a standby mode, and executing a first communication with a vacuum pump based on the first determination, the first communication directing the vacuum pump to activate, whereby fluid is drained from the sprinkler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: MARIOFF CORPORATION OY
    Inventor: Nazar Krutskevych
  • Patent number: 11738224
    Abstract: A fire protection system and method for an enclosure includes an inert agent supply source configured to discharge an inert agent following a discharge of a primary agent in the enclosure, a gas detector configured to determine a gas concentration level in the enclosure, and a controller connected with the inert agent supply source and the gas detector and configured to regulate the discharge of the inert agent into the enclosure based at least partially upon the gas concentration level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul M. Johnson, Joseph Albert Senecal, David VanZandt, Mohammed Ateeq
  • Patent number: 11730990
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler includes a flexible tube section that maintains a pressurized fluid, such as a liquid antifreeze solution, between a first end and a second end. A first seal prevents fluid from a supply line from entering the flexible tube section. The first seal is maintained in a sealed position by a pressure of the pressurized fluid. A sprinkler head is coupled to the second end of the flexible tube section, and includes a frame, an output orifice, a deflector, a second seal that seals the output orifice, and a thermally responsive element configured to maintain the second seal in a sealed position when the thermally responsive element is in a non-responsive state. A differential pressure controller maintains a ratio between the pressure of the pressurized fluid in the flexible tube section and a pressure of a supply fluid in the supply line to at least a certain ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Multer
  • Patent number: 11724141
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a pipe, a sprinkler, and an adapter. The adapter includes an end wall that contacts the pipe, a sprinkler interface extending from the end wall that receives the sprinkler and fluidly couples the sprinkler with the pipe, and a gasket positioned in the sprinkler interface between the sprinkler and the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: George B. Coletta, Matthew C. Neal
  • Patent number: 11691163
    Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler includes a sprinkler frame and a deflector. The deflector is coupled to the sprinkler frame and distributes fluid discharged from an outlet of the sprinkler in a spray pattern centered about a sprinkler axis and defined by a fluid density in a first quadrant area 2.5 feet (ft.) below the sprinkler and perpendicular to the sprinkler axis, the first quadrant area having a first corner disposed along the sprinkler axis with a first edge extending in the direction of a fluid supply pipe, a second edge extending perpendicular to the first edge and intersecting the first edge at the sprinkler axis, the first quadrant area being defined by a grid of one square foot areas totaling an area of no more than 10 ft.×10 ft., the total fluid density being at least 15 gpm/sq. ft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Andrea L. Palmer, Krista N. Brouwer, Lauren A. Richard
  • Patent number: 11666790
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a sprinkler body and a tubular connection fitting. The tubular connection fitting includes a first end for connection to a fluid supply pipe and a second end with the sprinkler body inserted therein, the tubular member including an outer surface and an inner surface defining an internal conduit extending along a longitudinal axis, the inner surface of the tubular member includes a first stop surface spaced from the first end to define an insertion depth for the fluid supply pipe and a second stop surface to limit insertion of the sprinkler body into the second end. The first stop surface defines an annular channel for housing an end of the fluid supply pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
  • Patent number: 11642558
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a connection fitting and a fire protection sprinkler. The connection fitting includes a tubular member with a first insertion end and a second insertion end with an internal conduit extending between the first and second insertion end along a longitudinal axis, the tubular member including an exterior surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a sealing surface between the first and second insertion ends circumscribed about the longitudinal axis and including a gripping portion axially spaced from the sealing surface. The fire protection sprinkler has a body defining an inlet and an outlet, a deflector spaced from the outlet, the body having an outer encasing surface surrounding the longitudinal axis and including a leading portion and a trailing portion for insertion in the second insertion end with the leading portion received within the sealing surface before the trailing portion engages the gripping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
  • Patent number: 11583873
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes an inlet aperture, an outlet aperture, a body, a conical member, and a deflector. The inlet aperture receives fire suppressant agent at an inlet end of the sprinkler and the outlet aperture is at an outlet end of the sprinkler. The body extends along a longitudinal axis and includes an inner volume forming a fluid flow path between the inlet end and the outlet end of the sprinkler. The conical member is positioned at the outlet end of the sprinkler directs the fire suppressant agent outwards. The deflector receives fire suppressant agent from the conical member and distributes the fire suppressant agent about a service area. The deflector includes multiple tines, which each extend along a corresponding radial axis that is substantially perpendicular with the longitudinal axis. Each tine is offset by an angular amount about the corresponding radial axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: TYCO FIRE PRODUCTS LP
    Inventors: Travis W. Kuffel, Stephen A. Barker, Donald Bjorkman
  • Patent number: 11583714
    Abstract: A fire protection nozzle includes a body having two frame arms having proximal ends connected to an outlet of the body, and distal ends, the two frame arms defining a frame arm plane, and a junction formed by the distal ends of the frame arms, the junction including a central bore and an outer wall. A deflector is mounted to the body, and includes a planar member having a mounting hole in a center of the planar member to receive the outer wall of the junction, and a plurality of slots on a periphery of the planar member. The plurality of slots includes first slots, second slots, third slots, and fourth slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Oliver Pahila
  • Patent number: 11577108
    Abstract: An automatic fire protection sprinkler assembly for fire protection systems that includes a tubular outer housing having an inlet, an outlet opening and an internal shelf proximate the outlet opening. A fluid deflection member is spaced from the outlet opening along a fluid flow path of the assembly. A fluid control assembly is disposed within the outer housing for axial translation from an unactuated state to an actuated state of the sprinkler assembly. The fluid control assembly includes a seal subassembly, a fluid flow tube; and an ejectable support subassembly. The support subassembly includes a projection member. Upon actuation of a thermally responsive trigger, the support subassembly is ejected out the outlet opening such that the projection member comes into contact with the internal shelf of the housing to pivot the support subassembly out of the fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventors: Andrew T. Thompson, Gary William Pleyte, Sylvain Coupal
  • Patent number: 11565279
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly guard includes a base, a plurality of protective members, and at least one clip member. The base has a plurality of base members centered about a central axis. Each of the protective members having a first portion radially spaced from the central axis and a second portion affixed to one of the base members and extending radially toward the central axis, the first portions of the plurality of protective members being angularly spaced about the central axis to define a cage volume for housing a sprinkler assembly. The at least one clip member is engaged with the protective members to draw the base members radially inward. The second portion of at least one of the protective members includes a securement member extending from the second portion and axially spaced from the base to define a space therebetween for securely housing a portion of a sprinkler frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: TYCO FIRE PRODUCTS LP
    Inventor: Matthew James Lewis
  • Patent number: 11548027
    Abstract: Sprinkler guards to protect fire protection sprinklers in their installed and operative positions. A fire protection sprinkler guard includes a structure with a hinged arrangement to flexibly receive a fire protection sprinkler. A latch connection operates in combination with the hinge of the guard to form a rigid cage structure to shield and protect the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignees: Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventors: Gary William Pleyte, Scott T. Franson, Martin H. Workman
  • Patent number: 11541638
    Abstract: A cover plate is configured to be releasably connected to a concealed fire protection sprinkler to conceal the fire protection sprinkler. The cover plate includes a first layer of metal on a first side of the cover plate, the first side of the cover plate having the first layer of metal directly facing, in its entirety, the concealed fire protection sprinkler, and a second layer of metal on a second side of the cover plate, the second side being opposite to the first side. The second layer of metal is more resistant to corrosion than the first layer, and is bonded to the first layer. In addition, the first layer of metal facing the concealed fire protection sprinkler is more thermally conductive than is the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc.
    Inventor: John Tow
  • Patent number: 11534636
    Abstract: A fire extinguisher includes a main dome partially surrounding an internal space housing agent. A secondary dome is mounted to the main dome and is inverted with respect to the main dome. The secondary dome can have a radius of curvature that is equal to, greater than, or less than that of the main dome. The discharge outlet can include a discharge outlet configured to discharge laterally relative to an axis of symmetry of the main dome and the secondary dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Mark P. Fazzio
  • Patent number: 11475802
    Abstract: Concealment assemblies for fire protection sprinklers. The concealment assembly includes a cover member having an external surface with a base coating of uniformly applied polymer. One or more different polymer coatings are disposed in a discontinuous manner over the base polymer to provide a visual contrast and form desired indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventors: Darci Ann Flowers, Lindsay Marie Barker
  • Patent number: 11465165
    Abstract: A high-volume low-pressure end effector is presented. The high-volume low-pressure end effector comprises a connection arm and a spray head. The connection arm comprises a housing with flexible conduits running through the housing. The spray head has integral channels configured to receive air and a fluid from the flexible conduits and deliver the air and the fluid to a number of outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Colton Massey Smoot, Craig Alan Ungerecht, Melinda Dae Miller, Paul G. Solecki, David McCaig, Frederick B. Frontiera, Adrienne C. Engholm
  • Patent number: 11413485
    Abstract: A sprinkler head includes a main body, a valve element, a heat-sensitive disassembling unit, a deflector, at least one strut, and a guide ring. The body includes a nozzle from which fire-extinguishing liquid is discharged. The disassembling unit keeps the nozzle closed with the valve element and opens the nozzle through a breakdown action during activation. The deflector has a receiving surface (valve-element supporting portion) and vanes extending from the receiving surface toward the body. The deflector scatters, outward in axis crossing directions of the nozzle, the fire-extinguishing liquid discharged from the nozzle and received by the receiving surface. The least one strut holds the deflector scattering the fire-extinguishing liquid. The guide ring is movable along the at least one strut and between a tip (main-body-side end portion) of the at least one strut and tips of the vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: SENJU SPRINKLER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masakatsu Kikuchi, Yutaka Tateishi, Masashi Murakami, Yuki Iizawa
  • Patent number: 11400330
    Abstract: A fire suppression sprinkler has a deflector with two slots aligned with the deflector support arms. The two slots extend from opposite sides of a periphery of the deflector along a common line which passes though the sprinkler's flow axis. The two slots extend to a point which underlies the sprinkler's nose at the ends of the support arms to which the deflector is attached. Other slots extend from the periphery of the deflector along lines which do not pass through the sprinkler flow axis. The other slots extend to points in spaced relation to the nose. Regions of the deflector periphery surrounding the first and second slots are closer to the flow axis than other regions of the periphery. The area of each of the first and second slots is greater than the area of any other slot in the deflector plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventor: Thomas F. Wancho
  • Patent number: 11389681
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid passage extending along a longitudinal axis between the inlet and the outlet. A guide pin aperture is defined by at least one of the body or a bushing coupled to the body. The sprinkler assembly further includes a deflector slidably coupled to the body. The deflector includes a deflector body coupled to a guide pin. The guide pin includes a shaft portion extending through the guide pin aperture and a shoulder that is wider than the shaft portion and configured to engage at least one of the body or the bushing to limit movement of the deflector body away from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Steven Lee Shields, Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Sean E. Cutting, William K. Rucker, Daniel A. Cross
  • Patent number: 11383114
    Abstract: A sprinkler head includes a main body having a nozzle connected to a water supply pipe, the nozzle is provided inside of the main body, a pair of arms extending from the main body in a water discharge direction of the nozzle, where a tip of each of the arms is connected to a boss that has a columnar shape, that is disposed on a central axis A of the nozzle, and that has a female screw thereinside, an impress screw screwed into the female screw and having a tip protruding toward the nozzle, and a deflector having a disc shape and mounted at a front end of the boss. The deflector has a plurality of slits having an equal length cut around a peripheral edge of the deflector at equal intervals, from an outer periphery of the deflector toward the central axis of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: SENJU SPRINKLER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koki Sato, Yasuaki Koiwa
  • Patent number: 11383112
    Abstract: A fire extinguisher includes a body defining a storage chamber containing an extinguishing agent, a gas generator configured to pressurize the extinguishing agent in order to dispense it outside the body through an exit opening. The exit opening is equipped with a misting nozzle, and the extinguishing agent has a solidification temperature less than ?10° C., the saturating vapor concentration of the extinguishing agent taken at ?10° C. and at 1 bar being less than the extinguishing concentration of the extinguishing agent determined according to the ISO 14520 standard for a heptane fire at 1 bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: ARIANEGROUP SAS
    Inventors: Gilles Gonthier, Frédéric Marlin
  • Patent number: 11376457
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a connection fitting and a fire protection sprinkler. The connection fitting includes a tubular member with a first insertion end and a second insertion end with an internal conduit extending between the first and second insertion end along a longitudinal axis, the tubular member including an exterior surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a sealing surface between the first and second insertion ends circumscribed about the longitudinal axis and including a gripping portion axially spaced from the sealing surface. The fire protection sprinkler has a body defining an inlet and an outlet, a deflector spaced from the outlet, the body having an outer encasing surface surrounding the longitudinal axis and including a leading portion and a trailing portion for insertion in the second insertion end with the leading portion received within the sealing surface before the trailing portion engages the gripping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
  • Patent number: 11376456
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a fire protection sprinkler and a push-to-connect-rotate-to-release (PCRR) fitting. The fire protection sprinkler has a body defining an inlet and an outlet, a deflector spaced from the outlet, the body having an outer encasing surface surrounding a first longitudinal axis, the outer encasing surface including a seal member disposed about the encasing surface and a helical surface between the deflector and the seal member. The PCRR fitting includes a tubular member with a first end, a second end, an exterior surface, and an inner surface defining an internal conduit extending along a second longitudinal axis, the body received in the internal conduit such that the first longitudinal axis is axially aligned with the second longitudinal axis, the inner surface including a sealing surface portion circumscribed about the second longitudinal axis. The gripper ring is disposed along the inner surface and in contact with the helical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Kevin W. Pressnell, Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
  • Patent number: 11344758
    Abstract: Institutional sprinkler assemblies are provided that includes a sprinkler housing and protective cap arrangement to protect a thermally responsive shielding trigger. The sprinkler housing and trigger arrangement provide for an annular buffer to protect the trigger. The institutional sprinkler assemblies include configurations for installation in pendent and horizontal and orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventors: Michael James Oldham, Jonathan David Drake
  • Patent number: 11324977
    Abstract: Fire protection systems and methods of fire protection systems for protection of a stored commodity. The systems and methods included a plurality of fluid distribution devices disposed above the stored commodity and configured for selective identification and controlled actuation in response to a fire. The systems have a hydraulic demand defined by at least one of: i) a hydraulic design area having a minimum operational area of less than 768 square feet; or ii) less than twelve hydraulic design devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignees: Tyco Fire Products LP, Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventors: Zachary L. Magnone, Daniel G. Farley, John Desrosier, Donald D. Brighenti
  • Patent number: 11326730
    Abstract: A support assembly comprises a mounting bracket and a coupling component. The mounting bracket comprises a first material and has an engagement surface defining a void along a first axis. The coupling component comprises a second material, which is different than the first material. The coupling component has a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion extends through, and partially fills, the void defined by the mounting bracket. The intermediate portion defines a fluid passageway about the first axis within the void and also presents a locking surface. The locking surface abuts the engagement surface to prevent rotation of the coupling component with respect to the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Kongsberg Actuation Systems II, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Hidley
  • Patent number: 11305141
    Abstract: Horizontal window fire protection sprinklers, systems and methods are provided. The sprinklers include a frame and a fluid deflection member including a window confronting surface having a planar portion and a concave portion. The sprinkler defines a maximum operating pressure of at least 100 psi. per sprinkler for adjacent sprinklers without cold soldering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Drake
  • Patent number: 11260415
    Abstract: A sprinkler guard for protection of a fire protection sprinkler to define one or more dimensional relationships between the guard and the sprinkler. The sprinkler guard includes a cage that defines an internal volume for housing operational components of the sprinkler including a fluid deflector and thermally responsive trigger. The sprinkler guard locates the deflector within the internal volume with an upper boundary of the cage spaced at a clearance distance from the fluid deflector and a lower boundary of the cage located between the deflector member and a fluid outlet of the sprinkler frame body. Affixed to the cage is a clamp assembly defining a hinged relationship for securing the sprinkler guard to the fire protection sprinkler and housing components of the sprinkler guard cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventor: Scott A. English
  • Patent number: 11219790
    Abstract: A pendent fire protection sprinkler includes a sprinkler body having an inlet and an outlet that define a fluid passage and a sprinkler axis, a pair of frame arms that form a junction, a plug that seals the fluid passage, and a thermally responsive element provided between the plug and the junction, and configured to maintain the plug in the fluid passage prior to actuation of the sprinkler. A deflector, mounted to the junction, includes an annular, planar central portion extending along a plane that is perpendicular to the sprinkler axis, as well as a first angled portion, a second angled portion, a third angled portion, and a fourth angled portion, each angled portion extending outwardly from the planar central portion. In addition, each of the first to fourth angled portions is bent away from the frame arms in the outlet direction from the plane of the planar central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Juan Jimenez
  • Patent number: 11213707
    Abstract: A sprinkler for a fire suppression system includes a deflector plate having five different types of slots extending from a periphery of the plate toward a center of the plate along radially extending lines. The slots are arrow shaped, club shaped and key hole shaped. Arrow head slots which align with frame arms supporting the deflector plate are wider than the thickness of the frame arms. Club shaped and arrow shaped slots proximate the plane of the frame arms are asymmetrical with respect to radial lines extending from the center of the plate, while arrow shaped and key hole shaped slots distal to the plane of the frame arms are symmetrical with respect to radial lines extending from the center of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventor: Thomas F. Wancho
  • Patent number: 11160999
    Abstract: To provide a protector for a heat-sensitive element of a sprinkler head, the protector being configured to be removably attached to a sprinkler head to protect a heat-sensitive element of the sprinkler head and being configured to be easily removed after completion of installation of the sprinkler head. A protector is to be attached to a sprinkler head including: a main body including a nozzle; frame arms extending from the main body in a water discharge direction of the nozzle; and a heat-sensitive element disposed between the frame arms. The protector includes: an opening through which the heat-sensitive element is insertable into the protector; a base opposite to the opening; lateral faces extending from the base toward the opening and lying adjacent to the frame arms; a flat face provided on an inner side of the base and of the lateral faces; and projections provided on the lateral faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: SENJU SPRINKLER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuaki Koiwa
  • Patent number: 11135535
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a filter comprising a tube extending from a first end to a second end and having a bore with an internal cross-sectional area. The tube comprises an inlet with an inlet cross-sectional area which is positioned through the first end of the tube. The tube also comprises an outlet with an outlet cross-sectional area, wherein the inlet cross-sectional area is less than the outlet cross-sectional area and so debris small enough to enter the inlet will tend not to block the outlet, which is larger. The filter further comprises a plurality of further inlets, often slots, in the tube between an outside thereof and the bore. In a preferred embodiment, the first end may be tapered and especially dome shaped. This helps to direct debris towards an outside of the tube, where it is less likely to be drawn into the filter and potentially block it or a downstream component, such as a nozzle. The filter may be attached to a pipeline and a nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Rig Deluge Global Limited
    Inventor: Ian Garden
  • Patent number: RE49607
    Abstract: Coat-in-place assemblies and methods to provide an aesthetically pleasing sprinkler assembly. A coat-in-place assembly includes a sprinkler body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, a thermally responsive trigger disposed adjacent the distal portion; and an escutcheon centered about the distal portion of the sprinkler body to define a void between the sprinkler axis and the escutcheon. A coating-inhibiting-cap encloses and protects the thermally responsive trigger between the sprinkler body and the cap. The cap extends into the void and is radially spaced inward relative to the escutcheon so as expose surfaces of the escutcheon for coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Luke Stevenson Connery, Jeffrey Martin Brighenti, Bharani Kannan, Manikandan Krishnaswamy, Kenneth Robert Brown, Joseph W. Beagen