Compound Patents (Class 169/39)
  • Patent number: 11931751
    Abstract: A tire protection sprinkler including a frame body having an inlet, an outlet, defining an internal passageway extending between the inlet and the outlet along a sprinkler axis. A dome shaped deflector member is centered, axially aligned with the sprinkler axis, and spaced from the outlet. The deflector member has an outer surface and an inner surface that preferably includes: a peripheral region, a central region and an intermediate region. The intermediate region includes a primary deflecting surface, and a secondary deflecting surface that is surrounded by the primary deflecting surface The deflector member provides for generation of a non-circular spray pattern defined by four zones of fluid density concentrically formed about the sprinkler axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Bernhard Abels, Kenneth Robert Brown, Stefan Vaeth
  • Patent number: 11766581
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a frame, a deflector member, a sealing assembly, and a releasing mechanism for a controlled actuation. The releasing mechanism includes a hook member, a strut member, a load member, a link member, and an actuator. The link member surrounds or frames the strut and hook members and holds the members in a static relationship of an unactuated configuration. A preferred link member includes a single central slot through which each of the hook member and the strut member extend. The actuator is arranged with respect to the link member to separate the hook and strut members and break the link member upon operation of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventor: Scott Thomas Macomber
  • Patent number: 11648510
    Abstract: An apparatus for inerting a space includes a metal-air battery, a feed channel for the introduction of air from an air source to the metal-air battery, and a discharge channel for the discharge of air from the metal-air battery to a volume of the space. A control unit controls an electrochemical reaction of the metal-air battery as a function of a fire situation within the space. A method for inerting a space, an inerting system, an inerting method and an aircraft or spacecraft are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Diehl Aviation Gilching GmbH
    Inventor: Jan Boris Philipp
  • Patent number: 11592129
    Abstract: A sprinkler configured for engagement with a coupling, the sprinkler includes a raised lip end, the sprinkler defining a raised lip at the raised lip end; and a deflector end disposed opposite from the raised lip end, the sprinkler defining a groove between the raised lip and the deflector end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: ASC Engineered Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew William McNamara, Jordan Cameron Belen, Stephen Eric Scott
  • Patent number: 11530763
    Abstract: A sprinkler configured for engagement with a coupling, the sprinkler includes a raised lip end, the sprinkler defining a raised lip at the raised lip end; and a deflector end disposed opposite from the raised lip end, the sprinkler defining a groove between the raised lip and the deflector end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: ASC Engineered Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew William McNamara, Jordan Cameron Belen, Stephen Eric Scott
  • Patent number: 11324980
    Abstract: A sprinkler head includes a body having a nozzle to be connected to a water supply pipe, the nozzle being provided inside the body; a valve that closes the nozzle in normal times; a pair of frames extending from the body in a direction of water discharge from the nozzle; a deflector provided at a distal end of a part where distal ends of the frames are coupled to each other on a center axis A of the nozzle; and a heat sensitive disassembling unit provided between the valve and the deflector. A spring that is bent in a W shape has two ends engaged with the pair of frames, and the heat sensitive disassembling unit is fitted in a bent portion provided between the two ends and of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: SENJU SPRINKLER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuaki Koiwa
  • Patent number: 11291873
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a frame, a deflector member, a sealing assembly, and a releasing mechanism for a controlled actuation. The releasing mechanism includes a hook member, a strut member, a load member, a link member, and an actuator. The link member surrounds or frames the strut and hook members and holds the members in a static relationship of an unactuated configuration. A preferred link member includes a single central slot through which each of the hook member and the strut member extend. The actuator is arranged with respect to the link member to separate the hook and strut members and break the link member upon operation of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventor: Scott Thomas Macomber
  • Patent number: 11224775
    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 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Andrea L. Palmer, Krista N. Brouwer, Lauren A. Richard
  • Patent number: 11207551
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler assembly for fire suppression uses a tube within a pipe element to maintain a spring loaded valve in a closed position at the end of the pipe element connected to a piping network. The tube is held against the biasing force of the valve's spring by a plug acted on by the temperature sensitive trigger of the sprinkler mounted on the opposite end of the pipe element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventor: Stephen Pechacek
  • Patent number: 10945789
    Abstract: The method of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia comprises trans-perineally introducing at least one energy delivery device through a perineal area of the patient in a first position in a prostate of the patient. Once the energy delivery device has been introduced, energy is delivered through the delivery device to a volume of tissue of the prostate, until the volume is vaporized or sublimated and a cavity is formed in the prostate tissue. The energy delivery device can then be removed from the prostate. Vaporization of adenomatous tissue provides immediate relieve of the urethra compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: ELESTA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Leonardo Masotti, Luca Breschi, Claudio Maurizio Pacella, Gianluigi Patelli
  • Patent number: 10940348
    Abstract: A protective cover for a fire protection sprinkler includes a pair of sidewalls and an orthogonal wall structure connected to an upper edge of each of the pair of sidewalls. The orthogonal wall structure including a slot therein that opens along an edge of the orthogonal wall structure in alignment with an opening between the pair of sidewalls. The slot including a pair of side edges including a pair of opposing arcuate regions adapted to engage a deflector mounting boss of a fire protection sprinkler. An arcuate sidewall extends from the orthogonal wall structure and an upper wall extending inward from an upper edge of the arcuate sidewall and opposing the orthogonal wall structure to define a cavity that is adapted for receiving a deflector of a fire protection sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignees: The Viking Corporation, Minimax GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael J. Oldham, Stefan Schnell, Shawn G. Orr, Frank Rönnfeldt
  • Patent number: 10940496
    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: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Andrea L. Palmer, Krista N. Brouwer, Lauren A. Richard
  • Patent number: 10933268
    Abstract: A suppression unit includes a nozzle, a casing, and a biasing device. The nozzle includes an exterior surface, an interior bore extending along a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of discharge orifices passing from the interior bore to the exterior surface. The casing includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The nozzle is disposed within the casing. The discharge orifices are covered by the casing in a biased passive condition of the nozzle, and the discharge orifices are moved longitudinally out of the casing in an active condition of the nozzle. The biasing device is disposed in a spring chamber between the nozzle and the casing. The spring chamber is fluidically isolated from the nozzle in the active and passive conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: MARIOFF CORPORATION OY
    Inventor: Arto Huotari
  • Patent number: 10670162
    Abstract: A fluid bypass valve includes a valve member disposed within a valve chamber of a housing. A temperature based actuating mechanism moves the valve member between a first position and a second position in response to a temperature change. A temporary flow control device undergoes a one-time only shape change between a first shape and a second shape. The temporary flow control device enables fluid communication between a first port and a second port when exhibiting the first shape, and does not enable fluid communication between the first port and the second port when exhibiting the second shape. The temporary flow control device exhibits the first shape when having an initial temperature less than or equal to a second pre-defined temperature, and exhibits the second shape in response to a first heating of the temporary flow control device to a temperature that is greater than the second pre-defined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Xiujie Gao, Nicholas W. Pinto, Scott R. Webb, Nilesh D. Mankame, Richard J. Skurkis
  • Patent number: 10420968
    Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler includes a sprinkler body having a boss including a circumferential portion having flat edges, and including a cavity on one of the flat edges, a closure element configured to be held in an output orifice to seal a flow of fluid from the output orifice, and a clip. The clip has a first portion that is engaged with the closure element, and a second portion configured to be inserted into the cavity on the one of the flat edges of the circumferential portion of the boss of the sprinkler body, and configured to contact the cavity such that, upon actuation of the fire protection sprinkler, the clip rotates about an axis passing through two points of contact between the cavity and the second portion, and moves the closure element moves away from the sprinkler body to permit the flow of fluid from the output orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: George S. Polan
  • Patent number: 10195473
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler for a fire protection system. The preferred dry sprinkler has a metallic disc annulus positionable within a passageway to skew a central axis of a face of the metallic disc annulus with respect to a longitudinal axis of the dry sprinkler so that an expected minimum flow rate based on a rated discharge coefficient is provided. The dry sprinkler operates to provide an expected flow rate over a range of start pressures. The expected flow rate is based on a K-factor rating. The dry sprinkler provides an acceptable level of fluid flow rate from the expected flow rate based on the K-factor for a range of start pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Thomas E. Archibald, James W. Mears, Donald B. Pounder, Yoram Ringer
  • Patent number: 9358411
    Abstract: A fire sprinkler head (12) has a valve (42) with an X-brace latch (54), and includes a flexible conduit (14). A sprinkler nozzle (16) is secured to a first end of the flexible conduit (14). The sprinkler nozzle (16) includes a first fitting (28), a sprinkler orifice (20) and fusible element (22). A second fitting (40) is secured to the second end of the flexible conduit (14) and includes the valve (42). The valve (42) has a valve element (44) which is moveable from a latched position to an unlatched position. A flexible link (56) extends from the sprinkler nozzle (16) to the X-brace valve latch (54). Breaking of the fusible element (22) releases the flexible link (56) to move from the latched position to the unlatched position, releasing the valve (42) for flow there-through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: VICTAULIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Buddy Clayton Shipman
  • Patent number: 9339673
    Abstract: An X-brace configuration locks a valve element in a latched position until a fusible element breaks releasing pressurized inert gas. Upon depressurization, the X-brace configuration releases the valve element to open and allow water flow through the flexible sprinkler assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: VICTAULIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Buddy Clayton Shipman
  • Patent number: 9261199
    Abstract: Fire abatement fluid flow control apparatus, comprising a fusible link, a valve housing, a stopper in the housing, and a stopper seat, the link operating to normally block movement of the stopper away from the seat, and upon fusing to unblock the stopper movement, whereby when the fire abatement fluid is operatively supplied under pressure to the valve housing, and when overheating of the link occurs, the link will fracture so that stopper movement away from the seat is effected, allowing release of abatement fluid for application to a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventor: Ping-Li Yen
  • Patent number: 8776903
    Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler is provided. The sprinkler includes a body having an output orifice and a flange; a seal cap to seal a flow of fluid from the output orifice; and a thermally-responsive element positioned to releasably retain the seal cap and constructed to separate into a plurality of portions upon exposure to a predetermined temperature. The sprinkler also includes at least one deflector support member, a deflector connected to the deflector support member, and at least one arm extending from each of the deflector support members. Each of the arms has a free end positioned in spaced relation to the thermally-responsive element to contact the portions of the thermally-responsive element upon separation thereof. In another embodiment, the sprinkler includes at least one arm extending from the flange, and the arms may be formed as a bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Jimenez, George S. Polan, John Tow, Myron Allen
  • Publication number: 20130333903
    Abstract: An upright ESFR sprinkler includes a generally tubular body, at least one frame arm, a closure assembly, an unactuated heat responsive trigger assembly and a deflector assembly with a K-factor greater than 14, and preferably 16.8. The passageway extends between inlet and outlet openings. The closure assembly is positioned proximate the outlet so as to occlude the passageway with a Belleville seal. An ejection spring is coupled to the closure assembly. The heat responsive trigger assembly has a Response Time Index of 40 meter1/2-second1/2 (m1/2 sec1/2) or less. The deflector assembly includes a nosepiece and a plate like redirecting member. The plate like redirecting member faces the outlet and is coupled to the at least one frame arm and spaced from the outlet opening. The plate shaped member includes a first generally planar portion, a conical second portion, and a third portion extending from the conical second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO FIRE PRODUCTS LP
    Inventors: Donald B. POUNDER, Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 8607886
    Abstract: A combined plug and sealing ring for a sprinkler nozzle includes a nozzle plug having a substantially cylindrical portion adapted to engage within a nozzle orifice of a sprinkler nozzle, and a cap overlaying the substantially cylindrical portion. A sealing ring is adapted to seat onto a threaded pipe fitting portion of the sprinkler nozzle. A leash interconnects the nozzle plug and the sealing ring. A combined plug and sealing ring in combination with a sprinkler nozzle, and a method of installing a sprinkler nozzle in a highly corrosive or extremely corrosive environment are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: FM Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Harrington, Paul Po-Cheng Su, David Fuller
  • Patent number: 8607887
    Abstract: Disclosed is an intelligent, autonomously usable closure for misting nozzles, atomizing nozzles and sprinklers. A covering plate 20 is fixed on the closure having a heat tripping device, a nozzle body 2, outlet channel 11 and outlet opening 10 by means of a melt tripping device 5. The melt tripping device 5 is activated when necessary by a heat element 23 and the outlet opening 10 is released. A structural element 21, such as a disk spring, ensures at the melting moment of the melt tripping device 5 that a force F is applied and the covering plate 20 is separated with force from the outlet opening. In case of emergency, the release is triggered without energy. The proposed autonomous device can be used in a system network and can also be integrated into an existing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Kammer
  • Patent number: 8522888
    Abstract: An upright ESFR sprinkler includes a generally tubular body, at least one frame arm, a closure assembly, an unactuated heat responsive trigger assembly and a deflector assembly with a K-factor greater than 14, and preferably 16.8. The passageway extends between inlet and outlet openings. The closure is positioned proximate the outlet so as to occlude the passageway with a Belleville seal. An ejection spring is coupled to the closure assembly. The heat responsive trigger assembly has a Response Time Index of 40 meter1/2-second1/2 (m1/2sec1/2) or less. The deflector assembly includes a nosepiece and a plate like redirecting member. The plate like redirecting member faces the outlet and is coupled to the at least one frame arm and spaced from the outlet opening. The plate shaped member includes a first generally planar portion, a conical second portion, and a third portion extending from the conical second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Donald B. Pounder, Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 8485270
    Abstract: An early suppression fast response pendent-type fire protection sprinkler is suitable for use in accordance with one or more of NFPA 13, NFPA 231 and NFPA 231C to protect single row rack storage, double row rack storage and multiple row rack storage, the sprinkler having a K-factor of about 25 and flowing pressure of about 15 pounds per square inch. Preferably, the sprinkler has a body defining an orifice and an outlet for delivering a flow of fluid from a source, and a deflector mounted with a first surface opposed to flow of fluid from the outlet. The deflector defines at least one pair of generally opposed reentrant slots extending from the first surface through the deflector, the reentrant slots extending from slot openings at an outer peripheral edge of the deflector inwardly from the peripheral edge toward a deflector axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventor: Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 8474545
    Abstract: To provide a sprinkler head including: a sprinkler head main body having a nozzle therein, connected to water supply piping, and installed in a ceiling; a cover plate concealing the sprinkler head main body; a retainer disposed so that the cover plate is located below the ceiling surface and capable of releasing the cover plate in the event of fire; and a cylindrical member that is attached to the sprinkler head main body and to which the retainer is detachably connected, and having a structure that can save the trouble of removing and reattaching a protective cap at the time of installation of the sprinkler head. The sprinkler head has such a structure that a protective cap attached to the sprinkler head is fitted to the outer periphery of the sprinkler head main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Senju Sprinkler Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8448714
    Abstract: A fuse type sprinkler has a body which is fastened to a drain pipe for spraying water through a drain formed inside, a valve of which an upper end is inserted into the drain of the body and to which a sealing unit is mounted along an upper end circumference to press and seal an inner surface of the drain, a frame which is fastened to the body to surround the valve and is provided with a hook on a lower end inner peripheral surface, a heat sensing unit which supports a lower end of the valve to allow an upper end of the valve to be inserted into the drain while being hooked by the hook of the frame, and is provided with a fuse which is separated from the frame to fall off when the fuse is fused by heat, and a deflector which is positioned inside the frame and falls off and is hung on the hook when the heat sensing unit is separated to distribute water sprayed through the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Asia Union Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang Jin Park, Jae Kil Shim, Sung Ki An
  • Patent number: 8376061
    Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler is provided with a sprinkler body having a fluid passage defining an inlet end and an outlet end. A plug member is disposed in the fluid passage and a heat responsive unit releasable secures the plug member and the passage. A deflector is mounted to frame arms extending from the sprinkler body and the deflector includes a peripheral edge including a plurality of slots extending radially inward from the peripheral edge. At least two of the plurality of slots have a first outer portion having a first diameter and a second intermediate portion adjacent the first outer portion and having a second diameter less than the first diameter. A third inner portion extends radially inward from the second intermediate portion and has a third diameter greater than the second diameter. The deflector design is utilized for providing a desired water distribution pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventor: Shawn J. Feenstra
  • Patent number: 8353356
    Abstract: A pendant sprinkler preferably includes a body having an inner surface defining a passageway. The passageway includes an inlet and an outlet spaced apart along the longitudinal axis and defines a K-factor of about 5. The sprinkler also includes a closure assembly adjacent the outlet to occlude the outlet and a thermally responsive support means for maintaining the closure assembly adjacent the outlet. Also provided are means for distributing a flow of fluid over a protection area ranging from about 144 square feet to about 400 square feet, the fluid distribution having a density of at least 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (0.05 gpm/ft2) so as to define a range of minimum operating pressures ranging from about seven pounds per square inch to about seventeen pounds per square inch (7-17 psi.) and a range of minimum operating fluid flows ranging from about thirteen gallons per minute to about twenty gallons per minute (13-20 gpm.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20120285707
    Abstract: A sprinkler head configured to prevent breakage of a disk spring due to application of an excessive load and hold the disk spring stably at a predetermined position is provided. A sprinkler head 1 includes a head body 10 having a water discharging cylinder 16 in the interior thereof, a frame 20 connected to the head body 10, a valve body 30 provided in the interior of the frame 20 and closing a water discharging port 12 of the water discharging cylinder 16, a thermosensitive portion 51 configured to support the valve body 30, and a disk spring 64 provided between the valve body 30 and the thermosensitive portion 51. A set screw 65 to be coupled to the thermosensitive portion 51 is provided under the valve body 30, and the set screw 65 is inserted into a through hole 64a at the center of the disk spring 64. The set screw 65 includes a head portion and a leg portion, and the height of the head portion is formed to be higher than the height of the arranged disk spring 64.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Hirotaka Kameishi, Masashi Murakami
  • Patent number: 8186448
    Abstract: An early suppression fast response pendent-type fire protection sprinkler is suitable for use in accordance with one or more of NFPA 13, NFPA 231 and NFPA 231C to protect single row rack storage, double row rack storage and multiple row rack storage, the sprinkler having a K-factor of about 25 and flowing pressure of about 15 pounds per square inch. Preferably, the sprinkler has a body defining an orifice and an outlet for delivering a flow of fluid from a source, and a deflector mounted with a first surface opposed to flow of fluid from the outlet. The deflector defines at least one pair of generally opposed reentrant slots extending from the first surface through the deflector, the reentrant slots extending from slot openings at an outer peripheral edge of the deflector inwardly from the peripheral edge toward a deflector axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventor: Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 8176988
    Abstract: An early suppression fast response pendent-type fire protection sprinkler is suitable for use in accordance with one or more of NFPA 13, NFPA 231 and NFPA 231C to protect single row rack storage, double row rack storage and multiple row rack storage, the sprinkler having a K-factor of about 25 and flowing pressure of about 15 pounds per square inch. Preferably, the sprinkler has a body defining an orifice and an outlet for delivering a flow of fluid from a source, and a deflector mounted with a first surface opposed to flow of fluid from the outlet. The deflector defines at least one pair of generally opposed reentrant slots extending from the first surface through the deflector, the reentrant slots extending from slot openings at an outer peripheral edge of the deflector inwardly from the peripheral edge toward a deflector axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventor: Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 8002046
    Abstract: A fire sprinkler head anti tamper canopy discourages hanging objects from a sprinkler head, or otherwise tampering or accidentally activating a sprinkler head. The canopy encloses the projecting portion of a sprinkler head, at least around the sides of the sprinkler head, and allows heat to enter and activate the sprinkler head, and water to escape from the sprinkler head for fire suppression. The canopy is magnetically secured to the wall or ceiling surface, without a requirement for physical attachment to the sprinkler head. Upon sprinkler head activation, water pressure dislodges the canopy, the latter returnable to an anti-tamper position once the fire sprinkler system has been reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel A. Neeb, Thomas P. MontAlto
  • Patent number: 7819201
    Abstract: An upright ESFR sprinkler includes a generally tubular body, at least one frame arm, a closure assembly, an unactuated heat responsive trigger assembly and a deflector assembly with a K-factor greater than 14, and preferably 16.8. The passageway extends between inlet and outlet openings. The closure is positioned proximate the outlet so as to occlude the passageway with a Bellville seal being. An ejection spring is coupled to the closure assembly. The heat responsive trigger assembly has a Response Time Index of 40 meter1/2second1/2 (m1/2sec1/2) or less. The deflector assembly includes a nosepiece and a plate like redirecting member. The plate like redirecting member faces the outlet and is coupled to the at least one frame arm and spaced from the outlet opening. The plate shaped member includes a first generally planar portion, a conical second portion, and a third portion extending from the conical second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Donald B. Pounder, Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7766091
    Abstract: An early suppression fast response pendent-type fire protection sprinkler is suitable for use in accordance with one or more of NFPA 13, NFPA 231 and NFPA 231C to protect single row rack storage, double row rack storage and multiple row rack storage, the sprinkler having a K-factor of about 25 and flowing pressure of about 15 pounds per square inch. Preferably, the sprinkler has a body defining an orifice and an outlet for delivering a flow of fluid from a source, and a deflector mounted with a first surface opposed to flow of fluid from the outlet. The deflector defines at least one pair of generally opposed reentrant slots extending from the first surface through the deflector, the reentrant slots extending from slot openings at an outer peripheral edge of the deflector inwardly from the peripheral edge toward a deflector axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventor: Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7735570
    Abstract: An early suppression fast response pendent-type fire protection sprinkler is suitable for use in accordance with one or more of NFPA 13, NFPA 231 and NFPA 231C to protect single row rack storage, double row rack storage and multiple row rack storage, the sprinkler having a K-factor of about 25 and flowing pressure of about 15 pounds per square inch. Preferably, the sprinkler has a body defining an orifice and an outlet for delivering a flow of fluid from a source, and a deflector mounted with a first surface opposed to flow of fluid from the outlet. The deflector defines at least one pair of generally opposed reentrant slots extending from the first surface through the deflector, the reentrant slots extending from slot openings at an outer peripheral edge of the deflector inwardly from the peripheral edge toward a deflector axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventor: Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7730959
    Abstract: An early suppression fast response pendent-type fire protection sprinkler is suitable for use in accordance with one or more of NFPA 13, NFPA 231 and NFPA 231C to protect single row rack storage, double row rack storage and multiple row rack storage, the sprinkler having a K-factor of about 25 and flowing pressure of about 15 pounds per square inch. Preferably, the sprinkler has a body defining an orifice and an outlet for delivering a flow of fluid from a source, and a deflector mounted with a first surface opposed to flow of fluid from the outlet. The deflector defines at least one pair of generally opposed reentrant slots extending from the first surface through the deflector, the reentrant slots extending from slot openings at an outer peripheral edge of the deflector inwardly from the peripheral edge toward a deflector axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventor: Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7353882
    Abstract: A horizontal sidewall fire protection sprinkler is provided, including a deflector having a vertical face, transverse to the fluid flow from the output orifice, and a horizontal shelf positioned above and perpendicular to the vertical face. A portion of the horizontal shelf extends in the fluid flow direction by a first length, with respect to the vertical face, and this first length is less than about half of a total length of the horizontal shelf in the fluid flow direction. The sprinkler is installed in a support cup having a raised mounting platform configured to receive the sprinkler body and a cylindrical outer surface, with a front edge in a fluid flow direction, and a back edge. The mounting platform of the support cup is closer to the front edge of the support cup in an axial direction thereof than to the back edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Oliver S. Pahila
  • Patent number: 7275603
    Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler is provided, including a body having an output orifice and a flange and a seal cap to seal a flow of fluid from the output orifice. A thermally-responsive element is positioned to releasably retain the seal cap. Housing members extend through and from the flange of the sprinkler body, and contain rods, each of which extends through the flange. A deflector is connected to ends of the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: George S. Polan
  • Patent number: 7165624
    Abstract: An early suppression fast response pendent-type fire protection sprinkler is suitable for use in accordance with one or more of NFPA 13, NFPA 231 and NFPA 231C to protect single row rack storage, double row rack storage and multiple row rack storage, the sprinkler having a K-factor of about 25 and flowing pressure of about 15 pounds per square inch. Preferably, the sprinkler has a body defining an orifice and an outlet for delivering a flow of fluid from a source, and a deflector mounted with a first surface opposed to flow of fluid from the outlet. The deflector defines at least one pair of generally opposed reentrant slots extending from the first surface through the deflector, the reentrant slots extending from slot openings at an outer peripheral edge of the deflector inwardly from the peripheral edge toward a deflector axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Grinnell Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6976543
    Abstract: A low pressure, extended coverage, fire protection sprinkler, e.g., of the upright type, suitable for use in protection of at least extra hazard and high piled storage occupancies, in accordance with the 1999 Edition of NFPA 13, has a body with an internal passageway extending between an inlet end and an opposite outlet end, and a deflector mounted to the body by at least one support arm and disposed in alignment with the axis and generally spaced from the outlet end of the internal passageway. The sprinkler has a predetermined K-factor, e.g., of greater than about 16.0. The sprinkler is configured and arranged to deflect flow of water generally radially outwardly and downwardly of the sprinkler in a predetermined spray pattern. Preferably, the predetermined spray pattern has a generally polygonal shape, e.g., a rectangular shape, when viewed at a predetermined distance below the deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Grinnell Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6962208
    Abstract: A pendant sprinkler head includes a sprinkler body formed with a central orifice, and a sealing member positioned within the orifice and in sealing engagement with the inlet. A deflector assembly is at least partially positioned within the orifice and includes an annular ring having a pair of attachment arms secured to a deflector plate positioned in proximity to, or partially within the outlet. A retaining ring positioned within the orifice acts as a stop, preventing the annular ring from being expelled from the orifice. According to another aspect of the invention, a pendent sprinkler head includes a sprinkler body and a body extension connected to the body. A deflector plate is formed with a plurality of support members received by a retaining ring positioned in proximity to the bottom of the sprinkler body, and within the body extension. The body extension is configured to capture the retaining ring upon activation, enabling the deflector plate to depend below the body extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Thomas Franson, Kenneth Gordon Vos, Thomas Edgar Winebrenner, Andrew Taylor Thompson
  • Patent number: 6960321
    Abstract: New and in-use fire sprinkler systems can be sterilized by employing antimicrobial gases. The gases include steam, oxygen, and chlorine. Water added to the system after sterilization can be sterilized to prevent the reoccurrence of microbiological contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Jerome H. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 6868917
    Abstract: A low pressure, early suppression fast response sprinkler includes a generally tubular body having an inlet ends, an opposing discharge end and an internal passageway extending between the inlet and discharge ends with a K factor greater than 16 where the K factor equals the flow of water in gallons per minute through the internal passageway divided by the square root of the pressure of water fed into the tubular body in pounds per square inch gauge. A deflector is coupled with the tubular body and spaced from and generally aligned with the discharge end of the internal passageway so as to be impacted by a flow of water issuing in a column from the discharge end upon activation of the sprinkler. The deflector is configured and positioned to deflect the flow of water generally radially outwardly all around the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Central Sprinkler Company
    Inventors: Stephen J. Meyer, George S. Polan, James E. Golinveaux
  • Patent number: 6715561
    Abstract: A vacuum dry sprinkler system includes a sprinkler head formed with a body having a central orifice through which fire extinguishing fluid is expelled through an outlet end. A yoke, attached to the exterior surface of the sprinkler body, extends beyond the outlet end of the sprinkler body and is connected at its apex to a deflector. A thermally sensitive trigger member is coupled to the yoke and the outlet end of the sprinkler head. The sprinkler body carries an expulsion assembly which includes an expulsion member and a thrust member. In response to a fire, the expulsion member of the expulsion assembly overcomes the vacuum force and expels the sealing assembly out of the outlet end of the sprinkler body, while the thrust member laterally thrusts the sealing member out of the water trajectory path, and thus, prevents the sealing assembly from reseating on the outlet of the sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Viking Corporation
    Inventor: Scott T. Franson
  • Patent number: 6691790
    Abstract: A fire suppression sprinkler system (10), and method for installing a sprinkler system (10)in new and existing buildings. The system includes a manifold (12) that supplies fire-suppression fluid to a set of wall-mounted sprinkler heads (14) via flexible sprinkler head conduits (16) through an unobstructed path (18). The installation and retrofit methods include determining the location of the sprinkler head (14), installing the manifold (12), making sure that there is an unobstructed path (18) between the manifold (12) and the sprinkler head location, running the conduit (16) through the path (18) by snaking it where necessary through the wall (50) to which the sprinkler head (14) is mounted, connecting the conduit (16) to the manifold (12) and sprinkler head (14), and then mounting the sprinkler head (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: PNM, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20030079889
    Abstract: A low pressures early suppression fast response sprinkler includes a generally tubular body having an inlet ends an opposing discharge end and an internal passageway extending between the inlet and discharge ends with a K factor greater than 16 where the K factor equals the flow of water in gallons per minute through the internal passageway divided by the square root of the pressure of water fed into the tubular body in pounds per square inch gauge. A deflector is coupled with the tubular body and spaced from and generally aligned with the discharge end of the internal passageway so as to be impacted by a flow of water issuing in a column from the discharge end upon activation of the sprinkler. The deflector is configured and positioned to deflect the flow of water generally radially outwardly all around the sprinkler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen J. Meyer, George S. Polan, James E. Golinveaux
  • Patent number: 6502643
    Abstract: A low pressure, early suppression fast response sprinkler includes a generally tubular body having an inlet end, an opposing discharge end and an internal passageway extending between the inlet and discharge ends with a K factor greater than 16 where the K factor equals the flow of water in gallons per minute through the internal passageway divided by the square root of the pressure of water fed into the tubular body in pounds per square inch gauge. A deflector is coupled with the tubular body and spaced from and generally aligned with the discharge end of the internal passageway so as to be impacted by a flow of water issuing in a column from the discharge end upon activation of the sprinkler. The deflector is configured and positioned to deflect the flow of water generally radially outwardly all around the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Central Sprinkler Company
    Inventors: Stephen J. Meyer, George S. Polan, James E. Golinveaux
  • Patent number: RE44329
    Abstract: An upright ESFR sprinkler includes a generally tubular body, at least one frame arm, a closure assembly, an unactuated heat responsive trigger assembly and a deflector assembly with a K-factor greater than 14, and preferably 16.8. The passageway extends between inlet and outlet openings. The closure is positioned proximate the outlet so as to occlude the passageway with a Bellville seal being. An ejection spring is coupled to the closure assembly. The heat responsive trigger assembly has a Response Time Index of 40 meter1/2second1/2 (m1/2sec1/2) or less. The deflector assembly includes a nosepiece and a plate like redirecting member. The plate like redirecting member faces the outlet and is coupled to the at least one frame arm and spaced from the outlet opening. The plate shaped member includes a first generally planar portion, a conical second portion, and a third portion extending from the conical second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Donald B. Pounder, Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: RE45377
    Abstract: An upright ESFR sprinkler includes a generally tubular body, at least one frame arm, a closure assembly, an unactuated heat responsive trigger assembly and a deflector assembly with a K-factor greater than 14, and preferably 16.8. The passageway extends between inlet and outlet openings. The closure is positioned proximate the outlet so as to occlude the passageway with a Bellville seal being. An ejection spring is coupled to the closure assembly. The heat responsive trigger assembly has a Response Time Index of 40 meter1/2second1/2 (m1/2sec1/2) or less. The deflector assembly includes a nosepiece and a plate like redirecting member. The plate like redirecting member faces the outlet and is coupled to the at least one frame arm and spaced from the outlet opening. The plate shaped member includes a first generally planar portion, a conical second portion, and a third portion extending from the conical second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Donald B. Pounder, Michael A. Fischer